Days after Rousey posted a retouched photo to her Instagram, she issued an apology to her fans, saying she wasn't aware the photo had been doctored.
In the photo, which shows Rousey as a guest on The Tonight Show, her upper arm and jawline are noticeably thinner than in the unretouched version.
Ronda Rousey photoshopped pic 2
Ronda Rousey photoshopped pic 2
Fans were quick to point out the pretty obvious instance of editing in the comments, prompting Rousey to post a side-by-side image of the original and edited photos, along with a lengthy apology.
"I have to make an apology to everyone - I was sent a picture to share on social for Fallon that was altered without me knowing to make my arms look smaller," she wrote. "I won't say by who - I know it was done with severely misplaced positive intentions - but this goes against everything I believe and I am extremely proud of every inch of my body. And I can assure you all it will never happen again. I could not be more appalled and hope you all forgive me."
Rousey also called out haters who had been bashing her in the comments section of the altered photo, posting a quote that read, "One of life's simple truths: If you post a rude, insulting comment on a complete stranger's social media, you're a sad, empty loser. You're also an asshole."
Do you think Ronda Rousey was right to apologize for posting a photoshopped pic? Or do you think the haters should lay off her in this case? Head down to the comments to weigh in.
SheKnows hit the red carpet at the event and, in honor of Black History Month, asked celebs, "What needs to change?" Their answers were varied, but the theme of inclusion seemed to ring through to all.
"I'd like diversity to not be an issue at all. And the only way that diversity can become a non-topic is for inclusion," said Andra Fuller of Adult Swim's Black Jesus.
And for many walking the NAACP Image Awards red carpet, inclusion isn't just a question of race, but age and gender as well.
"Well, in particular, I'd like to see more black women over 40," said K.C. Undercover's Tammy Townsend, while actress Cree Summer echoed, "Oh, well, I'd like to see more women. I would like to see all peoples of color, including indigenous and native peoples."
Another spot observation from several celebs was the fact that people of color are — and have been — ready to carry popular TV series and blockbuster films.
Dear White People's Ashley Blaine Featherson discussed the misconception that minorities can't headline movies or long-running TV shows, and pointed out the importance that the industry understand "that maybe a person of color can be at the helm" of huge projects.
Ashley Blaine Featherson at NAACP Image Awards
Ashley Blaine Featherson at NAACP Image Awards
"People just recognize we're all human beings having life experiences, and it really doesn't matter what color the person is who's telling the story," added Kimberly Elise of VH1's Hit the Floor.
Basketball Wives LA's Laura Govan drove home the important point that everyone needs to remember that inclusion and diversity are what America is all about.
"This country is built on diversity," Govan emphasized. "And it needs to be seen more! You know, it's not so black-and-white anymore. It's very multicultured, very diverse, and we need to embrace that!"
To hear what everyone had to say on the NAACP Image Awards red carpet, check out the video above.
This soup is one of my go-to recipes since it cooks itself with hardly any help from me. Simply add all your ingredients to the slow cooker — I used wild rice and chicken as the base and added in cubed butternut squash for a hint of sweetness. (You can also substitute sweet potato for the squash if you prefer.) Add in a hefty dose of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, and you've got a hearty meal perfect for cold nights.
Image: Brandi Bidot/SheKnows
Slow cooker wild rice, butternut squash and chicken soup recipe
This hearty warm soup is full of chicken, wild rice and sweet butternut squash that cooks up easily in your slow cooker.
To the slow cooker, at the chicken, butternut squash, onions and rice.
Add the chicken broth, white wine and seasonings, and gently stir.
Set the cooker to cook on low for 4 hours or until the chicken and rice are completely cooked.
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, and shred or dice it into bite-size pieces.
Return the chicken to the slow cooker, then stir in the heavy whipping cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 20 minutes or until the soup thickens.
Spoon the soup into bowls, and garnish with croutons, diced tomatoes and fresh chopped parsley.
Fans witnessed Big Ang and her husband, Neil Murphy, have a blowout fight on the last episode of Mob Wives, culminating in Murphy storming out of their home. Ang accused him of being unsupportive through her cancer battle, and the couple separated.
But in the days leading up to her death, Big Ang's family says Murphy stayed by her side while she drew her final breaths.
"Her husband was there the whole time," Ang's sister Janine Detore told Radar Online.
"They didn't have a fight," Detore said. "My sister was sick in the hospital. Do you really think Neil would fight with her? We would beat the shit out of him. He would never do that anyway.
Detore told Dr. Oz on Tuesday that she believes her sister had totally forgiven Murphy for what she thought was a betrayal of their marriage vows, in sickness and in health.
"My sister would never, ever keep a grudge or hard feelings for anybody," she explained. "She was just like that. You could do anything to her and she would be like, ‘OK.'"
The family released funeral details today, saying that four private visitations will be held at a New York City facility with a private funeral at the Basilica of Regina Pacis in Brooklyn on Monday. Her burial in Staten Island will be private, as well.
While most fans will not be able to attend the services, the family wants everyone to know how much the outpouring of love has been appreciated. They tweeted the following message on her Twitter account earlier today:
Many new moms and dads feel like they've received a gift straight from the stars or the heavens above when their baby is born. People have been naming their little ones after the word "gift" for a very long time, with many bestowing names that mean "gift of God" or even "gift of Zeus" upon their newborn children. If you're interested in taking a page from the books of baby-naming history, we've got quite the lineup for you.
