Photo credit: Adriana M. Barraza/WENN.com

Zac Efron's pals are saying that the actor was actually out to score some drugs rather than going for sushi when he was attacked late at night in downtown L.A.

Friends of the High School Musical star claim they are convinced Efron has fallen off the wagon and is doing drugs again, TMZ reported. They seriously doubt that he drove through a shady area of downtown L.A. at midnight to get some sushi, as Efron has claimed. Instead, they say he went there to get drugs.

Who's Hotter: Zac Efron vs. Miles Teller >>

Efron told the cops he ran out of gas while driving in an area that is known for drug dealers and transients. While stranded, the 26-year-old claims that his supposed bodyguard got attacked and that he himself was punched in the face when he attempted to help.

But his friends are having none of it, insisting Efron is back to doing drugs.

"Zac's a loner," one friend told TMZ. "He goes out rarely, and the idea of him driving for miles to go to some sushi restaurant in downtown L.A. after midnight is preposterous."

Other pals said that the guy Efron referred to as his bodyguard is actually a convicted drug dealer he's been hanging out a lot with lately. His friends tried to warn him about the ex-con, to no avail.

Was Zac Efron in rehab earlier this year? >>

Apparently, other insiders told TMZ that when Efron supposedly went to rehab twice last year for his cocaine habit, he was actually at another friend's house. The pal's home is outside California, and Efron allegedly received private therapy while there but did not do any rehab at all.

Meanwhile, the "bodyguard" told the media he was stabbed in the face, chest and stomach by "transient attackers." But cops told TMZ that when they arrived at the scene of the alleged assault, the "bodyguard" was fine and just sitting around texting on his phone, and the only one hurt and bleeding was Efron.

Photo credit: Dave Bedrosian/Future Image/WENN.com

Safe Kids Worldwide, a global organization dedicated to protecting kids from unintentional injuries, announced on March 19 that they will be holding their 2nd annual event to promote safety and save lives within the U.S. childhood population.

How Kate Hudson saved Lea Michele during her darkest days >>

There will be a Safe Kids Day fundraising event at The Lot in Los Angeles on Saturday, April 5, and also on Saturday, April 12, at the Highline Stages in New York City. Additionally, there will be local events held in more than 100 communities across the country.

"Many people are surprised to learn that preventable injuries are the number one killer of kids in the United States," said Kate Carr, president and CEO of Safe Kids Worldwide. "We don't want any parent to have to endure the loss of a child. We're honored to be supported by our celebrity heroes and sponsors, who are so dedicated to helping us reach our goal of preventing injuries and saving lives."

The 2014 Safe Kids Campaign has a goal of raising $1 million this year in effort to bring resources and information that families need to help prevent tragedies like drowning, car crashes, fires and falls. This year, the effort is joined by an awesome lineup of "Celebrity Heroes" who are dedicated to helping Safe Kids Worldwide reach that target.

Kate Hudson, Drew Barrymore, Vanna White, Sharon Stone, Piers Morgan, Nigel Barker, Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Pete Sampras are just a few of the celebs on tap to participate.

Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale, who just welcomed baby number three, are also involved, as well as Giuliana Rancic, who was so public with her battle to have a child of her own.

Mark Wahlberg seems to be on a kiddie crusade as of late. In addition to hosting the 2014 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards, he is lending a hand to Safe Kids Worldwide as well.

The kids of famous and high-profile folks are not immune to tragic injuries, as we saw when singer Usher lost his 11-year-old stepson in a deadly boating accident just two years ago.

For more information on Safe Kids Worldwide and Safe Kids Day, visit safekids.org.

Another day, another story about LeAnn Rimes' personal life falling apart in the gossip rags. Though she's not immune to hearing the headlines, the country singer who went through the child-star wringer is proving she's able to look on the bright side of just about anything these days.

Eddie Cibrian responds to Brandi Glanville's child support claims >>

Responding to Star magazine's recent claims she's broke, lonely, and is cutting costs by "sporting the same ripped jeans, T-shirts and boots she's had in her closet for years," the wife of Eddie Cibrian tweeted Wednesday, "Hahahaha wow, I must sell a lot of Star mags! Flattered."

