Low- stress trick-or- treating for dogs

If it's your pup's first Halloween, you'll need to prepare her for the onslaught of trick-or-treaters. Even if you've had your dog for years, don't worry, you can still teach an old dog new tricks with these tips!

Don't wait until October 31 to teach your pooch how to deal with the door knocks and doorbell rings. Don't turn out the lights and ignore it. Just teach her how to stay calm during the chaos so she won't terrify your little visitors. All you need is a little doorbell and knock training.

The sniff test

First, think about how your dog reacts to kids. If it's not well, you might want to consider setting candy outside the door the first year until you can train her to be more comfortable. Remember, safety is the most important thing, for both the kids and the dog.

This training and these techniques are based on desensitizing your pup to the sound of a ringing bell or door knock and positive reinforcement of the correct behavior. Start by gating the doorway so she can see the children, but can't get access to them. This will also make kids who aren't comfortable with dogs more at ease.

Put the gate up as early as possible before Halloween and leave it there. You don't want to train her to think the gate going up is a special occasion as that could make her more nervous.

Start the training by having a member of the house go out the back and knock or ring the doorbell .

If she begins barking, place a treat in front of her nose. She'll have to stop barking if she wants to sniff it . When she stops barking, praise her and give her the treat. Do this several times in a row, but never for more than 15 minutes per day.

Pick a special spot

There are some behaviors a dog can't do while barking. For example, it's difficult for a dog to sit down and bark at the same time. Teach your dog to go to a "special spot" on command, for example, her bed.

Start slowly on this one, as it's not easy. To begin, toss your dog's favorite treat on the special spot and command "go to your spot!" . Then, give her the command and wait until she goes to the spot before you give her the treat. Be patient! It's just as frustrating for her as it is for you.

When she's consistently going to her spot, that's when you can start the doorbell training. First, simply command her to her spot and open the door. If she gets up, command her back to her spot and instruct her to stay. Don't give her a treat until she obeys. Once she's consistently going back, have someone knock on the door or ring the bell and command her to go to her spot. Open the door and don't give her the treat until she complies. Continue doing this until she stays on the mat while the door opens.

As always, patience is the key factor in this training exercise. Don't yell or hit or show any anxiety, as this will transfer to your pet. Never train for more than 15 minutes and try to remember that your pup may be just as frustrated as you are.

More pet training tips

How to stop your puppy from chewing and more
How to train your dog
Tips for dog park etiquette

Still looking for tickets to "country music's biggest night," otherwise known as the CMA Awards? Too bad — they've sold out for the fourth year in a row. That doesn't mean you won't be able to catch the show in all its glory, though: It'll air live Nov. 1 on ABC.

Good news, too: Blake Shelton, Lady Antebellum, Eli Young Band and Brantley Gilbert have just signed on to perform during the three-hour telecast.

Shelton is up for Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Single of the Year for "God Gave Me You" and Song of the Year .

"I never get tired of these 'Oh-My-God-How-Did-This-Happen?!!' moments," Shelton said after the nominations were announced in September. "Thank you to country radio and everyone who casts a CMA vote. I am truly honored."

Eli Young Band and Brantley Gilbert join the party

Eli Young Band's performance will mark their first trip to the CMA Awards. The group — nominated for Vocal Group of the Year — is just pumped to be invited to the inner circle of country music.

"We're so happy that we're having the success these days," front man Mike Eli told Taste of Country in August. "Like we've said many times before, being a band for as long as we have, we really feel like after all these years we really appreciate [it all] — no matter how big or small the accolade. It's always an incredible feeling, knowing that we're still accomplishing things as a band, musically and career-wise."

Gilbert is another newcomer making his first trip to the show. The "My Kinda Party" singer is nominated for New Artist of the Year. As for what to expect from his performance at the show? Brantley told Rough Dog that he does his best to appeal to all country music fans.

"If there is one thing I have learned over the years, it's that my fans come from different backgrounds — country fans, rock fans, music fans. But when they come to my show, they are BG fans and I want to make sure they walk away with an even greater understanding of my music, and of me," he told the website.

Lady Antebellum continues their ascent to the top

The three-person group better known as Lady Antebellum is used to all of the attention at awards shows: The band has won the Vocal Group of the Year CMA for the past three years. Will they make it a four-peat? It's looking like it, especially since they're again nominated in the category, along with a nomination for Album of the Year for Own the Night.

Don't assume that Lady A takes their success for granted, though. Charles Kelley told Billboard that they appreciate all the fan support.

"This has definitely been our year to take the tour to the next level for us in our career," Kelley told the magazine earlier this month. "We've had a lot of success selling records, and that's all been great, but I don't think we truly felt like we had made it as artists until people came out to the shows. I think that's where the rubber hit the road as an artist, putting butts in the seats. It's been a pretty overwhelming year for us in terms of excitement to see the fans filling up these arenas."

Also set to perform at the 46th Annual CMA Awards are superstars like Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan, The Band Perry and the Zac Brown Band. Performers Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood are back to host for the fifth consecutive year.

