How to find the right summer camp for your kids

June 6, 2012, 7:00 am

≫ Next: Shopping for wine? Grab some nail polish!

Are you considering sending your kids to summer camp for the first time? Camp can be a wonderful experience for children, but you need to do your research and choose the right camp.

Step 1: Think about why you are sending them

First of all, you need to figure out what you want your child to get out of going to camp. Are you sending them so they can make new friends, build character, develop new skills or just have fun? By determining what you want out of camp, you'll be able to narrow down your choices.

Read about the top summer camps in the U.S. >>

Step 2: Decide if you want overnight or day camp

For very young kids, day camp is probably your best bet. For older children, consider the option of sleepover camps, rather just sending your kids out of the house for the day. You can find a camps geared toward almost any type of interest -- from cooking to sports and science to foreign languages.

Step 3: Talk to your friends

Network with other parents -- friends, relatives and co-workers -- to get recommendations on the best camps . Ask if their kids would want to go back again, and if not, why not.

Read our summer camp visiting day primer >>

Step 4: Narrow down your choices

Once you've figured out if you want a specialty camp or a general camp, and a day camp or a sleepover camp, you should read very thoroughly the websites and brochures of the camps that piqued your interest. You can then narrow down your choices to five potential camps within your price range.

Step 5: Do sufficient research

Check out the handful of camps through the American Camp Association website. More than 2,400 camps are accredited by the ACA to meet certain health, safety and quality standards. You can read all about the camp, including all the programs and sessions that each camp offers.

Step 6: Let your child be involved in the decision

Once you have it whittled down to two or three suitable camps that you want to send your children, let your kids be involved in the final decision. After all, you want them to really enjoy their time at camp, so your children should be involved in the process.

More Parenting how-tos

How to become a more easygoing mom
How to make over your kid's bedroom on a budget
How to sneak in a little me time

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Shopping for wine? Grab some nail polish!

June 6, 2012, 7:00 am

≫ Next: Matthew Fox has to go to rehab

≪ Previous: How to find the right summer camp for your kids

Santa Margherita wine is known for crisp and refreshing pinot grigio, and now they'll be known for their chianti, prosecco and sparkling rose -- with the help of matching nail polish! Read on to find out more about this unlikely pairing.

Primp and wine

You've heard of wine pairings, right? It's usually a white, light wine with a tasty cheese or zesty vegetable -- but have you heard of pairing your wine with nail polish?

Santa Margherita Italian wines are partnering with The Beauty Bar while promoting their new line of wines. Ladies can get their nails done while drinking a glass of their notable pinot grigio or their newer wines like chianti, prosecco and sparkling rosé.

The nail polish will be available in seven Beauty Bar markets: New York, Brooklyn, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Chicago, Denver and Austin, Texas. When you attend one of these events, you'll automatically receive a free wine-inspired nail polish with a glass of Santa Margherita wine. Details of the event are available on the Santa Margherita Facebook page.

The four limited-edition nail polishes are inspired from their prosecco, pinot grigio, chianti and sparkling rosé.

The prosecco is a shiny, sparkling silver with hints of gold. The pinot grigio is light, creamy and almost white -- perfect for a French manicure!.The chianti is a deep red color that will take your nails from bare to bold. If you're looking for a girly, feminine color, then the sparkling rosé will be your new favorite. It's light, pink and sparkly with a hint of metallic.

Forget wine and cheese, we're so into the wine and nail polish pairings!

More fun with wine

5 Creative ways you can reuse your wine corks
Boxed wine handbag: Genius or crazy?
It's National Wine Day: Easy-to-enjoy wines from California to France

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Matthew Fox has to go to rehab

June 6, 2012, 7:11 am

≫ Next: SheKnows book club author chat: The American Heiress

≪ Previous: Shopping for wine? Grab some nail polish!

Unless Matthew Fox pulls an Amber Portwood, we'll be hearing more about his drug treatment program in the coming days. A judge gave the former Lost star two choices following his arrest in May for driving under the influence: go to a yearlong rehab program or go to jail.

Matthew Fox Rehab

Matthew Fox will be outfoxing jail if he opts to undergo a diversion program. To avoid time, he has to undergo treatment within a year -- and stay off the booze for at least that long.

Seems like a no-brainer, right? But as we saw yesterday with Teen Mom star Amber Portwood, not everyone chooses to go to rehab over time served behind bars.

The actor, who has three movie projects coming out in the next couple of years, has recently been known more for his antics offscreen than on the big screen.

In this case, the judge's decision stems from his DUI arrest back in May. The 45-year-old actor was pulled over near his home in Bend, Oregon, for failing to signal properly or stay in his lane.

More recently, a party bus driver who claimed Fox punched her in the chest and groin in 2011 dropped charges she filed against him, citing problems paying for legal fees.

Perhaps Fox's Lost co-star, Dominic Monaghan, may have helped her with the fees? No one seemed less surprised by the allegations brought against Fox than Monaghan, who took to Twitter, claiming that the beat-down wasn't an isolated incident.

"He beats women," Monaghan told a Fox fan on the social networking site. "not isolated issues. often."

This resulted in a heated exchange between fan and actor, with Monaghan going so far as to say: "An accusation is when you 'claim' someone did something wrong… but hey little fan girl maybe want to get slapped around by him? Daddy issues?… It's never okay. Maybe you have lower standards."

If Fox chooses to not go the way of Amber Portwood and complete the terms of the program in 12 months, the deputy district attorney on the case, Cliff Lu, told People his charge "is certain to be dismissed."

Image courtesy of WENN.com

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SheKnows book club author chat: The American Heiress

June 6, 2012, 7:15 am

≫ Next: Being a digital mom: How to connect with brands online

≪ Previous: Matthew Fox has to go to rehab

Join us for a live Facebook chat with Daisy Goodwin, breakout author of our current SheKnows Book Club pick -- The American Heiress.

The American Heiress is our current SheKnows Book Club pick for 2012, and we're thrilled to give you the chance to chat with author Daisy Goodwin live on Facebook this week.

