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Matt Lauer almost resigned when Ann Curry left Today

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Matt Lauer is often blamed for Ann Curry's departure from The Today Show, but he is now speaking out. He said he defended her, and does not like the way it was handled.

Ann Curry

When Ann Curry was ousted from the co-anchor spot on The Today Show, many blamed Matt Lauer for not fighting harder for her job. But according to a recent interview with The Daily Beast, Lauer had wanted what was best for everyone, including the show.

Is Ann Curry returning to The Today Show?>>

"If you think the show’s better off without me, let me know, and I’ll get out of the way,” Lauer reportedly told NBC Universal CEO Steve Burke at the time of Curry’s ouster.

But Burke responded by saying he needed Lauer to carry the show through the controversy.

“We’ll get through this,” he told Lauer.

But Lauer apparently still feels bad about the whole situation, and at the very least wishes the situation had been handled differently.

NBC president: "My heart goes out to Ann Curry">>

"I don’t think the show and the network handled the transition well," Lauer told the Daily Beast. "You don’t have to be Einstein to know that... It clearly did not help us. We were seen as a family, and we didn’t handle a family matter well."

And those in the know said Lauer did defend Curry while she transitioned over to her new position within the company.

"He was quietly and publicly a supporter of Ann’s throughout the entire process," said Steve Capus, former president of NBC News. "It is unfair that Matt has shouldered an undue amount of blame for a decision he disagreed with."

Capus told The Hollywood Reporter at the time of Curry’s departure that he saw it as a way to put her in the position she was passionate about, and one where she was more skilled.

"I think it was not where her real passion was," he said. "In her heart of hearts, I think she would admit that. I think her real passion is built around reporting on international stories. I think we’ve now come up with a role that will play to her strengths."

Curry is working as an international correspondent for NBC News.

Photo courtesy Joseph Marzullo/WENN.com

Celebody: 5 moves for Anne Hathaway’s Oscar-winning arms

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We’re hitting the gym with celebrity trainer Simone de la Rue to learn 5 moves for getting toned arms like her A-list clients.
imone de la Rue

A-list arm exercises

We’re hitting the gym with celebrity trainer Simone de la Rue to learn five moves for getting toned arms like her A-list clients.

Simone de la Rue and her partner Dee are responsible for some of the most enviable arms in Hollywood. From New York to Los Angeles, the ladies work with A-list actresses like Anne Hathaway, Naomi Watts and Sandra Bullock to get them ready for big nights like the Academy Awards.

Anne Hathaway

And clearly it pays off, as witnessed when Hathaway displayed her beautifully toned arms while holding up her Best Supporting Actress award at this year’s ceremony.

Anne Hathaway's last-minute Oscars dress switch>>

So what’s the secret? A series of low-weight, high-repetition drills aimed at focusing on key problem areas.

Try the workout

What you'll need

  • 2- to 3-pound wrist weights and 2- to 3-pound hand weights
  • A small stability ball or Pilates ball

The moves

Q&A

What five things does Simone always have in her gym bag?

1. My Newton sneakers. I have a pair in every color!

2. My iPad with all my kick-butt playlists on them. Each client has their own, as they all have specific tastes in music.

3. A change of workout clothes, since I get so sweaty.

4. A bag of almonds to nibble on in between clients.

5. A bottle of Harvest Farm coconut water. It is the best for hydrating and tastes so yummy.

1

Reach for the Oscar

Wearing your wrist weights, place your ball on the floor with the left hand. Slide the right arm underneath the left and reach to a lateral side extension.

2

Tricep shredder

Keep the Pilates ball on the floor on the left hand. With a 3-pound weight, raise the right arm to a tricep extension.

3

Swan Dive

Wearing both wrist weights, think Black Swan, and lift/lower arms above your head, keeping your back straight.

4

One leg, two Oscars

Stand on the left leg and raise the right knee. Holding your hand weights, imagine you are holding two Oscars, and raise both arms out in front of your body.

5

The Wonder Woman press

Start in plank position, then lift left leg and right arm. Hold for about a minute, then pulse. Follow with a tricep press.

Repeat each exercise for three sets of 20 reps per set, on each side. Simone suggests doing these drills about three times a week in addition to cardio. Her favorite cardio exercises to do with her clients are dancing and jump rope.

Though she is not a nutritionist, Simone suggests a diet heavy on protein and vegetables, with light grains. Mix in some water, green juice and the occasional chocolate, and you should be red carpet ready in about six weeks!

For more great customized workouts from Simone that you can do anywhere, check out her website Body By Simone TV and follow BBS on Twitter @bodybysimone.

More celebrity health and fitness

Red-carpet results: Denise Austin's celebrity diet and fitness tips
Celebody: Harley Pasternak shows us his Hollywood workout
Supermodel Gisele Bundchen's kung fu workout

Photo credit: Zoe Buckman, Adriana M. Barraza/WENN.com

Best uses for your tax refund

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In 2012, the Internal Revenue Service issued refunds to 110,471,000 taxpayers. The average taxpayer refund was a whopping $2,803. Big refunds may feel like a good thing but keep in mind what they are, really: Interest-free loans to the government.
Tax refund

Be wise with your tax refund

In 2012, the Internal Revenue Service issued refunds to 110,471,000 taxpayers. The average taxpayer refund was a whopping $2,803.

