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How do Ethan Hawke and Howard Stern really feel?

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It’s Friday and celebrities are rounding out the week with a few strong opinions. Ethan Hawke isn’t feeling the Oscars and Howard Stern isn’t feeling Clive Owens. Even Alan Arkin’s got something to say. What’s everybody so fired up about? Keep reading…

Ethan Hawke

Ethan Hawke

Mr. Hawke sounded a bit cuh-ranky when he told Gotham magazine, “It’s asinine. If you look at how many forgettable, stupid movies have won Oscars and how many mediocre performers have Oscars above their fireplace.” What does he mean, “stupid movies?” What about The English Patient, Kramer vs. Kramer and Rocky? Oh, wait. What about Cuba Gooding Jr. and Penelope Cruz? Huh. OK, maybe Ethan’s got a bit of a point. While many of us in Anywhere, USA may moan about Oscar movies being too long or boring, it’s rare for a celebrity to have the guts to say it. Except thrice-Oscar-nominated actor Joaquin Phoenix, who told Interview magazine that the Oscars are “the stupidest thing in the world.”

Howard Stern

Howard Stern

It’s not as if we’re unaccustomed to Howie telling us like it is . He didn’t get dubbed a "shock jock" for nothing. In his recently released memoir, Clive Davis, who, according to Kelly Clarkson, is a wealth of misinformation, claims Clarkson “broke into hysterical sobbing” during a meeting. Clive goes on to say other things that Ms. Clarkson took issue with, but Howard is having none of the Kelly-bashing. “It sickens me when management guys like to set the record straight about how f***ing creative they are and what geniuses they are," Stern said. “This guy is trying to diminish what she does? Doesn’t he have enough in life, can’t he tell his story without f***ing degrading her?” While we may choke on Howard’s indignation over a woman being degraded, it’s nice to hear him come out in defense of someone occasionally.

Alan Arkin

Alan Arkin

Seems Ethan Hawke isn’t the only actor with an Oscar bone to pick. Alan Arkin, nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor, isn’t feeling this year’s host, Seth MacFarlane. He recently went on record as saying that he “wasn’t a fan” and that he finds MacFarlane “a little crude, more crude than necessary.” Geez. Just because a guy immortalizes toilet humor and political incorrectness, are you really going to paint him with the “crude” brush? In that same vein, didn’t Arkin play the coke-snorting grandpa in Little Miss Sunshine who taught his granddaughter wildly inappropriate dance moves?

Images courtesy WENN.com, Alan Arkin image courtesy FayesVision/WENN.com

Note: The following video contains adult language


Early toilet training: Does it really work?

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Diaper duty — nobody loves that part of parenting. From that very first disposable in the hospital nursery to the last one before underwear, you will change a lot of diapers. What if you could train your child to use the potty before he could even walk? Many parents do just that — and save a lot of money on diapers.
Baby on toilet

Diaper duty — nobody loves that part of parenting. From that very first disposable in the hospital nursery to the last one before underwear, you will change a lot of diapers. What if you could train your child to use the potty before he could even walk?

Doing away with diapers

Many parents potty train their little ones before a year old — and save a lot of money on diapers.

Early potty training isn’t a new phenomenon — mothers in other countries have been doing it for years. Many American moms have become enthusiastic about elimination communication, and feel it’s the only way to go. Could it be for you?

How to handle potty training challenges>>

What is elimination communication?

Simply put, elimination communication means interpreting the verbal and physical cues your baby sends when she needs to urinate or defecate. Similar to the way we begin to interpret signals that our baby is hungry or tired, EC simply means paying attention to your baby and reading her elimination cues.

"EC simply means paying attention to your baby and reading her elimination cues."

It may be a particular facial expression, body movement or sound that clues you in to her need to eliminate. You then take your baby to the designated potty place, which may be a small potty seat, an insert over the regular toilet seat, a small container or even a sink.

Families that follow EC can choose to do it part-time — when they are home, for example — or full-time. Cloth diapers are considered a back-up and many EC families do a combination of both.

Common in other countries

Researchers in Sweden followed 47 infants and mothers in Vietnam, where potty training begins at birth, and diapers are usually eliminated by nine months of age. Mothers learn the cues their babies give when they need to urinate, and communicate with them using a special whistling sound. The study concluded that these Vietnamese babies emptied their bladders more effectively, making urinary tract infections less likely. Babies in China, India, Europe and Latin America are generally potty trained much earlier than American babies.

More about elimination communication>>

Personal experience

Brittany became intrigued by EC before her son Asher was born. “After Asher was born and I got to know him a bit, it was pretty clear that he actually did signal to let us know he was going. He would squirm, grunt and kick his legs before a poop and would pop on and off while nursing before he peed,” she shares.

"Finally, when Asher was about 11 or 12 weeks old, I decided to just go for it and tried pottying him over a bathroom sink."

“Finally, when Asher was about 11 or 12 weeks old, I decided to just go for it and tried pottying him over a bathroom sink. Much to my surprise and delight, he went pee!”

Brittany admits that EC was trickier once Asher became a toddler. “Asher could stand, then walk, then run,” she remembers. “It was harder to get him [to] sit for the potty long enough to go. This period [is] often referred to as a potty strike and tends to be very common,” she shares on her blog. “I relied on timing, lots of potty time distractions and patience. The goal of EC is not early potty training, but rather responding to your child's needs. Rolling with the punches and adapting to Asher's changing stages was the best I could do.” By the age of 2-1/2, Asher was in underwear full time.

Physical aspects

Deborah Gilboa, M.D.— also known as Dr. G — is a board-certified family physician, parenting expert, writer and mother. She shared her thoughts about early potty training with us. “The splanchnic nerve is the nerve that allows us to feel a full bladder,” she says. “This nerve doesn't get completely covered in myelin in most girls until 24 to 30 months and in most boys between 30 to 36 months of age. Until it is covered, we can't sense fullness — picture a wire with no insulation, it can't conduct signal,” she adds. “Asking kids to learn the process of feeling full, holding the urine, getting to the bathroom and releasing urine is not possible until this point. Up until then, it's the parent's best guess about other cues that mean 'I have to go!' from their child.”

Bottom line

Do you think elimination communication might work for your child? Like so many parenting choices, this is a choice you need to make based on your family’s personal situation. Eventually all children are potty trained — we just choose different ways to get there.

More potty training

Late potty training can hurt your child's health
6 Best kept potty training secrets
Help your child stay dry through the night

4 Steps to a radiant red carpet glow

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When you see the actresses nominated for the 2013 Academy Awards walking the red carpet this year, most likely you will make note of the makeup, hairstyles, accessories and gowns that dazzle the onlookers. But what about that red carpet glow?
Woman with glowing skin

Magic makeup tips

When you see the actresses nominated for the 2013 Academy Awards walking the red carpet this year, most likely you will make note of the makeup, hairstyles, accessories and gowns that dazzle the onlookers. But what about that red carpet glow?

That radiant glow most likely comes from healthy skin and happiness. Healthy skin starts with a healthy lifestyle, good diet, exercise, fresh air, sleep and sunshine. And happiness comes from taking joy in one's life.

...But that's not to say you can't get a similar look with some magic makeup.