Join Daisy Goodwin and the SheKnows Book Club bloggers on Facebook on Thursday, June 14 from 5 to 6 p.m. PST/8 to 9 p.m. EST for one hour. Daisy will respond to your questions and comments on Daisy Goodwin's Facebook page. Come by and chat with this talented author who's excited to talk directly to her fans — ask her questions about The American Heiress, her road to publication, being a break-out star in the publishing world or just tell her how much you adore her!

About The American Heiress

It's the story of Cora Cash, an American heiress in the 1890s who should have been careful what she wished for. Traveling abroad with her mother at the turn of the 20th century to seek a titled husband, beautiful, vivacious Cora — whose family mansion in Newport dwarfs the Vanderbilt's — suddenly finds herself Duchess of Wareham, married to Ivo, the most eligible bachelor in England. Nothing is quite as it seems, however. Ivo is withdrawn and secretive, and the English social scene is full of traps and betrayals. Money, Cora soon learns, cannot buy everything, and she must decide what is truly worth the price in her life and her marriage.

Money can't buy happiness

This tantalizing novel's plot jumps off the pages as you follow Cora Cash on her journey to finding what she thinks will be her happy ending — ultimately determining that money can't buy happiness.

If you're having Downton Abbey withdrawls...

With the popularity of the PBS hit Downton Abbey, the paperback release of Daisy Goodwin's The American Heiress couldn't have come at a better time. Goodwin's novel will no doubt help with the withdrawals Downton Abbey fans are feeling since the show's season finale aired.

So what are you waiting for? Snap up a copy of The American Heiress and join Daisy Goodwin on her Facebook page Thursday, June 14 from 5 to 6 p.m. PST/8 to 9 p.m. EST and talk with her live about all things writing.

Being a digital mom: How to connect with brands online

June 6, 2012, 8:00 am

≫ Next: Tonight's Dinner: Slow cooker African peanut stew recipe

≪ Previous: SheKnows book club author chat: The American Heiress

As a mom blogger, one way in which we make money is by working with brands and companies. The big question becomes — "How do you connect with the ones you love?" Here are four ways.

Connecting with your favorite brands online is as easy as 1-2-3

As a mom blogger, one way in which we make money is by working with brands and companies. The big question becomes — "How do you connect with the ones you love?" Here are four ways.

It's the most frequently asked question I get from mom bloggers: "How do you connect with brands online?"

And I understand why because this is the way we make money.

The one thing I most love about being a blogger is that I can write about anything I want on my blog. There's nobody to give me limitations. There's nobody to report to. There's nobody giving me any direction. That being said, I can write about any brand or company that my heart desires, and that's a pretty cool thing to be able to do.

If I love a particular toy, I can write about it.
If I love a particular food, I can write about it.
If I love a particular blouse, I can write about it.

But how do you turn that into potential money? It's all about connecting with these brands online. The brands you love. The brands you're loyal to. The brands you can't live without.

I want to share this week, four ways to connect with brands online. It's not as hard as you think, and anyone can do it. It doesn't matter if you're a newbie mom blogger or a seasoned mom blogger, connecting with brands is one of the most important blogging business moves you can make .

Twitter

Twitter is a beautiful thing. I've said it before and I will say it again, Twitter is my new Google. If I want to find something out, I tweet it. If I need a contact to a brand, I tweet it. If I want to share something about a brand, I tweet it. Believe me, brands are on Twitter. If you're looking to get in touch with a brand, tweet them. It's that simple. I would say I have made contact with 50 brands simply because of Twitter.

Google it

You can pretty much find anything on Google. One strategy I've done when googling a brand is type in something like "@kohls.com" to get direct emails at a brand or company. From there, start looking at job titles to see the closest connection you can get to what contact you want. Perhaps you type "PR @kohls.com," which would pop up emails in the PR department at Kohl's. This is just an example, but a way to start compiling those names/emails.

Blogging

Blog about a brand and you never know what may happen. Good things have come from when people blog about what they love. Many brands and companies set up Google alerts, so a brand may actually happen to see a post you write. That's always a good thing, so keep that in mind when you're writing about a brand or company. My advice: always tweet your links with their handle attached and post on their Facebook wall, too.

Press Releases

It's always a good thing to search "press releases" of a brand and/or of products you're interested in. On the bottom of every press release is contact information for the brand/company. I know many people who look up brand contact info this way and it's an easy way to do it.

More on being an online mom

The many benefits of starting a blog
Balancing work and motherhood
Build your online presence

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Tonight's Dinner: Slow cooker African peanut stew recipe

June 6, 2012, 8:00 am

≫ Next: 10 Unusual pets your family will love

≪ Previous: Being a digital mom: How to connect with brands online

Different textures and flavors make this hearty dish truly unique. A bit sweet with a hint of spice, it's perfect served over rice. Made in the slow cooker, it's ideal for a busy day when you don't have time to cook.

Althought the ingredients list may have you asking yourself if this is really something you want to try, I say yes, yes it is. The flavors really come together after cooking in the slow cooker, making the dish rich and velvety. If you asked me what it tasted like, I would tell you something along the lines of a Thai peanut dish. It has a hearty, warm flavor with a bit of sweetness and a hint of spice. Give this one a shot on a busy night and you'll be pleasantly surprised.

Slow cooker African peanut stew recipe

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

3–4 garlic cloves
1 cup loosely packed fresh cilantro leaves and stems
1 can diced tomatoes
2 inch or so chunk of fresh ginger, peeled
2 heaping tablespoons peanut butter
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 tablespoon curry powder
1/4 cup dark brown sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt
Fresh ground pepper
1 can lite coconut milk
2 good-sized sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
1 large sweet onion, chopped
1 large red bell pepper, or 2 small ones, chopped
1 can garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained

Directions:

In a blender or food processor add garlic cloves, cilantro, ginger, tomatoes, peanut butter, cumin, cinnamon, ground red pepper and curry powder. Blend until everything is nicely pureed. It will look very thick and pasty.
In the slow cooker, add the garbanzo beans, chopped onions, red bell peppers, and sweet potatoes. Add the peanut sauce mixture, brown sugar and the coconut milk and gently stir to incorporate all of the ingredients.
Turn the slow cooker on low and cook for six to eight hours Serve with rice and top with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions.

