Watching Jenny McCarthy on TV defending her choice to take the traditional route was definitely not what I was expecting from the newest episode of Donnie Loves Jenny. Within the first two minutes, we watched McCarthy explain to her sister why she wants to be Jenny Wahlberg, and her sister wasn’t having any of it.
McCarthy admitted that she is proud of what she’s made of her name and all the work she’s put into it, but that doesn’t mean that she doesn’t want to feel connected to Wahlberg in this traditional way. Her sister disagreed, but it’s important to point out that neither is wrong.
The topic of whether to take the man’s name, keep your own or make some sort of hyphenated combination name has been trending in the past few years. Some women see it as an outdated tradition that strips them of their independence. Others see it as a bond between two people who want to show the world that they are family. Both are true and both are valid.
Unfortunately, our culture sees issues as an either/or scenario, when they should really be simply an and situation. There is no reason to pit sister against sister in this case, when both are right and both have made choices that work for them in their lives. A name doesn’t define a person’s worth or the strength of their marriage, and we shouldn't judge other women for whatever choice they make. And, more importantly, one woman’s choice to take her husband’s name doesn’t affect another woman who chooses not to. There’s no reason either woman should have an opinion about the other’s choices.
I’m all for debate and hearing other people’s opinions, but let’s all agree to take the judgment out of it. We’re all going through enough nonsense in our lives; it’s not worth it for us to make the days harder for each other.
What do you think? Is taking a last name important?
With so many years ahead of them to attend school, university and then work shouldn't we allow our children time to play before the commitments of the world fall upon their shoulders? According to The LEGO Foundation we absolutely should.
The charity headed by the Danish toy manufacturer is campaigning to raise awareness of the importance of children's playtime, explaining how eliminating it from their daily lives could actually hinder their creative development.
LEGO Instagram
LEGO Instagram
According to the foundation's website play helps to develop skills like empathy, communication, problem-solving, creativity and teamwork.
The foundation notes that play is essential to equip children for the challenges that they will face later in life. Even so playtime is being overlooked.
"Over the past half century there has been a sharp decline in how much children play. In addition, there is a widespread lack of understanding of the impact and benefits of play and making play a natural part of the learning process," the foundation states.
Head of The LEGO Foundation, Hanne Rasmussen, commented on how the knowledge-based education system in the U.K. has reduced the importance of play.
"Both in the formal education system and in the homes of children, the focus on the value of play is rather limited," Rasmussen said. "This is why the foundation hopes to improve "the understanding of the value of play and what play can really do."
Rasmussen used her own childhood as an example as she reflected on growing up without constant schedules and planning.
"We had more room to actually engage and keep ourselves entertained and we learned through that and we grew in many different ways through that," she said of her childhood in Denmark in the 1970s.
"All over the world, we see parents spending much energy doing the best for their child, and play is not on that list because they don't have the background to understand what it could do," she continued.
Rasmussen believes that, in contrast with the current U.K. education system, a "play-based methodology makes a lot of sense" in children up to around eight years old. She also cites research from New Zealand which suggests that early formal literacy lessons do not make children better readers by the age of 11 and could even put them off reading altogether. This suggests that the British education system, which dictates that children start formal schooling by the age of five, may not be getting it completely right.
The biggest problem is not that parents don't want the best for their children. In fact it's quite the opposite. Parents want their children to succeed, to get a good job, to thrive and stand out in an increasingly competitive world with a rapidly changing economic climate. Because of all these factors, it can be easy to forget that sometimes children need to engage in hands-on activities. It's not about rejecting knowledge-based content. It's about finding a balance.
If you want to know more, the LEGO website offers parents helpful information on how to help your child learn through play and The LEGO Foundation's site provides readers with information on their play-based learning programmes.
Do you allow your child time to play each day? Do you agree with the statements made by the LEGO Foundation? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
It's one thing to raise your son to avoid sexist ideals, it's another to teach him to celebrate women of the past and encourage women of the future. That's just what mother and photographer Katrin Ballew instills in her son, Henry, daily.
"I want him to know that women can do just as much as men," explained Ballew. "I want to teach him about influential women in history, in science, in art and literature. I want him to grow up seeing these strong women alongside the men so that he will know this is how it's meant to be — that they are different but equal."
Teaching children to recognize injustices in society is the heart of raising future leaders. Ballew will surround her son with strong female role models so he understands powerful, accepted females as the societal norm; when a lack of acknowledgment for women exists, he'll perceive it as inequality.
"He will understand our struggle as women and how unusual it is that women are not highlighted for their victories more often," she said.
"When women are still making only 77 cents for a man’s dollar, I hope that she realizes that the satisfaction of achieving your own dreams is greater than simply the price tag put on your efforts," said Alannah Coley-Eisenmann.
She will also teach her daughter the importance of strength and perseverance in situations where gender inequality is seemingly winning.
"When it takes 55 women to accuse a man of a crime before an action is taken, I hope that she will be able to find the strength to speak her truths, even when no one is listening."
4. They hope their daughters will stand tall despite sexism
The reality is that sexism does exist, and the power to protect children from it eventually expires. Coley-Eisenmann will teach her daughter to remain courageous and fearless when in the face of sexism rather than succumbing to it.
"It is instilling a sense of confidence and self-worth and independence in every action, because you know that you can’t protect or shield them from outside influence forever," Coley-Eisenmann confessed. "It’s knowing that people are going to say awful, sexist things to her; it is knowing that she will be catcalled and harassed and told from a very young age that she can’t like certain things because she is a girl, and hoping against hope that you can build her up before others try to tear her down.
