Photo credit: WENN.com

Kim Kardashian has finally achieved her lifelong goal and nabbed the cover of Vogue alongside her baby daddy Kanye West. And the controversial April cover has already been stealing all the headlines, some good and some, well, not so good.

But if you were wondering what the reality TV star and her rapper beau were like to work with on a photo shoot, then you're in luck because Vogue makeup artist Aaron de Mey has revealed what went on behind the scenes.

First, Kardashian is not a bad mother, and her daughter North — whose appearance in Vogue has probably outshone that of her parents — did not wear any makeup during the shoot.

Seth Rogen & James Franco Vogue spoof: "It had to be done" >>

The makeup expert revealed to Cosmopolitan.com that the tiny tot needed no makeup. "She didn't need it! She is such a little cutie," he revealed. And why would she? She's only a 9-month-old baby after all.

However, even though Kardashian is naturally good-looking, she did receive a little help to make her look cover ready. So what did she get done?

"She has amazing lashes, so I chose to play them up along with creating a smoky look with chocolates, browns, taupes, and a little bit of gold on the inner corner of her eyes to make her eyes pop," he said.

And if you were impressed by the mom-of-one's beauty on the cover, then you may be surprised to know her makeup usage was minimal. "She has such a beautiful complexion and I really wanted that to show through, so I kept the rest of her face super clean and minimal when it came to the makeup," de Mey revealed.

VIDEO: The Kardashians can't help you do your makeup >>

So, what we're really wondering is whether there was any divalike behavior from Kardashian? It appears not. "She was very open to something different, but Grace [Coddington] wanted to simplify her look because Kim is naturally gorgeous," he confessed.

"Grace also had couture dresses made for her that were very sophisticated and ladylike, so we wanted to keep her look fresh and young — almost like a twist on the style. Plus, she had the baby and Kanye with her in the pictures, so I wanted her to look realistic and not too untouchable."

However, the "Bound 2" rapper was not as easy to work with because he wanted to ensure everything was pretty much perfect. (If the rumors that he begged for the cover are true, then we guess that makes sense.)

5 Celebs before and after Photoshop >>

"He thought that her makeup looked very beautiful, but definitely had opinions on the dresses and the styles he liked best, but it was in a supportive way — it was lovely to see them interact with each other."

Raise decent kids by acting like a parent

We live in an age of helicopter parenting, accompanied by lax expectations for children. Find out how to incorporate real and meaningful discipline into your relationship with your kids. They'll be better for it.

Helicopter parenting, defined

Helicopter parenting is the parenting style of our generation.

Most people think of the prototypical hovering mother or father as the definition of a helicopter parent. Hovering, however, is only half of the story. Helicopter parenting assumes at least two things:

1. Children need to be protected from challenges and trouble at all costs.
2. Children will be traumatized or rendered helpless when they're faced with challenges they don't know how to manage.

As a result of these assumptions, parents adapt their style of involvement and discipline to remove or reduce challenges.

Why helicopter parenting derails discipline

Helicopter parenting removes challenges before children are even required to face them. For example, a helicopter parent may turn into a short-order cook when a child refuses to eat family dinner, rather than allowing the child to go to bed hungry. This isn't just a hovering problem; ultimately, it's a discipline problem.

Unfortunately, shielding children from natural consequences and meaningful discipline can produce the following negative outcomes:

• Poor problem solving skills. A child who never has to think for herself will not be able to develop adequate problem solving skills. When helicopter parents remove challenging obstacles, discipline or conflict from a child, they are removing an opportunity to learn important life skills.
• Inability to self-advocate. When kids are just handed the world on a platter without any expectation for good behavior, they never learn to promote themselves and advocate for their needs. Guess what? The world doesn't hand out promotions and participation ribbons just for showing up.
• Inexperience with natural consequences. A natural consequence is anything a child should expect to happen following a particular behavior. A helicopter parents who removes the natural consequence of toy removal makes it impossible for him to learn that bad behavior produces uncomfortable outcomes. And the stakes are much higher, unfortunately, as kids grow into adults.
• Dependence. When mom and dad remove barriers and consequences, children learn dependence rather than independence. No matter how charming your sweet child is, you probably want her living at home until he's 38.

Be a grownup, not a helicopter

Parents everywhere can avoid the pitfalls of helicopter parenting if they make a concerted effort to act like adults. Helicopter parenting is born from a place of care and concern, but it's a parent's responsibility to consider long-term concerns rather than short-term concerns alone. Sure, it's incredibly uncomfortable in the short-term to send your child to bed without dinner because he refused to eat what was prepared for him. It's a lot less uncomfortable in the long-term if your child doesn't turn into a demanding diva who believes the world will bend to his needs simply because he exists.

Let your children face natural consequences

Acting like an adult doesn't mean you need to start acting like a harsh dictator or implementing corporal punishments. In fact, authoritarian discipline isn't all that effective. Instead, you need to allow your children to experience natural consequences in order to engage the logical parts of their brains. Some examples include:

• Allowing your child to fail a test if she chose not to study, rather than calling the teacher to demand a re-test or extra credit.
• Expecting your child to apologize to his friends if he was hurtful, rather than doing it for him.
• Sending your child to bed hungry if she chose not to eat the dinner that you lovingly prepared for her and the rest of the family.
• Allowing your child to miss a school dance if she didn't complete her chores.

Smart, loving and long-term parenting requires you to parent your kids through the natural consequences of their behavior. It allows your kids to face challenges and make logical choices that create self-sufficiency and problem solving skills. Frankly, it's how our kids turn into competent and kind adults, which is the real goal of parenting anyhow.

