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If and when your culinary travels take you to New Orleans, make a promise to yourself and to your travel companions to have a meal at the popular Dooky Chase's Restaurant. You might not have heard of it outside of Louisiana, and it might not be on the trendiest restaurant list of any food publication, but it is, by far, the only place where you can walk into the kitchen and meet the queen herself.

Who is Leah Chase?

By "the queen," I am referring to Leah Chase, executive chef and owner, along with her husband, of Dooky Chase's Restaurant. She is known as the queen of Creole cuisine. Born in Louisiana in 1923, Chase is one of 14 children. While she was raised in Madisonville, Louisiana, after she reached the sixth grade, she moved to New Orleans since her small town had no high schools for black students. It was there that she worked her way around the city as a waitress in the French Quarter and a manager of amateur boxers. It was also there that she met local musician and future husband, Edgar "Dooky" Chase Jr.

Photo credit: gwen via Flickr

Her now-husband's family owned a corner shop that sold lottery tickets and her mother-in-law's homemade po'boys. Leah and Edgar eventually took over the space, by then a sit-down restaurant and one of the only restaurants in the city that allowed mixed crowds to dine-in. The crowds weren't your everyday clients either — black voter registration campaign workers, the NAACP and backdoor politicians — all met at Dooky Chase's Restaurant for food and lively discussion.

The food at Dooky Chase's Restaurant

Dooky's is the place to go when in New Orleans — whether you stop by for lunch or dinner, the food will touch your soul, and we're not kidding. It offers a lunch buffet that changes on a daily basis but tends to always include Leah's famous fried chicken as well as staples such as red beans and rice, green bean casserole, macaroni and cheese, gumbo, po'boys and more. On Friday nights, Chase cooks up a special menu for her customers.

We had the pleasure of being one of the first couples to arrive for the lunch buffet on a warm, sunny day in New Orleans. Stepping into the restaurant, you can view Chase's large African Art collection, once said to be the best collection in the city, all over the walls. We were greeted joyfully and shown to our table, right across from the buffet table. We had arrived a few minutes early and had the pleasure of seeing the cooks bring out all the food for the buffet: red beans and sausage, perfectly candied yams, classic cornbread dressing and fried chicken were among those dishes. Once set up, we quickly made our way to the beginning of the buffet, the salad area, when the waitress yelled to us from across the room: "Don't fill up on lettuce — it tastes the same here and everywhere! Get the fried chicken!"

We eventually crowded our plates with enough fried chicken and sides for an army and dug in! Perfectly moist and seasoned, it's the best fried chicken in New Orleans, if not the entire state of Louisiana. After our meal, we decided to purchase Leah Chase's latest cookbook, And I Still Cook.

To our surprise, the waiter brought us to the kitchen to get the book signed by THE Leah Chase, and we spent the next 15 minutes chatting with her about her favorite foods, how she's been cooking for decades and her love for a good cheese plate (she's not big on desserts).

If you have the time, stop by Dooky Chase's Restaurant and say hi to Chase. Not only will she serve you the best meal of your life, but you'll be inspired after chatting with her if she's in the kitchen.

More on New Orleans

New Orleans: The cheap girl’s travel guide for The Big Easy
10 heroes of New Orleans cuisine
Travel Inspirations: New Orleans

Photo credit: DMH Images/Photodisc/Getty Images

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ARIES (March 20 - April 18)

Insult is added to injury on March 3, when you're asked to help that person who beat you out for that coveted position at work. Talk about chutzpah! But put pride aside and be a good sport. Authority isn't something that comes with the title. You have to earn it, and it's pretty clear that this person has a lot to learn. You, on the other hand, don't — which is why you can afford to be generous with your time and expertise. This will make a positive impression with higher-ups.

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TAURUS (April 19 - May 19)

Ruling Planet Venus enters the most ambitious angle of your solar horoscope on March 5, and she will hold court there through April 5. This is Astrology's version of Queen for a Day — although it will last considerably longer. Expect fresh opportunities to showcase your talents, along with a new circle of admirers who will truly appreciate them. This will serve as an enormous ego boost at a time when you can use it. It will also signal to that certain someone to think twice about taking your affections and loyalty for granted.

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GEMINI (May 20 - June 19)

Jupiter, the planet of good fortune, comes out of retrograde on March 6. This should bring good news regarding a tabled project or an enterprise that stalled at the starting gate last November. Don't expect to make up for lost time right away. You have the green light, but it will take a while to gather together all of those potential clients and/or backers who were on board before but have moved on to other things since. Coax and cajole — don't needle and nag — and you should be ready to get this party started by March 17.

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CANCER (June 20 - July 21)

For months, you've waited for this day, and it will finally arrive on March 6. This is when you will receive that invite, acceptance letter or offer that you worked so hard for. This means that you will be leaving your current job situation and moving on to something bigger and better. And for those of you Cancers who have been struggling with a court case or a deadbeat ex-spouse, then this should bring a ruling that will go in your favor. It may not change things overnight, but it will by your birthday.

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LEO (July 22 - Aug. 21)

Did you take on more than you can handle? It may feel that way on March 3, when the Sun sextiles Pluto. Pluto is the planet of obsession, and its presence in that part of your solar horoscope that pertains to work and service can make you feel more like an indentured servant than like a valued employee. However, it looks like you're taking on additional work in order to learn the tricks of a new trade or update your skills. This will pay off one day in higher status and greater earning power.

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VIRGO (Aug. 22 - Sept. 21)

You've collected all of the information that you can collect regarding a big business decision. In fact, your "research" is starting to look like an elaborate form of procrastination. Virgos say they like to analyze, but asking questions about questions is like a dog chasing its own tail. Review your process step-by-step and you will reacquaint yourself with the thread that runs through all of your options, alternatives and scenarios. This will put you back on track and will help you to move forward with that decision that you've probably already made.

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LIBRA (Sept. 22 - Oct. 21)

Jupiter, the planet of good fortune and higher purpose, comes out of retrograde on March 6. This is important for you because Jupiter is traveling through the highest point of your solar horoscope. What this means is that you are once again riding a wave of success. But this pertains to more than work. You could see whole areas of your life transformed for the better over the next four months. Make the most of this while you can and don't settle for second best. You can have it all — really!