Many of these names are as familiar to you as your own name — Matthew and Theodore are certainly not new to any of us. But other, more unusual names are also listed. Many of these names come from other cultures and are deeply rooted in different languages from around the world, and may have a more exotic, quirky or unusual lilt to them. This can be welcome as you envision your little one starting kindergarten in five or six years among a bevy of Noahs and Jacobs.
So go forth, Mama, and add some of these memorable "gift" names to your own baby name list.
Abisha: This Hebrew name means "gift of God"
Avishai: Another Hebrew name, this means "gift of my father"
Barack: Meaning "blessing," this name has Swahili roots
Bogdan: This Slavic name means "God's gift"
Darion: This name, which has Greek origins, means "gift"
Darko: While this may not be a popular choice, this Slavic name means "gift" also
Donato: With Spanish and Italian roots, this name means "gift from God"
Gothard, who was head of the Institute in Basic Life Principles that the Duggar family actively promotes and participates in, now has three more women and two men accusing him and other leaders of the ministry of conspiring to cover up decades of sexual abuse.
In an amended suit, three more women have accused Gothard of molestation, and two men claim they were pressured to keep the deviant behavior covered up.
"Like Bill Cosby, it continues to grow, with more and more people coming forward," attorney David Gibbs III told the Chicago Tribune.
Plaintiff Daniel Dorsett claims that during his two years as Gothard’s driver, he witnessed the minister sexually harass or molest more than 150 young girls, and was told by Gothard that he would go straight to hell if he breathed a word about it to anyone.
The Institute in Basic Life Principles also runs the Advanced Training Institute, whose home-schooling guidelines are closely followed by the Duggars, and runs the religious facility where Josh Duggar was sent as a teen after admitting to molesting five girls, including his own sisters.
Gothard has denied all wrongdoing. "My client does not believe he should need to engage the legal process in this situation, but he has no choice but to defend himself," his attorney Glenn Gaffney said, "and in defending himself, he will have to take the offensive as to the false and defamatory statements made against him."
Gothard resigned from the organization in 2014 after the allegations were made public.
Sure, I love children, but don’t ask me if I am having one soon. It is uncomfortable and inappropriate, and I’m so over it. If you want to remain friends with your childfree friends, maybe you should drop the following from your vocabulary:
Just remember: Next time you feel like bringing up the topic of children or childbearing to your childfree friend, respect their privacy and their life choices.
"When I was growing up, my mother [actress Lindsay Crouse] was always on some sort of diet, and everything I was fed was nonfat or sugar free," Mamet writes in an essay for the March issue of Glamour. "When I was hungry, her first response was, 'Are you sure?' I dreaded shopping. My mother would say to me, 'Zosia, let's look in the husky section.'"
Mamet continues, "She had been a dancer growing up and had the body to match – flat stomach, small chest. I remember as a girl taking baths with her; I would stare down at my pudgy stomach and feel deep pangs of envy. I prayed I would grow up to have her body."
But although Mamet does say that her issues with her body image were influenced by her mother, she does not blame Crouse for her eating disorder.
"As kids we are molded by our parents, sometimes intentionally, sometimes not," Mamet writes. "I want to be clear: I AM NOT BLAMING MY MOTHER FOR MY EATING DISORDER. More so, I empathize. I know that my mother's treatment of me stemmed from her own issues with her body. She struggled, so I struggled. But I did struggle."
Mamet says she's speaking out in the hope that other young girls will love their bodies more than she did.
"We have to work to forgive our mothers, hope they have forgiven their mothers, and start mothering ourselves, start mothering the broken 12-year-olds inside of us," she says. "Here's what that would look like: We can feed ourselves when we're hungry and feel good when we're full. We can thank our bodies for everything they give us rather than criticizing them for everything they don't. And when we look in the mirror, we can think of what we would say to ourselves at 12. I would tell my younger self she's beautiful just the way she is. I hope my mom is telling herself the same thing."
At least it seems that making those tough decisions proved difficult for one of this season's Amazing Race cast members.
Blair Fowler, a self-styled YouTube Beauty Guru, and her father came in last place in the first episode, but were saved as it was a non-elimination leg. So, when host Phil Keoghan asked what the pair might do differently moving forward in order to catch up, the younger Fowler's hand shot up to say she is going to unpack the curling iron and blowdryer she had in her bag, making the Internet's collective mouths drop.
Yet the beauty tutorial maven wasn't done shocking the audience with her packing decisions. The second leg of the race had the teams racing around Colombia, the detour taking them to a volcanic mud pit to search for an emerald. When Blair headed into the changing room to get ready to plunge into the pit, you heard her call out in desperation, "I don't have a bathing suit!" Then she called to her father, "Do you have anything I could wear as a bathing suit that isn't a thong?"
Excuse me, what?
And fans of the show took to social media to voice their confusion at Fowler's inexplicable misstep, too.
Thankfully, someone off-camera asked if she would like some spandex shorts to wear, which of course she thankfully accepted.
But seriously, what on earth was she thinking?
