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Why Mob Wives is painful to watch without Big Ang

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More: 6 things to expect from the big Mob Wives sit-down

During last week's episode of Mob Wives, rumors that Big Ang had died were soaring around the Internet, and for a minute, they were just rumors, rebuffed by some of Twitter and then confirmed when E! finally tweeted about it. After we knew it was true, it made a once truly delightful experience — watching the ladies trash talk one another — far less enjoyable, to say the least.

Wednesday's new episode promised more drama between Karen and Drita (Lee! Tell-all books! Brittany is an instigator! Karen thinks Drita is obsessed with her!). At another time, this would have been riveting to watch, but at this point, with Ang sick on the show and not alive anymore in real life, all of the excellently soapy elements have left the show. Ang visited the surgeon for a consultation, she cried, she told everyone how scared she was and then she went in for surgery. It was too much to see, especially knowing things would turn out the way they did. There was an awesome sequence at the end of the episode when the ladies went to an art class and painted a nude model, which exemplified everything lovable about Mob Wives. It's worth watching even if you can't bring yourself to see the rest of the episode. Everyone had a good time and there was the bawdy humor of yore, the kind of thing fans (OK, me) came to expect from the show.

More: Mob Wives sit-down only leads to new feud between the ladies

Fans couldn't stop tweeting about the weird sadness that is watching the show now that Ang is gone. In fact, the #MobWives tweets were almost all about Ang and very few were about what was actually happening in the episode.

Mob Wives 1

Mob Wives 1

Mob Wives 2

Mob Wives 2

Mob Wives 3

Mob Wives 3

Mob Wives 4

Mob Wives 4

Mob Wives 5

Mob Wives 5

Mob Wives 6

Mob Wives 6

Mob Wives 7

Mob Wives 7

It's hard to know if VH1 would have canceled Mob Wives had Ang died in an earlier season, but that's not where we are right now. It's the last season of the show, so everything that's done in terms of relationships between the women is done, except for what will happen at the reunion, which will most definitely be hard to watch. For now, though, fans have to make a decision as to whether or not they want to see this season, and the show, through to the bitter end. Right now, it's a test of one's fortitude, considering that Ang's cancer has spread, the sit-down failed, and everyone seems intent on resenting one another and allowing themselves to be provoked by Brittany. Ang has been the emotional center of the show since she became a regular, and knowing that she's not in the world anymore makes it really difficult to watch her being scared and sad, as well as smiling and Ang-ing all over the place. You don't have to be heroes, Mob Wives fans. I bet Ang will understand if you have to stop watching the new episodes and return to the warm bosom of Seasons 2-5.

More: Mob Wives canceled after Season 6

Are you watching Mob Wives without Ang? How do you feel about it? Will you finish Season 6? Tell us in the comments!

Big Ang
Image: Vh1

Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson's comments about today's women are so backward

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“These are subdivision girls. They aren’t country girls. Seems to be the way America is going these days,” Phil said as a way to show his disapproval of their behavior on the lake. At this point, I’m starting to wonder if he thinks offending people is what A&E is paying him for.

More: Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson calls gay marriage a "perversion" (VIDEO)

Phil didn't explain exactly what he meant by his "subdivision" comment, but it's clear it wasn't meant as a compliment. He wasn't saying they were outstanding businesswomen, supportive mothers or adoring wives. He decided their value as human beings was determined solely by their ability to catch frogs at night.

You totally follow that logic, right?

Me neither.

More: Video: Duck Dynasty star preaches anti-gay beliefs again

Of course, he didn’t make his condescending comment in front of the women. He waited until he was in the safety of his solo interview, because that’s the best way to make completely absurd comments. Unfortunately, none of the women acknowledged or corrected him through Twitter or any other social media platform, so this teachable moment probably passed right by him.

I know that he’s from an older generation and probably isn’t interested in expanding his mind to consider the feelings of people other than fellow straight men, but it seems like A&E could take some accountability here and edit out these offensive comments. It seems like the show’s producers would understand the difference between funny and sexist. But if tonight's episode is any indication, that's a very wrong assumption.

More: Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson has a plan for ISIS (VIDEO)

What do you think? Does Phil Robertson take his judgments too far?

Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson reunite at the Brit Awards

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More: Brit Awards 2016 winners: See the complete list here

Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson were having the time of their lives at the awards awards ceremony. Harry Styles and Niall Horan missed out on the event, but that didn’t seem to faze the fans, or the artists for that matter.

This was their first public appearance since the last time they were together on the X-Factor a few months ago.

Liam Payne and Louis Tomlinson at the Brit Awards
Image: Daniel Deme/WENN.com

Fans were freaking out as they waited to find out the winner for Best British Artist Video. Twitter was blowing up with the hashtag #BRITVIDONEDITRECTION as the votes flowed in, and One Direction successfully took home the award for their “Drag Me Down” video.

Following their acceptance speech they also presented the award for best British Female Solo Artist to Adele.

More: Adele declares her support for Kesha during Brit Awards speech

One Direction was also nominated for Best British Group, which Coldplay ended up winning.

One Direction on ABC's 'Good Morning America'
Image: Debra L Rothenberg / Getty Images

The One Direction boys are continuing to do their own thing for now.

Niall Horan is enjoying his time away from the band.

1D Brit Awards - Niall

1D Brit Awards - Niall

Harry Styles is currently working on a solo album that is set to be released later this year.

Tomlinson and Payne are still writing music together, and on Feb. 21 Tomlinson tweeted about how good it feels to be writing again.

1D Brit Awards

1D Brit Awards

Tomlinson has also been spending plenty of time with his newborn son Freddie Reign.

There's no word on whether the band will end up getting back together, but One Direction fans are in it for the long haul and will never give up!

More: Lorde blows everyone away with Brits Bowie tribute

Vicki Gunvalson fires back at Debra Messing's comments about Brooks Ayers

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More: Brooks Ayers is trying to start drama about Vicki Gunvalson’s new man

Messing appeared on Bravo's Watch What Happens Live this week, and, to no one's surprise, Gunvalson's ex, Brook Ayers, came up during the conversation. What was less predictable were the rude comments Messing had about Gunvalson.

"She totally knew," Messing said, referring to Gunvalson's role in the controversy surrounding Ayers' faked cancer diagnosis. "Vicki knew. She got me really, really mad. She was so sanctimonious. When she compared herself to Jesus Christ, I was like, OK, I’m out."

Gunvalson, whose relationship with Ayers and his fake diagnosis created plenty of drama for the last season of The Real Housewives of Orange County, then took to social media to fire back at Messing.

More: 8 Things to know about Vicki Gunvalson's new BF

"Well @DebraMessing doesn't know what she's talking about," Gunvalson tweeted after the show aired. "She didn't witness what I did! I'm tired of repeating the same thing!"

Vicki Gunvalson vs Debra Messing 1

Vicki Gunvalson vs Debra Messing 1

She also defended herself against fans of the show, some of whom tweeted that she must have known Ayers was faking his diagnosis.

"Not true!" she fired back at some accusatory tweets. "When u witness someone physically sick, spending time and money at doctors how do u not believe?"

Gunvalson wasn't the only one defending her side of the story; Lisa Vanderpump also came to her defense.

"@DebraMessing you don't know @LisaVanderpump And you don't know @vgunvalson side of her story. Its [sic] not fair to place judgment through TV.." Vanderpump tweeted.