1

Foundation

Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

Wear a thin veil of foundation over very well moisturized skin. After applying the foundation, wait for it to dry and apply the tiniest bit of moisturizer with a blotting motion over your foundation to create a dewy "real skin" look.

Try:Armani Luminous Silk Foundation and Boomsilk moisturizer by Cindy Joseph.

Note: Do not use powder — it dulls the skin, creating dryness and texture. Skin is a live breathing organ. The more alive it looks, the more radiant you look.
2

Highlighter

Boomstick Glimmer by Cindy Joseph

Use a cream based pearlescent highlighter to add extra luster and radiance to your skin. Place that on your eyelids, upper cheek bones, brow bone, clavicle bones, shoulders and decollete. Make sure it's not frosted but pearlescent.

Try:Ramy Juicy CheeksBoomstick Glimmer by Cindy Joseph or High Beam by Benefit.

Quick tip: Don't have a pearl highlighter? Any pearly lipstick that blends with your skin tone can be used.
3

Blush

Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush

Add only a delicate touch of believable blush color... meaning it blends with your skin tone. Place it where you naturally blush when you're embarrassed — on your upper forehead, sides of your neck, the center of your chest and corner of brow bones.

Try:Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush.

4

Mascara

mascara

For that natural radiance, no makeup look, you should not detect any eye makeup. Use one coat of non-fiber mascara and do not use black unless your eyelashes are naturally black. One coat only!

More red carpet beauty

Maria Menounos shares her red carpet beauty essential
Whitney Port comments on beauty trends at the SAG awards
What celebs' red carpet choices reveal about their personality

How to be a great dinner guest

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There’s so much information out there on having dinner parties and being a great host, but what about proper guest etiquette? Let’s not forget that a big part of hosting a dinner party is who you invite!
Guests arriving at dinner party

Dinner guest etiquette

There's so much information out there on having dinner parties and being a great host, but what about proper guest etiquette? Let's not forget that a big part of hosting a dinner party is who you invite!

If a friend or family member invites you over for dinner, there are certain rules that need to be followed.

Remember, this person took the time to invite you, plan a meal, clean their house, pay for food and get everything set up. Planning a dinner party is no easy feat — and in fact can be rather stressful. Make sure to go out of your way to show the host you appreciate their generosity with a few simple tips that will keep the host inviting you back for more.

Offer to help in any way possible

Within two days of receiving the invite, call the host and ask if there's anything you can do to help. Some ideas include:

  • Bring dessert
  • Arrive early to help set up
  • Make an appetizer
  • Bring games to play afterward

There's a good chance the host won't take you up on your offer, but the fact that you did offer will help relieve stress and make the planning process more fun. If the host insists they're fine and don't need any help, bring over their favorite bottle of wine as a way of saying "thanks!"

Arrive on time

Always, always, always make sure you arrive on time. The host prepared and cooked dinner, so if it's ready to be served at 7 p.m., you better have arrived by 7 p.m. at the absolute latest. Make it a priority!! After all, you would have wanted your guests to do the same thing if you were the one hosting. Also, don't think it's OK to invite anyone else — whether in advance or last-minute. Only bring a date or friend if they were invited by the host, as well.

Come hungry

Tip: If you have food allergies or really cannot eat a certain food, let the host know in advance. They won't mind so long as they know ahead of time.

We suggest eating an early lunch so you're nice and hungry for dinner. You don't need to eat all the food or go back for thirds, but at least let the host know they did a great job of cooking a fantastic meal. If you're a picky eater, commit to sampling everything and taking larger portions of the items you like. With so many individuals eating low-fat, gluten-free, nondairy and the list goes on, it can be impossible to plan a meal that everyone loves.

Have fun

Put your best foot forward and be social for the evening, even if you're normally a bit shy. It's OK to think of questions in advance to ask the group, such as their traveling plans for the year or if they've tried any new hot-spot restaurants recently. Avoid talking about work too much or topics that don't include everyone.

Send a thank you note

Finally, send a thank you note to the host a few days following the dinner. There's nothing like feeling appreciated after you've put hard work into something. Remember, if you offer your help and show gratitude toward the host, he/she will more than likely want to throw another dinner party in the near future — and you will be first person on the guest list!

Tell us

What are your best tips for being a great dinner guest? Share in the comments below!

More on entertaining

The best dinner party games
Take your dinner party from drab to fab
5 Creative cocktail party appetizers

The Oscars: A guide to movies you probably haven't seen

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The Oscars is exciting for all its glitz and glam, but it can also be frustrating because movies we haven’t heard of, and thus likely haven't seen, are nominated. And if you live in a small market, the movies don’t play in theaters until awards season is halfway over, if at all. Here’s one average JoAnn’s take on what are supposedly the year’s best movies...

The 2013 Oscars

Lincoln

This movie is exactly what we would expect to see on a list of Oscar nominees — it sucks us in with such a pervasive feeling of authenticity that we forget that we are in a movie theater and that Daniel Day-Lewis is an actor and not, in fact, President Lincoln. It's an incredible story and history lesson and well worth your time, even though we know that the hero dies in the end. Just be warned — this movie is dialogue heavy and not terribly action packed, so you may want to reserve it for a quiet afternoon in your living room. Lincoln is nominated for a staggering 12 Oscars. Day-Lewis has already won a Golden Globe and a SAG for his performance.

Image courtesy WENN.com

Argo

With a plot so bizarre, it could only be based on a true story, Argo — directed by Ben Affleck — is a preposterous but Oscar-worthy caper. The story takes place in Iran in 1979. After American hostages have been taken, the CIA hatches an elaborate scheme to free the captives by pretending to film a movie in Iran. The buzz about this movie is that Ben Affleck has won several awards for best director but did not receive a Best Director nomination from the Academy. Will Argo win for best movie, taking the sting out of this snub? We'll just have to watch and see.

Silver Linings Playbook

By far my favorite film in the Oscar playbook, Silver Linings Playbook showcases a flawless performance from Bradley Cooper and a deeply dark and disturbing performance by Jennifer Lawrence. When Pat , who has been diagnosed with being bipolar, gets sprung from a court-mandated mental institution, he sets out to get his estranged wife back. Pat meets Tiffany , who manages to make Pat look grounded by comparison. Even though Oscar-nominated movies don't always speak to us, we can appreciate them for the actors' performances, the wardrobe or the memorable storyline. SLP delivers on all fronts, making it a movie we'd want to see — more than once — regardless of award recognition. It's nominated for Oscars for Best Actor, Best Actress, Director and Best Picture. If you see just one movie from this list, make it this one.

Django Unchained

This will be a short description because I didn't see this movie. I'm not a fan of Quentin Tarantino's , and I'm just not entertained by gratuitous violence for the sake of gratuitous violence. Sorry, I realize that is a wildly unpopular opinion. And I must be in the minority, as Tarantino won a Golden Globe for Best Original Screenplay and Django Unchained is nominated for five Oscars, including for Best Picture. Here's wishing all you Tarantino fans the best on Oscar night!

Les Misérables

Remember how I said I live in a small market? OK, don't judge me but I had never seen Les Mis, either on stage or in the theater. I know, I know. Many of my friends had, and they were giddy with anticipation to see this film. I saw it for one reason — Hugh Jackman. While it's not my favorite of the Oscar-nominated films, I have cheered when Les Mis has taken something home during awards season. It swept the British Academy Awards, Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway both won Golden Globes for their performances and Anne Hathaway landed a SAG. While Les Mis is not a movie I need to see more than once, I have a profound appreciation for the performances, the costumes, the artistry and Eddie Redmayne. ME-ow.

