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5 Safe Ways to Get Rid of Your Blisters Fast

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Post by Rebecca Stokes.

blistersBlisters and the summer go hand-in-hand. Shoes that served you well all winter long can be transformed into foot-gnawing monsters. All that sweat and moisture coming into contact with your tender skin can lead to painful, blistery disasters. And the only thing worse than getting a blister is figuring out how to deal with it. How do you get rid of it? Do you pop it? Is there a cream you can put on it?

If you do a quick search on the Internet on the subject, you'll quickly be overwhelmed with options. But how do you know which are the most medically sound and safest? The last thing you want to do is make an already yucky situation worse by getting an infection. Never fear, we've rounded up the 5 best methods to heal your blisters fast and safely. 

1.) Aloe Vera

Aloe is a natural anti-inflammatory. It will reduce the swelling and provide cooling relief AND moisture. Yes, yes, and yes. More please! 

2.) Apple Cider Vinegar

This is a great disinfectant once your blister pops. But be careful! It's vinegar after all and will pack one heck of a wallop sting-wise. Maybe just stick to the over-the-counter treatments.

3.) Deodorant 

This one is so weird but so true. This actually prevents blisters. If you've bought shoes you thought would be fine and then find yourself being rubbed raw, slide a little D.O. on your skin. The strap will glide over the skin instead of adhering to it.

4.) Green Tea Soak

Just like aloe, green tea is super anti-inflammatory, which makes a cooling soak just the ticket. Ahhhh, tea. So refreshing! 

5.) Time

Blisters will heal if given time. Although it's tempting, try NOT to pop or drain the blister. That can lead to an infection and even more pain. Who wants that? Nobody.

How do you treat blisters when you get them?

 

Imaeg © Roy McMahon/Corbis


12 Pieces of Jewelry for Every Sign of the Zodiac (PHOTOS)

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Post by Rebecca Stokes.

scales Whether you believe in it or not, astrology is fun. I've always been fascinated by people who make it their whole lives. I'm a Cancer, and while I've been known to read a horoscope or two (or 12), I've never put much stock in it. After all, one of my best friends is a Gemini, which by star standards shouldn't be possible for me.

But if there's ever an excuse to buy jewelry, I'm all about it. I was recently thinking about buying the aforementioned Gemini bestie some astrology-themed jewelry to celebrate her birthday. I fell into a rabbit hole of treasures, and it got me thinking -- surely there were cute options for EVERY astrological sign out there! 

I've rounded up one awesome piece of jewelry to go with each sign of the zodiac! But this is only the beginning. Get out there and get hunting. Horoscope jewelry is a sweet, unique, thoughtful gift! My birthday is July 3rd. Just sayin'.

Do you believe in astrology?


Image via Amazon

Miley Cyrus Refuses to Keep It Covered in Her Worst Outfit Since 'Twerking' (PHOTOS)

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Post by Rebecca Stokes.

Look. I love leotards. I think it's great that pop performers like Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and yes, Miley Cyrus are making them a mainstay of live performances. It makes me think of old-time burlesque shows. But Miley Cyrus' latest leotard took things to a new place. Her look was less "nostalgic and sexy" and more "oh my god what happened to my eyes, why is there blood pouring down my face?!"

Maybe that's an exaggeration -- but just a slight one. Miley took to the stage wearing what is arguably her tackiest, nastiest costume to date. Look. I am a feminist. I think if you waggle your bare ass on stage for the masses, tongue flapping in the wind, that's great! But if you think what you are doing is sexy, you are incorrect. It's almost like Miley heard me talking about her classy look last week and decided to dress in a way that is basically giving me the middle finger.

miley's butt

At first, I was down with Miley's latest leotard. It was patterned to look like US currency, and that is definitely an amusing commentary, and also she looks great in that color green. But that was before I saw the bottom half of said leotard. I guess I should just say, that's when I saw her bottom. I'M SORRY, I HAD TO, YOU GUYS!

miley's butt

Miley's bare behind was not even remotely covered by her ensemble! This seemed to be a fact she reveled in, booty-dancing around the stage in a manner most trashy. I guess to each their own, but I'm struggling with her shticks of this matter now that I know she can look so classy and awesome. Embrace your beauty, Miley! Embrace it! And put your fanny away.

Do you think Miley went too far?

