Now that my son is old enough to appreciate the excitement of a sugary treat, I'm looking forward to making some special candies for his Easter basket. These spring-inspired goodies look impressive but require only easy-to-find ingredients and a few minutes of hands-on time.

Makes enough for a 6- to 8-inch basket

I was surprised to find how simple it is to make spun sugar. The trick is to flick your fork back and forth confidently and quickly to make the delicate, grasslike strands.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
• 2-3 drops green food dye gel

Directions:

1. Line a 3-foot area of a counter and a 3-foot area of the floor beneath with newspaper or wax paper. Lightly oil the handles of two wooden spoons and hang them 6 inches off the counter, 6 inches apart, held in place by tape or a heavy pot.
2. To a small pot, add the sugar and slowly drizzle with the water, then the corn syrup. Cook over medium-low heat until the sugar has dissolved. Increase the heat to high and boil until the mixture just begins to turn light amber in color, then immediately remove from the heat. Do not stir the mixture while it's boiling, but gently swirl the pot occasionally to cook it evenly. Stir in the food dye.
3. Every couple of minutes, dip a fork into the mixture until it cools to the point where it falls in a stream rather than drops. When it does, dip two forks in the mixture and quickly flick them back and forth above the wooden handles, aiming first for one handle and then the other. Stop every couple of minutes to gather the spun sugar and shape it roughly into a nest the size of your Easter basket. Continue spinning the sugar until it is gone or cools too much, in which case return it to medium-low heat just until it loosens up again. Once finished, you can also gather up any sugar strands still hanging from the handles or even on the wax paper/newspaper on the floor — it will be too cooled and stiff to shape, but can still be used to fill the basket.

Makes 8 nests

These aren't as cloyingly sweet as the neon green versions from my childhood, but have the same enjoyable chewiness of coconut and spot for brightly colored jelly beans.

Ingredients:

• 2 large egg whites
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Splash of vanilla extract
• 2 cups sweetened coconut flakes
• Jelly beans, to fill the nests

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it with nonstick spray.
   
2. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the egg whites on medium speed until they're just beginning to foam. Increase the speed to high and slowly pour in the sugar. Continue beating just until stiff peaks form. Briefly beat in the vanilla.
3. Using your fingers, break up any clumps of coconut flakes before sprinkling them over the whipped egg white mixture. Use a spatula to fold in the coconut.
4. Drop 3-4 tablespoons of the batter at least an inch apart on the prepared baking sheet. To make a nest shape, use a spoon to create a well in the center of each. Bake until the edges just begin to brown, 15-20 minutes. Cool completely before filling with jelly beans or other egg-shaped candy.

I initially wanted to dip the strawberries in orange-dyed chocolate, like these Harry & David Easter Hand Dipped Strawberries, but when I tried to add food dye to the white chocolate, it seized up and became slightly gritty. Instead, I rolled the freshly dipped strawberries in colored sugar. Now I'm thankful for the original mishap, because the crunchy sugar coating contrasts satisfyingly with the juicy fruit.

To make your own colored sugar, start with 1 cup sugar and mix with 2 drops orange food coloring or 1 drop each red and yellow food coloring.

Ingredients:

• 6 ounces white chocolate chips
• 1 tablespoon shortening
• 1 quart strawberries, washed and thoroughly patted dry
• 1/2 cup orange-colored sugar
• Crushed chocolate cookies or chocolate graham crackers, optional

Directions:

1. Line a baking sheet with foil. Put the sugar in a small, shallow bowl.
   
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, add the white chocolate chips and shortening and microwave at half power for one minute. Give it a stir and continue microwaving in 30-second increments until the chocolate is melted. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes so it is thick enough to coat the strawberries.
3. Gather the stem leaves of one of the strawberries in your fingers, gently pick up the strawberry by the leaves and dip in the white chocolate. Let the excess chocolate drip off before rolling the strawberry in the colored sugar and move it to the baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining strawberries. Let them dry in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving. Optional: Serve over crushed chocolate cookie "dirt."

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Photo credit: ImageSource/Photodisc/Getty Images

Rebecca Bahret,  writer and mom of two, says, "I stock up on basket supplies a few weeks in advance. I fill the eggs about a week out and make sure the baskets are prepped on Good Friday. We do our religious celebration of Easter on Holy Saturday night, with the hubby and I going to the sundown Easter Vigil Mass, so I fill the baskets and place everything out after we get home. Easter Sunday morning is actually fairly relaxed for us. We just focus on the secular, bunny-related fun."