More from parenting advice

The dangers of correcting your parents' mistakes
Mom story: I'm fighting for both my sons to live
Teaching phone manners to kids

Photo credit: Tim Klein/Stockbyte/Getty Images

Not long ago, one of our friends, Kat, posted an article that was so, uh, not like her on Facebook. It was called "5 Subtle sounds that will make him ask what’s wrong." One of the note-worthy noises:

"mhmp:" Light and airy with the highest pitch, this is commonly referred to as a whimper. Did he get your dinner order wrong? Forget to pick up paper towels? Bump into you? This is the sound that says, "I’m disappointed and hurt, and you’re the one responsible." This one increases in effectiveness the more it is utilized, and is an excellent segue into fits of crying.

Kat’s various commenters were outraged by this insulting lady mag stuff, and we were kind of wondering if things were OK with her husband, until we clicked through to the delight that is Reductress. A hybrid of The Onion and Jezebel, Reductress seriously skewers the content that is "made for a woman" with faux women’s news and lifestyle stories like "Red wine stains skyrocket among Scandal fans" and "Take your look from day to night to walk of shame."

• Fun ways to tell your man you’re on your period without saying ‘period’
• 5 Types of guys in every girl’s league
• 5 Home goods to prove you love living alone
• 5 Tiny dogs to cover your winter bloat

And then there’s this, which reminded us an awful lot of something that hits close to home.

Check out Reductress and enjoy.

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Kristin Cavallari

Kristin Cavallari looked amazing in this colorful frock on the cover of Fit Pregnancy magazine.

"Honored to be on the cover of Fit Pregnancy! It's out tomorrow..make sure to pick up a copy!" wrote Cavallari, as she shared this photo on her Instagram page.

The Laguna Beach alum, who is currently pregnant with her second child, is wearing the Zimmermann Sundance Embroidered Cover Up Dress (ShopBop.com, $495). This dress isn't maternity, however the flowing skirt and floral bodice looks gorgeous on both preggers and non-preggers mamas.

Despite the high price tag, this adorable dress has already sold out!

You can also copy Cavallari's look with this Corset Dress in mini floral (Victoria's Secret, $70). This dress has the same feminine corset and delicate floral print that fits and flatters your figure. You could keep this dress casual with sandals and stacked bracelets or dress it up by wearing wedge heels and pairing it with a cropped jacket.

Expecting moms-to-be who would prefer a maternity dress should check out the Jessica Simpson Sleeveless Floral Maternity Dress (Motherhood, $69). This dress features a fab floral print and flowing hemline that would fit and flatter throughout your pregnancy.

Love Cavallari's style? Find out where you can get her favorite necklace here >>

Next up: Hilary Duff's chic mixed prints

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Hilary Duff

As the weather warms up, it's time to break out the shorts. Celebrity mom Hilary Duff posted this cute picture on Instagram as she hangs out with her estranged husband Mike Comrie and their son, Luca.

Using the hashtags “#modernfamily #vacation #juicypear,” Duff shows off her chic style as she mixes prints with a striped tank top paired with black shorts and a printed cardigan tied around her waist. Her beachy waves and stacked bracelets finish off her “Hollywood mom off-duty” look.

Take a tip from Duff when mixing prints and stick to the same color scheme. Copy her look with the Gap Stripe Patch Tank (currently on clearance for only $5!) . This is the perfect tank to layer or wear alone, while the v-patch detailing at the scoop neckline gives it a finished look.

Tie the Zigzag Boyfriend Cardigan (Forever 21, $24) around your waist for the perfect Hilary-inspired look. This cardigan is a great weight as the weather transitions from winter to spring.

Finish off your casual cool style with this Victoria Emerson Crystal Ice on Brown wrap bracelet ($24). This bracelet will give you that chic bohemian-inspired look.

Here is one more easy look, in Hilary’s own words: “High bun…hoops…”

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Duff, who actually looks a bit like Kim Kardashian in this pic, has perfected the high, messy bun. Throw on some hoops, some nude lip gloss and you are ready for anything from a day at the soccer fields to date night with your man.

Next up: Kourtney Kardashian’s perfect spring and Easter-inspired dress

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Kourtney Kardashian

Kourtney Kardashian looks chic in this floral sheath dress from her Kardashian Kollection at Sears. “Some spring floral action from our @kardashiankollection photo shoot,” Kourtney captioned the photo.

Although the white floral dress is currently sold out, the black floral Kardashian Kollection Women’s Low-Black Sheath Dress is still available (Sears, $50). Paired with strappy heels and a cute cardigan, this dress would make a great Easter look!

Prefer a maxi dress? The Kardashian Kollection at Sears actually has some cute options that are affordably priced around $45.

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Kourtney and Khloe are filming a new show in The Hamptons for E! and have picked out the following maxi dresses from their Kardashian Kollection. The yellow stripes, black and white and tribal print are all great options for a beach vacation.

Find out where to get Kim Kardashian's cool camel-colored coat here >>

Next up: Fergie’s edgy abstract print pants

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Fergie

Celebrity mom Fergie is so rock n’ roll! The Black Eyed Peas front woman, who has an adorable little boy named Axl, pairs zebra print pants with a black top, white jacket and printed scarf.

Fergie is wearing the J Brand Abstract Print Skinny Pants (Singer22.com, $365).

If your bank account isn’t quite as Fergie-licious, these cool Tribal Print Denim Skinny Jeans (Forever 21, $25) have the same cool look for a fraction of the price. You can be inspired by her look (but take it down a notch to make it a little more suitable for school pick-up) by pairing cool printed pants with a solid-color top.

Tell us: Who do you think has the best celebrity mom style?

More celebrity mom style

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Photos: WENN unless noted otherwise

New results from the CDC show a significant increase in the number of children diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder. Numbers are up 30 percent from only two years ago. According to the study that looked at 8-year-olds in 11 states, boys are 4-1/2 times more likely to be diagnosed than girls. Rates of diagnosis changed depending on a child's race and ethnicity, with white children significantly more likely to be diagnosed. Autism rates among children without intellectual disabilities also increased.