It's a question that we got the answer to once Fowler saw everyone talking about it on Twitter. She responded with a very rational reason for not having a bathing suit.
Amazing Race Ep 2 5
Amazing Race Ep 2 5
Amazing Race Ep 2 5.1
Amazing Race Ep 2 5.1
Amazing Race Ep 2 6
Amazing Race Ep 2 6
Amazing Race Ep 2 7
Amazing Race Ep 2 7
Well, fine. I suppose that sounds reasonable enough... I guess we'll have to see if her rationalization proves true and she stops appearing incredibly unprepared for the race or if hindsight has given her 20/20 vision to explain away her ineptitude.
At the conclusion of tonight's episode, we saw Marty Cobb and Hagan Parkman sent home when a fatal error in taxi judgement cost them their nail-thin lead over Vine brothers Darius and Cameron Benson.
Jan Arnold, style director and co-founder of CND nail polish, accessorized models at the Libertine fall/winter 2016 fashion show with faux fur nails... as in, nails that have little patches of fur stuck on top.
To create the furry fingers, Arnold and the CND team brushed the models' nails with Vinylux Weekly Polish in the colors Rubble and Cream Pull and then attached the little tufts of fur with Super Shiney High-Gloss Top Coat, according to Cosmopolitan.
libertine fur nails
libertine fur nails
The results are truly bizarre, but in a high-concept fashion sort of way. It's difficult to imagine them taking off as a real trend, but bubble nails were a thing in 2015 so anything is possible, really.
That said, there's plenty of potential to take this into faux furs with cheetah and leopard prints. It's a way to put some fur into your outfit without going full Kardashian in a floor-length fake fur coat.
Plus, don't underestimate the power of having fur on your fingers for a mid-afternoon mini-massage. Just rub those little tufts all over your face — it's like petting a cat without all the pesky litter box cleaning.
And so we've made it to the season finale of Marriage Boot Camp, during which we've seen lots of fighting, crying, lying, and still more fighting. In the last episode of the season, the couples decide whether or not they're willing to overlook all the madness that's happened in Boot Camp (like learning that their partners have been unfaithful more than once) and move forward in their relationships or hand them an empty ring box while they stand in front of Jim and Elizabeth in fancy outfits.
On Friday's finale, there were some non-surprises: Catherine and Sean, who have been accused all along of fabricating relationship problems in the name of staying relevant/on TV, decided to stay together, along with Sundy and Cedric and Althea and Benzino. (That last one is kind of a surprise, considering nary an episode went by without them screaming at each other, but hey, love is weird.) In terms of curve balls, Sarah and Ink called it quits, which came as a shocker because it seemed like they'd done some work.
But it was Mama June and Sugar Bear's choice to stay together that really came out of nowhere. In the last few weeks, we've seen Sugar Bear lie to Mama June on multiple occasions about how often he's cheated on her, while she continued to affirm her own innocence in regard to the accusations he'd made about her and, in the end, proved that she'd been telling the truth the whole time.
Before the ring ceremony, Jim and Elizabeth sat down with Sugar Bear and Mama June separately to figure out where each of them was in terms of the relationship. In her conversation with Mama June, Elizabeth laid it out for her: Sugar Bear's issue isn't simply about cheating — he actually has a sex addiction for which he needs to seek help. In the ring ceremony, Mama June told Sugar Bear that she was willing to move forward if he agreed to go into therapy, and he did, so, yay! Except not so much. After the ring ceremony and the part where everyone drinks champagne together, the show updated fans on where each couple is now, revealing that Sugar Bear didn't actually follow through with the whole therapy thing and also kept cheating on her, so Mama June left him.
Here's Elizabeth's response to that bit of news, which, let's be honest, is what we're all thinking.
Although all ages are represented on Shark Tank, the vast majority of the show's entrepreneurs are 20- or 30-somethings. Sometimes, however, younger or older contestants attract attention with their impressive products and confident pitches. Tonight, multiple age groups were represented, although the focus was definitely on teenage entrepreneur, Benjamin Stern, who got the idea for his environmental product at the tender age of 14.
Stern came accompanied by his grandmother, who was an early investor for the inspiring product NOHBO. Although her contribution to the pitch was mainly having her hair washed in front of the Sharks, she offered plenty of moral support for her beloved grandson. His confident pitch highlighted an environmental shampoo product which eliminates the waste created by empty shampoo bottles. NOHBO is currently patent pending; Stern needs the Sharks' help so that he can license the product.
The Sharks were clearly impressed by Stern's go-getter attitude. They also loved the idea of a bottle-less shampoo, which could potentially be used in hotels. They were visibly impressed when Stern admitted that, early in the development process, he called the head-hunter group at Clorox. Few entrepreneurs are gutsy enough to make this kind of move, which is even less expected from a teenage entrepreneur. This was just the beginning for Stern, who got a job at 14 in order to fund his business dreams.
Like the Sharks, viewers had only good things to say about Stern's product and presentation. Several wished they had been half as ambitious at the age of 16.