Life of Pi

When I figured out this movie wasn't about pastries, I lost interest. I'm kidding of course. Life of Pi follows the fantasy story of a boy from India, Pi, who gets set adrift in a 26-foot boat with a few zoo animals, including a tiger. I do want to see this movie, just not right now. Once I do rent it on DVD in the comfort of my own home, I am certain I will kick myself for not seeing it sooner. Life of Pi is nominated for several Oscars, including for Visual Effects and Best Picture.

Zero Dark Thirty

This movie, which has been described as "the story of history's greatest manhunt for the world's most dangerous man," follows a CIA officer in her quest to capture Osama bin Laden — and the torture methods used to do so. If the reviews on IMDb are any indication, many viewers found Zero Dark Thirty to be one-dimensional, the characters lacking backstory and the film not worthy of the hype. This movie has generated its share of controversy; there's concern that filmmakers were given access to classified information. Controversy and criticism aside, it struck a chord with someone because it's been nominated for five Academy Awards.

Amour

Then, from seemingly nowhere, comes a film very few have heard of. As I have stated, I am not a professional movie critic, and I try my best to be objective... but here is where I say, Give me a frickin' break. In the trailer for Amour, a daughter is telling her aging parent or parents , "I remembered as a child listening to you two making love. I felt you loved each other and we'd always be together." Whaaaa? If I had heard my parents making love, I would have thrown up everywhere and lit myself on fire! This movie is actually playing in my town, but I don't have a lot of disposable time. Plus, I'm just having a heck of a time mustering up the motivation to go sit in front of a French movie with subtitles about old people. I realize how uncultured and narrow-minded that may sound, but I'm equally certain I'm not the only moviegoer who feels that way. I'm saving this one for the nursing home.

Beasts of the Southern Wild

The second dark horse in the list of Oscar nominations for Best Picture, Beasts of the Southern Wild, crept up on us and had us saying, "Huh?" This fantasy drama about a 6-year-old who must find her way after her father dies is a low-budget, indie Sundance Film Festival favorite. Now it's become an Oscar contender with four nominations, including one for 9-year-old Quvenzhané Wallis , making her the youngest nominee in this category in Oscar history.

More on the Oscars

How the Oscars is trying to improve its cool factor
Real people sound off on Oscar-nominated movies
Joaquin Phoenix’s PETA ad banned from the Oscars?

Teen Mom 2's Chelsea H on bad boys, good hair & the future

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Since becoming a high-school parent in 2009, Teen Mom 2's Chelsea Houska has earned a spot in fans' hearts as the girl everyone can relate to: She's sweet, crazy about her kid, loves her some big hair and has a thing for bad boys. We touch base with the South Dakota native for a good ol' gabfest about exes, getting girly and — of course! — her daughter Aubree.
Chelsea Houska

Since becoming a high-school parent in 2009, Teen Mom 2's Chelsea Houska has earned a spot in fans' hearts as the girl everyone can relate to: She's sweet, crazy about her kid, loves her some big hair and has a thing for bad boys.

MTV's drama-free mama

We touch base with the South Dakota native for a good ol' gabfest about exes, getting girly and — of course! — her daughter Aubree.

SheKnows: When we first met you on Sixteen and Pregnant, you were dealing with an unexpected pregnancy that — in the beginning — your boyfriend Adam didn’t even support. Does that seem like a million years ago now?

Chelsea Houska: Yeah, that seems like it was so long ago! I feel like I'm so much older and I've matured so much since then.

SK: I think it’s safe to say Adam won’t be winning any “best boyfriend ever” awards for his behavior over the course of your time on Sixteen and Pregnant and Teen Mom 2 — you guys had some pretty epic fights. Are you ever going to let Aubree watch the footage?

CH: I’ve thought about this a lot, and I would rather [she] not, but I don’t think there’s anything that's going to be able to prevent her from seeing it… so I want her to be old enough to understand that we were really young and immature.

SK: No judgment here, because we have all had that guy that gets under our skin, but what was it about Adam that kept you going back to him time after time?

CH: Well, it doesn’t show up a lot on the show, but he — when we first met — was really funny and fun, and at that time, I was going out all the time before I had Aubree. We had a lot of fun together, but then once I got pregnant, I grew up and he kind of stayed the same, so that’s when things started to go bad. But then I just wanted our family to be together and so it was… I don’t know, it was just hard. But when we first met, he was funny and fun and he wasn’t such a jerk!

SK: Oh yeah, we all know how “those guys” are...

CH: They hook you by being funny and nice in the beginning, and then once you get stuck on them, that’s when they go bad.

SK: Naturally! Well, doing a 180 on the subject, we adore your pops! Were you surprised that Randy, or “Randylicious” as you call him, became such a hit with viewers?

CH: No, I was not surprised, because all of my friends have always been in love with my dad! I was not surprised at all.

SK: We’ve watched you struggle on the show with trying to study for your GED while Aubree did her best to distract you. You're now at Black Hill Beauty College studying makeup application and hair design. How do you balance school and being a mom?

CH: Well, it’s hard. I don’t really have much of a life right now — it’s pretty much school and taking care of Aubree, so that’s all I do now.

The cast of Teen Mom 2, including Chelsea Houska

Teen Mom 2's Adam and Chelsea

Teen Mom 2's Chelsa Houska and daughter Aubree

SK: Let’s shift gears with some totally girly questions: You are constantly changing up your hair, and it always looks cute. How do you keep it healthy?

CH: Product! I use a lot of product. I am always putting a lot of stuff in it, because when I went blonde, I damaged it really bad. So I use a lot of products on this head of hair!

Q&A

What’s Your fav?

Food: sushi
Place to Visit: family's Nebraska lake cabin
Color: orange
Musician: Dierks Bentley
Show: Modern Family
Movie: anything with Will Ferrell
Season: fall
Feature on a guy: smile

SK: I’m the least adventurous person with my hair, but I often feel like I’m in a style rut when it comes to my hair. What are some easy ways that I can update my look?

CH: When I don’t have a lot of time, I throw a braid in or pin it back some way cute. That’s kind of my go-to style when I’m running late — an easy way to make it look cute.

SK: Does Aubree let you try out different styles on her hair?

CH: It depends on the day. Sometimes she’ll let me French-braid it, but that’s rare. Sometimes she doesn’t let me do anything. Brushing it is the worst! But she wants it really long so when — hold, on, she’s yelling… hold on, Aubree! — when I’m brushing it and she’s complaining, I’m always like, “Do you want me to cut it off?” And she stops fussing, because she wants to keep her hair long.

SK: My little girl is 21 months old and would rather go to the dentist than let me put her hair in pigtails. Any tips to make toddler hairstyling easier for moms like me?

CH: I guess it depends on the day and her mood. Sometimes I’ll give her my phone — something that she doesn’t have a lot, so then she can focus on that. I think that it doesn’t really hurt them, they just act like it does.

SK: Being that you're a beauty junkie, I bet you know all the best products! What’s always in your makeup bag?

CH: I use a lot of MAC makeup products — they have the best mascara.