 

Images via Maja Suslin/Getty

Women Look ‘Down There’ for First Time and Their Reactions Are Hilarious (VIDEO)

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Post by Rebecca Stokes.

women see vaginas for first timeIf you're a woman with a vagina, maybe you've checked out the lady between your legs before. Not that you'd ever TELL anyone that! But maybe you haven't. You aren't alone. In fact, there are some adult women on this planet who have never actually even seen their vaginas! Their reasons run the gamut. For some it hasn't been physically possible, some had bad experiences that left them scarred and wary. YouTube's own Davey Wavey set out to introduce some of these women to their vaginas.

Davey put out a call on craigslist.org seeking women who'd never seen their own nethers. He interviewed them, gave them a hand mirror and some privacy, and videotaped the results. When this video started making the rounds, I have to say I was initially skeptical. Was this just an opportunity to take advantage of vulnerable women? What I saw was pretty surprising -- and very touching!

Some of the stories are sad -- one woman describes a man's awful reaction to seeing her vagina for the first time, another woman was raped. But some of the stories are quirky and cute, like the woman who just avoided it because she thought she was becoming a nun. The thing that was the nicest was that across the board, the gals were HAPPY with what they saw.

See this video on The Stir by CafeMom.

I think looking at your own vagina should be a mandatory part of sex ed. How else are you really supposed to know what's going on down there? I think encouraging women to check out what they're packing could nip a lot of problems involving sexual confidence right in the butt. Guys look at their business constantly. Women should start doing the same. Loving your body means looking at your body means understanding your body. Can I get an amen?

Were you surprised that some of these women had never looked down there before?

 

Image via wickydkewl/YouTube

5 Ways to Make Your Dog Stop Barking Now

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Post by Rebecca Stokes.

dog barkingDogs hold a special place in our hearts. They aren't called man's best friend for no reason! Dogs are loyal, funny, smart, and love nothing more than cuddling up beside you for a session of napping and maybe some butt-scratching. Dogs = the greatest. Your argument is invalid.

You can love a dog all you want, but when they seem to be barking constantly, all the love in the world won't help. In order to help solve your dog's problem, you've got to identify it. Once you've figured out what's causing the behavior and learn how to address it, the whole barking dilemma is a thing easily solved!

More from The Stir: 5 Tips to Stop Your Cat From Tearing Your Furniture to Shreds

1. Figure Out Why

The first step toward stopping your dog from barking? Find out why they're doing it. Does your dog bark when he sees other dogs, people, cars? Maybe he's barking because you're leaving him alone? Once you figure out what's causing the racket, you can begin to address it.

2. Up the Exercise

If you tried all the patience in the world and nothing is working, TV's own dog whisperer, Cesar Millan, says that there's nothing wrong with seeking the help of a professional. That said, before you make the call, he suggests challenging a dog physically. No, not getting in a fight with them -- he means upping the amount of activity they do. If you can't figure out why they're barking, lack of exercise could be why!

3. Out of Sight, Out of Mind

Does your dog bark when he sees people walking by the house? Draw the curtains. What he can't see, he can't bark at. That will help curb barking when you aren't home. The poor guy is just protecting his territory anyway!

4. Socialization Is Key

But sometimes it isn't so simple. Dogs also bark when they are frightened or overly excited. Staying calm and speaking in a soothing, firm manner to your dog goes a long way. Help them spend time with others dogs, go to dog parks, or have supervised visits with other pet owners. Normalizing the experience can go a long way.

5. Be Consistent & Kind

There are two things to remember when you begin training your dog. The Humane Society says they are "consistency and attitude." By which they mean YOU set the rules. The dog follows them. The same goes with attitude. If your dog is barking and you're yelling, all he hears is you barking back! That helps no one. So be firm, clear, and direct -- but also kind and positive.

Do you have a dog who barks too much?

 

Image via Marcin Wickary/Flickr

5 Free Printable Campfire Games to Entertain Your Whole Posse

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Post by Rebecca Stokes.

campfireIs there anything better than camping during the early summer months? The temperature is nice during the day and gets just cool enough at night. You have an excuse to gather your family around a roaring campfire and cook meals while exchanging terrible knock-knock jokes and just laughter in general.