Pick up Easter basket fillers and plastic eggs when you run out to grab a bite to eat, or put in a call to the caterers to confirm your order while you nosh on the contents of your brown bag at your desk. Taking care of items on your to-do list a little at a time makes them seem less overwhelming.

I'm not Superwoman, I'm just a career woman who juggles >>

Consider scaling back your Easter party guest list and budget in the name of honoring the real reason for the celebration versus the commercial aspect of the big day. You don't need to abandon the tradition of giving your kids baskets from the Easter Bunny and letting them search the yard for plastic eggs filled with little treasures, but you can plan a simple fete centered around the real meaning of Easter.

Just because you're having Easter brunch at your home doesn't mean you have to be responsible for the entire shindig. Host a casual potluck-style extravaganza by asking family members to bring dishes to make up your Easter feast. Put other guests in charge of bringing tunes for the party or crafting ideas (and materials) to keep the kids occupied. During the fete, ask your partner or your kids to welcome guests at the door, refill their beverages and gather everyone when it's time to sit down to eat or start the egg hunt.

4 Stress-less tips for working moms >>

If you're too busy with work to prepare a huge meal on Easter night, take a cue from Donna Bozzo, aka The Lady With The Alligator Purse, and go to a restaurant for Sunday dinner. But don't forget to "make reservations crazy in advance," she advises, as restaurants will book up fast.

Easter is synonymous with yummy breakfast casseroles. And lucky for you, many egg and French toast casseroles can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated overnight until it's time to bake them in the morning. Crock-Pot breakfast recipes also do the work for you while you play Easter Bunny the night before. Plus, there's nothing like waking up to the smell of a hot breakfast cooking and pretending that someone else got up early to prepare it for you while you snuggled in bed. Hey, a girl can dream, can't she?

Planning the perfect Easter brunch >>

Donna adds, "I love frilly [Easter] dresses because girls outgrow them so quickly — they don't wear them as teenagers." The real message? Take the time to slow down and enjoy the special little things about Easter that you'll look back on as fond memories before you know it.

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April 2 isn't just another day on my calendar. It's a day that celebrates how far we've come in increasing autism awareness, and recognizes how far we still have to go.

Celebrating
Autism Awareness

The month of April holds special significance in my life. My birthday is April 4 (4/4/66, which might explain my need for order). My daughter Eliza was conceived on April 4, 2006 (TMI?). My oldest brother’s birthday is April 11. My late grandmother passed away on April 16, and was buried on what would have been her 79th birthday, April 19. My husband Michael’s birthday is April 20. Our wedding anniversary is April 25. The icing on the proverbial cake is that April’s birthstone is diamond. Special thanks to my mom, for had she delivered just four days earlier, I would have been stuck with aquamarine. Quelle horreur!

Literally and figuratively, my April calendar was full. I didn’t need any more April events. I couldn’t handle one more April event, happy, melancholy or otherwise. But then again, there was no choice. In early 2007, our now 8-year-old son Ethan was diagnosed with PDD-NOS (Pervasive Development Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified), a diagnosis applied to children or adults who are on the autism spectrum but do not fully meet the criteria for another Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) such as autistic disorder (“classic” autism) or Asperger Syndrome. Ethan’s diagnosis meant that we could now add April 2 as another important and memorable date in our already-chock-full-o’-stuff fourth month. (Well played, autism. Well played.)

Seven years ago, the United Nations mandated that April 2 be designated World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD). To commemorate WAAD, Autism Speaks — the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization — and the international autism community celebrates Light It Up Blue, a unique global initiative that kicks off April’s Autism Awareness Month, and helps raise autism awareness. Every year, more and more iconic landmarks, hotels, sporting venues, concert halls, museums, bridges, retail stores, homes and communities shine a light on autism and Light It Up Blue. Last year, our son Ethan helped Yoko Ono ceremoniously light the Empire State Building blue.

For this, my family owes a debt of gratitude to Autism Speaks co-founders Bob and Suzanne Wright, who began Autism Speaks in February 2005 with a $25 million donation from longtime friend Bernie Marcus. Bob and Suzanne launched Autism Speaks out of love for their grandson diagnosed with autism.

Autism Speaks has detractors; my family isn’t one of them. Autism Speaks for our family. Bob, Suzanne and Autism Speaks have done more to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorders… more to fund research into cause, treatment, prevention and cure (one of several hot button issues)… more to promote compassion, understanding, recognition and acceptance… more to change government policy… than any other autism organization before, during and since 2005.

