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Heavy periods and 4 other signs of endometriosis – and how to treat it

IT's an agonising and incurable condition that affects around two million women in the UK.

But there's still a worrying lack of awareness when it comes to endometriosis – and the warning signs to look out for.

The chronic condition is known to occur when tissue from the lining of the womb is found outside of the womb – in areas of the body including the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, the abdomen and the bladder.

And while endometriosis is a common condition, Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical director of Patient.info, told The Sun Online that symptoms can often be ignored.

She says: "One of the biggest challenges with getting a diagnosis of endometriosis is that the symptoms may be mistaken for other problems."

Here, she takes us through the four key signs to look out for:

1. Heavy periods

One of the main symptoms is painful periods – but the pain is often more severe than ‘normal’ period pain, and lasts from a few days before the period until the end of the period.

Many women also have low tummy and pelvic pain, which may be worse before and during a period but can be there all the time.

2. Pain during and after sex

Painful sex – especially during deep penetration – is also a common symptom of endometriosis. This can last for several hours after sex.

Penetration and other movements related to sex can pull and stretch endometrial tissue, especially if it has grown behind the vagina or lower uterus.

3. Difficulty conceiving

Endometriosis can also make it harder for you to get pregnant.

If you have endometriosis and are trying to get pregnant without success, it is important that you get help and support so speak to your doctor about being referred to a gynaecologist or a fertility specialist.

4. Bleeding between periods

Spotting between periods might not seem like too bothersome a problem but it can be one of the key signs of endometriosis.

A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology showed premenstrual spotting is the clearest predictor of endometriosis.

5. Pain when you go to the toilet

It can also cause pain when you wee or poo and very occasionally blood in the wee or poo.

You may also experience fatigue, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating or nausea.

Dr Sarah Jarvis adds: "Unfortunately it isn’t always easy to treat endometriosis once it is diagnosed.

"If you don’t want to get pregnant, hormone treatments (including the IUS – a hormone-releasing coil) and the combined oral contraceptive pill (sometimes called ‘the pill’) may help.

"If not, the next stop might be other hormone treatments called GnRH analogues, progestogen hormone tablets or danazol.

"Surgery (usually using a flexible telescope inserted through a small cut in the tummy) can allow doctors to destroy patches of endometriosis in the tummy cavity. Hysterectomy is usually kept as a last resort."

Celebrities with the condition

Celebrities including TV personality Danielle Lloyd, US actress Lena Dunham and singer Halsey have all previously spoken out about their battles with the painful condition.

In particular, earlier this year Alexa Chung was praised for sharing her endometriosis diagnosis on social media.

 

The model, 35, told her followers: "I don't want to belong to any club that would accept me as a member, but here I am. #endometriosisclub #lifelongmembership sorryifyouhaveittooitsucks"

The post, which has more than 65,000 likes, prompted an outpouring of love and support from dozens of women with the same condition.

Why some women need a hysterectomy

According to NHS guidelines, a hysterectomy – an operation to remove the womb – is rare, and usually only performed on women for whom other treatments haven't work, and who have decided to not have any more children.

It's a major operation – and only 30,500 were carried out in England in 2012 and 2013. It carries a risk of heavy bleeding, infection and damage to the bladder or bowel.

Other surgical options for endometriosis are a laparotomy and laparoscopy (keyhole surgery). These methods both work to remove endometriosis tissue.

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Why I Wanted to Learn to Perform Abortions

It starts with steel.

A speculum. A needle. A tenaculum to steady the cervix. A set of dilators. These were the instruments I used when I trained to perform abortions in the 1990s.

There was also plastic and suction. The equipment was all so hard and sharp, and yet the procedure itself required a delicate touch. This was before ultrasound was commonly used, so a surgical abortion was often performed blindly. It took experience to recognize and understand the feel of steel and hard plastic on the cervix and the uterus. Not just because you couldn’t see, but also because the tissue changes week by week as the uterus enlarges and the muscle thins.

As the pregnancy advances there are also fetal bones, which are sharp and can lacerate the uterus, blood vessels or bowel. The result can be maternal death if a surgeon doesn’t intervene quickly.

All of this probably sounds dangerous, but in skilled hands and with appropriate equipment a surgical abortion is one of the safest medical procedures any person can undergo.

Though we often think of abortion as a choice, some come out of medical necessity. For example, in the case of an intrauterine pre-viability infection (that’s around 24 weeks), the recommendation is delivery or the infection can be lethal.

In this situation some women choose a surgical abortion, while others prefer to labor. It’s really hard to call it a preference. But the options offer some measure of control for the pregnant person, and controlling even one thing can be comforting when everything else, medically speaking, seems out of control.

These personal and medical decisions are difficult enough. Now the specter of legislation is creeping into doctors’ offices and labor and delivery suites. Conversations we should never entertain — ones that start with, “Is she sick enough yet?” — are becoming more common.

Imagine if your well-trained pilot were expertly managing a sudden loss of altitude mid-flight but had to step away to consult a lawyer to figure out if a reasonable pilot would conclude a crash was imminent, only to find that imminent isn’t even defined?