SK: When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in the makeup and hair industry?

CH: I was pretty young. My mom went to cosmetology school when she was younger, so growing up in our house, you basically had a room that had the washing bowl and the spinning chair and stuff — I used to do my friends’ hair and stuff. That was when I was in middle school, so that was kind of when I decided it was what I wanted to do.

SK: I don’t think people realize how rigorous a program like the one you're in at Black Hill Beauty College can be. My sister is currently enrolled in the Paul Mitchell program, and I was really surprised how demanding it is. With everything else you’ve got on your plate, do you ever just get burned out?

CH: Yeah, definitely! And it’s funny because a lot of people don’t understand how hard it is, they just think, “It’s cosmetology school, how hard can that be?” But, I mean, you’re dealing with people every day and changing the way they look, so it’s a lot of pressure. And you have to be there all the time, and we have homework. People just don’t get how much it is!

SK: What big plans do you have for the future?

CH: I want to finish school and then I want to open my own salon. A lot of my friends are cosmetologists too, so kind of what I have for my plan for the future is opening up my own salon with them here.

Watch Chelsea on The Rosie Show!

More on Teen Mom 2

Teen Mom 2 divorce makes Kim K's marriage look long
New baby makes 5 for Teen Mom 2 star Leah Messer
Teen Mom and Twilight dominate baby name trends

Top image courtesy of MTV, bottom left image courtesy of MTV.com, bottom center image courtesy of WENN.com, bottom right image courtesy of Andersen PR

Jane Lynch: Broadway star and game show host

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Jane Lynch is trying to become the busiest woman in Hollywood after scoring two new gigs this week. She's now a game show host and a Broadway star.

Jane Lynch

Someone is striving to become the busiest woman in Hollywood. Just this week, it was announced that Glee star, Jane Lynch, would be starting not one but two new jobs.

Lynch, best known to television audiences as ruthless cheerleading coach Sue Sylvester on the Fox musical show, will be heading to Broadway for a limited run in the revival of Annie. She will temporarily replace Katie Finneran as Miss Hannigan while Finneran shoots the new Michael J. Fox comedy series.

The role in the classic Broadway show will mark the actress' Broadway debut. Audiences can catch her on the Great White Way from May 16 through July 14.

If a trip to New York City isn't a part of your summer plans, then you will also be able to catch Lynch on NBC's new summer series, Hollywood Game Night.

According to the peacock network, she will host the show, which will feature "A-list celebrities hanging out and playing games with fun-loving non-celebrity contestants in a cocktail party atmosphere."

The show is promising to deliver on the party aspect of the show by including drinks, a live house band, and hors d'oeuvres. The show will be produced by former Will & Grace star Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner.

Exclusive: Jane Lynch on her Escape from Planet Earth>>

NBC president of alternative and late-night programming Paul Telegdy said in a statement, "With Jane Lynch on board as our host, we now have a key component in place that will further enliven the sheer fun of a raucous Hollywood party that will include real everyday people. Her exuberant wit and ability to think quickly will be the perfect match for our show which will give viewers a fresh look inside the off-set lives of their favorite celebrities — and allow them a chance to win money as well."

The Emmy winner also seems enthused about her new job, as she said in the same statement, "The format is sure to provide a lot of unexpected results that will keep everyone off-balance and entertained."

There is no premiere date for the new game show just yet, but keep it on your radar for some fun summer television viewing.

Image courtesy of Brian To/WENN.com

Nick Carter found "The One"

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On Friday, Backstreet Boy Nick Carter announced his engagement to his girlfriend of four years, Lauren Kitt.

Nick Carter

One less boy bander is available to date now that Nick Carter has officially put a ring on it. On Friday, People exclusively announced that the Backstreet Boy is engaged to his girlfriend of four years, Lauren Kitt.

The couple got engaged on Wednesday in the Florida Keys. Carter took Kitt, along with a few friends and her dad, out to a small island that he frequented as a child.

While on "Engagement Island," the musician got down on one knee and proposed to his fitness trainer/actress girlfriend with a seven-karat diamond ring from XIV Karats.

Carter told People, "I had the ring in my pocket for two weeks. I was like, 'I don't want it anymore!' It was driving me insane. I just wanted to get it out of my hands and on to hers."

The bride-to-be was pretty surprised by the proposal. She said, "I wasn't expecting it. It just felt very surreal. We both are just so happy in love right now and on cloud nine."

Nick Carter gets the world's most ridiculous haircut>>

Before the news was released in the entertainment magazine, the 33-year-old hinted on his Instagram account on Friday that something monumental had happened.

He wrote, "Big question... great answer."

Now for the next big question: When is the wedding?

The Backstreet Boys' schedule seems to be dictating the official date, since they are planning a new album and they have a 20-year anniversary cruise scheduled with fans in October.

Kitt said, "It's not up to us. It's up to the schedule. We're just excited and looking forward to the next chapter of our lives."

Congratulations to Nick and Lauren. We are glad you found "The One."

Image courtesy of Josiah True/WENN.com

Catch the Independent Spirit Awards red carpet live on SheKnows!

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Oscar, shmoscar. Some of the coolest movies out there are being celebrated on Saturday night at the Independent Spirit Awards — and SheKnows is live streaming the red carpet just for you!

SheKnows joins Renwood Winery in bringing the Independent Spirit Awards to the web this year. Renwood is sponsoring red-carpet coverage of the event with Secrets of the Red Carpet, hosted by Hollywood style maker Luke Reichle. The red carpet will be aired on Live Stream Live via SheKnows.com and streamed on Renwood's website at www.renwood.com.

Hosted by the hilarious Andy Samberg, the Independent Spirit Awards celebrate the artistic vision of independent filmmakers and strives to expose the best of the year to a wider audience. You might recognize some titles and names on the list of nominees, but many are sure to be new gems to fill up your must-see list.

2013 Independent Spirit Award nominees

Best Feature
Beasts of the Southern Wild
Bernie
Keep the Lights On
Moonrise Kingdom
Silver Linings Playbook

Best Director
Benh Zeitlin, Beasts of the Southern Wild
Ira Sachs, Keep the Lights On
Julia Loktev, The Loneliest Planet
Wes Anderson, Moonrise Kingdom
David O. Russell, Silver Linings Playbook

Best Actor
Jack Black, Bernie
Bradley Cooper, Silver Linings Playbook
John Hawkes, The Sessions
Thure Lindhardt, Keep the Lights On
Matthew McConaughey, Killer Joe
Wendell Pierce, Four

Best Actress
Linda Cardellini, Return
Emayatzy Corinealdi, Middle of Nowhere
Jennifer Lawrence, Silver Linings Playbook
Quvenzhané Wallis, Beasts of the Southern Wild
Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Smashed

Best Supporting Actor
Matthew McConaughey, Magic Mike
David Oyelowo, Middle of Nowhere
Michael Peña, End of Watch
Sam Rockwell, Seven Psychopaths
Bruce Willis, Moonrise Kingdom

Best Supporting Actress
Rosemarie DeWitt, Your Sister's Sister
Ann Dowd, Compliance
Helen Hunt, The Sessions
Brit Marling, Sound of My Voice
Lorraine Toussaint, Middle of Nowhere

