Liberty Ross has been spotted with divorce lawyers in L.A. So what's with the rumors that the actress is staying with her cheating hubby?
While rarely seen since news of her husband's affair with Kristen Stewart broke, Liberty Ross was spotted Tuesday at Century City in Los Angeles.
TMZ is reporting Wednesday that the offices are home to many high-profile divorce lawyers, including Linda Wasser.
The sighting comes just days after it was reported Liberty was working it out with her director-husband, Rupert Sanders.
Sanders directed both his wife and Stewart in Snow White & the Huntsman .
In fact, before the big fallout, photos were circulating of a smiling Liberty with her co-star, Kristen.
So is she staying -- or going?
Apparently, the gossip site also snapped photos of Liberty and Rupert together .
Sources tell TMZ that the photos were taken outside of a psychologist's office, and that the couple have consulted with marriage and family therapists.
They have two young children together.
Sources also insist Liberty's meeting with an attorney isn't what it seems, and that the hope is "reconciliation."
But Liberty's not quite ready to put the ring back on yet -- at least until she is assured her husband viewed the affair as a mistake he won't repeat again, insiders say.
To his credit, Rupert has called the affair "the worst mistake" of his life, and that the thought of losing his wife and children is "killing him."
Cherries are the quintessential summer fruit. Don't let their short season pass you by. This cherry-infused bourbon takes five minutes to whip up and after a week it will be ready to enjoy year-round. It's delicious on its own or in a classic old-fashioned cocktail.
Cherry-infused bourbon
Yields 3 cups
Kick back and relax this summer with a cool old-fashioned cocktail. This cherry-infused bourbon adds just the right amount of seasonal flavor.
Ingredients:
3 cups bourbon
2 cups fresh cherries
Directions:
Wash two cups of cherries and remove the stems and the pits. Place the cherries in a large Mason jar.
Add three cups of bourbon to the jar and seal with the lid. Place in a cool dark place for one week. Shake the jar once a day for seven days.
Using a fine sieve, strain the liquid from the cherries. Store the infused bourbon in a Mason jar in the freezer.
Up next: Old-fashioned cocktail recipe >>
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Old-fashioned cocktail
Serves 1
Ingredients:
1 teaspoon sugar
3 dashes bitters
1 teaspoon water
2 fresh cherries, pitted
2 slices orange, including the peel
2 ounces cherry-infused bourbon
Soda water
Ice cubes
Directions:
1
Step 1
Place one teaspoon of sugar in a glass and add three dashes of bitters.
2
Step 2
Drizzle one teaspoon of water over the sugar. Place one pitted cherry in the glass.
3
Step 3
Add one slice of orange to the glass and muddle the fruit into the sugar.
4
Step 4
Pour two ounces of cherry-infused bourbon into the glass and stir to combine. Add ice cubes to the glass and garnish with remaining cherry and orange slice. Serve as is or add soda water.
During the course of every day, you may find yourself begging for just a few more hours to make your to-do list for the following day or read that article on parenting that you've been dying to finish. SheKnows helps you organize your week so you can give yourself a bit of daily me-time .
Squeeze me-time in every day
During the course of every day, you may find yourself begging for just a few more hours to make your to-do list for the following day or read that article on parenting that you've been dying to finish.
SheKnows helps you organize your week so you can give yourself a bit of daily me-time .
Sunday check-in
Make Sunday a family organizational day. Have a casual family meeting every Sunday evening to check in with everyone on schedules, special school outings or projects, late/after work meetings, the carpool rotation and reminders about chores and homework. A weekly check-in to organize the coming days will save time for everyone in your family throughout the week — most importantly you.
We’re not talking about emailing clients while you’re coaching your son’s soccer practice. Find a way to multi-task that includes a little indulgence for yourself. For example, you may have little time for reading these days, but surely you can listen to an audio book while you drive the kids to school, right? Just keep your eyes on the road!
And since you’re already in the kitchen while you are making dinner, use that time to prepare the kids’ lunches for the following day. This will give you a few minutes of extra time before bed or in the morning to chart out your to-do list, read a quick article or scroll through Facebook.
Give yourself 15 extra minutes
By waking up just 15 minutes early, you can save yourself the chaos of running around like a crazy woman to get your husband, your kids and yourself out the door for school and work. Use those 15 minutes wisely!
Sip a cup of coffee, take an extra indulgent shower or do whatever it is that will give you a little oomph throughout the day. It’s amazing how just a few minutes of time to yourself can make you a better, more relaxed and more focused parent.
Team work
Think of your family as a team — and you as their fearless leader. It’s your responsibility to help everyone work together and to lead them to victory . Running your family like a team — and giving each member of that team a specific duty — will allow you all to finish the task at hand in a quicker, more efficient manner so you can all move on to the things you’d rather be doing.
At dinnertime, delegate duties like setting the table, filling water cups and setting out plates and utensils as well as post-dinner cleanup. Reward your helpers with a few minutes of extra free time.
Organize your errands/chores
Organize your errands for the week so you don't waste time doubling back or going all over town to tackle all your weekly chores. Instead of going to three or four different stores, try to pare down the number of stops you make and the places you need to go. If possible, stock up on specialty items that you need to go out of your way to purchase.
There was a chill in London Thursday morning, emanating from the temporary set built for Today's coverage of the Summer Games. We're finding out more and more that Ann Curry "doesn't play that game" and, while professional, there was an icy distance during her first appearance alongside Matt Lauer since her firing.
While Ann Curry has covered the Colorado shooting rampage since being ousted by Today in June, Thursday morning marked her first on-set appearance since her very public termination.
The Associated Press reports Curry was in London to introduce an Olympics feature story.
During her appearance, host Matt Lauer told his ex-sidekick "nice to see you" and "good to see you."
Both times, his statements were met with silence and a polite head-nod from the apparently still-seething Curry.
Curry remained straight-faced and decidedly un-chatty, despite Lauer's attempts to make conversation.
NBC's national and international correspondent also had no on-air interactions with other members of Today.
While Lauer told Curry she had the "biggest heart in the business" during her televised departure earlier this summer, behind the scenes it's reportedly a different story.
It's been widely noted that Lauer may have had a hand in pressuring higher-ups to fire Curry when the ratings slid.
