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Theo James to star in Divergent

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Theo James is set to take on the role of Four in the futuristic thriller Divergent.

Theo James

One of Downton Abbey's most memorablehunks may be the next Robert Pattinson!

It was announced on Friday that Theo James has been cast in the forthcoming adaptation of Divergent.

Manywill recall that James appeared on Downton Abbey as the doomed Turk Mr. Pamuk.

James will take on the role of Four, alongside The Descendants star Shailene Woodley.

Divergent is set in a future world in which people are divvied up based on their personalities. Tris Prior discovers that she is a Divergent and does not fit into any of the groups. She soon uncovers a conspiracy to destroy all Divergents.

Emma Stone tweet: Andrew kissed Shailene? >>

Four serves as the leader of the Dauntless faction.

Neil Burger, who helmed the hit psychological drama Limitless, is slated to direct the flick.

"We took our time to find the right actor to fill the role of Four, and Theo is definitely the perfect fit," Erik Feig, Lionsgate Motion Picture Group’s president of production, said in a statement. "Veronica has crafted a truly iconic character in Four and we cannot wait to begin production and bring him and this story to life for millions of fans around the world."

The film is based on the best-selling 2011 novel by Veronica Roth. Evan Daugherty penned the film’s screenplay.

The success of the $3.3 billion–grossing Twilight franchise has led to the release of numerous film adaptations of young-adult novels like The Hunger Games and Beautiful Creatures.

Divergent will begin filming in April and is scheduled to hit theaterson March 21, 2014.

Hunger Games lovers will probably recognize that the original Hunger Games premiered on that exact date last year!

Image courtesy Wenn.com

The Walking Dead preview: "Prey"

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Andrea finally realizes who The Governor is and what he's capable of, but can she really kill him this time?

The Walking Dead

Check out the preview videos below from The Walking Dead episode "Prey" and find out what happens when Andrea discovers The Governor's true intentions.

In the preview video for the episode, we see that things are really starting to come to a head between Rick's prison crew and The Governor's group. Miracle of miracles, it appears that Andrea has finally realized that The Governor isn't the man she thought he was, and maybe, just maybe, she'll actually kill him this time. It looks like Milton is on her side too, which could be helpful, but it's unclear whether Tyreese and his people are going to help or hinder the process. Plus, there's a trailer full of zombies in there, which I doubt spells good news for Rick and his group.

The Walking Dead recap: Rick and The Governor face off>>

In the first of two sneak-peek videos for the episode, we find Tyreese and Sasha taking part in target practice on some wayward walkers. Looks like Tyreese's time out in the wilds killing zombies with machetes didn't give him much experience with guns. Sasha has no problem giggling at his ineptitude at first, but in the end, it does look like he's learning. I wonder if he'll end up using his new prowess on humans if Rick and his group attack?

In the second sneak-peek video, we find Andrea and Milton slipping into what we can only assume is a secret place being kept by The Governor. What they find there looks like something out of a sick slasher movie: what appears to be a dentist's chair , plus various and assorted instruments of torture. Milton has brought Andrea there to prove to her just what The Governor has in mind for her friends at the prison, and though he encourages her to leave and warn them, the sight of The Governor's depravity strengthens her resolve to kill him.

The Walking Dead recap: Morgan's back!>>

From what we've seen, it certainly looks like this is going to be yet another intense episode of this show.

What do you think after watching the previews? Whom is the chair of torture is for, Michonne or maybe even Rick? Will Andrea finally kill The Governor?

Image courtesy of AMC

The Vampire Diaries: What's next for Jeremy Gilbert?

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Jeremy has died for real, paving the way for Elena to turn off her emotions without a reason to look back. That hasn't stopped fans from missing him — especially when things between he and Bonnie were just getting good.

The Vampire Diaries

Still haven't recovered from Jeremy Gilbert's death on The Vampire Diaries? You aren't alone.

With the death of little brother Jeremy , a lot of Vampire Diaries' fans aren't sure where they're going to get their weekly fix of barely legal swoons. Not that the show is lacking in the eye candy department... But the little brother was just getting all grown up.

No word yet on what's next for The CW heartthrob.

Fans of the show know by now, though, that just because someone is dead doesn't mean they're gone for good. Plus, with The CW planning a spinoff starring Klaus' and Caroline's characters, there's still hope Jeremy will be around.

Joseph Morgan nervous about Vampire Diaries' spinoff The Originals? >>

The Vampire Diaries executive producer Julie Plec spoke with Entertainment Weekly about Jeremy's future.

"Just because somebody is dead doesn't mean you'll never see them again, which, I think helps temper some of the grief when all is said and done," Plec said to EW. "But his body is burnt so he is no longer on this earth."

EW asked whether Jeremy's death was it or there are more deaths to come this season.

Plec responded with a laugh, "I can't promise that the answer is no, but I definitely will try not to shatter everyone's souls as deeply as what they went through last night."

How did Elena handle Jeremy's death? Find out by reading the recaps>>

So the good news is that The Vampire Diaries isn't ruling out the possibility of a return for Jeremy. On the downside, if they have plans for his character to pop up in the future, they're staying tight-lipped for now.

In the meantime, we'll keep our fingers crossed and keep watching.

The next episode of The Vampire Diaries airs March 21 on The CW.

Images courtesy of The CW

The Vampire Diaries sneak peek: "Because the Night"

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With pink hair and a sassy new attitude, Elena is poised to fit right in in the Big Apple. But with a secret scheme and no inhibitions, she's planning on doing more than partying.

The Vampire Diaries

If we got anything from last week's episode of The Vampire Diaries, it's that Elena is a loose cannon now that she's turned off her emotions.

Putting her in New York City is just asking for trouble. But Damon's got this thing with reliving his partying days in the 1970s and thinks Elena could use some time away. Maybe not a good idea for the citizens of New York.

But perhaps it's a good idea for Damon . From the looks of the promo, he'll be getting some rooftop action.

Will Jeremy Gilbert return to the show, or is he dead for good?>>

Damon tells Stefan that the vacation to New York is simultaneously a hunt for the cure. Perhaps we'll uncover more secrets about the relationship between Damon and Will, the vampire he killed last week.

The upcoming episode, "Because the Night," will also offer a look at Damon's hedonistic life through flashbacks. The CW promises to reveal a "complicated encounter" he shared with Lexi back in the '70s. If you remember, Lexi was the vampire who helped Stefan regain his humanity. Damon killed her in Season 1, but she has become a consistent character throughout the show via flashbacks and ghost appearances.

Missed a few episodes of The Vampire Diaries ? Catch up with the recaps>>

Back in Mystic Falls, we'll catch up with Bonnie, who was absent last episode. She's apparently still recovering from Shane's and Jeremy's deaths and struggling to control her new powers. Now that Shane isn't around to keep her head straight, Bonnie will have to find a new way to keep a grip on reality and make the right choices.

Meanwhile, Caroline and Stefan are focusing on the cure. The two convince Klaus to help them track Silas down. No word on if Hayley will be sticking around as well. We hope so, as there's bound to be some awkward tension with Caroline, Klaus and Hayley all in one room so soon after Klaus and Hayley's hookup last episode.