This idea of pleading abortion worthiness was the very thing that drove me into obstetrics and gynecology. When I was in high school in Canada, a woman wanting an abortion had to present her case to an “abortion panel,” a three-person tribunal (pretty medieval, no?). Women would confide their circumstances to their own doctor, who would hopefully send a report to a panel of three unknown doctors.

If their stories were to be sympathetic, these women had to adhere to certain guiding principles: Be contrite. Apologize. Promise to do better. Smile, but in a sad way. Don’t say too much, but say enough. Walk the edge of the knife between self-pity and responsibility. And hope they don’t know your parents.

We coached our friends the best we could, but I was determined to do better.

So during my obstetrics and gynecology residency I spent much of my free time learning abortions. The training was available to all, but not embedded in the program, so I had to go out of my way to learn. I can think of no other surgical specialty where a procedure is so common that 24 percent of patients will have one by the age of 45 and yet it has been deemed “elective” to learn.

I was trained to do abortions by men who, interestingly enough, had financial and social backgrounds similar to those of many men who currently write and interpret our abortion laws. What makes one man weep remembering a young nurse dying from a pelvic abscess incurred in a clandestine abortion, and another man want to erase her with legislation?

We had a few female OB-GYNs in my training program, probably similar to most training programs in the 1990s, but it was men who taught me how to perform abortions. At the time I thought it odd. In retrospect, I wonder if women steered clear because abortion could be one more thing held against them. No other surgical procedure is weaponized so effectively, and in so many ways, against women.

Along with the skill to do abortions, the men who taught me also passed on their experience from when abortion was illegal. (It was legalized in the U.S. in 1973 and in Canada in 1969.) They taught me about catastrophic infections. Spilled bowel contents from instruments that had lacerated the uterus and large intestine. Family members who hung up on calls from their facilities because they preferred not to know what was going on with their daughters. They told me of women dying alone.

They never said where these women had met their fate. A well-meaning but ill-trained doctor or friend? A true medical profiteer taking advantage of a woman’s predicament?

Once upon a time some doctors could get away with offering early abortions by calling them “menstrual extractions,” which were meant to remove built-up uterine lining supposedly caused by a hormonal imbalance. Accurate pregnancy tests were not available until the 1970s, and so a missed period or two could plausibly be explained this way. But not so often as to arouse legal suspicion.

The whisper network may have sent some women with money to these well-trained providers with clean equipment, but it sent others to unskilled hands with rusted equipment. Women would choose this man in that neighborhood over another man in another neighborhood because they had heard maybe he was not as bad, his facility was a little cleaner.

Sometimes they would go in knowing he was the worst but hoped for the best because he was all they could afford.

Some women take time to reach their decision and others know immediately. But once they know, they know.

Indecision doesn’t lead a woman to put her feet in stirrups, lay back and hope the person holding the steel is well-trained and trustworthy. No one who is unsure of a medical decision would consider a filthy man with filthy equipment in a filthy room a viable option.

Even though women know their bodies and their minds, many states require doctors to explain pregnancy to a woman, as if she were an impulsive child. No woman in the history of women has ever said, “Oh doctor, thank you so much for explaining. I didn’t realize what pregnancy meant.”

These and other regulations are not about patient safety or informed consent. They are intended to make the procedure more expensive or harder to access.

If men are going to regulate the uterus, they should have the courage to be honest about their decisions and motivations. Restrictive and deterring abortion laws do not help make the practice of abortion safer. In the end, they force women to choose poverty or a fetal skull perforating the uterus. It would take a lot less courage for legislators to admit their intentions than it does for a woman to entrust her body to an unnamed man in a dirty room.

Dr. Jen Gunter is an obstetrician and gynecologist practicing in California. The Cycle, a column on women’s reproductive health, appears regularly in Styles.


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Bella Hadid's Sexy One-Piece Is Taking Hot Girl Summer Well Into Fall

Bella Hadid Wearing Heart of Sun Halo One Piece in Slate

We can always count on Bella Hadid for a scorching bikinigram. Despite swimsuit season winding down, Bella is continuing her #HotGirlSummer well into Fall.

Bella posted a photo to her Instagram wearing a slate gray high-leg one-piece by the pool, surrounded by hydrangeas — so luxe. The sexy monokini is from the swimsuit brand Heart of Sun Swim, which is much loved by actresses Victoria Justice and Jamie Chung and models Joan Smalls and Kelly Gale.

The “Halo One Piece” features a super high-leg cut and cheeky bottom, with thick adjustable straps and a plunging neckline. We love the sporty drawstring belt at the waist that accentuates Bella’s hourglass figure. The high-leg swimsuit trend is still going strong, while nostalgia continues its romance with our favorite fashion trends of the Summer. This cut totally gives us Baywatch vibes, throwing it back to photos of our moms looking hot on the beach in the ’80s.

Read ahead for every angle of Bella’s scorching one-piece and where to buy this exact style.

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Angela Bassett Reveals She's Gotten a 'Little Bit' of Botox: 'I Still Need to Express Myself'

Angela Bassett isn’t ashamed to admit that she’s had a little bit of cosmetic work done.

The actress, 61, opened up about her anti-aging beauty regimen, which includes line-smoothing Botox, for her NewBeauty cover story.

“Botox is no surprise! I’m a big supporter of being natural, but I’ve done it twice. Just a little bit, not too much—I still need to express myself,” Bassett told the outlet.