Brilliant Nohbo Kid
Brilliant Nohbo Kid
Inspiring Nohbo Creator
Inspiring Nohbo Creator
Shark Tank's Ben and Bubby
Shark Tank's Ben and Bubby
Although two of the Sharks pulled out almost immediately, several others were eager to get involved. Robert Herjavec offered a rather disappointing deal, which was followed by Mark Cuban's offer of $100,000 for 25 percent. Cuban also volunteered to help Stern with the patent process. At this point, it was clear that Stern wanted to work with Cuban, but then his favorite Shark sealed the deal by revealing that he has a shampoo company aimed at young kids, plus all the accounting tools Stern needs. Barbara Corcoran expressed interest at this point and even offered to introduce Stern to Estée Lauder. However, it was too little, too late — Stern decided to work with Mark Cuban. This is one product viewers will be eager to see on Beyond the Tank!
What did you think of Benjamin Stern's product and the Sharks' offers? Comment and share your opinion below.
Years ago, I was running to make it to the wedding chapel on time. Frazzled I bumped into the bride rushing in. We both roared a raucous laugh at my klutzy timing. I’d come alone but managed to get my friend’s roommate to drop me off since I could not take public transportation there. When he left, it suddenly occurred to me that I didn’t know anyone but the bride and groom, how bad could it be?
I looked around and didn’t have a soul to talk to. The groom was a close friend from the Peace Corps. I figured everyone at the wedding would be as carefree as we were. Although a comfortable talker, I thought an ounce of alcohol would make it that much easier to approach strangers. I found my way to the bar, and loosened the pink cashmere shawl. I didn’t take into account the Chicago chill. I ordered a glass of white wine and the bartender began to look me up and down. Did I have food in my teeth? Was my makeup a mess? Why was he staring at me?
“Can I see some ID?” He asked seriously.
“ID?” I asked. “It’s a wedding,” I laughed.
“Yeah, but you need to be twenty one for me to serve you.”
“You’re kidding me, right?”
He wasn’t.
I searched through my bite-sized purse for identification, but since I hadn’t driven there, l left my license at home — only able to fit it some mints, a lighter and lip gloss. I had nothing to prove that I was twenty-nine and in desperate need of a cocktail. That was the last time this New Yorker ever wears pink again. The cutesiness must’ve made my already youthful face appear like a teenager.
Thirsty and forlorn, I walked around and began to smoke a cigarette, fearing someone would come and take that away from me too.
A young couple came up to me and said hello. Apparently we had met once at the newlywed’s house when we all lived together in San Francisco and I was ecstatic to have someone to talk to. I told them my bar dilemma and they kindly offered to sneak me a few drinks.
As the evening progressed I began to talk to more of the guests and slowly found my groove. I even sashayed to the dance floor. But then I heard this: Will all the single ladies come to the main room for the bouquet.
Like any self-respecting independent woman, I ignored the booming announcement. Again, the broadcast was repeated. And then I heard the most disturbing thing possible.
Would Elana Rabinowitz please join the single women on the main floor.
Elana Rabinowitz come to the main floor
I was horrified. How could this be? Make the announcement stop!
I reluctantly grabbed my pink pashmina and made my way downstairs. The bride threw the wildflowers toward me. I ducked and let a teenager catch them (the only other person there to catch the bouquet).
“Why did you have them page me?” I asked, mortified.
“I liked the way your name sounded over the loudspeaker!” The bride giggled after too much Champagne, unaware of the damage she caused.
At 29, I’d never guess I would’ve been the only single woman at a wedding. As it turns out, I wasn’t. I later met two other women who confessed they were too embarrassed to stand up. I’d always go places alone, before. I am more self-conscious now.
As I get older and remain unhitched going to events alone becomes a chore.
I wish I had a significant other, not just for weddings but also for all the days in between. Regretfully I have to decline nuptials because I just can’t face going alone. I hope I can have a wedding of my own one day. I’d invite everyone I love to attend, and I promise not to make anyone catch the bouquet.
Until then, I never go to a wedding without a plus one and I always bring my ID.
They ordered it anyway, and after much kicking and screaming, I finally caved and tried a slice. My first thought? Weird. Totally weird. It grew on me, though, and four years later, my accomplishments as a 22-year-old included a magna cum laude double major degree, an accepted job offer in the business world and a tolerance for pineapple on my pizza.
This Hawaiian pizza burger takes things to the next level by marrying the traditional American burger with Hawaiian pizza. With melted mozzarella, a thick-cut slice of ham and some caramelized pineapple, it's a savory-sweet explosion of weirdness that just works. Apparently those Hawaiians know a thing or two when it comes to pineapple.
4 thick-cut (about 1/4 pound each) pieces cooked ham
4 slices mozzarella
4 hamburger buns
Directions:
Heat a large, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, and grease with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, salt and pepper, and then form 4 hamburger patties, about 1/4 pound each.
Place the burgers into the skillet, and cook for about 4 – 5 minutes on each side.
Place a slice of mozzarella on top of each one about 1 minute before cooking time is up, and cover with a lid to melt. Set the burgers aside on a plate, and cover to keep warm.
Place the 4 pieces of ham in the same skillet, and warm through until browned on each side, about 2 – 3 minutes. Set aside.
Finally, place the pineapple rings in the skillet, and cook for about 2 minutes on each side, until just starting to caramelize.
Assemble the burger by placing the ham slice on the bottom of the bun, then the burger and the pineapple slice on top.
We can thank the Swiss for many great things: fine chocolate, luxury watches... and the Bernese mountain dog. This dog has become extremely popular throughout the years, recognizable because of its affectionate personality and keen intelligence.
