More about mom style

How to dress up your favorite tee
Busting mommy style myths
5 Ways to wear a blazer

It’s so challenging to name a baby. It will be theirs for life and will be a part of their identity. You don’t want him to be one of the many in his class, to be known as Jacob S. through elementary school, but you also don’t want to subject him to mass amounts of ridicule. So, there's a fine line between cool and kooky — how do you find it?

Top 1,000

You’re probably familiar with the most popular baby name list that comes out every year from the Social Security Administration. Well, these names don’t even come close, or even come near the edge of that list. You won’t find them, for the last 13 years at least, striking the top thousand popular baby names in the United States.

This doesn’t mean these names are all super weird or made up — you may know that some celebrities raise eyebrows because of the unusual and outright wacky names they give their kids. But these names, while more uncommon than Jacob and Sophia, aren’t necessarily of that ilk. Some are literary in origin, some hail from other languages, others were popular back in the 1920s and have yet to see their revival, and others are simply unusual in and of themselves.

Unique baby names for boys

From Abner to Zenith, these names aren’t commonly found on the birth certificates of boys, and all will help him stand out from his peers.

Unique baby names for girls

If you’re looking for something a little different for your baby girl, pair these names with your last name and see how it looks and sounds.

Some look down upon unusual or uncommon baby names — even if you're a celebrity — but if you choose carefully and find a name that goes well with your last name and can be spelled and pronounced easily by other children and adults, your child will be able to pull off his awesome name. Everyone will remember a baby girl named Wren or a little boy named Lucan!

More baby name ideas

Western names for your baby boy
Batter up: Baseball baby names
Middle name trends for boys

Baseball season is so close I can taste it. That — and the delicious hot dogs, nachos and peanuts that come with it. Let's take a look at just how nutritious this food really is and start making healthier choices. Game on!

Just in time for
baseball season!

Part of the thrill of attending a baseball game is the food and beer, right? Yes, of course we love the game itself, the fresh air and the environment, but the food and beer are really where it's at. Between the infamous ballpark franks and the Cracker Jacks and peanuts being thrown at us, the options are endless. Let's break all this food down and see which items are the healthiest and which we should be, well, avoiding.

The best…

Luckily, hot dogs really aren't all that bad for us. One hot dog has about 300 calories — not too shabby, but only if you can resist eating more than one. To make it a little healthier, skip the ketchup and mayo and opt for relish and chopped onions instead. Other foods that are low in calories include:

• Cracker Jack — coming in at 120 calories per half cup
• Corn dogs — 150 calories per dog
• Beer — 150 calories per 12 ounces
• Corn on the cob — 80 calories for the corn, 100 for the butter
• Cotton candy — 210 calories per bag
• Snow cones — 120 calories per 12 ounces

The worst…

We know, we know. It's not like you attend a baseball game every day, so it really isn't that important to watch what you eat, especially if you only attend one game per year. At the same time, though, it's important to be aware of what you're putting in your body at all times. You can still enjoy the game without consuming two days' worth of calories. The worst foods include:

• Pizza — about 500 calories per slice, depending on the size and toppings
• Nachos — more than 1,500 calories per 12-ounce serving
• Peanuts — 1,200 calories per 12-ounce bag
• Popcorn — 1,500 calories per bag
• Hamburger — 500 calories not including cheese or toppings

As you can see, if you consume nachos, peanuts, a hot dog and two beers, you're looking at 3,300 calories. That's enough to sustain you for two days if you're on a low-calorie diet. Be warned!

Healthy eating tips at a baseball game

A few tips for ensuring you make healthy choices at a baseball game include:

• Eat before you go. Fill up on a turkey sandwich, some fruit and a granola bar. The fiber and protein will help keep you fuller longer.
• Share with someone. Instead of ordering nachos for yourself, split them with a few friends or your kids. Though they are delicious, no one needs an entire plate to themselves.
• Set a food budget. The food's expensive, so setting a budget in advance can save you some calories .
• Limit yourself to two beverages. Whether you prefer soda or beer, try not to have more than two.

More on healthy eating

5 Simple tips for eating healthy on the go
7 Tips for eating healthy at the airport
Healthy eating tips to lose weight and get in shape

Virtue baby names, such as Faith, Hope and Justice, got their start with the early American Puritans, who choose virtue names in the hope that their child would take on those same characteristics.

Meaningful baby names

Although more popular with girl names than boy names, virtue names are both spiritual and unique.

Virtue girls' names have taken off as a baby name trend, with names such as Grace and Destiny making their appearance on the Social Security Top 100 Baby Name list. These names are both unique and hopeful and would make a great first or middle name for your baby girl. With celebrities like Jessica Alba getting in on the virtue name trend , you are sure to see some of these names climb the charts. They are unique enough, however, to help your child stand out in a crowd.