Besides Botox, Bassett said she has also tried Ultherapy, a non-invasive skin-tightening and lifting procedure that focuses on fine lines on regions like the brows, neck, under the chin and décolletage.

The star began taking care of her skin at a young age, thanks to some encouragement from her mom. “Even though my mother was a woman of little means, she would take me to a dermatologist every six weeks when I was a teenager. And after college when I was a young actress living in New York, I would go to an aesthetician when I could afford to,” Bassett previously told PEOPLE.

In addition to finding the right products that work best on her skin (Bassett loves Dr. Barbara Sturm’s line), she also said that prioritizing sleep is key.

“As you get older, the things you could get away with not doing in your 20s or 30s can begin to catch up, so you have to be a bit selfish in terms of giving to yourself so that you have more to offer,” the actress told PEOPLE.

She added: “I try to get away with seven hours [of sleep], but if it’s six hours, I feel it immediately. There’s less bounce-back! You have to take care of yourself.”


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GCSE results day: Good luck GCSE messages, quotes, congratulations and well wishes to send to friends and family

STUDENTS across the country have received their 2019 GCSE results TODAY, and many congratulations texts and well wishes are in order.

If you know someone nervously awaiting theirs, you might want to send them a special message to let them know you're thinking of them – and we've got you covered.

Congratulatory messages to send on results day

Here are some of our favourites…

"Congratulations! You've run the course and passed the exams! There are no secret of success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure. Well done!"

"ConGRADulations!"

"A lot of people would like to move mountains, but few of them are willing to practice on small hills. Congratulations on completing this first stage of your future career!"

"Success is connected with action. Successful people keep moving. You can make mistake, but don't quit! I wish you happy beginnings to the start of a new chapter in life."

"Congrats on your achievement, You made us so proud, You have proved your worth, You are truly out of the crowd!"

Where can I find good luck exam results quotes?

Over on Instagram, there are hundreds of inspiring quotes from famous figures.

Whether your loved one has sat their GCSEs, A Levels, Scottish Highers or equivalent, we're sure they'll relate to their wise words.

Below are some of our top picks…

"A positive attitude causes a chain reaction of positive thoughts, events and outcomes. It is a catalyst and it sparks extraordinary results." – Wade Boggs.

"I can't change the direction of the wind but I can adjust my sails to always reach my dream." – Jimmy Dean.

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose!" – Dr Seuss.

"It always seems impossible until it's done." – Nelson Mandela.

What are the best messages and wishes to send my friends?

Sometimes, you need to say a little more than just "good luck".

If you're looking for an extra-special message to boost your friend's mood, here are a few that we love:

"Stop being afraid of what could go wrong and think of what could go right."

"Positive mind. Positive vibes. Positive life."

"You are capable of amazing things."

"She believed she could, so she did."

"You are capable of more than you know."

 

What do I tell my friends if they're not happy with their exam results?

Unfortunately, not everyone gets the grades they'd hoped for on results day.

But it's important for them to remember this isn't the end of the world, and that they still have plenty of options.

Here are some messages that'll help inspire them to work even harder towards their goal.

"Stand up, stay strong, fake a smile, and move on!"

"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." – Maya Angelou.

"Stay positive, work hard, make it happen."

"Strive for progress, not perfection."

"Believe you can and you're halfway there." – Theodore Roosevelt.

"You are so close to the victory, don't you dare give up now."

Read our GCSE Results Day live blog here for more helpful content.

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Peta Todd on whether nature or nurture impacts our children most – The Sun

I HAVE four children and, funnily enough, they all resemble each other.

Yes, that is nature – it’s in their DNA. But when it comes to their personalities, things are surely a bit more complicated.

I often look at my gaggle of little humans and ponder the age-old question of nature versus nurture.

There are certainly traits in them that mirror mine or Mark’s. But I would be hard pushed to pin down if they were inevitable because they share our DNA or if they have picked up on our behaviours.

Our girl Delilah is seven. She is fiercely competitive and very driven – something every man and his dog comments on, saying: “Well, we know where she gets that from.”

As Mark is a professional cyclist, they say this with an affectionate roll of their eyes, insinuating that she gets these traits from him, the athlete and born winner.

Her competitive streak couldn’t possibly be from me, being just a mum . . . could it?

But the truth is I too am extremely competitive and always have been.

So the two of us combined was sure to have this effect somewhere along the line.

Delilah loves sport and is naturally pretty athletic. But it’s a big part of our lives, so I guess she could have learned that from us.

The biggest conundrum of our four children is Casper, who is 15 months old. He is obsessed with cycling and bikes! It’s the one thing that can calm him when he is sad or excite him to euphoric levels. He could move himself on a balance bike before he could walk and cartoons don’t register to him – only bike races.

He watches Mark get ready to train every day with steely concentration and intent. How Daddy puts on his shoes and helmet fascinates him.

So is this cycling coursing through his veins or has he just learnt this?

If it is learnt, why aren’t all his siblings the same? If anything, he has been around racing the least because he is the youngest.

There are loads of examples where a talent in a particular sport has been passed down the line – Peter Schmeichel and his son Kasper, both football goalkeepers; or boxers Chris Eubank and his son Chris Jr.