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SCORPIO (Oct. 22 - Nov. 20)

Familiar formulas of success are leaving you feeling empty. This isn't to say that they haven't delivered results. They have, but not in ways that do it for you anymore. Feeling stuck in a rut is to be expected when Jupiter, the planet of higher purpose, has been retrograde like it has been since November. Thankfully, it comes out of retrograde on March 6, which is when you will start to feel the winds of inspiration fill your sails again. Get ready to chart a new course in an entirely different direction.

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SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 21 - Dec. 20)

A rising tide lifts all boats, and that's what you'll be experiencing on March 6. Understand that this uptick in fortune won't be coming to you directly. That's because Jupiter, the planet of good fortune, will be shining its rays on the people you do business with instead of on you directly. These are your customers, clients and backers. But as any economist will tell you, it's when people make more money that they spend more money — which means that this increase in cash flow will eventually make its way into your pocket.

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CAPRICORN (Dec. 21 - Jan. 18)

It's time to touch base with those who voiced an interest in working with you in the past. As a Capricorn, you eschew any kind of follow-up. Your reasoning is that if someone wants to work with you badly enough, then they'll contact you. It pays to remember that we live in a society that's plagued with a million distractions. People spend so much time managing tweets, IMs and emails that it's easy to forget conversations that took place five minutes ago. Jog their memories and you'll wind up with some very promising prospects.

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AQUARIUS (Jan. 19 - Feb. 17)

On Wednesday, you'll emerge from a four-month period when it was hard to tell friend from foe at work. Venus traveling through that part of your solar horoscope that pertains to secret enemies and self-undoing would have created all kinds of intrigues, misplaced trust and surprise reversals. What you discovered is that it was those who professed to be your "friends" who were most treacherous, while those you regarded as rivals proved to have your back all along. In any case, there's a lot of reappraising to do in the weeks ahead.

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PISCES (Feb. 18 - March 19)

It's hard to see challenging circumstances as being beneficial, but they are. Pluto is the planet of ordeals and the transformations that arise from them. When Pluto is powerful (like it is right now), then it shows you struggling with a predicament that you just can't get a handle on. And that's the point. It's by bedeviling your efforts at every turn that Pluto forces you to abandon strategies aimed at getting ahead and make use of the genuine talents and ingenuity that lie within. This is something you'll recognize on March 3.

More horoscopes

Your weekly horoscope
Your weekly love horoscope
Your annual love horoscope for 2013

Photo credit: Image Source/Photodisc/Getty Images

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ARIES (March 20 - April 18)

It's time get your house in order — both physically and metaphysically. Jupiter comes out of retrograde on March 6 in that part of your solar chart that pertains to hearth, home and property. This is good news if you've been dealing with intense family matters, because it signals deliverance from a difficult situation. You won't exactly see the cavalry arriving in the nick of time, but it will surely be the next best thing. And if you've been looking to sell or buy property, then you couldn't do any better than right now.

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TAURUS (April 19 - May 19)

People say that you should always go after what you want in life — that if you want something bad enough, then you will move heaven and earth to get it. Your ruling planet Venus sees things differently. Venus' MO is to say why go after something yourself when — if you ask nicely — you can get someone else to go after it for you? It's something to think about over the next four weeks. Yes, you may have to split the profits, but at least you'll get double what you want for half the effort.

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GEMINI (May 20 - June 19)

For months, you've tried to help people help themselves. It's been exasperating trying to help a boyfriend dig himself out of debt, trying to get your kids to stop repeating the same boneheaded mistakes and trying to pull your boss's fat out of the fire. It's almost as if what you say just goes in one ear and out the other. Thankfully, this week's change in planetary disposition shows that your message will finally get across. Not only will these people hear you loud and clear, but you might be surprised to see them actually follow your advice.

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CANCER (June 20 - July 21)

Jupiter, the planet of good fortune and higher purpose, comes out of retrograde in Cancer on March 6. This is good news because it means that you will see those long shots of yours hit their mark. For months, you've been plagued with doubts and anxieties about whether or not you're making the right decisions about where your life is going. You will soon receive cosmic confirmation that you are. Not only will this bring relief and peace of mind, but it will also push you to make certain decisions sooner rather than later.

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LEO (July 22 - Aug. 21)

You've always believed that there's a grand design to your life, but these past few months have left you wondering. You've been so beset with setbacks and bogged down by trivial details that it was all you could do to keep on going. At times, you felt like throwing up your hands and walking out on everything. Thankfully, Jupiter coming out of retrograde on March 6 will rekindle your faith and your spirits. This is when you will get a signal (in no uncertain terms) that you are on the right path.

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VIRGO (Aug. 22 - Sept. 21)

It's time to start living the life you like instead of forcing yourself to like the life you live. An extraordinary Sun/Pluto sextile on March 3 shows that it will just take a couple of simple adjustments. The first is to accept that you're much better at what you do than you give yourself credit for (so nix the self-criticism), and the second is to continue to follow the lead of those two to three people whom the Universe introduced into your life last summer to show you the way. They are your guides.

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LIBRA (Sept. 22 - Oct. 21)

Family has really risen through the ranks to become a top priority in your life. You may want to start one, safeguard the one you have or get back in touch with estranged loved ones. The next four months are conducive to achieving these aims, so you shouldn't delay or you'll miss the boat. Be forewarned that April will be a tricky month. This is when you may experience some pushback in your pursuit of happiness, but don't be discouraged. It's time to set up the house and home that you've always wanted.

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SCORPIO (Oct. 22 - Nov. 20)

It's hard to change old thinking, but if there were ever a time to do it, then it would be now. Let's face it: Yours is not the most open-minded sign of the zodiac. However, it's become clear that enforced changes in lifestyle or the working pattern of your life require that you take a new route. The key to this isn't willpower. The key is in your willingness to learn. Reconnect to that sense of wonder that inspired you years ago and you will replace that jaded perspective with a rosier outlook.