More tonight's dinner recipes >>

More slow cooker ideas

Slow cooker spicy cajun gumbo
Slow cooker French onion soup
Slow cooker minestrone soup

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10 Unusual pets your family will love

June 6, 2012, 8:00 am

≫ Next: Celeb bump day: Sienna Miller, Neve Campbell, Anna Paquin, Snooki

≪ Previous: Tonight's Dinner: Slow cooker African peanut stew recipe

If you are looking for a new family pet, forget the dogs and cats and consider something a little out of the ordinary. These pets are a bit unusual but generally easy to care for and good with families.

Sugar gliders

These pocket-sized marsupials are oh so cute. They are very friendly, but they can't be toilet trained, so you'll have to keep them in a roomy cage. They are nocturnal so a good time to bring them out of the cage to play is in the evening. Be sure that your sugar gliders are neutered because they breed like rabbits. You must be able to deal with a mess because they suck the nutrients out of their food and then spit it out.

Guinea pigs

If you have little kids, then a guinea pig might be the perfect pet. Guinea pigs aren't as small and delicate as gerbils and hamsters, but they are still furry and fun. Of course, you still need to keep close supervision on toddlers and preschoolers when around any pets.

Geckos

For kids with allergies, get a reptile. Geckos aren't as scary to young children as snakes might be. Choose a leopard gecko because it can't climb walls — so you won't have to worry about it getting out of the tank.

Read about coping with pet allergies >>

Finches

If you like birds but don't want to deal with a squawking parrot, pick a small, quiet bird like the finch instead. Though they aren't completely silent, finches are much quieter than parakeets, cockatiels and other pet birds. Be sure to buy at least two — they need friends.

Chinchillas

If you live in a cool climate, consider a chinchilla. These nocturnal animals have soft fur and a bushy tail. They can't be in temperatures higher than 75 degrees, so you need to keep your chinchilla cool. They'll need a large cage with plenty of room to move around.

Potbellied pigs

If you have the space, consider a potbellied pig. Though the potbellied pig craze has eased off a little bit in recent years, they still make fabulous family pets.

Hermit crabs

Perfect for apartment dwellers and those looking for a low maintenance pet, hermit crabs are fantastic choice. You just need an old fish tank, gravel, extra shells in various sizes , food and water. The more that you play with the crabs, the less likely they will pinch.

Iguanas

For lizard lovers, the iguana is a wonderful choice. They require warm temperatures and a cage big enough for them to grow. Green iguanas can grow to up to 6 feet long. One disadvantage of iguanas is they require special lighting — both UVA and UVB lights in their cage.

Read about lizard and other reptiles as pets >>

Ant farms

If your child is interested in science and you don't really have any space for a pet, consider making an ant farm. Just be sure not to leave the feeding port open, or you'll have ants all over your home.

Monkeys

Are you ready for a something a bit exotic? Try a monkey. As a child, I had a pet cottontop tamarin. It was very small, cute and easy to train. Before buying a monkey, be sure to research thoroughly — some types of monkeys can be extremely aggressive.

Other unusual pets to consider include hedgehogs, pygmy goats and tarantulas. Be sure to check about the legal restrictions for owning monkeys and exotic pets. In some counties and states, owning primates is prohibited.

More about family pets

How pets benefit child development
Which exotic animals make good pets?
How to pet-proof your home

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Celeb bump day: Sienna Miller, Neve Campbell, Anna Paquin, Snooki

June 6, 2012, 8:30 am

≫ Next: Snow White and the Huntsman: Get the look

≪ Previous: 10 Unusual pets your family will love

Happy Wednesday Hump Day — also known around here as Celebrity Baby Bump Day! We have rounded up the cutest pregnant celebrities of the week, including Sienna Miller showing off her cool boho baby bump and Snooki showing off her Jersey Shore style. Moving on from Snooki to Sookie, Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer gave us a peek at her True Blood baby bump at the premiere of their hit HBO show. Pregnant actress Neve Campbell was spotted at the Coldplay concert, while a very pregnant Kourtney Kardashian is counting down the days — however still managing to look chic!

Pregnant Sienna Miller

Sienna Miller

Pregnant actress Sienna Miller showed off her cool bohemian style as she ran errands in Primrose Hill in London, England. The 30-year-old is expecting her first child with her boyfriend Tom Sturridge.

"I'm feeling fine," she told British Vogue. "It's all progressing nicely and it's very exciting."

We love Miller’s maternity style, in which she often mixes chic basics with trendy accessories for a cool pregnancy look. Take a maternity fashion tip from Miller and give your body more definition by belting flowy dresses or long tunic tops, especially when you are in your third trimester.

No official word on the sex of the baby, however Miller was spotted leaving her baby shower in London with presents and pink balloons. Hmm...

Next up: Pregnant Anna Paquin vamps it up at the True Blood premiere

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Pregnant Anna Paquin at True Blood premiere

Anna Paquin

Sookie is showing! Pregnant Anna Paquin showed off her growing baby bump in an edgy black dress at the premiere of True Blood. Due in the fall, this is the first baby for Paquin, 29, and her husband/True Blood co-star Stephen Moyer.

How does Moyer feel about being a dad again, as he has two children from a previous relationship? “It's always amazing,” he gushed. "I love my kids so much. And the fact that Anna is pregnant just adds more crazy to the bundle of fun."

As for Paquin, she is not letting pregnancy slow her down. “I feel fantastic,” she told reporters at the event.

Next up: Neve Campbell takes her baby bump to hear Coldplay

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Pregnant Neve Campbell

Neve Campbell

Dressed in black, a pregnant Neve Campbell was in no mood to show off her baby bump as she and her boyfriend, JJ Field, went to a Coldplay concert in Los Angeles, California.

"Thanks to everyone for the congratulations! I’m very happy, and I'm even happier to know that people come to my life because I like my work!" the former Scream star tweeted, after her pregnancy news was announced.

No word if she is expecting a boy or a girl, but she did tweet a link to a photo of a baby bib that read, “These fools put my cape on backwards.”

This will be the first child for 38-year-old Campbell, who is currently working on the TV series, Titanic: Blood and Steel.