Rimes, whose net worth is estimated to be in the neighborhood of $38 million by The Richest, went on to further laugh at the reports by tweeting:

Which one is it LOL #solidreporting pic.twitter.com/S7wZDYdO4j

— LeAnn Rimes Cibrian (@leannrimes) March 26, 2014

Brandi Glanville just won't leave LeAnn Rimes alone >>

It appears the Twitter-happy singer will be anything but lonely this weekend, as she's traveling with her husband and two sons to go camping. Thursday evening she tweeted, "1 of those go w/ the flow kind of days Plans got twisted ,but I'm in my bed w/ my hubby,kids r happy & asleep & tmrw it's going we go camp."

Admitting they probably overpacked for their "glamping" getaway, Rimes even threw in a bed for her beloved pooch, Eveie. Taking a fur-filled selfie, the occasionally curvy songstress shared:

Hanging w/ baby Eveie & Rollin down the road #roaddog #happycampers pic.twitter.com/dtWKyuyYCM

— LeAnn Rimes Cibrian (@leannrimes) March 28, 2014

Seems like someone isn't having too hard of a time brushing off the haters!

Do you think there's any truth to the latest batch of LeAnn Rimes gossip?

Photo credit: Daniel Tanner/WENN.com

What's in the water in Tinseltown? First Jessica Simpson was all over social media looking amazing, and now fellow pop star Britney Spears is looking hot in a major way. Spears posted a photo to her Instagram yesterday looking toned and svelte in a two-piece while on vacation with her two sons and current boyfriend in Hawaii.

Maybe the secret to looking so good is the glow you get from being truly happy. Simpson certainly has been vocal about her current joyful status, which she seems to owe to her two beautiful young ones and her fiancé, Eric Johnson. Spears has also been very public about her feelings for present man candy, 28-year old David Lucado. "He's just a simple man," she said of Lucado back in November. "I adore him. He's really funny and he's really passionate... I'm in love. I like the fact that he's very stubborn and he's stuck in his ways." From the looks of another photo Spears posted, in which the duo are striking a silly pose with her two sons, she's not joking about the funny part!

The "Womanizer" songstress' current state of happiness might also be derived from her thriving career. Her Las Vegas show is a smash hit, and according to manager Larry Rudolph, "This is the best-selling show in the history of Vegas. We have a great thing going on here... We have amazing sales." And no doubt the grueling rehearsal and performance schedule has whipped Spears into shape.

Jessica Simpson recaptures her slim days in Daisy Dukes >>

It seems Brit Brit is loving all her curves and sex appeal, but she might be willing to say goodbye (someday) to her super-duper hot bikini body if for only one reason: She wants more babies!

For now, it seems Spears is riding high on life.

Time is money, right? When a woman is juggling a career, husband and child, it may be gold, and maximizing time — not just prioritizing — becomes of the essence. Attorney Nina Ries of Santa Monica, California, says, “I always have something to do, I am never just sitting there. I try to schedule phone conferences while I am driving, I listen to books on tape. If you are driving and you can use that time productively, you’re saving five hours a week.”

More on careers

The Alpha Woman: Secrets of strong, successful women
Top 10 women in business who overcame obstacles
7 Habits of successful women

Credit: View Stock / Getty images

I have a weird obsession with tart things. I ate lemons whole as a kid and drank the balsamic vinegar from the bottom of the salad bowl with gusto, so when salt and vinegar chips became "a thing" I pretty much lost my mind. They were the only kind of chip I ate for a solid five years. That was back in the day when my metabolism was sky high and calories had no effect on me (one great thing about playing sports every season). Today, it's a different story.

These chips are a healthy take on the mouth-puckering salt and vinegar combination. Not only are they a veggie chip, they're also baked instead of fried. But I can assure you they have the same addicting chip-like nature to them as their potato cousins.

Salt & vinegar zucchini chips with garlic yogurt dip recipe

Serves 2-4

Ingredients:

• 2 large zucchini, cut into thin slices
• White vinegar
• Kosher salt
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 small clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Place zucchini in a medium sauce pot and fill with vinegar until just covering.
2. Bring to a slow boil over medium heat. Once boiling, turn heat off and let sit for 15 minutes.
3. Drain zucchini slices on a paper towel in a single layer.
4. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
5. Lay zucchini in a single layer (you can either use 2 baking sheets or do this in batches) and sprinkle with kosher salt.
6. Bake for 15 minutes, flip and bake for another 10-15 minutes. Watch carefully during the last 5 minutes as some slices will crisp up and brown before others. Remove the slices as they start to crisp and turn golden brown.
7. To make the dip, combine the yogurt, garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper in a small bowl and stir to combine.
8. Serve the zucchini hot out of the oven with the dip.