What do these results really mean?

Don't panic. More than anything else, these results have made it clear that the U.S. needs better standards of diagnosis, better recognition of symptoms and more access to services. Kids in some states had much higher rates of autism than other states. Two kids with similar symptoms could be diagnosed and treated completely differently depending on doctor's attitudes, local services or socioeconomic disparities. While an increase may mean that fewer kids are slipping through the cracks, it's still not enough — especially when race and ethnicity appear to factor into whether or not a child is diagnosed and given access to services.

Read about the new DSM-5 guidelines for autism diagnosis >>

Why is diagnosis so important?

Early diagnosis is considered a major tool when it comes to helping kids on the spectrum succeed. The CDC's results showed that the median age of diagnosis was around 4-1/2. Many children with autism can be diagnosed much closer to the age of 2. Parents, caretakers, schools and doctors need better systems in place to diagnose kids while they are young and well-suited for interventions. Autism interventions don't cure autism, but many services can help kids handle difficulties — such as speech and language deficits — associated with autism spectrum disorders. Better diagnostic techniques and equal access to services such as behavior therapy and physical therapy, will give all children on the spectrum opportunities to succeed and lead fulfilling lives.

Whether your child is on the spectrum or not, pay attention to legislation related to autism research, health care and services. That one child out of 68 kids could be your child's classmate, your neighbor's kid or your own son or daughter. We need to embrace autism as a community.

More on autism spectrum disorders

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Apps to help kids with autism learn social skills
Is labor induction a factor with autism?

Devastating blow

Less than a year ago, Wright was told that he had leukemia yet again. Worse yet, because he had already battled the disease twice as a boy, standard therapies like chemotherapy and radiation were no longer an option as the cancer becomes immune to those treatments. When Wright heard the news he said, "I thought, 'I've got six months to live.' I knew there was not much more [the doctors] could do. I just broke down."

Should children have the right to die? >>

The promise of a new tomorrow

Enter pediatric oncologist Rebecca Gardner of Seattle Children's Hospital who had been working on a new procedure to reprogram T cells in the patient's body to seek out and destroy cancerous cells. The clinical trial had worked on one patient prior to Wright, and Gardner was hoping it wasn't "just beginner's luck."

Gardner says, "I knew Milton would be an ideal candidate for this since he had already had all the standard methods of care yet his leukemia had returned a third time. When I approached him about it, I think he felt a sense of relief that there was a new treatment. We thought this held a lot of promise for him, even though we couldn't guarantee anything."

Wright adds, "Dr. Gardner told me about the study and I was willing to try anything. But what really got me is she told me it would take six months. The first two treatments were 3-1/2 and 2-1/2 years."

Moms, don't freak out about the Tylenol/ADHD study yet >>

Waiting game

Photo credit: Milton Wright, III

After the procedure came the difficult days of waiting to see if Wright's reprogrammed T cells were indeed fighting the leukemia. After about a week and a half, he ended up in the hospital due to a fever and doctors discovered he had low blood pressure so he was admitted to the ICU. Wright says, "It turns out the T cells were working too well for my body and they worried whether my heart was going to be able to take it. They were thinking of cutting back my T cells but I asked them to wait just a few days. I thought maybe my body would acclimate to it." Turns out Wright was right. The procedure was working as planned — destroying his leukemia and ultimately giving him a new lease on life.

Gardner says, "We were so elated. The feeling is amazing — knowing that we got his leukemia to go away. It's hard to put into words. It was even hard to sleep at night at first knowing we were really on to something."

Gardner says the procedure will likely be in clinical trials for another two to three years as the researchers work to fine tune the side effect profile so they can learn how to temper them and figure out appropriate dosing levels. "We have to demonstrate that it will work better than standard therapies we have now and we have to make sure that it is safe," she says. Gardner notes that they are also turning their attention to finding a way to reprogram the T cells to fight other types of cancer. "Our experience with Milton drives us all to accelerate the pace of our research," she adds.

Helping others see the light

As for Wright, he is using his experience to help children with cancer. Wright says, "Before my second relapse, I decided that I wanted to help initiate programs in hospitals for children with cancer to be able to speak with a professional about what they are going through. Through my experience I felt so alone and I want other people going through this, and those going through so much more, to know that they are not alone."

More on children's health and wellness

Early elective delivery on the decline
How to protect your child from medical errors
The benefits of a pediatric hospital

Movies featuring strong heroines like The Hunger Games' Katniss Everdeen or Beatrice Prior of Divergent show that girls can do anything boys can do. But what message do pink guns show our youth?

Gender equality or desensitizing youth?

A recent story in the New York Times featured Hasbro's latest line of Nerf products for girls, Nerf Rebelle. Reactions are mixed about the Nerf bows and guns for girls.

Parents like Christine Seto, mom of two from California, are praising toymakers for giving traditionally boys' toys gender equality. "I think if a child wants to play with a gun or bow, they will find one. If an actual toy gun or bow isn't available, they will make one from branches or other items available to them. Having a girl who liked these 'boy' type activities, finding a feminine version available is great."

What message are these sexist kids' toys sending? >>

The movement towards gender equality is nothing new, but Hasbro is contradicting that message by inferring that girls had no interest in these toys in their blue or orange counterparts. Under the premise of a gender-neutral society, the toymaker is still segregating boys from girls with pink and purple color schemes for 'girl guns' and boys-only photos on the boxes of the masculine toy weapons.

