Congrats to actress Tatyana Ali and her husband Dr. Vaughn Rasberry who are expecting their second child.
The 40-year old best known for her role as Ashley Banks of the popular 90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air announced the news on Instagram
“I was on a work trip recently and I thought it was about time I captured my baby bump. We’re so excited!” Ali captioned the photo of her cradling her bump.
She added: “They say every pregnancy is different and they ain’t lying. Phew! I’m exhausted this go round, swirling with emotion and starving, like constantly. Feeling very blessed. #BabyRasberry,” she added.
Ali and Rasberry are parents to 2½-year-old son Edward Aszard. The couple met on eHarmony about 2 years before marrying.
This week is Holy Week for Catholics and Christians that are preparing for Easter.
EHow assembled an excellent summary of the week that can be used for helping parents explain the holiday to their children.
It is instructional also for non-Catholics as well who may want to understand or explain the holiday for themselves or their children too.
Palm Sunday
When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem on his donkey, there were many followers who wanted to see him. People crowded around him and called his name. Many called out “King” or “Savior.”
Worshipers knelt down and waved palm fronds as Jesus passed by. Children and grownups wanted to hear him speak to them. They wanted to touch him. Sick people wanted their Savior to make them well. Another name for this day is Fig Sunday.
Holy Monday and Tuesday
Some people believe that on the Monday of Holy Week, Jesus freed the animals being sold and killed. The freeing of the many sheep and oxen has been compared to the slaves being set free. Tuesday is the day that the Pharisees got together and made a plan to gang up on Jesus and kill him. Holy Monday and Tuesday are not major days for celebration, but the events did lead up to Jesus’ death.
Spy Wednesday
Judas had been Jesus’ good friend, but he got jealous that so many people loved Jesus. Judas got together with the Pharisees and said he would play a trick on Jesus and kill him.
Today, many people go to church on Ash Wednesday to remember this day. A priest will put ashes from burned palm fronds on a person’s forehead in the shape of a cross and say a prayer.
Holy Thursday
The Last Supper was on this day. Jesus sat down to eat with 12 other people. Those people were the disciples. His friend Judas was there that night. Jesus shared his bread and wine with everyone. He told the disciples that it was more important to serve someone else than to be served.
He lovingly washed the feet of his disciples. After the meal was over, Jesus wanted to be alone to pray. Guards appeared a short time later and he was arrested.
Good Friday
Jesus was forced to make a huge cross and drag it up a hill all by himself. He had a crown on his head made of a branch of thorns. He was nailed to the cross by his hands and feet. One of the ways Good Friday is celebrated is by fasting, which means not eating at all. It is a day to mourn the death of Jesus, but also to celebrate that he gave his life for everyone.
Holy Saturday or Black Sabbath
After Jesus died, he was put in a tomb. The tomb was like a cave. The guards rolled a big rock in front of the opening to make sure that no one could get in or out. They knew that Jesus was dead, but they still wanted to close off the opening just to make sure he didn’t get out. Some of the ways to commemorate this day are meditating, praying, and lighting candles in church.
Jones Day, one of the world’s largest, wealthiest law firms, was sued on Wednesday by six former female associates who accused it of engaging in gender and pregnancy discrimination by underpaying them, thwarting their advancement and pushing them out once they had children.
In their lawsuit, the women say that although Jones Day hires male and female associates in roughly equal numbers, the best work goes to men and that men are paid better and promoted more often “even when their legal skills are notably deficient.”
“In Jones Day’s fraternity culture,” the complaint says, “male brotherhood is affirmed and strengthened by comments and conduct that derogate women, leaving female associates to choose between capitulation and exclusion.”
The lawsuit is the latest effort in a continuing fight to prevent employers in many fields from penalizing female workers for having children.
Shahs of Sunset‘s MJ Javid isn’t the only Bravolebrity to get trolled during her pregnancy.
Real Housewives of Orange County alum Gretchen Rossi has been battling fans trolling her in the comments suggesting that she really isn’t pregnant at all but is using a surrogate and faking it!
“There’s the line in the middle of my stomach that you don’t really get unless you’re pregnant, and my belly button’s starting to pop out,” she pointed out in her story to shut down the allegations. “So, really? I’m definitely pregnant. I’m not faking it or have a surrogate or all of the other crazy things some of you are saying.”
The fit mom-to-be is carrying small and that is throwing fans off.
“I mean, I guess I could just take it as a compliment, but who cares if a woman’s carrying small, medium, large?” Rossi added. “I mean, shouldn’t it just be about respecting each woman’s own pregnancy journey and what they’re going through?”
To drive home the point, she angled her mobile phone to her tummy to further explain what she learned from her docs told her she isn’t showing as much.