Romina Fahl unconditionally refuses to push any gender-specific interests on her son, Gavin. "At this young age, all I can do is not care if something is for boys or girls," Fahl said.
"If he wants to play with dolls and get a kitchen set, he will get to. If he tells me he wants to do dance classes or gymnastics or baseball, I will facilitate his dreams. My job isn't to push a certain set of 'acceptable' interests onto my young child. My job is to nurture and accept him for who he is," she said.
"Before we judge or condemn another human being for behaving differently than we would, I think it is important to stop and remember that we don't know what their circumstances are," asserted Fahl. "It's important to think about life from other perspectives all the time or else risk becoming closed-minded and judgmental."
And one action she always wants her son to do: ask questions.
"Being curious about the world and always asking questions will help Gavin gain a better understanding for other people and cultures as well as help him think critically."
One celebrated value many young parents want to teach their children is to view other people — regardless of gender — as complete equals.
"I encourage strong female and male leads," avowed Amanda Peterson, mother to two insanely precious toddlers. "My husband and I teach our sons that no matter who you are, you can achieve anything. I like to lead by example and show my boys that anyone can accomplish anything... my sons see how hard not only daddy works but how hard mommy works to achieve her dreams and career goals."
8. They provide the example of a supportive partner
Krystal Moran and her husband, Omar, not only cherish their rock-solid bond and adorableness-filled marriage, but they know it's more than that. The examples of their relationship and dynamic are memories their son will carry with him forever.
She applauds her husband for celebrating her as a woman every day, a benchmark she hopes Mark will strive for in his future relationships.
"In all of my endeavours, my husband has never once made me feel like I was incapable of doing what I set out to accomplish," Krystal confessed. "The example my husband is setting for our son is probably the most important and influential example of a man valuing, supporting and respecting a woman that Mark will ever see."
9. They teach the importance of healthy body image
With countless thigh gaps and washboard abs flooding Instagram and other social platforms, the danger of women comparing their bodies to other women's is only growing.
Emily Newland will teach her young daughter to never adopt one notoriously dangerous habit: comparison.
"There is always a new body type to long after. I don't want my daughter to get lost in the trap of comparison," Newland explained. "I want my daughter to know that her worth comes from more than how she looks."
More so, she'll encourage her daughter to lift other women up in moments of insecurity rather than be critical or competitive.
"I feel like if more women realized how worthy they are, without the constant need for the most likes, the comparison trap wouldn't be such an issue," she said. "We could be united, lifting each other up rather than comparing and tearing each other down."
10. They want their children to understand the vastness of love
The importance of teaching children about love is one of a parent's greatest responsibilities, and Newland wants her children to understand just how powerful it can be.
And more important, that everyone in the world is deserving of it.
"The most important value I want to teach my daughter is love," she said. "I believe that love can conquer anything. It can break barriers, and like I've told my husband, we shouldn't try to change people — we just need to love them."
Young women will deliver the programme to girls aged seven to 25 following Peer Education training in early April.
Girlguiding's Peer Educators, who are aged between 14 and 26, already run badges on sensitive topics such as healthy relationships, body confidence, alcohol, smoking, drugs and sex. One of the Educators who has helped develop the "Think Resilient" badge is Lizzie Gardiner, who wrote on the Girlguiding blog about the importance of the new programme.
"Our new resource hopes to equip girls with the mental resilience they need to deal with life's challenges," she said. "Through peer education, we can provide a safe but enjoyable way for girls to develop the skills they need to cope in difficult times.
"Mental well-being is not something that is talked about in schools, which makes resources like Think Resilient all the more important," Gardiner added. "I just wish something like this had been around when I was younger!"
Gardiner and the eight other Peer Educators were supported by experts at mental health charity YoungMinds to ensure the programme raises awareness of the importance of resilience in times of stress and hardship and uses fun, energetic activities to encourage girls to improve their mental well-being.
"Think Resilience" will also encourage girls to create a network of trusted friends and adults they can turn to if they need support, meaning they can keep looking after their mental health even after the sessions have finished.
"Girlguiding listens to girls and we've created this inspiring new resource as a direct response to what girls told us they need," Chief Guide Gill Slocombe told BBC News.
YoungMinds chief executive Sarah Brennan said family breakdown, stress at school, the Internet, body-image issues and early sexualisation were just some of the pressures young people were dealing with today.
"Peer to peer is a really powerful way to educate… and help girls and young women build their emotional strength and resilience," she said.
Girlguiding's 2015 Girls' Attitudes Survey of 1,500 U.K. girls and young women found that 46 percent of girls aged 17 to 21 had sought help with their mental health, 66 percent said mental health was awkward to discuss, 62 percent of girls aged 11 to 21 knew a girl or young woman who had experienced a mental health problem and 82 percent felt adults did not understand the pressures young people faced.
Last August a Children's Society report found children in England were among the unhappiest in the world.
The event, in which you can bring any vessel of your choosing to 7-Eleven and fill it with your favorite Slurpee flavor, is being held over the course of two days. On March 18 and 19, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., you can bring in your container and get slurpin' for just $1.50.
Containers must be able to fit through a 10-inch hole, so that old cello you were eyeing is a no-go.
Containers must be food safe and waterproof too — specifically, 7-Eleven doesn't want you filling up electronics, sneakers and, um, pets. Hopefully that's a preventative measure and not a reaction to what someone did last year, but who knows? When it comes to discounted icy sugar solutions, people have been known to do crazy things.