Here's the "Because the Night" sneak-peek video:

Images courtesy of The CW

Man Candy Mondays: Eddie Redmayne

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Dress him up in a tux at the Oscars, or dress him down in tattered period clothing in Les Miserables— there's no obscuring Eddie Redmayne's utter fair-skinned cuteness and sheer likability. Move over, Prince Harry: Eddie might be our new favorite redheaded Brit.

Eddie Redmayne

Eddie Redmayne

We're freaking for this freckled Brit

Dress him up in a tux at the Oscars, or dress him down in tattered period clothing in Les Miserables— there's no obscuring Eddie Redmayne's utter fair-skinned cuteness and sheer likability. Move over, Prince Harry: Eddie might be our new favorite redheaded Brit.

Why we love him

This Tony winner manages to present himself as both vulnerable and distinguished at the same time. How's that possible? All we know is that the combo makes us weak in the knees.


Eddie Redmayne

Born: Jan. 6, 1982

Hometown: London, England

Height: 6' 1"

He's adorable in the present... and in the past

Historical film roles have been Eddie's bread and butter — recently we've watched him croon as Marius Pontmercy in 2012's Les Miserables... and gallivant with Marilyn Monroe in My Life With Marilyn. Plus, let's not forget about his earlier films: The Other Boleyn Girl and Elizabeth: The Golden Age, among others.

"I feel like I've worked my way through the Medieval period into the Elizabethan period, and now having done My Week With Marilyn along with Savage Grace, I've done the '50s and '60s,"he told Interview. "I was just on a film in North Carolina, and it was set in the '80s. I'm sort of, step-by-step, working my way into the modern day."

We don't mind if Eddie stays in the past for a bit longer — especially when we're picturing him ripping off our Elizabethan bodice.

Eddie RedmayneHe's a sexy ginger — but has stayed humble

We already knew Eddie was multitalented, but did you know he's an honest-to-God model? The chap has even scored contracts modeling for quintessential English luxury brand Burberry. But lest you think the attention has gone to his head, Eddie has repeatedly reassured the press he's still figuring it all out:

"Listen, acting is not surgery,"he told The Independent, "it's entertainment. You're doing something to hopefully move people, to make them laugh, to transport them. But actors are vulnerable, and the reason we're vulnerable is that we're always trying to re-create human behavior. And any human being has the right to look at that behavior and decide if it looks real to them or not. Everyone has that capacity for judgment, everyone can turn around and say, 'Sorry, but I just don't believe that.'"

"So if you have thin skin — and I don't have particularly thick skin — then your need to constantly please people, well... it's completely impossible. That's why I still feel I've got so much work to do, to really try and nail this thing."

We think you've done an amazing job so far, Eddie!

He has the voice of a angel

Sure, Eddie's won a Tony for his role in the Mark Rothko play Red, but singing on camera in Les Miserables was a whole different ballgame. Honing his voice was a workout in itself, Eddie has said.

"All that singing meant that I had to be healthier than ever,"he told W magazine. "To protect your voice you can't drink, and you are suddenly in love with your humidifier. I also kept thinking about the intensity and high expectations of the millions of people who have seen Les Miserables on the stage. Basically, I was in a state of anxiety during most of the making of the movie. Luckily, I find fear to be inspiring."

That hard work definitely paid off...

Eddie Redmayne's relationship status

Eddie Redmayne with girlfriend Hannah

Hardcore Les Mis fans wish Eddie were dating his costar Amanda Seyfried, who plays Cosette in the film, but that's not the case. Eddie rocked the red carpet at the Oscars with his publicist girlfriend Hannah Bagshawe, whom he's been dating for roughly a year. And Hannah has another little side job when it comes to dating Eddie: wardrobe consultant!

"I'm confused with colors,"he told People. "When I go out to premieres and events, I have to check with my girlfriend that the trousers match the top," he explained. “I recently wore a blue suit — and I had to ask her if it was really blue rather than purple. She assured me it was blue. I could not tell the difference."

He doesn't say much about their personal relationship, but he did say this: "I'm lucky to be with someone who is very supportive."

Aw! That's all you can ask for in a great relationship. Sounds like a great match!

More music-making hunks

Man Candy Mondays: Russell Crowe
Man Candy Mondays: Hugh Jackman
Man Candy Mondays: Taye Diggs

Photo credit: Brian To/WENN.com, Daniel Deme/WENN.com, Apega/WENN.com

Trendspotting with Jill Laine: 3 Spring runway trends that go with everything

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This month our trendspotter Jill Laine scoured the streets of sunny LA to find what classic trends we can all look forward to wearing this spring and beyond!
Jill Laine
Trendspotting

Modern Classics for spring

This month our trendspotter, Jill Laine, scoured the streets of sunny LA to find what classic trends we can all look forward to wearing this spring and beyond!

Black and white
Bold florals
Punchy Prints

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Black and white

Is there a woman alive that doesn’t love the effortless chic of black and white? Whether the mod trend, exaggerated ruffles or classic shapes, this spring offers endless choices to suit your black and white moods. Consider this trend to be your perfect, neutral canvas for a big burst of color in shoes or accessories.

At The Grove, Pia wears a delightfully chic Michael Kors dress with shoulder cut-outs.

What I love about her look: With great fashion, less is truly more. All she needs is a little pair of ballet flats and sunnies with this dress to be picture perfect!

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Bold florals

In nature as well as the runway, flowers herald the return of spring. There’s nothing demure or shy about florals circa 2013 — they feature in-your-face, big, bold prints and electric hues. Remember to pair these high drama items with neutrals and other basics to keep your look in full bloom.

On Melrose, Jill wears Prabal Gurung for Target.

What I love about this look: You don’t need to spend a bundle to get the latest trends. This little dress is only $35. The colors and bold print lift us out of our winter doldrums and remind us that warmer temps are straight ahead.

3

Punchy prints

The last few years in fashion have seen a print revolution-slash-evolution, and this spring that bar has been raised even higher. Although I’m completely smitten with prints du jour, these have massive personality and are thusly remembered. To keep this look classic, opt to wear these outrageous prints in small doses like accessories.

In West Hollywood, Tosha wears a brightly colored Theodora & Callum printed scarf.

What I love about this look: You can never go wrong with quality basic pieces: a white shirt, black riding boots and jeans. Throw on a scarf in any brightly colored print and voila! It’s modern yet timeless style at its best.

More fashion

Demi Lovato speaks up: Bye-bye bullies, hello beautiful
Emmanuelle Chriqui reveals her beauty must-haves and style icons
Minka Kelly walks the runway for heart health and shares her beauty must-haves

Olive and goat cheese tartlets

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These simple olive and cheese-topped tartlets are the perfect appetizer for easy entertaining or unexpected guests.

Daily Flavor

Easy entertaining

These simple olive and cheese-topped tartlets are the perfect appetizer for easy entertaining or unexpected guests.

olive and cheese tartlets

Recipes don't have to take hours to be delicious. This quick-and-easy recipe for olive tartlets will be in the oven in minutes, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy your guests.