There must be something to be said for the sport and the talent being in their genes.

I parent all our kids the same. They have the same support, opportunities and social settings.

So if it was all about nurture, surely they would all have the same interests and talents?

I love how we can pick out which traits have come from which parent.

I find myself excusing the traits I recognise in myself – such as Delilah’s clumsiness and Finnbar’s tendency to worry.

But personality quirks straight from Mark I am less likely to make exceptions for – such as Frey’s tendency to ignore people who don’t hold his interest and Delilah’s inability to take losing.

So I’m not certain if nature or nurture wins.

But I’d put money on Casper following in his daddy’s slipstream.

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Editor Obsessions! What We're Loving Right Now

The best fashion and beauty finds PEOPLE editors can’t stop talking about

1 of 21

Seventh Sense Botanical Therapy CBD Muscle Balm

Kaitlyn Frey, Style & Beauty Assistant: As a former gymnast, I’ve suffered from lower back pain for as long as I can remember. Now that I sit at a desk hunched over my computer most of the day, the pain’s become more exacerbated than ever before, especially when I lay down for bed. Since getting a massage every night is out of the question, I decided to see if a CBD-infused balm would do the trick. To be honest, I was skeptical, but this one completely blew me away. The soothing blend of CBD, peppermint, menthol and ginger immediately provides a cooling effect that delivers instant pain relief. Plus, the balm packaging makes for super easy application on hard-to-reach areas on my back and shoulders without leaving a greasy residue. I’ve been recommending this to all my friends who deal with similar back pain, and now they’re just as obsessed as I am.  Buy It! Seventh Sense Botanical Therapy CBD Muscle Balm, $24.50; shopseventhsense.com

Kaitlyn Frey, Style & Beauty Assistant: As a former gymnast, I’ve suffered from lower back pain for as long as I can remember. Now that I sit at a desk hunched over my computer most of the day, the pain’s become more exacerbated than ever before, especially when I lay down for bed. Since getting a massage every night is out of the question, I decided to see if a CBD-infused balm would do the trick. To be honest, I was skeptical, but this one completely blew me away. The soothing blend of CBD, peppermint, menthol and ginger immediately provides a cooling effect that delivers instant pain relief. Plus, the balm packaging makes for super easy application on hard-to-reach areas on my back and shoulders without leaving a greasy residue. I’ve been recommending this to all my friends who deal with similar back pain, and now they’re just as obsessed as I am. 

Buy It! Seventh Sense Botanical Therapy CBD Muscle Balm, $24.50; shopseventhsense.com

2 of 21

LuMee Phone Case

Kaitlyn Frey, Style & Beauty Assistant: Not going to lie: I was a little skeptical about the LuMee when I first heard about it from Kim Kardashian West. Could it really be worth the price tag? The short answer is yes. Once I tried one for myself, I realized I could never go back to a non-illuminating iPhone case. Whether you need the perfect studio light for a selfie or want to get a professional-looking food pic at dinner, this device never fails you. Besides that, the case itself is über protective. I’ve had some scary moments dropping my phone, but it always ends up unscathed thanks to my LuMee. It’s so fabulous, I’ve convinced nearly all my friends to buy one for themselves, too.   Buy It! LuMee Duo Metallic Marble iPhone Case, $69.95; amazon.com

Kaitlyn Frey, Style & Beauty Assistant: Not going to lie: I was a little skeptical about the LuMee when I first heard about it from Kim Kardashian West. Could it really be worth the price tag? The short answer is yes. Once I tried one for myself, I realized I could never go back to a non-illuminating iPhone case. Whether you need the perfect studio light for a selfie or want to get a professional-looking food pic at dinner, this device never fails you. Besides that, the case itself is über protective. I’ve had some scary moments dropping my phone, but it always ends up unscathed thanks to my LuMee. It’s so fabulous, I’ve convinced nearly all my friends to buy one for themselves, too.  

Buy It! LuMee Duo Metallic Marble iPhone Case, $69.95; amazon.com

3 of 21

Alexandre Birman ‘Clarita’ Bow Sneakers

Brittany Talarico, Senior Style Editor: As soon as I spotted these sneakers on Gwyneth Paltrow, I knew I had to have them. Not only are they the perfect travel shoe, but they elevate any look thanks to the velvet knotted bow. Plus, they’re a great antidote to the Stan Smith fatigue I’ve been feeling lately. Buy It! Alexandre Birman ‘Clarita’ Bow Sneakers, $395; nordstrom.com

Brittany Talarico, Senior Style Editor: As soon as I spotted these sneakers on Gwyneth Paltrow, I knew I had to have them. Not only are they the perfect travel shoe, but they elevate any look thanks to the velvet knotted bow. Plus, they’re a great antidote to the Stan Smith fatigue I’ve been feeling lately.