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SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 21 - Dec. 20)

It isn't always easy determining if you own the possessions in your life or if they own you. Maybe it's the room they take up, the price of upkeep or the heavy emotional baggage they carry, but you are clearly feeling encroached upon. Spring cleaning can't come too early, and March 4 and 5 are ideal dates to sell this stuff on eBay or Craigslist. You'll be surprised by how fast it will fly out the door and by how quickly something that was a bane to your existence transforms itself into a boon.

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CAPRICORN (Dec. 21 - Jan. 18)

Jupiter coming out of retrograde on March 6 in that part of your solar chart that pertains to relationships shows that your relationship is undergoing a remarkable transformation. Over the past few months, a distance has grown between you. Maybe it came from hectic schedules, past hurts or undisclosed secrets. In any case, Jupiter's forward motion will bridge the gap because Jupiter is the planet of merging and converging. Walls will drop, and hearts will open. It will feel nice to feel close again. All's well that ends well when the planet of benevolence is strong.

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AQUARIUS (Jan. 19 - Feb. 17)

It's time to rethink your health regimen, but don't chase after the newest diet or the hottest workout craze. What you're looking for is something holistic — routines and practices that will weave together the separate provinces of mind, body, heart and spirit. The beauty of Jupiter traveling through that part of your solar chart that pertains to health is that Jupiter is a planet that works on all levels. Explore things like meditation, healthy eating and exercise that's appropriate to who you are. Follow this and your body will be your temple by July.

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PISCES (Feb. 18 - March 19)

The next four months are all about reconnecting to the things that give you joy in life. These won't be fly-by-night pursuits but rather experiences, people and activities that fulfill you emotionally and spiritually. A top priority will be to create a home that feels like a haven. You could move, remodel or clear out all the hangers-on in your life so that you're surrounded by loved ones and friends who truly get you. After months (years, maybe?) of feeling at sea, you will finally be on course to finding true happiness.

More horoscopes

Your weekly love horoscope
Your weekly career horoscope
Your annual love horoscope for 2013

Photo credit: Ken Kaminesky/Stockbyte/Getty Images

All-inclusive vacations mean that what you pay includes your room, as well as food and drinks, along with some activities (this differs from resort to resort). Upon checking in, you’ll likely get a wristband that indicates you’ve bought the all-inclusive package. In most cases, this entitles you to all meals and all drinks, alcohol included.

Photo credit: Jupiterimages/Stockbyte/Getty Images

A DIY vacation is something you plan yourself (or with the help of a travel agent). You research accommodations, book your hotel(s) and plan your own excursions, either before you leave or once you’re at your destination. While your hotel might offer breakfast and WiFi with the cost of the room, anything else you buy is your responsibility.

More travel tips

Tips for backpacking as an adult
Travel guide to Bermuda
Girlfriend getaway: New Orleans

How to style the look

Feeling bummed because it's raining out? Channel that energy into a dark (but stylish) look that'll keep you warm and dry. Play with textures for a look that has dimension by opting for glossy boots and a puffy coat, and add some stylish shades in another hue for a truly standout look!

• Free Country Midweight Puffer Jacket (freecountry.com, $40)
• Bella Dahl Contrast Button Down in Midnight Wash (singer22.com, $141)
• American Eagle Skinny Trouser (ae.com, $30)
• dav Victoria Solid Black Rain Boot (davrain.com, $95)
• Ivory + Mason Sunglasses Aviators in Bronze & Brown (ivorymason.com, $135)

More get the look

Taylor Swift's red coat
Naomi Watts' all-black look
Ariana Grande's flirty ensemble

Photo credit: WENN.com

Name this product:

Panasonic EH-NA65-K nanoe Hair Dryer (shop.panasonic.com, $180)

What the product claims to do:

This hair dryer features nanoe™ technology that removes moisture from hair and uses it to "create tiny, moisture-rich particles that are small enough to penetrate the shafts of your hair, helping to strengthen and protect it against damage from heat and brushing." It gives a fast, nourishing high-quality blow dry.

How it worked for me:

It gave my hair a nice, quick blow dry without the harsh feeling of heat that some dryers have. It gave my hair a nice finish that lasted for several days.

How this product looks and feels:

It's very sleek looking and not too heavy like some blow dryers. This makes it easier to handle and blow dry than some models.

What I liked about this product:

It's quieter than other blow dryers I have used in the past and the cord is nice and long, allowing you to move freely around the room.

Describe the results you saw over time: 

My hair looked sleek and healthy after several uses.

I would recommend this product for: 

Women who desire a high-quality blow dry without damage to the hair.

More product reviews

Joanna Vargas Exfoliating Mask
Yes To lip balm
LaLicious body scrub

Stop an attack
in its tracks

Although a sexual assault is never the fault of the victim, there are some steps you can take to safeguard yourself from an attack.

According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), there are nearly 238,000 sexual assaults in America each year.

Of the victims, 80 percent are under the age of 30, and almost all of the victims are women. It's sad to say, but these statistics speak to the fact that women must take steps to safeguard themselves from an attack.

So, what is a sexual assault? The actual definition varies depending on the language used in your state's laws. For our purposes, a sexual assault is any time a person is forced or coerced into sexual touching against their consent. This includes rape (forced vaginal, oral or anal sex), sexual abuse and groping.

Here's what you can do to reduce your risk of sexual assault.

No matter what your choices were leading up to the assault, it's important to remember that it's not your fault. You didn't ask for it and you didn't want it, no matter what your assailant wants you to believe. If you've survived an assault of any kind, call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE. The anonymous hotline will provide you with a referral to a local rape crisis center and advise you on your next steps. You can also visit the RAINN website for more information about sexual assault, counseling and reporting the incident to police.

More from Single Girls' Guide

How I dealt with my stage 5 clinger
What it means to wear a right-hand ring
5 Signs he's not the marrying kind

Photo credit: Christopher Robbins/Stockbyte/Getty Images

Photo credit: Buena Vista Images/Photodisc/Getty Images

If I were to tally my daily routine, I’d say for every good habit I’ve established I've still got four crappy ones to break up with. It’s just… OK, I have to say it: Bad habits are so wonderfully terrible, am I right, ladies?

And you know, why you should stop

There are days where it’s like my body craves feeling like crap! (Please say I’m not the only one. Please? Is this thing on?)