Image courtesy WENN.com

Will you watch Blake Shelton, Lady Antebellum & co. perform at the 2012 CMA Awards?

Set yourself free to be happy

As I can personally attest, when you feel forgiveness in your heart, it's easier to be happy, productive, accomplish your goals and be at peace with yourself. You see, forgiving another is really less about other people and more about being true, kind and respectful to ourselves. Likewise, humbly atoning for our transgressions against others is a way to give ourselves the esteem and value we deserve.

Not forgiving someone else and not repenting for wrongs you've committed can:

• Rob you of your power and strip you of your dignity.
• Keep you trapped in anger, indignation and resentment.
• Make you feel helpless, stuck and frustrated.
• Harm you physically or emotionally.
• Stop you from enjoying relationships or enjoying your accomplishments.

On the other hand, forgiving others or asking for forgiveness can:

• Free, heal, nurture and release you.
• Fill you with lightness, compassion and good will.
• Ennoble, empower and enliven you.
• Bring you closer to God or goodness.
• Refresh, reward and renew you.

I invite you to try out seven easy steps that spell out the word "forgive."

Face the facts

Own up to the reality that you need to forgive another person or yourself. If you don't accept that you're stuck in bitter, unforgiving quicksand, you'll never get out of your rut to live a fulfilling and enriching life.

Oust the anger

Even if you feel that the other person's offenses are real and your anger is justified, you should resolve to shed your resentment and bitterness.

Remember the offense

Recall the harms inflicted on you. Mind you, I'm not suggesting that you wallow or stew in self-pity. Instead, I'm recommending that you take some paper and recount all of your or another's transgressions. State: "I fully and freely forgive _____________ for ______________ ." Your list may be long, but always make sure to "fully and freely forgive" first. Now read your list out loud several times. Then take a match to it and burn it in the sink. Repeat this process if desired.

Give the benefit of the doubt

Realize that, in most instances, the person who harmed you was probably being selfish or self-involved but was not out to hurt you. But if she or he had underlying unkind thoughts, then shower that person with compassion, kindness and empathy. Looking at these transgressors — or even yourself — with this kind of understanding can help to release you.

Imagine what forgiveness feels like

Now visualize yourself breaking free with forgiveness. Pray for forgiveness, if you wish. Then create and repeat forgiveness affirmations or mantras in front of the mirror. One such forgiveness affirmation could be: "I fully and freely forgive ______________ , and I am now released. Harmony, peace and good will reign supreme between ______________ and me."

Value the experience

Realize that forgiveness can be powerful and effective — perhaps as important as eating nourishing foods, exercising and believing in yourself. Acknowledge that letting go of your acrimony, animosity and antagonism can transform and improve your life.

Embrace forgiveness

Approaching another to apologize completes your seven-step process and helps you to achieve a joyous, merciful frame of mind. If the person is no longer on this earth, imagine yourself humbly asking forgiveness and the other person pardoning you.

I hope that simply reading these easy seven steps to forgive can help start the process of forgiveness. I invite you to begin pardoning those folks who've affronted you. Remember, by forgiving someone, you'll free up space in your heart for more wonderful things to arrive.

More on forgiveness

Improve your holiday health with the power of forgiveness
If you forgive, do you have to forget?
How to forgive and move forward after an affair

If you haven’t seen The New Normal yet, you’re missing out.

The basic gist is this: David and Bryan have been together forever and have decided that they want to have a baby. Since they’re missing half the relevant parts, they ask Goldie to be their surrogate. Goldie recently moved to California to start over with her daughter, Shania, after leaving her husband in Ohio. Goldie’s Nana, Mrs. Forrest , follows her because she thinks Goldie’s making a huge mistake. Barkin is unbelievably hysterical in that she plays an over-the-top version of a conservative. Nana thinks David and Bryan are going to hell for being gay and thinks her granddaughter might follow for giving them a child. Later, she nearly has a conniption fit when Goldie flirts with a cute African American guy.

Of course, Bryan is the stereotypical flamboyant gay guy and, yes, Mrs. Forrest’s role is also stereotypical, but they’re balanced out with characters that are anything but. David is sporty and completely oblivious to nearly all of Bryan’s pop culture references. Goldie, despite being a teenage mom, is smart and likeable, and you want to root for her. Shania is adorable, insightful and more than a little strange — especially when she spends multiple episodes pretending to be Little Edie from Grey Gardens.

So far this season, we’ve encountered each one of the characters facing "failure." Goldie struggles with trying to be an example of a strong, independent woman for her daughter. David hurts Bryan by not being overly excited about their baby. As a doctor, David knows the risks of pregnancy and the many things that can go wrong, and is merely trying to just be rational and not get his hopes up until they’re in the clear. Nana, despite being conservative, weakens at the attention of a traveling salesman and quickly falls into bed with him only to have her cold, black heart broken. Meanwhile, 11-year-old Shania is hurt and embarrassed when her pretend wedding goes awry due to her pretend-fiancé’s "womanizing" ways.

The New Normal caused a bit of controversy when it first aired, but hopefully it's here to stay. The show runs on a well-constructed equation of brilliantly funny one-liners and mildly gripping drama. It's 30 minutes of quality entertainment centered around five people you genuinely want to root for.