But sometimes it can be tricky to find ways of keeping those younger campers in our parties entertained! There are only so many times you can send them to collect kindling for the fire before they claim slave labor. Never fear, for we are here! And we've brought with us 5 free printable campfire games perfect for the wee ones.

More from The Stir: 8 Camping Hacks That Will Make Your Trip a Breeze

1. Campfire Candyland

This game is GREAT. Print up as many versions of the board as you like. You can make each square a math equation, a riddle, or a piece of trivia. As much fun to create as it is to play! Winner gets first hot dog.

2. Camping Supplies

This great game has players competing to see who can collect the most "supplies" on a trip. But don't worry, everyone is a winner when there are s'mores to be had.

3. The License Plate Game

Kids getting antsy on the ride out to the campsite? Print up this handy-dandy map, a copy for everyone, and soon they'll be so caught up in collecting different states, they'll be shocked at how quickly you all reach your destination.

4. Camping Charades

This one is super cute! A twist on the popular game charades, this printable features a list of camping-specific tasks that need acting out. Sure to have everyone in stitches.

5. Don't Eat Pete!

With a little help from this free printable board, you'll have the kids rolling all around with laughter. Line the board with marshmallows, chips, or any other snack. One player is sent away, the rest of the group decides which square is "Pete." The player returns and can eat any candy he wants UNTIL HE REACHES PETE! Person to go the longest without reaching Pete wins. And is also probably pretty full.

What are your favorite campfire games?

 

Image via Eugeni Dodonov/Flickr

'Real Housewives of Orange County' Recap: Heather Dubrow Needs to Get Over Herself NOW

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Post by Rebecca Stokes.

Heather Dubrow is mad on Real Housewives of Orange CountyThere was a time I'd defend Heather Dubrow to the hills and back. That time has drawn to a close. I still think H-Dawg is classically gorgeous, very intelligent, and funny in a way that's unique in Housewives-world. But the way she's treated newcomer Shannon Beador has been completely unpalatable. Tonight's episode was just more proof of what I've long suspected -- Heather's developed a victim complex. She has also lost the ability to blink, which is terrifying. 

She summoned Shannon for a tete-a-tete. It was one of the terrible and chilly Housewives meetings. The restaurant was empty, and while no food was seen to be consumed, there was booze -- and thank God for that. Shannon respectfully tried to express what was bothering her about her few interactions with Heather. Fair enough. Then it was Heather's turn. That's when everything got ugly. 

Heather refused to accept any responsibility for the awkwardness and tension between them. Rather than own up to ANY role in it, she tried to explain that how Shannon saw things was "just her perception." Implying that what Shannon saw ... wasn't what really happened? Shannon looked as flummoxed as I felt. 

I don't know what about Shannon has put Heather's nose so out of joint. Wait. Yes I do. She's threatened by Shannon and David's wealth. Until Shannon rolled into the scene, Heather was queen of all! But now here's Shannon, and she's not just wealthy -- she's pretty, well, blase, about it? Gotta say, Shannon lives her life in a way that makes Heather seem ... kind of new money?

It's really a shame (that's a lie, I don't actively care because these are not women I know and also this is a TV show) that the two women continue to butt heads. Because if we learned nothing else from their Holiday photo shoots (and we did not), they are more similar than either party would care to admit.

Are you team Shannon or team Heather?

 

Image via Bravo 

Man Has 10 Plastic Surgeries to Make Truly Unique Change (PHOTOS)

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Post by Rebecca Stokes.

man changed faceWhen you first look at Xiahn Nishi, you see nothing out of the ordinary. He appears to be a particularly stylish young man from South Korea. Sure, he might have a sort of surgical veneer about him, but hey, what's wrong with a little nip or a little tuck? Then you learn he wasn't born 'Xiahn.' His birth name was, in fact, Max, and he's not from South Korea at all. 