"The real problem is that Hasbro seems to think that girls who are interested in this sort of weapon-in-training will only cross over to the dark side if bows and sparkling trim are involved," protests Katherine Macfarlane. "The idea that girls who are fans of Katniss are also the sort of girls who will only buy a toy with a feminized name [Rebelle] and patronizing, romanticized descriptor [Heartbreaker Exclusive] really don't know their audience. These girls are smarter than that."

Gender debates aside, shouldn't parents focus on the problematic nature of faux killing machines? Whether they're manufactured for boys or girls, these toys encourage aggression and train our kids to become mini mercenaries at the pre-pubescent stage — especially when you're letting your 8-year-old claim a heroine like Katniss as a role model from a movie clearly inappropriate for younger kids. Despite gun violence troubling so many communities, mock violence by children is a bigger problem than many parents are willing to address.

Understand how to parent after tragedy >> 

Toys like the Nerf Rebelle line aren't promoting gender equality. They're simply riding the stereotypes already in place to lure girls to just another line of playthings that make toy manufacturers rich. The real issue is whether parents are willing to look past concerns that play weapons are desensitizing kids to violence — an issue that deserves more attention than the color of these killing toys.

Read more about kids and gun violence

Are we desensitized to real violence?
Connecticut school shootings: How to talk to your kids about violence
Fifth grader suspended for pointing a finger gun

This luscious swirled margarita has about 50 percent less sugar than the ones you get at your favorite Mexican restaurant. Plus, the addition of the tangy balsamic vinegar makes the perfect complement to your favorite frozen margarita base.

Tropical fruit and balsamic blueberry swirl margarita recipe

Serves about 4

Ingredients:

For the base

• 6 ounces white tequila
• 4 ounces triple sec
• 1/2 cup cranberry juice
• 6 cups frozen tropical fruit

For the balsamic blueberry swirl

Photo credit: Goodreads

Amy has been looking for a change. She's bored out of her mind in Flat Hill, Kansas. She doesn't have any friends, and her self-centered mother is one step shy of a nervous breakdown. Not exactly Auntie Em.

Accompanied only by her mother's pet rat (not exactly Toto), Amy wanders the yellow brick road and finds a dark, dilapidated version of the Oz she knows from book and film. She's given a spot of advice from a boy with emerald eyes: "Don't trust anyone." She'll do well to remember.

How Oz The Great and Powerful differs from the original flick >>

There are statues of Dorothy, as to be expected. After all, she killed the wicked witch and made everything OK, right? Right? Well, not exactly. Apparently, the power went to Dorothy’s head, and she's now a magic-sucking princess who's draining the life out of Oz.

Amy's Oz is a creep-tastic place. There's this product called PermaSmile that gives people hideous, huge smiles. A flying monkey (with chopped-off wings) is tortured for the "Crime of Sass." It's dark but also kind of funny. I want a T-shirt that says "Guilty of Sass," thanks to this book.

10 Best scary stories for kids >>

This is Danielle Paige's debut novel, and yet, she successfully mixes true creep factor with comedy. It has to do with her narrator's voice. The novel is told from Amy's perspective, and she's funny — really funny.

Thanks to Amy's sass, she soon finds herself in big trouble, but she's saved by the Revolutionary Order of the Wicked. Why not? In this Oz, good is bad and bad is good. However, her task, well...

6 Young adult books you'll want to borrow from your teen >>

Amy's not quite sure how to respond when she's informed she's been tapped as Dorothy's assassin. It's cool that she gets to learn magic, but the question remains: Will Amy end up a good witch or bad? And which is worse?

Paige's Oz is so well described, I'm kind of nervous it might actually exist. In fact, Paige might be a witch. I'm totally cool with that, because if all witches write like this, we need a lot more witches in the world. Oh, and exciting news: The first 12 chapters of Dorothy Must Die are available for you to read right now.

And don't miss the awesome trailer.

More great reading

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Photo credit: Sadeugra / E+ / Getty images

As pet owners, we do all we can to make sure that our dogs are well-cared for and loved. We buy them the best food, toys and treats; we pamper them as much as we can. We never want to see them in pain, but dogs are stoic and can't tell us when they are in pain. So, how are we suppose to know?

Pain signals

Being able to recognize when your dog is in pain comes down to really knowing your dog's normal characteristics. If your dog is acting strange and experiencing some of the above signs that it may be in pain, it is very important to seek advice from your veterinarian. It's never a good idea to give your dog any medications that have not been approved by your regular veterinarian. Some over-the-counter pain medications can cause gastrointestinal issues in dogs and should not be given.

More in dog health

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For your home

Warm
up to spring

Old man winter has finally left the building and the beauty of spring has arrived. Flowers are blooming and the sun is shining and we're all ready to clean out the cold days of winter and decorate our home in the bright, cheery colors of spring. This collection of articles will be the perfect solution to styling your home with the latest trends while bringing the outside in.

What's inside? The coldness of winter lasted way too long, and we are all ready to soak up the sun in the beautiful spring weather. To help you gear up for the pretty spring season and change the interior to match the beauty of the exterior, we've gathered input from experts on the best spring color schemes, rounded up the best accessory items and even curated unique styling ideas for every room.

Whether you're looking for the hottest seasonal items, latest trends, budget-friendly styling tips or simply a few ideas to get you started, you'll find everything you need right here. Use the directory below to browse the Spring Decor Guide and view inspiring ideas for your home, room by room.

Inspiration

Click here >>

Bathrooms

Click here >>

Living spaces

Click here >>

Bedrooms

Click here >>

Outdoors

Click here >>

Photo credit: stocknroll/iStock/360/Getty Images

Up first: The kitchen >>

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For your home

Get inspired

a Fresh look can be easy

Spring is known as the season of happiness, and the best place to start is at home. If you're not sure what style fits you best, use these roundups of seasonal spaces, home accessories, color scheme tips and more to help you get inspired.