More zucchini recipes

Zesty baked zucchini fries
Zucchini squash fritters
Grain-free zucchini lasagna

If you walk into any retail store this spring, you are bound to see marshmallow Peeps bunnies and chicks in every color of the rainbow. People usually have a specific reaction to Peeps. They either love them or hate them. But these Peeps, dressed up as little ballerinas, are sure to put a smile on even the biggest hater's face.

You'll need some Peeps bunnies and a lot of candies that you may already have around the house.

Candy corn attached with melted white chocolate or vanilla candy wafers makes the "tutu." More candy melt, pearl sugar balls, candy coated sunflower seeds and other assorted sprinkles are used for the rest of the detail.

The ballerina "legs" are more candy corn with candy coated sunflower seeds as the ballerina "feet."

To let the ballerinas stand, attach them to a square pretzel base with more melted candy. Don't forget a cute little hair piece and little heart mouth to finish them up.

Once the melted candy hardens, the ballerinas can stand at attention ready for their next performance. Perfect for a ballerina party or as a cute party favor.

Ballerina Peeps treats

Serves 8

Ingredients:

• 8 Peeps bunnies
• 1 cup melted white chocolate or vanilla candy wafers
• 8 square pretzels
• Candy corn
• Multicolor candy coated sunflower seeds
• Pearl sugar ball sprinkles
• Assorted color ball sprinkles
• Heart-shaped sprinkles

Directions:

1. Cut each candy corn into halves.
2. Melt white chocolate/candy wafers in a zip-closed bag. Snip an end of bag and "pipe" the top of a ballerina tutu onto each Peeps bunny.
3. On the bottom of the tutu, attach 6-7 candy corn halves with melted candy for the "tutu."
4. Add pearl sugar ball sprinkles as part of the tutu skirt (you can really use your imagination and use what ever sprinkle decorations you prefer).
5. Cut off part of the bottom of a Peeps bunny and attach 1 full candy corn with melted candy as the "legs" and let harden.
6. Attach the ballerina to the square pretzel with more melted candy (you may need to hold until candy hardens or lean it against something until set).
7. Add 2 candy coated sunflower seeds as the ballerina "feet."
8. Add a small heart sprinkle as the mouth.
9. Add a hair decoration (more melted candy with small colorful sprinkles and pearl sugar balls).

More fun Easter food crafts

Easter basket sugar cookies
Jelly bean flower cupcakes
Strawberry deviled eggs

When you're fishing for something to make for Sunday dinner, give this recipe for crispy fish bites with chili-lime tartar sauce a try. It makes a fun presentation for a fish dish, and I just love dipping the crunchy pieces in the tangy and spicy tartar sauce.

This recipe takes on a healthy vibe since you bread and bake the bites to deliver a crispy outer texture. Dig in to discover the fish to be moist and tender. You get the best of both worlds plus a great sauce on the side.

Crispy fish bites with chili-lime tartar sauce recipe

Serves 4

Ingredients:

For the chili-lime tartar sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup chopped dill pickles or relish
• 1-2 tablespoons lime juice (start with 1 and add more if you'd like)
• 1-2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, to taste
• 1 tablespoon prepared garlic chili paste (or 1 tablespoon hot sauce with 2 garlic cloves, minced)

For the crispy fish bites

• 1 pound firm, whitefish fillets cut into 3 x 3-inch cubes
• 3/4 cup unseasoned breadcrumbs
• 3/4 cup crushed cornflakes or square cereal
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Nonstick cooking spray

Directions:

For the chili-lime tartar sauce

1. Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl. Start with the smallest portion of each before adding more to taste. Whisk to combine.
2. Refrigerate until ready to use.

For the crispy fish bites

1. Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F. Spray a grilling pan with the nonstick cooking spray. If you don't have a grilling pan, place an ovenproof wire rack on a baking sheet. Set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, cereal crumbs, salt and pepper, and whisk to combine.
3. Place the breadcrumb mixture, the flour and the beaten eggs into separate, shallow bowls and place them on your work surface near the grilling pan and the fish.
4. One at a time, dredge each of the fish pieces in the flour. Next dip them in the egg and allow the excess to drip off into the bowl. Now coat each in the breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing the mixture with your fingers onto each piece.
5. Place the breaded pieces on the grilling pan, and lightly spray the tops with the nonstick cooking spray.
6. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the coating turns golden.
7. Serve warm with the chili-lime tarter sauce on the side.

