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10 times Ride with Norman Reedus made you want to shout, ''Merica!' this week

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First things first — Happy Fourth of July eve, everyone! On this very eve in 1776, the Continental Congress was preparing to adopt the Declaration of Independence and thereby declare our great nation free of British colonial rule.

To be clear, this week's episode of Ride with Norman Reedus was not an Independence Day special. There were neither fireworks nor star-spangled helmets to speak of. But that doesn't mean watching the new AMC series didn't make you feel all sorts of fuzzy Americana feels.

More: Trust me, you don't have to be a biker to love Ride with Norman Reedus

In fact, this week's episode was packed full of moments that just made you want to shout out "'Merica!" in a state of heightened pride. Why? Because in this episode, Reedus' travels took him to Texas, where the spirit of independence and American character reigns supreme.

Check out a few of the most patriotism-inducing moments, and join us in celebrating this colorful patchwork country we're lucky enough to live in — and, you know, Reedus too. We'll use any excuse to celebrate him.

1. When Reedus meets New York-based artist and former pro skater, Jake Lamagno

Norman Reedus Merica 2

Norman Reedus Merica 2

When two New Yorkers like Reedus and Lamagno meet in Texas, hop on a couple of motorcycles and set off for their first ride together, it's like...

2. The first glimpse of Limey Bikes' Elijah and Chris

If you ever needed a prime example of America's melting-pottedness (just go with me on this one), you got one in Texas native Elijah R., Britain native Chris K. and their custom shop where they work on vintage Japanese motorcycles.

3. During Elijah and Reedus' laugh-off

When Reedus compliments Elijah on his distinctive laugh (guffaw? I feel like it was a guffaw), it hits ya right in the feels. Doesn't it just make you proud to be part of any country dudes like this come from? I could listen to these two laugh all day long.

More: 7 Things to know about Norman Reedus' biker buddy, Jason Paul Michaels

4. When Reedus and Lamagno meet (and eat tacos with) Sin City director Robert Rodriguez

Norman Reedus Merica 1

Norman Reedus Merica 1

First of all, they go to Troublemaker Studios. Troublemaker Studios! How's that for a studio name? It echoes the sentiment of this episode, which Reedus sums up as "people who just don't play by the rules." Color me all shades of green with envy when the guys get a behind-the-scenes tour of the set of From Dusk Till Dawn. Reedus gets to sit on the Jesse James bike built for Grindhouse and then they sit down and shoot the shit with Rodriguez over a couple of tacos. If that's not livin' the American dream, I don't know what is, man.

5. Watching a crowd full of Texans headbang along to a set by The Well

There's something that just feels inherently American about some good ol' fashioned headbanging, am I right? But what is especially rad about this show is that it's happening in this super-hip and edgy pocket of Texas that most people wouldn't expect. It fills me with the frontier spirit, I tell ya.

6. Along every bend of the Twisted Sisters route

Norman Reedus Merica 3

Norman Reedus Merica 3

Honest to God, I can't help but feel some seemingly primordial patriotism well up inside of me when I watch Reedus and Lamagno hug the surprisingly hilly terrain of Texas. Two badass bikers on the open road in Texas? Hell to the yes.

More: TWD's Norman Reedus is a zombie slayer but scared of a harmless animal

7. Two words: barbecue joint

As a Southerner, I can tell you in all certainty that good barbecue is every bit as American as apple pie. It's a bona fide way of life in the South. When the guys stop for a bite at The Hog Pen, it's hard not to wish you were right there with them, rockin' a red, white and blue bandanna and watching Reedus pose for fan pics while you stuff your gut with some 'cue.

8. When they shoot the shit out of stuff with old-timey guns

Everything about the guys' experience at the gun range, A Place to Shoot, screams, "Yes, please!" Where do I sign up for this? The gun-range guys with the old-timey outfits really drive home the Wild West vibe, and it makes me want to grab a six-shooter and start a duel in the streets.

9. Meeting Colt Wrangler (and his killer 'stache)

As a writer, one of my favorite things about 'Merica is the insane mix of incredible characters who make it up — and you can't get a much cooler example than custom-bike-builder-slash-mustachioed-extraordinaire, Colt Wrangler. You guys, his name is Colt Wrangler. That's No. 1. As for No. 2, check out his 'stache. And, No. 3 and No. 4, he talks like a rasta-redneck-yoda (definitely a compliment) and he introduces Reedus to a little game called Chicken Shit Bingo.

More: 15 Reasons why we love Norman Reedus

10. Learning about yet another great American she-ro

Norman Reedus Merica 4

Norman Reedus Merica 4

When Colt takes Reedus and Lamagno on a tour of his shop, they come across some old pictures. At that point, Colt reveals the badass rodeo rider in the sepia-toned photographs is none other than his mom. Could this family adopt me? They're so interesting we need a new word for interesting. And here's the thing: Reedus has given women everywhere even more American fem-spiration. New life goal? Meet Colt Wrangler's mom.


Tom Hiddleston wears his love for Taylor Swift on his sleeve — and chest

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Tom Hiddleston's latest display of affection for Taylor Swift has our heads spinning. After introducing her to his mother and taking her on a Roman holiday, Hiddleston is now professing his love for the "Shake It Off" singer in the strangest way possible.

More: Tom Hiddleston is not Taylor Swift's rebound — in fact, it may be serious

Swift is known for her lavish Fourth of July parties, so it's no surprise Swift and Hiddleston were photographed celebrating Independence Day on the beach near the singer's house in Rhode Island on Sunday, July 3. The couple was spotted splashing in the ocean with Swift's entire celebrity squad, including Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, Gigi Hadid, Karlie Kloss and more stars.

taylor swift and all her celebrity friends celebrate 4

taylor swift and all her celebrity friends celebrate 4

Ruby Rose, Uzo Aduba, Martha Hunt and HAIM were among the other stars in attendance spotted playing in the waves and posing for photos.

more photos of celebs on the beach with taylor swift

more photos of celebs on the beach with taylor swift

Swift and Hiddleston were seen getting close and cozy in the water. However, it's Hiddleston's tank top that has left us bewildered.

The actor was spotted wearing a shirt that said "I heart T.S." aka I love Taylor Swift. Yes, for real. He also had a heart with a "T" drawn on his arm.

tom wearing i heart ts tank top

tom wearing i heart ts tank top

Disclaimer: I'm a huge Swiftie. I want to believe Hiddleswift is real, that magic exists and dreams do come true, but what 35-year-old man wears a shirt professing his love for his new significant other with their initials written on it? It just seems like they're both trying too hard and it's all too much.

More: Wow, Taylor Swift and Tom Hiddleston are already throwing around the "L" word

However, inside sources say Hiddleswift is the real deal.

"Their families love them as a couple, and it seems like everyone, including her close friends, think this is going to be the guy she will end up with," a source told E! News.

The source went on to reveal, "She is having a blast traveling with him. He is very romantic and attentive towards her. He is extremely charming. He also makes sure she feels safe wherever they go together. She is on cloud 9, and really enjoying this quality time they are spending."