So don't be the greedy one who tries to get more than your fair share of Slurpee and ruins it for everyone else — the good thing about BYO Cup Day is that there's always another one (or two) next year.
In conclusion, 10-inch food-safe container, $1.50 Slurpees, March 18 – 19, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Be there, or be square.
I had no intention of going to the end term work party although I was deserving of our annual work gala. I knew my pattern of drinking at open bars and opted to stay home instead but two sisters I worked with at the middle school convinced me it would be fun. I did love to dance and needed a distraction from a recent breakup so I put on my red dress with the cute red sandals and headed deep into Bensonhurst, Brooklyn.
Sometime after I started slurring sweet nothings into my assistant principal’s ear like, “You don’t know what you’re missing,” and “I’m worth it,” my friends pulled me by my red flowered dress and took me outside.
“Take her home,” Lisa said to the young car service driver. She placed me in the back of the red Chevrolet.
“So, what’s your name?” She asked the driver in her best Brooklyn accent.
“Ant – Ta-nee,” he said. “Well Anthony, this is Elana. Take good care of her.” Lisa hugged me and walked away.
“I can’t believe he didn’t want me. I just can’t believe it,” I shouted at the driver. “Can you believe it?” I asked looking at his face through the mirror. He appeared attractive.
He turned around and looked at me. “No, Elana I can’t. Not for a minute,” he answered while smiling.
I realized I might not have enough money to pay for this luxury ride back to my Park Slope apartment and began rummaging through my bag for money. I started calculating my tab in my head. I had paid $65 at the door for the end term party, another $50 to get my hair done and $10 on mints and Tums. That did not leave much left over.
I remembered last year’s party and the other women who made fools of themselves. Something about free drinks turned us all into savages. I tried elixirs I would’ve never put into my body if I had to pay for them. Cherry martinis, then apple ones. Fufu drinks with maraschino cherries on them, vodka concoctions and few specially crafted shots. I consumed these drinks within three hours, enough time I had hoped to get my boss's attention.
It took Anthony 18 minutes to drive from the bar to the corner of my apartment. I felt more rejected than I had in years and I simply had to be kissed by somebody that night. Time was ticking away.
I’d kissed strangers before. Friends of friends, New Year’s romances, Valentine’s Day emergencies. All of them served to fill some void. I slobbered a variety of men ranging from musicians to lawyers but never anyone who’s worked the night shift.
After rambling on about my rejection ad nauseam, the driver turned around with one hand on the wheel and said, “You’re beautiful, you know.” It was the compliment I needed. I asked him to stop across the street from my apartment where I knew he could park his vehicle by the fire hydrant. I unlocked the door and soon we were both in the back seat. I asked him to kiss me and like any good chauffeur he listened.
Scratching static woke me up out of my haze. The company was calling for him for another pick-up. I realized I was not kissing my boss like I had fantasized; in fact, I had no idea who this man was sitting beside me. I sat there on cracked leather seats with a young man I had no attraction to. He reached in to kiss me and I told him he should pick up the next patron. I no longer needed to be kissed.
To this day I am not sure if I paid for the ride home. I was thankful we were interrupted before it went further. What I really wanted was a relationship. But sometimes, when you are single and rejected, there is a certain satisfaction in knowing that someone finds you desirable. Even if it means in the back seat of a red Chevrolet.
These days I don’t go to end of the year parties. Some boundaries I am no longer willing to cross.
Rob Kardashian turns 29 today (March 17), and instead of celebrating his birthday at a swanky club or an expensive restaurant, the youngest Kardashian chose to unleash his inner child.
Kardashian took to Instagram on Wednesday evening to share photos of his pre-birthday celebrations, along with girlfriend Blac Chyna, and they are the absolute cutest. Where did Kardashian celebrate the build-up to his birthday, you ask?
Legoland California Resort, of course — and seriously, we haven't seen Rob smile this much in years.
Rob Kardashian Instagram
Rob Kardashian Instagram
Rob Kardashian Instagram 2
Rob Kardashian Instagram 2
Fans are thrilled to see Kardashian looking so happy and so healthy, and the pictures are littered with comments of encouragement and praise.
"You two are the cutest," angelakourtney wrote.
"Love you two," elliottlisa shared. "She is obviously making a huge difference to him. Im [sic] glad that they found love."
"So glad to see Rob doing so well. It goes to show if you surround yourself with positive uplifting people, the better off you are," tonyamt52 wrote.
And nyahbinghidoll also weighed in on Kardashian's happiness, writing, "Sooo amazing to see him smile! He deserves to be happy ! She is amazing too."
It's been a great year for Kardashian thus far: He appears to have found a woman who genuinely cares for him, and he's taking big steps to improve his health and shed the excess pounds. He has also become less of a social recluse and has been spotted enjoying time out and about on several occasions, as well as a romantic getaway to Jamaica.
Allegiant, the third movie in the Divergent series, opens in theaters this Friday, and we were lucky enough to sit down with the cast to get to know them better. From the super fascinating to the mundane, here's what we found out.
1. Shailene Woodley is super intrigued by singer Patti Smith and poet Anaïs Nin
When we asked Woodley whose memories she'd like to access if she had her own dose of memory serum, she said Patti Smith or Anaïs Nin. "Both of those ladies had some wild experiences and it would be fascinating to see their experiences and the way they interpreted them from their perspective," said Woodley.
2. Woodley would bring cheese if she got stuck in the Fringe
Woodley told us she'd also bring "food, water and a good buddy."