Olive and goat cheese tartlets recipe

Yields 12-16

Ingredients:

  • 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
  • 1 can large black olives
  • 4 ounces goat cheese
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup chopped tomato
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon or basil
  • Flour

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the puff pastry with the rolling pin three times in each direction, making the pastry thinner and larger. Using a 3-1/2 inch biscuit cutter, cut out 12-16 circles of puff pastry. Place the pastry circles on the baking sheet.
  3. In a food processor, add the olives, goat cheese and cream cheese. Pulse until well combined. Top the pastry circles with 1-2 tablespoons of the olive mixture.
  4. Bake until the edges of the puff pastry turn golden brown, about 15-18 minutes. Transfer to a serving plate and top with chopped tomato and fresh herbs.

More Daily Flavor

Jalapeño bacon dip
Truffle-roasted tomato hummus
Bite-size spinach dip cups

Glee sneak peek: "Guilty Pleasures"

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In the upcoming episode of Glee, New Directions will take on songs that everyone loves, but no one wants to admit.

Rachel and Santana in Glee

Glitter, gold, hula hoops and The Spice Girls, of course.

This week's episode of Glee will feature all of our favorite guilty pleasure songs while picking up with the drama where we left off last week at McKinley High School and in New York.

The plot line surrounding Rachel and Brody will continue to unfold. After Santana caught Brody in the act last week by posing as a client, the girl is not giving up with a vengeance. She is set on convincing Rachel of Brody's secret night job, proving that even though she can talk trash better than anyone, she's a loyal friend at heart.

What is Dianna Agron up to these days outside of Glee?>>

We'll also find out more about Ryder's mystery online girl. My guess is it's someone at McKinley. Knowing Ryan Murphy and the trends of the show, they're using this as an opportunity to uncover an issue they previously haven't brought up: The dangers of online dating.

This week may also be the time when Blaine finally admits he has feelings for Sam. In the preview from Fox, Sam challenges Blaine to admit his guilty pleasure. Blaine just blushes and looks away. In the preview, we also see Blaine ask Sam, "Do you have feelings for me?"

Missed a few episodes of Glee? Catch up with the recaps>>

Now that Mr. Schuester is back in charge of the Glee club, we'll start to see what's next for Finn . When we last saw him, he was punching Brody in a hotel room and telling him to disappear from Rachel's life. Now that Brody's sketchy career is about to be exposed, will Rachel turn back to Finn? Or will she defend Brody and his choices? It's uncertain with this new Rachel emerging in recent episodes. She herself considered going nude in a movie. And she had Brody's full support to do so. Can she justifiably turn on him once she discovers his dirty little secret?

All this drama will be accomplished with the help of skin-tight, white spandex and a dance performance like Glee hasn't seen in a long time.

Glee is all new this Thursday on Fox. Here is the preview of the episode if you haven't seen it yet:

Images courtesy of Fox

What they don't tell you about Botox

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Have you looked in the mirror lately and seen frown lines forming between your eyebrows? Does the thought of injections in your face scare you? If you are thinking about Botox, here is what you need to know from someone who has had the treatment for many years.

Woman getting Botox

Ask yourself why?

The first question to ask yourself is why do you want to get Botox? Do you see crow’s feet around your eyes that make you look older? Do you have frown lines between your eyes that make you look angry when you are not? Or do you have a big event coming up like your wedding? Like any facial procedure, patients need to have realistic expectations. While it won't get you that new job or find a boyfriend, it can give you extra confidence in your appearance which can translate to all areas of your life.

My story

I had my first Botox treatment right before I got married 11 years ago. Six months before I got married, I went to Australia with some friends for an adventure trip. Even though I was in the beauty industry , I had never thought about wrinkles before that trip. One day we went on a tour of a koala bear sanctuary. I was so excited to have my picture taken hugging a koala bear and I ordered the largest print they had, but once the picture was handed to me, I was horrified!

I had a huge smile on my face, a cuddly bear around me and lots of crow’s feet around my eyes! I tore up the picture and threw it out! As soon as I landed at home, I called my dermatologist and asked what I could do about the wrinkles and he suggested Botox, a new wrinkle treatment. After the procedure, I was so happy, especially with the upcoming wedding. Since then, I get treatments every four to six months .

How does it work?

BOTOX are neurotoxic proteins produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum . These drugs work by blocking nerve impulses to the injected muscles, hence reducing the muscle movements that cause wrinkles.

The concept is not new. Frownies, a tape that is placed over wrinkles at nighttime to prevent repetitive muscle movement was invented over 100 years ago. Of course the results are not as fast as BOTOX and its competitors, but it is based on the same principles.

These medications are officially approved for frown lines between the eyes but most doctors also use them to correct crow’s feet, bunny lines , horizontal forehead lines, nasal flare and even do brow lifts.

What does it cost?

The average price of the treatments ranges from $250-$400 per area . Sometimes the manufacturers offer discounts or coupons via their websites or through the doctors; however, this should not be the reason to choose one or the other.

Botox injectionWhat should you ask your doctor?

First you should find an experienced dermatologist or plastic surgeon to perform wrinkle treatments on your face. If you have friends who have gotten Botox and you like how they look, try to consult with the same doctor. I would suggest avoiding "Botox parties" — being one on one with your doctor in their office is ideal in case anything goes wrong or you have a reaction.

An experienced doctor will know where to place the neurotoxin and how much to inject in each area for the most natural look possible. Also, your doctor will know which injectable is suitable for your needs, or they might even use two different ones on you at the same time .

You should also tell your doctor about any medications, vitamins or mineral supplements you are taking, as some will increase the chance of bleeding or bruising. Common medications to avoid are ibuprofen and aspirin. Similarly, vitamin E, omega-3 and flaxseed oil supplements can increase chances of bruising. So even if you only have a consultation with a doctor, try to avoid these supplements seven days prior to the meeting. If you decide to get the injections, it will minimize your chance of bruising and bleeding.

During the treatment

Before the procedure, your face will be cleaned of all makeup . Next, topical ice will be applied to the areas to be treated . Your doctor will ask you to contract and relax the problem areas . This allows the doctor to inject the appropriate spots on your face.

After each injection, you will hold ice to your face as well to minimize any bruising and soothe the area. Most doctors offer "free" touch ups after two weeks. I think this is so important because it means that they are using the least amount necessary on your face. After two weeks, you can determine if you need any more .

After

Once the doctor is finished, you are free to apply makeup to your face. Doctors recommend not lying down for two to four hours after and avoid vigorous exercise. Within a few days, you will notice the effect of the treatment and results usually last three to six months, depending on the individual. If you have any side effects, most likely they will be bruising, headaches or a flu-like feeling, and these usually go away either after a few hours or in the case of bruising, after a few days.

More beauty

The lowdown on wrinkle treatments
Treating common signs of aging on your face
Best products to fight wrinkles

All medical-related information provided on SheKnows.com is of a general nature, presented for educational and informational purposes only, is presented "as is" without warranty or guarantee of any kind and is not intended as a diagnosis, treatment or as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment. Please consult a local physician or other health care professional for your specific health care and/or medical needs or concerns. None of the individual authors, sponsors or affiliates of SheKnows.com nor anyone else connected to SheKnows, LLC can take any responsibility for the results or consequences of any attempt to use or adopt any of the information presented on SheKnows.com.