Nishi was actually born in Brazil and worked as a model for several years. But after visiting South Korea and falling in love with its culture, he made a decision. He wanted to transform his face, starting with his eyes. He approached a surgeon about injectables and other options to help achieve this look. It only took 10 surgeries (*so much sarcasm dripping from the word only*), but now Nishi has accomplished his goal: He looks like a local. 

xiahn nishi

Frankly, I don't understand how a doctor could have let him do this once -- let alone the required 10 times to achieve his "ideal" look. Can you imagine going into a doctor's office and being like, "I visited this country and like the people from here more than myself, so let's change my face so I look like them, mkay?" Clearly there is a mental health component that is being ignored! If you are THAT unhappy with how you look, it's a problem that isn't going to be resolved permanently with plastic surgery alone.

man changed face

The results of Nishi's surgeries are truly shocking. He isn't sure if he's going to do the surgery again -- which he'd have to do when the fillers by his eyes deplete -- but he's also happy with the results. He certainly seems happy enough if you look at all the photos he's been posting to social media. But when the outside adulation goes, who's to say how long his sense of satisfaction will last? How long is it before he just goes under the knife again rather than deal with his real issues?

Do you think these surgeries are a cry for help?

 

Images via Twitter


Rihanna's Latest Look Leaves ZERO to the Imagination (PHOTO)

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Post by Rebecca Stokes.

rihannaRihanna is always looking to push the boundaries of fashion ever forward. It's part of why she was honored at the CFDA awards. Rihanna was given the title of fashion icon. It's not surprising, then, that she took what she wore to the ceremony very seriously. Just recently her stylist was bemoaning how many clothes RiRi goes through in a year. Maybe that explains this latest look. Because something has to, you guys. It was crazy.

Rihanna trotted up the red carpet in basically nothing. Sure, it was head-to-toe Swarovski crystals...but there was no dress attached to them! That isn't even really that much of an exaggeration. Rihanna's dress was entirely see-through. She played it demure below the waist, wearing an incognito thong. But she let her bosoms run wild! The mink stole clutch around her lower region? That's just for show. 

I mean, maybe if I looked like Rihanna too I'd want to flash a little nipple to the public, but I'm thinking that's a big ol' no. I think see through shirts with bras are plenty risque enough thank you very much! I don't like coming across like a prude (something that's totally happening here and now) but it's also kind of galling to see a woman's natural beauty out-shined by her own nudity-stunt!

rihanna

Because friends, I guarantee you -- no one was looking at her face. It doesn't matter what your sexual preference is. If you are standing across from someone with crystal placed upon their naked boobs, you're going to stare at those boobs! Rihanna is definitely sending a message with this gown. The message in question: Clothes don't matter, my body matters. And hey, if that's what you want to tell a room full of fashion designers, I guess more power to you.

Do you think this look is classy or trashy?

 

Image via Larry Busacca/Getty

No-Bake Cake Recipe With Just 4 Ingredients -- No Hot Oven Required!

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Post by Rebecca Stokes.

nobake cake In my family, the summer months are all about birthdays. Me, my sister, one of my brothers, and my dad -- we are all June and July babies. While it's a great time of year to celebrate, it can also be also be tough on the people putting together those celebrations. That's because birthdays mean one thing (in addition to saying hooray to passage of time) -- baking a cake. And nothing is quite so brutal as standing in front of a oven on a hot, hot day. 

That's where this killer 4 ingredient no-bake cake comes into play! Save yourself a trip to the grocery store, time in the kitchen, AND from having to turn that evil oven on! This cake is so good, and so easy, you might wish you had more summertime birthday friends. Even better, you might just start inventing reasons to eat cake everyday. Everyday = cake day. 

More from The Stir: Simple, Blissful, No Bake Cake Batter Cheesecakes

Ingredients

2 cups heavy cream 1/2 cup peanut butter chips 1/2 cup milk chocolate chips 12 whole chocolate graham crackers

 

Directions

In a small saucepan combine 1/4 cup of the cream and the peanut butter chips, stirring just until smooth: pour into a bowl.   Repeat with the milk chocolate chips and another 1/4 cup of the cream; pour into another bowl.   Refrigerate both about 15 minutes until cold.  In a medium bowl beat remaining cream just until stiff.  Gently fold half of the whipped cream into peanut butter mixture, 1/2 cup at a time.  Fold remaining whipped cream into the chocolate mixture, 1/2 cup at a time. Refrigerate milk chocolate whipped cream. Spread each of 10 whole chocolate graham crackers with about 2-1/2 tablespoons of the peanut butter whipped cream.  Sandwich together coated crackers to form 2 stacks (5 cookies per stack). Top each stack with 1 plain graham cracker. Arrange stacks, side by side, on a serving plate, long edges touching. Frost with milk chocolate whipped cream. Refrigerate 6 hours or overnight for cookies to soften into a cake texture - trust me, it's yum!