Photo courtesy of WENN.com

How Soleil does food & holidays

Soleil Moon Frye, known to many for her role on Punky Brewster, loves cooking with her two daughters, Poet and Jagger, and spending quality time with her family. We talked to the mom who's able to juggle it all and found out her juicy secrets.

Soleil's a fabulous mom, wife, author, entrepreneur and so much more! She's currently launching Fleischmann's Simply Homemade No Knead Bread and has a new how-to book about party planning coming out next fall.

Check out this seasonal steamed pumpkin bread >>

SheKnows: What's your favorite dinner to cook?

Soleil: My mom was an Italian chef, so we love making specialty pastas and pizzas! We also love Greek, Japanese and Indian food. It's fun to mix it up.

SheKnows: Are your daughters picky eaters?

Soleil: I never pushed anything on them, and I think that's made them more adventurous with food since they're never forced to try anything. They eat pretty healthy overall, and I think it's important to lead by example. My youngest daughter, Jagger, has a huge sweet tooth, but even with that she still chooses to eat healthy most of the time. They're very adventurous now and have even tried shishito peppers!

SheKnows: The holidays are coming up! What tradition are you looking forward to the most?

Soleil:  We love Christmas Eve! We go all out — Santa, presents, decorations, twinkling lights, food, the works. It's a big celebration with our entire family and is so much fun.

SheKnows:  What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish?

Soleil:  I'm famous for my mashed potatoes! I also make a mean sausage-mushroom dish that's my personal favorite.

Try these gourmet mashed potatoes this Thanksgiving >>

SheKnows:  Other than bread, what are your favorite treats to bake?

Soleil:  My daughters and I love to bake together. Our favorite baked goods to make are molasses cookies, chocolate chip cookies, banana pudding and blueberry pie.

SheKnows:  You have a how-to party guide coming out in the fall. We're guessing you like to entertain and host parties?

Soleil:  One of my favorite things to do is plan, put together and host parties! My book features fun, affordable ways to throw all different types of parties. The kids were involved and are also featured in the book. It really is a great way to get everyone together and involved in the party-planning process.

SheKnows:  With so many projects on your plate, what's your secret to managing it all?

Soleil:  I'm a juggler. I love being involved in all sorts of different things and tackling different projects. My secret is just doing the best that I can each and every day. Also, when I'm with my family I make sure that our time together is quality time.

SheKnows:  And finally, what is your favorite thing about being a mom to Poet and Jagger?

Soleil:  I love when they give me hugs and are kind to each other and those around them. It makes me feel like I'm doing a good job as a parent. My most favorite thing is when they tell me they love me out of the blue. Awww!

More on holiday traditions

Fun celebrity holiday traditions
Creating holiday traditions around food
3 Fun holiday traditions to introduce this year

Photo credits: Apega/WENN, Michael Wright/WENN.com

Details of Jack Osbourne's bachelor party prove it was an event like no other. Forget the follies of films such as The Hangover — this man was outright tortured before walking down the aisle!

Last month Jack Osbourne and a group of friends hit up Sin City to celebrate his remaining weeks of bachelorhood. Unbeknownst to the father of Pearl, however, his so-called friends had secret plans for the night that involved kidnapping and various forms of torture to be implemented by professionals.

Jack Osbourne recalled to Britain's Hello! magazine, "I went to Las Vegas with some friends and we rode dune buggies in the desert, fired guns... and I was kidnapped. My friends flew out some guys from counter terrorism squadrons in the U.K. and they kidnapped me from the Palazzo hotel."

Jack Osbourne's lifesaving rescue, in his own words >>

While most brides-to-be fear their fiancé may imbibe too heavily and do something naughty with a lady of the night, Lisa Stelly had real reason to fear for her future husband's safety!

"I got waterboarded, I got tortured — it was pretty awesome," Jack Osbourne continued. "I don't think many people can say of their bachelor party, 'I got tortured by a member of Delta Force, a Navy SEAL, and two members of the SAS.'"

We don't think so either, Jack! Perhaps Mr. Osbourne has kicked off a new trend in bachelor party high jinks?

"We've dealt with a lifetime's worth of problems in one year," the bride told Hello! in a post-wedding interview, referring to her groom's MS diagnosis. "We've got through it all and I just know we'll be together forever."

"I feel like marriage will make our bond even stronger," Jack Osbourne concurred. "Having Pearl and now marrying Lisa are just the best things ever. They have changed my life."

Image via WENN

Vice Presidential candidate Paul Ryan just wanted to show he could roll up his sleeves and get his hands wet to help those less fortunate. Not surprisingly, the whole thing just blew up in his face.

After months of accusations that the Republican party — and the Romney-Ryan ticket in particular — don't give a rat's you-know-what about anyone other than the wealthy, Ryan drove that point home this week with a photo op mishap that has already become fodder for late-night monologues. Ryan was photographed supposedly helping out in a soup kitchen — but the whole thing was staged.