Vicki Gunvalson vs Debra Messing 2

Vicki Gunvalson vs Debra Messing 2

Some of Gunvalson's fans also joined her side of the argument, tweeting their support.

More: Vicki Gunvalson has been showing off her new man very publicly (PHOTOS)

"Ms. Messing, please let VG move on, she had one hell of a bad year, she deserves some peace! IMO!" one wrote.

Vicki Gunvalson vs Debra Messing 3

Vicki Gunvalson vs Debra Messing 3

Do you think Vicki Gunvalson knew that Brooks Ayers was faking his diagnosis?

A Katy Perry conspiracy theory ties the pop star to JonBenét Ramsey (VIDEO)

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A 2014 video has recently resurfaced purporting to prove that pop star Katy Perry is not who she says she is — and in fact, is actually child beauty pageant star JonBenét Ramsey, who was found murdered in the basement of her family's home the day after Christmas 1996.

Katy Perry/JonBenet Ramsey conspiracy theory

Katy Perry/JonBenet Ramsey conspiracy theory

More: Katy Perry attacked for being a mean girl by a fellow singer

What is the "proof" that Perry and Ramsey are the same person? It basically boils down to their eyebrows.

"You know, the eyebrows don't change much on a person," YouTube user Jungle Surfer claims. "You're born with your eyebrows. They're very close, very close indeed, aren't they? … As you know, this whole entertainment industry is just a charade — you really don't know the truth."

Video creator Dave Johnson also claims that Perry's parents, Keith Hudson and Mary Perry, are actually JonBenét's parents, Patsy and John Ramsey — despite (or possibly proved by) the fact that Patsy Ramsey died of ovarian cancer in 2006.

"He shaved his head, she lost some weight," he said.

More: Russell Brand hurls cruel insults at Katy Perry in new documentary (VIDEO)

"All of these people are liars, man. Nobody died, nobody got hurt. That sacrifice was in name only, and that was to get something, and that something was to become a star. JonBenét became Katy Perry, and that's a fact."

Johnson does not explain why JonBenét could not have become a star in her own right without faking her death, or the age discrepancy — she would be 25 years old now, and Perry is 31.

Obviously this is crazy — or is it? Do you think Katy Perry is actually JonBenét Ramsey?

Katy Perry/JonBenet Ramsey poll

Katy Perry/JonBenet Ramsey poll

More: Katy Perry supports Instagram page that defames Taylor Swift's name (PHOTOS) 

If you're constipated, you need to know about the 'poop button'

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One time during finals in college, I didn't experience the sweet release for a good week and a half, and believe me, that didn't make taking a three-hour test any easier. So, what do you do during those particularly bunchy times? Many turn to gentle laxatives or to fiber supplements like Metamucil. But if you're not too keen on adding medication or supplements to your diet, here's a totally drug-free cure for you. It's called the poop button.

More: Would you rather find poop or eat leftovers off a high chair?​

Believe it or not, there's a magical place on your body that's the key to unlocking all your constipation problems. It's actually an acupressure remedy that's been around for some time and can be found in most natural remedy books, like this one. However, it took a blogger mom to bring said remedy to the public's attention.

She tried the trick on her little boy when he was struggling with the inability to poop, and within seconds, the poop button rectified the situation. The button is easy to find — it's the point three finger-widths below your belly button. In eastern medicine, this place is called Hara, or "the sea of energy." In ancient tradition, it's considered the center of the human body. Aside from helping relieve your digestive issues, pressing this point can help alleviate menstrual pains and lumbar problems, and it can even fight fatigue.

However, let's stick to its most important function at the moment: opening the poop gateway. Here are a few helpful tips on how to accurately harness the poop button's powers from mom Wendy herself.

More: The dirty truth about pooping during labor

1. You don't want to press there if you have long fingernails — use the head of an eraser instead.

2. Press firmly, but not too hard.

3. If there's any pain, back off, then try again, gently increasing pressure while taking long, deep breaths.

4. While it can work within seconds, if it's taking some time, you can press for up to three minutes.

Note: If you have chronic constipation, this may not work at first. Keep giving yourself short sessions of acupressure to help train your body to respond to it.

I have to admit, I was somewhat skeptical of this one, but I was feeling adventurous (and constipated), so I gave it a try. Lo and behold, this seemingly crazy method actually worked in mere moments! It was very hard for a logician like myself to buy into such a strange-sounding Eastern medicine theory, but after seeing the proof, I have to admit I'm converted. All you skeptics out there, don't stand on ceremony. Harness your seas of energy and just let it all go.

More: Why your child may have pooping problems

If How I Met Your Mother was about millennial romance

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Instead of regaling our children at bedtime with awkward tales of barfly hookups and enough inter–friend group dating to make your head spin at the sexual connections, we’ll be sharing our Tinder profiles and screenshots of texts. It’ll be a bit more of an interactive experience than Ted Mosby’s (interminable) tale of how he whined his way through half the women in New York.

More: 11 reasons my dog is better than a boyfriend

But when the kids ask, “How did you know they were the one?” the millennials will have some pretty unique answers:

He could pay half the rent on their "affordable" burning trash can in the city

Sure, Daddy’s apartment was about the size of his infant crib, but it cost as much as three credits of his liberal-arts degree per month. So, yeah, Mommy and Daddy shacked up a little early — skyrocketing rental prices demanded it. It gave them more quality time to bond without having to commute between Queens and New Jersey.

She only owed the price of a crappy house in student-loan debt

Listen, the days of superficially holding out for a rich spouse were over. The best she could hope for was someone with a bit less student-loan debt than she had. After all, one of them had to be able to qualify for credit somehow.

They came together at a craft-beer meetup for Bernie Sanders supporters

It was love at first sip of hops. She called herself a socialist, and Mommy was a bathtub beer brewer. Together they caucused for Sanders in Iowa and perfected their “Feel the Bern” ale.

More: Why I'm pretty sure my dog is a psychopath

After five years in the workforce, she finally qualified for an entry-level job

Mommy graduated in 2008, when generational unemployment levels were at nearly 16 percent. She spent the next three years overeducated and underemployed, but it finally paid off. She got a low-paying junior level job in an opposite field from the one she studied in college and hated her life, but she was finally living the bootstrap American dream!

He had similar values of Wall Street paranoia

Daddy showed Papa the nice waterproof hole where he’d buried his meager savings. He knew then that his partner was fiscally responsible and had seen Wolf of Wall Street as the warning it was meant to be. His money wouldn’t go for questionable (and often illegal) recreational purposes or the tax hike for the government to bail them out.

Together they were a social media super-couple

She had 10,000 YouTube followers for her legendary contouring how-to guides, and he was Instagram famous for his shirtless man-bun photos of him cuddling with dogs. When they cross-posted, their followers tripled, and it was a perfect branded marriage.

More: What it's actually like buying a house as a single woman

His parents had a garage apartment with a separate entrance

The free-love baby-boomer in-laws were totally chill about them living together rent free in the garage apartment while they worked 60 hours a week in low-wage jobs. Sure, there was shag carpeting, it smelled like gasoline fumes, and it shared a wall with the parents’ bedroom, but the separate entrance was wonderful.

Corned beef grilled cheese will be your new St. Patrick's Day tradition

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There is nothing I love more than sitting down and eating a giant grilled cheese. In fact, whenever I have leftover meat, I always figure out a way to enjoy it on a grilled cheese. That's why I knew I had to make a grilled cheese with my leftover corned beef. This sandwich is the perfect combination of salty corned beef, sharp Irish cheddar, homemade Russian dressing and crispy pumpernickel bread. You're going to love this sandwich.