Q&A

Spring is a great time to visit local flea markets, but how can I make sure that I find a good deal?

Flea markets are amazing, especially in warm, breezy weather, but finding treasure amid trash can be challenging. Find out what flea market expert Dee Murphy has to say about what to look for to avoid getting scammed.

5 Things to look for before buying vintage

Soft colors make a big difference

Pastels don't have to be tucked away in the nursery. Add these elegant accessories into your home for a subtle spring enhancement.

Photo gallery: Soft touches for spring >>

Turquoise, orange, mint and gray: Surprising color ideas for spring

Pink and yellow don't own this season. These trendy color palettes will have you seeing spring in a whole new way.

12 Cheery color schemes made fresh for spring >>

International trends

Ever wondered what styles are popular across the pond? Take a look at the latest decor trends from Norway.

Home design inspiration straight from Norway >>

More fresh ideas

Glitter frenzy: 33 Things you can make sparkle

9 Uncommon ways to decorate with vintage doorknobs

How to use color to boost productivity

Up next: The bathroom >>

Photo credit: Jowita Stachowiak/iStock/360/Getty Images

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For your home

The bathroom

Let
the light shine in

There is no better place to freshen up to spring than in the bathroom. Lighten up your space to fit your happy and bright mood for the new season with these quirky and edgy looks.

Q&A

I want my bathroom to be a retreat, but how do I pull it off?

Spa-like bathroom design has become increasingly popular over the past few years. To create a space where you'll love to relax, first decide what matters to you most. If your morning routine comes to mind first, make your vanity your top priority. Or, if you love a soak after a long day at work, consider splurging on a fabulous tub. We've found several you might enjoy.

22 Amazing soaker tubs to drool over

Show your fun side

Looking for an instant pick-me-up in the bathroom? Look no further than these fabulous, quirky finds made just for the happy days of spring.

Insanely quirky home decor for your bathroom >>

Curtain call

Show off your inner hipster with your spring bathroom decor. Cheeky and clever, these shower curtains will start your morning with a smile.

6 Clever shower curtains that show your edgy side >>

Modern bathrooms

Updating your bathroom can be a huge investment, but it comes with a large payoff. To avoid boring, outdated ideas from the past, get inspired by these modern bathrooms from around the web.

Refreshing bathroom designs to inspire you >>

More bathroom ideas

SheKnows spacelifts: 10 Modern bathrooms under $500

Get more for less: Knock off this luxury bathroom

Choosing the right faucet for your bathroom

Up next: Living spaces >>

Photo credit: Vstock LLC/Getty Images

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For your home

Living spaces

Let
the sun shine in

Other than outdoors, the best place to enjoy the spring sunshine is in the comforts of your own living room. Brighten up your space with vibrant colors and the funky, fresh accents of spring.

Q&A

i love to read, but all of my books are cluttering my home. What should i do?

Your home should be a place that represents you. If you love to read, then turn your books into art rather than clutter. Group a few tall bookcases together and sort your books by color before adding them to the shelves. Place a small side table and chair nearby, and with a few easy steps, you've just made a home library!

25 Brilliant home libraries to inspire you

Liven up your space with art

Nothing feels colder than empty, plain walls. Add a splash of color with a fresh coat of paint or with some decorative art.

10 Clever ways to turn your collections into wall art >>

Unbelievable artwork for every room in your house >>

Put your feet up

Gone are the days of the functional foot rest: in its place is the modern and funky ottoman of the future. Delightful, bright and relaxing, these spring ottomans deserve your attention.

These stylish ottomans refuse to go unnoticed >>

Swap out accessories for a brand new look

Tables, shelves and large furniture pieces, such as desks, cabinets and bookcases, are the perfect places to make quick updates to the decor throughout your home. With just a few changes, you'll have a whole new space.

9 unique ways to add style to your coffee table >>

Easy tips for styling bookcases >>

Using slipcovers to update your look >>

More in living spaces

War of decor: Family room edition

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Up next: The bedroom >>

Photo credit: Sarah Bossert/iStock/360/Getty Images

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For your home

Bedrooms

Bring some bright
in

Wake up, sunshine, spring has arrived! Time to stop hibernating and start brightening up your bedroom decor with dazzling spring colors and pretty patterns.

Q&A

How can I dramatically brighten up my bedroom without a complete makeover?

This can be done simply with artwork, a light linen change or an accent piece. Any small change can make a big impact.

10 Hot new bedroom trends for 2014

Revitalize your bedroom for spring

Bright and easy

Spring just screams bright and light colors! Bring the season into your bedroom in a fresh and easy way that will last you all the way until fall.

How to brighten up your bedroom fast >>

Pretty patterns

Spring is not the season to go bland. Mixing up patterns and colors in the bedroom is a great way to wake up to the playful days of springtime.

6 Fun plays on pattern to freshen up your bedroom >>

Color psychology

Turn your space into a room of inspiration with a few coats of paint. Color experts weigh in on how color can help you to achieve the right feeling at home.

Room colors that induce creativity >>

Yellow, blue, red and green: How color makes you feel >>

10 Paint colors that make you feel smarter >>

More in bedroom decor

10 Romantic bedrooms you'll love

Fantastic boy bed ideas for your little dude

Feng shui your bedrooms

Up next: Outdoor spaces >>

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For your home

Outdoor spaces

Spring has finally sprung

It's officially spring, so get up and go enjoy the great outdoors! It's the perfect time to plant your flowers, spruce up your patio and have fun with the family.

Q&A

I'm tired of boring outdoor furniture! How can I stylishly update my porch for spring?

Say goodbye to wicker outdoor furniture and style your outdoor space with these cute sofas that are perfect for indoor or out.