More: Tom Hiddleston called his Taylor Swift romance a roller-coaster ride... or did he?

I, too, want to believe Swift has finally found her soulmate and that these two really are in love. However, I can't help but wonder, why did Hiddleston feel the need to profess his love on his shirt? It seems too showy and immature. I wasn't suspicious about the validity of Swift and Hiddleston's relationship before, but now, I'm questioning everything.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Tom Hiddleston slideshow
Image: Lia Toby/Wenn

11 procrastinator-friendly last-minute foods to bring to a cookout

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Barbecue season is here, but when you're busy having fun in the sun, it can be hard to plan ahead. Whether you're throwing a last-minute soiree or forgot about your friend's cookout, these last-minute meal ideas are just the thing to liven up a barbecue.

1. Great garlic bread

Garlic bread is a simple side dish if you'll already be using the grill. Get a loaf of French bread at the store. Slice it open, and spread with butter, sprinkle with garlic powder and paprika, and add some fresh or dried parsley. Close it back up, and wrap the whole loaf in foil, then cook it on the grill until the outside is toasted and the butter has melted. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn.

2. A perfect pitcher of iced tea

Pick up a few jugs of unsweetened or lightly sweetened iced tea at the store along with a bottle of peach nectar and a package of fresh mint. Add the tea to a pitcher along with fresh mint leaves and peach nectar, to taste, for a refreshing, nonalcoholic beverage.

More: 11 foods you'd better not serve at a fourth of July barbecue

3. Compound butter and cornbread

Jazz up store- or bakery-bought cornbread with an easy compound butter. Go savory by mixing softened butter with fresh herbs and garlic, or put a sweet spin on it with citrus zest and honey. The savory compound butter can also be used to make corn on the cob and grilled steaks taste extra delicious.

4. Baller baked beans

Didn't have time to make homemade baked beans? Not to worry. Cook up a couple of slices of thick bacon or ham, then cut it into bite-size pieces, and add it to a saucepan along with a few cans of baked beans. Warm them, adding some extra molasses, brown sugar and a hint of hot sauce for a homemade flavor. It shouldn't take more than 20 minutes, but once you pour them into a casserole dish, it'll feel like you made the real thing.

5. Easy sangria

You don't have to be a mixologist to whip up a tasty batch of sangria. Buy a couple of bottles of red or white wine, then add them to a pitcher along with prepared chopped fruit from the grocery store, some lemon-lime soda or sparkling water and a shot or two of triple sec, white rum (for white sangria) or brandy (for red). It's like summer in a glass.

6. Marinated cheese

Marinated cheeses, like feta or mozzarella, go perfectly with grilled veggies, meats and pita bread. Just get a block of feta (cut it into cubes) or container of mini mozzarella balls, and then put them in a pretty dish. Drizzle generously with olive oil, then add fresh or dried herbs, pepper, lemon zest and a splash of vinegar. It tastes delicious, adds elegance to your spread and takes just a few minutes to put together.

7. Easy antipasto platter

If your grocery store has an olive bar, it's super easy to put together an antipasto platter people can snack on while they wait for their food to come off the grill. Choose a selection of olives, roasted red peppers and artichoke hearts, then get some ham, salami and provolone cheese from the deli. Arrange it all on a platter for an eye-catching appetizer that takes no time at all.

More: 21 grilled chicken recipes in flavors you didn't even know you want

8. Pie à la mode

Pick up a pie from the store or a bakery that features some summery fruit, like peaches or blackberries. Pair it with some classic vanilla bean ice cream for a decadent dessert that tastes homemade.

9. Dessert kebabs

Go with the grill theme, and make dessert kebabs. Alternate fresh berries and cubes of store-bought pound cake on wooden skewers, then serve with whipped topping or an easy dip made by mixing a package of cream cheese with a jar of marshmallow cream.

10. Root beer floats

If you're in charge of dessert, go nostalgic by making root beer floats. All you need to get is a bottle or two of root beer and a container of vanilla ice cream. Scoop the ice cream into cups, pour in some root beer, and voilà — you have dessert. You can use orange soda instead of root beer for creamsicles too.

11. Strawberry shortcake

This fun dessert is super easy to bring together. All you need is store-bought shortbread, pound cake, angel food cake or biscuits, some strawberries that you slice up and sprinkle with sugar about 15 minutes before serving dessert and the whipped cream of your choice — homemade, from a can or whipped topping from a tub. Spoon the macerated strawberries on top of the biscuits, then add a dollop of whipped cream, and you're in business.

With all the time you'll save with these quick recipes, you can spend more time doing what's important — hanging out with your family and friends.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below:

20 Independence Day desserts that make your 4th sweeter
Image: SheKnows

Controversial Wimbledon dress was worse than just a flimsy 'nightie'

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Another Wimbledon, another clothing controversy. Which, let's face it, is just as much of a tradition as strawberries and cream.

More: Stop telling me I'm oppressed because I wear modest clothing

Back in 1919 the female winner, Frenchwoman Suzanne Lenglen, was raising eyebrows for competing in a short-sleeved, calf-length dress without a petticoat. (She also made something of a statement by rocking a thick headband on court.)

In 1949 the All England Club overreacted only slightly by accusing doubles finalist Gorgeous Gussie Moran of bringing "vulgarity and sin into tennis" with her short dress/lace knicker combo.

It was a case of all style and no substance for Linda Siegel in 1979; she competed against Billie Jean King in a low-cut top that became lower and lower as the game went on.

American player Anne White’s 1985 shiny white catsuit caused a stir by apparently distracting her opponent Pam Shriver so much that she lost. Shriver even lodged an official complaint, saying White shouldn't be allowed to wear a catsuit ever again.

It's not only the women of Wimbledon who've caused a fuss with their on-court attire. In 1987 Pat Cash broke one of Wimbledon's rules (accessories must be predominantly white) by wearing a black-and-white-checked bandana. And Andre Agassi, lover of fluorescent cycling shorts under demin hot pants (because why not?) actually refused to play at Wimbledon because of the strict dress code. However he broke his ban in 1991 and made sure he played by the rules, turning up in regulation tennis whites.

Arguably the most fashion-forward Wimbledon players are Serena and Venus Williams. In 2008 Serena warmed up in a white trench coat. In 2011 Venus wore a white playsuit with gold underpants. The same year American player Bethanie Mattek-Sands became the Lady Gaga of Wimbledon, wearing a coat made of, um, tennis balls.

However this year's controversial garment is a little different. At first glance the Nike "Premier Slam" (£75) looks like a simple white tennis dress.

More: JC Penney's new ad features the best body-positive message we've seen

Bucking the figure-hugging trend favoured by female players, it's super flimsy — so much so that it's been dubbed the Nike "nightie." It was worn by several players during the tournament's opening matches, including Brit competitor Katie Swan, the Czech Republic's Lucie Safarova and China's Saisai Zheng.