Us also notes we shouldn't be surprised by Curry's icy Olympics reunion, given that sources told the pub that the days leading up to Curry's exit, "You could cut the tension with a knife."
"When the cameras stopped rolling, Ann wouldn't even look at Matt," a source from the set told Us.
Curry also made it a point to hug each of her colleagues during her last day with one notable exception: Matt. No hug for you, Lauer.
What would you do if a stranger -- or even your date -- grabbed you around the neck and planned to do you harm? Screaming as loud as you can might break your assailant's grip and motivation. But if it doesn't, you better be ready to physically defend yourself. The authors of Krav Maga for Women: Your Ultimate Program for Self Defense http://www.amazon.com/Krav-Maga-Women-Ultimate-Program/dp/1569759871/ recommend mastering the following self-defense moves. Incorporate them into your regular workouts so they become second nature.
Krav Maga for women
What would you do if a stranger -- or even your date -- grabbed you around the neck and planned to do you harm? Screaming as loud as you can might break your assailant's grip and motivation. But if it doesn't, you better be ready to physically defend yourself.
According to Darren Levine, a 6th degree black belt in Krav Maga and co-author of Krav Maga for Women, Krav Maga was originally developed in Israel as the official system of self-defense and hand-to-hand combat for the Israel Defense Forces and other security units. More recently, it is being taught extensively to civilians, law-enforcement agencies and military units in the U.S.
"Krav Maga is a no-nonsense, no-frills system that is designed to instill a fighting spirit and aggressive mindset in its students," explains Levine. "Additionally, since many adults today are not interested in the formalities of traditional martial arts, the purposes of Krav Maga are simply self-defense and fitness, so training time is spent cultivating those goals."
The Krav Maga fitness advantage
Though the primary purpose of Krav Maga is to teach self-defense techniques, it offers one of the fastest and best ways to get in shape. "Many actors, such as Ashton Kutcher, Jennifer Lopez, Brendon Fraser, Kristanna Loken, Lucy Liu, Michelle Ryan, Jennifer Garner, Shannon Elizabeth, Leonardo Di Caprio, Dennis Haysbert, Brad Pitt, Hillary Swank and many others have sought out Krav Maga training as a way to enhance their on-screen fighting prowess and just as importantly, to build a ripped, toned and highly defined physique," says Levine. "Krav Maga workouts are a unique approach to strength training, improving flexibility and endurance, and maximizing explosiveness." He adds that explosiveness is the great equalizer because it allows smaller defenders, such as women, to perform against larger opponents.
Krav Maga has a purpose
With most workouts, you do the moves to get fitter and stronger and to improve your endurance. However, Krav Maga workouts go beyond building your physique. "Krav Maga training is different from ordinary gym workouts where exercise routines become boring. Krav Maga has a purpose in that you have acquired the life saving skills that Krav Maga training provides. It's world class self-defense training against modern attacks that can extend your life by years against a violent assailant. This produces confidence for every aspect of your life!"
Up next: Krav Maga moves >>
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Krav Maga for women
What would you do if a stranger -- or even your date -- grabbed you around the neck and planned to do you harm? Screaming as loud as you can might break your assailant's grip and motivation. But if it doesn't, you better be ready to physically defend yourself.
Straight punches
Preferred target areas: chin, jaw, throat, nose
Why it works: A straight punch, which can be made with either hand, extends forward in a straight line from your shoulder to the target. The shortest distance between two points is a straight line — a straight punch is the fastest, most direct and least detectable way to send a punch to the targeted area. The straight punch can be used to distract, stun, injure or knock out your attacker, giving you the ability to eliminate the threat and time to escape from the danger zone.
Where to aim: Strike to whatever vulnerable target is open. If the attacker's arms are up high, you should strike low — if his hands are down low, you should strike high. A sound strategy is to create openings. For instance, if the attacker's hands are up and covering his face, strike to vulnerable areas that are low. This will generally cause the attacker to drop his hands, opening targets to the face, throat and chin.
Start position: Get in a fighting stance, feet a little wider than hip-distance apart, knees slightly bent, angled slightly to the side, hands up, elbows bent.
Movement: Primarily driving with your legs, with the support of your core, send your fist forward. Drive the punch forward by pushing the ball of your back foot against the floor. Push off the floor to place more power in the punch. As your hips and shoulders rotate, extend your fist forward for the punch while keeping your elbow down toward the floor for as long as possible. Make contact with the first two knuckles of your fist, making sure to keep your wrist straight. This increases the power of the punch, as well as your reach, and will help you deliver the punch safely. Bring your hand and body back quickly to starting position, being careful not to let your hand drop when bringing it back toward your head. This protects your head and puts you in a position to throw follow-up punches.
Workout application: Repeat punches with your right hand, concentrating on form then speed, for 15 repetitions. Change sides. Practice on a punching bag by yourself or enlist a partner and take turns striking hand pads.
Heel punch
Preferred target areas: chin, jaw, throat, nose, side and back of head
Why it works: A variation of a straight punch, the heel punch is a great alternative if you have long nails or injured knuckles, or are presented with a hard or bony target. Some people find it more comfortable to strike with the heel of the hand rather than the fist. Do not strike with your whole palm or hand, as the force of the punch will be dispersed along a wider surface area and will thus be weak.
Start position: Get in a fighting stance.
Movement: Driving with your legs and your core, send your right hand forward. Drive the strike forward and add power by pushing the ball of your back foot against the floor. Push off the floor to place more power in the punch. As your hips and shoulders rotate, extend your arm for the strike, keeping your elbow down toward the floor. Just before striking the target, flex your wrist backward, open your hand and curl your fingers, making contact with only the heel of your palm . Turn your hand slightly inward as you strike — this helps protect your hand and wrist. Bring your hand and body back quickly to starting position, being careful to not let your hand drop when bringing it back toward your head. This protects your head and puts you in a position to throw follow-up punches.
Workout application: Repeat punches with your right hand, concentrating on form then speed, for 15 repetitions. Change sides. To practice, work with a partner and take turns striking hand pads, holding the hand pads vertical and striking upward.