10 Sofas you can actually put on your front porch

DIY flowerpots

No need to go out and buy new terra-cotta pots every spring when you can make your very own. Adorable and filled with cheer, these DIY flowerpots will bring in some happy color for the season.

10 Surprising things you can make into flower pots >>

Personalized patio

We all have our favorite patio chair where we soak up the sun or relax with a good book. Find out what your beloved outdoor chair says about you.

What your patio chair says about you >>

More in outdoor & gardening

15 Versatile rugs you'll love

Amazingly cool outdoor furniture sets

Update your outdoor lighting with lanterns

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While out for a soda, Selena Gomez was taken by surprise by a summons officer who approached the annoyed looking singer with legal papers possibly regarding a Justin Bieber lawsuit.

As she exited a convenience store in Calabasas, California, on Thursday, March 27, Gomez was followed by a woman in a bright pink scarf who served her with the legal papers, TMZ reported. When the court runner caught up to Gomez, the 21-year-old star didn't look very happy as she took the paperwork. However, the singer looked great in short shorts and a polka-dot button-down shirt.

Selena Gomez lets the sun shine where it normally doesn't >>

Gomez was believed to be subpoenaed to testify in the lawsuit against Justin Bieber in which he's being accused of assaulting a photographer. The Come and Get It crooner was out on a date with Bieber at the time of the attack, but the pair took off before cops got there, Us Weekly claimed.

"The victim complained of pain and requested medical attention. Personnel from the Los Angeles County Fire Department responded," The Malibu-Lost Hills Sheriff's Station said in a statement. "The victim requested a criminal report be taken regarding the incident and an allegation of misdemeanor battery report was taken at the scene."

Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez: Back on? >>

Bieber is accused of kicking the paparazzo in the stomach while Gomez stood nearby, so the court wants her to give a detailed account of what went down. They also want her to talk about what she knows of Bieber's short temper when it comes to photographers.

According to E! News, the suit filed against Bieber states that the young singer kicked the photographer karate-style on his lower-left rib cage, and then hit the right side of his face "hard," pushing him against a parked car. Gomez ran out of her then-boyfriend's van and yelled, "Justin, stop! They're taking your picture!"

Meanwhile, TMZ is also reporting that sources claim Gomez is going to be summoned to testify in Bieber's Miami photog-beating case as well. While she was not present for that incident, they allegedly want to question Gomez regarding the 20-year-old troubled star's character.

Photo credit: Nikki Nelson/WENN.com

A baby is on the way for Christina Aguilera and fiancé Matt Rutler, and it looks like she will finally have her baby girl. According to People, the singer confirmed the gender of her baby while she was performing in Malaysia on Friday.

Christina Aguilera: I'm "passionate" with Adam Levine >>

The couple announced their pregnancy only a month ago, barely a week after announcing their engagement. Aguilera and Rutler met in 2010 on the set of her film Burlesque where he was working as a production assistant.

"They're very much in love and are really excited to take this next step!" a friend told People after news of their engagement broke.

"We had a really strong friendship on the movie. He's the kind of person you could spend hours on the phone talking to and all of a sudden it's daylight," she told MTV after meeting Rutler in 2010. "There's a love there, yes. I'm having fun, I'm dating and it's something I haven't had in a really long time."

10 Celebrities who've been fat-shamed and how they got revenge >>

The Voice mentor took to Twitter to make the big announcement of the upcoming wedding with her longtime boyfriend.

He asked and I said…… pic.twitter.com/XWZVZOjDX1

— Christina Aguilera (@xtina) February 15, 2014

The pregnancy isn't slowing Aguilera down, and she is continuing her tour in Malaysia, where she posted a photo of herself onstage on Friday. She was wearing a blinged-out outfit showing off her growing baby bump in a way only Christina Aguilera can.

Ain't no other fans... Thank you Malaysia for all the love & support! XoXtina pic.twitter.com/oCVaYp1E8L

— Christina Aguilera (@xtina) March 28, 2014

Aguilera took Season 6 off from The Voice to focus more time on her music and her family, and was replaced by Shakira (she also took Season 4 off for the same reason). The singer is already mom to 6-year-old Max Liron, who is also the son of her ex-husband Jordan Bratman.

Photo credit: WENN.com

Everyone has been talking about Lindsay Lohan's sex list for the past few weeks — everyone except for Lohan herself. Now the OWN reality star is finally talking on an upcoming episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

During the interview, Ellen DeGeneres played an old clip from 2004 when the starlet had a brief singing career. She was promoting her single "Over."

12 More celeb names revealed on Lindsay Lohan's sex list >>

After watching the video, the talk-show host asked, "I don't remember you actually ever singing. Did you sing longer than just on my show?"

The 27-year-old actress laughed, "That's great. That's probably why I'm not singing right now."

The Mean Girls star went on to reveal that the song was "emotional" because it was about someone she had broken up with.

DeGeneres tried to dig a bit to find out who the former boyfriend was and that's when Lohan finally made reference to this list everyone has been gossiping about.

"Apparently there's a list of many guys," joked Lohan.

15 Things to talk about other than Lindsay Lohan's sex partners >>

She went on to say that the song was about her first major love, Wilmer Valderrama, whom she dated for about six months back in 2004.

Lohan explained, "I was really upset... and that song I had written like the day after and we were still living together. I sang it in his house. Tortured him just recording the song so loud in his house."

She finally confirmed the existence of the list and perhaps one name. It looks like we have a long way to go before we hear about the rest.

The Lindsay Lohan episode airs on Monday, March 31.

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Russell Crowe is one talented Aussie. The actor showed us he can sing in Les Misérables, but apparently he was also in several bands back in the 1980s. He again showed his talent Thursday night on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon by singing one of Johnny Cash's best known songs, "Folsom Prison Blues." Crowe's version of the song was pretty much everything you could imagine it would be, and more.