Buy It! Alexandre Birman ‘Clarita’ Bow Sneakers, $395; nordstrom.com

4 of 21

Throne Watches

Emily Strohm, Senior Writer: I was first introduced to Throne watches when the HGTV queen herself, Joanna Gaines wore one during her People Magazine cover shoot. I loved the look, so I checked out their website and was immediately hooked on the Brooklyn based brand. The clock strikes number 13 instead of 12 on these timepieces, and the trademark X stitching stands out on beautiful Italian leather bands. (Other band options include black, silver and my personal favorite, gold stainless steel mesh. Another selling point is the exclusivity. Only handful are made in each style, and when they’re gone, they’re gone. Buy It! Throne Watches, $265.00-395.00; thronewatches.com

Emily Strohm, Senior Writer: I was first introduced to Throne watches when the HGTV queen herself, Joanna Gaines wore one during her People Magazine cover shoot. I loved the look, so I checked out their website and was immediately hooked on the Brooklyn based brand. The clock strikes number 13 instead of 12 on these timepieces, and the trademark X stitching stands out on beautiful Italian leather bands. (Other band options include black, silver and my personal favorite, gold stainless steel mesh. Another selling point is the exclusivity. Only handful are made in each style, and when they’re gone, they’re gone.

Buy It! Throne Watches, $265.00-395.00; thronewatches.com

5 of 21

Bed Head by TIGI Queen Beach  

Alex Apatoff, Lifestyle Director: I still remember vividly a fellow curly-haired friend giving me Bed Head by TIGI products for my 14th birthday and what a game-changer it was to realize I didn’t have to torture my hair into being something that it wasn’t. The brand is still touting that individuality with their “Your Vibe, Our Tribe” campaign, and pro surfer Kelia Moniz inspired me to play with my texture a little more with the brand’s salt spray. Buy It! Bed Head by TIGI Queen Beach salt-infused texture spray, $18.99; ulta.com

Alex Apatoff, Lifestyle Director: I still remember vividly a fellow curly-haired friend giving me Bed Head by TIGI products for my 14th birthday and what a game-changer it was to realize I didn’t have to torture my hair into being something that it wasn’t. The brand is still touting that individuality with their “Your Vibe, Our Tribe” campaign, and pro surfer Kelia Moniz inspired me to play with my texture a little more with the brand’s salt spray.

Buy It! Bed Head by TIGI Queen Beach salt-infused texture spray, $18.99; ulta.com

6 of 21

My Play Furla Bag

Brittany Talarico, Senior Style Editor: If you’re tired of bringing your day carryall out at night, then this is the purse for you. Furla recently launched a customizable cross-body purse that’s basically three bags in one. It’s perfect for a night out or as a wedding guest bag, and is big enough to fit the essentials – lipstick, credit cards and phone! Plus, it’s fun to mix-and-match the flaps depending on your outfit. Buy It! Furla Metropolis Body Petalo Bag (2 Flaps + 1 Body); $298; furla.com

Brittany Talarico, Senior Style Editor: If you’re tired of bringing your day carryall out at night, then this is the purse for you. Furla recently launched a customizable cross-body purse that’s basically three bags in one. It’s perfect for a night out or as a wedding guest bag, and is big enough to fit the essentials – lipstick, credit cards and phone! Plus, it’s fun to mix-and-match the flaps depending on your outfit.

Buy It! Furla Metropolis Body Petalo Bag (2 Flaps + 1 Body); $298; furla.com

7 of 21

Alo Yoga Alosoft Sheila Legging

Kaitlyn Frey, Style & Beauty Assistant: I like to think of myself as a bit of a leggings connoisseur considering the stretchy style is my weekend uniform, whether I’m going to a barre class or laying in bed. Surpringly enough, it’s taken up until now for me to test drive Alo Yoga's leggings and let me say, I’m officially converted. This particular high waisted design is made from the brand’s signature supersoft fabric, which makes them — hands down — the most comfortable pair I own. The geometric colorblock design makes for a fun style statement along with the array of neutral and bold hue options. Whether you’re a workout fiend or just love relaxing in comfy bottoms, this one’s sure to be a hit.  Buy It! Alo Yoga High-Waist Alosoft Sheila Legging, $112; nordstrom.com

Kaitlyn Frey, Style & Beauty Assistant: I like to think of myself as a bit of a leggings connoisseur considering the stretchy style is my weekend uniform, whether I’m going to a barre class or laying in bed. Surpringly enough, it’s taken up until now for me to test drive Alo Yoga's leggings and let me say, I’m officially converted. This particular high waisted design is made from the brand’s signature supersoft fabric, which makes them — hands down — the most comfortable pair I own. The geometric colorblock design makes for a fun style statement along with the array of neutral and bold hue options. Whether you’re a workout fiend or just love relaxing in comfy bottoms, this one’s sure to be a hit. 

Buy It! Alo Yoga High-Waist Alosoft Sheila Legging, $112; nordstrom.com

8 of 21

Milestones by Ashleigh Bergman

Brittany Talarico, Senior Style Editor: I met jewelry design expert Ashleigh Bergman when she stopped by the PEOPLE offices to show off her latest pieces — and I immediately felt her passion for accessorizing. (It was contagious!) Bergman, a former buyer for Anthropologie, started her brand Milestones, which offers a diverse selection of fine, designer, bridal and fashion jewelry, as a way to channel that passion. Her pieces are not only available online, but can also be shopped in person via private consultation. She started Ashleigh Bergman Consulting as a way to share her experience in the jewelry arena with her clients, offering them guidance as they shop for forever pieces for life’s big “milestones.” Shop some of our favorite pieces below and click here to see more of Bergman’s gorgeous designs. Buy It! Sparkling Gold Star Necklace, $315; ashleighbergman.com Buy It! Rainbow Heart Studs, $450; ashleighbergman.com  Buy It! Enamel Evil Eye Bracelet, $270; ashleighbergman.com

Brittany Talarico, Senior Style Editor: I met jewelry design expert Ashleigh Bergman when she stopped by the PEOPLE offices to show off her latest pieces — and I immediately felt her passion for accessorizing. (It was contagious!) Bergman, a former buyer for Anthropologie, started her brand Milestones, which offers a diverse selection of fine, designer, bridal and fashion jewelry, as a way to channel that passion. Her pieces are not only available online, but can also be shopped in person via private consultation.