Corned beef grilled cheese
Image: Brandy O'Neill/SheKnows

Corned beef grilled cheese recipe

Yields 2

Ingredients:

  • 4 slices pumpernickel bread
  • Russian dressing (recipe follows)
  • 4 slices Irish cheddar cheese
  • 6 slices corned beef
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Directions:

  1. Lay out the bread, and start building your sandwich.
  2. Spread a thin layer of Russian dressing on all slices of the bread.
  3. Top 2 slices of the bread in the following order: 1 slice cheese, 3 slices corned beef and 1 slice cheese.
  4. Top each sandwich with the remaining slice of bread, Russian dressing side down.
  5. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
  6. Once the butter has melted, add the sandwiches to the skillet, and cook until the bottoms are crispy and the cheese is starting to melt. Flip the sandwiches over, and cook until the other sides are crispy and all the cheese has melted.
  7. Serve the finished sandwiches with extra Russian dressing for dipping.

Corned beef grilled cheese
Image: Brandy O'Neill/SheKnows

Homemade Russian dressing recipe

Yields 3/4 cup

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons sweet relish
  • 1 tablespoon grated sweet onion

Directions: 

  1. In a small bowl, mix together all the ingredients, and let sit in the refrigerator until ready to use.

More corned beef recipes

Corned beef cabbage roll
Corned beef salad

Cabbage and corned beef casserole

Updated by Bethany Ramos on 2/26/16


11 things feminists should brace themselves for if Donald Trump wins

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More: Donald Trump doesn't want a border wall with Canada

From telling women they're "fat pigs" to demanding Planned Parenthood stop doing abortions, Trump is a far cry from a candidate with a progressive stance on women's issues. Here's what feminists need to brace themselves for if Trump wins the election:

1. Trump's lack of concern for victims of sexual assault

Before he ran for president, Donald Trump expressed an alarmingly sexist "boys will be boys" attitude about sexual assault. In 2013, he tweeted about the rising number of reported sexual assaults in the military, saying "What did these geniuses expect when they put men & women together?" Ugh.

Trump on military assault

Trump on military assault

2. Trump's anti-abortion stance

Trump recently vowed to axe federal funding if Planned Parenthood didn't stop providing abortions: "I would defund it because of the abortion factor, which they say is 3 percent. I don't know what percentage it is," he said at a debate in Texas on Thursday. "But I would defund it, because I'm pro-life." Here's the thing, though: Planned Parenthood doesn't even get any federal funding for abortions because the Hyde Amendment, a dated piece of legislation that should be scrapped, only permits federal funding for abortions performed when women were raped, in cases of incest and where a mother's life is at risk. Trump clearly needs a primer on both reproductive justice and how federal funding works.

3. Glorifying the mistreatment of women

In a 1992 New York magazine feature on Trump, he candidly shared his sexist views on women. "You have to treat 'em like shit," said Trump. And we should expect no less from Trump if elected president this year. In the same article, Trump reportedly boasts about dumping an entire bottle of wine down journalist Marie Brenner’s back after she wrote an article about him that he didn't like. Not exactly presidential behavior.

4. The belief that having an attractive wife will win public opinion

In a 1991 Esquire interview, Trump made a comment that suggested he felt having a youthful, sexually attractive wife could solve any PR problem: "You know, it doesn't really matter what [the media] write as long as you've got a young and beautiful piece of ass." Let's see how long that attitude works out for him.

5. The culture of sexism Trump cultivates

In April, Trump came under fire for retweeting a comment that equated a woman's power with her ability to sexually satisfy a man. On Twitter, Trump retweeted user @mplefty67’s comment: “If Hillary Clinton can’t satisfy her husband what makes her think she can satisfy America?” Trump deleted this retweet, claiming that one of his staffers had sent it in error. Regardless of whether or not that's true, who wants a president who generates a work environment where it would even be fathomable that retweeting such a disgustingly sexist tweet might be a smart move?

More: Donald Trump is rich, running for president and a little nuts

6. Valuing women based on their appearance

In 2015, Trump made sexist comments about Carly Fiorina's bid for president in front of a Rolling Stone journalist. "Look at that face!" Trump is quoted as saying in a Rolling Stone profile. "Would anyone vote for that? Can you imagine that, the face of our next president?" The worst part about this is that Trump gets that what he's saying is offensive, but he doesn't care. "I mean, she's a woman, and I'm not s'posedta [sic] say bad things, but really, folks, come on. Are we serious?"

And this isn't the first or the last time Trump has criticized women based on their appearances. There was the time he called Arianna Huffington "extremely unattractive" on Twitter, the time he called Rosie O'Donnell "a big, fat pig" and countless other instances.

Trump calls Huffington ugly

Trump calls Huffington ugly

 7. The belief that he has a right to express his sexist views

When Fox News' Megyn Kelly asked Trump to account for the fact that he's called women he doesn't like "fat pigs," "dogs" and "disgusting animals," he stood by his words, justifying his misogynist comments: "I think the big problem this country has is being politically correct," said Trump. "I've been challenged by so many people, and I don't frankly have time for total political correctness. And to be honest with you, this country doesn't have time either." I think many of us would beg to differ.

8. The sexist bullying of women who disagree with him

In his interview with CNN's Don Lemon, Trump made sexist comments about Megyn Kelly: "She’s a lightweight and, you know, she came out there reading her little script and trying to be tough and be sharp. And when you meet her, you realize she’s not very tough and she’s not very sharp.” He then added, “She gets out there and she starts asking me all sorts of ridiculous questions, and you could see there was blood coming out of her eyes, blood coming out of her… wherever.” Trump later tweeted that Kelly was "a bimbo." Given that I've never heard Trump call men "bimbos," this comment comes off as an attempt to use a woman's physical appearance to discredit her intelligence.

Trump on Meghyn Kelly

Trump on Meghyn Kelly

9. His macho bragging

It doesn't get much more tasteless than claiming you "could have nailed" Princess Diana, which Trump did shortly after her death in an interview with Howard Stern. "Why do people think it’s egotistical of you to say you could’ve gotten with Lady Di?" Stern asked Trump. "You could’ve gotten her, right? You could’ve nailed her." Trump could have refocused the conversation to reflect on Diana's positive contribution to the world around her, but instead he simply agreed: "I think I could have." This instance again reflects the broader culture of misogyny that Trump mania breeds.

10. His treatment of breastfeeding mothers

Lawyer Elizabeth Beck had a nasty Trump experience. Beck tells CNN that in 2011, Trump had "an absolute meltdown" when she said, at a deposition, that she needed to take a break to pump breast milk. "He got up, his face got red, he shook his finger at me and he screamed, 'You're disgusting, you're disgusting,' and he ran out of there." In typical Trump style, rather than apologize for his behavior, he took to Twitter to criticize Beck even more:

Trump on Elizabeth Beck

Trump on Elizabeth Beck

11. His belief that women get jobs because they're attractive

In a clip featured on Last Week Tonight, Trump tells a female reporter that she has her job because she's attractive. "I mean, we could say, politically correct, that look doesn't matter, but the look obviously matters," said Trump. "Like you wouldn't have your job if you weren't beautiful."