Create a LinkedIn profile that gets you hired

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If you're looking for a job , it's time to get that LinkedIn profile working for you. These days, potential clients and employers know that more info is just a web search away. What does your profile tell them?

Linkedin profile

Stand out and let
the job come to you!

If you're looking for a job , it's time to get that LinkedIn profile working for you. These days, potential clients and employers know that more info is just a web search away. What does your profile tell them?

More and more, employers are turning to the internet to handpick candidates for open positions. Why put out a job listing and hope the right candidate calls you, when you can just go find them? One of the most popular sites to search is LinkedIn. Even if you’re responding to a job listing, make sure your LinkedIn profile is a quality resource where employers can get more info about you.

Come on… vogue!

Your profile picture is the first thing a potential employer will notice. Make sure it says what you want it to say. It should be a professional headshot.

How you’re dressed depends on what industry you’re in, though a nice button-down in a color that compliments your coloring is always a good go-to. Keep your jewelry small and tasteful and your hair neat and conservative. If you’re a creative professional, you can probably get away with something a bit flashier, but remember that less is more. Avoid these profile picture mistakes:

  • Don’t use a candid photo that shows you engaging in your favorite hobby . Depending on your industry, it's OK to be a little more creative, but think about how a potential employer might see it — will you look creative or just unprofessional?
  • Don’t use a photo that has someone else in it. It’s not only confusing, it’s unprofessional. No matter how good you looked out with the girls last night, save it for Facebook.
  • Don’t look like you’re taking a glamour shot. Your hair should be styled in a way you’d wear it to work. Don’t wear too much makeup, either. Most photogs will tell you to wear a bit more than usual because the camera washes it out a bit, but don’t go overboard.
  • Don’t make the mistake of wearing no makeup. Even if you don’t typically wear it, keep in mind that even George Clooney wears makeup during photo shoots. Feel free to keep it light so you still look like yourself.
  • Don’t use something that’s not a photo. Caricatures are hilarious, but unless you’re a cartoonist, they’re inappropriate for LinkedIn. Don’t show photos of objects that represent your profession or a logo, either.

Find out how to take the perfect profile pic without a professional photographer>>

Bring your summary into this century

Remember the 80s and 90s? Back then, we were encouraged to use a slew of fancy buzzwords to get an employer’s attention. Creative, organized, effective, experienced, track-record, multitasking, communication skills, dynamic, results-oriented… even if these things are true, try to strike as many of them as you can from your profile.

Instead, use specific action words that describe your accomplishments, not your personality. While you’re there, make sure everything is up-to-date and reflects your most recent accomplishments.

Learn how to write your LinkedIn profile using these 10 résumé tips>>

Before you finish this step, do one last thing. Make sure your contact info is updated!

Leverage the extras

Unlike a résumé, your LinkedIn profile comes with some extra features you can take advantage of. Make sure you use as many of them as you can.

Quick tip: The best way to get recommendations is to give them first. Go through your list of connections and endorse everyone you’ve done business with, then ask them to return the favor.
  • Request recommendations from connections on LinkedIn. Don’t worry, you get to see and approve them before they show up on your profile.
  • If you are involved in any projects or have been published, add those in their respective fields.
  • Add any languages you speak, what organizations you’re a member of, awards and honors, courses and test scores, patents and certifications, along with any volunteering that you do or causes that you actively support.
  • Add the keywords from LinkedIn’s skills and expertise section to describe your skills. People who are on LinkedIn can actually endorse you in these areas. Don’t be afraid to ask them to endorse you.

Watch your language, young lady!

LinkedIn isn’t just a place to post your profile. It’s social media and social media means interaction. When you post things, make sure they’re things you’d be comfortable with a future employer seeing. Always triple-check what you’re posting to make sure there aren’t any major spelling or grammar errors.

More tips for job hunters

Top 10 career tips for recent grads
Interview tips for the stay-at-home mom
How to be happily employed in a tough economy

Professional services for your stay-at-home business

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If you work from home, you probably think you can do it all yourself. But there are some professional services you should consider outsourcing. We'll tell you how and when to hire CPAs, lawyers, graphic designers and more.

Woman stressed with finances

It’s time to admit it. You can’t do it all yourself. But you also can’t afford to outsource every little detail. In order to make your business truly successful, you need to focus on what you do best… and let other experts focus on what they do. So, which services do you need to hire someone else to do and which ones is it OK to do yourself?

Accountants

Quick tip: You might also consider hiring a bookkeeper. They’re cheaper than accountants and can keep your books in accountant-ready order all year long.

Of all the services you could hire, this is one of the most important. IRS laws change constantly and accountants are immersed in this stuff every day, which means they know every single deduction you could possibly take. You can look for resources online, but the information is often outdated, incorrect or simply falls short of giving you all the info you need.

Depending on the size of your business and the complexity of your taxes, an accountant will start at around $250 a year. Find someone who’s got experience in small or home-based businesses. They’ll save you hundreds if not thousands a year and keep you on the IRS’s good side.

Lawyers

There are inexpensive online services that can help you set up an LLC or DBA, but you should likely consult a lawyer about anything more complex than that. Trademarks, copyrights, patents and more can get very complex. Misunderstanding when or how to file a trademark versus a patent or copyright can cost you much more than the price of a lawyer — trademark laws, for example, are quite complex and very timeline-driven. You’ll pop the $500 to $700 for the trademark every time you have to refile because you didn’t prove your point, and could later figure out you were never destined to get it because what you needed to file was a copyright.

Graphic / web designers

When it comes to the visual representation of your business, hacking your way through Publisher isn’t going to cut it. Everything your customer sees affects what they think of your business. People like doing business with locals. They don’t mind doing business with small businesses. They might pause if it looks like you made a flyer with stock art in Word. You’ve clearly got too much time on your hands or don’t have enough revenue if you don't have something better designed. Good designers are less expensive than most people think.

Writers

There’s a saying in advertising: content is king. No matter how beautiful your website or brochure is, you’ll get nowhere if it doesn't have compelling and intriguing writing that inspires people to take action. Sound easy? It’s really not. Understanding enough about human buying psychology and balancing that with content that’s truly relevant and customer-focused is a specialty that copywriters spend years honing. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that because you know your business best, you’re the only person who should write about it.

Virtual assistants

Sometimes, the only thing preventing you from getting everything done in a given day is the time you spend on things like answering irrelevant phone calls or emails, and doing research or other mundane tasks.

A virtual assistant can work as many hours a week as you need them to, so you don’t need to hire a 40-hour-a-week employee . They can take phone calls and answer emails, even going as far as answering common questions from a script you write. They can coordinate your travel accommodations, do preliminary research on any topic you need in-depth knowledge about and more.

Isn’t it expensive?

It seems like the cost of these types of services would quickly add up. And they do, but if it frees up an extra 10 or more hours a week for you to solicit new business, address concerns only you can address, spend more time with your family or just hit the gym without feeling guilty, isn’t it worth it?