She started Ashleigh Bergman Consulting as a way to share her experience in the jewelry arena with her clients, offering them guidance as they shop for forever pieces for life’s big “milestones.”

Shop some of our favorite pieces below and click here to see more of Bergman’s gorgeous designs.

Buy It! Sparkling Gold Star Necklace, $315; ashleighbergman.com

Buy It! Rainbow Heart Studs, $450; ashleighbergman.com 

Buy It! Enamel Evil Eye Bracelet, $270; ashleighbergman.com

9 of 21

Jeff Wan Pineapple Tote

Lindsay Kimble, Staff Editor: Summer is almost upon us, and I’m planning plenty of trips to the park. This adorable bag is right on trend with the clear vinyl, but has a playful nod to the summer with the pineapple print. Plus, the size is perfect for a book, my water bottle and a blanket. Jeff Wan Pineapple Tote, $88; JeffWan.com

Lindsay Kimble, Staff Editor: Summer is almost upon us, and I’m planning plenty of trips to the park. This adorable bag is right on trend with the clear vinyl, but has a playful nod to the summer with the pineapple print. Plus, the size is perfect for a book, my water bottle and a blanket. Jeff Wan Pineapple Tote, $88; JeffWan.com

10 of 21

Summersalt x Boll & Branch Towel

Kaitlyn Frey, Style & Beauty Assistant: Fashion brands are constantly moving towards creating more sustainable products, including Summersalt, who teamed up with fair-traded luxury linen brand Boll & Branch, to launch a limited edition beach towel just in time for summer. Besides being made with 100 percent Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certificated organic cotton, the chic towel is free of toxins and created using responsible practices. Needless to say, I’m totally on board.  Buy It! Summersalt x Boll & Branch Beach Towel, $55; summersalt.com

Kaitlyn Frey, Style & Beauty Assistant: Fashion brands are constantly moving towards creating more sustainable products, including Summersalt, who teamed up with fair-traded luxury linen brand Boll & Branch, to launch a limited edition beach towel just in time for summer. Besides being made with 100 percent Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certificated organic cotton, the chic towel is free of toxins and created using responsible practices. Needless to say, I’m totally on board. 

Buy It! Summersalt x Boll & Branch Beach Towel, $55; summersalt.com

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JINsoon Nail Polish

Jackie Fields, Beauty Editor: I’ve tried dozens of brands, and this is the only one that’s actually lasted a week without a single chip. Each of the over 50 chic shades will give your tips a stylish touch.  Buy It! JINsoon Nail Polish, $18; nordstrom.com

Jackie Fields, Beauty Editor: I’ve tried dozens of brands, and this is the only one that’s actually lasted a week without a single chip. Each of the over 50 chic shades will give your tips a stylish touch. 

Buy It! JINsoon Nail Polish, $18; nordstrom.com

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Spanx Debut Swimwear Collection

Brittany Talarico, Senior Style News Editor: After years of requests from fans to develop smoothing swimwear, the famous shapewear company finally delivers ultra-flattering suits that also offer sun protection. And I believe the result is worth the investment. I plan to wear this one-piece all summer long — it looks just as cute in the water as it does with a pair of cutoffs at the beach bar. The swim top is also great to have on hand when you travel. It’s perfect for long days at the beach or outdoor activities like hiking. “Spanx fans have been asking us to make swimwear for years and we take customer feedback to heart,” Spanx Founder and CEO, Sara Blakely, tells PEOPLE. “So we designed a collection of classic styles with the same Spanx magic you know and love from us. Made with every (beach) body in mind, these silhouettes are flattering for all shapes and sizes! I gave a swimsuit to each of my girl friends during a trip to the Bahamas this year and they loved them! I know you will too.” Buy It! Spanx Classic One-Piece, $178; spanx.com Buy It! Spanx Long Sleeve Swim Shirt, $148; spanx.com

Brittany Talarico, Senior Style News Editor: After years of requests from fans to develop smoothing swimwear, the famous shapewear company finally delivers ultra-flattering suits that also offer sun protection. And I believe the result is worth the investment. I plan to wear this one-piece all summer long — it looks just as cute in the water as it does with a pair of cutoffs at the beach bar. The swim top is also great to have on hand when you travel. It’s perfect for long days at the beach or outdoor activities like hiking.

“Spanx fans have been asking us to make swimwear for years and we take customer feedback to heart,” Spanx Founder and CEO, Sara Blakely, tells PEOPLE. “So we designed a collection of classic styles with the same Spanx magic you know and love from us. Made with every (beach) body in mind, these silhouettes are flattering for all shapes and sizes! I gave a swimsuit to each of my girl friends during a trip to the Bahamas this year and they loved them! I know you will too.”