Big refunds may feel like a good thing but keep in mind what they are, really: Interest-free loans to the government.

Changing your withholding on your federal form W-4 to have less taken out of your check means more for you during the year. The average refund — if taken out in equal installments in your paycheck over the year rather than all at once at tax season — would have resulted in more than $200 per month in your pocket.

Tax season is, of course, a good time to make prospective changes — but what’s done is done for the prior tax year. If you’re expecting a nice-sized refund for 2013, make it count. Here are some top refund ideas for families:

1

Apply it to next year’s tax bill

If your refund took you by surprise this year — and is the result of a particular turn of events and not an issue with your withholding — consider applying some or all of your refund toward next year’s tax bill. The IRS makes it easy by allowing you to designate the amount of your refund to be applied toward the next year. Of course, this only makes sense if you expect to owe taxes next year so be sure to ask your tax professional to give you an idea of what your tax picture will look like in 2014 before making the decision.

2

Pay off your debt

While you may want to rush out and buy a new pair of Jimmy Choos, check out your debt picture first. A tax refund is a great way to pay off credit card bills or other existing debt, saving you even more money in the long run.

3

Invest in a 529 plan

A 529 plan is a great way to save for college. Funds grow tax-deferred until you use the money inside the plan for qualifying education expenses. Some states even offer you a tax break for making contributions making it even more attractive.

4

Pay for camp

Summer camps fill up quickly and tuition tends to come due in winter and early spring. Some camps offer breaks on tuition if you pay early; paying in installments often costs more. If your refund allows you to prepay, you can do it now and save. Of course, be sure to confirm that your child will actually be headed to camp when you pay since most camps don’t offer a refund if you change your mind.

Signing up for summer camp: Is it deductible?>>

5

Save for a rainy day

Conventional wisdom says that you should have a cushion of at least three months to protect your family from unexpected expenses. Realistically, most of us don’t have the luxury of saving when we should: We’re too busy paying bills now. A refund offers you a great opportunity to put money aside for a rainy day. Consider locking up the money in an investment vehicle like a CD, which makes it less likely that you’ll tap it early. But don’t lock it up too thoroughly: You want to be able to access it in an emergency.

More about family finances

The new tax picture in 2013
Claiming dependents on your taxes
Tax consequences of gifts to kids

St. Patrick's Day pancakes

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Start the holiday off with a bang! These green pancakes will have the kids giggling with delight. They are festive, fun and best of all tasty!

St. Patrick's Day Pancakes

Want to start off St. Patrick's Day with a tasty treat? These fun and festive pancakes will bring a smile to your children's faces and are a breeze to make! To make things more festive, we drizzled the pancakes with a little chocolate syrup and topped them with whipped cream. Who wouldn't love a plate of these pancakes for breakfast!

St. Patrick's Day pancake recipe

Serves 4

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large egg
  • 4-5 drops green food coloring
  • Nonstick spray
  • Whipped cream
  • Ice cream chocolate sauce

Directions:

  1. Preheat a griddle to 350 degrees F.
  2. In a medium-sized bowl, sift together flour, sugar, baking soda and kosher salt. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, oil, egg and green food coloring. Once mixed add in flour mixture and stir until just combined.
  4. Once batter is combined, spray griddle with nonstick spray, cook on griddle until bubbles appear and flip.
  5. Top with whipped cream and chocolate sauce.

More pancake recipes

Birthday cake pancake recipe
Fruity summer pancake recipes
Red velvet pancakes with cream cheese glaze recipe

Editor's video pick: My Goodness "Cold Feet Killer"

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In a music video directed by Jon Meyer and Vanjam Productions, the band My Goodness gets dark and twisted for their single "Cold Feet Killer."

Cold feet, but warmhearted

When do you usually get cold feet? The night before your wedding perhaps? Right before you go on stage? This music video is not at all conventional in that way. In this case, the star-crossed lovers perpetually endure that need to escape, but regardless wind up being drawn to each other. It's a tragic mix of drugs and passion, where their love started young and they never matured.

Check out this playlist that will get you all worked up>>

While we are used to seeing a bad boy lure a naive girl into a dark world of controversy, this time it's the woman who can't seem to bring good into her man's life. She's like Sharon Stone in Basic Instinct, but not nearly as sexy . She is unsteady and dangerous — and he feels the need to protect her . You can see that he's content in her presence, but she's never satisfied. She also appears to be an adrenaline junkie, while he's just hooked on her.

Which celebrity couple has been known for their instability?>>

The music is haunting as is the story line and there is so much story confined to one short video. It leaves you wanting more!

Check out this spooky recap of Ghost Hunters>>

Why is the song called "Cold Feet Killer"? The video starts with a forward-looking scene with the "dead" body of the lovesick boyfriend bleeding from the neck and by the end of the video he stands up and walks away healthy as ever. It appears they had concocted the plan to fake his death to get someone off their back .

That may be one of many literal explanations, but perhaps you can figure out a metaphorical one? Come on readers, check out the video above and let us know what you think!

What other videos are we itching for you to watch? Check out our other editor's video picks:

David Guetta feat. Usher "Without You"
Miranda Lambert "Mama's Broken Heart"

Matt & Kim "It's Alright"

Another Duggar baby is on the way!

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The eldest son of Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar has announced his wife is expecting their third child, due in June.