Regal looking with its long, silky, tri-colored fur, the Bernese mountain dog is a true outdoors dog that, as its name might imply, fares well in cold weather. Ever patient and loyal, this large dog breed would make a great addition to any family with children, despite having a potential height of 23 to 28 inches and a weight of up to 110 pounds. Just note that due to their propensity to develop cancer, their life expectancy is only about 6 to 8 years, and they should be regularly screened by a qualified vet.
It'd be very difficult to not mention Lassie when talking about collies, so there. Now that that's out of the way, collies are a very popular breed of large dog, not only for their obvious ties to classic literature and film, but for their sharp minds and friendly natures. These loyal dogs rarely show signs of aggression unless their owners are in need of protection. Equally fearless and gentle, the collie is good with kids and can be the ideal addition to a happy family.
They can get as tall as 2 feet and weigh 50 to 70 pounds, making them slightly smaller than the Bernese.
If you've ever seen a mastiff, you'll agree that there is one word that can properly size up its appearance: powerful. No kidding, this dog is huge — not as tall as a Great Dane but probably twice as thick at between 2 and 3 feet tall with a weight of between 130 and 220 pounds.
Fittingly, these dogs make excellent guard dogs. Though the mastiff seems beast-like, it is surprisingly affectionate, gentle and extremely loyal. Their devotion to their owners and patience with children have secured their popularity for years, though they must be properly socialized to get along well with children and other pets, and it's best if you don't have them around very small children or adults who are frail as they can easily knock them over, causing serious injuries. Their life span is generally between 6 and 10 years, but some have lived as long as 18 years.
Great Danes are gentle giants, calm and friendly despite their intimidating size. If you want to make sure you don't get one of the really huge ones, opt for a female — males can get up to 200 pounds, but females generally top out at 115 pounds. They do require love, attention and plenty of space to exercise those long limbs, though, so they're ideal if you have a big backyard. They're great with kids, but beware that you're probably investing in a 100 to 200 pound lapdog.
The German short-haired pointer requires lots of exercise and attention. If properly trained, the GSP makes the ideal companion for owners with an active lifestyle and a love for the outdoors. Otherwise, this headstrong breed may prove to be too much of a challenge for a first-time owner.
If you do love the outdoors, the GSP is good with kids, though it may just be a bit too feisty for very little ones, although at only about 2-feet tall and up to 70 pounds, this fur baby is a bit smaller for the large breed fan who's not willing to commit to one of the previous adorable monsters.
Despite the negative attention received due to its portrayal as a mean dog in television and film, the rottweiler remains a highly popular breed.
Here's why: Historically a herding dog, the rottweiler's natural obedience makes it adaptable to several roles — just as capable of being a guard dog as assisting as a service dog. Extremely intelligent and good-natured, the rottweiler is naturally attentive and very loyal to its family.
That said, rotties are best in homes with older kids who know how to interact with dogs. Since they are herding dogs, small children can easily get knocked over when the pup tries to herd them with leans and nudges.
These dogs are stout, generally around 2-feet tall but weighing as much as 130 pounds, and live between 8 and 11 years.
It's no wonder the standard poodle is often a contributing factor to some cocktails of "designer mutts." Superiorly intelligent, training the standard poodle is a breeze. It is naturally inclined to be a crowd-pleaser — you'll be hard-pressed to find an unsatisfied owner of a standard poodle. Just be prepared to devote oodles of attention and playtime to your pet if you ever choose to become the proud owner of a poodle.
Usually only about 2-feet tall, they still only weigh in between 40 and 75 pounds. Better yet, they have one of the longer life spans of larger dogs, often living as long as some smaller dogs, at about 15 years. Even better, they're generally good with kids, though they may need some extra help accepting a new animal in the house if they're used to being the only four-legged friend.
Though named as such for their distinctively silky, gold-colored tresses, golden retrievers could have easily earned their name for having a heart of gold.
Friendly to both owners and strangers alike, these dogs are renowned for their compatibility with children. Golden retrievers are primarily indoor pets but do require a daily dose of exercise running around the yard. About 2-feet tall, they aren't as weighty as some of the dogs on this list, generally capping out at about 75 pounds. They also live a long life for a dog at around 11 years or so.
Keenly intelligent and eager to serve, it's no wonder these dogs are commonly seen in service roles and working alongside policemen.
One of the most well-rounded pets out there, the German shepherd is highly versatile and can make for a loving family member as well as a trusted guardian. Generally trustworthy with children, they still need to be well-socialized with them, and small children should always be supervised around dogs of this size.
What can be said about the Labrador retriever that hasn't been said? The fact that the Lab placed No. 1 in the American Kennel Club's registration lists for 18 consecutive years speaks a lot for itself.
Equally excellent at being a working or companion dog, the Lab's intelligence and lovable personality make this breed the most popular dog in the world, regardless of size. They're usually about 2-feet tall, weigh 55 to 80 pounds and live a pretty long time, about 11 years.
These are one of the best dog breeds if you have kids. They aren't just accepting of kids — they seem to enjoy the chaos and often willingly submit to whatever humiliation kids dole out (like wearing crazy hats). They can also be great with other pets if properly socialized.