“I mean, my doctor told me I have a longer torso. She also told me it looks like I’m carrying her in my back, my placenta’s in the front, so it takes longer to pop,” she explained. “And she said because I was pretty fit before, it’s just gonna take longer for those muscles to stretch out.”
She dismissed the talk as “just silly” adding, “like, really, I’m gonna fake an ultrasound, I’m gonna fake a full-blown pregnancy? It’s just like some of your comments are ridiculous.
“Anyways, have you ever thought about the fact that maybe I just know how to take pictures at good angles? Or maybe I just know how to find maternity clothes that are more flattering? I don’t know. Like, it’s just silly the things that people come up with.”
Not to give all the attention to the haters, she ended her talk by shouting out the supporters.
“By the way, I do see the other like 952 comments that are kind and sweet and uplifting and encouraging and all the other things. So I love you guys for that. I’m working on the four or five comments from people that are being silly. I think it’s just because I’m laying in bed, and I’m grouchy because my back hurts,” she said. “Anyways, I really do love all of you out there that put [out] such kind, nice things, so muah [blows kiss].”
Rossi and her husband Slade Smiley announced that they are expecting their first child together in December after suffering a series of miscarriages and losses.
We’re thinking of eventually getting a family dog, especially for our middle kid who loves animals so in honor of National Pet Day which was yesterday, April 11, I’m resharing these pics for selecting the right dog comes in handy:
In the age-old “cat people versus dog people” debate, the votes have been tabulated and the results show that your household is a “dog family.”
The only problem is that you don’t actually have a family dog.
Remedying the situation provides everyone in the household with companionship and entertainment, helps to teach kids about the responsibility of caring for another living thing and puts a stop to the endless begging, cajoling and whining for a dog.
The only thing left to do is choose your dog, but how do you make such a big decision?
Do Your Research Before you make a selection, you’ll need to have a bit of basic knowledge at your disposal. Purebred dogs purchased from a breeder may have a genetic disposition for certain health problems, but their personalities can be predicted more precisely when they’re still puppies. Mixed breed dogs tend to be healthier than their purebred counterparts, but may be a bit more difficult in terms of personality and predictability. It’s very important that you learn whether or not the dog breed is good for families, small children, babies, people who live in apartments etc.
Like if you live in a busy city like Chicago, you may think a chihuahua, a small dog for a big cramped city would work until you realize that while that breed doesn’t need too many big wide spaces to roam and a tiny dog park will do, they’re better for children over 10 as opposed to small babies.
In this example, you can find services online that will work with your budget and lifestyle, and connect the best dog with your family, like Get Your Pet, for example, an online community that helps connect people who aren’t able to keep their pets directly to people who want to adopt them in their region, relieving shelters and saving animals’ lives all at the same time.
Visit a Shelter or Breeder Choosing to adopt from a shelter rescues a dog that may otherwise be euthanized, allows you to brag about making a socially-conscious choice and gives you the option of adopting an adult animal, rather than a rambunctious youngster in need of training. Purchasing a puppy from a reputable breeder allows you to select a particular breed and bring home a young animal that you can train to suit the needs of your family. But be ethical and avoid puppy mills and online pup websites which don’t provide the best beginning or nurturing start for most dogs. Whichever route you choose, you should make a few kid-free visits before making a decision so you can observe the environment the dog is accustomed to, learn more about their individual personalities and make an informed decision before the younger members of your family become attached to a dog that’s ultimately a bad fit with your collective lifestyle.
Think About Your Family Routine Choosing the right dog for your family will require you to carefully examine the routine of your household. If everyone is away from the house for hours on end, you may want to select a more independent animal that requires less affection and dedicated play time. If you homeschool, have kids that haven’t yet reached school age and one parent stays home, you can comfortably select a dog that requires more attention.
Consider the Age of Your Youngest Child If you have a toddler or infant that doesn’t yet respond well to verbal direction, you’ll need to make sure that the dog you bring into your home is patient and mature. In these situations, an adult dog may be more suitable than a puppy. Breeds that are known to be anxious, like Chihuahuas, will almost certainly be too nervous when the boisterous attention of a very young child is focused on the dog.
Realize That Babies and Puppies Don’t “Grow Up Together” The idea that your baby and your puppy will “grow up together” is a charming one, but it’s just not feasible most of the time. Juggling the demands of an infant with those of an untrained, excitable puppy can easily prove to be overwhelming, which is why so many great dogs find themselves in a shelter. An adult dog may be a better choice for families with very young children, while a charming puppy is fine for households with older kids that can understand the proper handling and treatment of a fragile, high-energy puppy.
