Lea Michele's First Birthday Without Cory Monteith Can't Be Easy

vrijdag 30 augustus 2013

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AppId is over the quota
by Emily Abbate 2 hours ago

Today we wish a very, very happy birthday to Lea Michele. Glee's shining star is turning 27 today.

I feel bad for her. No, not just because she shares the same birthday as Courtney Stodden, but because birthdays are usually such a celebration, turning another year older in your 20s, that's usually fun. But this birthday marks the first of many Lea will face without her boyfriend Cory Monteith by her side, who died July 13 at 31 years old. This birthday is the one that he was planning a "big surprise" for before he passed. One that now she'll never have.

So how will she be spending her big 2-7? An insider tells Life & Style that Michele is celebrating "with her girlfriends" and will have "a low-key night."

Man. Grieving when you want to be celebrating. I've been there. You've probably been there. It's never, never easy.

None of us can control when the unexpected horrors of life occur, but they do. There are so many times when you want to celebrate something, whether it be a birthday, an engagement, finishing your first big marathon, or whatever the case may be, and there's a bigger tragic event looming over your head. In those scenarios, it's natural to feel sad even though it's a happy occasion. It's natural to want to hide even though others around you may want to rejoice.

The important thing is that even during a time of grief, you can't get mad at yourself when you don't want to feel sad. Bad things happen. It's the natural progression of life and time that, sooner or later, you will move forward emotionally.

Today, I hope that despite being without Cory, Lea smiles. Today, I'm glad to hear that the starlet will be surrounded by her girlfriends, handling this happy occasion the best way she knows how. Today, I hope she thinks of all of the great things she's done, and looks forward to the next 27 years (and more) ahead of her. 

Happiest of birthdays, Lea.

Image via msleamichele/Instagram

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Get a Touch of Melissa Gorga's Home Style Without Going Totally Gorga

zaterdag 24 augustus 2013

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por Adriana Vélez hace 13 horas

¿Siempre ha querido vivir en Chez Gorga? Es decir, hablar de inspiración italiana opulencia a través de Jersey. Estilo de Melissa Gorga es tan... así que... ¿Cuál es la palabra? Voy a dejar que averiguarlo. Pero si usted necesita un poco de inspiración, deleitar sus ojos con esto: Melissa Gorga está vendiendo la decoración de su hogar y muebles en línea el 27 de agosto. Sí, si alguna vez has querido vivir como una verdadera ama de casa de Nueva Jersey, ahora es tu oportunidad. Sólo una advertencia, aunque. Estética de Melissa no es para tímidos. Descaradamente ha dorado y desplazado. Si ya no tienes esa mirada de arriba a abajo, aquí es cómo werk Gorga un poco en su casa sin mirar demasiado, sabes, Gorga-a-Go-Go.

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¿Qué impide que estilo adornado de Melissa también poniendo por encima son todos los neutrales pálidos, como las paredes grises y tapicería pálido. Tenga en cuenta que la habitación no es llena, tampoco.

Haga clic en el botón "Like" Si eres un fan de las amas de Casa Real. Sobre el autor Adriana Velez

es un escritor que recrea en alimentos, crianza, noticias, Entretenimiento, biología molecular y nada más que eso salta a la cabeza. Ella vive con su hijo de edad escolar primaria en Brooklyn, tierra de chacras urbanas y artesanal todo.

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5 Genius Ways to Save Kids' Artwork (Without the Clutter)

donderdag 22 augustus 2013

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AppId is over the quota
by Julie Ryan Evans 1 hour ago

If you have a toddler, you're likely drowning in a sea of artwork. There are probably paintings on your wall, drawings on your refrigerator, and piles of every little paper plate, paper towel roll, and popsicle stick creation they've ever made everywhere.

It's enough to make a clutter-hating mom go mad ... or start throwing things out (shhh!). Of course, then there's the guilt, but there's a point at which enough is enough. Fear not, though, there is a host of great ways to keep the artwork and clear the clutter.

1. Keepy

In a word, this app is: brilliant. It lets you take pictures of any and all art, then organize, share, and save it forever. It will blow your mind ... and open up so much storage space in your home!

2. Make a collage

The Huffington Post has the EASY directions that anyone can follow, but it basically involves tearing up pieces of the artwork and gluing them to a canvas. The result -- one really cool piece of abstract art that holds a lot of memories. 

3. Share It With the World

Another cool app, Art My Kid Made, lets you share your kids' artwork with the world. It's kind of like a kids' social network for artwork.