3. The two causes for which Woodley would risk her life
She told us climate change and fighting for respect for women around the world would be worth dying for.
4. The advice Woodley would give to a person labeled "damaged"
"Of course you're damaged; you're a human being, but we're all damaged. If we were pure, we probably wouldn't be on this planet. We're here to learn. I would say keep on truckin' — you're doing exactly what you're meant to be doing," said Woodley.
5. Woodley's favorite scene from the Divergent series
"The ferris wheel in Divergent. That was such a special night; there was a full moon, Theo and I were climbing up this ladder and it was freezing, but there's something so special and nostalgic about looking back upon the fact that we got to climb up the Navy Pier ferris wheel."
6. Woodley's advice for good skin
"Don't stress."
7. The memories Theo James would most like to access
James said he would relive his grandfather's memories. "He came from Greece and had a mysterious life."
8. James is into drones
If James could have any of the technology from the Divergent series, he would choose personal drones.
9. The three items James would bring if he was stuck in the Fringe
"Army knife, pair of clean socks, breath mints."
10. The tattoo James wants right now
"A unicorn at the base of my back." Hmm, we're not sure he was being totally serious with us.
11. The one thing James would risk his life for
He said it would be his family.
12. The one thing James would like to learn
"I'd like to learn to surf," he said.
13. Miles Teller's advice for anyone who's been labeled "damaged"
"If you're a kid and you feel like you don't fit in — good! All the great artists in the history of the world always felt like they didn't fit in."
14. The one thing Teller would bring if he was stuck in the Fringe
"A Bluetooth music thing that doesn't stop."
15. The person's memories Zoë Kravitz would most like to access
Jimi Hendrix.
16. The three things Kravitz would bring to the Fringe
"Food, music and Peter."
17. Kravitz's advice for someone labeled "damaged"
She said she would tell the person that "it's not a real thing and you just have to be yourself."
18. The person whose memories Naomi Watts would like to access
"Mother is a good place to start."
19. The technology Watts would like to have from Divergent
"The protective bubble."
20. The person whose memories Octavia Spencer would like to access
"Maybe my mom, because my mom passed away when I was 18."
Mismatched lip colors might just be the next A-List trend, says celebrity makeup artist Rachel Toldeo of Ray Brown Pro. "I don't mind seeing a pink lip with a red or purple dress. I saw a lot of mismatching lip colors with dresses at the Oscars. A pretty pink pout should match the girl, not the outfit."
So don't worry about working too hard at matching. Shawn Fisher, JAPONESQUE National Makeup Artist says the key is coordination. "It's about making the color coordinate to pop the overall look, but not overdoing it with too much matching," he says.
Choose your shade
It's like the old saying: Know the rules before you can experiment. The key, according to Fisher, is finding the right shade for your skin tone.
Peachy pinks that have orange or coral undertones will bring out the golden shades in your skin. Try Sephora Pantone Universe lipstick in rose quartz if you want something pink-pink but we like Buxom Full Bodied in Fiery Coral if you want to tip the shade into reds.
Let your lip look define the rest of your makeup! Rocking a showstopping shade like Estee Lauder Neon Azalea (top left)? Keep the rest of the makeup minimal, says Fisher.
If you're rocking a statement shade, "skip a lot of eyeshadow and load up on eyeliner and mascara," says Fisher. If you're going big with a smoky eye, choose a sheer pink like this famous MAC's hue (top right).
Image: Younique, Tom Ford
"Brighter pinks are a bold fashion accessory," says Toldeo. Just like fashion accessories, they're one of the most fun parts of any outfit. For a classic peony pink, Toledo recommends Conceited by Younique. Ready for the next level? Try Tom Ford Flamingo, a Miami coral pink that looks great with a tan. Most importantly, any statement lip works when you feel confident in it. Purple lipgloss may or may not match my skin tone perfectly, but I love wearing it way too much. My recommendation? Find the shade that makes you feel most like you, and wear it all spring long.
Is there a rivalry between Rihanna and Beyoncé? When Vogue asked Rihanna about Bey releasing "Formation" shortly after Anti dropped, the "Work" singer didn't confirm feud rumors, but she didn't quite deny them either.
"Here’s the deal," Rihanna told the magazine. "They just get so excited to feast on something that’s negative. Something that's competitive. Something that's, you know, a rivalry. And that's just not what I wake up to. Because I can only do me. And nobody else is going to be able to do that."
Preach, girl! Nobody is you and that is your power.
rihanna vogue cover
rihanna vogue cover
Rihanna also opened up to the magazine about the controversial see-through dress she wore sans bra to the CFDA Awards in 2014.
"I just liked it better without the lines underneath. Could you imagine the CFDA dress with a bra? I would slice my throat. I already wanted to, for wearing a thong that wasn't bedazzled," Rihanna told Vogue. "That's the only regret I have in my life."
The journalist followed up, "Wearing a thong that wasn't bedazzled is your greatest regret in life?
"To the CFDA Awards. Yes," Rihanna responded.
vogue 2 riri
vogue 2 riri
Rihanna also dished on her new fashion line, which she described as "if the Addams family was wearing gym wear." The inspiration behind the unisex designs came from her brothers, Rajad, Rorrey and Jamie.
"I always wanted to play the games they played and play rough and wear pants and go outside. Women feel empowered when they can do the things that are supposed to be only for men, you know?" Rihanna said. "It breaks boundaries, it's liberating and it's empowering when you feel like, Well, I can do that too."