As an organization, Autism Speaks cares for every child, and our child is no exception. Autism Speaks has done everything imaginable to provide priceless opportunities — musically, socially and educationally —for our son Ethan  — and families like mine. We are one community. Autism doesn’t discriminate between race, religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic status or education level; neither does Autism Speaks.

As my family prepares for its busiest April yet, it doesn’t escape me that while my birthstone might be diamond, it is Autism Speaks, WAAD, Light It Up Blue, and Autism Awareness Month that are the most priceless gems (and birthday gifts) of all.

Donations to Autism Speaks can be made through my Walk Now for Autism Speaks page.

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Just because Mardi Gras is over, doesn't mean that those of us not living in New Orleans can't still enjoy the traditional cuisine. That means there's no need to stop making beignets, crawfish, gumbo or muffulettas.

New Orleans cuisine is full of vibrant colors, flavors and exquisite aromas. This robust flavor usually comes with butter, sugar, cream and all that other "good stuff." However, cooking flavorfully doesn't need to mean using unhealthy ingredients. With a few simple tweaks to classic recipes, you can transform your favorite dishes into healthier versions of themselves.

Here are some tips to make your recipes healthier:

• Don't use butter, use olive oil. If your recipe calls for sautéing vegetables or meats in butter, replace that with olive oil, which contains good-for-you fats.
• Try Greek yogurt instead of cream. Greek yogurt not only contains fewer calories and less fat than cream, it packs a hearty protein punch.
• Use spices to add flavor. Flavor doesn't need to come from butter or sugar. Add extra herbs and spices to enhance the natural flavors in the vegetables and proteins that you're cooking.
• Add lemon juice. If you want to give your dish an extra zing, freshly squeezed lemon juice can add that needed kick. Plus, lemon juice aids in digestion and metabolic function.
• Swap regular pasta and rice for spiralized vegetables. By using a spiralizer to turn vegetables into noodles and then rice, you can avoid extra calories, carbs, fat and eat cleaner with less processing.

In this recipe, we are replacing white rice with sweet potato rice in a spicy twist on a New Orleans favorite: jambalaya.

By using sweet potato rice, we receive the taste and health benefits of the vegetable. Sweet potatoes are high in vitamin A and potassium as well as a great source of iron and vitamins D and C. Plus, the natural sugars that release from the sweet potato while cooking make this jambalaya extra special.

Aside from the added sweetness and nutrients from the sweet potato, we're using spicy chorizo instead of the classic andouille sausage. The spiciness from the chorizo cooks in with the chicken at first and sets the stage for the vegetables and shrimp.

This jambalaya is jam-packed with protein, veggies and Cajun flavors. This is a healthy, comforting dish that's easy to make and stores well in the refrigerator. To heat up, simply add it back to a saucepan and stir until it's hot.

Spicy chorizo jambalaya with sweet potato rice recipe

Serves 3-4

Ingredients:

• 1 chicken breast, cut into chunks (about 1-1/2 inches)
• 1-2 links spicy chorizo
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 3/4 cup diced white onion
• 3/4 cup diced green peppers
• 1 heaping cup chopped mushrooms
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 (14 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, no salt added
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano flakes
• Salt and pepper
• 8 medium shrimp, defrosted, peeled, deveined
• 2 large (300g+) sweet potato, peeled, spiralized

Directions:

1. Place a large saucepan over medium heat and add in the chicken and sausage and season with the Cajun spice. Let cook for 10 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
2. While cooking, place the sweet potato noodles in a food processor and pulse until made into rice-like bits. Set aside.
3. Then, add the onions, mushrooms, green peppers, celery and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes and then add in the tomatoes, bay leaves, Worcestershire, oregano and season generously with salt and pepper. Let cook for 10 minutes, covered. Then, add in the shrimp, 1/2 cup of chicken broth and cook for 5 minutes. Then, add in the sweet potato rice and cook, uncovered, for 5 minutes.
4. When done, spoon into bowls and enjoy.

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Enter second child. Up until recently, he has shown no interest in writing anything. I tried the whole “card trick” thing, and while he loved to decorate and make cards just as much as his brother did, he rarely wanted to even sign his own name.

Teaching reading and writing

His lack of writing wasn’t a big concern to me, but I tried to gently find a way to spark his interest. Even classic stuff like writing “Cat” on our dry erase board and then drawing a picture of a cat. He liked cats so maybe it would work!

Except it didn’t work.