Next up: Snooki’s pickle in the oven

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Pregnant Snooki

Snooki

Jersey Shore star Nicole 'Snooki' Polizzi was spotted showing off her baby bump in a short black lace dress as she and the gang were filming in Seaside Heights, New Jersey. The 24-year-old announced a few weeks ago that she is having a boy — and she recently revealed her plans for the baby nursery.

“It’s gonna be maybe something Disney or safari,” she said.

As far as baby names, Snooki told GQ back in November her top four names were Frankie, Jionni Jr., Giana and Isabella — so it sounds like she could possibly be naming him one of the first two names!

Tell us: Do you like the names Frankie or Jionni Jr.?

Next up: Kourtney Kardashian shows off her huge baby bump

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Pregnant Kourtney Kardashian, Scott and Mason

Kourtney Kardashian

A very pregnant Kourtney Kardashian was spotted leaving Barneys New York with her son, Mason Dash Disick, and her baby daddy boyfriend Scott Disick.

Since Kourtney is in her third trimester, the reality star has been loving maxi dresses, which are a great choice when you are pregnant as they are flattering, stylish and comfortable.

Check out 5 easy tips to look great and feel great during pregnancy >>

We can see why Pregnant in Heels star Rosie Pope told us that she thinks Kourtney has the best celebrity maternity style. Do you agree?

From Drew Barrymore to Sarah Michelle Gellar, check out more celebrity baby bumps here >>

Photos: WENN

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Snow White and the Huntsman: Get the look

June 6, 2012, 8:30 am

≫ Next: Miley Cyrus engaged to The Hunger Games star

≪ Previous: Celeb bump day: Sienna Miller, Neve Campbell, Anna Paquin, Snooki

In this modern take on a classic fairy tale, Snow White is trained by the Huntsman to be a lean, mean, fighting machine leading the quest to take down the Evil Queen. While this isn’t the same old bedtime story you were told as a kid, you’ll be dreaming about the gorgeous set design.

Dark and visually stimulating, the graphics in this modern fairy tale makeover are so stunning, we simply had to translate the look to home decor. From the shimmering metallic details of the Evil Queen, to the earthy natural elements of the Huntsman and the woods, your home is sure to be the fairest of them all with these sophisticated looks from Snow White and the Huntsman.

The castle of Snow White and the Huntsman

A castle fit for a queen

Get the look of the ornately carved throne with a wooden panel screen and separate yourself from unworthy subjects.

Capture the beautiful shimmer of the Evil Queen's gown with a Gold Capiz Chandelier that would look amazing over a dining room table big enough to hold seven of your closest friends .

The seven dwarfs may have mined for crystals, but the Evil Queen has the goods around her neck. A purple amethyst votive holder adds a splash of color to an otherwise neutral color scheme.

What would the Evil Queen serve at a dinner party? Poison apple party dip of course >>

Mirror, mirror on the wall...

Recreate the look of the Mirror Man with this stunning handmade John Brauer Illusion Side Table in brown. The design was made to give the impression of a tablecloth on a round table, but it's a spot-on reinterpretation of the Mirror Man's golden garb.

This classic Suzanne Kasler Sunburst Mirror is a nod to the Evil Queen's spikey crown, but would look gorgeous over a buffet table in a dining room or over a fireplace mantel.

Even the Evil Queen needs someplace to rest after a hard day of evil scheming and this brilliant Metallic Gold Pouf Ottoman is perfect for kicking back and relaxing at home. Bonus: The leather pouf is hand-stitched in Marrakesh, Morocco, by artisans who work with designers to create unique designs.

Get the look from Snow White and the Huntsman

An enchanting forest

Fall asleep to sweet dreams about Chris Hemsworth as the Huntsman in this Forest Canopy bed. Kick up the dreamy factor by adding a string of white lights to the woodland canopy.

Take a lesson from the Huntsman's fashion playbook and layer different textures throughout the room. These Croc Embossed Leather pillows add an exotic feel.

The Huntsman's favorite piece of metal might be his trusty axe, but we think this Elm Side Table adds just the right dose of everyday metallic bling.

Get the recipe for Snow White's poisoned apple cupcakes >>

Dark and sophisticated

No need to worry if this apple's been poisoned. A bowl of these handcrafted ceramic silver apples is sure to have an enchanting effect on your decor.

Create your own woodland fairy tale setting with forest wallpaper. Keep the pattern chic by pairing it with black lacquer furniture and chrome accessories.

While Ravenna can turn herself into a flock of ravens with the wave of her cloak, this unique Black Nimbus feather and crystal chandelier will keep your visitors from flying away early.

The Evil Queen in Snow White and the Huntsman

Golden perfection

Replicate the embroidery of the Evil Queen's royal gown with this Thomas Lighting Brocade Pendant in couture gold.

Charlize Theron looks gorgeous in her pearl and gold jewelry ensemble. An All Over Pearl Pillow by Marlo Lorenz is the perfect jewelry accent for an otherwise subdued couch.

The over-the-top sleeves on this gown get a minimalist makeover with the Worlds Away Powl gold leaf side table.

Tell us

Which is your favorite look from Snow White and the Huntsman? Share in the comments below!

More Snow White and the Huntsman

Snow White and the Huntsman costumes dark and luscious
Steal the style: Snow White and the Huntsman
Review: Benefit Cosmetics Snow White and the Huntsman Rare Beauty Kit

Photo credits: Universal Pictures

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Miley Cyrus engaged to The Hunger Games star

June 6, 2012, 8:31 am

≫ Next: 5 Underappreciated guy traits we love

≪ Previous: Snow White and the Huntsman: Get the look

It's official! Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth managed to keep their engagement under wraps for the past week. That all changed this morning, when news broke that the 19-year-old is marrying her boyfriend of three years.

Miley Cyrus Engaged

In another sign that our Hannah Montana is all grown up , reps for Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth confirmed to People this morning that the former Disney star is getting hitched to the Aussie actor.

Hemsworth who, at only 22, is three years his fiancée's senior, met Cyrus when they co-starred in 2009's The Last Song.