Sure, you might need a few extra minutes at the gym, but that sure beats risking tequila-induced amnesia and having to use one of your sick days the morning after. From frozen treats to cakes, cookies, edible shots and more, there's a treat for everyone here.
1. Strawberry margarita cocktail ice pops
Image: SheKnows
These fruity ice pops are made with fresh strawberries and oranges and have just a hint of tequila and triple sec for that authentic margarita flavor.
2. Mango margarita ice pops
Image: SheKnows
Tropical mango and tart lime are the perfect pair in these boozy ice pops kissed with just a taste of tequila and, of course, salt.
These creamy dessert shots are spiked with just enough lime, tequila and triple sec to taste like real margaritas, with none of the consequences the next morning.
When it comes to dessert, we all know the frosting is the best part. Luckily these sweet treats cut out the middleman, leaving you with a creamy, lime-spiked burst of flavor you won't soon forget.
Who knew cupcakes could be so cute? Pink frosting and lime green accents make these strawberry margarita cupcakes the perfect addition to your snack spread, be it for a bridal shower, birthday party or lazy Saturday night.
Lime and coconut are a perfect flavor pair — heck, there's even a song about it. These pillowy coconut-lime macaroons are no exception. The second you take your first bite, you'll know they were meant to be.
Lemon bars are so old-fashioned. Add lime and tequila to the mix, and suddenly you've got a whole new dessert that will keep your party going long after you take your last bite.
It's a cake. No, it's cheesecake. Wait — it's a margarita. Or... is it all of the above? This amazing franken-cake will satisfy your sweet tooth — again and again and again.
16. Margarita cookies with salty-sweet tequila glaze
Buttery, lime-infused cookies with a sweet-and-salty tequila glaze give you all the fun of a margarita with none of the bad decision making later in the night.
There's no denying that margarita cupcakes are delicious, but when you add margarita buttercream frosting and dip them in white chocolate, you get a dessert that goes beyond anything you could have imagined.
This tequila-infused fudge won't give you a hangover, though the sugar crash (After you can't. Stop. Eating.) could be pretty brutal. But I'd say these little morsels are well worth the risk.
I actively started looking for female authors — albeit tentatively at first. It didn’t take long for this little exercise to pick up momentum. A symphony of new voices, with perspectives I desperately needed, began to fill my life.
What I learned was that the best way to find empowerment in my own voice was to empower the voices of my fellow woman through really listening and being genuinely curious about their understanding of the world — recognizing their perceptions, ideas and opinions as being both valuable and important.
The following list includes biographies, autobiographies, personal letters, diaries, memoirs, works in psychology, philosophy and theology, poetry, plays and one straight-up fiction novel — all by women. I am a compulsive note taker, so I included an excerpt that especially resonated with me from each novel.
1. Not That Kind of Girl: A Young Woman Tells You What She's "Learned,"
I picked up this book at a time when I was basically killing myself trying to be perfect — because for some reason I thought perfection would solve everything in my life. In Not That Kind of Girl, I discovered a very special reassurance: Being a woman can also mean being a human, and humans make mistakes and are still okay. This was also the first time I heard sex talked about by a woman in a way to which I could actually relate.
Excerpt:
"There is nothing gutsier to me than a person announcing that their story is one that deserves to be told, especially if that person is a woman. As hard as we have worked and as far as we have come, there are still so many forces conspiring to tell women that our concerns are petty, our opinions aren't needed, that we lack the gravitas necessary for our stories to matter. That personal writing by women is no more than an exercise in vanity and that we should appreciate this new world for women, sit down, and shut up.”
2. I am Intelligent: From Heartbreak to Healing — A Mother and Daughter's Journey Through Autism
This book was a surprise for me. I stumbled upon I Am Intelligent accidentally, and it continues to be one of the most impactful books I’ve ever read. Told primarily from the perspective of Peyton’s mother, this book is about Peyton’s rediscovery of her voice through facilitated communication after her autism diagnosis.
Excerpt:
“When we are afraid to be who we really are, then we retreat. We get tired of the internal war, the combat inside ourselves, and it wears us out. All we want to do is withdraw. The only control we have is whether we are going to be ourselves or not — to follow our heart as long as it brings no intentional harm to another being.”
3. Addiction to Perfection: The Still Unravished Bride
I wanted to throw this book across the room several times while reading it. Addiction to Perfection is a dense read, but if you struggle with perfectionism, I can’t recommend it enough, although it might touch a nerve — much like it did with me.
Woodman included many pieces from women she worked with as a Jungian analyst. This is an excerpt is from one of her patients:
"i didn't know who I was i was too terrified to know for i somehow felt that what i was, at my core was intrinsically evil
i could not find fault with anyone i saw them... i told them they were perfect because i had to be perfect
when i looked into the mirror the terror was that no one would be looking back the soul was not there i was an empty shell."
This memoir is about Winterson’s chaotic relationship with her adopted mother, her homosexuality and her realization that she wanted to be a writer (something that felt impossible).
Excerpt:
"Herman Hesse called suicide a state of mind — and there a great people, nominally alive, who have committed a suicide much worse than physical death. They have vacated life.
I did not want to vacate life. I loved life. I love life. Life is too precious to me not to live it fully. I thought, 'if I cannot live then I must die.'