This meal makes a great catch.

More Sunday dinner recipes

Fritos skillet pie
Pasta with butternut squash, sausage & kale
Creamy salmon fettuccine

It never fails. When I bring out desserts made in separate jars or glasses from the fridge, my dinner guests' eyes get real big and light up. It's such a great way to impress your friends and family. And it couldn't be easier. I think the hardest part of making a dessert in a glass is finding the right size canning jars or shot glasses in the store. Otherwise it's a piece of cake.

Just gather up the ingredients, layer them in the glass or jar, stick them in the fridge and you're done. Oh, I forgot to mention that after all of the ingredients are added to the serving glasses, the chef will need to lick the spoon that was used for the lemon curd. It's required.

Tangy lemon and shortbread dessert in a glass recipe

Makes about 8 (depending on the size of the jar or shot glass used)

Ingredients:

For the lemon curd

• 2 lemons
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs

Directions:

For the lemon curd

1. Zest and juice each lemon. Set aside for a moment.
2. In a small bowl, add the eggs and, if possible, remove the small white part by the yolk. Beat the eggs and set aside for a moment.
3. On low to medium heat, warm the water in a medium double boiler pan.
4. When the water is hot or boiling, add the butter to the top pan.
5. When the butter is melted, add the lemon juice, lemon zest and sugar. Stir together.
6. While continuously whisking the ingredients, slowly add the egg just a little at a time.
7. Once all of the egg is in the pan continue to whisk all ingredients together until the egg is fully cooked and the consistency turns creamy and slightly thickens.
8. Pour the hot lemon curd in a jar or medium glass bowl.
9. Cool completely and store in the refrigerator until you're ready to make the desserts.

More layered desserts

Layered Nutella mousse in a jar
Mason jar layered apple crumble cookie dessert
Banana salted caramel cream dessert

When the sugar melts and coats the plantains, it's an invitation to a sweet and delicious time at the table. This has been one of my favorite desserts for long as I can remember.

These are quite simple to prepare with only three ingredients — plantains, sugar and oil. To take it to a higher level of enjoyment, melt some dark chocolate and Nutella together. Dip them while they're still warm, and, I am telling you, you will absolutely love them.

Fried caramelized plantain skewers with dark chocolate Nutella sauce recipe

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 7 ounces dark chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 1 tablespoon Nutella
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 2 ripe plantains
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• Peanut oil (or any oil for deep-frying)

Directions:

1. Over medium heat, in a small saucepan, warm up some water (about 1/3 of the saucepan), then put a smaller saucepan on top to make a water bath or bain marie.
2. Melt the chopped chocolate in the top saucepan. When it's completely melted, add the Nutella and the milk. Mix well. Add more milk if you think it's too thick. Turn off the heat when you have reached the right consistency. Keep the sauce warm.
3. Peel and discard both ends of the plantains. Slice the plantains into 8 pieces each, then roll them in brown sugar. Put aside the sugar that remains.
4. Over medium heat, in a thick-bottomed, tall saucepan, heat the peanut oil. When it’s hot (ideally, between 340 to 400 degrees F), pour in the remaining brown sugar and wait for it to melt. It will float when it has melted.
5. Drop in the plantains and fry for about 2 minutes. Pass them through the melted sugar to coat them. With a slotted spoon, remove them when they are cooked through.
6. Insert each plantain piece with skewers.
7. Serve with the warm chocolate Nutella sauce.

More recipes with plantains

Plantain pouches with nougat and rum caramel sauce recipe
Plantain-stuffed chile rellenos recipe
Plantains drizzled with cream

Photo credit: Joseph Marzullo/WENN.com

Megan Hilty and her new husband, Brian Gallagher, have so many things to celebrate. On Saturday, they announced to Us Weekly that they were expecting their first child together. The big news was revealed on Hilty's 33rd birthday.

The duo discovered they were expecting back in January, on Gallagher's 34th birthday. The Broadway star told the entertainment magazine, "We took the test together. It was the best present he got this year — or any other year, for that matter!"