Elbow strike
Preferred target areas: chin, jaw, nose, throat, sternum, side of head
Why it works: An elbow strike can be delivered at almost any angle and is most effective at very close range . In order to create the most damage with the least effort, try to isolate the "tip" of the elbow when striking, concentrating all of your power in a very small surface area.
Starting position: Stand in a neutral position.
Movement: Raise your elbow to your side and punch outward . Make contact with your opponent just above the tip of the elbow. Be sure to drive into the strike with your legs to give more weight and power.
Workout application: Repeat for 15 repetitions with the right elbow then repeat with the left elbow. If you have a partner, use hand pads as targets.
Knee strike
Why it works: Knees are another powerful defense for close range combat.
Preferred target areas: groin, leg, solar plexus, sternum, liver, kidney, face, head
Starting position: Get in a fighting stance.
Movement: With your left hand, grab the attacker's right arm just above the elbow. With your right hand, grab his right shoulder and/or neck firmly by grabbing handfuls of skin. Keep your right elbow down, driving your forearm into his neck and/or collarbone. This will help give more control and reduce the chances of him grabbing you or taking you to the ground. Snatch your opponent's body forward and/or down while driving your right hip forward and your right knee forward and up, striking with the point just above your kneecap. Be sure to recoil your entire leg back to the floor quickly so that the attacker has little opportunity to grab it.
Workout application: Repeat 15 times with your right knee, pretending to grab and kick an opponent. Repeat 15 times with your left knee. Engage your abdominals as you bring your knee up for more force.
Kick from a lying position
Preferred target areas: groin, midsection, head; chest, head; a kick to the knee or shin is also possible.
Why it works: It's very possible during a violent encounter that you may end up on the ground, with a standing attacker. It's important to remain calm and continue the fight to get back up to a position of advantage. Generally, your legs are the longest personal weapons you have, so kicks are best used when the target is outside the reach of upper-body combatives, such as straight punches and hammerfists. Kicks generally allow you to do considerable damage while keeping the option of staying as far from your attacker as reasonably possible or necessary. Kicks also tend to be the most powerful combatives, employing very large muscle groups and bones to inflict damage on would-be attackers.
Start position: Lying on your back, lift your head and shoulders up off the ground with your chin tucked. Keep your hands up to protect your face. One foot is placed on the ground near your buttocks; the other knee is drawn up close to your chest with your foot flexed back. Your hips should be off the ground. Once this position is taken, only a small part of your back and one foot should be touching the ground.
Movement: As your kicking foot stomps outward, your base foot drives into the ground to engage your hips and generate power. The use of the hips is most important. At the moment of impact, the only body parts touching the ground are the base foot and the shoulders/elbows. Recoil immediately, bringing your knee back to your chest to prepare for another kick.
Workout application: Repeat 15 times with your right leg then 15 times with your left leg. Practice with a partner and use hand pads as targets.
Watch: How to do a plank
Our host shows you how to have the perfect form while doing planks.
While the plants and flowers in your garden certainly add color and personality to the chosen space, when it comes to container gardening, remember, your planter pick can actually be the star of the show.
Think outside the window box
While the plants and flowers in your garden certainly add color and personality to the chosen space, when it comes to container gardening, your planter can actually be the star of the show.
Whether you're indulging in indoor or outdoor gardening, choosing a planter is just another part of the fun! Various shapes, colors and textures can detract or draw attention to themselves so that you have the ability to have the plants, the planter, or both be the focus.
Over the years, artisans in many different realms have turned everything from old cars and boats, to recycled materials such as glass, iron and metal, into decorative planters that can be enjoyed inside and outside on your deck, patio or in your garden area.
Here are our top five picks for cool and unusual garden planters:
1
Ceramic Wall Planters
A dream of simplicity in both looks and design, this wall planter from West Elm easily hangs on the wall with a single nail. Made of ceramic with a matte white glaze, it's just perfect for your favorite orchid. Alone or in pairs, these planters are at home in either a more modern or a conventional interior setting.
2
Tea Cup and Saucer Planter
This adorable terracotta planter from Garden Artisans makes a great gift for yourself or a loved one who enjoys gardening. The cup has a drainage hole and the saucer is glazed. The delightful design would be welcomed indoors or out and can serve as a focal point on a table or in the corner of a deck or patio.
3
Recycled Sky Planter
In these sky planters from Boskke, the plants hang upside down, perfect for urban dwellers with limited space to garden. A welcome sight inside or out, the uniqueness of these planters is amplified by the use of recycled plastic to craft each piece. Sold with two hanging wires and a float stick to reveal water level.
4
Coffee cans and spice tins
Both coffee cans and spice tins are easily converted to decorative planters. You can paint or draw on plain cans to give it your own creative stamp. Try metallic colors or textured paints for fun decorative effects. Use patterned wallpaper on the outside of the can. Or, try punching holes around the top of the can to create custom patterns. Use a drill or screwdriver to create one or more drainage holes in the bottom, and you are all set to go! This also works well with old paint cans, which look cute with the handle still attached for a stylish touch.
5
Wheelbarrows or wagons
If you have a larger space to garden in, a wheelbarrow or wagon each makes for a wonderful focal point with eye-catching flower and plant arrangements inside. You can use new or older items; both are equally good for housing your plants and flowers. With wagons, you'll need to drill drainage holes that are large enough to let water out. You can measure and cut a piece of window screen to place in the bottom of the wagon to keep soil from getting out through the holes and keep insects out. When it comes to wheelbarrows, the more used they are, the more character your planter has. If handles or boards are missing, all the better, simply let the object rest as it will and fill and plant it accordingly. If needed you can use bricks or larger rocks to help anchor it securely.
As much fun as choosing plants and flowers for gardening is, choosing your planters and/or creating them from items you already have at home might even top the list. Try flea markets or yard sales to find interesting things to turn into garden homes for your plants and flowers. You never know what you might be able to make into your next favorite planter; put your creativity to the test today!
Watch: How to grow herbs in pots
In this episode learn how to effectively grow herbs in pots.
Back to school means an accelerated and jam-packed schedule for moms. Instead of putting your health and fitness on the back burner in hopes of "some day" finding the time to work out and eat right, stock up on the following must-have diet and fitness items, which will help you stay on the fast track to health.