In February 2008 I tried to end my life.
Later that night, lying on the gravel and looking up at the stars — the miraculous stars and the wood that deepens the dark — I could hear a voice. I know I was having a hallucination but it was the hallucination I needed to have.
'ye must be born again.' 'Ye must be born again' (John 3:7)
... I understood something. I understood twice born was not just about being alive, but about choosing life. Choosing to be alive and consciously committing to life, in all its exuberant chaos — and its pain."
5. In the Slender Margin: On the Intimate Strangeness of Death and Dying
I had the incredible privilege of getting to talk to Joseph one-on-one over a coffee. We talked about writing and about the impact it had — writing, not coffee — on our lives. What’s interesting about her story is that she turned away from writing for 30 years while working in hospice. But this writing impulse lingered in the background, until finally she decided to satisfy it. I’m very grateful for that — and for In the Slender Margin.
Excerpt:
"From the old English hopian, meaning “to wish, expect, look forward to something,” hope allows us to imagine a future. On the other hand, if we’re not careful, if we’re too focused on what we want to happen, we can miss what is happening right in front of us. Hope can be a thief. It can steal the present moment right out from under our feet.”
I love poetry. It was the first medium I explored as a writer. I feel as though we’re taught to be intimidated by poetry in school, and I’d like to challenge that belief. Poetry should be first and foremost enjoyed, not analyzed.
Ryan’s entire collection is beautiful, but this poem specifically stood out to me.
CHESIRE
It’s not the Cat, it’s the smile that lasts, toothy and ruthless. It’s facts like this we like to resist — how our parts may lack allegiance to the whole; how the bonds may be more casual than we know; how much of us might vanish and how well some separate part might manage.
Around my bedroom mirror at home, I have photos of women I admire. Marilyn Monroe is one of those women. She was an incredibly strong and resilient person, and her story was one of the first that led me to examine my relationship to my body. Marilyn: The Passion and the Paradox is a fascinating look at her life.
Excerpt:
"A lot of people like to think of me as innocent, so that’s the way I behave to them. If they saw the demon in me, they would hate me… I’m more than one person, and I act differently each time. Most of the time, I’m not the person I’d like to be — certainly not a dumb blonde like they say I am, a sex freak with big boobs."
I adore Sylvia Plath. Letters Home is challenging to read, as in 1963 Plath committed suicide. (Marilyn also has a tragic ending.) You’re essentially reading about the demise of a person’s sense of self — and hope. But Plath was an ever-questioning and exceptionally wise soul, and I have found her perceptions about life, creativity and love exceedingly valuable.
Excerpt (I have this posted on my wall, and I read it nearly every day)
"Gone is the simple college cycle of winning prizes, and here is the more complex, less clear-cut arena of life, where there is no single definite aim, but a complex degree of aims, with no prize to tell you you’ve done well. Only the sudden flashes of joy that come when you commune deeply with another person, or see a particularly golden mist at sunrise, or recognize on paper a crystal expression of a thought that you never expected to write down."
Many of the women Norman portrays in her plays are preoccupied with their voice — a preoccupation I can obviously relate to. In addition to the plays, what I found especially valuable about this edition are the transcriptions of three keynote speeches she made.
Excerpt from one of those transcriptions:
"I was drowning in a sea of misconceptions about what an artist was, what an artist did, and who could play a part of the cultural life of our time. At the time, I thought of artists as a rarefied group of very special individuals. Like the best club in the world. And the hardest to get into. I didn't know I was already in."
Writers will probably be especially interested in this book. What I loved most about A Writer's Diary was how Woolf negotiated her relationship to her voice. Some days she hated it, some days she dared to love it, but never did she stop expressing it. This story has a tragic ending, too, as Woolf committed suicide in 1882. I love her strength and her insatiable desire to find a way to express herself in the most clearly authentic way.
Excerpt:
"And for the hundredth time I repeat — any idea is more real than any amount of war misery. And what one's made for. And the only contribution one can make — this little pitter patter of ideas is my whiff of a shot in the cause of freedom. So I tell myself.”
I got a number of interesting looks (especially from men, who seemed to think I was reading an extremely large erotic novel) while reading this book on the bus. Once though, I also had an older woman clutch my arm, smile at me and nod. The Second Sex is a dense read. It took me three reading periods to accomplish, but it's a book I've thought back to a lot. De Beauvoir provides a fascinating look into the history of the female sex. She asks a lot of important questions and explores topics like abortion, marriage and virginity.
Excerpt:
"Poets will be. When woman's infinite servitude is broken, when she lives for herself and by herself, man — abominable until now — giving her freedom, she too will be a poet! Woman will find the unknown! Will her worlds of ideas differ from ours? She will find strange, unfathomable, repugnant, delicious things, we will take them, we will understand them.”
I just finished reading The Awakening. After being published in 1899, the story was censored (although not banned) and considered highly immoral. Now it is considered an important piece of feminist literature. The story follows Edna's discovery of her voice — sexual, creative and wild.
Excerpt:
"… the beginning of things, of a world especially [because Mrs. Pontellier was beginning to realize her position in the universe as a human being, and to recognize her relations as an individual to the world within and about her] is necessarily vague, tangled, chaotic, and exceedingly disturbing. How few of us ever emerge from such a beginning! How many souls perish in its tumult.