LeVar Burton slams Romney for promise to cut PBS >>

The dishes he was washing were actually clean. The facility itself was closed at the time. Ryan didn't actually help anyone do anything, let alone anyone less fortunate get a hand up. And now the people who run the center are super ticked off.

Telling the Washington Post that the Romney/Ryan people "ramrodded their way" into the soup kitchen, the president of the Mahoning County St. Vincent De Paul Society said no permission was ever given for entry or photos.

Rage against Paul Ryan: No, you're the machine! >>

"We're a faith-based organization; we are apolitical because the majority of our funding is from private donations," Brian J. Antal told the Post. "It's strictly in our bylaws not to do it. They showed up there, and they did not have permission. They got one of the volunteers to open up the doors."

"The photo-op they did wasn't even accurate. He did nothing. He just came in here to get his picture taken at the dining hall," Antal said, explaining that by the time Ryan arrived the meal was long over and everyone had left.

"Had they asked for permission, it wouldn't have been granted," Antal said, because of fears private donors would withdraw funds. "But I certainly wouldn't have let him wash clean pans, and then take a picture."

The Romney campaign maintains they had permission to be on the site.

Image courtesy DJDM/WENN.com

Susan Sarandon's casting-couch tale of sexual harassment dates back to her early days in New York, which were often spent schlepping from one acting audition to the next.

There, in the Big Apple, the woman who would go on to become an Academy Award Winner was offered a role in exchange for sexual favors.

"I just went into a room, and a guy practically threw me on the desk," Susan Sarandon told ELLE magazine. "It was my early days in New York, and it was really disgusting. It wasn’t like I gave it a second though, it was so badly done."

"It was not successful — for either of us," Radar Online reports the 66-year-old went on to clarify, lest anyone think otherwise.

Susan Sarandon, seen here at ELLE's 19th Annual Women in Hollywood Celebration in Beverly Hills on Oct. 15, did not disclose which role she was up for when the casting couch incident occurred.

Susan Sarandon and Joy Behar think Romney is Scrooge >>

The actress is, sadly, far from alone in having experienced or being all too aware of such creepy practices, however.

In a 1996 interview, actor Woody Harrelson declared "every [acting] business I ever entered into in New York seemed to have a casting couch... I've seen so many people sleep with people they loathe in order to further their ambition."

Jenny McCarthy stated in 1997, "I was the only girl in my clique who wasn't sleeping with someone to get a job."

More recently, Megan Fox said in 2009 of her experiences, "Any casting couch s**t I've experienced has been since I've become famous. It's really so heartbreaking. Some of these people! Like Hollywood legends. You think you're going to meet them and you're so excited, like, 'I can't believe this person wants to have a conversation with me,' and you get there and you realize that's not what they want, at all. It's happened a lot this year actually."

Are you surprised to hear of the pervasiveness of casting couch preying?

Image via WENN

take the plunge this fall

Summer is officially over and fall is back in full swing. What’s next for the hair season, and where will you find inspiration? A new color and cut? Only you have the answer. For a new hairstyle to work, start with the change on the outside and you'll be sure to love it on the inside.

Important reminders before changing your hair

Don’t forget to update the colors in your wardrobe. Your makeup palette should be updated as well. Murad carries a fantastic primer for all skin types that also evens out your skin tone. There are three formulas: the dewy finish, the matte finish and acne and shine control.

For a little more coverage, try Laura Mercier's tinted moisturizer. It has a ton of shades that are sure to match any color skin tone.

Hair length tips

Changing your hair length can lend itself to great new shapes and silhouettes. For fall and winter, the hot and defining bob is in full swing -- curls and all! Karen Elson displays this on-trend look very well with her vibrant curly bob . So if you're thinking about taking the plunge with a new cut, the bob is perfect!

Karen's hair has all the makings of a classic and chic cut. It's no wonder she's a favorite muse among designers and photographers. In true classic supermodel form, Karen changes her hair often while staying ahead and creating the trends. I recently got to do Karen's hair for an event in LA at Fred Segal Salon/Phyto Haircare, and she was an absolute delight to work with. When I got the chance to ask her a couple of burning questions, I asked her who her favorite photographer was, "Meisel, of course -- we have an amazing connection."

How to get an amazing, defined curl

What you want to do first is scrunch in Phyto's Curl energizing cream. You will be amazed -- you can activate it with heat and a diffuser, or simply scrunch it in and let it air dry. It has a medium hold, but does not leave the hair crunchy at all. Your hair will feel soft to the touch! For a little more hold, use Phyto's light hold hairspray.

When choosing your new hair color, remember your skin tone will be lightening up a bit with the colder months. Try to tone down any bright blonde color in your hair. It's also the best time of the year to go red. Ask your hair stylist if they have used Majirel By L’Oreal hair color. The line has a great selection of reds with color lastability -- since red tends to fade faster than most colors.

Color protection

After making a change, it's very important that you're using a sulphate-free shampoo such as Kerastase Chroma Captive. This is your best bet for making your hair color last the longest. A wash twice a week with this is all you need. Follow through with the Chroma Captive treatment or conditioner.

