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Did Taylor Swift Just Donate $15,000 to a Firefighter Who Had to Rescue His Own Family?

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Taylor Swift The 1989 World Tour Live In PittsburghTaylor Swift, are you sure you aren't an undercover angel? Because we're pretty sure you deserve that title if just did what we think you did.

Tay reportedly made a whopping donation to a firefighter and his family after hearing about their horrific auto-accident story. A few days ago, Texas fireman Aaron VanRiper was hit with the biggest scare of his life while at work. He got called to an accident scene...involving his wife and young son.


When he arrived to the crash, he quickly realized that he recognized the crumpled car. His wife had been thrown from the vehicle during the collision. Their son, Jonathan, was still pinned inside. Each had multiple cuts and broken bones.

"It's my family. My wife was laying there on the ground," Aaron told ABC affiliate KTRK. "[By] the look of the car, I don't know how either one of them lived. There was nothing left of that car."

Aaron tried to keep calm, but nothing in his training prepared him to see his injured, trapped son.

"Once I saw my son, that kind of went out the window and I started going into a bit of a panic mode," he added.

Amber and Jonathan were airlifted to a local hospital. Amber underwent nine hours of surgery to repair her shattered pelvis. Their son suffered a broken leg and elbow.

Unfortunately, that wasn't the end of this family's horrific ordeal. They don't have health insurance, so a friend set up a GoFundMe account to raise $125,000 to cover their medical bills. Local and national news picked up the story, and the donations starting coming in.

All of that seemed great, but imagine everyone's surprise when, early Thursday morning, a particularly whopping donation arrived: $15,000 under the name "Taylor Swift."

It's unclear if our girl actually gave the family the money, but we wouldn't be surprised. She's known to do stuff like that! From birthday money to donating to New York City pubic schools, Taylor is very generous...and obviously caring. There needs to be more celebs...or just people like her in general...ASAP.

"Uhhh not sure if you saw this Aaron...," wrote one family member on Facebook under a photo of the $15,000 donation. "Truly amazing."

Jennette McCurdy Says That Ariana Grande Feud Was 'Blown Out of Proportion'

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jennette mccurdy ariana grande feud beef videoJennette Mccurdy has addressed that rumored feud between her and Ariana Grande in the past - and, it turns out it wasn't that big of a deal. She explained recently to HuffPost Live that the beef between her and Ari was "blown out of proportion."

Jennette noted that "growing up in the kids television space is such a unique experience," calling it "bizarre" and explaining that since "it's a really unique dimension of entertainment," it's best to band together with the people you're in it with.

Her feud with Ariana is behind them, but she explained, "I think people kind of look for drama and look for a story and perpetuate that story because it's easier to make a headline out of something negative than something positive sometimes."

Jennette added, "Drama fuels the world, I think, in a lot of ways...so, yeah, I think it was definitely blown out of proportion."

Jennette also shared that she thinks kids should look up to real people as role models, explaining, "I certainly appreciate people who look up to me and everything, but I'm 22. I make mistakes all the time." She talked about Miley Cyrus as well, saying, "I applaud Miley in a lot of ways."

Jennette explained, "I don't know her personally - I've met her at a few events, and she's always very kind. She seems like she's really happy with what she's doing, and I think that's amazing."
Jennette McCurdy Says Her Feud With Ariana Grande Was 'Overblown'

Why Jennette McCurdy Looks Up To Fellow Child Star Miley Cyrus

Need a Workout Buddy? Exercise With Me

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Sporty woman doing reverse crunches in outdoor park.I have always been athletic and participating in some sport as a youth. In my 20s, I found myself working out in the gym. I started working out because, at the time, I was working in manufacturing and one of the suggestions made to keep your body from "breaking down'" (from the repetitious laborious work) was building and strengthening your muscles. And OH BOI, did I! I also hate being thin and thought that the muscle I would gain from working out would make me look thicker.


Thick, well, I have never been able to achieve that look. But, now that I am a more seasoned woman, I am more interested in remaining toned and fit. So, since I am a busy mom, peace advocate and volunteer in my community, I really have no time to hit the gym. Honestly, I can not even afford a membership (one that I really prefer) or a personal trainer but if I could, I might just have one as long as he looks like The Rock (teehee)!