I know, I know: It’s time to suck it up, put our big-girl pants on and let go of the stupid things we continue to doing to our bodies. Like these, for instance:

Barf, why do we do this? "This is a habit that can really catch up with you," says Jackie Dragone, co-director of Barre at FLEX Studios. "Your body needs its rest to not only function properly, but to help maintain a healthy weight." Either go out earlier or at the very least monitor your alcohol intake and drink water throughout the night to stay hydrated. Speaking of which…

Seriously, shame on us. Dehydration causes sluggishness, headaches, muscle cramps and dizziness, not to mention irritability. Most of us only drink water when we’re thirsty, but when you feel thirsty you’re already 2 percent dehydrated (which doesn't sound that bad, but it is). Carry around a water bottle to get into the habit of drinking water more often.

One in eight adults skips breakfast (I wish I were joking). Many of us look at it like an all or nothing thing: "If I don’t have time to cook a ginormous meal, then I’m not going to bother at all." It’s a common misconception… and it’s wrong. A healthy breakfast jumpstarts your metabolism and doesn’t need to be anything fancy: Things like fresh fruit, healthy cereal bars, whole wheat toast and oatmeal all do the trick.

Admit it: You don’t really forget to floss. You glance at the dental floss (which is now dusty), snarl and shut your medicine cabinet. Meanwhile, it doesn’t even take five minutes a day! Unless you’re the president of the gum disease fan club, this makes no sense (don’t worry, I’m slapping myself too).

"When you’re tired after a long day, you’re much more likely to make the not-so-healthy choice and overeat," says Dragone. "I recommend drinking a tall glass of water and getting the rest your body needs." When you feel hungry really late at night and you did eat dinner, it’s most likely your body saying, "Hey! I’m effing thirsty and exhausted! Leave me alone."

Your exercise routine would give Bill Murray PTSD. (Because he starred in Groundhog Day, get it? Sigh.) When you do the same workout every day, your body eventually plateaus and gets used to the routine. Switch things up! Increase your pace, increase your intensity or ditch your workout and try something new (gasp!).

Melanoma is the most common form of skin cancer among women (it’s estimated 32,000 will be diagnosed this year alone). Most of us either don’t bother putting on sunscreen or when we do, we put it on carelessly. Focus on one area of your body at a time and make sure not to miss spots. Squeeze it onto the area and not on your hands; the majority will just stick to your hands and won’t distribute evenly.

One, we carry around too much crap. Two, we haul around our purses on one shoulder, which causes an imbalance and triggers neck, shoulder and back problems. Either invest in a cross-body bag or buy a smaller bag and carry only the essentials. (Hey, be grateful! I just gave you an excuse to go shopping.)

"Any kind of starvation diet, fad diet or diet pills are a big no-no that can impact you more negatively as you age," says Dragone. "The key to feeling your best is figuring out what healthy, wholesome foods work for you." And until then, the best way to get started is to cut as many processed foods and sugars as you can. Say no-no to yo-yo… ing.

More on how to take better care of yourself

7 Lifesaving health tests every woman should have
Top 6 habits for heart health
Why women don't take care of their health

Photo credit: WENN.com

Seriously, whatever. Who needs a pert rack and taut tummy, anyway? I've got a push-up bra and Spanx. Besides, I once won an award for being able to eat the most marshmallows in one minute. Bet Kim Kardashian can't say that for herself. Ha! Joke's on you Kimmie.

Photo credit: WENN.com

Gah, I'd kill for Elisabetta Canalis' abs. My diet starts today! No more junk for me, no sir. Sh**... I still have Girl Scout cookies in the pantry. I'll start that diet right after I polish off this sleeve of Samoas.

Photo credit: Judy Eddy/WENN.com

Sure, Gretchen Rossi has a great bod. But we're going to go ahead and blame that on the fact that she doesn't have any kids because, quite frankly, it makes those of us who are parents feel better about our stretchmarks and saddlebags — and the fact that cardio for us these days consist of chasing our kids around the playground trying to get them to drop the unidentified object they found under the swing set, which we're praying isn't cat poop or a crack pipe.

Photo credit: KEYPIXX/WENN.com

I can only imagine how disciplined Emmanuelle Chriqui must be to have such a super-toned figure. She probably has a personal trainer who makes her do, like, a million lunges a day. Damn. That sounds exhausting... I'm just going to curl up with my small-child-sized bean and cheese burrito and take a little siesta. I dedicate this nap to all the Chriquis of the world.

Photo credit: WENN.com

Could Maria Menounos look any better? Sh**. She probably hasn't eaten bread in five years. Damn, now I'm regretting that burrito. Why do carbs have to taste so good when they're so damn bad? Double sh**. I really love pancakes.

B****, please. Good luck with the tan lines you get from that crazy macrame-like bikini top, Brittny Gastineau. Don't get us wrong — you look fierce. But after a day in the sun in that getup, your jugs are going to look as splotchy as a Jackson Pollock painting.

Photo credit: WENN.com

Seriously, Miranda Kerr? You have a kid and you still look like this? What the hell am I doing wrong? You know what? Don't answer that. I give up. I'm pretty sure I'd have to spend an eternity doing squats to get an a** like Kerr's, so I'm dunzo. Now, please excuse me while I go drown my sorrows in long- distance phone calls, gossip and re-reruns of What Not to Wear.

Photo credit: WENN.com

Daaaaamn, Bey. Why ya gotta make the rest of us look bad? We like you and all, but we're starting to believe those rumors about the Illuminati. And for the record, we've never been quite sure what jelly you were talking about, but if this is what it looks like, you're right... we're not ready for it.

Photo credit: WENN.com

Someone give me a glass of wine — scratch that. A bottle. 'Cause it's going to take some serious vino for me to get over the fact that Katy Perry circa now looks better in a bikini than I probably did circa my glory days. Can we just all agree that no woman with such a perfectly petite figure should be able to look so good with big (also perfect) boobs? I call party foul.