While we have a leader who says he's proud to call himself a feminist in Trudeau, Trump could really turn the clock backwards for our neighbour to the south.

Do Americans really want a president who tells women they only have their jobs because they're good-looking, completely undermining their intelligence, and who fights again and again for his right to defy "political correctness" by saying things that are flat-out sexist? Let's hope not.

More: Rosie O'Donnell's response to Donald Trump shows all the class he lacks

The Amazing Race gets a good dose of drama thanks to poor decision-making

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Still racing around Colombia, in the beautiful city of Cartagena, this week the contestants had to make their way into some catacombs, play an explosive game of corn hole and overcome a roadblock before they could reach this leg's finish line.

Two teams, social media favorites Tyler and Kory and frisbee-lovers Kurt and Brodie, breezed right through each of the obstacles and the roadblock, finishing well before any of the other teams. But, by the second half of the episode, we were seeing major missteps that would ultimately cost one team their place in the race.

More: The Amazing Race: Has social media popularity already decided the winner?

Not necessarily making bad decisions, but one team that seemed particularly flustered and edgy were the dancers, Dana and Matt. Dana seemed not too happy with boyfriend Matt from the very beginning of the episode, prompting many a, "don't talk to me" and "let me live my life" to come flying from her mouth (and many a mean tweet to be directed her way, as well).

Amazing Race episode 3 1

Amazing Race episode 3 1

Amazing Race episode 3 2

Amazing Race episode 3 2

By the end of the show, though, they realized they needed to regroup and get back in step with each other.

It wasn't until several teams were finished played exploding corn hole that the bad decisions really began turning up the heat. The teams got one of two roadblocks. Zach and Rachel King were the first team to make a big blunder during their roadblock. While trying to gather enough bus fare to move on, Rachel miscounted, mixing up how pesos are counted, forcing the team to go back and start all over, seriously threatening their chances of moving on in the race.

Thankfully for them, they stayed calm and hustled their way to the finish ahead of the last team.

More: The Amazing Race nearly had a thong crisis

But by far the worst mistake made (by several teams) was simply not reading the instructions of the roadblock. Many set out to look for their matching bags before realizing there was a specific designer tag they needed to match, wasting precious time and especially energy running around the hot streets of Cartagena.

The contestants were so clueless, it was prompting many folks to voice their frustrations at the ineptitude on Twitter.

Amazing Race ep 3 3

Amazing Race ep 3 3

Yet, ironically, the most clueless team was arguably (maybe not arguably) the smartest: Darius and Cameron Benson. The brilliant brothers just seemed to never quite get into the groove. They had zero sense of urgency. It seemed as if they weren't just overthinking the challenges, but they didn't want to help each other out if they were able to either (one standing there, obviously knowing that his brother needed to hand the bags they had been searching for to the woman next to him).

Twitter was aghast at their stupidity...

Benson Brothers tweet 1

Benson Brothers tweet 1

Benson Brothers tweet 2

Benson Brothers tweet 2

Benson Brothers tweet 3

Benson Brothers tweet 3

Many people thought it was heartless for the other teams, who were standing right there, to not have told the brothers the vendor they were looking for was right in front of them... But alas, this is a competition, so I probably wouldn't have told them either, to be honest.

Benson Brothers tweet 4

Benson Brothers tweet 4

Their bad decisions and inability to work together ultimately ended up sending them packing.

Were you upset to see the brothers go home or is your team still in it to win it?

More: The Amazing Race: What is the one thing a team needs to win?

6 times Kevin O'Leary made Shark Tank entrepreneurs cry

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1. Scratch & Grain

The ladies of Scratch & Grain just couldn't control their emotions when they pitched their cookie baking kits to the Sharks. O'Leary certainly didn't help matters, although these gals arguably would have shed tears with or without his involvement.

Scratch & Grain
Image: ABC

2. Wee Can Shop

Technically, O'Leary didn't make Kimberly Foley cry; she cried all on her own while thinking about how badly she and her fellow entrepreneur needed the Sharks' help. However, O'Leary did make Foley visibly wince when he commented, "You know what I'd be crying about? The fact you're not making a profit."

More: Shark Tank gets morbid with inappropriate comments about cancer

3. Mr. Tod's Pie Factory

Not only did Mr. Tod's Pie Factory pitch involve tears, it also involved a fight between the Sharks. Robert Herjavec seemed to think that it was OK for somebody as passionate as Tod Wilson to cry while pitching, but O'Leary clearly disagreed. He advised Wilson, "Don't cry for money; it never cries for you." If anything, these words of wisdom made Wilson more emotional.

More: 5 most memorable quotes from Shark Tank guest Chris Sacca

4. Mikki Bey Eyelash Extensions

Believe it or not, O'Leary was not the chief source of tension when Mikki Bey pitched her eyelash extension line on Shark Tank. Rather, Bey got some very harsh feedback from Barbara Corcoran, who was not impressed by Bey's emotional outburst. Corcoran advised Bey to "give up this crying stuff" and objected when Bey claimed that it "takes a lot of strength to show this level of vulnerability."

Johnny Georges
Image: ABC

5. Tree T-PEE

Johnny Georges desperately wanted to do right by fellow farmers and sell them an affordable product, but Kevin O'Leary wasn't impressed. He claimed that the only way to get distributors involved and to turn a profit would be to sell Georges' product for $12, not the $5 Georges preferred. O'Leary's feedback brought tears to Georges' eyes, but he somehow managed to hold back those tears long enough to score a deal with another Shark.

More: Shark Tank has parents up in arms with product dubbed dangerous

6. Teaspressa

Although O'Leary was not always directly involved in making the aforementioned entrepreneurs cry, he did more than his fair share of poking and prodding already emotional individuals. Tonight, however, there was no question as to who was responsible for the tears. Allison DeVane was visibly shaken when O'Leary claimed, "There's a scene in a famous movie where a trapdoor opens and you fall into a real shark tank. I think we're almost there." At the end of the pitch, when all of the Sharks rejected her and Lori Greiner said, "Don't look at this as a failure," Mr. Wonderful countered, "Look at this as a failure." Ouch!

Viewers clearly were not happy with O'Leary's behavior. Negative responses took over Twitter, with critics claiming that O'Leary kicked DeVane while she was down:

Shark Tank Failure

Shark Tank Failure

Shark Tank Kevin's Mean Dig

Shark Tank Kevin's Mean Dig

Be more sensitive Kevin O'Leary

Be more sensitive Kevin O'Leary

DeVane's pitch may not have been the greatest, but O'Leary should have tempered his response. There really is no need to trash an already struggling entrepreneur.

Do you think the Sharks are too harsh on the entrepreneurs? Or do the entrepreneurs need to toughen up? Comment and share your opinion below.

The Vampire Diaries crossover delivered on an epic Klaroline moment

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Thanks to the Stefan (Paul Wesley) crossover, Caroline and Klaus got to have an actual conversation when Stefan forgot his phone while he was with Klaus in a New Orleans bar.

More: The Vampire Diaries boss stuns fans with unexpected Klaroline remark

And not only did they talk, but it actually ended up being Klaus who convinced Caroline to be a part of the babies' lives.

"It's not a crime to love what you cannot explain," he told her. "I was sorry to hear about your mother, Caroline. I'm sure she would have loved to see you with the little ones."

Who knew Klaus would ever be giving anyone parenting advice? But it was so, so good.