Zaggora Viva HotPants
A favorite of fit 41-year-old Denise Richards, Zaggora Hot Pants are for women who need the maximum amount of calorie-burn when they exercise. HotPants increase core body temperature, which revs up metabolism, during and after exercise. According to Zaggora, research demonstrates an increase in energy expenditure during exercise by 6 percent and by 26 percent in the hour after exercise.
KLUTCHclub
Moms barely have time to get to the grocery store much less peruse the aisles searching for power foods, green personal care products and fitness items. That's why every health-conscious mom needs a KLUTCHclub subscription. KLUTCHclub is a monthly service that sends a curated and themed box of holistic health, fitness and wellness products to your doorstep, making it a no-brainer to incorporate healthier choices with the latest and greatest products that suit every lifestyle. Expect great items, such as Kristin McGee's Power Yoga DVD, Moving Comfort fitness apparel , Barleans Organic Oils, ZICO Pure Premium Coconut Water, KIND bars, Shea Terra Organics facial wash and more.
Angie Miller's Bedroom Body DVD
No time to get to the gym? No problem! Angie Miller's latest fitness DVD, Bedroom Body, is a core focused total body conditioning program that you can do at home. Featuring three 10- to 30-minute workouts — Buff Body Blast, Booty Burner and Core/Pelvic Floor — this fitness DVD also includes five pre-mixes to help you target trouble spots and give you shorter workout options when your schedule is especially jam-packed. In addition to fitting a workout into your day, think of all the time you save by not hustling to and from the gym.
Slice of Life Gummi Multi-Vitamins
Most people don't look forward to taking vitamins and will quickly opt to skip them if they are akin to horse pills or taste terrible. For the mom who optimizes everything in her day, including her supplements, Hero Nutritionals introduces Slice of Life Sugar Free Gummi Multi-Vitamin, the only great-tasting sugar-free gummi supplement on the market. Even better, these nutrient-packed gummi gems provide 50 to 100 percent of the daily value of the major vitamins and minerals and are completely natural and free of artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, gluten or other allergens.
Smart Mouth Advanced Clinical Formula Mouthwash
On those hectic mornings you don't even have a moment to brush your teeth , Smart Mouth has you covered. Be a halitosis-free mom with Smart Mouth mouth rinse, specially formulated to give you 12 hours of fresh breath as well as fend off the germs that cause plaque and gingivitis. What does this mean for you? Since we know you probably only get about five hours of sleep at night, if you brush and rinse before bed, you won't suffer from dreaded morning breath and can hit the door running without fretting over a missed teeth brushing.
What mom doesn't want to be beautiful? But slathering on a variety of beauty products eats up precious minutes on those crazy busy mornings. Save time and save face with this goji berry and green tea anti-aging serum that quickly nourishes skin, reduces wrinkles and promotes a smooth, silky appearance. You'll be able to feel the difference immediately and see results within two weeks.
Smart Wand Massager
Though moms deserve a weekly massage at the spa, most of us don't have the time, nor can afford it. That's where the Smart Wand all-over body massager comes to the rescue. The "smartest" massager on the market, this muscle-soothing device is cordless, rechargeable and waterproof — plus it features touch-sensor technology and eight individual massage patterns. Whether you're in the school parking lot waiting for the kids to get out of school or ending your day with a bubble bath, the Smart Wand can give you a mini-vacation of relief and relaxation.
Some of the biggest names in the hotel business in the U.S. are actually pet-friendly. See which hotels you can frequent if you’re traveling with your pet -- they aren’t all as expensive as you think!
Bring your pet on your next trek
Some of the biggest names in the hotel business in the U.S. are actually pet-friendly. See which hotels you can frequent if you're traveling with your pet -- they aren't all as expensive as you think!
Special note: While these hotels have a pet-friendly reputation, please call ahead to make reservations. The overall hotel policy doesn't override local pet laws.
If you're traveling with your pet, whether you just like brining Scooby on vacay or you're a DIY mover trekking across country for your new job, you may be a bit nervous about finding hotels that will allow your nonhuman babies to bunk with you. These hotels know that not all pet owners are willing to board their animals.
Kimpton Hotels
Kimpton hotels are a favorite of many pet owners in the U.S. As the creators of "HosPETality," they don't charge extra fees or have weight limits of any kind, so there's no discrimination against your gentle giant. In addition to pet-friendly hotel packages, including treats, walking services, toys, pet massages and more, many Kimpton hotels have their very own director of pet relations, a four-legged concierge who caters to the needs of her fellow human-owners.
Hotel Indigo
Hotel Indigo offers stylish accommodations that don't cost a fortune — they even have a best-rate guarantee. But all Indigo hotels are also pet-friendly. While some hotels in this chain charge pet fees and others may have a weight limit, the staff at Indigo knows how to cater to pet owners. You can expect to find pet amenities like treats and bowls for water. In fact, the Atlanta and San Diego locations have even been known to indulge your best buddy with canine-friendly cocktails at "Yappy Hour."
Hilton Hotels
OK, so we're now conditioned to think of Paris when we think Hilton. But the reality is, Hilton has been providing quality hotel services longer than you've known who their daughter was. With a generous 75-pound weight limit and a nonrefundable pet deposit of $75, Hilton treats pets and pet owners right. In fact, William Wegman's sleek pups are more than just the subjects of his world-renowned Weimaraner photos, they're the official "spokesdogs" for the Hilton pet program, for which Wegman himself designed the in-room Crypton Clean Pet Pillow. Pet-owning guests who reserve their rooms under the program will also have access to the hotel's dog bowls and placemat, biodegradable waste bags and a travel-sized sample of deodorizing disinfectant. You'll even get their own travel tote and organic pet treats when you check in.
Choice Hotels
Luxe accommodations are nice, but sometimes, you just want a decent place to sleep. Let's face it, you'll be out all day anyway. The Choice Hotels, including brands like Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Clarion, EconoLodge and more, have a multitude of low-cost, pet-friendly locations all across the U.S. You won't get all the special amenities from some pricier hotels, so bring your own treats, bowls and cleanup bags and plan to have the kiddos walk your pooch. But don't be surprised if your Choice Hotel is located near one of your vacation area's best dog parks!