With the exception of a brief breakup in 2010, the couple has been together for three years.

There's been on-again, off-again speculation that the two were going to tie the knot, but Hemsworth somehow managed to evade the Twitter police with this one.

Sources say The Hunger Games actor popped the question on May 31, presenting Cyrus with a 3.5-carat diamond ring designed by Neil Lane -- the same jeweler who helps J-Lo, Angie Jo and Madge sparkle on the red carpet.

"I'm so happy to be engaged and look forward to a life of happiness with Liam," Cyrus told People.

The Twitterverse blew up following the news. Some choice comments: "That awkward moment when Miley Cyrus has more rings than Lebron," I never imagined Miley Cyrus would get engaged before I did," "things Miley Cyrus isn't ready for: being engaged."

No wedding date has been set. And, no word yet on if Billy Ray's heart is achy breaking over the news.

Image courtesy of WENN.com

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5 Underappreciated guy traits we love

June 6, 2012, 9:00 am

≫ Next: Plan the perfect father-daughter outing

≪ Previous: Miley Cyrus engaged to The Hunger Games star

We talk a lot about traits we love in a guy, but this time we thought we’d highlight some of the things that are great – but that don’t get as much attention as some of the majors. Here then we look at five underrated traits we think make a man a great catch.

Being well read

We like our boys bookish and while that may not exactly scream sexy, having a guy that likes to read is a big plus. The more you read the more ideas and perspectives you’re exposed to, so if you meet a man who has a stack of books on his coffee table or a Kindle bursting with the latest bestsellers, we say he should get some bonus points. This trait is even better if you’re an avid reader. Just think about all the great discussions you can have about authors you love and new releases you can’t wait to read.

Having close family ties

No one wants a sulky mama’s boy, but there is something to be said for a guy who values his family and who gets along well with his parents and siblings. A guy who loves his brood usually has a big heart and was raised to be polite and respectful. Not everyone gets along with their family and there can be various reasons for that, but it’s really nice to see a man who knows how to make his mom feel special.

Kiss the "mama's boy" myth goodbye >>

Being well traveled

A guy who has done a lot of traveling usually has a healthy sense of adventure, an open mind and a willingness to try new things – all excellent traits in our opinion. Someone with a passport full of stamps is also usually fairly laid-back and has a good awareness of what goes on outside their own little bubble of life. Perspective – or knowing that petty problems don’t hold a candle to real problems is something we all need more of. If you’ve met a guy who has it, hang on tight.

Having goals

As we’ve said before, ambition is sexy, and it’s sexy because it breeds confidence and self-assuredness, two traits that make a man mega-desirable. A guy who has goals isn’t going to sit around like a slug and watch TV or play video games all day. He’ll be ambitious and work hard which is important if you’re going to respect him. If you don’t respect the person you’re with, you’ll end up tiring of him pretty quickly.

Appreciating arts and culture

There are only so many times going to a bar to watch the game can be counted as a date. It’s nice to be with a guy who gets excited about art, new museum exhibits or movies that don’t involve car chases, explosions and dialogue limited to grunts and curse words. Don’t get us wrong; we love a good action flick or nail biting hockey game, but it’s also great to have a guy who likes to do something different and who embraces art and culture with an open mind – even if it means missing a game or two.

More about dating

Mastering the art of rejection
Learn how to translate his love language
Love advice: Beware of a man with a temper

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Plan the perfect father-daughter outing

June 6, 2012, 9:00 am

≫ Next: In a pickle: What to do about food allergies

≪ Previous: 5 Underappreciated guy traits we love

This Father’s Day, do more than just send dad a card. Spend a special day with him to show you care. Whether you cook him dinner, spend the day looking at old photos or take him to a vintage car show, there are no shortage of ways to get in some good father-daughter bonding.

They key to planning a perfect father-daughter day is to keep dad's interests in mind. You may think a fancy brunch with mimosas is the perfect way to spend a Sunday, but if your father prefers the corner diner go there instead. Remember: It's his day! Here are some ways that you can spend it together:

Figure out what to get dad with these creative gift ideas >>

Go to a museum

No matter what your father's interests, chances are there's a relevant museum to visit. Art lovers will relish a visit to an art museum or might enjoy gallery hopping. History buffs have plenty of museums to choose from, whether they chronicle the town you live in or specialize in World War II. And the science-minded will enjoy a visit to the local museum of natural history, which isn't just for kids!

Enjoy a meal

Enjoying a meal together, either out or at home, is a great way to get in quality time and good conversation. Whether you cook, he grills or you go out for brunch or dinner, keep his preferences in mind. Now probably isn't the time to try that loud, trendy new restaurant, for example.

Get more tips for planning the perfect Father's Day >>

Reminisce

A wonderful way to connect with your father is to ask him about his childhood or yours. Break out old photos and home movies and learn about your family history. Your dad will probably enjoy reminiscing and, who knows, you might learn something new about your background!

Do something he loves

No matter what you do, make it something your dad enjoys . This may mean a vintage car show, fishing, watching the game, playing cards or just sitting on a bench and chatting. Whatever you decide, it will be special because you're together.

Get more great Father's Day inspiration >>

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In a pickle: What to do about food allergies

June 6, 2012, 9:00 am

≫ Next: Chasing the Dream: Managing your priorities

≪ Previous: Plan the perfect father-daughter outing

Allergic reactions to foods can vary from a slight tickling in the throat to anaphylactic shock, so they must be taken seriously. And with the numbers of people with food allergies rising, learn how to detect a food allergy and what to do if you or your child has one.

As schools ban peanut butter sandwiches and an increasing number of people learn that they have wheat allergies, it can be scary and a little overwhelming to figure out what to do. According to the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network , "Scientists estimate that as many as 15 million Americans have a food allergy, including approximately 6 million children."

What is a food allergy?

According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, a "food allergy is an abnormal response to a food, triggered by the body’s immune system." Basically, the body decides that the food in question is harmful and triggers an allergic reaction as a defense.

Learn more about why food allergies among children are on the rise >>

Food allergies versus intolerance

There is a difference between an allergy and an intolerance. Basically, an allergy is a response of the immune system, while an intolerance is a reaction of the digestive system. WebMD explains that food intolerance "occurs when something in a food irritates a person's digestive system or when a person is unable to properly digest or breakdown the food." Lactose intolerance is the most well-known example.