Well, we've made it here together. On Thursday night's Season 13 finale, cheftestant Jeremy Ford was awarded the title of Top Chef. If you've been reading these recaps, you know my feelings on this — Marjorie should have at least been in the final two, if not the winner, but alas, it was not to be. I'm very whatever about Jeremy's win, although the finale wasn't totally without its merits. Here are some of the episode's pros and cons, according to me.
Let it never be said these cheftestants didn't learn anything this season. Angelina, Marjorie, Carl and Kwame helped out Amar and Jeremy in the finale. It was blissfully lacking in narcissism, drama and dishes involving rocks.
2. Amar made risotto that wasn't horrible!
Risotto is usually the kiss of death for cheftestants, but Amar executed it well, even though fans were certain it would lead to his demise. He didn't win, but hey! Not crappy risotto!
3. Tom cooked!
A whole meal! For Jeremy and Amar! While wearing glasses! Have we ever seen this in the history of the show? Usually Tom lurks around in the kitchen Tim Gunn style, but I can't remember him ever actually cooking, and on the finale, he made three courses that looked delicious.
4. At least there was some diversity in the finale
Although the final two cheftestants were dudes, it is important that it wasn't two white dudes. Amar talked about his Latino identity throughout the season, as well as issues of class that he dealt with throughout his life, and represented his culture in his food.
Look, I don't hate Jeremy. He's fine. (Twitter thinks he's super fine — he's been deemed a DILF over there.) But I do think it's weird that he didn't get kicked off after his disastrous performance in Restaurant Wars. I'm also not that into his molecular gastronomy stuff — Amar said it best when he stated that he'd rather his food be referred to as "delicious" as opposed to "interesting." In conclusion: Meh.
2. Amar's arrogance
Apparently Amar and his former mentor, Charlie Palmer, had some kind of falling out a while ago, which means that obviously Charlie Palmer was going to show up in the finale and work closely with Amar. Charlie has some feelings about Amar, mainly that he's kind of a jerk: "There's a difference between being confident in what you do and being a complete asshole." Yikes. Did we think Amar was a jerk this season? Did he just hide it well or was it edited out?
3. Duck
Or, more accurately, proteins. Both Amar and Jeremy messed up to some degree with their meats — Amar with the slightly undercooked lamb and Jeremy with his slightly undercooked duck. In the end, it was the fact that Amar had some inconsistency in terms of details that made Jeremy the winner. At least no one got food poisoning? Maybe next season.
I knew that Fitz was a Republican president. It's been mentioned a fair few times on Scandal at this point. But one of the great things about Scandal is that the show has managed to do politics without really bringing in party lines too much. It's never really mattered.
With Fitz about to step down in his presidency and a new candidate about to rise, it is becoming more and more strikingly clear that all of these characters I've gotten to know and love are Republicans.
Let me make this clear before I go any further in this article: Though I identify as a Democrat because of my social politics, I have absolutely nothing against Republicans.
But that doesn't mean I understand how Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington) could possibly be a Republican given everything we've learned about her history on the show.
She's never come out and said, "I am a Republican and I vote for Republicans," but the fact that she's been working on Fitz's campaign since the beginning suggests that she has identified as a conservative for a long while.
First of all, let's discuss her social politics. They're as liberal as liberal gets. She isn't against gay marriage. In fact, she has fully and completely supported Cyrus' decisions with regard to his personal life and family throughout the entirety of the show.
She's clearly pro-choice, since she herself had an abortion not too long ago without giving it much of a second thought; a fact which made me applaud the show wholeheartedly.
Olivia is not religious.
Olivia supports the lower class, and though she hasn't directly said it, I can't imagine she wouldn't be all for supporting tax cuts for the lower class and a higher minimum wage throughout the country. Don't even get me started on education. Mellie is making funding for education a platform of her campaign, but traditionally, Republicans favor more student loans and funding coming from the private sector rather than directly from the government.
And again, though she hasn't made her stance clear on the environment, there's no way she's a fan of offshore drilling. She's too progressive not to support environmental efforts. I could definitely see Olivia driving a Prius and encouraging Fitz to look at alternative energy options. She would be thinking long term on this one and not what would cut costs for consumers in the short term.
Maybe it's just because I want to see Olivia in myself or maybe show creator Shonda Rhimes is trying to send the message that there aren't as many differences between Democrats and Republicans as we all like to believe; either way, I'm calling foul on this one.
Her social politics alone rule out the fact that she would ever support Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio or John Kasich if this was real life. Let's not even bring Donald Trump into this discussion. There's clearly no debate about that one.
Which political party do you think best fits Olivia Pope?
Warning: The following contains spoilers from Thursday's Season 2 finale of How to Get Away with Murder, so read at your own risk.
There's no doubt the second season of HTGAWM started and ended with a bang. During Thursday's finale, a lot of answers were provided to questions fans have been wondering about since the beginning. Like who killed the Hapstall parents and Helena Hapstall? Answer: Caleb. The episode also finally offered up details about why Frank killed Lila, what he owed Sam and even more about his past, including why he has that suitcase of money.
Since the get-go, Frank hasn't been a good guy, but is anyone really 100 percent good on this series? At the end of Season 1, it was revealed he murdered Lila for Sam. Then, during Season 2, he helped get rid of Rebecca's dead body. There's nothing this man won't clean up or take care of when it comes to the Keatings. Clearly, ever since Sam "dragged him out of the gutter and guilted Annalise into hiring him," he's been doing all kinds of favors for them.