Megan Hilty talks blond moments, beauty favorites >>

The couple were married back in November. They were so happy to be together that they went straight to the wedding.

The former Smash star explained to People at the time, "We were so excited to be married that we skipped the engagement altogether!"

Now that the mom-to-be is expecting, she is craving all of those forbidden foods.

"Everything I can't have!" she said. "I want sushi, tuna fish sandwiches, coffee and champagne."

The expectant parents don't know the gender of the baby just yet, but they will definitely find out ahead of time. One thing Hilty is looking forward to is maternity fashion.

Bachelorette Ashley Hebert has a baby on the way >>

She shared, "I haven't shopped for any baby things yet. But I have found some amazing maternity dresses for the summer."

The timing was perfect for the actress since NBC cancelled her sitcom Sean Saves the World, so her next project can be getting ready for their bundle of joy.

With a musician for a husband and her vocal talents, Hilty said, "This baby's gonna be really sick of our voices by the time it arrives!"

Congratulations, Megan and Brian!

Photo credit: Jason Bell/Camera Press/Getty Images

On the eve of their first royal tour as a family, Prince William and the former Kate Middleton have released a darling new photo that shows off how much their son, little Prince George, has grown — and how much he loves their pet dog!

The pic, taken by Jason Bell (who also snapped little George's official christening photos), shows the family sitting at a window of their London home, Apartment 1A of Kensington Palace. Will and Kate smile brightly while George, dressed in a pale blue sweater with his name knit onto the front, stares at the family dog Lupo with obvious delight.

Kate wore the cream Temperley Rodeo blouse, featuring a lace and ruffle detail with semi-sheer arms, in which she was last spotted at the Calgary Stampede during the couple's 2011 tour of Canada.

We last got a glimpse of now-8-month-old George in October, wearing a historical gown at his christening.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are set to visit New Zealand and Australia from April 7 to April 25, 2014, George and his new Spanish nanny included. What events the baby might attend have not yet been announced.

A royally happy family: Prince George's first official photos released >>

"George being just a little over eight months old by the time they travel, I'm sure you will appreciate that the couple will have to make a final decision on those moments much closer to the time," Prince William's private secretary told press.

The couple is stoked for the trip, according to Kensington Palace officials. "There's no hiding the enthusiasm for the visit by both the Duke and the Duchess — the Duke, because he has been before; and the Duchess, because she has never been to either country but has wanted to do so as long as she can remember.

"The Duke has no doubt that his wife will fall in love with New Zealand and Australia every bit as much as he did, some years ago."

Read more Kate Middleton

Will & Kate squash spare heir rumors on St. Patrick's Day
Kate Middleton turns from princess to fairy godmother
Kate Middleton is dripping in diamonds at Portrait Gala

Medicine, construction management, economics, politics — these were all careers these budding young professionals considered. Instead of choosing the big-city life, however, they chose something less flashy, but so much more rewarding, they say. Meet the next generation of farmers.

The economist turned rancher

Image credit: The Montana Ranch Adventure

Justine Kougl grew up in the world of rodeos, so she had general knowledge of the agricultural world at an early age. But until meeting her husband at college, the 29-year-old blogger at The Montana Ranch Adventure says she was nearly positive she would be a human resource director or business manager at some big-name company in the city.

"I have my M.S. in economics with an emphasis in accounting and human resources," she says. "But after meeting him and getting to know his ranching operation on the Cheyenne River reservation, I couldn't imagine living in a city."

She and her husband and their two children are growing corn, wheat and sunflowers in South Dakota and raising yearlings and alfalfa hay in Montana. "Sure, there are challenges, especially with mountain ranch living — when is the next time you may get to town? What about the weather? What if there is an emergency? You balance those challenges out with the peace and serenity of country life, a long, hard day's work and enjoying watching your family work and play together."

Update: In February 2014, the Kougls' ranch was in a devastating fire, and their home burned to the ground. You can help aid their efforts to rebuild on gofundme.

The educational farmer

Image credit: Native Roots Farm

Damien Appel, 28, started farming with a small 5-by-10-foot plot of tomatoes, and it wasn't long before that small plot of land grew to a 1,000-square-foot garden. Although his career originally led him into construction management and then education, he ultimately turned to organic farming as a way to find balance in his life.