Photo credit: Joel Ginsburg/WENN.com

Phoebe Price is 41 years old, and her body in a bikini seriously looks like it could be a 20-year-old's. Could someone tell my 30-year-old a** that? 'Cause I'm pretty sure it ages in dog years. Angel of death, take me now and spare me the sight of it what it looks like when I'm 40.

Photo credit: WENN.com

There's just no way. C'mon, Jessica Alba — give up the goods. What's your secret? How do you have two kids and that body? There is sorcery behind this, I tell you. Sorcery!

Photo credit: KEYPIXX/WENN.com

Listen, Kelly Brook. We really want to like you. We really do. But when you hit the beach with curves like that in a bikini like that, it makes it difficult for us. How can we enjoy the rest of our lazy day in sweat pants and a baggy tee while your genetic superiority is staring at us from the pages of Us Weekly?

Photo credit: WENN.com

Truth. So please, in the name of all things holy, please don't let us hear about it if you have, in fact, eaten a Twix bar in your life (with or without the wrapper). It is much easier to think of you right now as a stick figure with no soul who has never eaten a carb in her life.

Also, not a fan of my love handles. Wait, do these pants make my a** look fat? Damn, I think my a** makes my a** look fat. Couldn't you wear a swim dress to the beach or something, Nicole Scherzinger?

Photo credit: WENN.com

Damn, I'm old. I fondly remember the carefree days of my teens and early 20s, before my breasts began migrating southward. Enjoy it while you can, Vanessa Hudgens. Enjoy it while you can. Gravity won't be your BFF forever. It's only fair.

Make stress benefit your health

New research is finding that stress, when viewed as a helpful response to life's challenges, can actually be good for you.

Imagine your alarm went off late. And of all days, today was your interview for that big promotion, and you are now running 30 minutes behind. Yikes! Your heart is pounding. You begin to breathe heavily. Maybe you begin to sweat, shake and panic. You believe this means you are anxious and you're scared. The pressure is on.

Now let's look at the situation a little differently. You still woke up late and have to rush to that same important interview. You're nervous, so of course your heart pounds. It is preparing you for action. Your breathing is still rapid. This is your body's way of ensuring you get plenty of oxygen. Your body is preparing itself for optimum performance by doing this. You are energized. Your body is ready to tackle anything.

Change your mind about stress and change your body's response to stress

What is happening to your body in each of these scenarios? Clearly, you are stressed in both situations. In the first situation, where you felt anxious and scared because of the stress, your body went through the typical stress response. Your heart rate went up, and your blood vessels constricted. This is not a healthy state for your body to be in. In fact, people are at a much higher risk for cardiovascular disease when their blood vessels constrict; it makes your body work harder to get blood flowing. This is why chronic stress and heart problems are so closely related.

In the second scenario, you were a lot more positive about the situation. You still showed evidence of stress through a pounding heart and rapid breathing, but you viewed it as a good thing. You viewed it as your body's way of preparing you to function at your best. As in the first situation, your heart rate still went up. But because your view of stress as a positive mechanism of preparing your body for action actually prevented your blood vessels from constricting. This is the similar response your body goes through in moments of courage and joy.

Feeling joyous and courageous is clearly a good state to be in. So when you view stress as a good thing, are you actually improving your health?

New research says yes. Psychologist Kelly McGonigal analyzed a study that looked at 30,000 adults in the United States for eight years. Participants were asked how much stress they've experienced in the past year. They were also asked if they believed stress is harmful to their health. The results? People who experienced stress had a 43 percent increase in their likelihood of dying — but only if they also believed that stress is bad for their health. Participants who experienced stress but looked at it as a good thing were no more likely to die than those who experienced no stress. In fact, they had the lowest risk of dying of everyone from the study. This really shows that how you think about stress makes a huge difference.

Other ways that stress is helping you

Let's take a closer look at the stress response. Oxytocin is a neurohormone that is released during stress. It is also released when you hug someone. Let me explain: Oxytocin can be thought of as the social hormone, because it makes your brain crave social interaction and do things to build strong relationships.

As part of the stress response, it urges you to seek support from loved ones and talk about your stress; oxytocin keeps you from bottling up your stress. It also responds to receptors on the heart during stress that help the heart recover from stress faster. Even more good news? Social support actually enhances the effects of oxytocin. So the hormone that makes you seek support will be enhanced by said support. This basically means your body has a built-in mechanism for stress resilience. I don't know about you, but this is definitely helping me view stress as a good thing.

Another study was done on 1,000 adults ages 34 to 93. Again, they were asked how much stress they've experienced in the last year, and also asked how much they have spent helping and caring for friends and families. People who experienced more stress had a 30 percent increase in likelihood of dying — if they had not spent time caring for others. People who did spend time caring for others had absolutely no stress-related increase in dying. This shows that caring for others increases your body's ability to avoid the harmful effects of stress.

Change your mindset about stress and make stress actually benefit your health. Spend time caring for others, strengthen your relationships and show empathy, and avoid the harmful effects of stress.

More on stress

10 Weird ways to reduce stress
Survey says: You spend 2,000 hours stressed out each year
How stress distorts your self-image and ways to break the vicious cycle

Photo credit: MIXA/Getty Images

Photo credit: Daniel Tanner/WENN.com

Every year after the Oscars are over, we have something else to look forward to — the Jimmy Kimmel Live: After the Oscars special, which showcases some of the most hilarious skits ever.

This year, for the funny man's ninth annual post-Oscars special, he gave the world several skits that were adapted from some of YouTube's most hilarious videos. Our favorite, however, had to be the spoof titled Bitman Begins.

Kimmel recruited the help of Australian brothers Chris and Liam Hemsworth to star in what could possibly be the best Jimmy Kimmel Live spoof yet.

Bitman Begins is an update of one of the biggest internet sensations Charlie Bit Me. It's sort of a Batman Begins movie meets one of the biggest viral hits rolled into one, and the result is priceless.

So what was the inspiration behind this spoof? Kimmel said, "Now, that Oprah's book club has gone to cable, we don't have to read anymore."

"Tonight our plan is to usher the movie business into the twenty-first century."

"We've enlisted the help of some of the greatest talents in the world of film to adapt not best-selling books, not plays or musicals. Tonight, we transform popular YouTube videos into big budget Hollywood movies."