"By the way, what's your stance on hand-me-downs?" he added.

More: The Originals' boss reveals Elijah & Hayley's fate after [SPOILER]'s death

Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant. Bravo to The Vampire Diaries! Thank you for keeping our fan dreams alive.

On the sad side, it's also Klaus who reasoned that Stefan should let Caroline go by comparing Stefan's need to protect Damon to that of Elijah's need to protect Klaus. And he's clearly doing it for unselfish reasons for once in his life. As he put it, there are way too many "complicated women" in Klaus' life for him to focus on loving Caroline at the moment. But that doesn't mean he doesn't want to see her happy. And that doesn't mean we don't want to see them reunite in person at some point.

But, for now, that Klaroline phone call will tide me over.

More: Klaus vs. Alaric vs. Stefan: Who should Caroline end up with on TVD?

Now, will someone please explain how Bonnie will go from cutting off Enzo's hand to falling in love with him? Because, now that my Klaroline hopes are satisfied, I'm ready for a new ship to root for, and I like a challenge.

Sinful chocolate French toast pinwheels are worth getting out of bed for

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Ready for this? They are stuffed with chopped chocolate (that melts and oozes out after cooking), then dipped in chocolate-cinnamon sauce and sprinkled with chocolate-cinnamon sugar powder. You will have to forget about dieting for a few minutes and just close your eyes and enjoy. OK, just run that extra mile more to get rid of your chocolate guilt.

You can make these any way you want them. Use dark chocolate or milk chocolate and any flavor of jam you like. I love dark chocolate because it is less sweet than milk chocolate, but it can be too intense for others, especially the kids, so I use 50-50. For the fruit jam, I always choose cherry jam that is unsweetened by added sugars or sweeteners. Since there's so much chocolate in this dish, I try to take out as much other sweetness as I can. The unsweetened cherry jam mixes very well with the chocolate for just a touch of tartness.

Chocolate-French-toast-pinwheels-vertical
Image: Rowena Dumlao-Giardina/SheKnows

Triple chocolate French toast pinwheels recipe

Serves 4

Prep time: 30 minutes | Cook time: 5 minutes | Total time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 medium eggs
  • 6 tablespoons milk, divided
  • 1 (10-ounce) chocolate bar, coarsely chopped
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon powder
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 8 slices white sandwich bread, crusts sliced off
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened fruit jam
  • 4 tablespoons butter

Directions:

  1. In a small bowl, lightly whisk the eggs with 3 tablespoons of milk, then set aside.
  2. Divide the chocolate into half, then place in 2 bowls. Set aside one bowl to be used as filling for the French toast, while the other half will be used as the dip. Combine the remaining 3 tablespoons of milk with one bowl of chocolate, and melt in the microwave for 30 seconds on high power. Stir, and check if the chocolate has completely melted. If not, put it back in the microwave, and melt for a few more seconds. Stir in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Set aside.
  3. On a plate, mix together the sugar, cocoa powder and the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Set aside.
  4. On a wooden or plastic board, pass the rolling pin on a slice of bread to flatten it, then put 1-1/2 teaspoons of jam and 2 teaspoons of chopped chocolate on top. Roll tightly. Repeat with the others.
  5. Soak the rolls in the bowl of egg mixture.
  6. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. When the butter has melted and the pan is hot, cook the rolls on all sides.
  7. When the rolls are golden brown, dip them into the melted chocolate mixture, and then sprinkle them with the sugar mixture.
  8. Slice or serve whole while warm.

More French toast recipes

21 stuffed French toast recipes you can't get enough of
Mexican-style stuffed French toast sandwich
Mascarpone-stuffed French toast with cranberries

MSNBC's Melissa Harris-Perry boycotts her own show

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She isn't known for censoring herself or backing down from a good fight, and now MSNBC's Harris-Perry is boycotting her own self-titled show this weekend because she claims the bigwigs at NBC have been making her feel "worthless" by replacing her program with general news in the last few months.

Harris-Perry wrote a letter to her staff members that began, "Dearest Nerds: Here is the reality: Our show was taken — without comment or discussion or notice — in the midst of an election season. After four years of building an audience, developing our brand and developing trust with our viewers, we were effectively and utterly silenced."

Although Harris-Perry would later tell the New York Times she didn't know if there was a personal racial component involved and didn't think anyone was being "mean" to her because she's a "black person," the TV host made a clear reference to race in her letter to her staff, going as far as to call out NBC News Chairman Andrew Lack and MSNBC President Phil Griffin: "I will not be used as a tool for their purposes. I am not a token, mammy, or little brown bobble head. I am not owned by Lack, Griffin or MSNBC. I love our show. I want it back."

More: Republican congresswomen want YOUR questions for online Town Hall on March 2

Harris-Perry has built a solid following for her Saturday and Sunday morning program precisely because of her opinionated and bold stances on topics as diverse as the way media covers gun violence in major cities and the racial undertones she feels are present in Star Wars because Darth Vader is black. After stalling her program several times to present breaking election coverage, Harris-Perry argues that MSNBC deemed her "less worthy" than other pundits to weigh in on the candidates and pressing issues. The situation has enraged her to the point where she has even removed "MSNBC" from her Twitter bio.

In MSNBC's defense, a spokesperson claims the replacement of her program with political coverage is not a personal slight against her: "In this exciting and unpredictable presidential primary season, many of our daytime programs have been temporarily upended by breaking political coverage, including M.H.P."

More: 15 infuriating sexist quotes about female politicians

As a professor of politics and international affairs at Wake Forest University and the founding director of the Anna Julia Cooper Project on Gender, Race and Politics in the South, as well as a columnist for The Nation, Harris-Perry seems more than qualified to join the ranks of other political commentators on MSNBC.

But the cold, hard truth is simply this: As long as she is employed by MSNBC, her bosses have the ultimate say over whether they feel viewers are more likely to tune in and watch the Donald Trump trainwreck unfold on a Saturday morning. They have advertisers to answer to and big ratings are always going to take precedence over anything Harris-Perry has to contribute to any given discourse — no matter how intelligent, thoughtful and eloquent her argument.

Does she have the right to boycott her own show in protest? Sure. Whether it actually changes anything remains to be seen.

The top 10 best cat breeds for cat lovers — and dog lovers too

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If you're thinking of going all the way and investing in a purebred feline friend, you have come to the right spot. Here is our look at the top 10 cat breeds, which include cats not known to cause allergies.

1. The oriental

Oriental cat
Image: Mike Lavoie/Flickr

Related to the Siamese, this cat has big pointed ears and an inquisitive personality. The Oriental cat is smart and social and will bond deeply with its owners. The cat can be a loyal and playful companion. Its sleek body is more muscular than it would appear. It can be quite vocal and demanding — a very "dog-like" cat. In fact, these cats play well with other pets and are kid-friendly.

With an average adult weight of 5 to 8 pounds, the oriental has an average lifespan of about 15 years, though it can be plagued by dental problems and is prone to a hereditary disease of the liver and kidneys called amyloidosis.

2. The American shorthair

American shorthair
Image: 白士 李/Flickr

This athletic cat is descended from the British shorthair, but is larger, leaner and more powerful than its across-the-pond counterpart. It comes in a wide range of colors and patterns and is also a very long-lived kitty, with a lifespan of 15 to 20 years not being out of the ordinary. The American shorthair is great with kids and even gets along well with dogs, too. The American shorthair is healthy, gentle, easy going and low maintenance — grooming is not an issue with this breed, which weighs in at an average of 8 to 15 pounds, with males being significantly larger.