He now operates a not-for-profit educational farm called Native Roots Farm in the small town of Westville, Indiana, about an hour east of Chicago. "I can't imagine living somewhere that exists without nature," he says. "I want to live where I can listen, smell, touch and see without having the intrusions of other people, buildings and traffic. The connection that comes from such an experience is unmatched by the perks of city life."

The aspiring goat farmer

Image credit: Bethany Micarelli

Bethany Micarelli, 28, had taken all the necessary steps to become a doctor. She was enrolled in college as a pre-med major and was working as a surgical assistant to put herself through college. But then something changed. "I had some life changes that prompted some introspection and re-evaluation of my life," she says.

Growing up in Montana, she always thought about living on a farm, but had an interest in living near Seattle, where the culture was more appealing to her. With the dream of moving our society toward sustainable living and organic farming, Micarelli bought a few goats and started a campaign to raise money to start her own organic dairy farm. (Check out her awesome video here.)

"I love being directly involved in helping the planet, changing the way farming is being done and the way animals are treated in farming," she says.

The advocate

Image credit: OregonGreen

When Marie Bowers read an article about how women weren't involved in Big Ag, she wrote a post saying how misleading the article was — and ever since, she has been covering politics, farming and farming issues through her blog, OregonGreen. Though she is a fifth-generation farmer, she originally planned a career in politics.

"Then an agriculture lobbyist mentor told me, 'Go get an ag degree — political science degrees are a dime a dozen,' " she says. She changed her major and graduated with degrees in general agriculture and in agriculture economics and management.

She and her family farm mostly grass seed, as well as wheat and meadowfoam. Bowers, 28, says she is proud to continue the tradition of farming. "Not many folks can say they can trace their roots five generations just down the road."

More on farms and farming

Mom's story: "I live on a goat farm"
Plantation Farm Camp, California
Resorts with working farms

Red roses

Photo credit: Artzooks / Design Pics / Getty images

Red roses are perfect for the girly-girl who has expensive taste and prefers shopping at designer boutiques rather than fast-fashion stores. Not only are red roses utterly romantic, but the woman who loves them is typically very passionate about fashion, too. She’s a dreamer, and her style reflects that. If you’re walking down the aisle this spring, why not accessorize your white wedding dress with a ravishing red rose floral crown fit for a princess? An all-over red rose-printed lace dress is another elegant option for a dinner party or a night out on the town with the girls. For daytime, get all glammed up in a red rose-embellished flouncy skirt.

Red Rose Flower Crown (Etsy, $55)

Tadashi Shoji Sleeveless Lace Sheath Dress (Nordstrom, $318)

My Bonnie Red Rose Skirt (ChicWish.com, $51)

Tulips

Photo credit: BreBa / Getty images

Tulips are elegant, timeless and come in a wide variety of colors. They’re best suited for the sophisticated woman with a classic sense of style whose diverse wardrobe has come to be admired by her peers. After all, tulips are associated with fame. To get your floral fix this season, we suggest investing in a silky tulip print scarf that can be paired with any solid-colored tee or top for years to come. Not into prints and patterns? Then show off your sexy stems in a tasteful tulip-shaped skirt or dress. This silhouette is a popular (and flattering) pick for spring.

Swirling Tulips Silk Square Scarf (Brooks Brothers, $248)

Chic Street Tulip Skirt (Forever21, $14)

Shock Wave Dress (Nasty Gal, $58)

Sunflowers

Photo credit: Takeshi.K / Flickr / Getty images

If you can’t get enough of bold, bright fashion and outfits that really pop, then the sunflower is definitely your perfect match. It’s perky, playful and puts a smile on people’s faces, much as your style does. For springtime, go loud in brilliant yellow bathing suits, neon crop tops and colorful denim pants and jackets. If yellow isn’t exactly your favorite color, you can still mix things up with chic sunflower-shaped jewelry. Of course, electric yellow sunglasses are a no-brainer.

Lolli Cakewalk One-Piece Swimsuit (Urban Outfitters, $125)

Current/Elliott Denim Pants (Yoox.com, $135)

Jamie Wolf Small Sunflower Ring (Neiman Marcus, $2,490)

Orchids

Photo credit: worananphoto / Istock / 360 / Getty images

Exotic, tropical and highly coveted, orchids are a lot like today’s in-demand fashion bloggers: They have the innate ability to captivate a wide audience with their rare beauty and charm. If you’re planning a tropical vacay this spring, don’t forget to pack an eye-catching orchid-print bikini that’s sure to turn heads on the beach. Orchid drop earrings are an elegant touch for a fancy spring soiree, while strappy pastel lavender sandals in Radiant Orchid, Pantone’s Color of the Year, are another must-have.