TRAILER: Russell Crowe fights a flood in Noah >>

Before he began, Crowe asked Fallon: "Do you mind if we do an old Australian folk song?"

"Yeah, we love old Australian folk songs," Fallon replied.

"It's by… uh, Johnny Cash," Crowe said.

Crowe began the song, and Fallon accompanied him on harmonica. Fallon's band acted as the backing accompaniment for the song.

The actor was on The Tonight Show to talk about his new film Noah. Crowe is getting rave reviews for his role as the title character in the biblical epic, even if the film is facing some criticism.

"We have endured 12 to 14 months of irrational criticism and now people are starting to see it and to realize how respectful it is, and how true to the source material it is and how intense of an experience it is in the movie theater, you know, so that's cool," Crowe recently told the Associated Press.

March movie preview: SheKnows picks the flicks >>

The actor has done his part to promote his film, though, and went on a Twitter mission to get Pope Francis' blessing on the film. The pope stopped short of a blessing, but did meet with Crowe for a few minutes.

Noah came out in theaters March 28.

Watch Crowe’s a-mazing performance of a Johnny Cash favorite

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Hope Mariah Carey didn't want her sex life kept private, because her husband Nick Cannon just crassly spread their business all over the media.

In an interview with Big Boy on hip-hop radio station Power 106, the America's Got Talent host spilled the details of the couple's very first time together: Their wedding night.

"On our wedding night, honeymoon style, in the Bahamas. That's a real woman there, make you wait til you got married. Seriously, 100 percent," Cannon said.

Mariah Carey: The nanny firer >>

"We didn't [know if it would be good]. The first time I made love to my wife was on our wedding night. I'm a pleaser, I went in like, 'Man, she's gonna love this.' I f***ed the s*** out of her."

Classy. Cannon went on to explain how he landed the megastar in the first place — after all, she had steadfastly avoided marriage since her union with record exec Tommy Mottola went south in 1998.

Mariah Carey & Nick Cannon are writing a book >>

"I spoke it into existence, I went hard at it," he explained. "People would ask, 'Who's your celebrity crush?' 'Mariah Carey.' I'm gonna show up at concerts, be backstage. Persisting. There's a fine line between stalking and persisting."

Eventually he and Carey worked together on a video and the rest is history. But prior to that fateful shoot, Cannon definitely kept busy with the ladies of Tinseltown. When asked to name five celebs he slept with, the names rattled off his tongue — including one very famous reality star.

Mariah Carey & Nick Cannon renew their vows >>

"It's LA! That's the whole purpose, you have sex with actresses, singers, models... Name five? Mariah Carey, Christina Milian, Nicole Scherzinger, Selita Ebanks, erm... Oh, Kim Kardashian! Bam! Five.

"I bet she's forgot because there's been a lot of people since me." Oh snap!

"She's a great girl though," he added. "Her family are some of the most incredible people I ever met in my life."

Read more Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey: Valentine's Day is "all about me"
Mariah Carey: Being on American Idol was like being in hell
Mariah Carey curses as wardrobe malfunctions on live TV

Photo credit: Jemal Countess/Getty Images Entertainment

If you haven’t taken notice of Jennifer Connelly’s beyond-perfect eyebrows before, 1. Are you breathing? and 2. Check out this photo of her at the Noah movie premiere and tell me that they aren’t the pair that will stand out among the film’s other twosomes aboard. Aren’t we glad these two survived the flood.

Like anything that is so beautiful, you can’t look directly at it for too long, and the obvious question to ask yourself is, "How can I get these on my own face, please?" And, we’re with you.

At first we thought that such a high-brow eyebrow would require a celebrity makeup artist, expensive products and perhaps even some sort of exotic extensions, but then we realized with the right attitude and a little magic you can achieve the perfect pair of eyebrows in four easy steps.

1. Pray. Get serious in your soul about begging and pleading to a higher power for a natural, full eyebrow that someone will someday write articles about.
2. Die and come back as a distant relative of Jennifer Connelly’s in your second life.
3. Find a genie in a bottle and use your three wishes to ask for a perfect left eyebrow, a perfect right eyebrow and lastly for the ability to never have to tweeze again so they stay like this forever.
4. If none of this works, try your hand at some tutorials for filling your measly brows. We love this one by The Beauty Department.

We think it’s only right that everyone gets a fair chance to sport Connelly-inspired eyebrows. Start a movement or something, because the full brow trend is not going anywhere anytime soon.

Read more: The amazing accessory Emma Watson wore to the Noah premiere >>

More eyebrow tips

How to care for thinning eyebrows
Eyebrows 101: Everything you need to know
New York Fashion Week trend report: Bushy brows

Photo credit: Alberto Reyes/WENN.com

After a seemingly racial tweet was posted on The Colbert Report's Twitter feed, fans lashed out against the show with #CancelColbert, while others are defending the actual meaning of the post.

The tweet, which was posted on Thursday afternoon and later deleted, read, "I am willing to show #Asian community I care by introducing the Ching-Chong Ding-Dong Foundation for Sensitivity to Orientals or Whatever." And it immediately caused a fan backlash with #CancelColbert.

Rob Minkoff was nervous to work with Stephen Colbert >>

But, while read on its own the comment would be seen as offensive, it was actually part of a segment on Wednesday's episode, E! News reported. The tweet referenced comments made about the new charity effort by Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder, made to try to ease the criticism over the team's racist name. Meanwhile, "Ching-Chong Ding-Dong" is an Asian caricature that Colbert has assumed on his show.

However, Stephen Colbert himself agreed that the tweet was inappropriate, and revealed that he has no control over The Colbert Report Twitter account, which is owned by Comedy Central.