I hope this has helped you in your search of a new fall hairstyle or at least provided you with a few strands of inspiration!

More on beauty

How Ashley Greene is using beauty to empower women
Tina Fey's chic red carpet hairdo
The ultimate fall beauty guide

Paul Ryan

Of all the lousy ways to project yourself as "a man of the people!" Vice presidential candidate Paul Ryan did a drive-by visit to a soup kitchen in Youngstown, Ohio, just long enough to wash a couple of clean dishes, get his photo snapped and leave. So what’s funnier about this — that Ryan got busted in a shameless publicity sham, or that people act surprised and outraged by it? Are there any of us who really believe that Paul Ryan or any other politician spends any appreciable amount of time in a soup kitchen? If Ryan wants to try to undo the damage, he has an open invitation to come to my house and wash dirty dishes.

Image courtesy DJDM/WENN.com

Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson

Twilight lovers Stewart and Pattinson hit a rough spot this past summer when an affair between Stewart and married Snow White and the Huntsman director Rupert Sanders was revealed. KStew and RPatz appear to be working on a reconciliation, based on Kristen’s claims that she only played tongue hockey with Sanders, but didn’t actually do the no-pants-dance with him. If Pattinson believes that, we’ve got a “like-new” cozy cabin in the swamps of Louisiana we’d like to sell him. We’re sure this reconciliation has absolutely nothing to do with the upcoming release of the final installation of the Twilight franchise, Breaking Dawn — Part 2.

Hulk Hogan

Another day, another sex tape that makes us say ewww. A sex tape has been leaked with Hulk Hogan and his then-best-friend’s wife, Heather Clem, doing the nasty. And we do mean nasty. Former Hulk friend “Bubba the Love Sponge” not only gave Hogan permission to throw down with his wife, he went right ahead and taped it. Thanks to Kim Kardashian, now everyone thinks all you have to do is get buck-wild with someone on camera and your "famous for nothing other than doing what other people do, sans camera crew" ship will come in. There has to be an easier way to get and maintain celebrity status. Oh yeah, you could try being a talented artist and working hard. As if! That concept is so twenty years ago.

Madonna

We hate to keep singling out Madonna, and not because it makes us feel bad, but because that is exactly what she wants us to do. Ms. I-keep-forgetting-I’m-54 dropped trou on stage again last week in tribute to Malala, a 14-year-old Pakistan girl who was shot on her way to school for a blog she wrote about girls’ rights to education. This is a tragic story, and hopefully Malala will recover. No one in their right mind would take issue with Madonna for wanting to raise awareness about this disgusting act, but forgive us if we don’t get the connection between flaunting your nether regions and women’s rights. Why does it just feel like naked ambition when Madonna does it? Why not manufacture an effective way to execute your feminine agenda that doesn’t involve nipples and butt cracks? This contradiction isn’t clever — it’s just aggravating, and needs to go away.

Images courtesy WENN.com

It's official: Queen Beyonce will headline the Super Bowl XLVII halftime show on Feb. 3, 2013. The singer confirmed the news with an adorable post on her Tumblr page.

Rumors of a Beyonce show emerged early Tuesday morning when an unnamed source confirmed the news to the Associated Press. The show — set for the Superdome in New Orleans — is now confirmed as Beyonce's, but we can almost bet that husband Jay-Z and maybe her Destiny's Child bandmates will make an appearance.

The news also gives some clarity to the whole debacle surrounding her departure from the Clint Eastwood-directed A Star is Born.

"I was looking forward to the production of A Star is Born and the opportunity to work with Clint Eastwood," the mom of Blue Ivy Carter said in a statement. "For months we tried to coordinate our schedules to bring this remake to life but it was just not possible. Hopefully in the future we will get a chance to work together."

The performance will mark one of Bey's few returns to the stage since giving birth to her daughter in January 2012. The singer most recently made an appearance at Jay-Z's concert last week at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. She also did a series of shows at the Revel Resort and Casino Atlantic City, New Jersey earlier this spring.

Let's just hope she doesn't go through such a drastic diet as she did for her Atlantic City tour to get ready for the halftime show, though. "Y'all have no idea how hard I worked! They had me on that treadmill. I ate lettuce!" she told the crowd in Atlantic City.

She's going to need more than lettuce to perform for such a huge crowd.

Image courtesy David Bodrick/DMBJ/WENN.com

I like mornings in the Upper East Side according to Gossip Girl. Serena wakes up before noon and not hungover, but in the bed of some guy who didn't even know her real name until a week ago. Nate wakes up with a pixie-like "journalism student." Blair pops up from under her duvet and immediately starts scolding Dorota. And Dan opens his eyes to find Georgina staring at him. Again.

And where's Chuck at 7 a.m.? Already suited-up and scheming, of course.

Chuck Bass has s*** to do — he's desperately trying to figure out why his father faked his own death and what he was up to while away. As always, Lily is convinced Chuck is trying to ruin their marriage. Never mind that Bart is perfectly capable of doing that himself. He slept with what's-her-name before he "died," but Lilly seems unconcerned.