How do I know if I have a food allergy?

There are a few ways to tell if you have a food allergy. The first is to have a negative reaction to a food. These can vary dramatically, but typically occur within two hours of ingesting the food and can include "a tingling sensation in the mouth, swelling of the tongue and the throat, difficulty breathing, hives, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, drop in blood pressure, loss of consciousness, and even death," says FAAN. The other way is to have a doctor give you a skin prick or blood test to determine if you have an allergy to a particular food.

Find out how to tell if you have a food allergy >>

What do I do if I have an allergic reaction?

Since allergic reactions vary, so do responses to them. If you have a minor reaction, stop eating any foods you think may have caused it and consider taking an antihistamine. If you have had a reaction before and have an EpiPen or other medication, use it. If you are having a bad reaction and don't have an EpiPen, then immediately call 911. Regardless of whether you have a big or small reaction, visit a medical professional for a follow-up to determine what you are allergic to and what your course of action should be.

How can I prevent allergic reactions?

Once you have visited your doctor and confirmed that you do indeed have an allergy to a particular food, the best way to prevent an allergic reaction is to avoid that food. This can be difficult if it is something you greatly enjoy, but cutting it out from your diet will cause you the least discomfort in the long run. Read package labels to make sure other foods don't contain traces of the one you are allergic to, ask at restaurants and on airplanes and tell your friends before you eat at their houses.

In another pickle? Find more solutions to common kitchen problems >>

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Chasing the Dream: Managing your priorities

June 6, 2012, 9:00 am

≫ Next: How to fit a week's worth of clothes in a carry-on

≪ Previous: In a pickle: What to do about food allergies

How do you balance the responsibilities of parenthood with your big dreams? An expert offers some important advice.

Making time for what's important to you

As a parent, you have a responsibility to your children to care for them, love them, feed them as well as to be accessible, to help and guide them and to give them a good life. But you also have a responsibility to yourself to follow your dreams, and build the life you want to live. How do you make these important responsibilities balance with each other?

Allison O'Kelly, the CEO of the national flexible staffing firm Mom Corps, understands the need for balance between the work they love and their growing families. She shared her tips for how to balance the responsibilities of motherhood with your needs when you are going after your dreams.

O'Kelly says that above all, it's key to communicate. "If you communicate clearly, on the front end, with your husband, kids, boss and co-workers what you want out if each facet of your life, you will find a lot less resistance, and a lot more support," says O'Kelly.

How else can you balance everything?

3 Quick tips from O'Kelly

Put your priorities on paper and organize them by importance.
Let everyone know where you stand, what your goals, dreams, familial and professional priorities are.
Don't get caught up on justifying to your boss what you want out of your professional and personal life. Let your actions, professionalism and dedication speak for you.

Prioritize

The first step in balancing your responsibilities to your kids and to your dreams is to define your priorities. "Learn to organize priorities according to what you want out of life, not what someone else or popular opinion thinks parents should want. To find true personal and professional fulfillment, identify and acknowledge your familial and professional goals, share them with everyone it affects, and create your plan," says O'Kelly.

She says in doing this, you need to cut back on things that really don't matter so much. "Want to commit to running a 5K with the family by the end of summer and complete a priority work project that has been weighing on you? Put it on the calendar and phase out activities that are “fillers” . You’ll be surprised how much time you find," says O'Kelly.

Adjust

Another key to successful balancing of responsibilities is to roll with the punches, so to speak. So when something changes in your life, you can adjust and carry on. "Every family dynamic is different, and for many, the day-to-day changes a couple times a year. Regroup as a family periodically and alter priorities, goals and expectations accordingly." O'Kelly says.

She continues, "For example, you know summer vacation is coming up, so it might be a good time to scale back on your work goals to make family more of a priority, or assign yourself specific days that will have a different focus."

Get support

No one can do it all on her own, so it's important to surround yourself with a personal network of folks who can help you out when you need a hand to keep everything balanced. "Work to establish a reliable community for familial support. This is particularly important for single parents. Working mothers especially have a unique connection," says O'Kelly.

Having folks who understand really helps too. "Attaining work-life balance sometimes does 'take a village' and that’s OK. Lean on those who best understand your circumstances and are willing to lend a reciprocal hand," says O'Kelly.

More from Chasing the Dream

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How to fit a week's worth of clothes in a carry-on

June 6, 2012, 9:00 am

≫ Next: Black Forest baked oatmeal recipe

≪ Previous: Chasing the Dream: Managing your priorities

With the airfares going up and some airlines charging almost $50 to check one bag, more and more people are finding creative ways to stuff a week's worth of clothes into just a carry-on. Instead of balling up all your outfits or standing on your suitcase to shut it, check out these packing tips that will make packing light a little easier!

For a woman, fitting a week's worth of dresses, pants, tops, shoes, hair products, makeup and purses into a large suitcase is hard enough; the thought of putting all that into a smaller one is just insane. However, with airlines charging more and more for checked baggage, it's time to condense and stuff smartly. Because you'd much rather spend that $50 on drinks at the airport or a fancy meal wherever you're vacationing, right?

Make a "must have" list

This may seem like extra work, but in the end, it'll save you time and space in your bag! Travel guru Joanne V. Lichten advises to make a detailed list on where you're going and what necessities you have to travel with. Begin your list with things you can't travel without, like cellphone, wallet, passport, underwear, bra, basic outfit . Then, move into things you'll need for a certain occasion, like a fancy dinner or business meeting. If you plan on just lounging around the rest of your trip, pack a few pieces you can wear more than once, like a bathing suit, shorts, a jersey dress. By sticking to your list, you'll end up with more space in your bag for things you buy there and less stuff you know you'll never wear.