Gwyneth Paltrow split: Twitter wants to #consciouslyuncouple >>

"#CancelColbert - I agree! Just saw @ColbertReport tweet. I share your rage," Colbert wrote on his personal account. "Who is that, though? I'm @StephenAtHome."

#CancelColbert - I agree! Just saw @ColbertReport tweet. I share your rage. Who is that, though? I'm @StephenAtHome http://t.co/e0Pqz7U7i9

— Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome) March 28, 2014

The Colbert Report also responded to the incident and tweeted, "This is a Comedy Central account, with no oversight from Stephen/show."

This is a Comedy Central account, with no oversight from Stephen/show. Here is quoted line in context http://t.co/UFnaFfOSpn #cancelcolbert

— The Colbert Report (@ColbertReport) March 28, 2014

Then, they posted an additional message, stating, "For the record @ColbertReport is not controlled by Stephen Colbert or his show. He is @StephenAtHome Sorry for the confusion #CancelColbert."

For the record @ColbertReport is not controlled by Stephen Colbert or his show. He is @StephenAtHome Sorry for the confusion #CancelColbert

— The Colbert Report (@ColbertReport) March 28, 2014

Meanwhile, fans and Twitter users reacted with mixed feelings to the initial tweet and to the incident, giving hundreds of opinions on what the tweet was really about.

Here is what some of them had to say:

#ThatAwkwardMoment when satire ridiculing racism becomes more objectionable than actual racism #CancelColbert

— The Daily Edge (@TheDailyEdge) March 28, 2014

I was briefly horrified when I realized that #cancelcolbert hashtag was being used seriously by some people.

— Ian Fortey (@IanFortey) March 28, 2014

Dear propagators of #CancelColbert: 1. Open your internet browser. 2. Search "satire". 3. Read definition. 4. Admit you're an idiot.

— K (@nock4six) March 28, 2014

The #CancelColbert crowd needs to settle down. The joke reads like a parody OF racism. Don’t like it? Don’t watch. No need to “cancel”

— John M. (@TheRealHorse) March 28, 2014

#CancelColbert looks like it was pretty great for drawing attention to self-promoting social justice warriors. Native Americans, not so much

— Horton Atonto (@crushingbort) March 28, 2014

'Colbert Report' tweet aimed at Asians leaves many people angered and confused: http://t.co/M7GtSM1s3A #CancelColbert

— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) March 28, 2014

White folks are super offended I called them white. Funny I wish asian people could just be people too. #CancelColbert

— Suey Park (@suey_park) March 28, 2014

It was bound to happen at some point. There was a brawl during one of the Housewives' franchise reunion tapings this week. The Season 6 special of The Real Housewives of Atlanta got heated on Thursday when cast members Kenya Moore and Porsha Stewart came to blows.

According to an Us Weekly source, "They did get into an altercation. Porsha stood up, so then Kenya stood up. Porsha charged at Kenya and pulled her hair, but it was over in a matter of seconds. Porsha never dragged her by her hair. Andy [Cohen] and a producer jumped in and then security came."

POLL: Why Kim Zolciak's irresponsible claim is total BS >>

The season has been fraught with accusations from Kenya that Porsha's marriage to former NFL player Kordell Stewart was a fraud. The Miss USA 1993 titleholder claimed Porsha was a "beard" for the athlete. Kordell has been dogged by gay rumors for years.

The couple are now in the midst of a tumultuous divorce that played out on the Bravo TV show this season. However, the ladies' complicated history goes back even further to November 2012 when Kenya called Porsha a "heifer." Kenya was upset that Porsha had introduced her as Miss America instead of Miss USA.

VIDEO: Khloé Kardashian calls show hosts "f***ing desperate" >>

It seems that Kenya went to the reunion taping to bait Porsha because the Atlanta Journal Constitution is reporting that Kenya brought a sex toy to mock Kordell's ex-wife and eventually demanded that Porsha be fired after the incident.

The Us Weekly insider claimed, "Kenya is fine," but that she is open to the possibility of pressing charges against Porsha.

With three more regular episodes set to air before the reunion special begins, we will have to wait and see how this drama plays out.

It's hard work being a mom and it's even harder work being a pregnant mom. Just ask Kendra Wilkinson, who is ready to give birth to her second child soon.

She shared on her People blog, "I'm in my third trimester and am feeling every little bit of it. I'm round, tired, grouchy, smelly and horny."

Celeb Hairstyle of the Week: Kendra Wilkinson >>

This time around, the former Playboy star is expecting a girl with her husband, former athlete Hank Baskett. It hasn't been easy for them as couple during this pregnancy.

The 28-year-old reality star wrote, "The sex is lacking this pregnancy. I love my man and sex, but sometimes I feel Hank is not attracted to me… When I cough, I either fart, pee or cramp."

While that might be too much information for some, she's giving a realistic look at pregnancy, not the Hollywood version. She's also addressing the weight-gain issue as well.

"I gained about 60 pounds when I was preggers with Lil Hank and I'm desperately trying not to do the same with our daughter," Wilkinson wrote. "I also have bad hypothyroidism so I have to be careful this time around."

Kendra Wilkinson is gearing up for her mini-me >>

Even though she looks beautiful in her pregnancy photos, the former Girls Next Door star shared the one body part she hates right now.

She explained, "The one new thing I discovered about myself is that I hate my boobs. They're annoying. They're in my way. They're bigger. I am seriously contemplating taking them down a size after pregnancy!"

The good news is that Baskett is doing a terrific job at supporting his wife in her final months of pregnancy.

"I honestly could not have made it to this point in the pregnancy feeling as good as I do without Hank," she summed up. "He has been an amazing and supportive husband."

The couple have one son, Hank IV, 4, and their daughter is due sometime in May.