4. Make a Mini Gallery

This service from Art Eater is beyond cool. It takes 30 pieces of your kids' artwork and turns them into one amazing piece of art. It's expensive for them to do it for you ($547), but I bet some of you crafty types could use it for inspiration and do something similar yourselves.

5. Store it in mailing tubes

If you really want to keep the physical copies of the artwork, storing it in mailing tubes is one of the cleverest ways I've seen to do so. Just roll it up and label them by years. You can also keep one to fill with things for grandma and grandpa and ship it off when it's full.

How do you store your kids' artwork?

Image via Keepy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Julie Ryan Evans

can be found writing from coffee houses wherever she may be. The quality of her days is largely influenced by the seat she nabs and whether a protein plate is available.

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5 Easy Ways to Get Long, Full, Glam Lashes Without Faking It

zaterdag 17 augustus 2013

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AppId is over the quota
by Maressa Brown 22 hours ago

It's so funny how we're supposed to want everything on our bodies to be tight, trim, and small, but when it comes to the hair on our head and on our eyeballs, the thicker and bigger, the better! And you seriously cannot turn on the TV, walk into a department or cosmetics store without encountering a new mascara, treatment, or Brooke Shields-shilled pharmaceutical drug supposedly guaranteed to get you those FAT, looong lashes we all crave. But come on, how much of it is hype and how much of it is real? Is it really best to bite the bullet, learn how to apply fake lashes, and call it a day?

Nooot necessarily! Here, five easy, handy tricks and products that may be able to take your natural lashes to their most extreme ...

Shu Uemera Eyelash Curler ($20) - I don't know about you, but everytime I've used one of these babies, I've thought I was going to seriously injure myself. And the results weren't even worth it. But InStyle swears by Shu Uemera's version which is "easy to hold and fits all eye shapes," and best of all, actually curls lashes for that pop! we all want.Tarte MultiplEYE Lash-Enhancing Primer ($22) - For the biggest, most wow-worthy lashes, you've gotta set the right foundation. This one promises to increase the appearance of lash length as it preps, primes, and conditions lashes before mascara application. And I love Tarte, because they only use natural ingredients and steer clear of certain chemicals.Kate Somerville True Lash Lash-Enhancing Eye Makeup Remover ($35) - This makeup remover may be on the pricier side, but it also has pretty lofty claims ... Its SymLash226 Complex "strengthens and promotes lash growth to create stronger, noticeably fuller lashes." Reviewers on Sephora.com agree and say that after using it for about a month, they noticed their lashes were longer and they experienced less breakage.The perfect mascara - Does it exist? I'm not sure, still not convinced, but I do know that at least for me, Christian Dior DiorShow and DiorShow Extase live up to the cult status hype to create that almost-faux look. Yves Saint Laurent's VOLUME EFFET FAUX CILS mascara is also really awesome, but it's also crazy expensive at $30 a tube. CoverGirl LashBlast -- which is basically the drugstore version of Diorshow -- is pretty darn impressive, too.The right technique - After each coat of mascara, brush the top quarter of your lashes with an eyelash comb. This will help you create the same fringe-like texture faux lashes offer. Another tip: When applying mascara, hold the wand vertically -- then swipe it from inner to outer corners across your lower lashes. Voila!

What's your fave tip/trick for getting fuller, longer lashes?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Maressa Brown

has enjoyed reporting and writing for a variety of entertainment and women's magazines and websites. More often than not, you'll find her blogging, hitting the gym, reading, researching something on her iPhone, laughing, chatting at an above-"normal" volume, or getting her caffeine fix.

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8 Ways to Wear Graphic Tees Without Looking Like Your Tween

vrijdag 16 augustus 2013

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by April Daniels Hussar 16 hours ago

Graphic tees are ubiquitous: Just about EVERY major clothing store sells them. They come cheap and they come crazy expensive, but how you look in them depends entirely on what you wear with them. I have nothing against a cute graphic tee with a casual pair of jeans or shorts, but if you want to step up the game a little, graphic tees can be worn as part of a more put-together, grown-up looking outfit. Think of it as looking like an adult but eating your fun cake too!

Here are four ways to style your graphic tee, plus another four great shirt options.