Buy It! Spanx Classic One-Piece, $178; spanx.com

Buy It! Spanx Long Sleeve Swim Shirt, $148; spanx.com

13 of 21

Hammitt Handbag

Sarah Ball, Market Editor: I love this powder blue snakeskin bag from Los Angeles-based handbag brand, Hammitt. Not only does it come in one of spring’s trendiest colors, but the embossed animal print makes it feel super luxe and special. With adjustable straps and an easy access cell-phone exterior pocket, this will be my new go-to bag for spring! Buy It! “Tony” Crossbody Bag, $195; hammitt.com

Sarah Ball, Market Editor: I love this powder blue snakeskin bag from Los Angeles-based handbag brand, Hammitt. Not only does it come in one of spring’s trendiest colors, but the embossed animal print makes it feel super luxe and special. With adjustable straps and an easy access cell-phone exterior pocket, this will be my new go-to bag for spring!

Buy It! “Tony” Crossbody Bag, $195; hammitt.com

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To Boot New York Sneakers

Brittany Talarico, Senior Style Editor: Meet the fanciest tennis shoes in my closet. Between the buttery leather, metalic silver heel tabs and comfy cushioned soles, these sneakers (which are handmade in Italy!) get a lot of play in my wardrobe, making them worth the price. (Pro Tip: I use a Magic Eraser to keep them clean all season long.) Buy It! To Boot New York Cara Sneakers, $350; toboot.com

Brittany Talarico, Senior Style Editor: Meet the fanciest tennis shoes in my closet. Between the buttery leather, metalic silver heel tabs and comfy cushioned soles, these sneakers (which are handmade in Italy!) get a lot of play in my wardrobe, making them worth the price.

(Pro Tip: I use a Magic Eraser to keep them clean all season long.)

Buy It! To Boot New York Cara Sneakers, $350; toboot.com

15 of 21

Minnie & Emma Initial Phone Case

Andrea Lavinthal, Style & Beauty Director: Sure, your phone case is there to protect your digital device, but in the age of selfies, it also functions as an accessory—so make it stylish! I’m a fan of these customizable covers, which come in fun designs like tie-dye.  Buy It! Minnie & Emma Phone Case, $59; minnieandemma.com

Andrea Lavinthal, Style & Beauty Director: Sure, your phone case is there to protect your digital device, but in the age of selfies, it also functions as an accessory—so make it stylish! I’m a fan of these customizable covers, which come in fun designs like tie-dye. 

Buy It! Minnie & Emma Phone Case, $59; minnieandemma.com

16 of 21

Macadamia Professional Hair Mask

Kaitlyn Frey, Style & Beauty Assistant: Ever since I started highlighting my hair, my ends feel more parched than ever before. Most deep conditioners weigh down my hair, but Macadamia Professional’s rich mask leaves it silky soft while nourishing my ends. I was particularly drawn to this formula since it features omega 7 fatty acids, which repair your hair and improve its overall health over time. Since you only need about half a palm-full per use, the massive container it comes in should last many months, which is an added plus! Buy It! Macadamia Professional Nourishing Moisture Masque, $15.97; ulta.com

Kaitlyn Frey, Style & Beauty Assistant: Ever since I started highlighting my hair, my ends feel more parched than ever before. Most deep conditioners weigh down my hair, but Macadamia Professional’s rich mask leaves it silky soft while nourishing my ends. I was particularly drawn to this formula since it features omega 7 fatty acids, which repair your hair and improve its overall health over time. Since you only need about half a palm-full per use, the massive container it comes in should last many months, which is an added plus!

Buy It! Macadamia Professional Nourishing Moisture Masque, $15.97; ulta.com

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Draper James x M.Gemi Heels

Brittany Talarico, Senior Style News Editor: Reese Witherspoon’s lifestyle line Draper James released shoes for the first time in partnership with the footwear brand M.Gemi. The styles, which include chambray and navy gingham options, pair the star’s flair for southern charm and her love of “comfortable heels.” My favorite is this tricolor design, which complements everything in my spring wardrobe. Buy It! Draper James x M.Gemi Pilone Colorblock Heel, $278; draperjames.com

Brittany Talarico, Senior Style News Editor: Reese Witherspoon’s lifestyle line Draper James released shoes for the first time in partnership with the footwear brand M.Gemi. The styles, which include chambray and navy gingham options, pair the star’s flair for southern charm and her love of “comfortable heels.” My favorite is this tricolor design, which complements everything in my spring wardrobe.

Buy It! Draper James x M.Gemi Pilone Colorblock Heel, $278; draperjames.com

18 of 21

Lush Bath Bomb

Sarah Ball, Market Editor: Not only do these turn your bath water into a liquid rainbow, they’re also made with essential oils that smell amazing. No wonder John Mayer’s song about them on Instagram went viral! Buy It! Lush The Experimenter Bath Bomb, $8.95; lushusa.com

Sarah Ball, Market Editor: Not only do these turn your bath water into a liquid rainbow, they’re also made with essential oils that smell amazing. No wonder John Mayer’s song about them on Instagram went viral!