We read books all the time, we sang the alphabet song and he knew most of the letters by sight already. It was just the actual writing part that he didn’t want anything to do with. I know he’ll do it sooner or later, he just needs to find a reason to inspire him to do it.

Finally, one day, I had an idea. What one thing does he love more than anything? What one thing will capture his attention with humor?

Getting creative with vocabulary

I wrote a word on the dry erase board and told him, “I probably shouldn’t show you this, but…”

I showed him how to spell the word "poop" and he laughed his head off and immediately ran over to write it.

After writing it and erasing it a few times he asked me to show him how to write the word ‘cat’ again. So I did and he wrote his first ever phrase.

In just two days he was writing other phrases from memory, like "dog poop" and "mama poop" and he’d steal my phone and text "PAPA POOP!!!!!!!" to my husband while hiding and giggling in the pantry. It was his own secret hilarious code that he had cracked and he was loving it.

I’m happy to report that he has since added other (non poop-related) words to his repertoire so it truly was just the simple key he needed to open the door of writing words.

This is yet another tale of how we have learned from poop!

While this might not work for any other child in the universe (Who am I kidding, it could work for tons! I should write an entire phonics program based on potty humor!) it is a good reminder that being silly can work wonders. At least it does for us.

About the author:

Amber Dusick is one of our SheKnows Experts Among Us. She is the author of the bestselling humor book Parenting: Illustrated with Crappy Pictures. She writes and illustrates the blog Crappy Pictures where she captures the hilarious and frustrating things that happen in marriage and parenting. Find her on Twitter and Facebook.

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The Face

Week 4: Practice
does not
make perfect

Week 4 of The Face taught an important lesson to the "modeltestants:" Always do your research.

Wow! Here we are at week 4. Starting off the episode, Team Naomi had just lost Kira in the elimination. Missing a team member did not affect the way Team Naomi worked together, but it definitely made my chances of being put up for elimination higher. I know I have to be on my A game.

Photo credit: Steve Fenn/Oxygen Media

After learning the first challenge would be to shoot a commercial for Alex and Ani I was excited and a bit nervous at the same time. I have never been in an official commercial before so this would be a first for me, thus making it extremely exciting but nerve-wracking at the idea of messing up. Doing a commercial is very different than a photo shoot. During a photo shoot you get many takes and chances to change your pose. But with this commercial not only were we under a 15-minute time constraint, I had trouble pronouncing the designer's name right.

The Face's Afiya blogs week 1: Stepping up her selfie game >>

I practiced it a thousand times, and my nerves definitely kicked in as well as the pressure of delivering effectively. Having the first leg (relay) on the commercial put me under even more pressure because if I did not get it together the commercial would not go on. Shooting the commercial was more of learning process. It is not as easy as it looks and essentially I should have slowed down and taken my time. My adrenaline was pumping at an all-time high as well as my nerves being on edge. The pressure of not making Naomi happy was also running through my mind at the same time.

Naomi said that our team would have won if I had pronounced the designer's name correctly, which hurts because ultimately I never want to disappoint her. But we all make mistakes and I take full responsibility for the situation. Although I incorrectly pronounced the designer's name, I am the only one on Team Naomi who gave knowledge of the brand as well as giving energy, personality and clarity in the delivery of my lines. I do think Naomi made the right decision in not placing me up for elimination because I think she was able to see that Alana not only did not deliver her lines, but she gave no knowledge of the brand or show of her personality and ultimately failed entirely at completing the task at hand.

The Face's Afiya blogs week 2: Clearing tables on the runway >>

Ultimately, Anne V chose to send Alana home so we are down another team member. It is always unfortunate to lose someone, but this is a competition and I never lose sight of that.

If there were more than 24 hours in a day, I could make elaborate desserts and dishes daily. But since this is the number I have to deal with, I often look for easy ways to keep my family, especially my kids, filled up with delicious foods.

This recipe requires only three ingredients (four if you want to dust with powdered sugar), and you'll have a good batch of warm, freshly-baked snacks in just a few minutes.

Chocolaty Nutella and pistachio pastries

Yields 8

Ingredients:

• 1 ready-made round puff pastry
• 1/2 cup Nutella (or more if you really want to use a lot)
• 8 teaspoons crushed unsalted pistachios
• Powdered sugar, for sprinkling (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Spread out the puff pastry and slice to 8 equal pieces, like you would slice a pizza.
3. On every slice, spread an abundant amount of Nutella, then sprinkle a teaspoonful of pistachios.
4. Roll the crescents starting from the wider part and ending with the thinner part.
5. Lay the crescents apart on a baking pan lined with a baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12 minutes or until they turn golden brown.
7. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired.