However, before he became the Frank fans know and Laurel loves, he was a very different man, which became evident during the flashbacks 10 years prior. So, how did he become the current Frank?
Remember Frank going back to that random woman's hotel room during the flashback? If you thought there was more to her, you were right. She worked for Wallace Mahoney. Well, she offered Frank a suitcase of money (yes, that's where he got the suitcase!) to bug Annalise's room so the Mahoneys could get a mistrial for their son's case.
It all backfired, because then Mahoney learned of Annalise's plan to go to the police and he basically put a hit out on her. That's right: Her car accident wasn't an accident. After Sam told Frank that Annalise was fine but they lost the baby, Frank came clean about everything. And this is where Frank's favor to Sam comes into play. As angry as Sam was for Frank essentially being responsible for killing his child, he told him to never tell Annalise any of this or he would ruin Frank. That's how Frank ended up owing Sam and why he killed Lila.
Let's also note that it looks like Frank never spent any of the money from the Mahoneys, which is probably out of pure guilt and the fact that he'd feel more horrible than he already does.
At the end of the episode, Bonnie told Annalise Frank's role in the death of her son, which made her even more hurt and angry. She then told Bonnie that Frank needed to go. Does that mean she wants Bonnie to kill Frank? Does that mean she wants Bonnie to tell Frank to leave and never come back? I think that's up for fans to interpret.
Whatever the case, Laurel visited Frank's apartment at the end of the hour and he was nowhere to be found. You know what else was missing? His clothes and that suitcase of money. So, it appears Frank hit the road. Where did he go?
Well, there's one theory. At the very last minute of the episode, Wes approached his alleged father, Wallace Mahoney. After Wes revealed his true identity, Wallace was shot and killed right before Wes' eyes. Side note: How much can Wes really take when it comes to his parents and watching them die? Poor Wes.
There is a very good chance that Frank could've murdered Wallace. I mean, the downfall of Frank, Sam and Annalise all started because of the Mahoneys, so maybe Frank wanted to get revenge for all of them? Plus, he carried a big burden for 10 years, so maybe Frank had just had enough. Unfortunately, fans will have to wait until Season 3 to find out.
With that, let's applaud HTGAWM for another successful season, in addition to both Viola Davis and Charlie Weber's powerful performances in the Season 2 finale.
Prepare to feel your age, party people — Real World has officially been around for nearly a quarter of a century. And tonight, MTV kicked off the 31st season of its OG reality series, this season dubbed Real World: Go Big or Go Home.
Naturally, over the years, the show was bound to change. After all, the concept of sticking seven strangers in a house (to find out what happens when people stop being polite and start getting real, natch) was a groundbreaking concept. Today, reality TV has upped the ante.
But how exactly is Real World today different from the Real World back in the day we'll always feel a bit nostalgic about? Well, I just finished watching the Go Big or Go Home premiere and there are a few ways — check it out.
1. Casting
Real World 7
Real World 7
In the very beginning, you simply needed to send in a headshot and an application to earn a chance at moving into the Real World pad. Over time, as technology evolved, this turned into open casting calls and/or the submission of casting videos — the latter of which are all now aired as part of the show. In fact, during tonight's premiere, the housemates got to watch each other's videos and weigh in on them prior to meeting each other. According to Real World creator Jonathan Murray, the network is actually moving away from the old recruiting format once more. "We don't do the big open calls anymore, and we actually do much more outreach now where we actually go out and find those interesting people who we think would be good on the show."
Listen, it's been a hot minute since I've watched Real World, and this is definitely not the Real World of old when it comes to videography and other effects. Tonight's premiere looked so glossy and stylized. Music would cut in at key moments and there were clever little snippets of camera trickery that would probably blow the minds of the original NY cast.
Generally speaking, there are several recurring themes that come up on Real World. Religion, for example, which is on display this season with Salt Lake City-bred Mormon-turned-NYC-hipster and pansexual, Chris. Or prejudice, which is seriously an issue with Confederate-flag-flyin' and proud country girl Jenna. Hookups, sexuality, religion — you know the drill. But as of Season 29, each season actually has a specific theme. In San Francisco, it was "Ex-Plosion," where cast members came on with exes. In Chicago, it was "Skeletons," where they dealt with unresolved drama. And, obviously, this season is "Go Big or Go Home," which basically means they're going to have to do some crazy shit.
4. The length
Real World 8
Real World 8
For 18 seasons, Real World fit snugly in a half-hour time slot. The trade-off was that the season was longer, ringing in at around 24 weeks. Starting in 2007 with the Sydney, Australia, season though, the show moved to a full hour. Subsequently, the season was cut down to around 12 weeks. To be honest, I kind of prefer it this way. Watching tonight, I feel like we get to know the characters so much better and get invested in a way that we couldn't during the half-hour episodes.
Speaking of getting to know the cast better, we now know more than ever before! Back in the day when we were crushin' on a cast member, we had little choice but to wait for a tabloid to put something about them in print or just hope they got ample screen time the next week. No more, my friends — thanks to the reach of social media, you can find out pretty much everything you want about the castmates. As a matter of fact, the castmates use Twitter to promote the show and to interact with fans.
6. The culture of confessionals
Real World 2
Real World 2
In the past, it seemed like producers had to kind of steer castmates to really dig deep in confessionals — or, you know, they'd just stock the house with a steady supply of alcohol, everyone's favorite social lubricant. Nowadays, MTV basically just has to sit back and watch as the castmates spill the intimate details of their lives. "Overall, people are much more comfortable being in front of a camera," said Murray. "Look at the way this generation sort of exposes their lives through Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. It's just not unusual now for people to share their lives with each other."