Buy It! Lush The Experimenter Bath Bomb, $8.95; lushusa.com

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Vici Collection Denim Shorts

Kaitlyn Frey, Style & Beauty Assistant: I’m almost ready to swap out my jeans for a shorter denim style now that warmer weather is right around the corner. I love this pair because the length isn’t crazy short or revealing, and its relaxed fit makes them super comfy. I hate spending a fortune on denim shorts since I only wear them a few months a year, so the under-$50 price tag is an added plus. Buy It! Vici Collection Ashford Distressed Denim Shorts, $48; vicicollection.com

Kaitlyn Frey, Style & Beauty Assistant: I’m almost ready to swap out my jeans for a shorter denim style now that warmer weather is right around the corner. I love this pair because the length isn’t crazy short or revealing, and its relaxed fit makes them super comfy. I hate spending a fortune on denim shorts since I only wear them a few months a year, so the under-$50 price tag is an added plus.

Buy It! Vici Collection Ashford Distressed Denim Shorts, $48; vicicollection.com

20 of 21

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I Never Thought I'd Find Jeans to Flaunt My Curves, and Then I Found These AE Flares

I haven’t worn flare jeans since I was about 14. It was my go-to fit in junior high, and all the denim I owned were bell bottoms. But as I grew older and my curves got curvier (Shout-out to my mom for those genes!), it became more and more difficult to find jeans that fit me properly and enhanced my curves rather than making me just look wide. I carefully tucked all my flare jeans away, convinced that they were now unflattering on me, and called it a day.

Fast forward to now, when a pair of American Eagle’s Ne(x)t Level Curvy Highest Waist Flare Jeans crossed my desk and I decided to take a chance on them before writing them off completely. To say I’m glad I put them on is an understatement. The first thing I did was text my mom, “I just put on a pair of flares and I don’t hate them, what is happening? I haven’t worn flares since junior high!” To which she replied, “I never stopped wearing flares, get with the program.” What can I say — my mom knows what’s up.

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The Only 7 Shoes You Need This Fall

The Only 7 Shoes You Need This Fall

While you might be months or decades past your graduation day, the feeling of back-to-school shopping still takes a strong hold every Fall. And, while we are already planning all of our Autumn looks rife with corduroy, suede, plaid, and more, we’re also seeking out the accessories that will make our existing age-old favorites feel like new again. First up? Shoes. With a killer pair of shoes, you’ll be turning heads everywhere you go. Be it heels, flats, boots, or sneakers, we’ve got you covered with the seven top Fall 2019 shoe trends that you’re about to see everywhere. There are statement platforms, cozy shearlings, classic Mary Janes — the list goes on. Ahead are the shoes we’re shopping right now, just in time to celebrate the coming Fall season in style.

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Mum and daughter get naked together for a spray tan as they prepare for awkward double date with two 20-year-olds in sMothered – The Sun

A MUM and daughter have prepared for a double date with two men in their twenties by getting a spray tan together.

Sandra, 45, and her daughter Mariah, 21, prove that their relationship has no boundaries in this week’s episode of sMothered on TLC which sees them both get naked for their treatment.

As they arrive at the beauty parlour, Mariah explains, “The other day a guy I’ve been chatting with on social media asked me out.

“I don’t like the idea of meeting someone by myself so I asked him if we could make it a double date with my best friend.

“So he’s bringing one of his friends and I’m bringing my mum.”

Discussing their upcoming date, Sandra asks warily, “What age is this dude?” with Mariah responding, “Like 28 or something”.


Clearly shocked Sandra responds:“28, Mariah! Does he know it’s your mama?”

Mariah assures her that he knows full well it’s her mum but Sandra looks less than convinced.

Mariah later reveals she didn’t in fact inform her date that her best friend was also her mother.

She says:  “To be honest, I didn’t tell our dates that my sexy, older friend was actually my mum because I didn’t want them to make any assumptions before meeting her.”


The pair have proven they are willing to do anything together and naked spray tans are no exception.

Mariah explains, “Maybe most people wouldn’t get naked with their mums, they might find it weird, but this is normal for us.”

As they both strip off, Sandra states, “It’s not weird to be naked in front of each other at all”, before adding, “I mean, this is my daughter!”

Mariah elaborates further on their lack of boundaries as she says, “She takes a poop, I’m in the bathroom, I take a poop, she’s in the shower”.

As Mariah and Sandra get sprayed, the beautician says, “I’ve never sprayed a mother and daughter together.

“My mum is super cool, and we do a lot together, but we actually would probably never get naked together” before stating the obvious, “their comfort level is very high”.

The pair finish off their spray tans making sure the beautician gets right ‘under the cheeks’, however, as they dry off, Sandra once again expresses her concern about the age gap between her and her date.

She says: “To go out on a date with someone who is twenty years younger is crazy.”

But Mariah disagrees saying: “Growing up my mum taught me to be confident and not care what other people think so she should take her own advice.”

sMothered, airs tonight at 10pm on TLC.

We previously told you how Mariah was left humiliated when Sandra insisted on getting her daughter a lap dance for her 21st birthday.  

And Sandra bought herself and Mariah lip fillers for her 21st birthday so that they can look the same.

 

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