Meanwhile, Blair has her own scheming to do when she finds out the reporter assigned to write about her fashion collection is none other than Nelly Yuki. Blair only tortured her for most of their lives . Then, Blair sends her minions to spy on Poppy Lifton's line and finds out they're using the same fabric. Havoc ensues.

While everyone else is dressed for business, Serena flutters around Manhattan in a maxi-dress. This, and coffee with Nate, is her idea of being a grown-up. While they're out, S and Nate spot Nate's new girl, Sage, with Serena's boyfriend/whatever, Steven . Eek.

Today, Dan is only slightly less inappropriately dressed. As he and Georgina hit up various magazines looking to publish Dan's "tell-all," Dan sports some frat-boy chic with faded jeans and an untucked button-down. Classy, Humphrey.

In the end, everything comes out at the Central Park Conservancy Gala. Blair goes head-to-head with Nelly and Poppy and discovers they weren't trying to sabotage her after all. They knew she'd do it on her own. Nate and Serena find out Steven and Sage aren't cheating together. Sage just happens to be Steven's 17-year-old daughter. Gross on so many levels.

Finally, acting on the advice Nelly offered him at the Gala, Dan forgoes serializing his tell-all with the bigger magazines. Instead, he hands it over to Nate for Spectator.

Oh, and we still have no idea what Bart Bass was up to while he was dead.

Other important things from this week:

The hair: Technically, Dan and Chuck have the exact same haircut. Difference: Dan's looks like it's been ravaged by a tornado. We're supposed to want to run our fingers through it, but we're too afraid they'll get stuck. Nelly's hair at the Gala was the strangest thing ever . Is that what the stylists think "loser hair" looks like? Also, someone please tackle Serena, wash her hair and then give the girl some fresh highlights.

Serena's dress at the Gala: What? No.

Chuck's safe: No. Chuck is smarter than to use his mother's birthday as the combination. Also, did anyone else notice the books in his safe? What do you think they are? We're betting two of them are first editions of The Art of War and The Age of Innocence.

There's no way even one designer would choose that awful fabric. Not even Poppy, much less Blair.

Barry Watson and Serena as a couple is still incredibly disturbing. The Rev. and Mrs. Camden would never approve.

Batman Chuck threatening Daddy-Bass: So hot.

Finally, Blair has a week to create a new clothing line. Where is Jenny? Where is Jenny? Where is Jenny?!

Images courtesy of The CW

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Sheknows.com is seeking a full-time Web/Graphic Designer to work with a talented group of designers, project managers, product managers, marketing strategists and software engineers in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment. The Designer will contribute to different projects simultaneously focusing on user experience and design specifications for the web, such as mock-ups and banner ads based on the design brief. The ideal candidate is an ambitious problem solver, excellent communicator and passionate about designing compelling and intuitive user experiences on the web.

This is a full-time, in-office position available immediately.

RESPONSIBILITiES:

This position may include some or all of the following:

• Manage multiple jobs simultaneously
• Work with Designers to meet production deadlines
• Reports to the Design Manager
• Design comps and final executions for IAB banner ads, websites, editorials and so forth
• Design and produce general office needs – presentation materials , business systems, office displays and so forth
• Prep creative files for delivery to teams overseas
• Participate in brainstorms, take accurate notes and develop directions for visuals to support these ideas
• Upload and download assets via FTP clients and work within established information architectures
• Keep creative server synchronized and updated with local workstation
• Archive work
• Design and oversee management of assets
• Create presentation PDFs and PowerPoint
• Stay in close communication with designated supervisors
• Keep a positive attitude!

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 2-3 years of experience in Web/Graphic Design
• Associate's/bachelor's degree in related field
• Must be able to work in Mac and PC-based environment
• Must be familiar with Adobe Creative Suite
• Must be familiar with basic web design principles such as user experience, interactive user interfaces, usability, accessibility and image optimization
• Must be familiar with online communities
• Must be in tune with popular culture and aware of trends
• Must be familiar with social media extensions
• Must be creative, detail-oriented, well organized, a self-starter and have the ability to succeed in a high-paced deadline-driven environment
• Advertising agency experience is a plus
• Professional attitude!

Is this you? Are you ready for an incredible job with one of the fastest growing online destinations for women? Then please send your portfolio URL, salary requirements, letter of interest and resume detailing your design background.

Submit to: Gabriela.Arellano@sheknows.com; no phone calls, please.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility , but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements.

This is a full time position and salary D.O.E. Employees will receive health, vision, and dental after an introductory period. In addition, 401K, life insurance, long-term and short-term disability benefits are provided.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Gorilla Nation is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer. The company subscribes to all state and federal regulations and prohibits discrimination based on gender, race, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, marital status, age, religion or veteran status. Gorilla Nation hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States.

Nothing screams fall like pumpkin and spices. If you've ever had chocolate chip pumpkin bread, this is the same great taste only in cookie form. Soft spicy pumpkin sugar cookies are baked, then topped off with a cute little treat. This recipe is not only super easy it requires only a few simple ingredients, and it will leave your whole house smelling wonderful.