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Photo credit: NBC

Community fans are loyal lifers who have chanted the quirky show's praises even when no one was listening. They are the reason, when NBC tried to shelve the show (on more than one occasion) it was brought back to life and has managed to stay a staple of the Thursday night lineup. Will they be rewarded with a movie for their faithfulness?

Community Season 5: Everything you need to know >>

"Six seasons and a movie," was originally a joke mentioned by Abed (Danny Pudi) in Season 2. Now, it appears that simple joke is on its way to becoming a reality. In fact, there are already talks that a director is being considered: Justin Lin. Lin may have directed the last four Fast & Furious films, but he also knows what Community fans want. He's had some practice with the Greendale bunch directing several episodes for the show already.

The whispers of a movie have been growing because Sony and NBC are rather confident that Community will get a 13-episode final season. NBC Universal TV is a co-producer for the show, but even if they were to cancel the witty comedy, Sony Pictures TV would likely shop it around. Perhaps we'd see an Arrested Development situation where Netflix or Hulu picks up the final season.

Iconic actor Malcolm McDowell dishes on Community >>

Fans aren't the only ones excited about a movie possibility. Creator Dan Harmon has spoken out recently, saying, "If a movie has to be made out of clay and duct tape in my basement, then that's how the movie will be made, because there has to be closure."

And closure may be more important than ever, considering how Season 5 is supposed to end. Apparently the finale will be a major cliff-hanger where the entire cast's lives could change forever. Fans will want answers.

Spin-off movies haven't been very successful, most having a hard time simply getting off the ground. But with Community's loyal and vocal fan base, the relentless Dan Harmon and a talented director attached we may just see the fulfillment of the "six seasons and movie" prophecy.

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At least one name on Lindsay Lohan's lovers list is wrong after James Franco revealed he never slept with the starlet.

The famous list of people Lohan's had sex with may be reduced from 36 to 35 after Franco told Los Angeles Magazine he's never shacked up with the troubled star. The Oz The Great and Powerful actor added that while he's written about Lohan in poems from his new book, Moving Pictures / Moving Sculptures: The Films of James Franco, he hasn't said anything bad about her.

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"Lindsay herself has told lies about me with her people-she's-slept-with list!" Franco said. "So I feel like what I said is much less than what she's said."

Franco's comments are right on par with what he said in an interview with Howard Stern a year ago on his SiriusXM radio show. The 35-year-old star told the famous shock jock that he actually turned down sex with Lohan.

"I don't want to brag about it. I don't know how that got out. She was having issues even then, so you feel weird," Franco revealed. "Honestly, she was a friend. I've met a lot of people that are troubled and sometimes you don't want to do that."

James Franco attempts to explain Shia LeBeouf >>

Additionally, Franco may have surprised fans when he actually admitted in that same interview that he was looking for a long-term relationship with someone.

Meanwhile, other shocking names found on Lohan's list include Zac Efron, Ashton Kutcher, Adam Levine, Justin Timberlake, Garrett Hedlund, Jamie Dornan, Lukas Haas, Colin Farrell and even the late Heath Ledger.

No word from any of these actors on whether their names are also not supposed to be on the infamous sex list.

We have been waiting a long time — too long — and now, less than a month away from the Orphan Black Season 2 premiere, executive producers John Fawcett and Graeme Manson tease us with a few snippets of what's to come. It's torture — we can't wait to watch, it looks so awesome.

Season 2 will pick up with Sarah (Tatiana Maslany) trying to find her daughter, Kira. This is going to put her in a difficult position and she'll have to go up against pro-clone Rachel. Cosima will also have a tough journey ahead as she deals with being sick.

Finally! Orphan Black Season 2 trailer released >>

However, it looks like the most entertaining story line is going to be Alison's. At least that's how Fawcett and Manson seem to feel. In the video Fawcett jokes, "Every time Graeme and I get together and talk about Alison's story lines for Season 2, we laugh hysterically. We get a lot of dark comedy, paranoia and suburban shenanigans out of Alison."

Alison's clumsy comedy relief will be welcome in a season that is bound to be intense. Cosima's story will be a bit darker as she's in a "tough place" dealing with her illness. She also knows that now isn't the time to get sidetracked. Instead she needs to stay focused and get a plan.