Duggars Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar’s son Josh and his wife Anna are well on their way to having just as many kids as their famous parents.

Michelle Duggar's heartbreaking words to baby Jubilee>>

Josh, 25, and Anna, 24, have announced they are pregnant with their third child. Anna said she had taken a pregnancy test while the family was visiting Asia during filming of the show, but it had been negative.

"I thought for sure I was pregnant and so I was a little disappointed," Anna Duggar told People."But two weeks later, I found out I was pregnant."

According to Entertainment Tonight, Jim Bob Duggar said he is excited to see the family expanding, and remembers back when they also only had three children — although their third child came much faster than expected.

Duggar photo scandal! Amy victim of extortion plot>>

“It is neat to see their family expanding,” he said. “I remember those days when Michelle and I went from one to three because we had Josh and then we had twins. It is a great start."

Josh’s mom, Michelle, was also pregnant only two years ago, but experienced a miscarriage. Josh said that pregnancy gave him pause, and he is hoping for a happier outcome for his own child.

"With my mom's last pregnancy there are questions and the fear of every expectant parent that this could end,” he told ET. “There is always some sort of risk with pregnancy and you never really know.”

Josh and Anna Duggar made their announcement Monday morning on The TODAY Show. Their two children are Mackynzie, 3, and Michael, 1. The baby is due on June 7.

How to keep your man a la Michelle Duggar>>

Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar are staying steady at 19 kids, which includes nine girls and 10 boys. Amazingly enough, 19 Kids and Counting has been through 10 seasons since 2008. Season 11 will premiere April 2, 2013.

Photo courtesy WENN.com

St. Patrick's Day activities for kids

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St. Patrick's Day offers a great opportunity to teach your kids about another culture, make a craft or two, enjoy some food and, of course, go green! We've got some fun ways to celebrate this Irish holiday with your kids.
Kid on St. Patrick's Day

Irish fun for kids

St. Patrick's Day offers a great opportunity to teach your kids about another culture, make a craft or two, enjoy some food and, of course, go green!

Although St. Patrick's Day was originally a religious holiday celebrating Ireland's primary patron saint, it's become more widely celebrated by people around the world, regardless of ethnic background and religion.

Break out the books

Patrick: Patron Saint of IrelandStart the day with a story that helps your kids understand who St. Patrick really was and how the holiday originated. Tomie dePaola's Patrick: Patron Saint of Ireland is an accurate and age-appropriate biography that helps distinguish between legend and fact. This book may be easier for children familiar with Catholic customs to understand, but the language is clear enough that is should be accessible to all families.

For a little more Irish history, read The St. Patrick's Day Shillelagh, by Janet Nolan. This story of a family leaving Ireland for America demonstrates the importance of holding onto family traditions even in a new place. Use it as a springboard to talk about your own family's heirlooms and customs, and a way to introduce the concepts of immigration and tolerance.

Once you've learned the history of the holiday, settle down for a fun read with There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Clover! by Lucille Colandro. It's the silly tale of a woman who swallows things and part of a very funny series of books. Also check out The Luckiest St. Patrick's Day Ever, by Teddy Slater, which is a fun story perfect for ages 4 and up.

Create crafts to make together

  • Shamrock craftsMake a shamrock necklace. Cut and decorate a shamrock from green construction paper or craft foam, and use a hole punch to make a hole in it. Thread a short piece of green or gold yarn or chenille stem through the hole. Decorate the shamrock with crayons, markers, glitter or whatever else you choose. Then, cut strips of yellow and green construction paper and use them to make a paper chain. Attach the shamrock to the paper chain, and parade around in your finery.

  • Create St. Patrick's Day rings. Glue small green pom-poms onto green or gold chenille stems to make rings or bracelets. Pipe cleaners and beads are a fun way to make bracelets — and easy for little ones to string.
  • Prepare patterns or stencils of St. Patrick's Day shapes — shamrocks, rainbows, pots of gold and so on. Then trace the patterns on green construction paper using green crayons. Next, apply a thin coat of white tempera paint over the entire page. The wax in the crayon repels the paint and makes the drawing pop off the page for a cool effect.

Check out these St. Patrick's Day party ideas for kids>>

Eat, drink, and be merry

Sure you could serve foods that are naturally green, like peas and kiwis and avocados, but why stop there? Green food can be fun for your kids, and almost any favorite can turn green for a day! For a true treat, try making meatcakes. Start by making mini-meatloaves in a muffin tin. Next, prepare your favorite mashed potato recipe with the addition of green food coloring. Spoon the potatoes into a zip-top bag and cut off one of the bottom two corners, then pipe the potatoes onto the meatloaves to mimic cupcakes.

Other easy green foods include scrambled eggs , jello, lemonade and mint chocolate chip ice cream. If you don't think your kids will appreciate green food, you can also reshape ordinary dishes into shamrocks, rainbows, or other festive shapes.

We found some great St. Patrick's Day desserts>>

Go green

Take the green theme a step further and find one thing you and your family can do to have a positive impact on the environment. Plant a tree, recycle paper, switch to cloth napkins — choose whatever works for your family and do it. The rewards you'll reap for that are even better than the mythical pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Tell us

How do you celebrate St. Patrick's Day with your kids? Let us know in the comments.