What are you favorite summer desserts?

 

Image via © Cooke, Colin/the food passionates/Corbis

Famous 'Love Guru' Says Women Are to Blame When Men Cheat

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Post by Rebecca Stokes.

couple fighting Linda Joyce is a self-proclaimed 'love guru' and boy does she have news for you. Sleep with a guy on the first date? He's going to think you're less attractive. Married and your guy cheats on you? That's not 'betrayal'! That's blowing off steam. Ever wonder why men lie? It's because we women and our 'feelings' make things too difficult for them. 

I wonder if Linda Joyce is actually a Mens' Rights Activist in drag. Since I have no way of sussing that out in the immediate here and now, I will go ahead and say that if she actually is a woman, that makes her claims even more unforgivable. Joyce knows about as much about men as she does about her gender. And it's not a lot. How do people like this get book deals?! I don't get it. But Linda DID score a book deal, and now she's talking about everything she's learned about men and women. 

Talking about men and women in such simplistic terms does us ALL a disservice. Joyce's big hang-up seems to be the fact that women are 'emotional'. She says that emotions make thing difficult for men. Maybe there are instances where this is true, but damned if I wouldn't like to think that we as a species are more complex than that. Her description of the sexes makes it sound like women are constantly running around screaming with sheets over our heads while men bang their heads against walls in order to experience pain the only way possible to them. 

That said, Joyce didn't come up all empty. She interviewed hundreds of men for her new book, and across one resoundingly obvious but important fact about women and men. If you want something from your male partner -- tell him! I know I've been guilty on occasion of expecting my partner to basically be able to read my mind, which isn't fair. That said, she doesn't talk about how important it is for men to try and understand these feelings and wants instead of running away from them because they view them to be problematic. 

Do you think there's any truth to Joyce's claims?

 

Image © JGI/Jamie Grill/Blend Images/Corbis

Gwyneth Paltrow’s Comments About Water Are Pretty Terrifying

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Post by Rebecca Stokes.

Gwyneth Paltrow on energy Gwyneth Paltrow makes it so hard to defend her, and God knows I try. But her latest issue of GOOP makes it darn near impossible. No, she isn't advocating another cleanse or trying to sell us all $400 T-shirts. If it was something like that, I'd be all, "WHATEVER I LOVE HER STILL." Gwyneth has crossed into another realm of weird with this one -- she basically believes that water has feelings.

That's right. The stuff we bathe in, drink, and where we leave our pee. It's got feelings. I don't. I can't. Brain explode. Paltrow cites the work of this dude Masuru Emoto, who literally wrote a book talking about how yelling at water or being nice to it changes its chemical make-up. It's natural Paltrow would find this intriguing. She's all about how energy can impact matter. Emoto's work supports her belief. The problem here? I feel like Emoto's findings are almost guaranteed to be 100 percent untrue.

I may not be a water-scientist, but let's be real -- water's been around a long time. Some might say forever. If it had emotions, isn't that something we would've clocked by now? Plus Emoto's attitude toward his own research is a bit cagey. He had a chance to get a million dollars if he re-created his research and he mysteriously decided not to. FISHY FISHY.

Bad science aside, what Emoto's positing and Paltrow's supporting could potentially be dangerous. She's a beautiful, influential celebrity -- there are, like it or not, people who turn to her as a role model. Someone might take her well-intentioned curiosity about 'energy' and turn it into a way of life. You know, BY NOT DRINKING WATER. Talk about deadly consequences. This is why she should think before she GOOPs.

Do you think Paltrow's gone too far?

 

Image via Donato Sardella/Getty

Beyonce and Solange Dress Like Sexy Twins to Convince Us All Is Forgiven (PHOTO)

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Post by Rebecca Stokes.

beyonce and solangeWell, well, well. Look which pair of celebrity sisters are out, smiles on their faces, arms around each other, and wearing stylish and coordinating outfits for their conciliatory photo-shoot! It's totally Beyonce Knowles and her sister Solange Knowles. A photo-op like this wouldn't normally be a big deal, but this is the first time the sisters have appeared together publicly since elevator-gate. So appearances here? They matter.