The following names are unique and beautiful — and perfect for your baby girl. The name Heaven peaked in 2005 at number 245 on the Social Security Administration's top baby name list , while Neveah has been moving up the chart since 2006 . Here are more virtue names for baby girls:

Check out these pretty girl names>>

Boy virtue names are not as popular as girl virtue names. Many of the names would make a great middle name or unique first name for baby boys — just keep in mind that you don't want a name that sounds too pretentious. However, if you want a future sports star, many of these boy virtue names would look great on the back of a jersey!

Check out these hot baby names>>

Celebrties love virtue baby names as middle names! This is a great way include a wonderful virtue name into your child's full name. Angie Harmon and Jason Sehorn gave both of their daughters virtue middle names, as one is named Emery Hope and the other is named Finley Faith. Here are more examples:

• Daisy True: Meg Ryan's daughter
• Heavely Joy: Producer Rodney Jerkins's daughter
• Megan Hope: Actress Alison Sweeney's daughter
• Adelaide Marie Hope: Katherine Heigl's daughter
• Ava Grace: Melissa Rycroft's daughter
• Arthur Saint: Selma Blair's son
• Bastian Kick: Jeremy Sisto's son
• Mateo Bravery: Benjamin Bratt's son
• Noah Wilde: Chyler Leigh's son
• Phyllon Joy: Doutzen Kroes' son
• Shaya Braven: Brooke Burke and David Charvet's son
• Zuma Nesta Rock: Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale's son

More baby name ideas

Girl names with great meanings
Baby boy names with serious swagger
Quiz: What's your baby naming personality?

This is one grilled cheese that will be sure to impress! Chocolaty Nutella, fresh raspberries and creamy Brie all together on one melted grilled sandwich. Your family will love this!

Brie, raspberry and chocolate grilled cheese

Yields 1 sandwich

Ingredients:

• 2 slices crusty bread
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons Nutella
• 3 slices Brie cheese
• 6 fresh raspberries

Directions:

1. Butter one side of each slice of bread.
2. On the unbuttered side of the bread cover each slice with Nutella.
3. Add Brie cheese and raspberries. Close the sandwich and add to a skillet that has been placed over medium heat.
4. Cook till cheese is starting to melt and the bread is toasted. Flip and cook till the other side is toasted. Serve immediately.

More grilled cheese recipes

Pizza grilled cheese recipe
Spinach, goat cheese and avocado grilled cheese recipe
Caramelized onion and barbecued pulled pork grilled cheese recipe

It may be hard to believe, but Martin Scorsese’s award-winning film Gangs of New York is already 11 years old. The 2002 film ended up being nominated for 10 Oscars and was one of the favorite films of many that year.

Five surprising actors who've never won an Academy Award >>

“Anyone who watched the drama, which starred Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz and Daniel Day-Lewis, would likely agree with Scorsese that even the movie's nearly three-hour running time couldn't contain the breadth of the topic,” said CNN.

Apparently Scorsese himself agrees, and is in the process of creating a television show based on the film and time period.

“Martin Scorsese's 2002 epic about rival gangs in mid-to-late 19th century New York is being adapted for TV,” CNN said. “Miramax announced the development on Thursday, revealing that the Gangs of New York TV show will actually expand beyond the Big Apple to cover organized crime in cities like New Orleans and Chicago at the turn of the century.”

Boardwalk Empire: A new HBO hit >>

The 70-year-old director has worked on other period crime dramas including as an executive producer on Boardwalk Empire. That show follows an American gangster, who is also a politician, in Atlantic City during Prohibition.

 “This time and era of America’s history and heritage is rich with characters and stories that we could not fully explore in a two hour film," the award-winning director said in a statement. "A television series allows us the time and creative freedom to bring this colorful world, and all the implications it had and still does on our society, to life."

A Gangs of New York co-executive-producer will also be helping with the new TV project.

Daniel Day-Lewis breaks record with third acting Oscar >>

There isn’t much clue as to whether Scorsese will follow the same characters as the movie, or create new ones, but the storyteller is likely to bring his vibrant voices to the small screen with as much passion as he makes his movies.

Photo courtesy Ivan Nikolov/WENN.com

It turns out Justin Timberlake's history of drug use includes having dabbled in a bit more than just the pot that gets him "to stop thinking." In a new interview with Myspace, the "Suit & Tie" singer admitted that although he's been to Coachella a number of times, there's not much he can recall.

"I've been to Coachella many times, on many different, um, substances," the new husband of actress Jessica Biel admitted.

Justin Timberlake shares his love of "green" at Environmental Awards>>

"I've been to Coachella many times but not remembered a lot of it, I'll leave it at that," Justin Timberlake added — then went into further detail.

"But I remember I used to go to Coachella a long time ago," the 32-year-old recalled. "Like, I stood in an open field and one year I saw Nine Inch Nails and the next year I saw Weezer and I was standing in the middle of the field, you know, like tripping my mind out."

Will Justin Timberlake host the 2014 Oscars?>>

Elaborating on the creative process behind 20/20, Mr. Timberlake explained, "Tim and I were in the studio working on some stuff — some potential stuff — for Beyoncé, and Jay came in and we started messing around with stuff, and we worked on a handful of songs together. It would be fun to find a way to put them out. 'Suit & Tie' came out of that — we were just having fun."