Because I am an avid fitness junkie, and I absolutely, undeniably, dislike repetitious workouts, I had a lightbulb moment a few weeks ago! I was browsing through my Pinterest "Work that Body" board and witnessed all these incredible seven-, 14- and 30-day workout regimes. I was in fitness heaven! Because I am a big DIY kind of person, I thought to myself (there goes that lightbulb moment!), why don't I just save some of these workouts to my camera roll and develop a weekly, bi-weekly or monthly workout regime? Ta dah!!! Yes, DIY made simple!


For the whole year of 2013 until March of 2014, I was a Crossfit junkie! I absolutely loved it. It was challenging, and the routines were never ever the same. And...my body! I loved the physical results of Crossfit training. But after re-injuring myself a few times and a trip out of town, I never saw the "box" (aka Crossfit speak for "gym) again. For a whole year, I did not workout. However, this April I started back, and I am going to go hard until my birthday in August.


I have planned my first 30 days! A total body workout plan for 30 whole days. My workout routine will consist of some of the following exercises (1 minute each):


  • Mountain Climbers
  • Jumping Jacks
  • Walk-out Pushups
  • Plank Jacks
  • Bicycle Crunches
  • Burpees
  • Superman
  • Left-Side Hip Raises
  • Right-Side Hip Raises
  • Wall Sit
  • Squats
  • Russian Twist
  • Boat Pose Hold
  • Triceps Dips
  • Left-Side Lunge
  • Right-Side Lunge
  • 12-Mile Bike Rides
  • Jumping Rope
  • Pushups

That is just some of what I will put my body through. The cool part is that I can increase the time from 1 to 2 minutes and really mix up the routines! I have already lost considerable weight riding my bike. I ride between 15-20 miles a week. Since starting my workout regime March 29, I've rode 157.9 miles and burned a total of 6,834 calories per MapMyWalk, which is a great app to record and chart your progress. I am excited to see the transformation!


If you are looking for a buddy or challenge, sign up for MapMyWalk, look me up, and we can support one another!


"Nothing Will Work Unless You Do"

I Support the Troops and Caitlyn Jenner

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The front pages of the New York Daily News , Metro and NY Post on Tuesday, June 2, 2015 feature the cover of Vanity Fair which iI am all for supporting the American military. Kudos and thank you for fighting for the states. I am simply getting frustrated beyond the horizon with all these people who think that if I don't support the military, I am a bigot or something! We are not allowed to have heroes like Caitlyn Jenner or anyone like her, because supposedly, the only people who are heroes are those who don a uniform.

All these pictures are showing up on my Facebook newsfeed saying that Caitlyn isn't a hero and what not. Granted I won't be watching her new show, but she is still a hero to a lot of people in the community. Just because one doesn't "approve" of her, doesn't mean that anyone has the right to take away what she's achieved for the LGBTQ community.

I see this kind of thing on a regular basis:
Caitlyn Jenner heroI've met plenty of recruits and officers in my day. I lived next to a military base in San Diego, and I currently live four hours away from one as well. I had to deal - my whole school year - with these jerks who think that because they enlisted early, they should be treated as gods. No! I've seen some of the heinous things that U.S. soldiers have done, and I don't think I'll be idolizing that any time soon.

I am tired of being told that because I don't stop to say the (somewhat cultish) Pledge of Allegiance every day and because I don't thank every soldier I see that I need to start being humble and gracious for my "freedom." Not everything is about America. We've got our bumps and bruises (pretty bad ones), so I don't think we should be showing this elitism that we do.

Just because you are an American doesn't mean you're at the top of the food chain. We used to have the most booming economy. We used to be the safe haven for all immigrants. But how can we continue to be that way when we have 1 out of 3 or so people saying that we shouldn't allow people in our borders, or that we shouldn't tax the 1 percent so much? It's hypocrisy, honestly.

Don't inflict your heroes, beliefs or opinions on other people, please. Everyone is entitled to have their own and express it ... to a point. Just because it's not your perspective or opinion, doesn't mean that it's wrong. I love a good debate over politics and what not, but when it comes to people who are so close minded about everything else except their own opinion, there won't be much to debate.

Let's just all be nice and realize that some people love America, and some people can't wait to move to France. It's not for everyone, but just because it isn't, doesn't mean they're apart of ISIS or the Taliban. (I saw this on my newsfeed and almost puked when someone said it.)