Loews Hotels
At Loews Hotels, they love pets. So much so that they've partnered with Banfield Pet Hospital to provide four-legged guests with a complimentary exam and 15 percent discount on any veterinary services during their stay… meaning Fido doesn't have to skip out on the extreme sports .
Many locations also offer other services, like dog walking, pet sitting, pet spa treatments, loaner beds and other pet supplies. You may even find some special packages that include room service or waive the already low pet fee.
Make back-to-school time easier on parents and kids with these cool apps for your iPhone and iPad. These back-to-school apps are suitable for kids from kindergarten to college.
iPhone apps
Back-to-school apps
Between the useful functions your iPhone serves and the entertainment it provides, you might have your iPhone glued to your hand during your waking hours. We do, too. You've heard the saying "There's an app for that" — and there is! We're bringing you fun and useful apps for your iPhone every week. Today, we're sharing five apps for back-to-school time.
Make back-to-school time easier on parents and kids with these cool apps for your iPhone and iPad. These back-to-school apps for kids from kindergarten to college help keep track of homework assignments, special projects, quizzes and tests, grades and more.
My First Day of School
Is your little one nervous about the first day of school? This interactive book for your iPhone may help. The iStoryTime Kids Book — My First Day of School features the story about a boy, Charlie, who is getting ready for his first day at school. Though he is excited, Charlie is also a little scared, but he ends up really loving school. This interactive book offers three narration options, automatic or manual page turn mode, onscreen text and more.
Price: 99 cents
iStudiez Pro
Get school started off right with iStudiez Pro. This iPhone app allows parents, students and teachers to keep track of agendas, deadlines, grades, homework, tests and more with its scheduling tools and notification system. Whether your children are in elementary school, high school or college, this award-winning app can keep them organized and on target.
Price: 99 cents
iHomework
Another very helpful app for students, iHomework allows you to keep track of homework assignments, projects, reading lists, schedule, teacher contact information and more. This school organizing app is available for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad, as well as for Mac.
Price: 99 cents
FlashCards++
You can find a number of flashcard apps to help with studies, but FlashCards++ is one of our favorites. With this app, you can make flashcards on your phone, create image flashcards with your iPhone camera, or download text and images from Flashcard Exchange, Dropbox or Quizlet. You can also import cards from Excel and even listen to vocabulary flashcards with its text-to-speech functionality. Stop carrying around a stack of paper flashcards and access them on your iPhone or iPad instead.
Price: $3.99
Grammar Guide
If your kids' grammar and spelling skills have dropped off this summer, the Grammar Guide app is the perfect solution for back-to-school time. This app is a quick reference guide that will help improve any student's writing with topics on grammar, punctuation, capitalization, misspelled words and more.
Pool parties are one of the quintessential ways to celebrate summer and we’re willing to bet you’ll be heading to more than a few these last few weeks of the season. To help get you ready for any poolside soirees you’re attending while the temperatures are rising, we pulled together some seriously cute party looks you’ll love.
Tank dress
It’s a pool party, not a cocktail party, which means you want to look good -- but effortlessly so. That’s where the tank dress, like this cute black and white striped option, is a great choice . Add a pair of platform wedge sandals when you’re not near the water, a few colorful bangles and you’re ready to impress.
Sexy swimsuit
Your number one pool party essential is a swimsuit you feel great in. We’re partial to this ultra-flattering Guess monokini in solid black with sexy side cut-outs, ruffle detailing and a slightly padded bust . If you don’t want or need the padding, it’s conveniently removable.
Bandeau maxi
If you’d rather your post-swim outfit be a little longer, we suggest a simple but stylish maxi dress like this one in bold swaths of body-hugging color . Made from lightweight jersey, this easy-wearing strapless summer dress features a color block stripe design in peach, white, turquoise and royal blue.
Pool-ready sandals
By all means, pack a pair of heels for when everyone’s out of and away from the water, but for daytime we suggest something simple. We love this pair of cute, comfy jelly sandals in a feminine rose gold hue . The price point is perfect and they go with everything, from your bikini to your post-pool maxi dress.
Stylish shades
Complete your pool party look with some stylish eyewear. We’re always drawn to more classic designs, so we jumped at the chance to add this simple but elegant pair to our summer arsenal . They’re timeless, versatile and go with just about any hot weather look we throw together.
Large tote
Add a splash of color to your pool party look with this vibrant, oversize Diane von Furstenberg tote bag, big enough to carry all your essentials and then some . The vibrant canvas tote is covered in a floral print and makes packing everything you need for the party a snap.
Watch: How to get that Hollywood glow
The Hollywood glow, found on the red carpet at every award show, can be done by everyday women too. Watch as the SheKnows.com celebrity makeup artist, Allison Pynn, demystifies the secret to this well-known Hollywood trick.
Epidurals are often hailed as the golden standard of childbirth pain relief, and generally go off without a hitch, but there are real risks involved. How likely is it that you will experience a side effect?
Epidurals are often hailed as the golden standard of childbirth pain relief, and generally go off without a hitch, but there are real risks involved. How likely is it that you will experience a side effect?
What are the real risks?
Epidural anesthesia is the most common childbirth pain relief requested in the United States — it is estimated that more than 50 percent of mothers laboring in hospitals have one administered. The anesthesiologist will go through the risks of the procedure and you will need to sign a release form , but do most moms really understand the risks involved?
Likelihood of risks
"Most epidurals give excellent pain relief with few side effects."
We asked Jaime Arruda, MD, assistant professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Colorado about how likely it would be for a mother-to-be to experience a negative side effect from epidural administration — and her answer was very reassuring. “Very unlikely,” Dr. Arruda shared. “Most epidurals give excellent pain relief with few side effects. There is a small risk of a ‘spinal headache’ following epidural. Occasionally a mom's blood pressure may lower right after the epidural which could require some medications or IV fluids to correct.”
That said, there are several things that can go wrong, although permanent disability and death are extremely infrequent, it is still a very remote possibility. Here is a rundown of the most common side effects.
Blood pressure drop
Sometimes Mom’s blood pressure can plummet shortly after the epidural is administered, which is dealt with by increasing your fluids , administering medication or providing oxygen. Even though it's usually easily taken care of, the experience can be uncomfortable and sometimes scary.