Best Screenplay
Ira Sachs, Keep the Lights On
Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola, Moonrise Kingdom
Zoe Kazan, Ruby Sparks
Martin McDonagh, Seven Psychopaths
David O. Russell, Silver Linings Playbook

Best First Feature
Fill the Void
Gimme the Loot
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Safety Not Guaranteed
Sound of My Voice

Best First Screenplay
Rashida Jones and Will McCormack, Celeste and Jesse Forever
Rama Burshtein, Fill the Void
Jonathan Lisecki, Gayby
Christopher Ford, Robot and Frank
Derek Connolly, Safety Not Guaranteed

Best Documentary
The Central Park Five
How to Survive a Plague
The Invisible War
Marina Abramovic: The Artist Is Present
The Waiting Room

Best Foreign Film
Amour
Once Upon a Time in Anatolia
Rust and Bone
Sister
War Witch

Best Cinematography
Ben Richardson, Beasts of the Southern Wild
Roman Vasyanov, End of Watch
Lol Crawley, Here
Robert Yeoman, Moonrise Kingdom
Yoni Brook, Valley of Saints

Best International Film
Amour
Once Upon a Time in Anatolia
Rust and Bone
Sister
War Witch

John Cassavetes Award
Breakfast With Curtis
The Color Wheel
Middle of Nowhere
Mosquita y Mari
Starlet

Robert Altman Award
Starlet

Truer Than Fiction Award
Leviathan
Only the Young
The Waiting Room

Someone to Watch Award
Rebecca Thomas, Electrick Children
Adam Leon, Gimme the Loot
David Finker, Pincus

Producers' Award
Nobody Walks
Prince Avalanche
Stones in the Sun

The live stream starts at 10:30 a.m. PT on the red carpet. The awards will be televised at IFC Channel at 10 p.m. PT/ET.

Image courtesy FayesVision/WENN.com

Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z are hitting the road

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The cat is out of the bag! Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z have announced their "Legends of the Summer" stadium tour, which will hit 12 North American cities beginning July 17.

Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z

The worst-kept secret in the music industry has finally been confirmed: Justin Timberlake and Jay-Z will tour together this summer. The stadium tour has been named "Legends of the Summer," and the duo will hit 12 cities, beginning in Toronto on July 17.

The tour will hit other major North American cities, including New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Boston, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Detroit, Baltimore and Philadelphia. The final stop will be in Miami on Aug. 16.

Don't forget to mark your calendar because tickets officially go on sale at Live Nation beginning Feb. 28, except for tickets for the New York show, which will be available at a later date. Be sure to check out the Live Nation Facebook page because presales are already happening. The concert is guaranteed to be one of the hottest tickets of the summer.

Justin Timberlake performs at Grammys, releases single>>

If you're excited about Timberlake's big comeback, rest assured there will be plenty of media appearances to support the launch of his new album on March 19. From a guest-host gig on Saturday Night Live to a weeklong appearance on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, the Grammy winner will be everywhere.

Two singles from his upcoming album, The 20/20 Experience, have already been released. They include the hyped "Suit & Tie" as well as the eight-minute-long "Mirrors." Other upcoming singles include "Pusher Love Girl" and "That Girl," which should definitely whet the appetite of Timberlake's fans.

Fans across the pond will be able to catch each musician separately at the Wireless Festival at Olympic Park in London. Timberlake will headline the Friday, July 12, lineup alongside John Legend, Snoop Dogg, Trey Songz and special guest Frank Ocean.

Beyoncé's husband will be headlining the following night with Rita Ora, Kendrick Lamar, DJ Fresh, Calvin Harris and Emeli Sande.

Are you going to see Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake in concert this summer?

Image supplied by WENN.com

Lena Dunham finally addresses the N-word issue

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Lena Dunham was unceremoniously thrown to the wolves this week when her so-called friend Lisa Lampanelli referred to her as "my n***a" in a twit pic. Now, she's speaking out.

Lena Dunham

Last week on Girls, Lena Dunham was called a racial slur by one of her pals and remained silent about it until someone called her out on Twitter.

Oh sorry, that wasn't a plot device — that actually happened.

Dunham's friend Lisa Lampanelli posted a twit pic of the actress with the caption, "Me with my n***a ‪@LenaDunham of ‪@HBOGirls — I love this beyotch!!‬‬"

Obviously, this made a lot of people extremely uncomfortable, even more so when comedian Lampanelli tried to defend herself by saying it means "friend" and refusing to stop using the word.

An open letter to Lena Dunham about Girls>>

"Ask any person who knows the urban dictionary, it means 'friend,'" she said, according to the Huffington Post. "I have been using these words since I started in comedy and guess what, people? I won't stop anytime soon, just because your ass is up on Twitter."

Well, OK then.

Fans of the Girls star were getting more and more frustrated because she didn't step up to smack her pal down for using such an ugly word in a nonchalant way, but Dunham finally spoke up today on Twitter after she was called out by a journalist.

"That's not a word I would EVER use," Dunham wrote. "Its implications are beyond my comprehension. I was made supremely uncomfortable by it."

Drinking game: Watch Girls or pass out trying>>

"Perhaps I should have addressed it, but the fact is I've learned that twitter debates breed more twitter debates. Don't like the idea that my silence read to you as tacit approval. It wasn't. But 140 characters will never be enough for the kind of dialogue that will actually help us address issues of race and class.

"My personal criteria for engaging in twitter debate: I wait until something just sits so wrong in my belly & bones that I must finally speak... I'm sorry that any of those feelings were evoked for you, especially by a sentence with my name in it."

Lampanelli's take?

"To me, it's acceptable if the joke is funny and if it is said in a context of no hate. It's about taking the hate out of the word."

Tell us: Is it OK to use the N-word under any circumstances?

Image courtesy Alberto Reyes/WENN.com

Coffee maker roundup

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Shh. I have a secret for you. Did you know that there are a lot of people out there who love coffee? Crazy, right? Most people even depend on the stuff. On top of that, did you know that people also love saving money?
Woman enjoying a cup of coffee

Shh. I have a secret for you. Did you know that there are a lot of people out there who love coffee? Crazy, right? Most people even depend on the stuff. On top of that, did you know that people also love saving money?

Wake up and
smell the coffee

Cuisinart Perfec Temp brewer

Perfec Temp 14-cup coffee maker

Whether you're the coffee connoisseur or the novice who likes their coffee extra hot without compromising taste or quality, this is the perfect choice for you. Cuisinart uses state-of-the-art coffee-making technology to bring you a product that turns up the heat on your cup of joe, giving you that extra kick you desperately need in the morning. Equipped with a sleek, smooth look and a user-friendly control panel, this is sure to be the perfect counter-top accessory for your kitchen.

krupps km9000

KM9000

Mornings are full of hustle and bustle, and it's common to completely forget about the delicious cup of coffee you just brewed. It's such a tragedy when you waste a perfectly good pot. Well, fret no more, you caffeine addicts. Your coffee is no longer in danger, thanks to the Krups KM9000. Replete with a dual heating system, the KM9000 will keep your coffee safe and bursting full of flavor for up to four hours after you brewed it. So feel free to go about your morning — your coffee is in good hands.