More St. Patrick's Day fun

Shamrock crafts for St. Patrick's Day
7 Lucky St. Patrick's Day cocktails
Decorating ideas for St. Patrick's Day

Mindy Kaling talks new love interests on The Mindy Project

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Mindy Kaling opens up about starting her own show, new love interests and kissing Chris Messina.

Mindy Kaling

We love Mindy Kaling. She's funny, intelligent and not afraid to embarrass herself every once in a while, so we at SheKnows were super-excited to get the chance to chat with her recently about The Mindy Project and Mindy's love interests.

Mindy's not like her character>>

Mindy took a bold step after the success of The Office and branched out on her own to create The Mindy Project. "I should have been nervous," she told SheKnows, "but I was just really excited. I had done The Office for eight years and I wanted to do something romantic."

Marge Simpson is Mindy's hero>>

And there's a lot of romance on her new show. A lot of laugh-out-loud failed romantic moments, actually, and you have to wonder how many of the stories stem from real-life experience. "I love romance and dating, but I'm a comedy writer nerd. So my character has been on more dates this season than I have in my life."

WATCH OUR INTERVIEW WITH MINDY

The Mindy Project has also had great celebrity guest stars, like the super-funny Seth Rogen. "We loved having him on the show. He's the nicest, warmest, movie star ever and I'd love to work with him again. He can come back any time he wanted."

Why Jessica Alba loves Mindy Kaling>>

But with Seth's character deployed in Afghanistan for 18 months, who would Mindy want to have play her love interest next? "Danny McBride is so amazing. I love Idris Elba and Jonah Hill would just be so much fun."

What about the chemistry between Danny and Mindy? Is that going to go anywhere? "It's hard to not want to kiss him. He's a total babe, but it's so early in the series. I don't know. One day. Maybe I'll just kiss Chris on camera and that'll be something that happens."

And we do hope that will be something that happens.

Photo courtesy of WENN

Zoe Jarman talks Mindy Kaling as a boss

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Zoe Jarman opens up about having Mindy Kaling as a boss and the beautiful birthday gift she received.

Zoe Jarman

It's not always easy to get along with your boss, but maybe when your boss is funny girl Mindy Kaling it's a little easier. SheKnows recently caught up with The Mindy Project star Zoe Jarman who opened up about Mindy and working on the sitcom.

Mindy Kaling talks about love interests>>

From what Zoe says, Mindy sounds like a fantastic boss. First off, Mindy gave her a beautiful Z-shaped necklace as a birthday gift. We like bosses that give gifts. We like pretty much anyone who gives gifts.

More important than jewelry, however, is the way Mindy conducts herself. "She's incredibly intelligent, powerful, so thoughtful." Zoe told SheKnows. "She has this great energy. She expresses herself so well. She feels like an authoritative figure, but she's also so kind… She's a cool boss." Well, that just makes us love Mindy even more.

Mindy Kaling talks The Mindy Project, Halloween and Bill Hader>>

So what can we expect from Betsy this season? Is she going to get darker or wilder? "Yeah, actually, there's a little bit of that toward the end of the season. Which is really fun. I like doing that weirder, darker stuff. There has to be a flip side to someone who's up all the time… You will find out some things that you didn't know."

The Mindy Project cast on the red carpet>>

It sounds like Zoe has a lot to look forward to. She's working with an incredibly talented and wonderful boss, getting to explore her character's dark side and might have a love interest next season. We're excited to see what happens!

Photo courtesy of Wenn

Maple bacon breakfast sandwich recipe

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A big bakery-style bagel is stuffed full of fluffy scrambled eggs, sauteed spinach, maple bacon and melted havarti cheese. Topped off with creamy avocado slices, this makes one heck of a tasty breakfast.

breakfast sandwich

Why do we love this recipe? Because it's warm, cheesy and delicious. Bagels are a great grab-and-go breakfast item but why not kick it up a notch and add some super-tasty fillings. No need to stop for fast food when you can make these loaded bagels at home!

Maple bacon breakfast sandwich recipe

Ingredients:

  • 4 bagels, sliced in half
  • 6 egg whites and 2 whole eggs, scrambled
  • 8 strips maple bacon, pan fried or baked
  • A heaping handful of baby spinach, sauteed
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • 4 slices havarti cheese
  • Salt and pepper

Directions:

  1. Place the bagels on a plate. On one half of each bagel add the scrambled eggs, 1 slice of cheese, 2 slices of the maple bacon, the spinach and then top with other half of the bagel. Spray nonstick cooking spray in a small pan and toast each bagel on both sides for a few minutes until the bagel is heated all the way through.
  2. Remove from the heat and open the sandwich up, adding the fresh avocado and serve.

More tasty breakfast recipes

Overnight oats
Breakfast quesadillas
Breakfast bran muffins

Can your marriage survive infertility?

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While most fertility treatments are performed on the woman, and are happening to the woman’s body, you and your partner are in this together and your marriage is affected in more ways than one.
Tonya Wertman wedding photo

What infertility Can do to your marriage

While most fertility treatments are performed on the woman, and are happening to the woman’s body, you and your partner are in this together and your marriage is affected in more ways than one.

Struggling with infertility may be one of the most difficult challenges my husband and I have ever faced and in our almost 10 years together, and we have encountered plenty! With each failed cycle, we share not only a common goal unrealized, but an intense love, disappointment and heartbreak. Oftentimes many things go left unsaid; there are unmet expectations and always a lot of stress. We process our journey differently from one another, but always try to stay on the same page.