As they say, “you have to spend money to make money.”

What professional services do you think you can't live without?

More for work-from-home moms

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Spring clean your home storage

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It's time to spring clean again, and those shelves and drawers you've been using to store the extras in your home have taken on a life of their own. A few new organization ideas will bring new life and more room to your storage spaces.
Woman with messy closet

Clear out your clutter

It's time to spring clean again, and those shelves and drawers you've been using to store the extras in your home have taken on a life of their own. A few new organization ideas will bring new life and more room to your storage spaces.

You've rolled up your sleeves and are ready to dig into those dusty drawers and cluttered corners to get your home ready for spring.

Taking on the task of reorganizing your home, especially in those places that seem to accumulate the most mess, can be overwhelming. SheKnows has enlisted the help of organization experts to help you make the most of your spring cleaning.

Just starting your spring cleaning? Did you know there's an app for that? Try the best spring cleaning apps for the iPhone.

Closet chaos

We all have a dreaded closet we brace ourselves for before opening, the one that is close to creating an avalanche every time we reach inside. Organization expert Gigi Miller of Vision Organizing says, "Use colorful bins, plastic containers, baskets and drawer dividers to divide and conquer clutter." A few great baskets and coordinating drawers can transform any closet into a well-organized system. "Keep like items together and store them close to where you would use them," Miller adds.

rattan baskets from Sidelines

Kitchen clutter

It's time to tackle those dreaded kitchen cabinets that we tend to throw everything into that doesn't have a place somewhere else. "Pull-out bins allow maximum use of storage space while maintaining the ability to bring all stored items into view when needed," offers Scott Barnes of Tailored Living. These rattan baskets from Sidelines are ideal for small snack items in pantries.

pull-out hamper from ClosetMasters.com

Laundry lineup

If you have the typical busy home, the laundry piles are never ending and hard to hide. Barnes recommends pull-out hampers as a solution for hiding those dirty clothes somewhere less obvious than behind the bedroom door. "Able to be neatly tucked away in closets, pull-out hampers also offer two handles that make for easy trips to the laundry room," he points out. You can find this hamper at Closet Masters.

"Keep like items together and store
them close to where you would use them."

Office organization

The home office seems to be the first place to drop every piece of mail and paper there isn't already a place for. Keep the clutter at bay by creating a specific place for everything in your office. Miller recommends, "Create a simple incoming and outgoing area for paper. Separate paper into two categories: 'action needed' and 'to file' . Other categories can be added as needed."

Even if you tackle just one of these problem areas, you will feel so much better as you get your spring cleaning off to an organized start. If you need more help, try a home organization specialist from places like Tailored Living or Vision Organizing.

More on spring cleaning

Spring cleaning checklists
Spring cleaning made simple
Spring cleaning the frugal way

8 Common tech myths that cost you money

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It seems like every time you buy a computer or other technology, there are always three things you just have to have to make it work. How much of what the salesperson tells you is true and how much is just padding their pockets?

Woman shopping for technology

Save your cash by knowing the facts

It seems like every time you buy a computer or other technology, there are always three things you just have to have to make it work. How much of what the salesperson tells you is true and how much is just padding their pockets?

Myth No. 1:

Expensive HDMI cables are better than cheaper ones

HDMI cable

Don't be pressured by salespeople to buy marked-up HDMI cables in retail stores. Brent Shelton from Ebates.com and fatwallet.com agrees.

"Absolutely avoid the Monster cables and those related accessories if you want to save money and have a few extra days of time [to shop],” he said, “These are oversold, sometimes aggressively .”

Cables you can buy online are readily available and are much, much cheaper. They also send exactly the same digital signal — HDMI cables work or they don't. What the cheaper cables don't do is pad big box retailers' pockets with profits from products that are marked up hundreds of times.

Myth No. 2:

Refurbished computers aren't worth the discount

Customers will storm the doors of major retailers at midnight to save 10 percent on a computer on Black Friday, but pass up savings of 20 to 30 percent every day because they think refurbished computers aren't worth the savings — after all, they’re used and were once broken, right?

The truth is, refurbished computers have lower failure rates than new computers and many come with equivalent factory warranties. You'll probably receive a plain brown box instead of a shiny new one, but in some cases, they come with “upgrades.” For example, if you order a Macbook from Apple, you’ll get a brand new battery when they ship it from the factory. If you buy it at the store, you’ll get one that’s potentially been sitting on the shelf for several months.

Myth No. 3:

Extended warranties* are always the smart move

* By law, you can’t actually sell or purchase a warranty . The service you purchase is actually a service agreement, which may be what you see on any documents you sign; however, “extended warranty” is the common vernacular used by many salespeople and consumers, and your salesperson may use either term.

Julie Vlahon from TechBargains succinctly summarizes this myth when she states, "The problem is that most products that are purchased from a store frequently come with their own long-range warranties that cover a number of issues and unforeseen flaws with the product. Extended warranties are easy ways for companies to squeeze a bit more cash out of you at the register."

We don’t recommend purchasing a service agreement on impulse. Research the value it really has first . Most valuable service contracts can be purchased within a certain number of days after the original purchase , so you have a few days to think about it.

Myth No. 4:

Unlimited texting plans save you money

When choosing their texting plans, many customers are pushed to purchase the unlimited texting option. While that may make sense for a lot of people, many customers don't realize how many free texting alternatives exist that would allow them to pay for a smaller monthly plan and may overestimate the amount of texting they plan to do altogether.

Services like Whatsapp, TextFree and Kik offer free texting in addition to other features, and social media services like Facebook can be used in a similar fashion. Apple even offers iMessage standard on their devices, which enables free texting between iPhones. If the person you text most often is your sweetie, check out Avocado, a couples-only texting app .

Myth No. 5:

You have to pay for antivirus software

Michael J. Agri from North Atlantic Consultants refutes the myth that you have to pay extra for antivirus software. "A lot people pay up to $100 annually for antivirus service when they could be getting it for free through their internet provider,” he explains. “The phone carriers and cable providers are offering full security suites as a standard feature to any internet order. All you need to do is simply login to your account and download the software and you're done."

While we certainly recommend paying for antivirus software if you don’t take this option, and you should research the software they plan to give you free , this is likely a viable alternative for most people. Internet service and phone service providers have a vested interest in keep you virus-free.

Myth No. 6:

The more megapixels, the better

camera

Camera manufacturers have been touting megapixel numbers for so long that consumers have come to use the megapixel count as the sole measure of a camera's quality and ability. The truth is much more complicated. While megapixels definitely affect quality, other factors, like color and sharpening algorithms used and the sensor type and quality, are much more important.

We recommend researching several camera options online before buying. Look for consumer reviews with an eye toward people who note they’re using the camera in the same way you plan to. Don’t buy into what the blue-and-yellow-clad employee tells you. He or she may know nothing about photography, and all the technical knowledge in the world won’t help you understand how much you need your camera to zoom, whether you need fish-eye correction or how many features really affect the camera’s ability to take photos in low light or avoid motion-blur .