One day I wish where I can live in a country that isn't ALWAYS at war. #EndRant

Zayn Malik and Perrie Edwards Secretly Married? Calls Herself 'Perrie Malik' in Video

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perrie edwards zayn malik wedding married perrie malikOMG, Perrie Edwards is in a new video to Instagram, where she calls herself Perrie Malik - and the fans just collectively melted. Don't do that to us, Perrie!

While we're eagerly awaiting what we imagine will be the wedding of the century, Perrie and Zayn Malik did not go and secretly get married. We can definitely see how everyone could jump to that conclusion, but what we don't understand is the hate flying around. If they're engaged, they intend to get married at some point...so one day she will be Perrie Malik.

In the video posted to Little Mix's Instagram with the caption "littlemixofficial Road Trip Bantz #BlackMagicRadioTour," the ladies each have a go at pinning their boyfriends' last names to their own names...well, except for Jade. It's pretty funny.

Breathe, y'all. They're just having fun.

Road Trip Bantz #BlackMagicRadioTour

A video posted by Little Mix (@littlemixofficial) on


Zendaya Shares Makeup Free Selfie to Support Beauty Blogger

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Zendaya no makeupLater, hater! Zendaya has no time for men who make fun of girls without makeup. When Twitter user Manstagram began hating on a New Zealand beauty blogger's fresh faced look, the Disney starlet stepped in and took him to task for dissing Shannon.

It all started when they Tweeted this meme of Shannon with and without makeup. Not only did the 18-year-old starlet share a gorgeous makeup free selfie rocking glasses in support, she also dropped some serious truth on the troll. Shannon Tweeted her thanks and gave Zendaya a sweet shoutout. Tell 'em, Z! Shannon, you look gorgeous both ways. Go on, girls!



Retiring 60-Year-Old Teacher Slays "Uptown Funk" Dance

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Everything about this clip screams goals for the future.

Canadian high school dance teacher Shirley Clements celebrated her retirement in a big way -killing a dance routine to Bruno Mars' "Uptown Funk." Hitting a basketball court like Jennifer Lopez fifteen years into the future, the 60-year-old popped, locked, slid on the floor and was even breakdancing with a ton of her students (we got exhausted just watching it).

It was clear that Shirley did not come to play during her big moment. When she wrapped up her performance with a head spin, we seriously almost passed out...and there's a chance we weren't the only ones. Once the dance was over, all of the students in the gym exploded on to the floor, screaming, cheering and losing their minds.

Shirley did all of this in a glitzy top, jogging pants and a pink jacket that probably said "I came to slay" on the back. And that is exactly what she did, proving that you can be fabulous at any age.

The dance teacher actually hit these moves back in January at the dance competition "Outbreak" at Panorama Ridge Secondary School in Surrey, British Columbia, according to Mashable, but the video shot to viral status when it was uploaded to Ellen DeGeneres' EllenTube last month.

Total inspiration.

Kim Kardashian Is Building a Backyard Basketball Court for Kanye West

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As it turns out, the $110,000 Kim Kardashian spent to rent out Staples Center in Los Angeles for Kanye West's birthday was just the beginning!

When the couple got home, 'Ye had another basketball-themed surprise waiting for him. Kim had commissioned a court to be built in their own backyard.

❤️ & 🏀

A photo posted by Kim Kardashian West (@kimkardashian) on


According to TMZ, the 7,000 square foot expansion to their Hidden Hills mansion also has a something special for Kim, too, a glam room...because of course!

Basically, it sounds like KimYe's crib will be the place all of their kids' friends will want to hang out at. In addition to the basketball court, the house has 3.5 acres of land to run around on, TWO pools (because one just isn't enough) and an insane home movie theater that gets movies the same day they come out in theaters.

Oh, and it has its own vineyard, too, for when mommy and daddy have their friends over. It's pretty much our dream house, except that it's about $20 million out of our price range.



Jennifer Lawrence's New Bodyguard Is Hotter than Ever

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Jennifer Lawrence Greg Lenz hot bodyguardIs it hot outside or is just Jennifer Lawrence's new bodyguard? Our favorite Hunger Games heroine has hired herself some serious eye candy to guard her famous body, and he's also an animal lover. Swoon!