Communication is key

In our case, our infertility issues lie with me and my body and I feel guilty all the time because it's my body that is failing over and over again and no matter how many times my husband reassures me that we/I am doing everything right and it's not my fault, I can't shake those feelings.

"Sometimes I feel alone in this fight... "

Sometimes I feel alone in this fight because I'm the one going to the doctor, ordering the medications, picking up the medications, administering the medications , refilling the medications and having all of the invasive procedures in between.

The hormones imbalance me and turn me into someone I don't recognize and make me say ugly things. My husband has learned to steer clear of me during these bouts and I have learned if I don't tell him what I need or ask him to accompany me to a doctor's appointment, how does he know I want him there? When he doesn't ask how an appointment went or about the results of the latest probing, I'm hurt. Sometimes I'll tell him after the fact but that's not fair because at that point he can't do anything about it. It's a delicate dance and emotions are high.

We are a team

We know firsthand that the communication between us is crucial if we are to confront our quest to conceive another child effectively. There's just no getting around it, we have to talk! We have to be open and honest with one another every step of the way, expressing our fears, desires, frustrations and especially what we need from one another. This is not a battleground for one; it's a team effort and I can't imagine a better teammate than my husband. We are in this together, his fight is my fight and vice versa.

After discussing with my husband how infertility has affected us so far, I wanted to see what other couples had to say when I asked: Is your marriage strong enough to combat infertility?

Communication is the common denominator

"The short answer is, yes," says Coreen K. "We now have two children and are happily married. The long answer, though, well, it’s long. Our infertility tested our marriage. We didn’t always speak nicely to each other, and at times didn’t speak to each other at all. There was yelling, crying and laughter . We were not always each other’s rock. My husband didn’t go to all my doctor appointments and I didn’t ask him to. But the love was there and we knew we were in it together."

"We only survived infertility because of each other."

Communication and honesty were key for Beth M. and her hubby. "My husband and I really struggled in the beginning; after our first failed IUI he didn't want to proceed anymore for fear of how I would handle another let-down. Since then we have had to open up our lines [of] communication, we could have never survived without being open and honest with each other! We only survived infertility because of each other."

Many women who are battling infertility begin to feel like they aren't worthy of keeping their spouse. "After eight years of struggling with infertility we got through it with a lot of support from family and friends. I always knew the problem was me so I felt extremely bad for the fact I couldn't give him a child," says Amber K. "I once asked him if he wanted a divorce so he could find him a wife who could bear him children, but he said he'd love me no matter what and if we didn't have kids that was OK."

Sometimes through difficult times, couples grow closer and their bonds grow stronger. "I've been married 15 years trying to conceive the entire time," says Andrea G. "It's been mentally and physically draining. Financially [it] was rough! My husband and I separated for several months recently because of mainly fertility struggles. It was just a strain on our marriage all those years. It's hard but it truly has made us stronger in many ways. I would be lost without my husband and I almost let this nasty fertility journey destroy my life."

Infertility will put your marriage to the test, but if you focus on the importance of your relationship, it could be used as a wonderful opportunity to make your marriage stronger. If you and your spouse are struggling to communicate and get along through your infertility journey, your RE should be able to recommend a couples counselor.

Image credit: Tonya Wertman

More on infertility

Time to shop around for a new reproductive endocrinologist
Acupuncture for infertility: On pins and needles
Losing a pregnancy: When tears are not enough

Editor's video pick: Miranda Lambert "Mama's Broken Heart"

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Miranda Lambert graces the small screen with dainty outfits and a dash of crazy in her latest music video.

Miranda LambertPlastic perfection

Miranda Lambert debuts "refined crazy" in her vivacious new video for "Mama's Broken Heart." It's a charming, upbeat portrayal of a woman's frustration, but it has its share of profound wisdom.

What is Miranda being nominated for now?>>

It delves deep into a woman's plight of hiding from everyone else when she's falling apart on the inside. It takes real work to keep it together and anyone can relate almost immediately when Miranda comically displays her aggression by stabbing the food on her plate.

It's a vibrant video bursting with darling outfits and luxurious backdrops. It can't be sheer irony that Miranda also looks a bit too pristine — almost plastic like our favorite Mattel doll. While the song touches on the importance of a woman's appearance and her demeanor, it also expresses the restrictive sentiment that was once placed on women to hide showing their feelings.

Miranda has sensational style!>>

Ms. Lambert teeters to each extreme — ranging from quietly stirring in a bathtub to cathartic physical aggression in her bedroom. Which way is right? Any! Her video is a symbol of all the different coping styles — some can let flashes of emotion out occasionally, while others need an atomic explosion to release their pain.

The tumultuous experience of recouping after a breakup is not easy, and Lambert's video is a gentle reminder that we are not alone when we go through a rough one. Somewhere, someone else feels exactly what you do — rage! Thanks to this artist's daring performance, you can know that outburst you had isn't exactly abnormal.

A humorous thought did occur to me either Miranda is a great actress, or Blake Shelton must be scared out of his mind when he makes her mad!

Blake Shelton is in some hot water of his own right now, but it isn't with his wife!>>

Check out her video below!