Swan, 17, was beaten by Hungary's Timea Babos 6–2 6–3 and several commentators and spectators have speculated that the Premier Slam dress was so ill-fitting that it actually contributed to her defeat. She was seen to be struggling with the dress throughout the game and eventually was forced to tuck it into the bottom of her shorts.

The 440th ranked player revealed that the dress had to be adjusted before she took to the court but played down its effect on her game. "There was a slit in the sides before," she said. "I think they fixed that. I found it comfortable. I was fine in it. It was like floating a little bit, so I just kind of tucked it under."

Before the alterations were made other female players in the run-up to Wimbledon had to improvise. Brit Katie Boulter, 19, fashioned a belt from a hairband to keep it in place and Czech Lucie Hradecka, wore hers with knee-length leggings underneath.

Others refused to wear it, such as Germany's Sabine Lisicki, who wore a skirt and vest top instead for her victorious first-round match. "I tried it on but didn't feel comfortable showing that much," said the 26-year-old former Wimbledon finalist. "For me, the most important thing is to feel comfortable and not to think about anything."

Comfort has to be key when it comes to sportswear (for women and men) but the issue here shouldn't be how flimsy or revealing the dress is. What's the big deal if female players show their shorts underneath their dress? What's far more important is whether a garment affects a player's game so much that they lose focus or are actually physically restricted from playing to their full capability. You'd think a company like Nike would spend the necessary time and money testing their garments to make sure wearing them can be nothing but a positive experience.

More: 50 Kate Middleton outfits that rocked our world

Zendaya shames man behind disgusting rape tweet with eloquent response

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Zendaya has become known for her eloquent responses to criticism and hate, and her words serve as inspiration to women across the globe. But over the weekend she was forced to deal with something no woman should ever have to: a rape "joke."

More: Zendaya shuts down cyber bully with liberating message (VIDEO)

According to Us Weekly, the since deleted message came from a man on Twitter who asked his followers who they would want to rape, if the horror movie The Purge was real. WTF. But it gets even worse, because the Twitter user also picked out four female celebs — Beyoncé, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj and Zendaya — and shared their photos for his followers to choose from.

The disgusting tweet quickly made its way around the internet, until it caught the attention of Zendaya herself — and she didn't hold back with her response.

Referring to the tweet as "absolutely disgusting," Zendaya told the user that he should be ashamed of himself. She was also shocked to see that this is the way her generation views women (although, it's sadly more than just one generation).

Zendaya Twitter

Zendaya Twitter

She followed up with a second tweet about how people are "sick."

Zendaya Twitter 2

Zendaya Twitter 2

However, the response did not seem to deter the troll, because he reportedly replied by saying that Zendaya's comment was "lit" — something which she was quick to shut down.

Zendaya Twitter 3

Zendaya Twitter 3

Zendaya has been praised for her response, with fans tweeting her their messages of support and encouragement.

Fans support Zendaya

Fans support Zendaya

Fans support Zendaya 2

Fans support Zendaya 2

Fans support Zendaya 3

Fans support Zendaya 3

Fans support Zendaya 4

Fans support Zendaya 4


More: Zendaya gives inspiring response to Julie Klausner's body shaming tweets

Kim Zolciak shared an epic throwback pic, but the comments are so hateful

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You may know Kim Zolciak as the reality star who lives a super glamorous life (and has an insanely adorable family), but there is so much more to her, including the fact that she graduated from nursing school.

More: Kim Zolciak celebrated her bday with a bikini pic and a pretty deep message

In the early hours of Monday morning, Zolciak took to Instagram to share an epic throwback picture of herself dressed in white as she celebrated her graduation from nursing school.

She captioned the picture with, "The day I graduated nursing school. I was so damn proud of myself" — and she had every reason to be, it's a tough program and highly respected profession.

Kim Zolciak Instagram

Kim Zolciak Instagram

However, instead of simply saying congratulations or complimenting Zolciak on her achievements, many commenters have chosen to focus on one thing: her looks. A topic that Zolciak must be so tired of, because there is always someone accusing her of having had cosmetic work, or slamming her for her changing appearance.

More: We try to defend her, but this time Kim Zolciak took her Snapchat too far

The comments on her post are very unkind, and include one from patty.shipley62 who wrote, "U should be proud. U were Beautiful, I don't understand why you did so much to your face. I saw a picture the other day with your daughter & you look plastic."

n23d also commented on Zolciak's face, writing, "The amount of plastic surgery you have had is insane. You look so fake. Gonna look like the cat lady in another 10 years. Congrats."

"If you graduated then who's nose is that," travelgypsy11 questioned. And sharonbrown9401 gave Zolciak a backhanded compliment, writing, "So beautiful back then naturally gorgeous. Now still beautiful but in a plastic way. Nothing but love for ya..."

More: OK, we finally believe Kim Zolciak has a lot on her plate

Kim Zolciak, we think you're awesome, and there is so much more to you than just your pretty face. Maybe it's time people started to realize that, and truly think before they comment.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

kim zolciak slideshow

Why aren't Canadians talking about postpartum anxiety?

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After having her baby, one Canadian woman found herself unable to stop having intrusive thoughts of harming her child. She sought help from a physician but was too afraid to admit to having these dark, obsessive thoughts. Thankfully, she never acted on these recurring thoughts, but she did wind up suffering in silence and enduring unsuccessful treatment for two years. Why was her treatment unsuccessful for so long? Her physician didn't ask the right questions. The mother didn't have postpartum depression — she had OCD, an anxiety disorder. And sadly, her experience isn't as uncommon for new mothers as you might hope.

More: My postpartum depression made me a better mom in the long run

"We've been concerned that pregnant women and postpartum women who are suffering from an anxiety disorder may not be getting the screening or assessment or treatment that they need because we aren't thinking to ask about these kinds of concerns because we're so focused on depression," says psychologist and UBC professor Nicole Fairbrother in a radio interview with CBC's The Coast. Fairbrother is the lead researcher in a Canadian study in the Journal of Affective Disorders that found that postpartum anxiety is actually much more common than previously assumed — in fact, it's around three times more prevalent than postpartum depression, yet nobody talks about it.

Fairbrother actually worked with the woman who had thoughts of harming her infant and figured out she'd been misdiagnosed with depression, so that woman's story has a happy ending: "Her treatment with me was successful within 8 weeks."

To ensure other women with postpartum anxiety don't fall through the cracks, Fairbrother and her team gave questionnaires to pregnant women before and after they'd given birth, providing additional screening to those they deemed to be at risk of anxiety and depression. The researchers found that nearly 16 per cent of mothers they interviewed experienced anxiety and anxiety-related disorders while they were pregnant, with 17 per cent experiencing significant postpartum anxiety. By contrast, only 4 per cent of pregnant women and close to 5 per cent of mothers post-pregnancy reported experiencing depression.

While medical practitioners may focus on screening women for postpartum depression, these findings show that it's essential they screen for postpartum anxiety as well. This is especially important given that women with postpartum anxiety often hide their symptoms from the world, putting on a brave, happy public face.