7. The "missions"
Real World 1
Real World 1
OK, as an old-school Real World watcher, tonight introduced me to something I'd never seen on the show before: missions. As in, tonight they had to bungee jump out of a hot air balloon. Wait, is this Real World or is this a Real World/Road Rules Challenge? Apparently this will be a thing all season long, although we've yet to see what other kinds of adrenaline-spiking tests they'll be served up. Admittedly, it's kind of fun to watch.
Another new twist! I know, there's a lot to process. In the past, generally the only way to get kicked off the show was if you displayed violence or extreme aggression toward another castmate. Although that is still essentially the same, MTV has started putting the decision in the housemates' hands — letting them vote whether or not they want the offending house member to stay. Based on the season teaser that aired tonight, it looks like this may wind up being the case with Jenna, CeeJai' or both. But the biggest difference this season brings is elimination due to lack of participation. Whaaaa? That's right; if someone opts out of one of these wild challenges, they get the boot... and a replacement roomie is brought into the house to fill the now-empty bed.
This easy and highly customisable no-bake cheesecake doubles as the perfect dessert AND breakfast. The fibrous granola-based crust and nutritious and zesty quark filling is the perfect jump-start to any daily grind. For extra vitamins top with the fresh fruit of your choice.
Image: Kortney Gruenwald/SheKnows
No-bake quark cheesecake
Yields 8 – 10 servings
Ingredients:
For the crust:
3-1/2 cups granola mix of choice
1/2 cup butter, melted, or coconut oil
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon maple syrup
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
For the filling:
2-1/2 cups quark
1 cup greek yoghurt
1/2 cup honey
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon zest
For optional topping:
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
1 teaspoon heavy cream
Fresh fruit of choice
Directions:
For the filling: in a large mixing bowl, stir together the quark and greek yoghurt. Line a sieve with a coffee filter, spoon in the quark mixture and place over a medium to large bowl. Cover with cling film and refrigerate overnight. Drain the excess liquid from the bowl the next day. Note: this step needs to be done 12 to 24 hours ahead of cheesecake preparation.
For the crust: Using a food processor or blender, crush the granola until it is a fine crumb consistency. Transfer the granola crumbs to a large mixing bowl and mix with all the other crust ingredients until well combined.
Transfer the granola mixture to an 8-inch pie dish or cake tin. Using a spoon, press the mixture firmly into the bottom and sides of the dish or tin to create the cheesecake base. Set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the quark mixture with the honey and lemon zest. Mix until creamy and smooth. Pour on top of the cheesecake base and refrigerate for 4 to 7 hours.
If wished, top with chocolate chips, cream and your fruit of choice. Slice and enjoy.
Hula hooping with an adult-sized weighted hoop (you can grab one from almost any sporting goods store or an online retailer like Amazon), raises your heart rate as an effective form of cardiovascular training, and also engages the major muscles of your core - your abs, obliques, low back, glutes and hips.
Once you get good at "regular" hooping, you can add new exercises to the mix, boosting your workout further. The following seven exercises are designed to target all your major muscle groups with a focus on your lower body and core. Work on each exercise individually or put them together for a full, 30-minute routine.
Hula hooping workout
Perform each exercise circuit-style, following one after the other. Don't worry if the hoop drops, just pick it back up again and keep going.
0:00-2:00, Front-to-back waist hooping, right foot in front (switch the rotation of the hoop every 30 seconds)
2:01-4:00, Front-to-back waist hooping, left foot in front (switch the rotation of the hoop every 30 seconds)
4:01-6:00, Side-to-side waist hooping (switch the rotation of the hoop every 30 seconds
6:01-7:00, March and press
7:01-8:00, Alternating hooping lunges
8:01-8:30, Hooping plie squat
8:31-9:00, Overhead halo
9:01-9:30, Knee marching with overhead halo
9:31-10:00, rest
Repeat the circuit two more times.
1. Front to back waist hooping
Image: Becci Burkhart/SheKnows
Stagger your legs one in front of the other, knees slightly bent with the hula hoop parallel to the floor, pulled flush against your back. Use your arms to propel the hoop around your body and begin rocking your hips front to back to keep the hoop moving.
Every 30 seconds change the direction of the hoop's rotation. Every 60 seconds switch your leg position.
2. Side to side waist hooping
Image: Becci Burkhart/SheKnows
Stand with your feet hip-distance apart, your knees slightly bent with the hula hoop parallel to the floor, pulled flush against your back. Use your arms to propel the hoop around your body and begin rocking your hips from side to side to keep the hoop moving.
Every 30 seconds change the direction of the hoop's rotation.
3. March and press
Image: Becci Burkhart/SheKnows
Stand with your feet hip-distance apart, holding the hula hoop in =both hands, so it's surrounding your shoulders at a slight angle toward the floor in front of you. Draw your right knee high, foot flexed as you press the hula hoop straight up in the air over your head. Lower your right knee and bring the hula hoop back to the starting position. Repeat on the opposite side, continuing the march and press movement.
Start in a staggered position with your legs about two to three feet apart. Begin front to back waist hooping, and once you've got a good rhythm, begin bending both knees to lower yourself down into a lunge as you continue the front to back sway of your hips. When you've gone as low as you can, with your weight in your front heel and knee aligned with your toes, return to standing. Step your front foot back, aligned with your back foot, then lunge forward with your opposite leg. Continue alternating legs each lunge.