Hamilton Beach brewstation

Hamilton Beach BrewStation Summit

Have you ever broken a coffee pot? If you have, then you know how annoying it can be to pick up all the little shards of glass. You end up finding most of the shards with your bare feet about a week later. The Hamilton Beach BrewStation has eliminated this threat by taking away the pot and replacing it with a one-hand quick dispenser. If you're tired of pouring your coffee out of the impossible spigot on the pot, the quick dispenser is sure to cut down on spills as well. It's about time you give yourself, and your paper towels, a rest.

Keurig mini

Keurig MINI Plus brewing system

Aww, isn't it cute? This brewer may be small, but it's mighty. The Keuring MINI gives you all the benefits of a normal-size coffee maker, it's just more compact. The MINI is perfect for travel. Imagine waking up in your hotel room, exhausted from the business meetings the day before, and all you want is a nice, hot, delicious cup of coffee. Ditch the hotel's stale and confusing coffee maker for the Keurig MINI instead. Sounds like a pretty easy decision.


Mr. Coffee Cafe Latte

Let's face it, sometimes "regular" coffee can get pretty boring and mundane. I know, change can be scary, and trying new things may give you anxiety, but hear me out. Why not expand your horizons a little bit with the Mr. Coffee Cafe Latte? With one simple touch, you can brew the latte while simultaneously heating and frothing the milk. No more coffeehouse runs to get your double mochachino frappuccino or whatever other type of chino, because the cafe latte maker provides you with a book of over 20 recipes of new drinks to try. So why not ditch the ordinary and treat yourself to a delicious, creamy cup of adventure?

Mr coffee cafe latte

More kitchen accessories

Etsy roundup: Functional kitchen accessories
5 Great green kitchen gadgets
Must-have kitchen gadgets for healthy families

Friendly advice for the host of the Academy Awards

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Seth MacFarlane is one hilarious guy, but will his jokes go over with the Academy Awards crowd?
Seth MacFarlane at the Governors Awards

Our advice
to Seth

Seth MacFarlane is one hilarious guy, but will his jokes go over with the Academy Awards crowd?

We've had a mixed bag when it comes to awards-show hosts in 2013: Tina Fey and Amy Poehler killed it at the Golden Globes, while LL Cool J played it safe at the Grammys.

Now, we're on to the final host of the season: Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane for the Academy Awards.

The mastermind behind Ted is no stranger to raunchy comedy. The big question: Will he tone down his jokes for the show? He vows to make the show family friendly. Well, kind of.

"The Oscars will still be something a family in 2013 can sit down and watch and be just fine with," he told USA Today. "A family in 1955 might have some issue[s] with it. In 2013, everyone will be fine. Then again, I'm not married and I don't have kids. And my mother was saying [nasty things] out loud by the time I was 5. So maybe I'm the wrong guy to ask."

However, we should expect him to harp on celebrities like former Globes host Ricky Gervais.

"There is a certain element, even in the days when [five-time host] Johnny Carson was there, of roasting," MacFarlane added. "It's just a matter of how black the meat gets. I'm going somewhere from medium to medium-well."

Our advice for Seth

We're pulling for MacFarlane to do the impossible: entertain the audience while keeping A-lister egos in check. It's a tricky game, so we have a bit of advice for him:

  • Get some help from the audience. Fey&Poehler worked so well because they played off each other — and the audience. Enlist a few celeb friends to help you with jokes from the audience. It'll break up the inevitable host-vs.-audience tension and hopefully lighten up the crowd in the process.
  • Leave us wanting more. The Golden Globes was the first awards show that left us actually wanting more of the hosts. Take a page out of Fey and Poehler's playbook by keeping the monologues short, sweet and hilarious.
  • Consume a little liquid courage before the show — but not too much.
  • Don't be afraid of offending people.

Tell us

What should Seth MacFarlane do to make the Oscars entertaining? Sound off in the comments below!

Read on for more Academy Awards news

Joaquin Phoenix's PETA ad banned from the Oscars?
Inside the Oscar Nominees Luncheon
Norah Jones added to Oscars musical lineup

Photo credits: FayesVision/WENN.com

So hot! The new Game of Thrones sneak peek

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Game of Thrones super fan Jimmy Kimmel airs a Season 3 preview.

Game of ThronesGame of Thrones hardly needs more promoting — it's one of the top shows in the country . However, HBO won't be happy until the entire world tunes in for each new episode — but it's only a matter of time, really.

Read our announcement from this morning>>

To help amp up viewership even more, HBO allowed Jimmy Kimmel Live! to air a very special sneak peek from the upcoming Season 3 of Game of Thrones. In case you were — you know — out on a Friday night, we've got you covered. Check out the sneak peek right here:

Game of Thrones isn't the first book to be turned into a television show, of course. There have been quite a few. But there's no doubt in anyone's mind that it's the most popular. While Sex and the City became a long-standing favorite, Game of Thrones has become a phenomenon with no end in sight. The books have been a hit with fantasy fans for years, and now the fresh new show is being devoured by readers and nonreaders alike.

Game of Thrones alum Peter Dinklage on X-Men>>

This isn't the first promo for Season 3, either. Earlier in the current season, we were also offered the eerie video of the three-eyed raven flying over what looked like Game of Thrones landscapes and also somewhat modern areas. All the while, a man with a rather haunting voice sang quietly. However, until tonight, we hadn't seen much of the characters, and we'd heard very little of what we could actually expect from the upcoming season. According to a super-short promo from HBO, we should expect "chaos."

New cast members ahead!>>

Season 3 of Game of Thrones begins on March 31, and we're all dying to see what happens to Khaleesi and all those adorable Stark kids.

Image courtesy of HBO

Oscar Pistorius "must suffer" says victim's dad

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While the family of Oscar Pistorius is celebrating his release on bail, the family of Reeva Steenkamp remains mired in grief with no idea what to believe.

Oscar Pistorius

The father of Reeva Steenkamp told reporters today that if Oscar Pistorius' story is true, he might be able to forgive his daughter's killer one day — but if not, he "must suffer."

Barry Steenkamp told South African newspaper Beeld that he's not sure what to believe.

"It doesn't matter how much money he has and how good his legal team is, he will have to live with his conscience if he allows his legal team to lie for him," he told the Afrikaans-language paper.

Steenkamp family begs for truth>>

"But if he is telling the truth, then perhaps I can forgive him one day," the father said. "If it didn't happen the way he said it did, he must suffer, and he will suffer... only he knows."

The model's mother, June Steenkamp, said she had received a floral bouquet and card from the Pistorius family and remarked that they must be "devastated" over the situation.

"They are not to blame," she said.

Ex of Oscar Pistorius' girlfriend wants cold, hard justice>>

Forbidden from returning to his own home as a condition of bail, Pistorius is reportedly staying at the home of an uncle in an upmarket neighborhood of Pretoria, outside of Johannesburg.

"We are extremely thankful that Oscar is now home," his uncle, Arnold Pistorius, said in a statement to press. "What happened has changed our lives irrevocably."

Image courtesy WENN

Read more Oscar Pistorius

Oscar Pistorius detective facing attempted murder charges
Prosecution falling apart in Oscar Pistorius case?
Reeva Steenkamp was to give "abusive relationships" speech


Lance Armstrong slapped with DOJ lawsuit

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The Department of Justice has joined a whistle-blower lawsuit against Lance Armstrong in the wake of his doping scandal. Who stands to gain the most?