Photo courtesy of Judy Eddy/WENN.com

Need more? Check out our other editor's video picks:

David Guetta feat. Usher "Without You"
My Goodness "Cold Feet Killer"

Matt & Kim "It's Alright"

How to: Top knot hairstyle tutorial

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Want to know the secret to the perfect top knot? There’s a little secret inside the bun. Using a special donut-shaped padding creates the perfect top knot every time. These hair donuts are like a Wonderbra for your hair. They form the ideal shape every time. This is such a quick and easy hairstyle that it will have you out the door looking fab in only a few minutes. The top knot is great for second day hair too, as your hair will hold the shape even better.

How to: Top knot hairstyle tutorial

Get the look!

Want to know the secret to the perfect top knot? There’s a little surprise inside the bun. Using a special donut-shaped padding creates the perfect top knot every time. These hair donuts are like a Wonderbra for your hair. They form the ideal shape every time. This is such a quick and easy hairstyle that it will have you out the door looking fab in only a few minutes. The top knot is great for second day hair too, as your hair will hold the shape even better.

Supplies:

  • A brush — I like a paddle brush or a bristle brush
  • A comb
  • An elastic
  • Bobby pins
  • Donut-shaped padding

Instructions:

1

Gather your hair into a high ponytail. I find this is easier if I flip my head over and brush my hair up, but whatever works for you! Make sure you have a strong elastic to hold your hair in the high ponytail.

How to: Top knot hairstyle tutorial

2

Pop your donut padding around your ponytail. Try to use padding that is close to your natural hair color.

How to: Top knot hairstyle tutorial

3

Tease your hair. Gently backcomb your ponytail to create more volume so you have enough hair to cover the donut.

How to: Top knot hairstyle tutorial

4

Hide the donut by wrapping your hair around it. Find the center of your ponytail and wrap your hair around evenly to cover the donut. Use bobby pins to secure the ends of your hair. You can also tuck your hair under the donut to keep it neat.

How to: Top knot hairstyle tutorial

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Finish with a spritz of hairspray to smooth any fuzzy flyaways. I like to smooth around my hairline, but I still keep the bun a little messy so that it looks more natural.

How to: Top knot hairstyle tutorial

tip

Tease the ponytail and wrap the top knot so that your hair is a little messy. Pull at a few sections of hair to keep it a little uneven and more natural looking so you can’t see an exact outline of the donut padding.

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St. Patrick's Day food and traditions

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This year, St. Patrick's Day falls on Sunday, March 17 — it's right around the corner! Let's start some new traditions and really celebrate what the holiday is all about.
Party food for Saint Patrick's Day

All about
St. Patrick's Day

This year, St. Patrick's Day falls on Sunday, March 17 — it's right around the corner! Let's start some new traditions and really celebrate what the holiday is all about.

What exactly is St. Patrick's Day? Well, it's a day of celebrating St. Patrick that goes as far back as the 17th century. St. Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland — and we celebrate St. Patrick's Day on March 17 of every year, which is the anniversary of his death. Let's take a look at common traditions and ways of celebrating the holiday, plus how to make it fun for you and your family!

The traditions

St. Patrick's Day is one of the holidays with the most fun traditions. You get to wear green and pinch those who don't, plus drink as much beer as possible in true Irish fashion. Other traditions to partake in include:

  • Attend a St. Patrick's Day parade. Large parades are held in most major U.S. cities, but even smaller cities typically have some sort of parade perfect for attending with the family. Click here for the best cities to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in.
  • Have the kids search for a four-leaf clover. They're rare, but if you live in an area with clovers it could be fun to let the kids try and find one. Each leaf represents something different — hope, faith, love and happiness.
  • Make shamrock shakes. They're super simple — mint chip ice cream blended with a little milk. Or get a McCafe Shamrock Shake from McDonalds. It's the perfect blend of mint and vanilla topped with whipped cream and a cherry.
  • Have a St. Patrick's Day party. Invite family and friends over for corned beef hash and green beer. Play Irish music and put the movie Leprechaun on replay!

The food

Any holiday that involves good food and lots of drinking is a favorite in our book! Due to these criteria, St. Patrick's Day is one not to miss. Whether you go all-out celebrating the holiday or prefer to lay low, you at least have to partake in the delicious foods! Traditional St. Patrick's Day food and beverages include:

Irish menu

Let's also not forget about green desserts! Essentially, any light-colored dessert can be made green with a few drops of food coloring. If you're looking for real green desserts, think key lime pie, lime Jell-O, mint chocolate chip ice cream cake or crème de menthe brownies.

For the adults… St. Patrick's Day beverages

If you're a beer-drinker, make sure to indulge in a Guinness this St. Patrick's Day. Other popular beers include Sam Adam's Irish Red, Miller Genuine Draft, Dos Equis, Coors Light and Heineken. Remember, for any light lager you can add a few drops of green food coloring for a festive green beer.

And if beer's not your thing, don't fret. We have 7 lucky St. Patrick's Day cocktails just for you and even some green cocktails. Be sure to try one this St. Patrick's Day.

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Game of Thrones' 14 minute "recap" available

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Game of Thrones' return is right around the corner. Are you prepared?

Game of thrones season 2 recap

If you missed out on Friday's Game of Thrones recap special , fret not. We're sure HBO will show the special at least a million more times between now and the Season 3 premiere . It's also probably already available on demand. However, if you're at work right now and bored out of your mind, it's also available online .