Meet Greg Lenz, J. Law's new hunky bodyguard, who was spotted towing the starlet while she was apartment hunting in Tribeca with her pup in his arms this week. All together now: aww! "Jennifer likes the hot ones!" an insider tells UsWeekly of her handsome recent hire. Yeah, we can't blame her...the girl has good taste, and if you have to have a guy follow you around 24/7, may as well make sure he's easy on the eyes.

So does her current Coldplay boyfriend Chris Martin have some competition from her new dude? Not to worry. A source tells Us that Greg is actually married.

NAACP Leader Rachel Dolezal Pretended to Be Black, Outed as White

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This is a mess.

Rachel Dolezal, who happens to be an adjunct professor of Africana Studies at Eastern Washington University, was elected president of the Spokane NAACP last year. She is also is a white woman who has been "falsely presenting herself as black for years," according to The Seattle Times.

The civil rights leader's actual ethnic background is "Swedish, Czech and German" with some "faint traces" of Native American heritage. As you can see, there's no African American part of that description. Still, Rachel reportedly claimed that her father was black, even posting pictures on the NAACP Spokane Facebook page with her so-called African-American father.
As it turns out though, her birth certificate lists her biological parents as Ruthanne and Lawrence Dolezal - who told KXLY Thursday Rachel is their daughter and they are both white. Ruthanne went on to tell the Seattle Times her daughter began to "disguise herself" in 2006 or 2007, after her family adopted four African-American children.



"It's very sad that Rachel has not just been herself," Ruthanne said. "Her effectiveness in the causes of the African-American community would have been so much more viable, and she would have been more effective, if she had just been honest with everybody." This is very true. It's not an anomaly to have someone who is not black teach African-American studies or work for the NAACP. The fact that Rachel deceived people about who she is is what has everyone up in arms.

In a KXLY video, a reporter can be seen asking Rachel if her dad is an African-American man. "I don't know what you're implying," she responded. When he asked her if she was African American, she said, "I don't understand the question." Then, she walked away from the interview.


When she was contacted by the Times, Rachel avoided directly answering the question again, saying, "I feel like I owe my executive committee a conversation," adding, it's a "multi-layered" issue. "That question is not as easy as it seems," she said after being contacted at Eastern Washington University, "There's a lot of complexities ... and I don't know that everyone would understand that."

Girl.

Fifth Harmony's Lauren Jauregui: Haters Attacked After Pic With Louis Tomlinson

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lauren jauregui louis tomlinson dating rumors hatersWhen a pic of Fifth Harmony's Lauren Jauregui and One Direction's Louis Tomlinson together in the back of a car landed online, the inevitable dating rumors started to fly. So did the hate. As these things go, anyone who even remotely looks to be enjoying a 1D guy's company comes under fire from the fandom.

The hate is real. And totally unfair, really.

Lauren recently explained to The Sun (via Press Party) how any dating rumors about her and Louis are completely off base and that the 1D star was really helping her out when she landed in a bit of a tough situation.

She explained: "My phone died and I had no way of getting home so Louis said, 'Jump in a car with me.' "We got to know each other that night, it was the first time we really hung out. And he was nice enough to take me back."

Of course, that now famous photo of them together got people talking - and saying some pretty horrible things. Lauren noted, "The amount of hate I got for that picture...I got a slew of things like, 'You're a s**t, you're ugly, you're fat'..."

Despite the hate, Lauren has a pretty great attitude about dealing with it, explaining, "I won't allow people who have no idea what's going on to dictate situations. I know all the people that say that are little girls behind a screen who are jealous of the fact that I'm in a car with Louis. It's clearly coming from a place of hatred."

Preach.

This Is What Selena Gomez Thought of Ariana Grande's Dating Double Standard Rant

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Selena GomezLast week Ariana Grande went off after she finally had enough with all the dating rumors and lies floating around about her. While some people thought she sipped on some cray-girl tea that morning, or just simply woke up on the wrong side of the bed, her fellow female singers stepped up to have her back, and admitted that her words were spot on. They must've been able to relate like no other...

If anyone knows about being labeled someone's girlfriend...it's Selena Gomez. So we weren't surprised when we saw her reach out to and praise Ari online shortly after her double standards post. Yes! Preach, girl! What's more awesome than girls sticking up for each other...especially when it comes to a topic like this?