More: This cheat sheet makes it easy to understand your crazy cat

3. The Birman

Birman cat
Image: Richard White/Flickr

This beautiful cat is thought to have originated from Burma. Legend has it the Birman cat was the protector of the Burmese temples. It's a large, long, sturdy cat with long silky hair (which isn't as thick as a Persian's) that does not mat. This cat is known for its blue eyes; dark points on its ears, face, legs and tail; and snow-white boots on all four paws. This is a loving, gentle cat that loves to play, but can stay quiet and out of the way when you're busy, which makes it the perfect kitty for families with children or other animals. The average Birman weighs about 8 to 12 pounds.

Next Up: The sphynx

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4. The sphynx

Sphinx cat
Image: Shannon Badiee/Flickr

We're not talking about the legendary Egyptian monument or myth, but an exotic cat breed. The hairless sphynx isn't completely hairless — it actually has a fine peach-like fuzz over its body, which makes it very sensitive to the sun and elements. This sensitivity is also the reason the sphynx should only be considered an indoor cat. It is warm to the touch, cuddly, energetic and affectionate. The sphynx will even snuggle under the covers with you. With its big pointy ears and curious nature, the sphynx is a fun addition to any family, whether you have kids or even other pets.

The sphynx weighs between 8 and 15 pounds, but weight gain can be a serious problem if it's not monitored.

5. The ragdoll

Ragdoll cat
Image: Visa Kopu/Flickr

Thus named by a breeder in the early '60s because the cat was very relaxed and floppy when picked up, the ragdoll is a gentle and affectionate cat, often following its owners from room to room like a puppy. This kitty is not good at defending itself and shouldn't be allowed to roam the streets alone. In fact, it is careful not to use teeth and claws during play, which makes it ideal around kids. It's good with other animals, too, but shouldn't be left around aggressive animals because of its low self-defensibility.

The hair of the ragdoll is full and plush, requiring regular grooming, and although it is not as large as its coat would suggest, it is, nonetheless, one of the bigger cat breeds. This is a placid cat that really is satisfied with a relaxing lifestyle.

Generally, they weight between 10 and 15 pounds, but large males can easily get up to 20 pounds, so if you're looking for a smaller pet, bear that in mind.

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

6. The Siamese

Siamese cat
Image: praline3001/Flickr

Don't let the bad kitties in the film The Aristocats leave you with a bad image of this beauty. Yes, they can be verbally demanding in wanting attention, but they're also very loving, social and affectionate cats. The Siamese can be sensitive and nervous and is a creature of habit and routine — so if you're an international jet-setter who needs a cat that can travel (or plan to become one during it's 11- to 15-year lifespan), this is probably not the one for you. That said, their playfulness does make them only slightly less kid- and pet-friendly than the cats above it on the list.

The Siamese comes in a number of colors, but the points — the dark patches on the face, ears, paws and tail — are integral to the breed.

 7. The Abyssinian

Abyssinian cat
Image: Carl/Flickr

One of the oldest breeds of cat, the Abyssinian resembles an ancient Egyptian cat with its lithe build, large pointy ears, and slender legs. One of the smaller cats on this list, this fur baby only weighs in at an average of 6 to 10 pounds.

This is a wilful, smart and extroverted cat that loves to explore and play. Its love of games is only matched by its love of water, so watch out for unsolicited bath partners in the tub! Despite its curious nature, the Abyssinian is generally shy and timid around strangers, though it's a good family pet and works well with cat-friendly pups. If you are in search of a show cat, this breed is probably not the best choice. The Aby is most comfortable in a home environment that best suits its loyal and people-loving nature.

Next Up: The exotic shorthair

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8. The exotic shorthair

Exotic shorthair cat
Image: Bryant Wong/Flickr

This is the short-haired version of the Persian. With its squashed face and rounded ears, the exotic shorthair looks more like a cuddly teddy bear than a cat. While having a similar temperament to its long-haired cousin, this cat is a bit more lively and inquisitive, but can still be very calm and laid back. The exotic shorthair is a great choice for someone who wants a Persian but doesn't have the time or desire to devote to grooming.

A word to the wise: These kitties may look a bit too teddy bear-like for young children to be around. They're not terrible with kids or other pets, but they don't fall into the excellent category, either.

9. The Maine Coon

Maine coon cat
Image: Jorbasa Fotografie/Flickr

This beautiful cat is a native to Maine and also the largest of the domestic cat breeds at an average size of up to 18 pounds, though some have tipped the scales at as much as a healthy 20. It looks very feline and takes three to four years to reach full physical maturity. It has very thick fur with a waterproof layer, large wide paws that act like snow shoes for walking easily across snow and a long, thick tail used to wrap about its face during harsh weather. The Maine coon is not only a popular breed because of its temperament, but it's also a great mouser. Plus, it's also healthy and hardy, and is great with kids and other animal, including dogs.

More: 12 Tips for taking great photos of your cats

10. The Persian

Persian cat
Image: stratman² (2 many pix!)/Flickr

Everyone knows the Persian cat. Renowned for its long, silky fur, expressive eyes and squashed face, the Persian is also one of the oldest cat breeds. Calm and sweetly affectionate, this cat loves habit and serene environments (which means it's probably not the best kitty for families with small children or pets). Persians are the quintessential indoor cats; it is best to keep this breed exclusively indoors. The Persian does require regular baths and daily grooming, as its fur is too long for it to self-groom thoroughly and it is prone to matting. For Persian fanciers, grooming is but one of the many pleasures of having this cat as a companion.

So there you have the top 10 cat breeds. Of course, please don't share any of this information with your cat. It probably thinks it is most special cat in the world and the only one worth talking about. But, isn't that all of them?

Related information

For more pet health information, visit PetMD.com. Don't forget to visit PetMD's user-friendly Topic Centers.

Updated by Bethany Ramos on 2/24/2016


6 houseplants that remove bathroom toxins naturally

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The relatively humid, low-light environment of your bathrooms might seem like the last place you want to put a houseplant, but it actually mimics the tropical environment most indoor houseplants prefer.

More: 7 air-filtering houseplants for your home

Common household toxins in your bathroom

Air toxins are an unfortunate reality for many households. Our cleaning products, cosmetics, machines, building materials and even our own exhales all contain chemicals that affect the air quality in our bathrooms. Luckily, there are quite a few common houseplants that can help filter some of these chemicals out of our bathrooms for us.

More: Fancy up your bathroom with these fab 2015 trends

Benzene, formaldehyde, ammonia, trichloroethylene, xylene and toluene are all chemicals commonly found in households and especially bathrooms. Sealants, varnishes, cleaning products, cosmetics, soaps and even toilet paper can all emit these harmful gases. According to the NASA Clean Air Study, there are certain plants that are more effective than others at filtering out these chemicals. Choose one of these varieties to make the perfect houseplant for your bathroom.

1. Peace Lilies

Peace Lily

Peace Lily

For a plant with such a peaceful name, Peace Lilies are tough on chemicals. These attractive tropical perennials are one of the best plants for bathrooms because they filter out potentially harmful chemicals like benzene, formaldehyde, ammonia, trichloroethylene, xylene and toluene, many of which are found in common household cleaning products and cosmetics. The most attractive feature of these houseplants, however, is their low maintenance. Most get along fine with a weekly watering and minimal, indirect sunlight, making them perfect for bathrooms with frosted windows or no windows at all. Peace Lilies are toxic to cats and dogs, so make sure all parts of the plant stay out of their reach.