To recap: If you stayed home to catch the Friday special... Whomp whomp whomp!

Game of Thrones Season 3 preview from Jimmy Kimmel>>

The GoT Season 2 recap, Game of Thrones: A Gathering Storm is 14 minutes long and contains a series of clips from Season 2 as well as actor narration. It's quite brilliant — if only mildly helpful in untangling the plot-rich second season of HBO's fantastical drama. The video features nearly the entire cast and both co-creators walking viewers through almost everything that happened last season and serves as both a catch-up for new viewers and a web-detangler/reminder for all of last summer's addicted fans.

Game of Thrones adds fresh meat>>

Watch:

Phew! That's a headful! If you're still confused, we understand. Everyone does. Check back at SheKnows soon, though, for a recap of our own of everything important that happened in Seasons 1 and 2! Then, don't forget to tune in to the Game of Thrones Season 3 premiere on March 31 on HBO!

Recap: The Game of Thrones Season 2 finale>>

A Recap is coming

Any recap must-covers? Help us help you!

Image courtesy of HBO

3 Family tree ideas for Women’s History Month

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What better way to celebrate Women’s History Month than to teach your children about all of the wonderful women in their own lineage? Gather your children and a few craft supplies and make these crafts to celebrate and commemorate all of the outstanding women in your child’s life.

History begins at home, and because March is Women's History Month, these family tree projects are a great opportunity to teach your children about all of their amazing female ancestors.

Colorful family picture tree

Colorful family picture tree

Put together a family tree that is made out of tree branches! You can create a beautiful display of family photos and talk to your children about each relative you are adding to the tree. All month long you can use this craft as an opportunity to share treasured family memories with your child.

What you need:

  • black and white photocopies of family photos
  • colorful construction paper
  • glue stick
  • tree branches
  • vase
  • sand
  • miniature clothespins

What you'll do:

  1. Cut out the photocopies of the family photos, then cut out construction paper rectangles that are slightly larger than the photos.
  2. Use the glue stick to glue the photos to the construction paper background.
  3. Arrange the tree branches in the vase.
  4. Fill the vase with sand to hold the branches in place. If you don't live near the beach you can find sand in the floral section at the craft store.
  5. Use the miniature clothespins to clip the photos to the tree branches.

3-D family tree craft

3D family tree craft

What's more fun than a family tree that's really a tree? This 3-D construction paper craft is a fun and unique way to make a family tree.

What you'll need:

  • 2 pieces of brown construction paper
  • light and dark green construction paper
  • pen
  • scissors
  • glue

What you'll do:

  1. Draw a tree outline on the brown construction paper, then cut it out.
  2. Use your scissors to cut a 2-inch slit in the trunk of the tree, starting at the bottom.
  3. Trace just the trunk of the tree on the second piece of brown construction paper, then cut it out.
  4. Cut a 2-inch slit in the second tree trunk going from the top down.
  5. Slide the two tree trunks together to form a 3-D base for the tree.
  6. Draw and cut out construction paper leaves from the green paper. Cut out one leaf for each relative that you wish to include in the family tree.
  7. Have your child write the names of your relatives on the leaves, then glue the leaves to the tree.

Fingerprint family tree

Fingerprint family tree

At your next family gathering, use your family's fingerprints to form the leaves for this easy family tree project.

What you'll need:

  • white card stock
  • brown paint
  • light and dark green paint
  • paper plate
  • paint brush
  • picture frame

What you'll do:

  1. Have your child paint a tree trunk and branches on the card stock with the brown paint.
  2. Let the paint dry.
  3. Put two dollops of green paint on a paper plate.
  4. Have your relatives dip a finger in the paint, then put a finger print on the card stock to make the leaves of the tree.
  5. Let the paint dry completely, then put the fingerprint family tree in the picture frame.
Image credit: Amy Vowles

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NFL cheerleading squad wants Paris Jackson to audition

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Paris Jackson, having a normal-looking teenager-hood at her California prep school, catches the eye of an NFL cheer squad.

Paris Jackson on Twitter

Paris Jackson has what it takes to be an NFL cheerleader, Philadelphia Eagles cheer director Barbara Zaun tells TMZ, and she hopes when Michael Jackson's daughter comes of age, she'll audition.

Footage and images of Jackson cheering for the varsity basketball team of the Buckley School, the prep school she attends in the San Fernando Valley in California, surfaced a few days ago.

Zaun took a look and liked what she saw.

"We thought that she had a lot of poise, confidence, and enthusiasm in her cheer performance," Zaun told TMZ. "Paris has that 'wow factor' that makes a great cheerleader."

Wow factor aside, at 14, Paris is still a few years too young to shake her pom-poms for the Eagles. Eagles cheerleaders must be at least 18 years old to perform, and have a high school diploma.

Paris Jackson: Ignore the haters>>

Nonetheless, Zaun invited Jackson out for an audition when she's ready.

"She is already very comfortable in the limelight, so we think she would definitely stand out and impress the judges," Zaun told TMZ. "We hope that she will try out for the team and be an Eagles cheerleader!"

Jackson tweeted a photo of herself cheering on March 4; she boasts a new hairstyle in the pic, different from her usual long, straight brown locks. Now her hair is short, black and spiky-punky.

Would it look great with a black-and-white Philly Eagles cheerleader uniform? Maybe we'll see.