Spinal headache
One mom we spoke with described the spinal headache that she experienced after her fourth child was born as “a special kind of hell that the name ‘spinal headache’ cannot possibly convey.” A spinal headache occurs when there is leakage of spinal fluid into the epidural space, and it creates a headache like no other, and one that is made worse by bright light and sitting upright.
A depressing way to start your baby’s life, most spinal headaches heal on their own but some moms have to go back to the hospital to have a blood patch administered to provide relief. Spinal headaches occur less than 1 percent of the time, but when they do happen, it can be really miserable.
Labor slowdown
Most practitioners will wait until your labor is well into the active stage and some hospitals even have a minimum dilation needed before an epidural is administered. Even when these thresholds are met, however, labor can sometimes slow down or even completely stop, which can lead to additional interventions such as augmentation with Pitocin or even a C-section.
Even with these potential risks, most moms who get an epidural feel that the benefits outweigh any potential problems. And as long as you know the risks beforehand, it can make any issues that arise easier to deal with if you know what to expect.
Go On brings good grief to NBC. Yesterday, the new comedy made an impressive debut. Following its Olympic lead-in, Matthew Perry's latest venture attracted over 18 million viewers.
Wednesday night, NBC previewed the new comedy Go On. And thanks to its post-Olympics time slot it struck ratings gold.
During last month's TCA press tour, NBC Chair Bob Greenblatt revealed plans to use the Olympics to market new shows. With the Summer Games winding down, they're going to slowly introduce their regular programming to audiences. And in the case of Go On, it worked.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Go On averaged 18.5 million viewers and received a 6.4 rating in adults 18-49. That's 38 percent down from its lead-in, but still an impressive feat. The numbers measure the 11:04-11:30 p.m. slot, which experienced some overlap from sports coverage.
Go On will return next month, when it premieres at its regular day and time: Tuesday, Sept. 11 at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The series stars Matthew Perry as successful sportscaster named Ryan King. After his wife dies he's pushed into mandatory grief counseling by his boss. The show will focus on his healing process in a comedic and off the wall way.
Aside from Perry, the show stars John Cho, Laura Benanti, Michelle Bernard, Julie White, Brett Gelman, Suzy Nakamura and Tyler James Williams.
Another NBC newbie hoping similar success is Animal Practice. The sitcom stars Weeds alum Justin Kirk and Crystal the Monkey from The Hangover Part II and Community. Animal Practice will preview Sunday after the Closing Ceremonies.
If you suffer from endometriosis — a condition when some of your uterine lining abnormally implants outside of the uterus during menstruation, conceiving can be challenging. Here's what you need to know about getting pregnant after endometriosis.
What you need to know to conceive
If you suffer from endometriosis — a condition when some of your uterine lining abnormally implants outside of the uterus during menstruation, conceiving can be challenging. Here's what you need to know about getting pregnant after endometriosis.
If you are one of the over 5 million women in the United States who have endometriosis, you may be wondering if you'll be able to get pregnant naturally or easily.
I know the physical and emotional pain endometriosis can cause, as I had a pretty severe case of it. A few years after having a laparoscopic procedure to remove scar tissue, I wanted to have a baby. My doctor told me, "Since you have a history of endometriosis, give it six months to a year to get pregnant." Much to my happy surprise, I conceived immediately. I'm one of the lucky ones — for many women, pregnancy after endometriosis doesn't happen right away — or even at all, without medical assistance.
Dr. Charles Dubin, founder of the Endometriosis Center of Southern California, explains, "There are two major ways endometriosis can impact fertility. The first is mechanical. If the disease is advanced it can distort anatomy making it difficult for sperm [to] transport through the tube — for example adhesions — or damaging the ovary and interfering with ovulation or ovum pickup by the fallopian tube. The second mechanism — even in the presence of a small amount of disease — is by endometriosis making chemicals that can interfere with fertilization."
Here are Dubin's answers to three common questions about pregnancy after endometriosis:
Will I have a harder time conceiving than a woman who never had endometriosis?
Dubin says, "Endometriosis can reduce the fertility rate per month leading to sub-fertility making it harder for women with the disease to conceive. This results in taking longer to get pregnant than the average fertile woman. In cases of severe amounts of disease a woman may be unable to conceive by natural means."
What types of procedures can help women with endometriosis?
Dubin explains, "Surgical removal of endometriosis — laparoscopic excision of disease — has been demonstrated to improve fertility rates in women with endometriosis."
About how long after trying to conceive should a woman who had endometriosis be concerned/consult with a specialist?
"In general, women should seek help if it takes more than six months of trying without conception in women older than 35 years, or one year if they are less than 35 years. However, in cases of pelvic pain or when severe disease is identified, intervention earlier may be warranted," Dubin says.
Dubin adds, "It is best to seek advice earlier than later from a medical professional experienced in the management and treatment of endometriosis. In particular someone experienced and knowledgeable in fertility and advanced laparoscopy — particularly excisional techniques."
Bottom Line
If you want to get pregnant, talk to your doctor about your history of endometriosis so together you can figure out the best course of action.
Ryan Lochte most definitely thinks it's okay to pee in the pool. He's even taking his mission worldwide with a new book and non-profit. He's joking, but we love a guy who can make fun of himself.
We all died a little inside when Olympic gold medal winner Ryan Lochte admitted to Ryan Seacrest that he pees in the competition pool.
"Of course," the 27-year-old connoisseur of Jeah! said. "I think there's just something about getting into chlorine water that you just automatically go. [I didn't] during the races, but I sure did in warm-up."
Oh. My. God.
Naturally, those comments went viral. Now, Lochte is making fun of the whole thing with a new Funny or Die video. In the "LOCHTv" clip, he jokes that he only pees in the pool — and nowhere else.
"Yes, I can only pee in the pool," he cracks. "If I see a toilet, I'm definitely not peeing there."
Why pools? "Like animals, they mark their territory, I pee in the pool," Lochte says. "That's my territory."
That's not all, though: He's planning to help those less fortunate than him learn to pee in the pool. However, there's one thing he won't do: Poop in the pool, since "they shut down the whole pool" when one of those brown lumps are floating around.