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As for Sarah, well, "she's gonna bring the heat and bring the pain." And she completely looks like a bada** in the preview, kicking through walls and running like she's up for a gold medal. With Sarah on the run, it also allows the show to branch out of its usual scenery and take the characters into uncharted territory. This will certainly allow for new foes and possibly new friends to emerge.

The wait is almost over. Orphan Black Season 2 premieres April 19 on BBC America.

Photo credit: Dan Jackman/WENN.com

Leave it to Emma Watson to make us finally want to succumb to one of the fashion world's rapidly growing trends: ear cuffs. The pretty Brit has always been ahead of the crowd when it comes to fashion and beauty trends. Remember when she cut her hair into a pixie and shocked us all? Yeah, that was before the look was considered "cool" and every other hot star jumped on the bandwagon. So it should come as no surprise that Emma has gotten on board with the ear cuff trend.

The actress made her edgy diamond ear cuff pop by pairing it with an unfussy updo, trendy orange lip and larger-than-life lashes. If you ask us, the bold ear accessory adds just the right touch of funk to Emma's black Oscar de la Renta gown.

Emma is just the latest actress to dip her toe into the ear cuff pond. Over the past few seasons, we've seen countless ladies (not to mention major brands on the runway) experiment with the edgy accessory, and we're constantly inspired by the variations on the trend. Still not ready to rock the in-your-face look? We think these lovely ladies might be able to convince you.

Jennifer Lawrence took haute couture to a new level in Paris with a diamond ear cuff worn with a bold burgundy lip and her signature pixie.

Photo credit: WENN.com

Jessica Alba looked fashionably wild with her double ear cuff at the punk-themed Met Gala in NYC.

Photo credit: Jennifer Graylock/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Ke$ha's bold ear cuff featured spikes, sparkle and color. Pretty, right?

Photo credit: Apega/WENN.com

Miley Cyrus went the chain route with her ear cuff and connected two very different earrings styles.

Photo credit: FayesVision/WENN.com

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Tom Keen's secrets go deep on The Blacklist. He isn't just a supportive husband and a reliable 4th-grade teacher. He is a secret agent, buried in lies, who has been assigned to target Lizzie. How many more dirty little secrets does Tom have? In a recent interview with The Blacklist star Ryan Eggold, Today host Al Roker was determined to find out.

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Eggold proved he had a sense of humor as he sat around with the Today bunch and playfully threatened, "Don't give me the wrong look. I've been training." Eggold explained he did know his character's story line was going to go in this direction, but it's still "taking shape" and he doesn't know exactly how the story will unfold.

During the interview Eggold also revealed he is slightly concerned — as he should be — about his character being killed off. As Roker pointed out, "This is a show that is not afraid to kill people off," so Eggold isn't getting too comfortable. But, he does feel like there's a lot left for his character, Tom, to do, and even pointed to a major cliff-hanger at the end of the season.

Before Roker entered the "interrogation phase" of the interview he asked Eggold a hard-hitting question. "What's one thing we don't know about you?" Eggold's response? A teasing, "Goodness. I'm wearing women's underwear." Is he as good a liar as Tom Keen or was there some truth to that statement?

The best part of the interview was when Roker had the lights dimmed, shined a flashlight into Eggold's eyes and fired off a series of intense questions. "Who is Tom Keen? Does Tom love Lizzy? Who does Tom work for? Are Tom's glasses even prescription?"

The Blacklist's dangerous secret: Who's your daddy? >>

Eggold played along like a champ, refusing to answer any of the host's probing questions. Finally, he burst out in laughter and admitted one serious secret of his own: Ryan Eggold cannot whistle. And there you have it, folks. The secret is out.

You can catch more of Eggold and the secretive Blacklist Monday nights on NBC.

New reports are claiming that Kanye West's new singing artist Pia Mia is more than just his protégé, going as far as saying that the pair is actually hooking up.

West has been working on some of Mia's hits and the two are allegedly "getting inappropriately close," MediaTakeOut reported. The site added that a source told them, "Kanye is producing some tracks for her and he's quite involved."

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Another rumor from RadarOnline is claiming that West's fiancée Kim Kardashian is very "upset" and "jealous" over his relationship with Mia and is horrified that "Kanye's smashing his new artist."

However, other reputable sources such as GossipCop are slamming the reports, saying that these sites are "running out of fake narratives" and the story is total "nonsense." West himself has blasted MediaTakeOut for their previous bogus stories about him.