5. Hooping plie squat
Image: Becci Burkhart/SheKnows
Step your feet out wide, toes pointed outward. Hold the hula hoop flush against your back and use your arms to propel it around your body to begin side to side waist hooping. Once you've got a good rhythm, sink down, bending both knees, keeping them aligned with your toes to lower into a plie squat, weight in your heels. When your knees are bent to roughly 90-degrees, reverse the movement and return to standing.
6. Overhead halo
Image: Becci Burkhart/SheKnows
The overhead halo works your shoulders, biceps and triceps as you work to keep the hoop spinning. Hold the hoop so it's looped around your body in your right hand. Press the hoop up over your head so the back of the hoop touches your back, your right palm facing away from you. Twist your right palm inward, rotating the hoop outward. Grasp the hoop with your left hand, palm facing backward. Rotate your left palm outward, twisting the hoop out and around until you can grasp it with your right hand again, palm facing forward. Continue twisting with this motion, picking up speed to lift the hoop up until it starts nearing parallel to the ground.
Start on your knees, arms overhead and begin performing an overhead halo. Once you've picked up speed, lift one knee from the ground and plant your foot in front of you, then return your knee to the ground again. Repeat to the opposite side.
Once you develop skill maintaining the overhead halo while performing knee marching, kick it up a notch by rising to standing every time you plant your foot on the floor, then return to the kneeling position before repeating to the other side.
For the non-believers, blue mascara is the place to start. Try a navy shade for the joy of wearing blue — you're wearing blue! — on your lashes, without the commitment of needing to switch up the entire rest of your face.
Pacifica co-founder Brook Harvey-Taylor tells us the goal is to make the mascara — "and really your eyes," she says — the focal point of your look. That means you should feel free to keep on layering until your lashes are deeply blue, teal or navy. You can also experiment with the look by adding blue to just the tips of your lashes. (Note: This version, while more subtle, may be preferable as it makes you look like a beauty genius even though all you need to know how to do is put on mascara.)
Harvey-Taylor suggests to "mix with browns and nudes" to keep the look work appropriate. When you're ready to kick it up a notch, add a complementary coral lip. A red lip, however, is "an absolute don't."
Don't waste time reading all those articles about what color mascara is best for your eye shade, says Harvey-Taylor; "There are a lot of suggestions about which colored mascara works for what eye color, but honestly blue works for anyone."
A few of our favorite blue mascaras to try for yourself:
In Touch Weekly magazine made the claims about Shelton during a September 2015 article titled, "The Real Story: REHAB for Blake," except that, according to Shelton, there is nothing real about the story at all.
Shelton previously took legal action against the magazine, and according to The Hollywood Reporter, he is "seeking at least $1 million for both libel and invasion of privacy, plus a restraining order."
Now, TMZ reports that Shelton has filed a sworn declaration against In Touch Weekly, m stating that a number of the claims it published were false, including the fact that he went to rehab — he didn't.
Other claims Shelton denies are, "I did not then nor have I ever hit rock bottom," "I do not drink excessively, binge drink or have a drinking problem," and "I do not drink vodka before 11 AM."
There's also, "I am never drunk, intoxicated, or unable to perform my job on 'The Voice,'" "I do not slur my words or stumble when I drink," and "I have never urinated on a mailbox."
But the claim that probably shocked fans the most was the statement that Shelton cheated on his now ex-wife Miranda Lambert with a number of naked women.
Having kids is the best. But also... it can be really, really hard sometimes. From dealing with temper tantrums to letting kids draw on themselves for some peace and quiet, these 10 moms and dads perfectly — and hilariously — articulated what it's like to be a parent sometimes. Thanks, Twitter. At least we know we're not alone.
So if you have a divorce petition lying around gathering dust get it into the court ASAP, because from Monday it'll cost you another £140 — increasing from £410 to £550 (34 percent).
Marilyn Stowe, a senior partner at Stowe Family Law, told The Law Society Gazette: "The petition fee is already exorbitant and unjustified given the actual cost of a divorce is circa £270. It is wrong to overcharge those who have no choice simply because they are a captive audience, not least when this relates to the justice system."
Family lawyers only learnt that the fee increase would go ahead on March 21 from emails sent out by divorce units, which referenced the increase just a few days before it comes into effect.
The Ministry of Justice has denied the measure has been "rushed in" and said the extra income is to boost funding for the justice system in anticipation of further cuts following the chancellor's latest budget.
Effectively people wanting to divorce are being taxed for the pleasure.
"[The] increase may lead to people unable to afford the fee remaining legally and financially tied to their former partner long after the relationship has ended," warned Jo Edwards, a solicitor and chair of Resolution. "Increasing fees will disproportionately impact women, who constitute two-thirds of those initiating divorce proceedings. The extent of the rise could, as the judiciary and others have warned, lead to women being trapped in unhappy or violent marriages."
Edwards added that the government should have waited until the House of Commons Justice Select Committee published the findings of its inquiry into court fees.
"Instead, the way in which this has been gone about, with no formal consultation or announcement, demonstrates a shocking lack of transparency from government," she said. "The manner in which they're implementing this increase, by calling courts today and instructing them to charge more from Monday, is not how a responsible government department should act."
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson told The Guardian: "Fees are never popular, but they are necessary if we are to reduce the burden of the courts and tribunals on the taxpayer. We have sought to protect the vulnerable at every stage. That is why we have a remission scheme to protect and help those who cannot afford to pay. These fee increases have not been brought forward; they are being introduced on schedule."