We’ve all had colleagues who need a helping hand sometimes, whether it’s by offering career guidance, tips on balancing work and life or even just being a listening ear. We all are guilty of getting caught up in our own responsibilities at work, but no matter how busy you are, always keep your eyes open for someone who may need a little encouragement or help.
Whether it's in your neighborhood or someone at church, on a board or volunteering at a local charity with you, try to always lead by example and show younger women the importance of donating your time and skills to those in need. One cannot downplay the importance of being selfless and using your own positive attributes to aid others.
We all remember the angst of being a teenage girl, trying to figure out your place in the world while your hormones are raging. Put yourself back in those shoes for a moment and think about the positive reinforcement you relied on back then to make it through those difficult years. Remind a teenage girl that she’s smart, attractive and will survive this tumultuous time.
Almost as bad as those teenage years was that of being a college graduate — living on your own for the first time, looking for a job and learning how to be an adult in the very big sea of fish we call life. Again, think about what you went through in this period of your life and what support or advice you relied on or wish you had been offered! Provide an ear to listen and positive words to encourage these young adults on this new adventure!
One of the most important reasons I cofounded the Women in Entertainment Empowerment Network (WEEN) was to help young women learn to live life limitlessly and connect them with other women who could serve as mentors to them. Witnessing so many of our academy graduates go on to live their dreams and become mentors to other young women makes me feel so proud
My own mentors showed me how to live a balanced, successful life, and my hope is that I can continue is to be a strong role model for the younger generations, sharing the type of empowerment and encouragement I was blessed to have growing up.
If you live in or near a rural area, you probably know a few chaps with some really singular, down-home names. We're not talking classic or vintage names — those amazing "grandpa" names, like Oliver or Harry, that have been on the rise in the last decade. No, these names feel like their bearers wear jeans and boots and drive a truck.
If your backyard is full of rolling farmland or mountain ranges (or you wish it were), these baby names may be a little more appealing to you than modern, trendy baby names. These names are a little bit rustic, a little bit country and a whole lot amazing.
Some names don't necessarily sound rustic, but with meanings like "mountain" and "farmland," they are an excellent way to add some rustic charm to your baby's name.
Having said that, black people overwhelmingly do not support black-owned businesses, which in turn don’t support the communities where black-owned businesses reside. Unlike other races and cultures — such as the Jewish, Hispanic and Chinese communities, which vigorously support one another’s businesses — black-owned business don’t get the same support within their own community. Jasmine Goodwin wrote in a blog post addressing this topic, “Unlike other races where they are prideful of their people no matter the socioeconomic status or difference in skin complexion, black people rather separate… no matter if it’s in the classroom or in the corporate world, there seems to be a hesitation in black people supporting one another.” So what’s the reason for this hesitation?
It's time to get past the stigma
There seems to be a stigma associated with African-American products. They are considered low quality and less valuable when compared with products made by another race. Despite the fact that this is not accurate, the thinking persists both within the African-American community and across all races. Lisa-Marie from lisamariepierre.com says, “We don’t like ourselves, so we don’t trust ourselves enough to support one another.” This conversation is so complex, as this obviously goes beyond a simple sale. It’s the learned associations we have made through consistent messages telling us that “black products” are not as good as “white products.”
Not only is there this idea that there's a lack of value in black-owned or produced products, but there isn’t even any money to be made in this space. However, consider, for example, that BET, Essence magazine and Dark and Lovely are all white-owned mega-successful companies, some surpassing the billion-dollar mark, and that myth can easily be dispelled. Yet it lingers. We need to eliminate these untruths so we can finally move toward change.
It is not only important for black people to support black-owned businesses, it is important for non-blacks as well. Aaron J. Barnes, founder of Dapper Black Box, says, “While authority figures and media outlets continue to devalue our existence in this country, we still turn around and invest into companies owned by people who keep that system of injustice intact... we encourage all people but especially black people of the United States to invest into our own businesses to increase the longevity and influence within our community.”
This change and shift is essential for everyone. Making a conscious shift in thinking (thoughts we all have been programmed to think) and supporting black-owned businesses can create jobs, build up communities and provide economic prosperity. In turn, this can help decrease crime by infusing money into communities, which can then support schools, libraries and community centers. The children of that community — and of all communities — who grow up seeing businesses owned by all races will understand there is a level playing field in the world of entrepreneurship and that everyone has access to the American dream. Don’t our children deserve to live in a world of diversity shown in every facet of our communities?
This comes back to everything my company, Little Proud Kid, stands for — and its entire mission. We need to be the change we want for our children. Let black children know they can be business owners themselves and show non-black kids the diversity that lies outside of chain stores.
So, we ask you in honor of Black History Month (and every month) to support a black-owned business and share a picture of that business or product with us! You can post your photo to our Facebook page, tweet us @LittleProudKid or tag us in your photo via Instagram with #LPKSupportBlackBusiness. Will you accept the challenge? If you need some inspiration to get started, here are some of our favorite black-owned businesses:
Georgia Lobban is the founder of Little Proud Kid, a place to celebrate all people… one people. Little Proud Kid brings an array of multicultural toys, books, resources and more to help you teach and celebrate the uniqueness in each and every child.