"You can’t tell when a mother has postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD or PTSD just by looking at her," shares Katherine Stone, a survivor of postpartum OCD on the support website Postpartum Progress. "People assume it should be fairly obvious, except it isn’t. We can get pretty good at hiding how we are feeling and what we are thinking."

More: I wanted help with postpartum depression but there was none to be found

So how do you know if you or someone you care about is suffering from a pregnancy-related anxiety disorder? "It is really normal to be nervous during pregnancy, to be a little worried about how the pregnancy is going to go," says Fairbrother. "You don't see that as a problem unless the anxiety becomes really distressing to the woman who's experiencing it or it begins to interfere with her life."

But she says a lot needs to change if Canadians want to properly screen for postpartum anxiety. For one, she says there's a lack of assessment tools to properly diagnose pregnant and postpartum Canadian women with anxiety disorders, which is why she and a colleague are working on developing a tool to do so. Fairbrother says it's also difficult for women to affordably access psycho-social treatment (which can include everything from support groups to vocational support) for women with anxiety during and after pregnancy.

"We need to really increase funding for evidence-based psycho-social treatment, particularly for pregnant women where there are safety concerns when administering medication for these kinds of problems to a pregnant woman because of the developing fetus," Fairbrother says.

She points out that expanding screening and treatment for women suffering from anxiety before and after childbirth can be life-changing, because left untreated, anxiety disorders can cause women to develop depression.

More: Being a good mom can be really bad for your health

Comic book baby names for girls with a serious pow factor

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Comic books are full of awesome, powerful names, and they are decidedly not the domain of males only. Over the decades, there have been tons of strong female characters to grace the pages of our favorite comics, and they may just find their way to your baby name wish list.

MoreThese maternity photos got so much cuter when the family dog showed up

To be sure, some of the most widely-known comic book characters were spawned many years ago, which is why many of the names here seem like they're from the '40s and '50s — because their characters are from that time period. But there is no reason you cannot use one of these traditional baby names, like Barbara or Karen, for your brand-new baby girl. If it seems a little too dusty to use, stick it in the middle-name slot.

Other names here are a little more unique, like Amara or Harper. And naming your child after a character's super-cool comic book name? Kevin Smith named his daughter Harley Quinn, and she seems to like it just fine. If you want to name your girl Storm or Rogue (or tack it on as a middle name), go for it.

Here are some of the coolest superhero and mega-villain names for girls out there, from our fave comic book franchises.

comic book baby names for girls
Image: Tiffany Egbert/SheKnows

MoreAdorable old-fashioned baby names you won't hear on the playground

  • Amara: Amara Juliana Olivians Aquilla (Magma) from X-Men
  • Anna: Anna Marie (Rogue) from X-Men
  • Barbara: Barbara Gordon (Batgirl) from Batman
  • Betsy: Elizabeth "Betsy" Braddock (Psylocke) from X-Men
  • Cassandra: Cassandra Cain (Batgirl) from Batman
  • Clarice: Clarice Ferguson (Blink) from X-Men
  • Diana: Diana Prince (Wonder Woman) from Justice League
  • Dinah: Dinah Drake (Black Canary) from Flash Comics
  • Harley: Harleen Frances Quinzel (Harley Quinn) from Batman
  • Harper: Harper Row (Bluebird) from Batman
  • Illyana: Illyana Nikolievna Rasputina (Magik) from X-Men
  • Jean: Jean Grey from X-Men
  • Kara: Kara Zor-El (Supergirl) from Superman
  • Karen: Karen Faulkner (Rampage) from Superman
  • Kendra: Kendra Saunders (Hawkgirl) from Justice League
  • Mekala: Mekala Fray from Fray
  • Natalia: Natalia "Natasha" Romanova (Black Widow) from Avengers
  • Ororo: Ororo Munroe (Storm) from X-Men
  • Pamela: Pamela Lillian Isley (Poison Ivy) from Batman
  • Pepper: Pepper Potts from Iron Man
  • Rahne: Rahne Sinclair (Wolfsbane) from X-Men
  • Rosabelle: Rosabelle Mendez (Pantha) from Teen Titans
  • Sage: Also known as Tessa, from X-Men
  • Selina: Selina Kyle (Catwoman) from Batman
  • Susan: Susan Storm (Invisible Woman) from Fantastic Four
  • Wanda: Wanda Maximoff (Scarlet Witch) from X-Men

Before you go, check out our slideshow below:

Comic books for kids
Image: Amazon

Paris Jackson is reportedly unaware of her mom's cancer diagnosis

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Michael Jackson's ex-wife, Debbie Rowe, has been diagnosed with breast cancer, and according to TMZ her daughter Paris Jackson doesn't even know about her health problems.

More: Jackson family against Paris living with Debbie Rowe

Jackson and her mother, Rowe, have a strained relationship: they haven't been in contact for over a year, but they were once very close, so close in fact that their relationship reportedly caused friction with the rest of the family. Then, in May of 2016, Jackson took the break from her mother one step further by deciding to unfollow her on social media (that's the way it's done these days, y'all).

Now Rowe is believed to be facing breast cancer alone, and according to the site will undergo surgery within the next week, with no emotional support from her daughter. And while she's reportedly sad about it, according to TMZ, she's all but given up on salvaging the relationship.

More: If you don't like Paris Jackson's piercings it's time to look away

This is not Rowe's first cancer scare, as two years ago she feared she had cancer, however, it turned out to be the auto-immune disease sarcoidosis, Daily Mail reports.

As for Jackson, she may be unaware of Rowe's recent diagnosis, but she seems to be in a pretty good place in her life at the moment as she recently took to Instagram to share several pictures of herself, as well as a short video.

Paris Jackson Instagram

Paris Jackson Instagram

Paris Jackson Instagram 2

Paris Jackson Instagram 2

Fans have commented on Jackson's most recent post (the video) and shared their sadness about Rowe's diagnosis — and it's evident that some people are hoping that Rowe's illness may bring her and Jackson together again.

"I'm so sorry for ur mother @parisjackson Hope y'all can become close again!" tiffnvb22 wrote.

Happyowl4 shared their thoughts, writing, "Prayers for your mom that she will be healed with a speedy recovery and God will touch the doctors and nurses giving them wisdom to help her case Amen."

"My prayers for your mother, Paris.. Get well soon," van.md wrote. Sdufern also shared their thoughts, writing, "So sad to hear this...I will be praying for her and your family."

More: Michael Jackson's family defends him against 'new' child porn charges

Do you think Debbie Rowe's health concerns may help her and Paris Jackson to reunite and put their differences aside? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Paris Jackson slideshow
Image: Paris Jackson/Instagram

It's so hard not to feel guilty when a friend commits suicide

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The dream starts in a church, though I'm not sure why. Neither of us was particularly religious. Maybe it's because we talked about my Catholic childhood that very last time we spoke?