Pack double duty items

What does double duty mean? It's really just a fun way to say something that can serve a few purposes. For example, those colored skinny jeans you love to wear brunching and shopping can also work for a fancy dinner when paired with a blazer, dressy blouse and heels. Those heels you are going to wear to the fancy dinner can also double as your business meeting shoes if they are sensible enough. That jersey dress you wear as a bathing suit cover-up or to yoga can also double as an easy sightseeing outfit or even a dress for dinner when paired with that same blazer and jewelry. Pack clothes, shoes and accessories that can be worn for multiple occasions to keep your bag light and still have plenty of options.

Invest in space bags

If you're still having trouble shutting your carry-on, despite your best ability, maybe it's time to invest in some space bags! These airtight, vacuum-sealed, waterproof bags can hold your entire suitcase worth of clothing and take up half the space. For example, one large-size space bag can hold up to 10 chunky sweaters and take up the space that two of them would in a suitcase. Not only do these give you three times the amount of storage, they are easy to use even if you don't have a vacuum. The only problem with these bags is they wrinkle your clothing.

Limit shoes

Are you a shoe fiend with hundreds of pairs stacked in your closet? You may have to let go of your precious strappy sandals and heels for this trip if you want to save time and money. One pair of dress shoes adds about 1-1/2 pounds of weight to your bag! If you can, try to limit yourself to three pairs of shoes, including the ones you wear to the airport. If you can't stand the thought of wearing the same exact pair of shoes every day, dress up the ones you brought with shoe clips or ribbons. These small accessories don't take up any space and allow you some variety with your wardrobe!

Take advantage of your personal bag

Don't think you have to fit every single piece of clothing, accessory or electronic into your carry-on. Remember, airlines do allow you one personal bag! Take full advantage of that and bring a larger bag, tote or briefcase! The how-to website, How Stuff Works, suggests packing some of the heavier items in your personal bag to save space for additional clothing, shoes or toiletries, but also to make your suitcase lighter to lift.

If you are still not sure how and what to pack in your carry-on, check out this informative checklist by Cindy McClelland, who is the owner of a travel store in Boulder, Colorado, and who traveled an entire year-and-a-half with just one carry-on!

More packing tips

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Black Forest baked oatmeal recipe

June 6, 2012, 9:00 am

≫ Next: Miss Pennsylvania resigns amid transgender controversy

≪ Previous: How to fit a week's worth of clothes in a carry-on

Have your cake and eat it too! You don't have to betray your diet to indulge in Black Forest cake. These baked oatmeal cakes have all the flavor of your favorite dessert without the extra calories. They're so healthy you could eat them for breakfast all week.

Healthy black forest baked oatmeal

Healthy, portable and sinfully delicious, these mini baked oatmeal cakes are guaranteed to get you out of your morning rut. Eat them on their own or top them with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a splash of skim milk.

Black Forest baked oatmeal

Serves 8

Ingredients:

1 cup old-fashioned oats
1/2 cup applesauce
1/2 cup skim milk
3/4 cup pitted cherries
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup chocolate chips
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 tablespoon cocoa powder

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
In a medium bowl, combine oats, cocoa powder, chia seeds, vanilla extract, applesauce and skim milk. Stir the ingredients well to combine.
Stir in fresh or frozen pitted cherries.
Grease a muffin tin with cooking spray. Divide the oatmeal between six to eight muffin cups, filling each one to the top.
Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes.
Brown the tops of the oatmeal cakes by broiling them for an additional three to five minutes.

Note: the oatmeal cakes are easily portable and can be eaten on their own. You can also top them with fresh fruit, yogurt or milk.

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Miss Pennsylvania resigns amid transgender controversy

June 6, 2012, 9:48 am

≫ Next: Move over Avengers! A Justice League movie is coming

≪ Previous: Black Forest baked oatmeal recipe

Miss Pennsylvania says she's resigning because the Miss USA pageant is "rigged." But pageant insiders say Sheena Monnin is irked over the Miss Universe Organization's decision to allow transgender beauty queens to compete in the contest.

Miss Pennsylvania Resigns

The Donald isn't taking lightly Sheena Monnin's claim that a contestant knew the names of the finalists before the Miss USA show was broadcast.

Trump, who runs the Miss Universe Organization, says they'll sue the 27 year old.

"She made a very false charge and she knows it's a false charge," Trump told Good Morning America this morning.

In a statement to E! News, the Miss Universe Organization reported that Monnin cited its policy regarding transgender contestants as the reason for her resignation.

"Today she has changed her story by publicly making false accusations claiming that the pageant was fixed, however the contestant she privately sourced as her reference has vehemently refuted her most recent claim," organizers say.

E! reports Monnin had publicly called the organization "fraudulent, lacking in morals, inconsistent and in many ways trashy."

Two months ago, the Miss Universe Organization, which runs the Miss USA pageant, overturned its initial decision to bar Miss Canada Jenna Talackova from competing in the beauty contest.

On GMA today, The Donald went against what pageant officials claim was her motivation for resigning by downplaying the transgender controversy.

"I don't think that she had an issue with that," he said. "I think her primary issue is that she lost and she's angry about losing, and frankly, in my opinion, I saw her barely a second and she didn't deserve to be in the top 15."

Pageant officials also bring up the "sore loser" aspect of the controversy.

"We are disappointed that she would attempt to steal the spotlight from Olivia Culpo of Rhode Island on her well-deserved Miss USA win," officials told E!.

Culpo gained support in and out of LGBT circles thanks to her response to the toughest question of Sunday night's pageant: "Would it be fair if a transgender woman won the Miss USA title over a natural-born woman?"

"I do think it would be fair," she answered, acknowledging that, while some people might "be a little apprehensive to take that road," there are so many people "who have a need to change for a happier life. I do accept that because I believe it's a free country."

Image courtesy Judy Eddy/WENN.com

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Move over Avengers! A Justice League movie is coming

June 6, 2012, 10:00 am

≫ Next: Decorating Diva: How to create a craft corner

≪ Previous: Miss Pennsylvania resigns amid transgender controversy

The Justice League of America is coming to a theater near you. After years of waiting, Warner Bros. finally has hired a writer for the superhero adaptation. Get ready for Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, and the rest of the gang to storm the big screen.

The Avengers isn't the only superhero team in the universe. That's why Warner Bros. is moving forward with their big screen adaptation of the Justice League.