Jackson's brother, Prince Michael Jackson, recently took on his on new television gig. Is Blanket soon to follow into the limelight?

Image courtesy Paris Jackson/Twitter and WENN.com

Kale, butternut squash and pancetta pizza

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Pizza doesn't have to just be reserved for pepperoni and mushrooms. This flavorful pizza combines kale, butternut squash and pancetta. Move over boring pizza!

kale, butternut squash and pancetta pizza

Pizza doesn't just have to be pepperoni and stringy mozzarella. Sometimes it can be grown-up! Now, we're not saying kids won't love this pizza but it's packed full of vegetables and nutrients. Kale, butternut squash and crispy pancetta are combined with sharp Italian cheese to create your new favorite pizza!

Kale, butternut squash and pancetta pizza recipe

Yields 1 large pizza

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound pizza dough
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1-1/2 cups Italian blend shredded cheese
  • 1/3 cup small diced butternut squash
  • 1 cup packed chopped kale
  • 1/3 cup crispy pancetta pieces

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Roll out dough so it is thin. This will help it bake up to be crispy. Lay dough onto parchment-lined baking sheet and start topping.
  3. Brush olive oil onto the dough and sprinkle with minced garlic. Cover with 1 cup of the Italian blend cheese.
  4. Top the cheese with kale, butternut squash, pancetta and remaining 1/2 cup cheese.
  5. Bake for about 18 minutes until the bottom is cooked fully and cheese is melted and browned.

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Biggie Smalls' ghost to be animated for kids' cartoon

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Biggie Smalls' ghost is coming to television in an animated project that features the late rapper's teenage children. Check out House of Wallace's plans for the Notorious B.I.G.'s television return.

Biggie Smalls

Biggie Smalls' ghost isn't out for revenge against his murderer, he's coming back to offer advice to his kids!

Just after the sixteenth anniversary of Notorious B.I.G.'s 1997 death, his teenage children have announced they plan for their father to be a part of the upcoming animated television series House of Wallace.

The Notorious B.I.G.'s autopsy report finally released>>

A press release published Monday explains Biggie Smalls' ghost will follow C.J. and T'yanna, the real-life teenage son and daughter of the man born Christopher George Latore Wallace, "in their dramatic journey as they attempt to keep his studio in Bedford-Stuyvesant / Brooklyn alive, despite numerous trials and tribulations."

Fighting to keep the studio's "Notorious Heritage" preserved when a "cookie cutter 'entertainment factory'" tries to take over, the kids are forced to find creative ways to bring in revenue.

Top 5 unsolved celebrity deaths >>

Biggie Smalls? The man seen here immortalized in wax at Madame Tussauds has more than a bit part in the new show.

Ossian Media's press release explains, "The spirit of B.I.G. himself serves as a central character, appearing to the children in ethereal form to guide them through the adversities they face as they struggle to preserve their father’s labor of love."

Indeed, House of Wallace comes from the heart. In the statement, T'yanna and CJ Wallace shared:

"It's been 16 years since our Dad was murdered and we miss him dearly. It is such an honor for us to be able to carry on his legacy, not only through his music but also by channeling him through our own creativity. This project, House Of Wallace is a great opportunity for us to bridge the gap between our parents who loved his music and the kids and young adults our ages, that were not around to really appreciate it"

The show has yet to be picked up, though "a few serious networks are in discussion."

Will you be watching when and if Biggie Smalls' ghost comes to television?

Image via WENN

Gwyneth Paltrow's dramatic diet to keep her family healthy

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The actress had a medical scare a few years ago and it motivated her to make sure she was feeding her family the right things.

Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow has tried a lot of diets in the last few years, all in attempts to keep her family healthy. The actress said the decision was based on the fact that her entire family, including husband Chris Martin and two children, are intolerant of gluten, dairy and chicken eggs.

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According to the Daily Mail, Paltrow has admitted that she does not feed her children pasta, bread or rice. Daughter Apple is now eight years old and son Moses is six years old. The change in diet led Paltrow to write a cookbook, It’s All Good, which will be released in April. She is taking heat over her lack of trust in grains of any kind.

"Every single nutritionist, doctor and health-conscious person I have ever come across seems to concur that is tough on the system and many of us are at best intolerant of it and at worst allergic to it," Paltrow said, according to the Daily Mail.

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But she also added that it leads to some problems in her household.

"Sometimes when my family is not eating pasta, bread or processed grains like white rice, we’re left with that specific hunger that comes with avoiding carbs," she added.

But to the Oscar-winning actress, that is much more important than feeding them something their bodies can’t handle. She said her family is also allergic to "many other surprising foods".

The attempt to keep her family healthy started in 2011 when Paltrow had a brief medical scare. She thought she was having a stroke.

"One sunny afternoon in London, in the spring of 2011, I thought - without sounding overly dramatic - that I was going to die," she said, according to The Sun. "I had just served lunch in the garden at home. I had a vague feeling that I was going to faint, and I wasn't forming thoughts correctly. I got a searing pain in my head, I couldn't speak, and I felt as if I couldn't breathe. I thought I was having a stroke."

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Paltrow said after that day, she cut out coffee, eggs, sugar, shellfish, potatoes, wheat and meat. She was found to be anemic and vitamin D deficient and took that opportunity to change her diet and the diet of her family.

Photo courtesy Sean Thorton/WENN.COM
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