Myth No. 7:

New gear is the best gear

The urge to possess the latest and greatest gadgets is a strong one for a lot of consumers who want to be on the cutting edge, but as Andre Pascal from Nia Technologies says, “rushing out to buy the latest anything is usually a mistake. Why? Because most of the time the bugs are not worked out yet. They rely on users to really work out those bugs."

He continues by pointing out the risks early-adopters face, citing the ill-fated Xoom, the first android tablet, "The Xoom was supposed to be the answer and better alternative to the iPad. It costs $600... It became practically worthless within six months. It's usually a better bet to stay one gadget behind. Avoid the hype!"

Myth No. 8:

Free software is worth what you paid for it — nothing

While it’s true there is free software you're better off never having installed, and some free software does comes bundled with adware, that can also be true for software that you paid good money for.

Unless you need macros in Excel, Microsoft Office can be replaced by any number of free and open-source office suites and the same holds true for most popular software. GIMP can replace Adobe Photoshop for most common tasks. Thunderbird is an excellent mail client. Pidgin for instant messaging, Blender for 3D modeling, Handbrake for ripping video… and VLC may very well be the best video player out there, paid or unpaid.

Don’t fear free. The key is doing your homework, reading reviews and really thinking about what your needs are. Just beware. Many free programs aren’t that great and some may have serious bugs and worse. But if you’re downloading from a reputable vendor or the program or app gets rave reviews, it’s OK to check it out.

More consumer buying tips

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Box office is off to see the Wizard — again!

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Sadly, the magic is gone for Burt Wonderstone, whose sleight-of-hand comedy was no match for the power of the Wizard. But Halle Berry's new thriller impressed with its own magic touch.
Oz the Great and Powerful

Box
office
Top 10

Find out what topped the charts this weekend!

1

Oz The Great and Powerful

This epic prequel was expected to take No. 1 again, but no one anticipated it would ad another $42 million to its total. Well done, Oz, the rich and powerful.

Oz The Great and Powerful movie review: Rainbow nation >>

2

The Call

Halle Berry proves she's still got it, by bringing in an impressive $17 million on opening weekend. This thriller is gripping with a shocking ending you won't want to miss.

The Call movie review: Rescue me>>

3

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone

Only $10.3 million? Guess magic isn't as fun it used to be. Jim Carrey is rumored to be developing Dumb and Dumber To — 20 years after the original movie lowered our IQs.

The Incredible Burt Wonderstone movie review: Cups and balls>>

4

Jack the Giant Slayer

Jack is still climbing that beanstalk to add another $6.2 million worth of magic beans. Eleanor Tomlinson, who played Princess Isabelle, will next be starring in Styria, a gothic thriller set in a decrepit castle in Hungary.

Nicholas Hoult spills the beans onJack the Giant Slayer >>

5

Identity Thief

This comedy starring Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy added another $4.5 million to its booty.

Identity Thief movie review: Melissa McCarthy goes phishing >>

6

Snitch

Snitch's good box office earnings bode well for Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's next film GI Joe: Retaliation that opens on March 28.

7

21 and Over

No headache or nausea for this younger version of The Hangover as it earned another $2.6 million by partying this weekend.

21 and Over movie review: Legally hungover >>

8

Silver Linings Playbook

Jennifer Lawrence won her first Oscar for this delightful movie that brought in an additional $2.5 million worth of silver.

Silver Linings Playbook movie review: A bipolar love story >>

9

Safe Haven

Though Julianne Hough and Ryan Seacrest may have gone their separate ways, Hough can retreat to the safety of the $2.4 million her film earned this weekend.

Safe Haven movie review: Tears for fears >>

10

Escape from Planet Earth

This family pleaser escaped with $2.3 million in box office sales. This is likely the film's last week in the Top 10, however as the animated film The Croods opens next weekend.

Escape from Planet Earth movie review: Help, meteor! >>

Tell us

Which movie did you see this weekend? Share in the comments below!

Photo credit: Disney

Top 4 celebrity-spotting hotels in New York

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Want to share a pool with Rihanna or dine next to Kim? Here are the top four hotels in New York City where you might casually run into your favorite celebrity.
The Standard, High Line
The Standard, High Line

The Standard, High Line

Can you ever go wrong with an André Balazs property? From Los Angeles to New York, André Balazs hotels have been the favorite of young, hot Hollywood for decades. Originality is the focus of The Standard, High Line — from its "Peeping Tom" design to the legendary party spaces, the opening of this Meatpacking District hotel raised the bar for the New York City hospitality scene.

Built above the High Line Park, the former elevated railroad that has been developed into a public park, The Standard, High Line features unparalleled views of the Hudson River and New York City skyline. Two of the “toughest doors in Manhattan” can be found at The Standard, High Line — the Top of The Standard lounge , and Le Bain Discotheque, a rooftop bar that also features a seasonal plunge pool. A-listers including Madonna, Miranda Kerr and Jay Z have all flocked to this hotel for exclusive events and nights out on the town.

Travel by design: New York City>>

Gansevoort Park Avenue

Contemporary. Sleek. Ultra-sexy. All adjectives that can describe any of the properties in the Gansevoort Hotel Group portfolio, which is probably why this brand is a celebrity favorite. Gansevoort hotels have a history of transforming the neighborhoods that surround them, starting with Hotel Gansevoort, which helped transform the smoking-hot party neighborhood of the Meatpacking District. 2010's Gansevoort Park Avenue followed this trend after opening in the newly branded neighborhood — Nomad — bringing celebrities and stylish visitors to a neighborhood they'd most likely never visited before.

Kim Kardashian and her then-husband Kris Humphries famously lived in the Presidential Suite during the filming of  “Kourtney and Kim Take New York," and pop queens Christina Aguilera and Katy Perry like to call the hotel home when they visit the Big Apple. Maybe it has something to do with the loft-ceiling, luxury rooms and the hotel's heated indoor-outdoor rooftop pool that features unobstructed views of the Empire State Building. Or perhaps celebrities love the fact that after a night of partying in the tri-level rooftop bar and lounge, they can unwind at Exhale, the mind-body spa best known for its unique spa therapies and transformational Core Fusion fitness program.

Trump SoHo New York

Trump SoHo New York

The Trump name has become synonymous with opulence and decadence, so it's no surprise that the first Trump branded hotel property in downtown New York would offer nothing less than the very best. Located in the fashionable SoHo neighborhood, the 46-story hotel is steps away from famed art galleries, celebrated restaurants and boutique shopping. Starlets like Rihanna and Jessica Alba have enjoyed the spacious, residential-style guestrooms complete with custom furniture and personalized room environment settings.

New nightclub “The Spot” is a favorite of Leonardo DiCaprio, and the seasonal indoor-outdoor Bar d'Eau has played host to many star-studded events. The real pièce de résistance is the 11,000-square-foot Spa Trump, which features nine private treatment rooms, a spacious fitness center, and for those who are used to a personal assistant at all times — a Spa Attaché who guides guests through an array of services and products exclusive to Trump SoHo.