What makes him such an expert in the subject? He's a gold medal urinator, of course.
"I pee gold, when I'm a little dehydrated," he jokes.
All kidding aside, Lochte told reporters that the whole pee debacle got way out on control. He's not the only one who does it, either: Michael Phelps admitted to doing it as well.
"I think everybody pees in the pool," Phelps, 27, told the Wall Street Journal. "It's kind of a normal thing to do for swimmers. When we're in the water for two hours, we don't really get out to pee."
So, exactly how much pee does a champion swimmer drink during a race? Not much, Phelps said.
There are many reasons to camp in the comfort of your own backyard. But before you head outside, make sure you have everything you need and consider all the variables to make the most of your experience – especially if you're using your backyard camping experience as a test for little campers.
Why camping in your yard is a good test
If you've never been camping before, you can get a pretty good feel for what it will be like by camping in your own backyard. Practice relying on minimal necessities, enjoying the fresh air and relishing in quality family time without modern-day technologies and household items we typically become dependent on.
Camping in your own backyard is also a good test for little or first-time campers. Michelle Rock decided to test her husband's theory that their two young children could handle a camping trip. "We set up a mock campground in our backyard, complete with all my husband's camping gear and pretended the house was nowhere in sight." But what happened later that night made Michelle happy that they decided to do a trial run. "The baby wasn't able to fall to sleep come nighttime. We kept true to our test, but after five hours of trying to settle him, we decided it wasn't the right time." As a result, Michelle stayed home with her infant while her husband and 4-year-old son happily camped under the stars an hour from home.
Tip
Backyard camping can also be planned for a themed birthday party, a play date or as an inexpensive way to enjoy weekend family time.
Before you set up camp outside, set the rules and expectations for your family and yourself. This is especially important for families with young kids as they may not fully understand why they are sleeping outside or why they cannot run inside to watch TV before bed. Some ways to make your backyard camping experience fun for all:
Go on a hike around your neighborhood.
Experience the nature around you by exploring the dirt, rocks, insects, trees, leaves, clouds, birds, etc.
Take turns reading from a book as you pass it around a "campfire.".
Make s'mores and tell stories around the barbecue or fire pit.
Print out a star map and locate constellations.
Tips to make the most of your backyard camping experience
Set up your yard to look and feel like a real campsite.
Use real camping gear to mimic a campsite kitchen, set up tents and campground games and dig a hole when it's time to use the restroom.
Pretend the house is not there. Decide ahead of time if you'll allow trips to the restroom, but for everything else, pretend the house is not there.
Unplug and relax. Use this experience to unplug from the computer, your phone or other mobile devices to fully experience your adventure and gauge if it's something you'll be able to do away from the home.
Make it extra fun for kids who are less likely to understand why they can't watch TV or sleep in the comfort of their own bed.
Backyard camping supplies
Use this checklist to make sure you have everything you may need or want to make the most of your backyard camping adventure.
A new photo shows a first look at the mesmerizing makeup job done on Daniel Day-Lewis to transform him into Abraham Lincoln.
Murders, soldiers, aliens and sharks, director Steven Spielberg has covered it all in his films. But now the acclaimed director is switching gears and doing a movie about a historical person. That's a different kind of makeup job!
In Spielberg’s new historical drama, Lincoln, actor Daniel Day-Lewis gets more than just a makeover as he transforms himself into one of the most beloved presidents of all time -- Abraham Lincoln.
From the salt-and-pepper hair swoop to the tuft of iconic beard, Lewis is looking more like Lincoln than we ever thought he could. It doesn’t hurt that he already has that famous bump in his nose. After viewing this comparison photo of Day-Lewis -- in the fedora that it’s tough to see him without these days -- in March of last year at a screening of the drama My Left Foot, it’s obvious why Spielberg chose him for the part. He’s Lincoln incarnate.
It doesn’t hurt that Day-Lewis has also won two Oscars, one for best actor in There Will Be Blood and another for My Left Foot.
In this comparison photo, you can see just how much -- if anything -- was done. Looks like it was no trouble at all to transform Day-Lewis into the spitting image of the iconic president.
Lincoln takes place at the height of the Civil War, as the president leads his Union army to overturn the Confederacy. Tommy Lee Jones plays Thaddeus Stevens, the witty Speaker of the House who was known for being an outspoken politician. Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Robert Todd Lincoln, the president’s son. Mad Men’s Jared Harris plays Ulysses S. Grant, and Sally Field plays Mary Todd Lincoln. If Day-Lewis' transformation back to the 19th century is this uncanny, we can't wait to see what Spielberg does next.
Who doesn't love cheesecake? When it's in cupcake form and topped with sweet strawberries, it's even better!
Looking for a new summer cupcake? Strawberries are nutrious and perfect for summer. Whether you buy the giant strawberries from California or pick your own, they are all sweet and delicious. This time we took a flavorful French vanilla cupcake and swirled it with a strawberry and red wine reduction. To top it off, it's slathered with rich and tasty cream cheese frosting. For just a little decoration, we sprinkled on some graham cracker crumbs. It's a flavorful twist on strawberry cheesecake but in cupcake form!
Strawberry cheesecake cupcake recipe
Ingredients:
1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced in half
1/2 cup red wine
1 box French vanilla cupcake mix
1 tablepsoon graham cracker crumbs
Directions:
Add hulled and sliced strawberries to a food processor and process until smooth.
Add strawberry puree to a small pot and add red wine. On medium heat, cook down until thick. About half will be cooked away. Set aside to cool.
Prepare French vanilla cupcake mix according to box directions. Fill lined cupcake tins about two-thirds full.
Add two teaspoons strawberry red wine puree and swirl with toothpick.
Bake for 18 minutes until toothpick is clean when inserted in the middle.
Cool for five minutes in the pan and then cool on baking rack.
Top with cream cheese frosting and a sprinkle of graham cracker crumbs.
Cream cheese frosting
Ingredients:
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
4 ounces unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Directions:
In a bowl of an electric mixer add cream cheese and butter. Blend until smooth and creamy and slowly add powdered sugar until combined.
Once fluffy add in vanilla extract and blend until combined.