Sel wasn't the only female singer to defend Ariana. Her BFF Taylor Swift was the first one to chime in shortly after Ari posted. You can read what she had to say about the whole situation, here.

Perrie Edwards Says a Psychic Predicted Romance With Zayn Malik!

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Perrie Edwards psychic predicted Little Mix success Zayn MalikThis is one of the more wild things we've heard about Little Mix - and it's all totally true. LM's Perrie Edwards recently revealed that a psychic predicted her success...and her soulmate, Zayn Malik. This psychic sounds like the real deal.

Okay, we don't normally buy into more than a casual belief of our horoscope (What? Everyone can find some truth nugget in a horoscope, right? Just us?...Moving on...). This is so spot-on though, it's kind of eerie.

Perrie recently told Newcastle's Metro radio about the psychic's predictions, explaining, "She was like 'You're going, you're filling out an application for something' and I was like 'What?' Then my mum told me that she'd written me out an X Factor leaflet and I was like 'wow!'"

Perrie added, "Literally everything that she told me it's all been bang on," including finding love with Zayn. Chills, right?

Perrie explained that the psychic said she would "end up" with Zayn, explaining, "She told me about everything; what he looked like, what his personality was going to be like. Then before she left she said bye to everyone and turned around and looked at me and said 'Good Luck'. It was amazing."

Mind = blown.
perrie edwards psychic mind blown gif

Caitlyn Jenner Looks Amazing During First Public Outing

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Caitlyn Jenner looked absolutely stunning on her Vanity Fair cover, but some of the outfits weren't exactly your everyday wear. We couldn't wait to see the more casual side of Cait and when the 65-year-old stepped out in her jeans in Los Angeles this week, she looked amazing.

This was Caitlyn's first public outing since her Vanity Fair cover was released and when she did go out for the first time, she was a woman on a very important mission. She was actually meeting with a group of young clients at the LGBT Center's Youth program in Los Angeles.

"It was a small group," a source exclusively told E! News. "They talked to Caitlyn about their experiences, what they were going through and how the Center is helping them."

They said Caitlyn was really friendly, brought clothes for them and even referenced Miley Cyrus' visit to the center in January.

Cait recently posted the pic below to her Instagram page of herself and some girlfriends with the caption, "Learn from those who have walked the path before you. #TransIsBeautiful #LivingOurTruth#JustTheBeginning." Looks like what goes around comes around, as Cait is now returning the favor and helping others out.

Kylie Jenner Goes Makeup-Free for Grocery Run With Tyga

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Kylie Jenner and rumored boyfriend Tyga hit up a local grocery store in Calabasas on Wednesday and Ky was looking gorgeous, per usual, and she didn't even have a drop of makeup on.

With all that camo on, Kylie might have evaded the paparazzi, but Calabasas is kind of Kardashian-ville, so they don't miss much that goes on there.

Of course, the stylish 17-year-old made sure to match her bucket hat to her sweats (always match your bucket hat to your sweats) and in case you're wondering, those aren't just any sweat pants like you or I would wear. Those are $300 - well, $292 to be exact - Bape sweats.

For his part, Tyga was rocking a pretty casual look, too. We're not gonna lie, we kinda like this. Whenever we've seen them together, they're dressed to the nines, so it's nice to see that they have a chill side, too.

Barbie Finally Bought a Pair of Flats

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It's all about the details when you're trying to Find Your Style! #BeSuper

A photo posted by Barbie (@barbie) on

You know that feeling you get after a long night out, when you finally kick your heels off? Those deathtrap stilettos angrily blast across the room, and your feet joyfully regain circulation. And that's just after a few hours!

Crank up that stiletto usage to 50 years - straight - and you may begin to understand the relief Barbie is feeling right now. After a lifetime tottering around in high heels, the doctor, teacher, horseback rider, model and everything-else-under-the-sun, is finally able to go about her business in flats.

#Barbie #BeSuper

A photo posted by Barbie (@barbie) on

Mattel's 'Fashionistas' line of Barbies have adjustable ankles, which can slip into a pair of T-strap flats or Adidas-like sneaks just as easily as a set of sky-high stilettos. The dolls reflect real-life street styles young girls actually see on the sidewalks around them.

(You mean female doctors aren't rushing through the E.R. in pointy white pumps?)

There are 23 versions of the doll with 14 facial structures, including 18 eye colors, eight skin tones, 22 hair styles and 23 colors.