Lance Armstrong

Things have gone from bad to worse for disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong. Not only has he had all of his Tour De France wins stripped and his reputation irrevocably tarnished after his years of doping were finally discovered, but now the Department of Justice is after him.

The DOJ has joined a whistle-blower lawsuit against Armstrong, alleging that by using performance-enhancing drugs and pressuring teammates to do the same, he defrauded his sponsor — the U.S. Postal Service — out of million of dollars.

Lance Armstrong admits to doping>>

"Today's action demonstrates the Department of Justice's steadfast commitment to safeguarding federal funds and making sure that contractors live up to their promises," Stuart F. Delery, principal deputy assistant attorney general for the civil division, said in a statement.

The Postal Service paid $31 million in sponsorship fees between 2001 and 2004 and now says that partnership is "unfairly associated with what has been described as 'the most sophisticated, professionalized, and successful doping program that sport has ever seen,'" Ronald C. Machen Jr., U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, told CNN.

"In today's economic climate, the U.S. Postal Service is simply not in a position to allow Lance Armstrong or any of the other defendants to walk away with the tens of millions of dollars they illegitimately procured. This lawsuit is designed to help the Postal Service recoup the tens of millions of dollars it paid out [to] the Tailwind cycling team based on years of broken promises," Machen said.

Added General Counsel and Executive Vice President Mary Anne Gibbons, "The defendants agreed to play by the rules and not use performance-enhancing drugs. We now know that the defendants failed to live up to their agreement, and instead knowingly engaged in a pattern of activity that violated the rules of professional cycling and, therefore, violated the terms of their contracts with the Postal Service."

The suit also accuses the cyclist's former management team of participating in the fraud because they knowingly did nothing to stop the drug use.

The DOJ joined forces with Armstrong's former teammate Floyd Landis, who stands to make some serious coin if the matter is decided in the DOJ's favor. He will claim several million dollars if his side wins, based on a percentage of what the government would recoup. Armstrong may lose everything.

Armstrong's lawyer Robert Luskin was disappointed in the move.

"Lance and his representatives worked constructively over these last weeks with federal lawyers to resolve this case fairly, but those talks failed because we disagree about whether the Postal Service was damaged," Luskin told CNN. "The Postal Service's own studies show that the service benefited tremendously from its sponsorship — benefits totaling more than $100 million."

This is the second case brought against the fallen cycling hero. A Dallas promotion company is suing for $12 million because it was forced to settle another lawsuit when Armstrong adamantly denied doping.

Image courtesy WENN.com

Read more on Lance Armstrong

Lance Armstrong movie is already in the works
Betsy Andreu: The woman firing back at Lance Armstrong
Lance Armstrong cuts all ties with Livestrong

Get sloshed on Sunday with the Oscars drinking game

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Spice up your Oscars viewing party with some alcohol beverages. Need a reason to drink? We've got some suggestions, just be sure you have a designated driver.
Oscar award
OSCAR SAYS: Get ready to slur your acceptance speeches, baby, because it's on.

Let's face it: The Academy Awards aren't exactly the most exciting awards show. This year's host, Seth MacFarlane, has serious potential, but we're waiting until the show to make any real judgments.

But, there's always the risk that the Oscars will be boring business as usual. We want to spice up our viewing experience because, let's face it, we'll fall asleep if it's a snoozefest. Enter our fab idea: The SheKnows Oscars Drinking Game.

The rules

The first rule of the SheKnows Oscars Drinking Game is that you don't talk about the drinking game. Just kidding — share this with your pals — we love imbibing on a cocktail with friends. Actually, the first rule is to pick your booze — beer works, but specialty Oscars cocktails are a better bet. Instead, go with a Silver Linings Playbook- or Skyfall-inspired cocktail. Everclear works too, for you dedicated drinkers.

You might want to take it slow, though — we don't want you to end your night on the bathroom floor.

Rollin' on the red carpet

Take a drink every time Giuliana Rancic talks about being "gangsta" on the red carpet. Take two drinks every time she "makes it rain" with some random actor on the red carpet. Take another drink if she sings.

Take a gulp every time someone shows/talks about sideboob. Drink two drinks when a starlet tries to upstage Angelina Jolie's leg-baring dress from 2012.

Drink a whole cocktail if anyone makes a pregnancy announcement on the red carpet.

Woman drinking a martini
TIP: For a sweet cocktail without the side of big thighs, pair ACTIVATE 0-calorie vitamin drinks with your fave vodka. MORE OSCARS COCKTAIL RECIPES>>

Host falls flat while you fall on your face

Gulp down a mouthful of booze every time MacFarlane's jokes earn a groan from the A-list crowd. Drink the whole cocktail every time he breaks out the Stewie from Family Guy voice. Drink if he genuinely makes you laugh, a la Tina Fey and Amy Poehler at the Golden Globes.

We're honored

Drink every time a winner says "I'm honored" or goes into a diatribe about their "exquisite" category competition.

Down a cocktail when Anne Hathaway makes a long-winded speech while accepting her Oscar. Drink two cocktails if she forgets to thank someone and rushes back on stage later to make good on it.

Drink every time someone other than Hathaway or Jennifer Lawrence wins. Take another drink every time Quentin Tarantino makes it awkward by saying the "n" word while talking about Django Unchained.

Panned

Take a drink every time the camera pans to the snubbed Ben Affleck during the Best Director Award presentation.

Literally liberal

Take a drink every time a celebrity makes a comment about politics. Take two drinks every time a liberal winner goes on a rant about the government.

You're cut off

Take a sip if someone is cut off during their speech (it always happens — and we don't want you to get poisoned.

Image courtesy Splash News

Tell us

What other categories can you come up with for the SheKnows Oscars drinking game? Sound off in the comments below!

Read on for more Academy Awards news

The Oscars: A guide to movies you probably haven't seen
The most "interesting" Oscar musical performances of all time
Then and now: Oscar nominees' fashion evolution

Best dressed of Oscars past

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Celebrity stylists are busy picking out the looks their A-list clients will wear for the 2013 Academy Awards. We can't wait to find out what stars like Jennifer Lawrence and Jessica Chastain will wear at this year's event, so we're getting ready by remembering some of the best looks from past Oscars ceremonies.

Penélope Cruz

Penelope Cruz

Penélope Cruz did herself plenty of favors when she opted for this lavender Giorgio Armani gown at the 2012 Oscars. We especially love the added jewels — 114 carats of Chopard diamonds, to be exact!

Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams is pretty much on every best-dressed list, period. Why? Just check out the coral Louis Vuitton dress, the pink Bottega Veneta clutch and the choker she wore to the 2012 Academy Awards. That's why.

See more best dressed stars at the Oscars!>>

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman

Now this is how you do pregnancy in style! Oscar-winning actress Natalie Portman— then pregnant with son Aleph — wore a regal-looking Rodarte gown to the 2011 Academy Awards. Just perfect.

Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock

There are two sides to Sandra Bullock: the down-home girl in jeans and button-down flannels, and this girl — the sexy movie star. Bullock played up her sexy, red-carpet style at the 2011 Oscars when she opted for this fire-red Vera Wang gown. Gorgeous.

Anna Kendrick

Anna Kendrick

What can we say about Anna Kendrick's pale pink Elie Saab Haute Couture gown that hasn't been said before? Pure perfection.