The smiley girls both looked radiant! While Solange typically goes for a more outre sense of style than her fabulous sister Bey, they were caught wearing outfits that sent a not-so-subtle message of perfect harmony. They made it pretty clear that they plan on putting the rumors of familial discord to bed -- with fashion!

Bey stunned in a white jumpsuit! I'm not saying that just because I'm a sucker for a jumpsuit, either -- though I totally am. The shockingly low-cut suit was tailored to perfection. She kept the look simple, pairing it with sky-high black shoes, open-toed for summer, but of course. The only off element for me? The strangely mint green nails she chose as her pop of color. They just didn't quite work. But you know what? That's fine. Because she's still Beyonce, and I'm still just some blogger.

beyonce and solange

Solange looked equally elegant. She took a page from her sister's book, donning a stunning pair of cream-colored trousers. Dig the flow on them! Up top, Solange decided to go a more colorful route than her sis. She wore a brilliant and bright orange button-down that was classy beyond words and really made her complexion glow. She also kept most of the buttons undone, opting for the same risque look as Beyonce. It works on both of them. So glad to see them together and looking happy.

Do you think Beyonce and Solange have really put their troubles behind them?

 

Image via Kevin Mazur/Getty

5 Natural Acne Cures to Clear Your Skin Up

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Post by Rebecca Stokes.

how to clear up your skinI thought one of the (few) benefits of getting older meant that I was done dealing with zits. I have never been so wrong. Now, in addition to the odd, sore, bright red pustule on my forehead, I've also got to deal with my very first wrinkles. Yeah. It's a special and disgusting time. Throw the fact that I've got exceptionally sensitive skin into the mix and you've got a truly awful cocktail of woe.

When I was younger I tried every over-the-counter skin treatment imaginable. I even visited a dermatologist for prescription pills and creams. Eventually, I discovered a regime that worked for me. It's still the one I use now. It mostly keeps my skin in order. But when I do have a breakout, I prefer to use these 5 all-natural at-home acne remedies. They are cheaper and totally effective.

More from The Stir: Miracle Cure Discovered For Acne That Won't Leave You Red In The Face

 

1. Garlic

Most acne breakouts have bacteria to blame for their existence. Garlic slays that nasty stuff!  Mash up a fresh clove of garlic, and apply the juicy pulp to your blemish. Let it sit for as long as you like. Maybe make garlic bread with what you have left over.

2. Lemon

This one is great for overnight eruptions. Put a dab of fresh juice on the spot and go to sleep letting the acid and vitamin C do their work. But make sure you rinse your face thoroughly before heading out into the sun - lemon is super-sensitive to the sun!

3. Clay Mask

You can buy a clay mask off the shelf -- or you can make one yourself! The clay tightens mores and dries out the spot like whoa.

4. Fresh Tomato Juice

Eat tomatoes! They are so good for you, full of antioxidants that keep you looking and feeling young. Those antioxidants can do great things on your outsides too! Apply to problem areas and watch the healing unfold.

5. Egg White Mask

Oh man, this is a favorite of mine. In general the egg acts as a pore-tightener. But this also makes for a great at home nose strip, perfect for pulling away stubborn blackheads. Apply a thick coating to your block areas, let dry totally and remove with clean fingers or a warm, slightly moist, washcloth.

Do you have any all-natural acne cures you swear by?

 

Image ©iStock.com/evgenyatamanenko/©iStock.com/emreogan

5 Reasons Sex Might Be Painful

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Post by Rebecca Stokes.

painful sexWhen you're having sex, the last thing that should be on your mind is grimacing through pain and discomfort. But unfortunately, pain during sex is something most women will grapple with at some point.

Not all painful sex is created equal. There are several reasons we might have discomfort. Some can be serious, but by and large the common complaints are usually caused by minor, highly treatable problems. If you are experiencing any sort of pain during sex and it won't go away, you should definitely talk to your doctor. But first see if one of these 5 causes of pain during sex might apply to you.

  

More from The Stir: 20 Real Reasons Men Say No to Sex

1. Yeast Infection

Are you experiencing an itching or burning during intercourse? You might have a yeast infection. Discharge may be present, but not always.

"It's a myth that this discharge always accompanies a yeast infection," says Dr. Elizabeth G. Stewart, co-author of The V Book.