Pumpkin spiced kisses recipe

Yields 24 cookies, depending on size

Ingredients:

• 24 Hershey Kisses, unwrapped
• 1 log store-bought sugar cookie dough, softened
• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1 cup raw or coarse sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Nonstick cooking spray

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or spray with nonstick spray.
2. In a large bowl, add the cookie dough, pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice, mixing very well. Chill the dough for at least one hour or until it becomes stiff and easy to handle.
3. In a small bowl mix the raw sugar and cinnamon and set aside.
4. Using a mini cookie scoop or spoon, roll dough into balls trying to keep them all uniform in size. Keep the cookie balls rather small because they will spread as they bake. Roll each ball into the raw sugar mix and place on the cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden brown.
5. Remove the cookies from the oven and gently place a Hershey's Kiss in the center of each cookie. Allow to cool completely and store in an airtight container for several days.

More pumpkin recipes

Pumpkin cheesecake
Baked pumpkin mac and cheese
Pumpkin pie dip

It seems like "You're fired" is the buzz phrase of the day. First, Jill Zarin and her refusal to accept her dismissal from The Real Housewives of New York City and now, Jon & Kate Plus 8 star Kate Gosselin finds herself unemployed. Last November, the reality star was hired by CouponCabin.com as a columnist to give advice about saving money on a budget.

That job didn't even last a year — as of Oct. 16, Gosselin was fired. CouponCabin CEO Scott Kluth wrote on the "Kate Gosselin Savings Tips" blog, "A series of recent events have made it clear to me that Kate Gosselin and her contributions do not align with the authenticity which we set out to build almost a decade ago, and that Ms. Gosselin is simply not a good fit with the wonderful team and culture at CouponCabin."

While that statement says very little about why she was fired, it's clear that the mom of eight wasn't fitting in with her co-workers. According to RadarOnline, company employees found Kate "difficult to work with, often making outrageous demands and just didn't fit in with the company as a whole. Kate thought that because she was a celebrity she could do or write whatever she wanted, but that's not the way it works."

The only response from Gosselin today was a vague tweet that exclaimed, "Good afternoon! I'm alive! I've been super busy working away! I'm having lots of fun and can't wait to share! No worries..we will chat soon! XO." It seems as though the former TLC star might have something to announce, but she certainly isn't going to address today's breaking news.

Image courtesy of Stefan Jeremiah/WENN.com

You get fired, you move on, right? Well, that wasn't the case last night on Bravo TV's Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen and his guest, former The Real Housewives of New York City star, Jill Zarin. The chat-fest was taped instead of the usual live show, and clips of the interview were heavily promoted on the network leading up to last night.

Zarin starred in Seasons 1 though 4 of the dramatic reality show which follows upscale women in the New York City social scene. After the Season 4 reunion and feedback from the viewers, Bravo decided to mix up the cast by firing four cast members: Zarin, Kelly Bensimon, Alex McCord and Cindy Barshop. This led the way for new cast members Aviva Drescher, Carole Radziwill and Heather Thomson to create new chaotic situations to yell about in Season 5.

In last night's awkward interview, it seemed that the reality show star blamed her dismissal on Cohen's favoritism towards Skinnygirl brand mogul Bethenny Frankel. She felt he sided with Frankel in a feud the two had back in Season 3. Cohen refused to back that claim and even seemed astounded that the former NY housewife just didn't accept his explanation as to why she was fired. Cohen said, "We were looking to shake the show up," Cohen told Zarin. "The last reunion, I think you would agree, was incredibly toxic for everyone involved."

Zarin claimed that her fans missed the family element on the show and that trying to replace her "voice of reason" with Thomson failed miserably. She confidently said, "You can't replace me! You can try, but you know you can't replace me."

The jewelry and shapewear designer seems to be having a hard time leaving the spotlight, but she promises she has a few television projects up her sleeve. One thing is certain: it won't be the last we hear of Zarin despite her admission that being fired "…felt like a death. It felt like my funeral. I was heartbroken." Somehow, she'll probably find her way back to TV soon, as if last night was just the beginning of a new chapter.

Image courtesy of TNYF\WENN.com

Sir Roger Moore was not the first James Bond, but he might be one of the most memorable. The actor was given a special sneak peek of the new Bond film Skyfall over the weekend and has once again fallen in love with the character.

Moore spoke Sunday night during "An Evening With Roger Moore" at the Rose Theatre in the UK and talked about his love for the new movie.

"I was invited on Saturday morning to a private screening of Skyfall,” he told the crowd, according to Tom Butler with IGN Entertainment. “Now, I have always said that the best Bond was obviously Sean [Connery], but I’m happy to say when Skyfall is released on October 26, it is going to be the biggest [Bond film] there has ever been in the cinema.”

Sir Moore played the character in six different movies from 1973 to 1985; he was one of nine men to play the character since 1954.

Moore continued on about the current man playing the British secret agent. “ [Daniel Craig] will go down as the best Bond in history,” he said. “It is fantastic."