Elizabeth Banks

Elizabeth Banks

Elizabeth Banks gave us plenty of Old Hollywood glamour at the 2010 Academy Awards in her blue-gray Versace gown. We also love how she kept it simple with few accessories — the focus was all on the gown.

Tell us

Who will be best dressed at the 2013 Academy Awards? Sound off in the comments below!

Read on for more Academy Awards news

Joaquin Phoenix's PETA ad banned from the Oscars?
Barbra Streisand added to the Oscars lineup
Will the cast of Les Mis perform at the Oscars?

Photo credits: WENN.com

The stars enjoy swag at the 2013 Independent Spirit Awards

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The stars spent a day by the beach at the 2013 Independent Spirit Awards, and the presenters took home some swag after spending time in the Offical Presenter Gift Lounge. Take a look at what they received!

Bryan Cranston at Independent Spirit Awards

The day before the Oscars is always one of the most relaxing days for many stars because many are also nominated for an Independent Spirit Award. These awards honor the best in the independent film industry.

The show is laid-back and fun because it takes place just a few feet away from the beach in Santa Monica, California. On a beautiful, sunny Saturday, SheKnows was lucky enough to head down to the awards and spend some time backstage in the Official Presenter Gift Lounge.

The gifting suite for the Indie Spirit Awards ran concurrently with the show, so presenters would head back to the tent behind the main stage after their category was over. While we were walking over to the gifting area, we ran right into Beasts of the Southern Wild director Benh Zeitlin, who was enjoying a cocktail just moments before the show began.

Upon entering the suite, we were greeted by multiple booths offering swag to the celebrities who were presenting at the show. The items given to the stars covered a lot of ground from vacations to gym memberships, sunglasses, undergarments, and clothing.

There was something for everyone, and the lounge offered a glimpse of what it's like to be considered a brand influencer because you're in the public eye.

Here are just a few of the items given to the stars at this year's Indie Spirit Awards:

  • A one-year membership to Crunch Fitness plus a private training session
  • A set of Manito silk pillowcases or pillow shams plus a silk sleeping mask
  • A three-night, all-inclusive stay on the private island of Cayo Espanto in Belize
  • A pair of Jabra REVO headphones with powerful sound and extra durability that are not yet available to the public
  • A pair of custom-fit sunglasses from designers like Karl Lagerfeld, Michael Kors, and Fendi. The company, Marchon, was so exclusive, it wouldn't even talk to members of the media who wanted to learn more about its products.

Quvenzhané Wallis at the Independent Spirit Awards

Who was enjoying the gifts? While SheKnows was there, 9-year-old Quvenzhané Wallis, Sex and the City actor Kyle MacLachlan, Oscar winner Marcia Gay Harden and Argo star Bryan Cranston were all picking up their goodies on Saturday afternoon.

If this gifting strategy seems ridiculous when celebrities already earn large salaries, companies find that it's a marketing strategy that works. Believe it or not, we are often influenced by what we see on TV and in magazines. That's why the stars get their hands on cool stuff first.

However, some stars know how to keep things in check and not get too greedy. In fact, Quvenzhané's mother returned a gift certificate for the vacation in Belize when she realized they had already received the same one earlier in the week.

Now, that's what we call good parenting!

Images courtesy of Kristyn Burtt

Give yourself more time

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Your day starts in a rush and continues on pretty much at the same pace until the end of the day when you collapse on your bed and have to struggle to quiet your mind chatter so you can get some sleep and do it all over again. Does this sound familiar? How would it feel to have more time to do the things you love doing and to feel more at peace as you go through your day? It is possible.

Your day starts in a rush and continues on pretty much at the same pace until the end of the day. Finally, you collapse on your bed and struggle to quiet your mind chatter, so you can get some sleep and do it all over again. Does this sound familiar?

Sit back and relax,
you deserve it!

Ever know anyone who seemed to get it all done effortlessly? They seem to be so graceful in their approach to life and appear to be almost problem-free zones. And yet, they have the same 24 hours a day as everyone else. What's their secret? Here are 10 ways to give yourself more time.

Raise your standards

When you stop putting up with stuff, you are redefining yourself and raising your standards. There is great power in choice. When you choose to no longer put up with stuff, you have more energy and time to focus on the things that matter.

Value your time

Don't let others steal your time with unnecessary interruptions or long conversations. If others come to you with gossip, stop it. If you value your time, others will. Time equals life. How you spend each minute/hour/day of your life is your choice.

Eliminate redundant activities

Limit the amount of TV, electronic games and other such activities to five hours a week . These types of mind-numbing activities should be used sparingly. Eliminate anything that does not contribute to your personal or professional development. Ask yourself whether the information is nice-to-know versus need-to-know. Eliminate redundant activities to free up valuable time for more enjoyable activities.

Eliminate the "rush"

If you are someone who constantly runs late, drives too fast, procrastinates or avoids things, you may be an adrenaline addict. Stop the triggering behavior and avoid crisis mode. Arrive 15 minutes early for every appointment. Drive slower — you have the time. Eliminate procrastination from your life — just get it done and you will increase your energy reserve and decrease your stress. Under-promise and over-deliver.

Organize

Eliminating the mental and physical clutter in your life will allow you to focus more on getting things accomplished. Only touch a piece of material once and deal with it using the 3D model —Do it, Delegate it or Dump it. Resolve personal issues and issues that hold you back.

Identify your priorities

If you value spending time with your kids and you work late every night, you are not living by your own values. Have your actions reflect your values. Stop comparing yourself to others and create your own standards. Eliminate anything that gets in the way of living by your priorities.

Do less, simplify everything

Stop doing things that are not a good use of your time. Learn to delegate. Automate anything and everything you can. Learn to say no to things that are not the best use of your time. Eliminate 50 percent of your projects. Boredom is the gatekeeper to peace. Once you have simplified enough to bring boredom, you can fill the space with things you really enjoy. Do less. You will have more.

Accept that you are human

Realize that you are already perfect — perfectly human. Perfectionism is a great time-waster and energy-drainer. It doesn't work. Don't take life so seriously. Mistakes are our way of inviting lessons. These lessons are perfect for our growth. Be abundantly human and know that we are all perfect in our humanness. What is not perfect is our definition of perfect.

Take care of yourself

Regular maintenance is necessary for your car and computer to run in perfect order. Your body, mind and soul need regular maintenance and fueling to run smoothly as well. Regular doses of exercise, meditation and soul food rejuvenate and energize you. This is necessary to maintain your engine in perfect working condition. If you are calm and at peace, you are in better condition to be productive.

Focus on being

If you rush through life, you avoid being yourself. Give yourself permission to be a human being rather than a human doing. In school we are taught to think, but no one ever teaches us how to feel our feelings and express them appropriately. Feelings are so important in decision-making, problem solving and goal setting. Give yourself time to reflect and experience your feelings. When you experience your feelings, you save time and energy by addressing the underlying issue right away.

Learn to just be with yourself. When you have time to breathe and reflect, you let the creative juices flow and you are able to synthesize the information and ideas that surface. When we are too busy doing, there is no time to consider the possibilities.

The joy you seek in life can be found in living every day to its fullest. It's the little things that we often gloss over that mean the most in our lives if we take the time to notice them. Make the effort to be fully present and experience the moments in each day. When you do, you find that your life has more meaning and richness to it.

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