Do you wear graphic tees?

var UGC_HOST = "http://ugc-01.cafemomstatic.com";var current_slide_num = 1;var slideshow_url = "http://thestir.cafemom.com/beauty_style/159801/8_ways_to_wear_graphic";var short_url = "/beauty_style/159801/8_ways_to_wear_graphic";var slide_id = "";var from_social = "";var current_slide_id = '109335'; ABOUT THE AUTHOR April Daniels Hussar

is a California girl transplanted to the wilds of suburban New Jersey, and is a shoe-loving, book-obsessed writer and mama.

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Restaurant Customer Known for Eating Without Paying Gets What He Deserves on Facebook

zaterdag 3 augustus 2013

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AppId is over the quota
by Kiri Blakeley 18 hours ago

Dine and dash just isn't what it used to be! These days, the power of social media can be harnessed to shame your ass into paying your bill! That's what one restaurant is attempting by publishing a photo of a guy on their Facebook page who they say dined and dashed in their establishment. Brewer's Cabinet brewpub in Reno, Nevada posted a photo of the guy (which a waiter managed to snap) and wrote on their Facebook page:

ATTN RENO: If you know, or see, this dude, please call RENO POLICE DEPT at 334-2121 immediately, and then remind him that his tab at The Brewer's Cabinet is still waiting to be paid. And, while you're at it, you could tell him that visiting restaurants/bars with your friends, running up a huge bill, roughing up servers and then bailing is pretty uncool ... pathetic, really. Get a life, man.

Yikes, and it turns out this wasn't the only restaurant the "dude" had stiffed!

At least three other establishments reportedly confirmed that the dasher, named Saul Zelaznog, had run out on his check there too. Bartenders say that Zelaznog's modus operandi includes running up a tab, then claiming he doesn't have his wallet, dashing, and never coming back to pay up!

A manager at Campo, another place Zelaznog apparently stiffed, says:

Ya know, it's really unfortunate that we put faith in people and they don't always pull through and it makes it harder for us to trust everyone else.

Sheesh, no wonder so many places now ask for a credit card upfront!

But the alleged dasher denies the claims, telling the Reno Gazette Journal that he simply forgot a "method of payment" at one establishment but was going to be back to pay later. Err, guess he forgot that too? Considering they called the cops. And when he forgot his method of paying at yet another place -- gee, this happens to him a lot -- he left a "nice watch" as collateral. Dude, no one wants your watch.

He also says he is asking his family to wire him money to pay off his restaurant debt. Bet they're overjoyed.

Meanwhile, Mr. Forgot My Wallet was arrested yesterday for a probation violation and put in the clink.

Well, at least he'll get free meals in jail.

Have you ever had anyone dine and dash on you?

Image via JoeShlabotnik/Flickr

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Double Chocolate Muffins Recipe Without All the 'Bad for You' Ingredients

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AppId is over the quota
by Jill Baughman 20 hours ago in Food & Party

When you think "double chocolate chip muffins," the first word that comes to your mind most definitely isn't "healthy" or "skinny." Well, leave it to the creative bakers out there to be able to concoct some amazing "skinny double chocolate chip muffins"! Yes, they do exist!

Developed by Sally's Baking Addiction, instead of tons of oil and butter, this recipe uses applesauce, honey, egg whites, even Greek yogurt. And you won't be able to taste any difference, we promise! As easy to make as they are delicious, you can indulge in these sweet treats guilt-free.

Skinny Double Chocolate Chip Muffins by Sally's Baking Addiction

Makes 12 muffins. Muffins stay fresh in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. Muffins freeze well up to 3 months: heat up for 1 minute after frozen.

Ingredients

3/4 cup unsweetened applesauce1/2 cup sugar1/4 cup honey2 large egg whites (or 1 large egg)3/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt (or regular yogurt, plain or vanilla)2 teaspoons vanilla extract1/2 cup all-purpose flour1/2 cup whole wheat flour1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder1/2 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon baking soda1 teaspoon baking powder1/2 cup mini chocolate chips, plus a few more for sprinkling on top

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425F degrees. Spray 12-count muffin pan with nonstick spray. Do not use liners.

2. In a large bowl, combine applesauce, sugar, honey, egg whites, Greek yogurt, and vanilla extract. Whisk them all together until smooth, with no yogurt lumps remaining.

3. Sift* the flours, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda, and baking powder together. Slowly stir in the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix. Get any dry pockets of flour out. Fold in the mini chocolate chips. The batter will be a little chunky. This is ok.

4. Divide the batter evenly amount 12 liners -- fill them all the way to the top if you can. Bake for 5 minutes at 425F. Keeping the muffins in the oven, reduce the temperature down to 375, and continue to bake for 13 more minutes. Insert a toothpick into the center of one muffin. If it comes out clean, they are done. If not, bake for only 2 more minutes.

5. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 3 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Note: *Sifting the dry ingredients is optional.

Click the "Like" button below to get a tasty recipe every day on Facebook. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Jill Baughman

is the copy chief of The Stir and geeks out over all the nuances and weirdness of the English language.

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Easy, Scrumptious Lasagna Recipe You Can Make Without an Oven

maandag 29 juli 2013

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by Julie Ryan Evans 3 hours ago in Food & Party

Love lasagna but don't want to heat up the house by turning on the oven? This skillet lasagna recipe is just what you need then.

It has all of the great flavor of traditional baked lasagna, but you cook it all on top of your stove. Using no-cook noodles, you don't even have to boil those. It's a great family meal any night of the week. Following is a basic recipe, but you can add spinach, mushrooms, peppers, and any other vegetables your family likes. I've also used a spicy chicken sausage instead of ground beef, which adds a nice kick.

Skillet Lasagna

3/4 pound ground beef (or sausage)
2-3 cloves of minced garlic
1 can diced tomatoes, Italian style
2 14-ounce jars of spaghettis sauce, flavor of your choosing
2/3 cup cream of mushroom soup
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/4 cups cottage cheese
3/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
9 no-cook lasagna noodles
1 cup mozzarella cheese

Cook beef and garlic in skillet over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Drain, then return to pan and stir in tomatoes and spaghetti sauce. Heat thoroughly then transfer all but about one cup to a bowl.

In another bowl mix soup, eggs, cottage cheese and Italian seasoning.

Break the noodles to fit skillet, and layer noodles over meat sauce, then cottage cheese mixture. Repeat, ending with meat sauce on top. Bring to a boil.

Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15-17 minutes until noodles are cooked through.

Top with cheese, cover for two more minutes or until cheese is melted. Enjoy!

Image via Steven Depolo/Flickr

Click the "Like" button below to get a tasty recipe every day on Facebook. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Julie Ryan Evans

can be found writing from coffee houses wherever she may be. The quality of her days is largely influenced by the seat she nabs and whether a protein plate is available.

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Soldier's Homecoming Surprise for Girlfriend Would’ve Been More Fun Without Cops

zaterdag 13 juli 2013

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AppId is over the quota
by Kiri Blakeley 7 hours ago

These days, homecoming soldiers make kind of a sport of surprising their loved ones in unexpected places. The dad who surprised his kids at a birthday party. The guy who surprised his grandma at Christmas. The dad who showed up on a baseball field. The other dad who showed up at a baseball field. But Army soldier Cody Weigle got especially creative. He thought he'd give his girlfriend a little scare before the hugs and the tears started. And he enlisted a police officer to help him out. Did he go too far?

After Cody's girlfriend, Alix Swinford, told her boyfriend via Skype that she'd never once been pulled over for a traffic violation, Cody's brain began a whirlin' with the possibilities.

Weeks of planning went into his decision to surprise Alix in a way she'd never forget. He enlisted the aid of a police officer in Mattoon, Illinois to drive him to where he knew that Alix and her sister, Sydni, would be driving. He knew where they'd be because Syndi was in on the surprise.

Once Alix and Sydni drove by the cruiser, which had Cody inside, the officer flashed his lights and pulled them over for a supposed seat belt violation. Presumably, Sydni opted not to wear her seatbelt that day to assist in the plot. Hey, not safe, y'all!

The officer asked Alix to step out of the car to discuss her sister's violation. He then stepped away and let someone come into view whom she wasn't expecting ... her boyfriend, Cody!

Stunned Alix hit her boyfriend over his head for scaring her so badly. Haha. No, she didn't. She hugged him, 'kay?

Hey, this is cute and military must be so excited to be home that they want to amp up the excitement even more. But I dunno about enlisting a cop to pull a fake arrest manuever. Though police do get bored sometimes. I remember a couple of cops agreeing to drive me to my house and they came to tell my sleeping roommate that they had arrested me outside, as I was breaking in. My startled roomie tried to explain that I lived there, but they claimed they were hauling me off to jail. Just when she got really upset, we all began laughing. Oh, those cops. Silly wabbits.

Anyway, back to Alix and Cody. The two lovebirds were reunited there in the streets of Mattoon, and hopefully no cops pulled them over for real later that night!

Do you think this surprise was cute or went too far?

Image via Runneralan2004/Flickr

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