Most of us have a spot in the home where all of the day-to-day family paperwork lives. It might be inside the front door in a basket, some corner of the kitchen, or shoved away in the office. Before the madness of fall takes over, learn how to organize your paperwork effectively. Here are tips to create a family household binder to stay on top of important papers and information.
Organizing your day-to-day documents
Save your sanity
Most of us have a spot in the home where all of the day-to-day family paperwork lives. It might be inside the front door in a basket, some corner of the kitchen, or shoved away in the office.
Before the madness of fall takes over, learn how to organize your paperwork effectively. Here are tips to create a family household binder to stay on top of important papers and information.
Do you have to sift through piles of paperwork every time you need to sign a permission slip or RSVP for a birthday party? Learn how to beat the mess this fall by keeping an organized family binder for important papers. Add a dose of contact and emergency information, and you have a great tool for sharing need-to-know info with guests and babysitters.
Create your household binder
You don’t have to be a craft maven to create a perfect household binder. You don’t even need a binder to create a household binder. What you need is a system that works for you, whether that’s a bill shelf, a filing cabinet or a big notebook with dividers. A traditional agenda planner works well for many families, especially if you find yourself jotting down information on a calendar. The most crucial feature of your household binder is the ability to store paperwork in an organized manner. Choose a binder or storage method with at least enough sections for each member of your family. Your binder’s organization should be clear enough for a babysitter to easily locate paperwork.
Add important information
Create a basic information sheet for every member of your family, including daily medications, contact phone numbers, email addresses and allergy information. Include the names and numbers of doctors and any health concerns of importance. For kids, add each teacher’s name, phone number and email address for quick reference. Do not include social security numbers or any private information you wouldn’t want a babysitter to see. Don’t store passwords or login information in your household binder. Those should be kept in a secure place in the home. Consider laminating each family member’s information sheet. Store each in a labeled section of the household binder.
Make a point of sorting through mail and paperwork from backpacks every single day. If you allow it to pile up, you’ll end up with a mess in a matter of days. If your kids are old enough to help out, ask them to place all school-related paperwork in an in-box. This can be a basket or tray near your binder. Place your incoming mail there as well. Every day, take a few minutes to sort, toss and file. Consider adding a to-do folder to keep track of papers that need immediate attention, such as school forms and birthday party invitations.
Purge and file
Every six months, go through your family binder and purge paperwork you don’t need anymore. Store your child’s homework and art in a more permanent place or scan and store images online. Throw away paperwork like previous class contact lists, old permission slips and school newsletters. Shred paperwork with sensitive financial and health information. File important paperwork such as tax information, health insurance information and product warranties.
Unlike a certain reality show featuring a certain little boy named "Tripp," #HoneyBooBoo is trending, which means people are at least watching TLC's latest abomination -- a Toddlers and Tiaras spinoff. Oh, the humanity!
It's hard to upstage the sassy, go-go juice-swigging Alana Thompson of Toddlers and Tiaras. But we think her over-the-top Georgia family did just that, and it's prompting critics to call Here Comes Honey Boo Boo "a new low" in TV and even a "sign of the apocalypse" .
The series, which debuted Wednesday, follows 6-year-old pageant queen Honey Boo Boo and her kin's antics in rural Georgia.
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TLC uses a familiar "rednecks as portrayed on TV" formula: Start with grown men and women rolling around in mud pits, insert road kill entrees for dinner and plenty of Daisy Dukes and uninhibited farting.
Don't forget to add Alana's miner dad and her oversized coupon-collecting mom, June. Any other stereotypes we're forgetting here?
While it's a formula we all know well, TLC has people talking -- some very famous people, actually.
Country star Miranda Lambert apparently had no shame when she tweeted, borrowing one of Alana's favorite sayings: "And TLC wins again with another show I am hooked on:) "a dolla makes me holla honey boo boo"!"
Fellow country star Blake Shelton was less impressed: "'Here Comes Honey Boo Boo'... And now here comes runny doo doo..."
While plenty of critics are deriding the show as a sign of the End Times, Headline News and its "Showbiz Tonight" segment contend people will watch this one because it's just that bad.
"Here Comes Honey Boo Boo is not the kind of program that hinges on good reviews," HLNtv reports. "Audiences will watch in droves, maybe because of how terrible it is. As Honey Boo Boo would say to the critics, 'You better redneckognize!'"
To that end, guess what else Honey Boo Boo has on her side? An over-stressed society inundated with awful news coming from far-off countries or from the business that just fired a bunch of workers down the road.
The last thing people generally want to do when they get home is watch more awful news. They want something brainless, something that gets them away, if only for an hour, from the stresses of everyday life.
Here Comes Honey Boo Boo fits that bill, as does anything on MTV these days.
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn director Bill Condon wants fans to stop giving Kristen Stewart such a hard time in the aftermath of her cheating scandal. Is he right?
Fans came unglued in July when Kristen Stewart admitted she cheated on Robert Pattinson with her Snow White and the Huntsman director Rupert Sanders. Pattinson ran away to Reese Witherspoon's house and Stewart dried her tears on Jodie Foster's shoulder.
The singer was about the only one to take her side — other celebs joked that she's nothing more than a "trampire." Well, now she has someone else on Team Kristen: Breaking Dawn director Bill Condon.
"The fact is, these are actors playing parts, and maybe it's not such a bad thing that people be reminded of that," Condon told Entertainment Weekly. "Both of these actors gave heart and soul to the Twilight movies, not only during shooting, but also by navigating so graciously the whole life-in-a-fishbowl aspect of the phenomenon."
"Above all they have always shown great respect for the fans who made these movies such a success. Now it’s time that some of that respect be returned to them," he added.
We do feel for Stewart, especially since she seemed genuinely upset in her apology statement. Many wondered why she'd even be honest when she could have just ignored the whole thing. Well, it seems like that's just who she is.
"I don't like people like that," she recently EW of being fake on the red carpet. "People who are a complete non-person but somehow through the lens seem like they are on and interesting and engaged… I don't want anyone leaving and saying, 'God, that girl is so fake.'"
"I'd rather be me," she added.
We can't blame her for that — and real people make real mistakes, hers are just under the scrutiny of the public.
Bottom Line