More: 5 decorating ideas for small bathrooms

2. Mother-in-Law's Tongue

Mother In Laws Tongue

Mother In Laws Tongue

Mother-in-Law's Tongue, also known as Snake Plant, is a common houseplant famous for its minimal needs. These hardy plants only require watering every few months in the winter and thrive in low light settings like your bathroom. They are toxic to pets, but their air filtering qualities make them an excellent choice for bathrooms. Mother-in-law's tongue filters benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene and nitrous oxides from the air, which makes them more effective than most air fresheners.

More: Shower designs so modern they look sci-fi

3. English Ivy

English Ivy

English Ivy

For a classic, low-maintenance plant with superb filtering qualities, you can't beat English Ivy. This vine brings a bit of English country charm to your bathroom and makes a beautiful potted plant, provided you keep it away from shower rods and other tempting surfaces that English Ivy likes to climb. The plant should also be kept away from pets, as it is toxic.

More: Sustainable bathroom products we love

4. Broadleaf Lady Palm

broadleaf lady palm plant

broadleaf lady palm plant

This small tree thrives in humid, low-light environments like your bathroom, but it can grow up to four meters tall if left untrimmed. This makes it ideal for slightly larger bathrooms and households with pets, as this tree is non-toxic. Your new Broadleaf Lady Palm filters formaldehyde, xylene, toluene and ammonia from your bathroom and requires minimal fertilizer.

More: 12 plants that are poisonous to cats

5. Hardy Garden Mum

Hardy Garden Mum

Hardy Garden Mum

Mums make popular gifts year-round, but what you might not know about these attractive flowering perennials is that they also filter formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, toluene, ammonia and trichloroethylene from the air. Don't toss them once they stop flowering — put them in a bathroom with a little sunlight and let them purify your air. Keep them out of the reach of pets, as they are toxic.

More: Best spots for your houseplants

6. Red-Edged Dracaena

Dracaena

Dracaena

Red-Edged Dracaena, also known as Song of India, is a popular houseplant with superb filtering qualities. The plant requires a humid environment, so put it in a bathroom with a regularly used shower to keep the pretty red-tinged leaves in good shape. You'll have something to admire while you're taking care of business, and benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene and toluene levels in your bathroom will drop. As with many tropical plants, these can be toxic to pets.

More: How houseplants contribute to health and happiness

Now you can breathe easier knowing that your plants are doing their best to keep your home pure.

What single women need to know about managing their money

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You may be tempted to push this project to the back burner because, let’s face it, managing money can be super boring. Ignoring your finances won’t make them any better, but tackling them head on will. Your confidence and sense of security will soar when your finances are in better shape, and so will your cash flow.

Getting on top of managing money that comes in and goes out is critical for successful single women. Whether you’re single by choice, waiting for the right partner, divorced or widowed, with kids or without, you face some unique and pressing financial needs.

More: How to invest your way to wealth with $50 a month

The fact is more women are choosing the single life. The U.S. Census bureau estimates more than a third of women in the U.S. are now single, either by choice or by circumstance. The number of single adult Americans overall is at a record high as well. The Pew Research Center reports there are more unmarried American adults than those who married in 2014. Consider that back in the 1950s, only 20 percent of Americans were unmarried.

If the trend continues, the ranks of singletons will just keep growing.

Read on for the most important financial advice for women who are single, divorced or widowed, with and without children — and the priority actions you need to take now so that 2016 can be your year of money happiness.

More: Here's how you really need to think about money after a divorce

Single women can take control of their financial power

You might be looking for the ideal life partner, be between relationships — or maybe you're not looking at all. Whether you’re single by circumstance or it’s simply your choice, you’re not alone.

As a single woman, you’re probably working — hard. You already have a single mindset about your financial life. After all, it’s your money, and you’re used to handling the bills and making all the big-ticket investment decisions for yourself. Not having a partner has some obvious benefits, including total freedom. No big fights over who blew $1,500 on a sports bet versus buying a new sofa. (And oh, the joys of being able to scarf the occasional dinner over the kitchen sink!)

Singlehood also comes with some not so obvious drawbacks, like not having a second opinion from someone who has just as much skin in the game as you do — someone who shares your goals and might be able to help support them.

The single mindset can be a huge confidence booster, but some trends for single women point to some worrisome money vulnerabilities. For example, women aren't keeping up with men in saving and investing.

Did you know men have 50 percent more money saved for their retirement than women do, according to one 2015 study by mutual fund company Vanguard?

Financial security is more important than ever for the many single women choosing to become mothers on their own. If you anticipate having a child on your own or already have one, you’ll need to think extra hard about your financial security because you are your child’s sole support.

It’s the small acts of saving and investing that play the biggest role in determining if you can live your desired lifestyle or end up a crazy cat lady, and that’s even more urgent for single women. I have your attention now, don’t I?

Four things you really need to know about money as a successful single woman

1. You will need a Plan B, a savings account to carry you through an emergency

If you face an unexpected crisis like extended illness or job loss, you don’t have another earner in the household. So it’s imperative that you sock away money to cover at least six months of expenses. Put this somewhere like a money-market account, where you can access it without penalty at any time. If you’re a mom, make sure you stash money to cover childcare costs if you need to look for a new job or face an illness, plus be sure to pay for your life and health insurance.

2. Don’t let your debt drag you down

Paying off debt is probably the single most important thing you can do to improve your finances. Talk about freedom — every dollar you can pay off enhances your sense of control and confidence in every aspect of your life, not to mention makes a positive impact on your credit score. First tackle high-interest debt, such as credit cards, but also budget for paying off student loans. And don't get in over your head with a bigger mortgage than you can afford. Racking up debt can make you feel guilty.

3. Take the reins on investing for retirement

Single women have to rely on their own resources and can’t lay claim to a portion of a spouse’s retirement income, as married women can. Plus, women now live well into their 80s, which means you need to participate in every company-sponsored and/or tax-free retirement account you can. Make sure to take advantage of any employer matching — that’s free money.

4. You need a Plan A, too

There are many sources of help, ranging from financial planners to so-called robo-advisers (web based) and your own knowledge accumulated by reading and taking courses. I still recommend getting together annually for an assessment of your assets and debts with a qualified investment adviser, someone who charges only a fee versus commissions on stocks or other investments that he or she sells to you. You’ll get feedback on whether you are adequately diversified and on track. This can give you that trusted second opinion.

More: Why a robot financial adviser is a smart money choice

4 Reasons to travel to Québec in the winter — despite the freezing cold

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A destination with European flair, this unique and unforgettable experience awaits just north of the border. For a romantic, family or weekend getaway with friends, there’s something to excite everyone. Bundle up and enjoy the sights, sounds, and flavors of wintertime in Québec!

More: How to take a family-friendly vacation

1. The Winter Carnival, Québec City

Image: Roger Pratesi/SheKnows

Quebecers joie de vivre (zest for life) is particularly evident as they embrace and enjoy the winter season; and there’s no better example of this than carnival time. The largest winter carnival in the world, this month-long celebration features a multitude of activities for adults and children alike. Bonhomme, the star of the show (and temporary mayor of the city) takes guests on a tour through his home, the Ice Palace, and is master of ceremonies for many activities and events during carnival.