Keep Size in Mind The adorable pup that fits in the palm of your hand will one day grow up, and its size will have an impact on how you care for it. Remember that even Saint Bernards start off relatively small, but they grow quickly and can be too much for a small household with young children. Before you fall in love with a puppy at the shelter, try to determine how big it will be when it reaches adulthood. A Great Dane-sized animal simply won’t fit in a small apartment. If you make a mistake, do NOT let your dog go in the country like we see on TV, talk to family and friends to see if there is a better home. Be humane. You can also check for pet communities of animal lovers for ideas.
Choosing a dog is an exciting milestone, but it’s not a trial-and-error situation. Surrendering a dog because he isn’t right for your family will almost always endanger his life, a situation that simply isn’t fair to the defenseless dog in your care. Rather than making an impulsive choice that you later discover was a bad one, take your time and determine exactly what sort of dog will be best for your family. When you’re patient and committed to making the right choice the first time, you’re making a wonderful addition to your family and are not risking the life of an innocent animal.
With rumors already swirling that Duchess Meghan of Sussex will be having an at home birth, it makes sense that the former Meghan Markle and her husband Prince Harry have announced plans to have a private birth.
The baby is due in the next few weeks and Kensington Palace released a statement to the press stating:
“Their Royal Highnesses have taken a personal decision to keep the plans around the arrival of their baby private. The Duke and Duchess look forward to sharing the exciting news with everyone once they have had an opportunity to celebrate privately as a new family.”
So there will be no photo opp like with Kate Middleton and her babies hours after delivery.
There will be a photo opp later at Windsor Castle. Since Baby Sussex is so far down the line to be a future king, unlike Duchess Catherine and Prince Williams’ children, it’s not really a big deal to force the whole big show protocol.
Regrettably, damaging hair is a
pretty simple process. There are certain things you do that deny you the
opportunity to rock beautiful shiny hair with excellent body and volume.
Chemicals, diet, weather conditions, styling, combing, and wash routines are just
a few of the factors that cause major damage to your mane.
Thankfully, you do not have to live
with unhealthy frizzled hair for the rest of your life. There are a few steps
you can take to prevent further damage or even stop the damage process in its tracks
such as:
Getting Rid of Split Ends
Split ends are one of the major
signs of hair damage giving your crown a lifeless, brittle, and dull look.
Because these do not go away on their own, it is advisable to use top-notch
clippers like the wahl designer clippers,
my fave, for example, to get rid of these unwanted hairs to help enhance the feel
and look of your hair.
Note that with split ends in the
way, no amount of spa treatments, hair masks, and conditioning will restore the
shine back to your locks.
Trimming the unhealthy split ends is
also beneficial in that it prevents fewer flyaways and breakage giving it a
thicker and shiner look.
Keeping the Scalp Clean
Beautiful hair comes from a healthy
scalp.
The scalp has oil glands that
produce a natural oil known as sebum, which lubricates the hair strands as they
grow. In the absence of this oil, you can be sure that you will have dry
damaged hair that is tough to manage.
To avoid this, you need to treat
your scalp well by washing the hair every one to two weeks with proper products
like sulfate-free shampoo that will not damage or strip the hair of its natural
oils. It is also recommended that you use oils that mimic sebum to keep the
scalp and hair roots moisturized to promote growth. A
dditionally, you should enrich your
diet with fish oils and Omega3s to keep the scalp balanced and
moisturized.
Brushing the Hair so Hard
If you see some people brushing
their manes, you would mistake this for some sort of war. Aggressive brushing
is the wrong approach that often leads to broken strands which translates to
frizz.
Rather than brush out knots
hysterically, it is better to use conditioner and a wide tooth comb to detangle
the hair slowly and gently. Remember to work the knots from the ends upwards
instead of top to down to prevent all kinds of damage.
Using Too Much Heat
Frying your hair is not the way to
go! You will get better results in the long run if you opt to dry your hair
naturally. However, if you must use heat
make sure you use flat irons or curling irons on the lowest heat setting for
not more than 10 seconds. When using a blow dryer, make sure that it is not too
close to the hair. Hold it about 5-6 inches away so that it does not affect
your scalp as well.
Avoid Hairstyles that are Too Tight
Another mistake that many ladies
make is to wear braids, ponytails, and other updos that are too tight. The
constant pull and tug with these hairstyles negatively affects the scalp and
can lead to a great deal of damage on your hair. Avoid pulling your hair all
the time and embrace loose hairstyles as a means of looking after your hair.
If you are guilty of some bad habits in regards to hair care, it is important to adapt better habits like the ones mentioned above as soon as possible. By doing this it will only be a matter of time before you see positive change in your treasured hair.
Several celebs have been trolled by people on the internet who are convinced they are not really pregnant but faking it while a surrogate really carries their child. Beyonce, Danielle Jonas, Meghan Markle and Kenya Moore have had to dodge fake pregnancy rumors during and after delivery.
Bravo TV star of Shahs of SunsetMercedes “MJ” Javid is the latest.