He told me he wished he were Catholic, too, because having a pope was cool. I shrugged, uncomfortable, confused, and told him I'd see him later. I didn't know then that this and other bizarre ramblings I'd noted were part of a schizophrenia diagnosis. I wouldn't find that out until later — after I saw the shape of his body lying beneath a tarp put down by the local firemen to hide it from looky-loos.

Because we live in a small town, the firemen knew him, and they knew me. Despite my press pass, they knew better than to let me get close. They turned me around immediately. "Go," they said. "Go back to your office."

I went. I'd never see him again.

He was 21 and home from college on an extended leave of absence. I was working as a reporter at the local paper. When the fire siren went off, I grabbed my camera and notebook and ran to report on the scene, which was just a few thousand feet from our office. I found out later that, while I was editing mindless copy on a computer screen, he was running pell-mell across the viaduct, preparing to end his life.

More: What we lose when we refuse to talk about suicide

In the dream, he's always alive. We laugh. We joke. It's like it was before the schizophrenia, when he was the guy who made me laugh, the guy who made me feel safe, the first guy who ever told me I was beautiful, the guy who grabbed me by the hand and ran into the alleyway beside the movie theater and planted a kiss on my lips and then ran back out to the sidewalk.

For 15 years, I've had that dream once every few months. And still, I wake up excited: I got it all wrong! He's alive!

I've searched for his obituary more times than I can count.

I always find it.

And I sit in my office beneath the bulletin board with his picture at the center, and I sob.

If you think all of this sounds bizarre, I'd have to agree with you. I've asked therapists over the years if there's something wrong with me. No, they say. It's common to carry some guilt after someone close to you commits suicide.

The logical part of me knows that I have nothing to feel guilty about. It's estimated that at least 90 percent of people who commit suicide have some sort of mental disorder, and he did. I did not make his mind rebel on him. I did not make him jump off of that bridge.

Instead, I fight with myself over our last few months together. We were the only two people in our group of childhood friends who were living in our small hometown at the time. I was the only one there for him. But I wasn't there.

I was newly married, new to a job that required 60-hour weeks. Spending time with him in those last few months was uncomfortable. It was nothing like it had been when we were teenagers. Always prone to a certain amount of paranoia (I remember on our senior trip to Washington, D.C., he made some comments that we thought were going to get us kicked out of the Pentagon... and this was pre-9/11), his comments had turned dark and often downright confusing. At times, I'm embarrassed to say, I'd see him in town and, rather than run into him, I'd opt to take another route.

I tell myself now that if I'd known that he was mentally ill, I would have been more likely to accept his comments — and him. I struggle with depression; I know it's not easy. And I was a shitty, shitty friend to him at the time.

More: It's OK to skip the news if tragedy is a trigger for your mental health

On the night of his funeral, his mother told me that he was schizophrenic, and suddenly, it all made sense. But by then, it was too late to go back to say, "I'm sorry. Let's be friends again. Let me be your shoulder and your ear. Let me love you, judgment free."

Is that an excuse? My mind says yes, but my heart says no.

Would it have changed anything? My mind says no, but my heart wants to scream yes.

Hands off Ellie Kemper's baby bump, m'kay?

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There’s a certain etiquette to adhere to when it comes to pregnant ladies, and we’re not talking about giving them your seat on the bus (although that’s a nice thing to do).

More: Please stop telling me my adopted kids should be my 'second choice'

No, we’re talking about something a lot more hands on. Or hands off, as the case may be. Actress Ellie Kemper knows the score. The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt star revealed that she’s been both fascinated and horrified by the number of people who can’t stop touching her growing belly since she’s been pregnant.

“Now I'm showing, and I don't know what goes through a person's mind — a stranger's mind, no less — when they think, 'Oh yes, your stomach is something that now belongs to me, and I can touch it,'" she said. "It's actually crazy."

"In a way, I think it's a nice reminder of humanity, but then I quickly go back to the idea that you wouldn't do this if I wasn't pregnant," she added.

More: Little Women star's happy pregnancy news comes with a scary risk

Lots of women will relate to how Kemper feels. While some moms-to-be are happy to have their bumps touched, rubbed and patted, others can’t stand it. Some women don't even like their closest friends and families getting too close.

If you think about it, it really is a violation of personal space. Sure, it may be done with the best of intentions, but pregnancy can be icky and uncomfortable and bizarre at the best of times, without having a complete stranger’s fingerprints all over your baby bump. If you wouldn't walk up to a stranger in the street and start touching their belly, why the hell is it OK to do it when there's a baby in there?

More: Comic book baby names for girls with a serious pow factor

There's a simple solution to this problem, of course: If you wanna touch the bump, just ask first.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below:

crazy places birth
Image: Imagesmore/Getty Images

We shouldn't be disillusioned that Elizabeth Gilbert split from 'Felipe'

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If you’ve read Eat Pray Love (and if you haven’t, do it now), you’ll have finished the memoir rooting for the author, Elizabeth Gilbert, and "Felipe," the Brazilian man she fell in love with in Bali toward the end of her soul-searching trip around the world.

More: FYI, a longer marriage doesn't mean a stronger marriage

Undoubtedly Gilbert’s journey inspired many other women in her position (miserable, unfulfilled, feeling trapped in an unhappy marriage) to make changes. Perhaps not on the same scale, but you don’t need to visit every continent to find true love.

So how are these women dealing with the "disillusioning news" (in the words of one reporter) that Gilbert has now separated from her "Felipe" (real name José Nunes, to whom she's been married for 12 years)?

The writer revealed the news in a Facebook post, posting a picture of two pelicans going their separate ways in the sunset together, with a lengthy statement in which she described Nunes as "my dear companion for over 12 years" and said the split was "very amicable" and their reasons were "very personal."

Elizabeth Gilbert announces separation

Elizabeth Gilbert announces separation

More: 50 things I've learned from being married 50 years

For readers of Eat Pray Love, the end of Gilbert and Nunes' relationship is saddening, for sure. Gilbert herself says that it’s a "sensitive moment" and asks fans for their understanding. One sentence sums it up perfectly: "I trust that you understand how this is a story that I am living — not a story that I am telling."

That is a crucial distinction. Her real-life relationship with Nunes is not her relationship with Felipe. Since the memoir was written, several years have passed, and things have changed. To suggest that readers are (or should be) somehow "disillusioned" with the news of their separation is to hold Gilbert to a ridiculous standard — one nobody can uphold. It's also patronizing to Gilbert's millions of readers, who are intelligent enough to know that you can be inspired by another person's story without going to Bali to find a Brazilian lover of your own.

Marriage does not need to last forever to be a success. A marriage that lasts only a few years but produces a child and many happy memories is a success. A marriage that lasts only a few months but has a life-changing, positive impact on both people is a success. It sounds as if Gilbert and Nunes' marriage was a huge success, because during its course they both grew and loved and, ultimately, leave it with an incredibly close friendship.

The end of a marriage is a sad time, but it can also be a time of growth and learning and discovering new, wonderful parts of oneself. And a sad ending doesn’t negate all the happiness that went before or make it any less significant.