Was that good, clean fun, JT? Or not so much?

One thing we know for sure is that the music man's lady love isn't a fan of being around drugs and the party scene. Jessica Biel has said previously, "If there is a huge drug fest happening and everyone is getting it on in the bedroom, it is probably time to leave."

Are you surprised by Justin Timberlake confessing to drug use at Coachella?

Image via WENN

If you want something tastier than your usual boiled potatoes, try this one and taste the zesty difference. Perk up your fish and meat dishes with this quick and simple recipe.

Potato and onion salad with lemon caper dressing recipe

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 5 tablepoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1 lemon
• 4 tablespoons capers
• 1 medium onion, sliced in rings
• Salt
• Fresh parsley, chopped finely

Directions:

1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, boil some water. When it boils, add salt and drop in the potatoes. Simmer for 15-20 minutes or until they are tender.
2. While waiting for the potatoes to cook, prepare the dressing.
3. In a small bowl, whisk the extra-virgin olive oil, vinegar, the juice of 1 lemon, parsley, salt and capers.
4. When the potatoes are tender, drain them and transfer them to a bowl. Add the onions. Pour the dressing and mix. Add more extra-virgin olive oil if desired.

More potato recipes

Spiral fried potatoes
Mashed potatoes with ricotta cheese
Festive potato leaves

Sweeten the pot for April Fools' Day! These three dessert recipes are a fun way to celebrate a day usually reserved for practical jokes. Laugh with your loved ones as you enjoy a tasty April Fools' Day-themed dessert!

Corn on the cob cupcakes

Your family might not immediately know the difference between these cupcakes and corn on the cob! It's fun and easy to make and decorate cupcakes so they resemble ears of corn, which makes them great for parties or even summer picnics.

Yields 1 dozen cupcakes

Ingredients:

For the cupcakes

• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 2/3 cup cold milk
• Paper cupcake liners

For the cupcake decorations

• 1 prepackaged container vanilla frosting
• About 2 cups yellow jelly beans . Add a few white jelly beans into the mix, too.
• 4 yellow chewy candy squares, like Starburst candy
• 2-4 drops yellow food color
• Black decorating sugar
• 8 corn-on-the-cob holders

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients and set aside.
3. In a separate large bowl, use a mixer to cream together the butter and sugar. Add the eggs, beating well to incorporate.
4. Add the vanilla and mix well.
5. A little at a time, add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, and blend until incorporated.
6. Add the milk to the mixture, a little at a time, until incorporated and the batter is smooth.
7. Line a 12-count cupcake tin with paper liners, and fill each about 2/3 full of batter.
8. Bake for about 15-18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
9. Transfer to a wire cooling rack and allow the cupcakes to cool completely before frosting them.

To decorate the cupcakes

1. Add 2-4 drops of yellow food color to your frosting and mix well. You'll want to create a color that is similar to your yellow jelly beans.
2. When the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them and set them aside.
3. Group the cupcakes in sets of three, and place one set at a time in front of your work area.
4. Line up three cupcakes side by side, horizontally, to mimic an ear of corn. Using the jelly beans, create rows that go across all three cupcakes, by placing one jelly bean at a time into each frosted cupcake. These will form the rows of "kernels." Mix in a few white jelly beans every now and then.
5. When finished, unwrap one of the yellow chew candies and microwave it for about 5 seconds, just to soften it slightly. Keep the candy in a square shape, but rub the edges to soften and round them to resemble a pat of butter, and place it on top of the middle cupcake.
6. If you're using black decorating sugar, sprinkle a little over the three cupcakes to look like pepper and insert one corn-on-the-cob holder into each end of the "corn cob."
7. Repeat until all 12 cupcakes are decorated.

Raspberry fool

This is a traditional English dessert, but the name takes the cake for April Fools' Day! It's no joke that this dessert is simple, elegant and, most importantly, delicious! You can use your favorite berries to create this divine treat.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen raspberries, slightly thawed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 8 ounces heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon raspberry liqueur like Chambord
• Mint sprigs and slivered almonds for garnish

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the raspberries, sugar, and liqueur, if using. Use the back of a spoon to slightly mash the raspberries and mix the ingredients together. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, add the heavy whipping cream. Using a hand mixer, blend the cream until it begins to stiffen and form peaks.
3. Gently fold the raspberry mixture into the cream mixture and mix well.
4. Serve in martini glasses or bowls and garnish each serving with a few slivered almonds and a sprig of mint.