Bitman Begin shows the Hemsworth brothers as two estranged siblings who are out for vengeance. The trailer is introduced by Martin Scorsese with a plot that is explained as, "Hunger, incarceration and revenge threaten a family in a visceral action-packed thriller that calls into question the human need for vengeance."

The Thor star wants to destroy his younger sibling because of his razorlike teeth. "I will find him ... and I will destroy him," Chris Hemsworth declares.

Let's just say it doesn't end well for the heartthrob, and Kimmel even managed to rope Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks into the bizarreness.

Watch the video here: 

Criminal background checks for employment

How criminal background checks can be used varies from state to state, but these are generally used to ensure that candidates aren't hired who've committed offenses that could be a red flag for the position they're applying for. If you're seeking a job as a bank teller, a company is unlikely to hire you if you've done five years in the slammer on theft charges. The company also has the safety of its employees and customers to consider.

Credit checks for employment

Hiring companies may also run a credit check. If you're trying to improve your credit, don't worry. These are considered "soft" inquiries and don't affect your credit. Again, what employers are looking for varies by the position.

Employers are not necessarily looking for great credit; they're looking for patterns that may indicate you're a risk in that position. For example, if you've recently been employed in jobs that pay well, they probably don't want to see a bad credit rating or history of default. They may also be looking for potential stress factors or just whether or not you can handle money (especially with regard to financial services jobs and those involving high-ticket items like jewelry).

Other checks

Employers are also authorized to check your driving history and past employment. They may use third-party services like HireRight to handle many types of checks at once.

Things to know about background checks

• You have to consent to these checks in writing. Generally, work-history checks are authorized by signing the application, but read it carefully as other checks may be, too. Usually, you're asked to sign a separate form for more substantive checks.
• If you don't get the job because of a background check, employers are required by law to inform you in writing and tell you how to request a copy of the report. In some cases (if it was a credit report, for example), they may be required to give you a copy of the report. Either way, you may be able to request a copy of the report at the time you fill out the consent form.
• Medical records cannot be a part of your background check. Employers are allowed to ask if you can do the job based on the job description and how you plan to do it, but you're not required to tell them anything that doesn't directly apply to doing the job, including whether or not you are or plan to become pregnant (and they're not allowed to ask). If you owe money because of a medical condition or procedure, the name of the place you owe money to (e.g., Cancer Treatment Center) will be obscured so it doesn't reveal private information, though on a copy you order, you'll be able to see the full name of the creditor.
• A credit report will also contain public-record information, like bankruptcies and back child support, and may contain notices of dispute if you've challenged the validity of an entry.

Protecting yourself from negative background checks

Knowledge is power. The best way to protect yourself is to know what a background check says and how it may impact you.

You can pull a credit report from each of the three major bureaus (Experian, TransUnion and Equifax) once per year free of charge (or within 60 days before you look for employment), or you can use a free service to get a report. We recommend viewing all three since they can vary. Go through the reports carefully to ensure there are no errors. If there are, file a dispute with the credit bureau. If your score is low, check to see if there are outstanding debts you can pay or unnecessary credit lines that are open.

You can see your FBI report under the Privacy Act by following the instructions on its website. If there are any errors, there's even a way to dispute those.

Only use government or verifiable services to check yourself. Many phishing sites use these ploys to gather private data like your social security number.

More on employment

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Haven't had ramen noodles since college? Pick up a few packs and don't fear! This Meatless Monday recipe for ramen noodles with tempeh and spicy peanut sauce is anything but lame.

Once in a while it's nice to have a noodle on hand that cooks up super-quickly. Enter ramen noodles. While you might get college flashbacks as you purchase a few packets, I can guarantee this recipe is tastier than any college ramen experience you've had.

The spicy peanut sauce in this recipe is a little sweet, a little savory and a little spicy (I wanted to eat it on just about everything), and the tempeh adds great substance to this dish. It doesn't matter what flavor ramen packs you buy because you'll toss out the little envelope (powdered flavoring) that comes with them. This is just the right meal to serve when you're short on time and looking for something full on flavor.

Ramen noodles with tempeh and spicy peanut sauce recipe

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• 2 (3 ounce) packets ramen noodles (any kind will work since you’ll discard the flavor packet)
• 1/3 cup warm water
• 1/3 cup smooth peanut butter
• 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar or red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 teaspoons garlic-chili paste
• 3-4 dashes hot sauce (more to taste)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 4 ounces tempeh, sliced thin
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, seeds and membrane removed, sliced into thin pieces
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts for garnish
• 2 green onions, white and green parts diced for garnish

Directions:

1. To make the sauce, combine the water and peanut butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk together to combine.
2. Reduce the heat to low and add the soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, honey, garlic-chili paste and hot sauce. Whisk so all the ingredients blend together into a smooth sauce. Keep the pan on the lowest setting.
3. Add the vegetable oil to a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the tempeh and cook, flipping, for a few minutes.
4. Begin to cook the ramen noodles according to the package directions (this should take about 3 minutes).
5. Add the garlic and red pepper to the tempeh and cook, stirring, just until the ramen noodles are finished.
6. Drain the noodles and add them to a large bowl along with the red pepper and garlic.
7. Pour some of the sauce over the noodles and tempeh mixture and toss to combine. Add more sauce as needed.
8. Serve in individual bowls and garnish with the chopped peanuts and green onion.

Rave on over ramen!

More Meatless Monday recipes

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Roasted butternut squash and farro salad with orange-maple vinaigrette
Curried sweet potato, green bean and tortellini soup

Photo credit: Adriana M. Barraza/WENN.com

Actress Kate Hudson was the epitome of Old Hollywood glam at this year's Oscars. She literally took our breath away in a gorgeous white Atelier Versace gown with a plunging neckline and attached beaded cape. Exquisite is the only word to really describe the way she looked.

Photo credit: Gregg DeGuire/WireImage/Getty Images

While her hubby Matthew McConaughey was busy taking home the Oscar for Best Actor, Camila Alves was silently stealing the style spotlight behind the scenes, thanks to her stunning light pink long-sleeve gown (complete with a cape) by Gabriela Cadena. It's out of this world beautiful and so is she!