According to Variety, while everyone was focused on The Avengers, WB was slowly plotting its own comic book collaboration. Months ago, it hired Will Beall to write a screenplay based on the popular DC Comics team.

They claim the decision to bring on Beall was more "in anticipation of -- rather than a reaction to -- the box office success" of The Avengers.

This isn't the first time Warner Bros. has attempted to develop a feature adaptation of the comic. In 2008, director George Miller was set to tackle the project with a cast including Armie Hammer as Batman, Teresa Palmer as Talia Al Ghul, Adam Brody as The Flash, Megan Gale as Wonder Woman and Common as Green Lantern.

Avengers steals $200 million record at box office >>

Unfortunately, due to the Writer's Strike and other issues, the film fell through. Now, the studio is ready to start from scratch. With the final Batman sequel from Christopher Nolan hitting theaters in July, and a new Superman debuting next year, this is the prime time for the Justice League to surface.

Superhero takeover: The Avengers sequel on the way >>

Similar to The Avengers, the Justice League consists of superheroes who typically headline their own comics. But unlike its Marvel counterpart, most of its members have an otherworldly element.

The JLA lineup has changed over time, but the most notable roster includes Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Green Lantern, Martian Manhunter and Aquaman.

Photo credit: WENN.com

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Decorating Diva: How to create a craft corner

June 6, 2012, 10:00 am

≫ Next: "Dear John" was a cheap shot, says John Mayer

≪ Previous: Move over Avengers! A Justice League movie is coming

Welcome to Decorating Diva, where every week we share fresh, fun ways to update your home and spice up your living space! Are you a crafter? Even if you just dabble in DIY or home decor projects, you need a dedicated space to do it. We're here to help you eke out an area just for your creative pursuits. From product picks to design tips, we have the 411 on creating your very own craft corner.

Let's get crafty!

Welcome to Decorating Diva, where every week we share fresh, fun ways to update your home and spice up your living space! Are you a crafter? Even if you just dabble in DIY or home decor projects, you need a dedicated space to do it. We're here to help you eke out an area just for your creative pursuits. From product picks to design tips, we have the 411 on creating your very own craft corner.

Why have a dedicated craft corner?

If you've ever undertaken a craft project and used the dining room table as DIY command central — and then tried to host a dinner party — you know firsthand the need for a dedicated space. Having a corner just for crafting means never having to lug all your supplies to and from whatever closet you store them in or never having to shudder at the site of your messy, craft-covered kitchen counter. Not to mention, you'll be able to focus more when you have a space just for being creative.

Product picks: What you need

You don't need much to create a functional but stylish space for crafting. We've listed the basics, along with some items that fit the bill.

Small desk

Look for something big enough to fit into the space you have in mind and to hold your main supplies , a few containers and a lamp. This white steel pop-up desk folds up for easy storage when you're not using it .

Desk lamp

If you're crafting you need good lighting. Having a desk lamp to directly illuminate what you're doing can make a huge difference, especially when it comes to more detailed work. We love these industrial-looking task lamps that swivel easily to where you need light most .

Storage unit

We love this wire shelf as a way to maximize space and store all your crafting essentials within reach . The handmade unit can either be wall-mounted or propped on a desk or counter.

Containers

Whether you're go-to tools are scissors, pens, brushes or glue sticks, having a few colorful containers on your work station makes for a more organized craft corner. We fell for these cute canisters designed to look like shipping containers . They come in sets of either white and blue or gray and orange.

Divider tray

For anything you need close by , a tray with multiple dividers is key for staying on track. Opt for something simple like this clear tray with five compartments .

Notebooks

Sure, you have your iPhone for notes, but we prefer jotting down ideas the old-fashioned way — on paper. Pick up a few of these project-specific notebooks, featuring pages that prompt you to write down the who, where, why, when and how of your idea .

Tips for making it work

Position your craft area near a window if you can. Working in natural light is much more conducive to getting things done.
Don't choose a high-traffic spot if you can help it. It will be hard to concentrate if there is a parade of people going by what feels like every few minutes.
Keep the space pretty. The more you enjoy being in your craft corner the more you'll use it. Colorful accessories, a potted plant or other items that make you smile are a great addition to your space.
Utilize things like Mason jars and coffee tins to create extra storage for your crafting basics.

Tell us: What are your at-home crafting essentials?

More from Decorating Diva

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"Dear John" was a cheap shot, says John Mayer

June 6, 2012, 10:09 am

≫ Next: 10 Gadgets your dad wants for Father's Day

≪ Previous: Decorating Diva: How to create a craft corner

Taylor Swift is known for writing songs about her exes -- and the 2010 song "Dear John" is no exception. So, why does John Mayer have his panties in a bunch about it now?

John Mayer whines over Taylor Swift diss

John Mayer is such a baby. The musician — currently silenced by a returned throat granuloma — tells Rolling Stone in the new issue that he thinks Taylor Swift did him dirty by releasing "Dear John" without letting him know about it first.

"I never got an e-mail. I never got a phone call," the 34-year-old singer said of the song. "I was really caught off guard, and it really humiliated me at a time when I'd already been dressed down. I mean, how would you feel if, at the lowest you've ever been, someone kicked you even lower?"

The song — from Swift's 2010 album Speak Now — doesn't specifically name the singer, but many assume it's about him with lines like "Dear John, don't you think I was too young to be messed with?"

To be fair, he never asked Jessica Simpson if he could talk about their sex life before he blabbed all that "sexual Napalm" crap to Playboy.

He also thinks that the country cutie had some sinister plot in releasing the song.

"As a songwriter… I think it's kind of cheap songwriting," he added. "I know she's the biggest thing in the world, and I'm not trying to sink anybody's ship, but I think it's abusing your talent to rub your hands together and go, 'Wait till he gets a load of this!' That's bulls**t."

An older man hurt her, so yeah, we'd expect her to want some payback. Who wouldn't? But, John Mayer is still wrapped up in John Mayer World where only his feelings matter.

"It made me feel terrible," he said. "Because I didn't deserve it. I'm pretty good at taking accountability now, and I never did anything to deserve that. It was a really lousy thing for her to do."

Karma sucks, doesn't it, John?