Apparently, Pia Mia is close to the Kardashians, having been pals with Kylie Jenner for a while. The 17-year-old singer is also part of Hollywood's young socialite clan consisting of Nicole Richie's little sister Sofia, Vanessa Hudgens' sister Stella and Will Smith's son Jaden.

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As for the rumors, it can safely be said that West is only interested in Mia for her music and getting it out to the fans. The 36-year-old rapper is very happy with his soon-to-be wife and mother of his child, plus he's quite busy helping to plan his wedding to Kardashian.

So, as our own Lauren Kelly put it, West and Pia Mia are just "making sweet, sweet music," but only the "type you make on tracks... for like a CD."

Pad thai is by far my favorite ethnic food dish. My own personal goal was to set out and make a healthy version to satisfy my weeknight cravings. Zucchini noodles to the rescue in place of regular pad thai noodles.

Did you know that your cheese grater will work wonders for you besides just grating and shredding cheese? You can make your own homemade vegetable noodles by sliding the vegetable down the larger portion of the grater. Voila, you've got noodles. Impress your friends with this healthy and simple take on pad thai.

Pad thai with zucchini noodles recipe

Serves 2-3

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons water
• 2 teaspoons Sriracha sauce
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 4 cups grated zucchini noodles
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup bean sprouts
• 2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• 1 egg
• Pinch salt
• 1/4 cup peanuts
• Cilantro, for topping

Directions:

1. In large sauté pan add water, Sriracha, fish sauce and brown sugar. Whisk until sugar dissolves and keep on low heat.
2. Add canola oil to large work over medium heat. Add zucchini, garlic, carrots, green onion, cabbage and bean sprouts.
3. Cook vegetables for 5 minutes and then add fish sauce. Continue to cook for 10 minutes or until vegetables are tender.
4. In a small pan scramble an egg and add it to the vegetable mixture.
5. Top it off with a pinch of salt, peanuts and cilantro.

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Photo credit: Will Alexander/WENN.com

This might be the most unusual tribute ever to the series finale of How I Met Your Mother. Lindsay Lohan appeared on Funny or Die's Billy on the Street on Wednesday to take out her anger over the CBS sitcom's conclusion.

In the video, Lohan and comedian Billy Eichner are seen dressed in demolition gear with sledgehammers in front of a How I Met Your Mother-themed station wagon. The clip was shot in a car lot in New York City's Lower East Side neighborhood.

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The hit series ends its run on March 31 after nine seasons and fans are sad to see it end, including the Mean Girls star.

In mock outrage, Lohan said, "It's actually my favorite show. I'm really f***ing pissed, it's too soon."

The car was adorned with pictures of the cast and famous phrases from the show. Eichner had each part of the vehicle assigned with "a different dollar value." At the end of the destruction, the team totaled up the amount to write a check to The Big Bang Theory's Mayim Bialik because she's on "a show that is not ending, just to spite the cast of How I Met Your Mother," said Eichner.

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The funnyman began with a wallop to Neil Patrick Harris' face.

He shouted, "Neil Patrick Harris, take that, you awards-show a**hole."

Lohan was given some choice one-liners in the video, including:

"I should have done this to Herbie Fully Loaded when he abandoned me!"

"F*** you, Jason Segel, I'm tired of seeing your penis in every movie!"

And the concluding statement, "I've worked with Lily Tomlin!"

Luckily for Bialik, she is getting a $500 check with the word "spite'' in the memo line. Hopefully, Lohan and Eichner recover from their anger soon.

Watch Lindsay Lohan destroy the HIMYM station wagon.

Color us impressed

Photo credit: Kohl's

Peter Som for Kohl's

Set your calendars, ladies: Peter Som's much anticipated collection for Kohl's DesigNation hits stores April 10. We've got your first look at all the amazing clothes.

We've been waiting for months to get a sneak peek at the Peter Som for DesigNation collection. Now that it's finally here, we can let you know it was totally worth the wait.

The fourth installment of the Kohl's DesigNation program will only be in stores for a limited time, so study up and make your checklists now because this collection is sure to fly off the shelves fast.

One thing is clear: Peter Som's fashion star has been rising the past few years. A media and celeb fave (Allison Williams, Kate Mara, Jessica Alba and Scarlett Johansson are all fans), Peter was a logical choice for DesigNation's latest featured designer.

So what was Peter inspired by when designing his collection? St. Barths. In his designs, he brings the island's playful spirit to life with a range of pieces that mix practicality and creativity. And in keeping with all of Kohl's designer collaborations, if you don't have the disposable income of a celeb, you're in luck because everything in the collection is under $100. Prices range from $38 to $88.