The move shifts the style-centered doll into a more realistic model for the girls who play with her. Though her body proportions might have a ways to go, and she'll probably be off the guest list at Cannes, we think Barbie is certainly getting off on the right foot.

'Saved By the Bell' Star Lark Voorhies Marries Man She Met on Facebook

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Los Angeles Haunted HayrideRemember Lisa Turtle from Saved By the Bell? Her new marriage has just about everyone talking.

Lark Voorhies tied the knot with music engineer Jimmy Green in Las Vegas in April, according to TMZ, with the nuptials raising eyebrows when it was revealed she met her husband on Facebook about a year ago (not that there's anything wrong with that).

Jimmy told the site he and Lark have already had two weddings - a commitment ceremony April 1 and a Vegas chapel ceremony April 30 - but, they still have more in store. The newlyweds are also planning a big wedding next year with friends and family, and are currently looking for a home together.
Celebrity Sightings In Los Angeles - March 25, 2015As far as Lark's post-Saved By the Bell career, it doesn't look like she's been in any projects since 2012 (aside from a reality TV segment appearance last year) and she was noticeably absent from the "Saved By the Bell" reunion sketch on "The Tonight Show" in February. "Lark would have loved to be part of the Jimmy Fallon skit," her publicist told E! News at the time. "However, due to an intense work schedule she was not available."

It's not clear if she'll be returning to acting any time soon. Her rep told "Access Hollywood," the Bayside High alum wants to shift her "creative focus" when it comes to her career and "make some music" with her new hubby.

Sorry Screech. Lark is officially off the market.

Kylie Jenner Wears Tyga's Underwear in Sexy Snapchats

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Kylie Jenner is one supportive girlfriend! Not only is she wearing Tyga's underwear, but she's promoting it to the world on her Snapchat. The 17-year-old shared a series of seductive pics of her rocking Crisp boxer briefs from the line her 25-year-old rapper beau started last year.

Instead of adding text over her sexy shot, she simply put the purple devil emoji. In case you're curious how much it costs to get into Tyga's skivvies, it's actually pretty reasonable. According to the Crisp website, they're less than $12 a pair!

Repping his clothing line isn't the only way Ky's been showing her man support. She also changed her Instagram name to "King Kylie" to be similar to his, which is "King Gold Chains." Wearing your guys' underwear and matching Instagram names? Sounds like things are pretty serious between these two!

This Is My Last Day of Work Before My Gender-Confirming Surgery

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Hi Readers,

My surgery date is almost here. Only four days are left before my life changes forever. And while it's a huge relief to know that it's finally happening, getting to this point hasn't been easy by any means. The reality is that transgender people have to continually jump through hoops in order to have access to the healthcare we need to improve our lives and self-images. My story is no different.

Sunny brunch célfie 🍹☀️💕📷

A photo posted by SERENA 💟 (@serena.nyc) on

When I first brought up the idea of undergoing Facial Feminization Surgery and Breast Augmentation Surgery to my parents, I was extremely nervous about their reaction. They told me that they wanted nothing more than for me to feel happy and content in my body, but understandably had many concerns as well.

Is it safe? Are there complications? These questions I had answers to. I had researched the procedures extensively and could confidently say that they are generally considered safe. I also knew that with any surgery, there are risks as well. These are risks that I'm willing to take.

What is the cost? Does insurance provide coverage? I wasn't sure what to tell my parents. No amount of research could provide me with an answer either. I knew that the cost of the surgeries could range anywhere between $20,000 - $50,000, but I was uncertain about how much of the total amount we would have to pay out of pocket. Navigating the intricate maze that is the American health insurance system is a feat for anyone, let alone someone who is transgender and is perceived by some as less than a person, at every level of society. Although the transgender community has fervently argued that gender-confirming procedures are medically necessary, I was about to learn that insurance companies generally consider them to be purely cosmetic.

After submitting various scenarios to my insurance company, I kept getting denied coverage. It was disheartening to have my feelings about my own body be invalidated by people who had never walked a day in my shoes. What did they know about being stuck in a body and a life that felt completely wrong? It also made me think about all of the trans people in the world who will never be able to correct the disconnect between their bodies and minds because of the exorbitant costs of gender-confirming surgeries. And with all of the buzz surrounding Caitlyn Jenner, the financial aspect of transitioning seems to be a hot topic.