Chocolate-avocado ice cream

Avocados in ice cream? Looks can be deceiving, but no fooling, it's delicious. And you don't even need an ice cream maker! This recipe makes ice cream with a softer consistency, similar to gelato, but here's a neat option: If you prefer pudding, serve this up immediately after blending it, when it has a smooth, thick consistency. Otherwise, for more of an icy treat, freeze it for 6-8 hours before serving. Enjoy garnished with whipped topping and shaved chocolate.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
• 1/2 large, ripe banana
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4-5 tablespoons honey
• 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• Whipped topping and shaved chocolate for garnish

Directions:

1. Add the avocados, banana and honey to a blender, and blend until smooth.
2. Add the cocoa powder to the milk, and add to the blender. Blend so all the ingredients are combined and smooth. You may need to stop the blender and use a rubber spatula to push the mixture down from the sides of the blender to the bottom, then continue blending.
3. Remove from the blender, place in a container, cover it and freeze for 6-8 hours.
4. Scoop the ice cream into individual bowls, garnish and serve.

These desserts won't fool anyone — they're delicious!

More dessert recipes

Mini cherry pies
Avocado cheesecake tart
S'mores French macarons

Gather round, vampire and faerie lovers: True Blood gets a return date. Sookie Stackhouse and her hotties return to HBO on June 16! Prepare yourselves, though. There will be a few changes.

For starters, according to Deadline.com, the season will be two episodes shorter. Due to Anna Paquin's pregnancy , the show is cut shooting a little short, and the season will run for only 10 episodes instead of the usual 12.

Stephen Moyer thinks True Blood needs more gay sex>>

There will also be a few new faces. According to Digital Spy, the new season will feature some new characters. Among the guests, they're expecting Brothers and Sisters' Luke Grimes to have a recurring role this season. Luke will play James, which the True Blood wiki describes as a man with poet's soul who plays guitar. He was turned into a vampire in the '70s, too, so we might see some brightly colored leisure suits. The Examiner claims we should also expect appearances from the likes of Rutger Hauer , Arliss Howard , Jurnee Smollett-Bell , Amelia Rose Blaire and Karolina Wydra .

Sookie gets a new boy toy for Season 6? >>

As for the plot, what else can we expect from Season 6? These are all just predictions, but...

• Jason will turn out to be less/more than human. Normal humans do not see dead people, and Jason's been seeing his dead parents.
• We could see Sookie return to the arms/lips of Eric . After all, we last saw him saving her life.
• They'll finally catch up with Warlow? Okay, probably not. But a girl can dream, right?
• Bill will be a much bigger concern than Warlow, though. After he's died and been "reborn," we suspect he'll be more powerful than ever. He also reminded Sookie that vampires often turn on the ones they love. Cue dramatic music here!

Those are our predictions, but we're just going to have to wait until mid-June to find out which are right!

What do you predict will happen in Season 6 of True Blood?

Images courtesy of HBO

First, the lead singer came down with a bad case of alcohol-induced "exhaustion."

Then the remaining dates on their U.S. tour were scrapped.

Plus, the drummer picked a fight with the creator of Glee.

But two years later, everything seems to have turned around. Bassist Jared Followill got married, while his brother, frontman Caleb Followill, and cousins, drummer Nathan Followill and lead guitarist Matthew Followill, all became fathers.

How much money does it take to cancel a tour? Ask Lady Gaga.>>

Evidently those rumors that the kingdom was falling were a bit premature, as Jared Followill confirmed that the follow-up to the band's Grammy-winning 2010 album, Come Around Sundown, is due to be released in September.

Now, usually when a band has been though a lot of life changes, they go in a different direction, but it seems that all of this growing up hasn't had an effect on the band's sound.

Speaking to NME this week, Jared explained, "I thought we were going to make a really mature album, but I'm amazed at how youthful it sounds."

He went on to reveal that the new album sounds like a blend of the band's first album, Youth & Young Manhood, and their third, Because of the Times.

It's the first new album in 6 years from Queens of the Stone Age >>

The presently untitled album will be the sixth studio effort from Kings of Leon, and fans can most likely expect a tour in support of the album shortly after its release. Currently, Kings of Leon are scheduled for a few dates in the U.K., New York and California over the summer. Who knows, maybe those lucky concertgoers will be treated to some of their new songs.

For the rest of us, September can't come fast enough.

Image courtesy of WENN.com

Denzel Washington and Mark Wahlberg are fighting side by side in 2 Guns. It has action, comedy and plenty of high-stakes moments that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Universal's released an official trailer for the movie that hits theaters this summer.

2 Guns is all about hidden agendas. Washington and Wahlberg seem to be thieves. But there's more here than meets the eye. In reality, they're undercover operatives from competing bureaus who are forced on the run together.

This film reminds us of classic buddy-cop movies from the '80s. The first one that comes to mind is Lethal Weapon. We have the older, more experienced cop opposite an unpredictable partner. Judging from the trailer, it looks like Washington and Wahlberg can pull that off.

From the Funky Bunch to The Fighter: Our favorite Mark Wahlberg moments>>

The villain of choice is played by a seedy-looking Bill Paxton. It's great to see him outside of his polygamous husband role on Big Love. He's back on the big screen and making his presence known.

HBO's Big Loveends after 5 seasons>>

The film also stars Paula Patton, who previously starred with Washington in Déjà Vu. There's also James Marsden and veteran actor Edward James Olmos. The film is directed by Baltasar Kormákur.