Mild infections can be treated with over-the-counter drugs. For more uncomfortable cases, do not pass go, do not collect $200 -- go see your doctor for treatment. Yeast infections are relatively common and very treatable. You can prevent them by making sure you keeping your downstairs region clean and dry.

2. Scar Tissue

Does your skin feel tender or like it's pulled tight when you're having sex? Did you have an episiotomy during childbirth? If you answered yes to these questions, your pain could be caused by scar tissue on your perineum. To treat this, massage the tissue with water-based lube every day to help soften the tissue and make you feel more comfortable. "This is a great way to make those nerve endings less sensitive," says OB/GYN Jillian Grant.

3. Vaginal Dryness

This is one of the most common reasons women hurt during sex. If you find the friction to be scratchy and uncomfortable, you aren't alone. There are loads of different reasons for vaginal dryness, and it's easily combated with lubricant.

4. Urinary Tract Infection

Feeling a little sore in the hips and like you've got to go to the  bathroom during sex? You might have a UTI. Go to your doctor to see if that's the case, and you'll be prescribed meds to treat and cure it.

5. Endometriosis

Endometriosis affects 14% of women. During sex, they can experience a sudden stabbing sensation. Another symptom is painful periods. The condition is caused by the uterus lining growing outside the uterus and spreading to the ovaries, pelvis, or intestines. It can also lead to problems with fertility. 

Have you ever experienced pain during sex?

 

Image © B. BOISSONNET / BSIP/BSIP/Corbis


31-Year-Old Man Is ONLY Attracted to 90-Year-Old Women (VIDEO)

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Post by Rebecca Stokes.

31 year old dates 90 year oldWhen it comes to love, sex, and dating, it's a good rule of thumb never to 'yuck' someone else's 'yum.' Sure, some people are turned on by things you aren't, fine. Human beings are different! What you're attracted to in a partner might be a total turn-off for someone else. Who cares, right? That's their business.

This is what I keep saying to myself as I learn more and more about 31-year-old Kyle Jones. Kyle is a handsome, charming guy with a unique quirk: He only dates senior citizens. When I first read this, I thought, Great, more power to him. That was before I caught an eye-full of him making out with a 91-year-old woman named Marjorie McCool. I can't. My eyes. So much tongue. So much old tongue. I'm trying to be hip and accepting, but I JUST CAN'T DO IT.

There is something about Kyle's obsession with older women that just doesn't sit right. I want to say that I'm impressed by Kyle's fervor for wrinkles and sags that come with age, but it comes across as being objectifying rather than reverential. Maybe if Kyle was dating Marjorie exclusively, I might have an easier time viewing this to be a love story for the ages. But he isn't.

Kyle is dating around three women of varying senior ages and having sex with all of them. They are all significantly older than his mother -- whom he introduces all of these ladies to! I like to think that as a mother, I'll be all about acceptance, but I think I'd have to draw the line at my young son bringing home girls with AARP cards.

See this video on The Stir by CafeMom.

But maybe I'm being small-minded. After all, older men have been dating seriously younger women since time immemorial and nobody gasps in horror when they walk down the street arm in arm. I don't know though. Looking at Kyle and Marjorie, I'm starting to think that maybe we should.

Do you think Kyle and Marjorie should be dating?

 

Images via BarcroftTV/YouTube

Jennifer Lopez's Revealing Stage Costume Shows the Young Girls How It's Done (PHOTO)

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Post by Rebecca Stokes.

jloThere's been a whole lot o' booty baring in the concert world lately. Most of it has been tacky and disastrous. I'm lookin' at you, Miley Cyrus. But it isn't just the new pop divas flashing cheeks these days. Even Jenny from the block is getting in on the act! Jennifer Lopez recently shook her famous hind-quarters while in concert wearing a high-cut leotard paired with scandal-icious suspenders.

While Miley looked a fresh hot mess, JLo's look is pure awesome. I'm not just saying that because I'm a biased child of the '90s either. Something about how each element of her costume comes together makes it scream style, glamour, and sex appeal. I mean, is her butt out? Yes. Is it being fondled by a back-up dancer? Yes, yes it is. But am I bothered by it like I was bothered by Miley's butt-baring ensemble? Not a whit!