More: 5 incredibly simple ways to talk dirty without getting embarrassed

Introducing a cat into my dog-dominant home is an experience I will not soon forget

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I never intended to live a catless existence. My older dog got along great with cats, but when my cat Johnny Boy passed unexpectedly, I held off on adopting a new cat for a while, as I was already planning on bringing a puppy into my home. Time passed. The puppy grew into a dog. Finally, two years later, I decided I was ready to adopt another cat.

Little did I know the surprises that were in store for me. I learned many things about bringing a cat into our dog-dominant home, and it was an experience I don't think any members involved will soon forget.

More: 12 dog breeds that get along great with cats

1. The cat + dog equation

My puppy had met quite a few cats by the time I adopted Kitty Friend (the name was an accident), but I found out there was quite a difference between meeting cats while on a leash and having one in the house. During this time, I had plenty of opportunities to reflect as I lay awake at night. I came up with two equations that summed up my experiences.

  • Puppy + older cat = respect
  • Kitten + young dog = mayhem

More: 13 cat breeds that behave like dogs

2. First impressions are not always an accurate guideline

Kitty Friend came to me unexpectedly. A co-worker had a young cat just out of kittenhood that she was unable to keep, so I brought Kitty Friend home with what I thought was a brilliant plan to introduce her to my two dogs. I knew the older dog would be fine. I was less sure about the 1-year-old German shepherd.

The first meeting went well. The dog was very interested and sniffed the kitten enthusiastically. The cat, who was used to dogs, tolerated this with remarkable patience. Satisfied that I was on the right track, I put the cat in a room by herself to settle in, and began a series of slow introductions over the next few days.

More: 25 random cat behaviors finally explained

3. Cats are freaky fast

All went well until the dog realized that cats move fast. Really fast. So fast that it is almost unnatural. Dog chased cat. Cat chased dog. All was mayhem. It didn't seem fair to correct the dog when the cat went out of her way to leap on the dog's head and bolt, but I kept a leash close at hand to prevent accidents. The kitten, defying logic, seemed to enjoy a friendly mauling and constantly looked like she had rolled in hair gel. The two were clearly friends, but their games wreaked havoc on the household.

More: 9 ways cats are born to be stealthy ninjas

4. Cats understand revenge

I kenneled the dogs while I was at work (I worked close enough that I came home on lunch breaks), which was a comfort during this process, as I knew the kitten would enjoy some unmolested hours. At least, that was what I thought, until I came home three days in a row to find the kitten perched on the German shepherd's kennel, batting at her ears. Suddenly, I was not sure who I should be protecting from whom.

More: Pompous Albert might be the most judgmental cat on the internet

5. Sleep is optional

Kittens believe the best time to play is when humans are sleeping, studying or otherwise preoccupied. This meant that the best possible time for playing tag with the dog was while I — and the older dog — were sleeping. Anyone who has ever had their face pounced on by a cat and an 80-pound dog in the same two seconds will understand my pain.

More: 21 times Taylor Swift totally nailed being a crazy cat lady

6. Shoulder cats are a real thing

The best place to escape from a dog is either under the bed, in a closet or by climbing a human. I contracted chronic shoulder cat syndrome within a few weeks. And the German shepherd discovered that while the back of the couch looks like it should only be occupied by cats, it is, in fact, the perfect place for a very large, very hairy dog.

Everything worked out in the end. I had a cat in my life again, my young dog had a new bestie and the cat got stuck with the name Kitty Friend for life — something I never asked her opinion on. We were lucky. Introducing a cat into a dog-dominant home is not always a smooth process, and it is a good idea to talk to an expert about the best way to introduce your dogs to a cat — ideally, before the cat arrives on your doorstep.

Kim Zolciak-Biermann's response to her haters is almost as amazing as her bikini bod

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Kim Zolciak-Biermann let everyone know that she is not here for their hate comments. After posting a bikini selfie to her Instagram celebrating the Fourth of July, comments started flooding in accusing Zolciak-Biermann of photoshopping her images.

Kim Zolciak-Biermann slams haters

Kim Zolciak-Biermann slams haters

The image showed off her beautiful red bikini and even better waistline. She wrote in her caption, "Happy 4th of July! Excited to spend the day with my family! Out to the pool I go!"

More: Kim Zolciak attacked on new pic for the most absurd reason (PHOTO)

Unfortunately, no one cared much about her celebrations; they only wanted her to admit that she had photoshopped herself to look that good. Zolciak-Biermann is not the type to give up a fight, especially when she knows she’s right. She wrote back to one commenter, "Don't hate hunni no need to photo shop. Haters gonna hate always."

When the questions kept coming about how her waist could be as small as it is, Zolciak-Biermann answered, "I had a hernia repair and a tummy tuck. You are clearly out of your mind! Go on my snap chat to ease your mind."

More: Kim Zolciak bashed for flaunting pregnancy weight loss in underwear

Although it’s really sad to see that Zolciak-Biermann can’t be celebrated for her obvious hard work and dedication to looking so good, it is pretty amazing that she’s always standing up for herself. Where other celebrities might ignore the hate, she’s making sure that the people who spread negativity on her Instagram are put in check.

Who knows if her responses will lead to them abandoning their constant need to hate on strangers on Instagram, but if just one person changes their attitude, then everything she’s doing is worth it. In an ideal situation, we can get to the point where posting a bikini selfie, especially by a mother of six, is celebrated as brave and positive. But since we’re nowhere near that, the best we can hope for is shutting down the hate one comment at a time.

More: Kim Zolciak's "single mama" pic highlights her changing appearance (PHOTO)

And for that reason alone, I hope Zolciak-Biermann never tires of shading all of her haters!

Anna Kendrick wants to play a superhero next — and someone needs to let her

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Just as Beyoncé could sing the telephone book and millions of people would download it, Anna Kendrick can play any character and people will flock to the theaters to watch her. She’s tackled everything from Up In the Air, opposite George Clooney, to playing an a cappella singer in Pitch Perfect, but now she has her sights set on the superhero world. Specifically, Kendrick wants to be the next Squirrel Girl.

The actress recently told Net-a-Porter, “My brother sent me a Squirrel Girl comic because he thinks I should [play her]. I don't know what Squirrel Girl does other than be half squirrel, but I could be half squirrel!"

More: Anna Kendrick is trying her hand at a new career

For those skeptics, Squirrel Girl is an actual Marvel character. In fact, this mutant superhero is known to fight off her enemies Dr. Doom and Thanos with super speed, amazing strength and incredible reflexes. She can also heal at accelerated speeds and has retractable knuckle spikes for fighting. And, obviously, she communicates with squirrels and loves to snack on nuts.

It’s sorta perfect that Kendrick picks the most random superhero to play, right? I’m sure she would make an incredible Squirrel Girl. I don’t know much about how movies are greenlit, but surely if Paul Rudd can be Ant Man, Kendrick can be cast as Squirrel Girl.

More: Anna Kendrick joins long list of actresses calling out sexism in Hollywood

Ant Man didn’t do that terribly, did it?