Watch the trailer for 2 Guns below:

Lately, Wahlberg's been on a roll with his comedies. Both The Other Guys and Ted grossed over $100 million domestically. The latter even passed the $200 million mark. We hope 2 Guns is that lucky.

2 Guns opens in theaters Aug. 2.

What do you think of the trailer for 2 Guns?

Photo credit: WENN

Got manners? Learning proper manners for using the telephone is an important life skill for your kids. Whether they are old enough to answer the phone or simply having a chat with grandma, using manners is important.

Phone Manners,
respect and safety

Even when your child is young, they are paying close attention to you when you use your phone. Infant toy telephones and toy cell phones offer a good chance to model appropriate phone behavior.

So much more of our day revolves around the phone now that learning proper manners early is important.

Phone manners are all about respect. A great early experience for using the phone is calling a grandparent to say hello or a friend for a play date. These are relatively safe phone calls to make. Teach him to identify himself first, by saying, "Hello, this is Joe. May I please speak to John?" Discuss how to ask to leave a message if someone is not available and to always say "Thank you" and "Goodbye."

Sometimes kids need to call coaches, neighbors or other adults they don't know well. In those cases, teach them to introduce themselves more completely, as in, "Hello, this is Joe Smith," and then move on to the question or reason they have called. Again, they always need to say "Thank you" and "Goodbye." These types of calls are more difficult for kids and require more practice. Make sure they remember to listen carefully to the information they are given and to take notes if they need to remember something.

Some of the embarrassing things kids say>>

What a child says when he answers the phone is as much about safety as it is respect for the person on the other end. When answering the phone, she takes on the role of information gatherer more than information giver.

Giving a name — or any other information, for that matter — isn't always appropriate. Caller ID is a great aid in discerning how much information to give, or whether to answer the phone in the first place. You might have a rule that if the kids don't recognize the caller ID, they don't answer the phone. If it's a valid call, the person will leave a message, and you can call them back.

For calls they do answer, kids should be taught not to give their names or any additional information — who is or isn't at home, address and so on. When in doubt, your kids can pass the phone to an adult, or ask the caller to leave a message or to call back another time.

Taking appropriate phone messages is a sign of respect for the caller and for the message recipient. Plenty of adults even struggle to take and deliver proper messages. Have a pad of paper near the phone for messages and plenty of writing instruments located at each phone location. Cordless phones may not always be in the base, so be sure to have extra pads and pencils at strategic locations throughout the house.

At the very least, your child should be able to get a name and number of the person calling, and note what time the call was received. Teach them to verify spellings if they are unsure. They can even ask the caller, "Can I please have my mom call you back for those details?" if the message seems complicated. Delivering the messages is also important. Show your child a good place to leave phone messages for all family members, since it's easy to forget about them hours later.

Everyone wants polite kids>>

Teaching phone manners is a process that takes time and practice. Start teaching your kids early about phone manners, and they soon become second nature.

More on kids and manners

Benefits of good manners go beyond the table
5 Table manners rules every kid should know
Kids and manners: Start with the basics

Everywhere you look, the world is increasingly being geared toward kids. Parents take pride in treating their children like mini adults and empowering them to make choices. Ask almost any current grandparent and they will agree — kids these days have too much power.

Treating them like
little adults backfires

Have we given our children an edge or set them up for trouble later?

Everyone wants to give their children a bit of the childhood they never had. Many modern-day parents were raised to be “seen and not heard,” not often asked for their opinions or allowed to make many decisions. Fast-forward to a generation that is raising children whose opinions carry almost as much — if not more — weight in the family unit as that of the parents. What could be wrong with treating kids like adults?

We all want to raise children who are capable of making competent decisions and able to problem-solve on their own. This is difficult if we haven’t given them chances to succeed — and fail — at choices and decisions as they were growing up. The key is to balance the power you give them with the responsibility that comes with it.

Deborah Gilboa, M.D. — also known as Dr. G — is a board certified family physician, parenting expert, author and mother of four who loves to help parents increase their knowledge and follow the parenting instincts they already have. “We do our kids a great service when we empower them,” she says. “The ability to express their feelings, make informed decisions and navigate the world around them are crucial skills that only practice will develop.” Teaching our kids from a young age what it means to express his opinions, yet still be able to work together with others is a life lesson well spent. “Empowering helps, as it encourages children to use the power they have in a way that benefits themselves, the family and society,” adds Dr. G.

Why time-outs don't work>>

Many people who became parents in the 1980s and 1990s pushed away from their authoritarian upbringing and swung to the opposite extreme — being permissive. “Live and let live, let kids be free,” said Carol Bruess, head of the Family Studies program at the University of St. Thomas, when she described a style of parenting mostly centered on kids’ self-esteem and happiness.

While all children need a healthy dose of self-esteem, too much focus inward makes it hard to work together for a common purpose. These same kids have difficulty as young adults, when they begin to enter the workforce and need to blend into a work culture with structure and expectations.