There are ice races on the St. Lawrence River, night parades that light up the city streets with singing, dancing and colorful floats and costumes. Children of all ages will enjoy the outdoor activities on the Plains of Abraham: snow slides, sleigh rides and ice skating make for a fun day outdoors. For a more relaxed and adult afternoon, take a walk along the snow covered Rue Petit Champlain, the oldest street in North America, with its boutiques, restaurants and festivities. When it’s time to head indoors, warm things up with a drink of Caribou, the local’s way to stay warm. This high-octane beverage is a combination of red wine, whiskey and maple syrup.

2. There are plenty of outdoor activities in and around Québec City

Image: Roger Pratesi/SheKnows

Visit the magical Hôtel de Glace (Ice Hotel), or for more action, take a snow tube or raft down one of many slopes at Villages Vacances Valcartier. At the bottom of the hill, stop for a local treat, Québécois-style maple-syrup taffy, made by pouring hot maple syrup on the snow and rolling it onto a stick. Enlist your inner adventurer and try mushing (or dogsledding) at Mont Sainte-Anne, or channel your inner child with a thrilling ride down the Toboggan Slide Au 1884 next to Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, with amazing views of the city and the icy St. Lawrence River from the top of the slide.

Image: Roger Pratesi/SheKnows

More: 6 Reasons you need to visit Western Montana

3. The charming townships

Think Vermont meets Québec in these charming small towns surrounded by farmland and popular ski destinations. Experience the exhilarating sensation of a Nordic spa at Eastman Spa, taste award-winning wines and cidres along the wine route, and visit the beautiful Abbaye Saint‑Benoît‑du‑Lac and enjoy a peaceful moment while sampling their delicious cheeses, cidres and jams and jellies made by the monks. For a special treat, book a room at Manoir Hovey in North Hatley where you can go ice fishing on Lake Massawippi and enjoy Chef Francis Wolfe’s delightful seasonal cuisine.

4. One of the largest winter festivals: Montréal en Lumière

Image: Roger Pratesi/SheKnows

This lively international city is host to another of the world’s largest winter festivals, Montréal en Lumière. With a focus on arts, lights and cuisine for 17 days, there are numerous culinary events and dinners, theater and musical performances across the city. For bigger kids and adults, there is a free outdoor playground at the Place des Arts esplanade, which comes alive at night with music and entertainment including zip lines, ice slides and live performances. Between festival activities, visit some of the city’s highlights: Old Montréal and Port with its cobblestone streets and beautiful architecture; The Montréal Museum of Fine Arts; Jean-Talon Market; and the city’s many restaurants for their outstanding and award-winning cuisine.

Winter is often a time when we think of sandy beaches and sunshine, but shift your compass north and experience the fun and excitement that winter creates during the carnivals and festivals of Québec.

More: 5 Snowy activities to do on a winter girls' weekend

Tyga speaks out about Kylie Jenner and their age gap

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They're like a modern day Romeo and Juliet — assuming the latter was underage when the former courted her and then the former couldn't bring himself to understand why everyone thinks their relationship is slightly inappropriate — and then insinuated that "God" wants them together, for good measure.

During a sit-down interview with San Francisco radio station KMEL's Shay Diddy recently, Tyga spoke about his eight-year age difference with girlfriend Jenner and how he doesn't get why many people continue to bash him for pursuing their romance. The 26-year-old "Rack City" rapper is obviously crazy about the youngest sibling in the Jenner/Kardashian family, and the two made things public last summer, when Jenner turned 18. Given the fact that they were photographed hanging out together about a year before that, many folks still can't shake the idea that a man in his mid-20s thought it was cool to date a 17-year-old girl.

More: Tyga dedicated his latest tattoo to his girlfriend, Kylie Jenner (PHOTO)

Tyga told Diddy it's difficult for him to talk about the way critics bash them and that Kylie is "a really good person." He added: "It's almost like, the devil keeps trying to tell me something to not follow God, just let God do what he gotta do. So I don't really know how to speak on that because it's just something I have to deal with. A lot of things in life, you just gotta deal with it as it comes."

I'm not sure if Tyga is trying to say that the critics are like the devil trying to get him not to follow a Kylie-like God? Or that he's like God and everyone should just let Tyga-God do what he has to do (a.k.a. date Kylie)? The analogy is a bit of stretch for me, but hey, let's remember this is a man who has not been able to shake bad publicity for falling in love with a woman who just so happened to be a teenager last year. Yeah, it doesn't sound any better to me now, either.

More: Tyga makes big confession about Kylie Jenner on Kocktails with Khloé (VIDEO) 

Tyga continued to talk about their age gap and defend it, saying: "Me being older than her, I've been through a lot more things so I can help her more with it even though she's been more in tabloid media limelight than I have been. But I can see that because I know what type of person she is. I know what she deals with."

I think the important thing to remember here is, no matter how creepy the thought of an adult dating a very young woman, they are both of age now. What happened in the past is water under the bridge and, despite what a lot of us might think, it's difficult to deny there isn't something unique that keeps these two together.

At the end of the day, Tyga has gone as far as saying he wants to marry Kylie. He raves about her every chance he gets — and if Kylie's family has given them their blessing, who cares what strangers on Twitter have to say about it? Their age difference may continue to make people roll their eyes, but the moment she turned 18, it became old news.

Madonna's Philippines concert is a spectacle of TMI

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If there's one thing you can always count on at a Madonna concert, it's some element of controversy. The Queen of Pop was as unabashedly vocal as ever during the Manila leg of her "Rebel Heart" tour — calling out her former trainer for having sex with her ex-boyfriend and getting herself into hot water with Philippines authorities by using the flag in an inappropriate way that could violate the country's law.

Oh, Madonna.

Let's start with the poor woman Page Six has since identified as Madonna's long-term trainer Nicole Winhoffer — who now has the privilege of being publicly shamed. While on stage in front of a sold-out crowd of 20,000, Madonna called her out by saying, "Once I had a Filipino trainer — this beautiful, beautiful girl. She was gorgeous and very talented as a trainer. But she f----d my boyfriend, so I fired her."

She went on to joke, "In this case, it was not a happy ending. I know I sound like I am cynical and I don't believe in romance and that I think everybody is backstabbing."

Madonna and Winhoffer worked together for five years and the trainer served as creative director for a franchise of gyms called Hard Kandy Fitness, which Madonna opened all over the world. They parted ways in 2014, but Madonna made no mention of why their friendship turned sour — until, of course, she decided to make mention of it in front of thousands of strangers.

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A source says Winhoffer and Madonna shared the same lover, but that she slept with him before he dated Madonna, so who knows what's true? As an artist, I realize Madonna uses her music and the stage as a platform from which to express her deepest emotions, including anger, bitterness and jealousy. But I can't help but feel a private confession like this one about another woman would have been very different in 1985, when the Internet and social media weren't around to pick up on it at lightning speed, identify the "culprit" and hang her by a Twitter noose within minutes.

As for this bizarre incident with the Filipino flag, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines decided that Madonna may have broken the law and could be deported because she wore the flag as a wrap. Filipino law prohibits wearing "the flag in whole or in part as a costume or uniform."

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Even if she and her team were unaware of the law, they may still face deportation. Which, I'm guessing for Madonna, is just par for the course during a huge global tour.

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