Kendrick has long been the queen of the independent movie crowd. She appears in several movies throughout the year, and even if none of them are blockbusters, they’re always a hit with her fan base and the critics alike.

With her new movie Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates and her animated movie Trolls coming to theaters later this year, she may start to transition into an unstoppable leading lady. She’s definitely got the talent and charm for it.

More: This is why we love Anna Kendrick and her candid tweets

More than all of that, though, the biggest reason that Kendrick should be a superhero is because she advocates for being able to sit at home eating pizza alone. That’s the kind of superhero we all need.


Amy Schumer is an American treasure for continuing to spread body positivity

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If there are two things Amy Schumer is known for, they're quality comedy and breaking the rules of Hollywood. Whether it’s the way she talks about relationships and sex or the way she shows off her body, Schumer is always pushing back on what other people tell her she should be doing.

So why wouldn’t she continue that trend on America’s favorite holiday?

Amy Schumer tweets bikini body

Amy Schumer tweets bikini body

More: Amy Schumer, Serena Williams attacked for nearly nude photo shoot (PHOTOS)

To celebrate the Fourth of July, Schumer tweeted a picture of herself in a bikini in front of two American flags. She captioned the beach shot “An American treasure,” which is pretty much dead-on.

Schumer is both a beautiful and talented comedian, and while she may not fit into the standard size 00 of most Hollywood actresses, she doesn’t seem to care. She posts as many bikini-clad selfies as any Victoria’s Secret model and she’s constantly encouraging people who may have insecurities about their bodies to do the same

More: How Amy Schumer is redefining celebrity body image

In a 2015 interview, she explained that she’s dealing with insecurities all the time, but it can’t stop her from doing what she wants to do. She said, “For women, we're taught to eat less until we disappear. And trained to believe that if you don't look like everyone else, then you're unlovable. And men are not trained that way. Men can look like whatever and still date a supermodel.”

She continued by saying, “I think it's good to see somebody saying: I have a belly. And I have cellulite. And I still deserve love. And to catch the old D. And to not apologize."

Leave it to her to turn a potentially touchy subject into a hilarious line about “the old D.”

More: Amy Schumer nails it with new quotes about body image

Regardless of what you might think of her comedy, Schumer is definitely someone to aspire to be like. In a world where people are constantly showing a perfectly curated version of themselves, she’s trying to be authentic and honest about herself and her body. I definitely think that counts as an American treasure.

Short film shows that the signs of emotional abuse aren't always obvious

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Nearly one in three women will be a victim of domestic violence, according to the National Council on Domestic Violence — and many of those range from 18 to 34 years old.

More: My husband is 22 years older than me — and it's no big deal

Physical violence is one of the most recognizable forms of partner abuse, but emotional abuse is prevalent as well — and it's not always so obvious. Emotional abuse ranges from awful, demeaning comments to subtle gaslighting to passive-aggressive comments meant to take a person down. The worst part is that it's not always obvious — and this is exactly the subject of the NSFW short film Unhealthy Relationships, published by BuzzFeed. The 15-minute clip by Ali Vingiano and Brittany Ashley shows the experience of two couples — one same-sex and one heterosexual — on a weekend trip away.

Unhealthy Relationships

Unhealthy Relationships

"We hadn’t seen emotional abuse honestly depicted much in TV or media, and we especially hadn’t seen a story showing it within a lesbian relationship," Vingiano told the Huffington Post of why they made the film.

More: FYI, a longer marriage doesn't mean a stronger marriage

The acts depicted in the film are so subtle that you've likely seen some variation of them, either in a personal relationship or in that of friends and family. That's the most devastating part of this; it's way more common than many people assume and sometimes the abusers don't even realize they're doing it.

"We wanted to show how hard it can be to realize you’re in an unhealthy relationship, and how abuse isn’t always physical," Vingiano added.

More: I fell in love and shacked up with a stranger from the internet

I'm gonna say it: Scott Disick's thing for Kris Jenner is weird

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It’s hard to tell when Scott Disick is being serious and when he’s just trying to point out the absurdity of his life with the Kardashians. Most of the time, it doesn’t matter because what he’s saying is hilarious. But when he posted a picture with Kris Jenner and her friends to Instagram today, it crossed the line from funny to just plain weird.

Scott Disick Instagram post

Scott Disick Instagram post

More: Kourtney Kardashian is reportedly furious with Kris Jenner's latest move

In the image, Disick is standing in front of Jenner and her three friends, all of them in their bathing suits enjoying a Fourth of July pool party. Pretty normal, right? But then Disick captioned the photo, “They don't call me the cougar tamer for no reason,” insinuating that Jenner and her friends were the cougars he had tamed.

I’m not saying that anything the Kardashian group does is particularly normal, but even for them, Disick flirting with his children’s grandmother is a little odd. Especially when you consider that he’s reportedly still trying to win Kourtney back. I don’t think the way to do that is hitting on her mother.

More: The latest Scott Disick rumor of him partying with teenagers is just sad

Disick has also been known to hit on Kourtney’s sister Khloé through Instagram posts. Most recently he poked fun at the fact that some magazines were claiming he was the father of her unborn child.

Scott Disick crosses fingers

Scott Disick crosses fingers

But to me, that’s more funny than it is creepy because he’s poking fun at a ridiculous situation. His photo with Jenner is something he brought on himself. I just don’t understand what the point of the photo is.

More: Scott Disick has a new woman in his life, but not everyone is happy for him

Part of Disick’s charm, however, is that he rarely concerns himself with what anyone thinks (even Kourtney sometimes), so he probably won’t stop posting oddly flirtatious photos with his children’s grandmother, and I won’t stop thinking it’s weird.

What do you think? Am I overreacting or is it actually a little creepy?

Oh no! Rumors surrounding Lisa Vanderpump's RHOBH future are heating up

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We've heard the rumors before: Lisa Vanderpump may be quitting The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, but the latest report on Vanderpump's Bravo future adds some more weight to the earlier claims.

More: You might want to sit down for this: Lisa Vanderpump could leave RHOBH

According to TMZ, sources close to production of the hit series have revealed that Vanderpump is the only housewife yet to sign on for Season 7. But why the hesitation?

Vanderpump is reportedly growing tired of all the "negative vibes" on the show, and she was left disappointed when her cast mates ganged up on her last season (remember the drama with Lisa Rinna and how it hurt her?), so it's not all that surprising that she'd want to leave the reality TV drama behind her — besides, she already has enough drama to deal with on Vanderpump Rules, and this may actually be another reason why she wants to leave The Real Housewives franchise.

According to the sources, most of Vanderpump's time is now spent on Vanderpump Rules and the running of her very successful restaurant, Sur. But there's more; anyone who knows anything about Vanderpump, knows that she's a dog lover. She's reportedly focused on ending the dog meat trade in China and is devoting a lot of time and attention to the cause.

So, could Vanderpump be too busy and emotionally drained to sign up for the latest season of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills? Maybe. And would we miss her on the show? Definitely.