Photo credit: Gregg DeGuire/WireImage/Getty Images

Emma Watson has always been a risk taker when it comes to red carpet fashion. For the 2014 Academy Awards, she took a walk on the wild side and opted for a semi-sheer, sparkly metallic gown by Vera Wang. She styled her hair in a messy half up/half down 'do (which we're obsessed with) and added a pop of bold red to her lips.

Photo credit: Adriana M. Barraza/WENN.com

Anna Kendrick was all about the unexpected at the Oscars last night. The actress/singer showed off some serious skin (and leg!) in a daring black J Mendel dress that featured all sorts of funky things, including a sheer midriff panel that had a wild red snowflake-like design going on. Weird? Yes. But we couldn't take our eyes off her.

Photo credit: Jeff Vespa/WireImage/Getty Images

There's no getting around the fact that Kristen Bell's light gray Roberto Cavalli corset gown was one of the hautest numbers of the night. Not only did she look like a total ice princess in it (which, by the way, was her goal), but she also looked like she'd never popped out a baby before. I mean, how great is her body?

More Oscars fashion

Jennifer Lawrence dons Dior (and falls again!) at the Academy Awards
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Amy Adams in a strapless peplum dress at the 2014 Oscars

Photo credit: Via Corinne Foxx Twitter

The 86th Academy Awards ceremony was filled with surprises and even pizza! Funny woman and Oscar host Ellen DeGeneres arranged for a real pizza delivery guy to feed the hungry A-listers at the Dolby Theatre on Sunset Boulevard on Sunday night with some delicious pizza from Big Mama's & Papa's Pizzeria.

DeGeneres proved to the world that the Oscars can be a fun and informal affair, and she managed to get plenty of laughs from not only the crowd present at the lavish affair but also from those of us who were eagerly watching at home.

We may not know his name, but one lucky pizza guy got to serve slices to the stars, including Jared Leto, Angelina Jolie and Lupita Nyong'o. And Degeneres called upon film producer Harvey Weinstein to pay the tip. Now, the question on everyone's mind is did the pizza guy score big time?

According to Reuters, DeGeneres addressed the crowd by asking, "Where's Harvey Weinstein?" Upon locating him, she ensured him it was his responsibility to pay the tip, adding, "No pressure, only a billion people are watching, whatever you feel is right."

We certainly hope the pizza guy, who seemed slightly terrified during the experience, was tipped generously. There was even rapper Pharrell Williams' famous hat going around to gather cash from the stars, which, according to TMZ, managed to gather about $300 for the lucky deliveryman.

According to TMZ, the unnamed delivery guy also received a hero's welcome when he returned to the Big Mama's & Papa's Pizzeria restaurant, which is located in a Los Angeles, California, strip mall. He was apparently greeted with cheers and high-fives from his envious yet congratulatory co-workers.

Now that we've seen what a celebrity pizza party looks like, what could possibly happen at the next Oscars?

Released in the U.S. at Thanksgiving last year, Disney's animated adventure Frozen is expected to bank $1 billion in worldwide ticket sales by the end of this weekend — making it the second-highest-grossing animated movie ever (behind Toy Story 3) and the No. 1 animated non-sequel.

Basically, it's kind of a big deal.

Oscar snub No. 4 for Leonardo DiCaprio >>

Accordingly, the film's anthem "Let It Go" has been an enormous success. Lauded by everyone from Entertainment Weekly to pretty much every prepubescent girl in the Western hemisphere, the stirring anthem — composed by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez — nabbed the statue for best original song at last night's Academy Awards during which powerhouse vocalist Idina Menzel performed it live for the first time.

We were unabashedly looking forward to Menzel's performance, which is why we were so disappointed that it didn't blow us away. She started off a bit shaky — which is to be expected, since she was performing on such a huge platform — and she never quite seemed to get back on track. It seemed as though perhaps the music got ahead of her a bit, and then she had to rush a little to keep up. Since she seemed to fidget with her in-ear monitor, or earpiece, at the end of the performance, this seems like a plausible scenario.

2014 Oscars red carpet: Celebs who brought their families >>

What we had really hoped, though, is that Menzel would have loosened up more while performing. Sure, she definitely belted it out when she was supposed to belt it out. But for the most part, she looked — for lack of a better word — scripted, as though she was just going through the motions trying to hit her marks. Or course, if she was having problems with her earpiece, that may explain her extreme focus.

Regardless, there's no doubt Menzel is a brilliant vocalist... and that she looked amazing in that to-die-for peach Reem Acra gown. So, what do you think? Was Menzel's performance at the Oscars, well, Oscar-worthy? Or was it a bit lackluster? Weigh in via our poll and feel free to add more with a comment!

What Slates for Sarah means to Hollywood, and how to help >>

The best of 2013

Celeb baby names we love

While many famous parents aim for weird baby names, others opt for lovely, more traditional monikers. We've put together a list of our favorites. Do you agree with our selections?

Americans are fascinated by celebrity babies. We predict when pregnancy announcements will be made. We ogle red carpet baby bumps.

But perhaps our favorite part of this pastime is critiquing the celebs' baby name choices — and we've picked these as the best of 2013.

Click the banner to check out our database of over 30,000 baby names >>

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Photo credit: Anwar Hussein/Contributor/Getty Images News/Getty Images

Photo credit: Getty images

From Ellen DeGeneres' killer monologue

In reference to the weather in L.A.: "It's been raining, thank you for your prayers."

Ellen DeGeneres addresses 84-year-old June Squibb and talks about her nomination for Nebraska, then turns to Squibb and starts shouting (as if Squibb's hearing is impaired): "I'm telling everyone that you were wonderful in Nebraska."

Ellen DeGeneres calls Liza Minnelli a man at the 2014 Oscars >>

"Between all of the nominees here tonight, you've made over 1,400 films and you've gone to a total of six years of college." DeGeneres proceeds to single out Amy Adams and ask if she went to college (which she didn't).

As DeGeneres spans the audience, she makes a general comment about all the beautiful people: "I'm not going to say who looks the most beautiful, but it's clear. It's Jared Leto. I mean he's the prettiest."