The 46-year old is pregnant with her first child, a son, after undergoing in vitro fertilization.
The real estate biz owner has been on bedrest for the most part of her later stages of pregnancy following a few complications but despite giving fans glimpses of her baby bump on her Instagram page, she is still routinely harassed by many to show a mirror selfie of it while standing up.
The maternity shoot which is featured exclusively in PEOPLE magazine today should do the trick to get them off her back, according to a recent post.
“Thank you @people for such beautiful coverage of our baby journey thus far,” she captioned a photo from the shoot which featured multiple images of her in lingerie, and with her belly bare and clearly visible. “As I continue to share my experience with families with whom I share this life goal, I hope my experience provides support, hope and positive thinking for others.”
She continued: “Today, I am grateful to my husband and family for the incredible support I’ve received in getting us this far. I know we have so much more ahead. I am blessed to work with incredible photographer, @shannonlaurine and my glam squad, @brandonliberati and @makeupbymarine all of which together we celebrate the female form during this incredible God given opportunity ? #bumpalert“
She addressed the body shaming and fake pregnancy accusations in the magazine.
“A lot of people on social [media] have already come at me for faking my pregnancy,” she says, saying for example, “My face doesn’t look pregnant, my nose doesn’t look swollen, my bump isn’t big enough, I am using a surrogate, I am making this up for attention.”
But she’s staying strong.
“I don’t mind the shaming, I just think it’s very odd that so many people would think a woman would make a choice to lie about something so important,” she explained. “I think if I get mom shamed, I’m not going to care … if anyone wants to mom shame or bully someone in general, they should bully me because I won’t be affected.”
You’d think that would be the end of it. Nope!
The photo garnered a lot of attention but did not stop folks in the comment section a.k.a. the peanut gallery from criticizing the photo edits, and some still said it wasn’t her real belly.
So..she felt the need to follow up with a non-glam bump photo for the haters.
“And a no filter, no make up, no suntan, at home baby bump selfie, to shut down all the haters who have a problem with a woman getting out of bed after 3 and a half months of bed rest to get a little hair and make up for her maternity photos. ?” she captioned a selfie photo in sweats at home.
She previously addressed the hounding on an Instagram Live, ask me anything session with fans.
” My due date is on May 11 and people are saying ‘Why aren’t I showing, why I aren’t I showing?’ I think that it’s a combination of two things: the first thing is that people don’t always show when they’re only 19 weeks, which is where I’m at. Number two: I’m not stick thin,” she said. “I think that from the side I’m definitely thicker and that I’m getting there, but I don’t think that people always show that early.”
You cannot please people so it’s better off not trying. I don’t know how celebs do it being constantly judged and picked apart.
Wait until that baby comes. She can see how folks are tearing into new moms like Chrissy Teigen, Kenya Moore, Gabrielle Union and now Porsha Williams to get a taste at the levels of unsolicited advice and shaming in store.
It’s that time again…for a round up of the most popular blog posts you might have missed. I just sent this to my email newsletter subscribers and figured I’d share it here as well!
You can skip to the category that apply or resonate with you. No pressure. Click. Read and if you like it, share! Thanks!
I think it’s interesting that there was a survey of parents who give their children these names regret them after a celebrity names her kid that too! Doh!
Writer Victoria Uwumarogie over at MadameNoire is calling outReal Housewives of Atlanta star Nene Leakes for making derogatory comments about two co-star nemesis when they were pregnant.
She pointed out that during the finale episode of the show this past Sunday on BravoTV, former castmate Kenya Moore attended an event celebrating the launch of Housewife Cynthia Bailey‘s Seagram’s cooler while close to 9 months pregnant, at the time.
Leakes threw patronizing jabs to Moore who arrived in a bump hugging bodycon dress.
“Oh, my God. Doesn’t she look amazing?! She looks amazing, honey. That body is beat, honey,” commenting on Moore’s size during the end of her pregnancy.
“She’s going to have a buffalo, isn’t she?” Leakes added.
Moore replied on live-tweeted the finale and called out the comments:
I’m having a buffalo… I’m going into labor. I’m pregnant what’s her excuse… So nasty so rude. #RHOA
Also, an episode or two prior this season, after an altercation in her home, Leakes allegedly called Williams a “lying a– big fat hungry b—h” and “big piggy with the busted shape,” over text, telling her she needed to try dieting to lose weight.
Finally, during part one of the show’s reunion episodes, she referred to still heavily pregnant Williams, as “so big over there,” and called her “blimps.”
Leakes previously apologized for wishing rape on a heckler during her stand up tour in 2017 and that same year viciously verbal attacking former co-star Kim Zolciack Biermann‘s daughter Brielle Biermann after the then 17-year old took snapchat video of water bugs while visiting Leakes’ home during an event.