The Bowery Hotel

Located in the heart of the East Village, The Bowery Hotel is the definition of downtown chic. Staying true to its “hipster” location, the design of the hotel strays away from the uber-modern and instead provides a warm, homey feel. Plush, vintage-inspired furniture, hardwood floors covered by Turkish rugs and earth-tone decor with splashes of bold color all make for a relaxing environment for even the most discerning travelers.

The Bowery Hotel is notoriously hush-hush regarding their celebrity clientele, but perhaps that's why they have so many repeat celebrity customers. Katie Couric hosted her 50th birthday party at the hotel, and Paul McCartney held a bash after his 2011 wedding in the 12,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor event space at the hotel. Gemma, The Bowery's rustic Italian restaurant, is also a favorite of neighborhood residents Chrissy Teigen and John Legend.

More travel

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Girls' 2nd season ends in romantic fashion

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Some old romances heat up while one relationship fizzles out in the season's finale.

Hannah attempts to drown her sorrows in Cool Whip.

In a second season that labored through a sophomore slump, HBO's Girls ended in an unusual way: Romance prevails.

The finale starts with Hannah on the brink of disaster. Her book editor chews her out for lack of production. Hannah’s best excuse is to blame her self-induced ear concussion, but the editor threatens a lawsuit if he doesn’t see pages.

So, Hannah sets out to write an entire book in one day, which for Hannah means endlessly shoveling Cool Whip into her mouth. Oh, and she decides it’s time for a haircut. A Carey Mulligan magazine photo inspires Hannah to go retro and chop her hair into the likes of a 14th century squire .

Did you play SheKnows' Girls drinking game during the finale? >>

The coif change is an unmitigated disaster. Yet, Hannah’s decision gives us the return of Laird — the basement junkie who Hannah hooked up with in a drunken stupor earlier this season. Laird gives the haircut its finishing touch. He also plays a pivotal role in delivering a spine-tingling critique of Hannah’s cantankerous personality. “You have rotten insides,” Laird scolds.

Speaking of blunt confessions, Shoshanna and Ray hit splitsville following a nasty tiff that turns super personal. Shosh tells Ray she pities him as if he were a caged monkey. Ray senses the breakup and calls hers bluff. Shosh makes sure to guard her secret about the doorman, but breaks it off because Ray’s just too damn negative. Ray shouts, points his finger in Shosh’s face, and then storms off with his Andy Kaufman cutout poster.

Shoshanna and Ray head towards disaster in the finale.

Shoshanna bawls her eyes out, but the sting of losing Ray doesn’t last. The final image we see of Shosh is her making out with a random blond dude in a bar.

While Shosh and Ray meet their doom, Marnie and Charlie are back for good. Whether it’s his recently enlarged bank account or his finely tuned tornado tongue, Marnie is a woman possessed. When Charlie hints that he likes things the way they are, Marnie snaps at the notion of just having "casual sex." She delivers an ultimatum, leading to a teary-eyed admission that she longs to make Charlie late-night snacks… and have his kids, too.

“That’s exactly what I wanted to hear. I love you,” Charlie responds.

And just like that, Charlie and Marnie live happily ever after .

5 Finale follow-up questions for Girls>>

Marine wins Charlie back after a season-long pursuit.

That brings us back to Hannah. Marnie swings by her former best friend’s apartment to share the news about Charlie. Hannah plays hermit and hides out of sight next to the bed. Marnie though, sneaks a peek at the first line of Hannah’s book. It’s a subtle moment, but Hannah’s thesis seems to have somehow put things with Marnie at ease — for now.

The stage is then set for Adam’s dramatic rescue operation. Things with Natalia become icy — especially in bed — leaving Adam in a fit of rage that he takes out on his wannabe Huck Finn raft. A timely FaceTime call from Hannah is the only thing that prevents Adam from total annihilation. Adam cares less about Hannah’s messy haircut than the befuddling Apple technology. “Shiri operate! Operate!”

Adam then sets out on a shirtless sprint through the streets to Hannah’s apartment. She won’t answer the door, so he kicks through before sweeping Hannah off the bed. As Adam holds Hannah in his arms, she incredulously asks, “You’re here?”

“I was always here,” Adam responds.

A sweaty kiss puts a cap on Girls' second season. It’s a heroic denouement to not just the second season — but the Girls series.

Images courtesy of HBO

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Lounging around with Amy Hatvany

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Amy Hatvany, author of Heart of Mine chats with the SheKnows Book Lounge about her novel, her passion for cooking and her next project.

Amy HatvanySheKnows: Tweet us a blurb of your novel

Amy Hatvany: Ugh. This is so hard.

Heart Like Mine is an honest look at the aftermath of loss and the messy emotions that make up the foundation of a blended family.”

Follow Amy Hatvany on Twitter>>

SK: How did you think of the idea for Heart Like Mine?

AH: It came from a conversation I had with my husband a couple of years ago, in which we were discussing our family and some of the particular challenges of being a step-parent. That sparked a question in my mind of what it would feel like to be a woman who doesn’t have children — who isn’t sure she’d make a good mother in the first place — but ends up falling in love with a divorced man with two children.

Blended families are more common than ever, and with such complicated emotional dynamics, for me, it was a ground ripe with issues to explore.

SK: What are you reading now? What's up next?Heart Like Mine by Amy Hatvany

AH: I actually just had an early read of Stacey Ballis’ upcoming release, Out To Lunch, and it was totally funny and smart and moving. I loved it. I’m not sure what I’ll be reading next — my too-read pile is starting to overtake the house, though, so I’d better get on it!

SK: OK, so spill your secret, how do you have time to cook gourmet meals, write books, and be a wife and mom? And on that note, what's your current favorite recipe?

AH: Ha! Well, I don’t think there is a secret. I’m like every other woman out there with a job and a family to take care of. I get up and I do whatever next step is put in front of me, you know? Write, clean the bathroom, go grocery shopping, cook dinner. I find it helps me not get overwhelmed with all I have to do if I break it down into single events and then just take them one at a time.

And picking a favorite recipe is tough, because I tend to be sort of an impromptu chef — picking whatever I have around and adding ingredients until it tastes good. But my favorite chef is Ina Garten, so I think I will go with her Turkey Meatloaf Recipe. It’s healthy, not complicated, and total winner with my family… and me, because it’s HUGE and the leftover sandwiches are fantastic.

SK: Can you give us any details on your next book?

AH: Yes! It’s called Safe With Me, and it’s about three women who are linked together by tragedy, bound together by secrets, and when all is revealed, become each others’ salvation. I realize this description is a little cryptic, but I don’t want to give too much away!

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RED HOT BOOK OF THE WEEK: Heart Like Mine by Amy Hatvany

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Amy Hatvany's latest, Heart Like Mine , is an emotional and impactful novel about motherhood and our pick for the Red Hot Book of the Week.

Heart Like Mine by Amy HatvanyAbout Amy Hatvany

If you love women's fiction, you'll love Amy Hatvany. And if she's not already on your radar, home in on her immediately!

Each of her books will take you on an emotional journey that grips you from page one right until the very end. I first fell in love with Hatvany's writing when I read her novel, Best Kept Secret, the story of a mother struggling with an alcohol addiction.