To Jonah Hill, who bared his junk (sort of) in The Wolf of Wall Street, DeGeneres said, "You showed us something in that film that I have not seen in a very, very long time." Later, as the telecast came back on, DeGeneres told Hill, "No, no I don't want to see it," and Hill replies, "What's the big deal?"

DeGeneres offers Jennifer Lawrence assistance

Perhaps one of the most chuckle-worthy moments in DeGeneres' monologue was when she talked about Jennifer Lawrence falling on her way to receive her Oscar last year, and then she tells Lawrence that she won't mention to the audience how Lawrence fell out of the car on the red carpet this year. DeGeneres joked to the American Hustle star, "If you win tonight, I think we should bring you the Oscar."

Introductions

DeGeneres' hilarious introduction of Jim Carrey: "Citizen Kane, Lawrence of Arabia, Ace Ventura. Our next presenter was in one of those."

Maybe one of the hardest things about hosting the Oscars has got to be pronouncing everyone's name correctly. DeGeneres talks about a presenter whose name she didn't have to study and then introduces "Holdie Gawn" instead of Goldie Hawn.

Everyone's a winner

In keeping with DeGeneres' "Everyone's a winner" theme for the night, she decided that Bradley Cooper needed a conciliation prize when he didn't get the Oscar for best supporting actor: "Once again this year, they're continuing with the theme of only one winner per category and I don't think that's fair." (DeGeneres gives Cooper lotto tickets with a quarter to scratch them off with, saying, "I need that back.") She then tells Cooper, "If you win a lot, we'll split it."

Pizza delivery

In one of several moments of the evening when DeGeneres made the Oscars her own, she had pizza delivered for some of the biggest stars in Hollywood. She asked the crowd, "Is anybody hungry? I just feel like everyone's got to be hungry right now." When the pizza arrived, she joked to the delivery guy, "Who's your favorite movie star, they're here. Who do you want to talk to?"

DeGeneres then cracked everyone up by announcing that she didn't have a way to pay for the pizza. "I don't have any money. Who here has, Sandy? Sandy you have money. You've got a lot of money." When Sandra Bullock says something about not carrying any money with her, DeGeneres says, "Where's Harvey Weinstein? No pressure only a billion people watching. Whatever you feel is right."

Passing Pharrell William's Smokey the Bear hat

For whatever reason, Pharrell Williams insists on wearing Smokey the Bear hats during award shows, so when he performed wearing one on Oscar night, DeGeneres incorporated it into a bit: "I borrowed Pharrell's hat and I thought I'd pass it around and get some money for the pizza." After sticking Kevin Spacey's money in her pocket, she takes Lupita Nyong'o's lip balm and frisks Brad Pitt saying, "What else you got" (after chastising him for only putting $20 in the hat).

10 Things Ellen can spend her Oscar cash collection on >>

Selfie

As we all know by now, DeGeneres took a selfie to post on Twitter with Meryl Streep and other A-list celebrities from the audience. When Pitt jumps in on another one of DeGeneres' selfies, she calls him a "photo hog." After tweeting the now famous Meryl Streep selfie, DeGeneres announced: "We just crashed and broke Twitter. We have made history. It's back up again. We are all winners tonight. That's what it means."

2014 Oscars: Ellen's best tweets and selfies >>

Photo credit: Judy Eddy/WENN.com

Fifteen years after first battling cancer, René Angélil is once again recovering from surgery. The 72-year-old husband of songstress Céline Dion is said to be on the mend after spending a lot of downtime at home.

As if headlining a Las Vegas residency wasn't enough, the "My Heart Will Go On" hit maker has been busily nursing her spouse of nearly 20 years back to health and being mom to their three children.

Céline Dion's mansion comes with a shocking price tag >>

"I don't want René to stress out with work-related issues," 45-year-old Dion shared in a statement Monday. "I want him to focus on getting back to 100 percent. I've been doing my shows at the Colosseum, and everything's under control."

Angélil first faced throat cancer in 1999, at which time the singer ground her career to a halt to care for him.

Céline Dion and more celebrities dish on their difficult marriages >>

"At home we've been spending a lot of quality time with the family," Dion, mom to 13-year-old son René-Charles and 3-year-old twins Eddy and Nelson, went on to say.

"We feel very fortunate that we've been able to get the best care possible, and we thank God every day for helping us get through this ordeal."

Join us in wishing Céline Dion, René Angélil and the rest of their family nothing but health and happiness. The longtime couple, who first met when she was 12 and he was her music manager, are due to celebrate their 20th anniversary this coming December!

Photo credit: WENN.com

Brad Pitt is one of the biggest movie stars in the world, but he never thought he would take home an Academy Award. The actor won his first Oscar as a producer for Best Picture 12 Years a Slave during this year's award show.

12 GIFs that prove Leonardo DiCaprio deserves an Oscar >>

"I don't know where I'm going to put it," Pitt told E! News. "I never thought I'd take one home, so I haven't thought that far in advance."

Pitt and fiancée Angelina Jolie aren't without their awards, though. Jolie has an Oscar from 2000 for her role in Girl, Interrupted. She also took home the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award at the Governors Awards in November. Pitt has been nominated numerous times by The Academy, including in 2012 for Moneyball, in 2009 for The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and in 1996 for Twelve Monkeys.

But even though Pitt has been in some important roles, he has never taken home an Oscar.

As producer, the actor gave the acceptance speech when 12 Years a Slave won the award for Best Picture Sunday night, March 2.

"Thank you all," Pitt said during the speech. "Thank you for this incredible honor you bestowed on our film tonight. I know I speak for everyone standing behind me that it has been an absolute privilege to work on Solomon's story. And we all get to stand up here tonight because of one man who brought us all together to tell that story. And that is the indomitable Mr. Steve McQueen."

Ben Affleck noticeably absent from Academy Awards >>

McQueen returned the favor when he gave his own acceptance speech, saying, "I'd first like to thank the Academy. Thank you so much. There are a lot of people for me to thank, so I'll just push on. My wonderful cast and crew, Plan B, Brad Pitt, who without him this film would just not have been made."

The film also won other awards, including Lupita Nyong'o's award for Best Supporting Actress.