When I first saw Caitlyn looking drop-dead-gorgeous on the cover of Vanity Fair, I was speechless. She is a vision, through and through. And because I am going to the same surgeon who did her incredible work, I was even more invested in Caitlyn's story. But I also think it's important as a socially-conscious and politically-minded individual to acknowledge how privileged she was to be able to undergo what she felt was necessary for her happiness. I, myself, have to constantly remind myself how fortunate I am to be able to do these surgeries as well. Thankfully, I have parents and family members who have agreed to help me along this journey. This does not escape me for a moment. Many transgender individuals face nothing but rejection and stigmatization, even from those closest to them. And until systems and institutions of power begin to truly understand and acknowledge our experiences, this tragic reality will persist. I hope that sharing my story can make even a small difference.

Caitlyn Jenner looks gorgeous on the cover of Vanity Fair! So happy for her 󾬙

Posted by Serena Daniari on Monday, June 1, 2015


I want to thank all of you for following my story. (You can find my first two entries here, in case you missed them.) Today is my final day of work before my surgery. I am unbelievably fortunate to be part of a company that is willing to be flexible around my recovery schedule. So many components have aligned in order to make this surgery a possibility. It truly feels meant to be. I will be sure to keep you all posted through my recovery with photos so you can track my progress.

Wish me luck!

This $6 Beauty Line Proves You Can Be Flawless on the Cheap

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karelen beautyIt's no surprise that girls are starting to pay attention to the ingredients in their beauty products. With so many harmful additives out there, we have to celebrate whenever we find a product that is not only free of unnatural ingredients, but also doesn't test on animals! We already love the cruelty-free and ridiculously affordable e.l.f. brand for their $1 eyeliners and lipsticks, and now, we're hip to another line of beauty products that are full of healthy ingredients - and also won't break your bank.

Karelen is a Florida-based company that prides itself on making inexpensive beauty products free from glycols, parabens, mineral oils and petrolatum, and they never test on animals. It just launched a new beauty line with some serious smell-good skin and hair products. I took the plunge and tried out a few of these products to see if they can live up to the cult-like hype that e.l.f. has with its makeup. There are not a lot of other affordable beauty lines out there that follow the same quality standards as Karelen (believe me, I've looked), so here's a roundup of some of my favorites.

Body Butter


karelen aloe product lotion
This is by far my favorite product. The pump-in-jar feature is pretty clever and easy to use, and the lotion instantly made a recent sunburn I experienced feel about a million times better. The Aloe There scent was my favorite with a sweet finish that made me smell pretty darn good for the day. And for $6, you get a generous 12-oz. size. I keep this on my desk at work now for maximum use.

Bath & Shower Gel


karelen body bath shower gel
The Luscious Coconut Bath & Shower Gel ($6) is especially rad, though it doesn't lather up as well as a cream-based body wash. The smell makes up for it (trust me). The results make you feel squeaky clean.

Shampoo + Conditioner


karelen conditioner and shampoo
While the shampoo is a little on the thin side, when paired with the conditioner, this combo ($9 each) is great for all hair types. None of them made my hair feel heavy, which is a feat because I have crazy thick/colored hair. And the smell lasts through the next day, which is also a nice surprise.

Hair Masque


karelen avocado hair masque
Putting avocados in my hair was never on my radar, but the So Avocado-Liscious Hair Masque ($13) was a pretty fun thing to try. I have dyed hair, and this masque did a good job of making my locks feel less dry afterward. The scent isn't strong, so you won't be smelling like a California club sandwich for the rest of the day - in case you were worried.

Stylin'

karelen hair spray spritz detangler
My hair is thick. Really thick. Detangling products are always on my must-have list. The Aloe There! Detangler ($13) worked really well. I was able to get a comb through my dense mane with no issues, and for an added shine, I topped off with their Tea Tree Spritz ($11), which is good if you have dull or damaged hair.

Dry Oil


karelin dry oils for hair and body
This stuff is rad, y'all. It's a light oil infused with the oils of each main ingredient (like carrots and shea butter). It gives your hair and body a gentle glow, but doesn't go on filmy or thick like a lot of oils tend to. My fave is the Shea Your Way ($6) - it is soothing after a day at the beach.
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