I think it's equal parts hair and accessories that are really making this whole risque look work. Jennifer Lopez's flowing full locks are really Bardot-like in a glam-fabulous way. Her makeup is classy and on point, and her bejeweled leotard is well-served by the sexy black suspenders and tights she's wearing.

jennifer lopez

JLo has clearly discovered the beauty of layering, saucy minx that she is. She's got a layer of beige fishnet tights beneath her whole get-up that add the right amount of texture and sophistication. Miley, take note. If you want to flaunt booty, this is how you do it.

Do you love or loathe JLo's look?

 

Image via Kevin Mazur/Getty

Aviva Drescher's Dad Shouldn't Have to Defend Engagement to 25-Year-Old

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Post by Rebecca Stokes.

Words I thought I'd never say: Poor George Teichner. Why do I say that? Real Housewives of New York's Aviva Drescher threw a party at the Museum of Sex the other day. Fine, sexy, cool, okay. Then you learn why she threw the party. It was for George. Barf. That's right, Aviva hosted George Teichner's engagement party at a sex museum. I don't know about you, but I'd want to keep the words "my dad" and "sex museum" as far apart as is humanly possibly. It's also not surprising that this party caused more gossip, which all led up to George publicly defending his relationship.

But Aviva is much more avant garde than I am, clearly. I love how the entire world is all skeeved out about her dad preparing to marry a 25-year-old, but not Aviva. She's all, "Whatever, so he's 76 and she could be his literal child, more power to him." It's cool of her, but definitely a little creepy. I never thought I'd say this, but it's romantic George is sticking up for his lady love! Even if that means he's calling his detractors "stoopids." Oh George.

Is it wrong that I'm more creeped out about Aviva throwing the party than I am about George and his bride-to-be Dana Cody tying the knot and saying damn the haters? I mean, it's not exactly surprising. Look at how George has behaved in the past! He's a total horn-dog. Marrying a woman more than 50 years his junior? That actually seems tame compared to some of the comments he's made while appearing on the show.

However poorly behaved he's been in the past, that's no reason for Ramona Singer to come in swinging and leave his fiance in tears -- something she apparently did while at the party. Like, totally uncalled for! But again, not totally surprising given the source. To sum up, I'm not as grossed out by George as I should be, I remain un-floored by Ramona's antics, and Aviva throwing her dad a sexy party is pretty gross.

Do you think George's marriage will last?

 

Image via Jamie McCarthy/Getty

Miley Cyrus’ Most Memorable Wardrobe Malfunctions (PHOTOS)

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Post by Rebecca Stokes.

When it comes to fashion, Miley Cyrus doesn't know how to play it safe. That's not fair, totally. She KNOWS how to dress up and look fabulous and traditionally glamorous -- she would just rather, well, not. Most of the time Miley is pushing the boundaries of fashion, prancing around in latex or something electronic. Miley wants to shock, surprise and delight her fans.

It should be surprising that even the most well-intentioned fashionista would have a few fumbles along the way. If you're going to be as extreme as Miley is in what she wears, of course you are going to have the odd wardrobe malfunction along the way! It's only logical.

Over the years, Miley's had tons of wardrobe slip-ups. Some were shocking and some were just plain awkward. We went ahead and found the 6 most memorable Miley misfires and collected them up for your viewing pleasure.

What do you think Miley's biggest wardrobe malfunction has been?


Image via Twitter

Oil Pulling Will Totally Transform Your Life

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Post by Rebecca Stokes.

Oil pulling may be having a moment, but it's long been a practice in ancient India to promote allover wellness and healing. The idea is that by gargling with a high-quality vegetable oil for several minutes each day, you can detoxify you body. The thinking is that the oil literally "pulls" away nasty stuff that could be making you feel sick. These little gross guys include fungus (cringe), bacteria, and other foul toxins out of your body, your mouth, and your life. Whoo hoo!

More from The Stir: Oil Pulling Is the Latest Craze -- Here's What All the Fuss Is About

The benefits seem to be so good that they justify gargling a mouthful of oil. Not only do you feel healthier, but fans of the treatment also say you look better. A lot of people feel no more need to brush their teeth. They report teeth whitening, smoother, clearer skin, and other benefits. So okay, the time has come to try this. How exactly do we do this? Never fear, we're here, and we've broken it down into 6 easy to follow steps.

Have you tried oil pulling?

 

Image © Laurence Mouton/PhotoAlto/Corbis

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