And then I read and lovedOutside the Lines, a captivating novel about a woman who can't move forward until she faces her past and the father she hasn't seen in two decades. But my favorite book is her latest, Heart Like Mine .

About Heart Like Mine

Thirty-six-year-old Grace McAllister never longed for children. But when she meets Victor Hansen, a handsome, charismatic divorced restaurateur who is father to Max and Ava, Grace decides that, for the right man, she could learn to be an excellent part-time stepmom. After all, the kids live with their mother, Kelli. How hard could it be?

At 13, Ava Hansen is mature beyond her years. Since her parents’ divorce,  Ava has had the responsibility of taking care of her emotionally unstable mother and her little brother. Without complaint, she does everything from the laundry to paying the bills. Even though her father has moved on to another relationship with a nice enough woman named Grace, Ava still hopes for a reconciliation between him and her mom.

But only days after Victor and Grace announce they are getting married, Kelli dies suddenly. And as they try to piece together the mystery of her death, Grace and Ava discover that there was much more to Kelli’s life than either ever knew.

Told from the alternating points of view of Grace and Ava in the present with flashbacks into Kelli’s troubled past, you'll love this poignant story about the challenges this family faces.

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5 Finale follow-up questions for Girls, Season 2

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Season 2 is over, so naturally we're looking back instead of forward!

Lena Dunham is talented, but Girls may be a one-season wonder.

It’s no secret that we fostered a great deal of disdain for Girls’ second season. Heck, we wrote that the show should change its name and put more emphasis on the Boys.

But Season 2's finale, which featured the romantic return of Adam and Hannah, confirmed what is now clearer than ever: Girls is a one-hit wonder.

I know, I know. I can hear the detractors already.

“It’s a fun show! If you want plot, go watch Breaking Bad or Mad Men.”

“Lena Dunham is the voice of her generation — a true virtuoso!”

“Of course you don’t like Girls. You’re a guy!”

Try the Girls drinking game one more time! >> 

Season 3 of Girls won’t be must-see-TV because it lacks the week-to-week intrigue. You could have predicted the makeups and breakups after two episodes. This year’s 10 episodes truly lacked plot — and most important — character development.

Far too much was left unanswered. So here are five burning questions we have about Season 2.

1) Would Adam really not know about FaceTime?

Adam makes like Zoolander trying to open a computer when Hannah calls him at the finale’s end. “Shiri , operate! Operate!” Adam then asks Hannah if what they’re talking on is “Facespace or whatever.” There’s no denying that Adam is one bizarre dude. But what’s crazier is trying to pretend there’s a 20-something living in New York City who doesn’t know about FaceTime. If Girls is supposed to be a microcosm of post-college life in the Big City, the show went too far out of its way to make Adam into lovable luddite.

2) Is Girls still too vanilla?

Lena Dunham took a great deal of heat for Season 1’s lack of diversity. So right off the bat, Lena Dunham introduces Sandy, Hannah’s new African-American boyfriend. Sandy got a quick hook, but not because he is black. Nope, Hannah dumped Sandy because he is a gun-loving Republican.

Marnie is the Forbid muse and won Charlie back.

Bringing in an African-American character, immediately at the start of the season, came off as an erroneous move by Dunham. It was too little, too soon. Even worse, though, is how far she tipped her hand with her political vibes.

3) How much is Charlie really worth?

Girls, from the beginning, thrived on the idea that its main characters were struggling to find their careers. There’s little development in that department this season. Except for Charlie.
Out of nowhere, Marnie’s ex creates the hottest app — Forbid — a genius little invention that charges people for calling forbidden numbers. Marnie serves as Charlie’s muse, and the app scores him a uber-hip office and lots of cash. It also winds up bringing the college sweethearts back together in the finale.

Lena Dunham in Playboy? >>

The Charlie-Marnie angle was actually one of the lone bright spots this season. But seriously, is it that easy to invent an app? Don’t you need some kind of programming background? And if you aren’t computer savvy, wouldn’t it take a ton of money to hire people to build the app? For Charlie, it apparently was that easy, which begs a follow-up question: Why hasn’t anyone invented this app in real life?!

4) Where did Jessa go?

Who knows. Who cares. Let’s hope she stays off the show for good.

Lena Dunham's success is a bad thing for Girls.

5) What’s the next step for Girls?

TV shows have a hard time staying fresh beyond a second season. Girls is already losing some of its edge. And the ending — Adam sweeping Hannah off her bed — leaves us wondering just how many more episodes we can take. Does the idea of seeing Hannah-Adam Round 2 sound appealing? Oh wait, that’s how Season 2 started!

Lena Dunham's advice is worth $3.5 million! >> 

Moving forward, Girls' greatest asset is the fact that Lena Dunham is young, creative, and a hot ticket in Hollywood. The voice of her generation? Ehh...

We may be critical of the show’s lack of progression, but that doesn’t mean we’re knocking Dunham’s ability to multitask. She’s super-talented and is going to be in high-demand for many years. And that will be the ultimate undoing for Girls. The higher Dunham’s stock rises, the more her TV show is going to suffer.

Images courtesy of HBO

Madonna's Boy Scout uniform and Anderson Cooper crush

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Which do you think Anderson Cooper was more excited about: Madonna as a fan or the GLAAD award?

Madonna presents Cooper with a GLAAD award

The GLAAD Awards were held over the weekend and newscaster Anderson Cooper was honored with the Vito Russo Award... but not before he waited out Madonna's 12-minute long speech.

More on Cooper's GLAAD Award>>

The speech made the wait worthwhile, though. Not only did Madonna spend a significant amount of time gushing over Anderson, but she also went on to give the Boy Scouts a piece of her mind. And she did so while wearing a Boy Scout uniform.

She explained the uniform as such:

I wanted to be a Boy Scout, but they wouldn't let me join. I think that's f***ed up. I can build a fire. I know how to pitch a tent. I have a very good sense of direction. I can rescue kittens from trees. I want to do good for the community. Most importantly, I know how to scout for boys. So, I think I should be allowed to be a Boy Scout and they should change their stupid rules. Don't you? ...I was a Girl Scout, but I got kicked out. Wanna know why? Because my skirt was too short and I never sold enough cookies."

Madonna rightfully earned hoots, hollers and applause from her audience. Lady M, minus her longtime English accent, may have delivered her thoughts in a light-hearted manner, but she was all about her "axes to grind." During her time on stage, Madonna also addressed bullying, the Russian imprisonment of the girl rock group Pussy Riot, and religious tolerance.

GLAAD study finds a rise in gay and lesbian characters on TV>>

Our favorite line of the night? "A picture doesn't tell a thousand stories," Madonna began. "It tells a version of a thousand stories."

She was talking about the closeness the internet fosters, but that doesn't actually exist. Madonna made points of saying that people need to come together, sit down in a room and talk for that closeness to actually exist.

Once she'd ground down all her axes, Madonna went on to talk about Anderson's bravery and his work in the LGBT community. She laid every compliment on him should could think of... from his brains to his eyes and his heart. At one point, it even looked like she grabbed his butt!

Check out the video for her whole speech:

Congrats, AC: On your award and your new fan!

Photo credit: WENN.com
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