More: Andy Cohen can't possibly be surprised that RHOBH fans are turning on him too

Will you be sad to see Lisa Vanderpump's time on The Real Housewives come to an end? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

Lisa Vanderpump advice slideshow
Image: Bravo

10 things you must buy at Aldi

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I've already covered why Aldi is the best grocery store ever. There are tons of products to love there, but here are 10 I pick up on the regular.

More: You need to shop at Aldi, and here's why

Pantry staples

I wrote a 2,000-word piece about things you should be stocking in your pantry, and for the love of God, read it already! A stocked pantry is important if you want to remove the stress of figuring out what to eat from your life. I live pretty far from Aldi and can't shop there all the time, but once a month I go there and make sure I’ve got all the things I routinely need on hand to cook. This way, during the week, I need to pick up only proteins and vegetables from local small businesses and can do it on a pretty consistent daily basis so I don’t end up throwing out a ton of food.

Plus, with the money I save at Aldi, I can afford to spend a little more locally, which is good for my community. I really cannot stress how cheap this stuff is. It takes an incredible amount of strength to not buy 40 bottles of Dijon mustard for a dollar a piece, but I remind myself that it’s not too good to be true. Aldi will always be there for me, with its cheap mustard and giant packages of toilet paper.

Wine

Not only is it cheap, but it’s award-winning! I have absolutely no idea, since people make up fake awards all the time, but seriously, you have no idea how often I have been contacted with offers to pay someone hundreds of dollars to get a plaque announcing me as one of the “[insert phony institution's name] Best Chefs in America." Don’t believe everything you read, guys. We live in a world of lies, from the highest levels of our government right down to the International Council for Excellence in Whipped Topping.

However, after some seriously deep investigation (Google), I’ve learned the awards bestowed on Aldi’s wines are actual awards! From actual experts! Australian experts! You know how seriously those guys take drinking. They need award-winning wines to cope with the constant threat of death by poisonous spiders. And sharks. And kangaroos, who look all cute and friendly but who will kick your goddamn face in if they’re “having a day.”

More: The food stamp problem parents don't talk about

Beef jerky

Such Paleo, so low carb, much expensive. Except at Aldi! (You notice a theme here, don’t you?) Snacks are the most important meal of the day, and keeping a drawer full of beef jerky helps you stick to the diet du jour. You get a tasty bite to eat in the afternoons, and your co-workers don’t have to wrap up their day suffering through your usual hard-boiled egg farts. You’re saving money, and now you have friends again. So many problems solved.

Specially selected thick-cut bacon

I think we all know by now that bacon makes everything better. What the internet fails to understand is that a little bacon makes everything better because you can enjoy it without contemplating your own mortality, which, let me tell you, is a total buzzkill at parties.

Keep this thick-cut bacon around. It is intensely flavorful, and I have not yet had a package that was too fatty. Take two or three pieces, chop them up, fry them up crisp, then take most of the grease out of the pan, and sauté a crap-ton of dark greens in it. Season with salt and pepper, mix the bacon back in, and suddenly everyone wants to eat vegetables. You’ve unleashed bacon's untapped ability to make your family eat kale.

Frozen shrimp

Always always always always allllllwwwwwaaaaaayyyyys buy shrimp frozen. They go bad incredibly quickly, so most shrimp are frozen directly on the boat that caught them. If not, then they’re frozen once the boat docks. That “fresh” shrimp you see at the seafood counter? Exactly the same shrimp that’s in the bag, but thawed and soaked in chemicals to keep them from spoiling quickly. The more you know, kids... The more you know...

Keep a few bags in the house. Thaw under running water (takes less than five minutes), and throw them into those bacon greens I was talking about earlier. Brainless dinner. Or make shrimp cocktail for dinner because, and be fancy!

Kefir

According to Kefir.net, “The regular use of kefir can help relieve all intestinal disorders, promote bowel movement, reduce flatulence and create a healthier digestive system.” Who doesn’t like that?

Pure maple syrup

If by some small chance you don’t already know this, most “maple syrup” you’re buying is actually “pancake syrup,” which is high-fructose corn syrup mixed with "maple flavoring" and food coloring. When you have that many quotation marks in a sentence, you have every reason to feel taken. Right, “Mrs. Butterworth,” if that’s your real name?

Pure maple syrup is still liquid sugar, but at least it’s honest. But honesty costs money, and sometimes you’re willing to trade superior flavor for your bottom line. Grab a bottle next time you’re at Aldi, and try it with some of these recipes in addition to your waffles. See if that doesn’t convert you.

More: Maple syrup: More than just a condiment

Broths

I know that realistically most people don’t make their own stocks, and maybe you feel bad about that. Let me let you in on a secret: I am one of those pretentious jerks who makes her own stock. I throw all my chicken and vegetable scraps into a big bag in the freezer, dump it into the slow cooker when it’s full, cover with water, cook on low overnight, and know what I get? Two quarts of stock. Two. You know how long it takes to get enough bones to actually make stock? You think I’m roasting chickens over here all the damn time? I have no time to be planning time-consuming menus to end up with two freaking quarts of stock!

When I actually do have the good stuff, I use it for soup, because if you’re making the investment in homemade stock, you had better enjoy that shizz. When I need some for a risotto or poaching or whatever, I use the boxes. Aldi’s organic brand is terrific, and I always make sure to have a cabinet full of it.

Green pea crisps

My kids will eat them, which is a win. Sure, they’re still highly processed and aren’t actual peas (though made from pea flour), but I’m hoping that maybe one day I’ll be able to talk them into trying actual peas. We’re on year four of my plan, so it’ll happen any day now. I’m sure of it.

Meat

Aldi’s meats used to suuuuuuuuck. I can’t attest to the quality back then, because the stuff just seemed too sketchy to eat. I’d get my staples, a box of cookies (this is woman code for 20 boxes of cookies) and be on my way.

I still usually buy meat fresh a few times a week from a local butcher, but I also grab a few things from Aldi to keep in the freezer for the days I completely forget to plan for dinner. It now offers lots of different cuts at great prices, and a lot of them are under its “Never Any!” line, meaning they’re free of growth hormones, antibiotics and animal byproducts. Keep some of its sausages in the freezer, and you always have something for dinner.

Fancy-pants lemonade

You know the lemonade I’m talking about — the schmancy type that comes in the pretty bottles in the refrigerated section, that tastes like real lemons instead of chemical powder. It’s like, two bucks at Aldi, which is still cheaper than at BJ's.

I’m sure you’re saying, “If you’re so concerned about money, why don’t you make your own lemonade?” Well, smarty-pants, lemons are expensive. Stupid global warming has been screwing all the lemon farmers both here in America and abroad, meaning that juicing enough lemons costs more than buying a jug. And yes, I know that buying packaged lemonade is probably not helping global warming! Stop judging me! I’m doing my best!

Before you go, check out our slideshow below:

I wasn't prepared for the awesomeness that was 365 by Whole Foods Marke
Image: Eating LA/Twitter
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