Dr. G cautions that there is a difference between empowering our kids and putting them in charge. “We do our kids a disservice when we put them in charge,” she says. “Kids need to know how to express those feelings respectfully. Their decisions may not override our decisions.” She adds that as our kids navigate the world, they must be bound by our family rules and values. “Kids and teens need to see the consequences of their actions and learn to serve others — these two lessons will make sure that empowered doesn't become entitled,” she concludes.

You can become a more easygoing mom>>

How can you give your kids the power to feel confident and able to make decisions, yet keep them from feeling better than everyone else? Start by letting your child make simple decisions — partially controlled by you — from a young age. For example, a 3-year-old boy is perfectly capable of choosing his own shirt for preschool if you provide him with two or three acceptable choices. You are still controlling the outcome, but he’s making the choice and learning.

As your kids get older, raise the stakes a bit. Tweens can plan a family meal or make decisions about which movie to watch for family movie night, while an older teen may be allowed to choose a destination for a weekend day trip. Trial and error is the key to learning, so support their decisions as they learn but be their safety net. They need to see that you are in charge — but are trusting them to make decisions.

Kids need self-esteem and happiness — just make sure you balance it with structure, rules and compassion for others.

More parenting styles

5 Parenting styles for a new generation
Jada Pinkett Smith defends her parenting style
Spoiled rotten: Why you shouldn't coddle your kids

Where to stay

The elegant and Parisian-style Recoleta is without a doubt the most posh and upscale neighborhood in Buenos Aires, making it our top choice for honeymooners. If you are looking for old-world extravagance, the best hotel is The Alvear Palace. Located on Avenida Alvear, it is surrounded by glitzy malls and exclusive shops like Hermes and Louis Vuitton. In keeping with the neighborhood's Francophile theme, this majestic hotel draws on the style of Louis XV and XVI. Marble covers nearly every surface in its palatial lobby, rooms boast 500 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets as well as fresh-cut flowers, and bathrooms feature Roman-deep Jacuzzis. Perhaps the most regal part of the hotel, however, is that each guestroom includes personal butler service.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a hotel that's a bit more laid-back, yet still boasts the same level of quality, look no further than Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires. This property combines the charm of a Belle Epoque style mansion with the contemporary and modern decor of the hotel's main tower. But the exceptional service is really what makes this hotel a standout. Staffers are extremely friendly and go out of their way every chance they can to make guests happy. The recently renovated pool, located in the property's privately enclosed garden, is the perfect place to catch some rays and relax after a long day of sightseeing.

Another top contender for where you should stay is Faena Hotel + Universe. This whimsical property, designed by Philippe Starck, is where Lady Gaga stays when she's in town.

What to do in Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires has an endless array of activities no matter what you're looking for. Four or five days in Buenos Aires is the perfect amount of time to see everything. Days can be spent exploring open-air markets, discovering the country's best museums or simply relaxing over booze-fueled lunches. At night, after dinner at a parilla , visitors can take to the tango clubs where they can work all their calories off and party into the wee hours of the morning.

• Couples that would like to relax over a perfectly crafted cocktail or a glass of Argentina's finest wine should grab a drink at Gran Bar Danzon, one of the city's hottest lounges. Its cocktails are creative and cannot be beat. The Four Seasons also recommends an exclusive wine tasting in its trendy Pony Line Bar for couples looking for a relaxing evening.

• Couples looking to try their toes out at tango should visit a milonga and dance the night away. The Four Seasons and The Alvear Palace both recommend Salon Canning, an authentic and local favorite. If you're hoping to improve your skills before taking your moves to the dance floor, you can sign up for a lesson at the famous Alvear Palace. However, those who prefer to admire tango strictly as a spectator can enjoy a tango show, which feature some of the best dancers in the world. The Four Seasons recommends the shows at Rojo Tango Cafe de los Angelitos as well as at Gala Tango to its guests. Although most of the tango shows offer a dinner option, we recommend you save your money and dine elsewhere as meals at the clubs are usually expensive and mediocre at best.

• After a long night of tango, grab a cup of strong coffee for which South America is famous because there is plenty of sightseeing to be done. Grab a cup at a charming local favorite, Havanna. Be sure to sample one of their famous alfajores !
• We checked in with an Alvear Palace concierge, Esperanza Coarasa, to get her insights as to the best of Buenos AIres. She highly recommends a guided tour through Teatro Colon. Teatro Colon is an opera house renowned for its design as well as its spectacular acoustics. The likes of Leonard Bernstein and Luciano Pavarotti have graced its fine stage.
• Ms. Coarasa also suggests that art enthusiasts visit the Museo de Bellas Artes, one of South America's most prestigious museums, as well as the Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires , which is home to several works by Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
• For history buffs, Ms. Coarasa recommends a visit to the museum dedicated to Evita Peron, the deceased wife of Argentine president Juan Peron during the 1940s and 1950s.
• Finally, a visit to the colorful, yet uber-touristy La Boca can't be missed. Consisting of a strip of quaint shops, cafes and colorful buildings, La Boca provides a quintessential backdrop for the perfect Buenos Aires photo opp. Tourists should stick to the main strip and are advised to leave by 6 p.m. for safety reasons.