The collection hasn't even hit stores yet but we spotted two fashionable celebs sporting Peter's designs already.

Photo credit: BWR Public Relations

Jenna Dewan-Tatum paired her Peter Som for DesigNation Elastic Cuff Soft Pant ($50) with an army green jacket and white top for a relaxed yet fashion-forward look.

Photo credit: BWR Public Relations

Kate Bosworth gave her Peter Som for DesigNation Button-down Shirt Dress ($74) an edge with some booties and cool shades.

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David Archuleta disappeared from the spotlight two years ago, but is now announcing his return. The American Idol singer made the biggest decision of his life when he chose his religion over his career and decided to go on his Mormon mission.

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"It's not because someone told me that I'm supposed to do it, and not because I no longer want to do music, but because it's the feeling that I've felt I need to do this with my life," Archuleta revealed during his announcement to serve his church and put his career on hold.

The singer was only 16 when he came in second place on the seventh season of American Idol, and has since released three albums. In 2010, Archuleta performed with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, giving one of the first insights into his devotion to his church.

While in Chile for his mission, Archuleta didn't let his voice go to waste. According to The Daily Mail, he performed in the missionary choir at the Missionary Training Center in Santiago, and even performed in two Christmas productions at the Santiago Chile Temple while in the country.

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The 23-year-old is now back from that mission, wiser and two years older, and is ready to restart his career. He posted a short video on YouTube titled "Words we have been waiting for.....". The video announced his return with the message, "Hola, everyone! It's Elder Archuleta here. And I'm home. I'm home."

Archuleta grew up in Murray, Utah, but always vowed to return to music. He has been working on new material while on his mission, so expect to hear from him very soon.

Watch his return video here

Photo credit: Michael Carpenter/WENN.com

Ending the rumors that she was broke when she took her own life last week, L'Wren Scott left her estate, worth $9 million, to her love of 13 years, Mick Jagger.

In her will, Scott left her fortune to Jagger and stated that she has no children and was not married at the time of her death. Leaving it all to Jagger further testified how deep her love for the famous rocker really went, E! News reported.

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"I give all my jewelry, clothing, household furniture and furnishings, personal automobiles, and other tangible articles of a personal nature or my interest in any such property, not otherwise specifically disposed of by this will or any other matter together with my insurance on the property, to Michael Philip Jagger," Scott's filing stated. "I give the rest and residue of my estate to my Michael Philip Jagger."

Apparently, Scott's biggest asset was her Chelsea condo, which is valued at $8 million. Incidentally, the costly residence is where the celebrity designer put an end to her life by hanging herself with a scarf, the New York Daily News revealed.

Scott was laid to rest on Tuesday in a private funeral service in Los Angeles that was attended by friends and family. Jagger gave a heartfelt eulogy to his late partner, as did several others, including her brother and her close friend Ellen Barkin.

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Following Scott's passing, Jagger also wrote a statement on his Facebook page expressing his feelings of tragic loss.

"I am still struggling to understand how my lover and best friend could end her life in this tragic way. We spent many wonderful years together and had made a great life for ourselves," Jagger wrote. "She had great presence and her talent was much admired, not least by me."

Photo credit: WENN.com

Talk about the most civil breakup ever. The news of Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin's split was a shock to pretty much everyone, but the couple appears to be handling it well. Paltrow's friend Cameron Diaz is opening up about the couple and their life together.

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"For both Chris and Gwyneth, I mean they worked really hard," Diaz told E! News. "People want them to blow up and it to be ugly, but they're kind, generous, loving people who really care about one another. Just because they don't want to be a couple together doesn't mean that they have to hate one another. They are really good friends."

Paltrow and Martin have been married for more than 10 years, and have two children together. It was only two days ago that they announced their "conscious uncoupling" to the world, but only after a lot of thought was put into it.

"They've made a conscious effort to separate the part of their lives they don't want to live together anymore, and maintain a really beautiful, strong bond as parents and as friends," Diaz explained. "I think people should really honor that and they should admire it and they should respect it. They've done something really extraordinary, and they've been very brave at presenting that to the public."

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Paltrow and Martin released a joint statement announcing their split, but said they had done everything they could to make it work.

"We have been working hard for well over a year, some of it together, some of it separated, to see what might have been possible between us, and we have come to the conclusion that while we love each other very much we will remain separate," they said.

The couple said they would continue to co-parent, and Diaz added, "She's doing great. They're doing great."