He also talked about his respect for Craig, and how he feels he has gotten a bad rap in the part. "Before I saw Skyfall, I felt very angry about the way that the English press treated Daniel Craig,” he said, according to Butler. “Before he’d started [Casino Royale] they predicted doom and gloom and they criticised him. I used to write letters of support to him, and I was so pleased when I saw Casino Royale because he was truly excellent in it.”

He continued with praise for the actor without the Bond franchise as well. “He’s a wonderful actor, if you’ve seen Munich or In Cold Blood, you know he’s a terrific actor," Moore said.

Skyfall will be in the United States on Nov. 9.

Photo courtesy WENN.com

October is the perfect month for all things spooky and terrifying, so it is quite fitting that MGM and Screen Gems released the teaser trailer for the remake of the 1976 horror film, Carrie. This time around, the social outcast is played by 15-year-old Chloë Grace Moretz while her religiously fanatical mother is played by Julianne Moore.

The movie, based on a book by thriller writer Stephen King, follows the tale of a young misfit with telekinetic powers who torments a town with her gift after the ultimate prank has been pulled on her. The original film, directed by Brian De Palma, landed Oscar nominations for stars Sissy Spacek and Piper Laurie.

In the 2013 reboot, the teaser trailer shows the iconic image of Carrie bathed in blood while the rest of the town burns around her. It is merely a glimpse at the modern adaptation directed by Boys Don't Cry director, Kimberly Peirce.

While the 1976 film still resonates with movie fans, the remake is bound to find an audience, especially since the bullying story line is so timely in today's society. This adaptation also promises to focus more on King's original material and flesh out the Carrie White character.

Moretz spoke to MTV about her character at New York Comic Con, where the teaser premiered.

She said, "You start off this broken down adolescent, kind of awkward, gangly girl. She goes from gangly to this beautiful young woman... and it comes back full circle to wanting to be in her mom's arms. It's this beautiful circle, which is what happens when you're growing up."

It will be interesting to see how author King reacts given that his initial reaction to the remake was, "The real question is why, when the original was so good?"

He also oddly suggested that Lindsay Lohan star as the title character. The truth about the worthiness of the reboot will come out when the film debuts on March 15, 2013.

Image courtesy of FayesVision/WENN.com

Last weekend was all about The Walking Dead. The AMC series returned for its third season with a record-breaking premiere. Prior to that, the cast and crew made an appearance at this year's New York Comic Con.

It was there that we learned about a major character shift. In Season 2, the audience saw a very conflicted Rick Grimes . He was the unofficial leader of the group but unable to take the necessary steps to keep them safe. After experiencing his fair share of loss, including the death of his best friend, Rick's a new man.

Lincoln told the NYCC crowd, "It's been pretty intense this season. I made the fatal error this year of going into the writers' room and saying, 'What do you think Rick's breaking point is?' Well, that's the worst thing I could have said. We find out this season... He's going to the dark side."

5 TV bad boys you secretly love >>

His darkness was evident in the Season 3 premiere. He was colder, but more efficient. And Rick isn't the only one experiencing a rebirth. Daryl Dixon, the former outsider with a crossbow, has moved up in the ranks. He's become Rick's enforcer and is practically second in command.

According to his portrayer Norman Reedus, "I think Daryl feels value in these people relying on him. I think this is his new family and he'd do anything to keep them alive. He's more sensitive and more aggressive at the same time."

Both Rick and Daryl will be put to the test when they encounter this season's big bad: The Governor. The infamous comic book villain won't be the only person causing problems, though: Daryl's older, one-handed brother Merle will also join the party.

Are you excited for The Walking Dead's new dynamic duo?

Photo credit: Daniel Tanner/ WENN

Christina Aguilera’s body has come up in conversation lately because of her weight gain. Earlier this month, Billboard released an article about the singer in which she reportedly said her record label wasn’t happy about her gaining 15 pounds on her Stripped Tour .

But Aguilera isn’t taking the weight gain talk personally, because she likes her body.

"Some people are afraid of change and [feel] that getting older is a bad thing, but I really love maturing and gaining wisdom," Aguilera told People. "And the experience of being pregnant and having a child and seeing what a woman's body can do is amazing."

The singer has a lot to be proud of. She is a judge on one of the most successful shows on TV, The Voice, she has a 4-year-old son, and she is releasing a new album soon, but it doesn’t seem like any of it makes a difference in how she feels about herself.

“I've always been one to make it very clear, love me or hate me, take it or leave it, this is who I am," she said. "I embrace my body, and I embrace everything about myself.”

Her new album Lotus will show that confidence through her music. The 31-year-old has been in the industry since she was a child, and she feels she has become who she really wants to be.

“Coming full circle is a celebration of freedom and happiness because that's what [my new album] Lotus is representing. I'm embracing everything that I've grown to be and learned to be," she told People.

Aguilera announced she will be taking a break from The Voice to focus on promotion for her album, and that Shakira will be taking her place. But she said the pregnant singer will enjoy the job.

"Well, you just have to sit there, so that's an easy gig pregnant. But I have all of the confidence in the world," Aguilera said. "They are true pros. Shakira and Usher have been doing it for a very long time and have their own fan bases. They can keep my seat warm."

Photo courtesy WENN.com