• Shop 'til you drop at trendy stores and boutiques in Palermo Soho and grab a romantic lunch afterwards at Cafe Cluny. Ms. Coarasa also recommends the shopping at Patio BullRich Mall as well as at Galerias Pacifico.
• Finally, a universal favorite among shopping fanatics is the San Telmo Antique Market, which is held every Sunday along Defensa and Balcarce streets. Here, antique dealers and street performers flood the cobbled roads and sell everything from priceless antiques to silly souvenirs.

• We highly recommend a visit to an estancia where you can ride horses, meet real Argentinean gauchos and have a homemade feast. The Four Seasons recommends that guests sign up for a tour with Camino Pampa, which is led by its extremely professional and knowledgeable owner and guide, Guillermo. Madonna sent her children on this tour, so you know it can't be half bad!

• If you're looking to expand your horizons for a few extra days while in Buenos Aires, head west to check out wine country in Mendoza, or north to Iguazu Falls, which is one of the "new" seven wonders of nature. You can also check out the city of Carmelo in Uruguay. Be sure to check out Finca Narbona, a truly magical place! Any one of these is a fantastic option and only a short ferry or plane ride away from Buenos Aires.

Where to eat and drink

To successfully assimilate into the city's culture and live like a true Porteño , you should know that the dinner scene doesn't start until nearly 10 p.m. Plan to start late and stay for a while. Service in Buenos Aires is leisurely because Argentineans relish the dining experience and find it relaxing.

• Every self-respecting visitor's first priority should be to sample some of Argentina's famous grass-fed beef. Carnivores will delight at La Cabrera and El Mirasol, two of the city's best steakhouses. Enjoy the plethora of complementary sides and sauces at La Cabrera and be sure to try the beef empanadas at El Mirasol.
• Couples looking for an unforgettable romantic meal must experience the exquisite French cuisine at La Bourgogne at the Alvear Palace.
• For Italian food that rivals Italy's, visit Piegari or Sottovoce, both in Recoleta.
• For trendy sushi, head over to Osaka, which is in Puerto Madero.
• For an unbeatable ambiance, visit Elena at the Four Seasons where dramatic double-height, sky-lit ceilings and a spiral staircase seamlessly blend South American and European decor.

More honeymoon advice

Cheap, romantic honeymoons
Hot honeymoon ideas
7 Spectacular hotels for honeymooners

Though you might disagree that Megan Fox is one of the sexiest women in the world, you will have to agree that she has a unique sense of style. Fox is also well known for her collection of tattoos. Her many tattoos include a Shakespeare quote on her right shoulder, a poem on her ribs, a Marilyn Monroe portrait on her arm, her man's name at her bikini line and a star tattoo on her ankle.

Back in February 2008, Fox attended The Visual Effects Society Sixth Annual VES Awards in Hollywood wearing a black strapless top, polka dot skirt and gold pumps. Polka dots were in then, and they are still in now. Here's how you can steal her sexy look for a special night out.

Snag the ivory and black polka dot pelmet skirt . If you are looking for something a little more mom-friendly , consider the longer polka dot chiffon pleated skirt instead.

Peplum styles are in right now and this Greylin sequin peplum strapless top is absolutely gorgeous. However if strapless isn't your style, look for something with a little more coverage. This batwing-sleeve metallic striped lace top may be the answer. It's sexy without being too revealing.

Fox was wearing an incredible pair of gold Christian Louboutin pumps for the event. You can find an equally hot pair at a fraction of the price, such as these Paris Hilton gold croco pumps . If your tired mommy feet can't stand such high heels, you can still find a shimmery pair of shoes you'll love. Consider these Annie Sadie gold evening sandals . These elegant, jeweled shoes feature a heel that is under three inches and a padded footbed for extra comfort.

More about mom style

How to dress up your favorite tee
Busting mommy style myths
5 Ways to wear a blazer

Photo credit: WENN

Destination: Miami, Florida

Miami International Airport, also known as MIA, is the main international airport in Florida. Travelers looking for a bargain can also check for flights into nearby Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport , which often offers cheaper fares. However, when booking your trip, take into account that taxis from FLL to Miami will be close to $75, whereas a taxi from MIA will only run you about $35.

We recommend against renting a car in Miami as parking costs at hotels and restaurants' valets can quickly add up. Most visitors rely on taxis, which are easy to hail in most popular neighborhoods. Added bonus? Now you don't need a designated driver!

When to go

Miami's subtropical climate is ideal for most of the year. Although the best time to visit is admittedly during fall and spring, even the winter months of December through March provide mild and sunny weather. Although it won't be as warm as the Caribbean, visitors from the northeast will still appreciate average temperatures in the mid-70s.

December is an especially fabulous time to visit because this is when organizers of the premier art show, Swiss Art Basel, come to town. This spectacle draws glitterati like Kanye West, Will Ferrell and Diddy. Although the summer months of August through October may be a bit more humid and rainy than the rest of the year, it's still a fine time to visit because the rain doesn't last long here, so you won't be stuck inside for long! Plus, prices drop considerably during this time.

What to do

Many people don't realize this, but Miami is quite a dynamic city. Besides offering sun-kissed days and a rowdy nightlife, there are a plethora of adventurous and cultural attractions for visitors to enrich their Miami experience. We checked in with luxury expert Tim Krenzien from Paul Klein Travel to find out some of his top picks for this fun-filled destination.

• One of Tim Krenzien's top suggestions is to take a private airboat ride in the Everglades where couples can journey into astonishing grasslands in one of the world's most unique ecosystems.
• Adventurous couples can also take a Jet Ski safari on Biscayne Bay to view its stunning waterfront estates.

• No one can visit Miami without a visit to one of its legendary clubs. Dress to impress if you want to make it past the velvet rope at one of the swanky clubs in South Beach. Miami's hottest clubs right now are Liv at the Fontainebleau, Foxhole and Hyde at the SLS Hotel.

• Europhiles will delight at the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens — truly a lover's paradise, which is also extremely popular as a wedding venue. This European-style villa and its manicured gardens provide guests the opportunity to wander through and enjoy the splendor of the Italian Renaissance.
• Tim Krenzien recommends that art experts and amateurs alike take an afternoon to gallery hop through Miami's Design District. The art scene here is super hip right now and definitely worth a visit.

• For those looking to gain a taste of Miami's daytime scene, a jaunt along Ocean Drive, Lincoln Road and Collins Avenue will provide fun people-watching, great shopping and delicious restaurants.
• Couples can also charter a boat to take them to see Star Island and Fisher Island, where Miami's elite call home.

• Nearly every resort in Miami offers romantic-themed couples' spa treatments — and these are not overrated. Indulge together and rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit at top spas like Canyon Ranch Miami Beach and Viceroy Miami Beach.

• Basking in Miami's golden sunshine is to truly appreciate the hedonism for which South Beach is famous. Miami provides the perfect setting to simply lounge by the beach, cocktail in hand, and enjoy yourself. Just please promise us you'll stop short of becoming a hyper-orange Miami cliche!

Where to eat and drink

• Dine out in style at some of Miami's most "sceney" restaurants: Prime One Twelve and Prime Italian. Gourmet steak fare and enormous portions of decadent, Italian classics will make you wish you didn't have to put on a bathing suit the next day!
• For a unique and delicious experience in the Design District, visit Michael's Genuine Food and Drink.
• Couples looking for a romantic, French classic should visit Palme d'Or, located in the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables.
• For those looking for some of the Latin flavor for which Miami is famous, make reservations at Ola, a nuevo Latino restaurant on South Beach.
• For creative fare and over-the-top presentation, visit Barton G.
• For those looking for Asian-inspired cuisine, Hakkasan at the Fontainebleau and Asia de Cuba at the Mondrian will satisfy your craving.
• Finally, for those wishing to visit one of Miami's most well-known seafood joints, check out Joe's Stone Crab, famous for its fresh and succulent seafood.

More honeymoon advice

Honeymoon travel guide to Chiang Mai, Thailand
Top honeymoon destinations for the frugal couple
5 Must-visit honeymoon destinations

Kelly Rutherford, who you might know best as Lily van der Woodsen, the mother of Serena on Gossip Girl, always looks stylish and chic on the show and off. In real life, she's the mom of two young children and recently was one of our celeb mom video bloggers on Mommalogues.

You don't have to spend a fortune to get Kelly's look. Instead, choose your dress and accessories wisely.

Instead of a little black dress, how about a little white dress? A white cocktail dress is perfect for a spring or summer party. If you aren't going to wear the dress often, there's no need to spend a fortune. However, if it's going to be a staple in your wardrobe, go ahead and splurge.

Steal: Max and Cleo strapless front bow dress

Splurge: BCBGMAXAZRIA ruffled strapless dress

For a more affordable option to expensive diamond and white gold/platinum jewelry, choose pieces that use cubic zirconia set in sterling silver, brass or other affordable metal.

Steal: Eliot Danori cubic zirconia earrings

Splurge: Small "Oprah" style tear drop earrings

Rutherford's shoes feature a jeweled embellishment over the toe. These kinds of details can really make your look. If your mommy feet are too tired to spend the evening in sky-high heels, choose kitten heels instead.

Steal: Touch Ups by Benjamin Walk Tiffany sandals

Splurge: Miu Miu kitten-heel leather sandals

The perfect evening bag is a silver metallic clutch. The one Rutherford is carrying offers a simple shape and lots of style. You can get a similar bag at a fraction of the price.

Steal: Nina Handbags Lani-L silver clutch

Splurge: Tory Burch Reva leather clutch

Image credit: WENN

More about mom style

How to dress up your favorite tee
Busting mommy style myths
5 Ways to wear a blazer