Caffe Swimwear Halter Bikini (Couture Candy, $210)

Alvina Abramova Olive Green Crystal Orchid-Drop Jessica Earrings (Maxandchloe.com, $46)

Qupid Wooden Wedge Platform Strappy Sandal (Amazon.com, $32-$44)

More fashion tips

Shop the spring trend: Sheer
Shop the spring trend: Boyish fits
Street style inspiration: Mad for plaid

Photo credit: Arnold Wells/WENN.com

They've already had an engagement party, but Johnny Depp is finally confirming to the press that he is indeed engaged to Amber Heard.

The 50-year-old actor was in Beijing, China, to promote his latest film, Transcendence. It was the curious ring on his left hand that drove the Associated Press to ask the million-dollar question: Is Depp engaged?

Winona Ryder doesn't approve of Johnny Depp's relationship >>

He shared, "The fact that I'm wearing a chick's ring on my finger is probably a dead giveaway. Not very subtle."

The Pirates of the Caribbean star then showed the sparkly diamond on his ring finger. He gave no explanation as to why he was wearing it, though. Why wasn't it on Heard's finger instead?

While that mystery was never solved during the interview, he did mention a bit about the upcoming wedding and what he's not going to do for the nuptials.

"I think that I would be better at making women's shoes than I would be at wedding planning. I can't plan anything," he said. "I'm really bad at that stuff."

Vanessa Paradis speaks out on ex Johnny Depp's engagement >>

This will be the first marriage for both Depp and his bride-to-be. He was previously involved with French actress Vanessa Paradis. They split in 2012 after 14 years and two children together.

Even though the couple hadn't confirmed their engagement to the press, it's been one of the worst-kept secrets in Hollywood. Paradis has commented publicly and wished the couple the best and Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler talked about their recent engagement party.

It looks like the longtime bachelor is ready to settle down.

Photo credit: Wenn.com

The Dixie Chicks covered Miley Cyrus' hit "Wrecking Ball" at a recent concert, managed to keep their clothes on their bodies and tongues in their mouths, and totally killed it.

Known for their country sound, the Chicks took a decidedly different tone with the cover at a show at the O2 Arena in London and gave it more of a rock ballad flair, adding their signature harmonies to stunning effect.

Miley Cyrus munches on a fan's dirty thong >>

The venue's social media person tweeted this still of the performance.

Wow @dixiechicks are singing Wrecking Ball #c2c2014 pic.twitter.com/kagKtGIbg0

— The O2 (@TheO2) March 15, 2014

Cyrus herself loves a good cover: She has performed both Outkast's "Hey Ya" and Stevie Nicks' "Landslide" during her Bangerz concert tour, and did a killer rendition of godmother Dolly Parton's "Jolene" during her Backyard Sessions a couple of summers back.

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Photo credit: Jupiterimages/Pixland/360/Getty Images

By Tamara Monosoff

We have heard that moms are responsible for $2.1 trillion in consumer spending each year in the U.S. — and moms today are unlike any other moms in history. A full 88 percent of moms are responsible for the family’s finances and 60 percent are working and earn their own income.

In addition to being the most consumer-savvy mothers to ever walk into stores or shop online, today's mom is wired and uses technology to her advantage for instant information. Interestingly, a power shift has occurred. She is no longer attached or loyal to classic brands. Instead, she wants fresh products that are efficient, make her life easier, and are stylish. And if she can’t find what she’s looking for, she may just invent it. Not only does this give her the satisfaction of seeing her product on store shelves, but many mothers soon learn that becoming an entrepreneur brings the flexibility they need to both manage a family and provide additional income.

For the past 10 years, I have seen thousands of people transform that initial idea into creative, money-generating new products. And, with the resurgent economy and awesome new resources available for developing, manufacturing, funding, video marketing, selling and distributing products, the opportunity for inventive product entrepreneurs has never been better.

There is no true shortcut. With an open mind, analyze and understand the design and production costs, market size, selling price, profit potential and competition before you spend money bringing your product to market.


Be careful to scrutinize companies that offer to market or license your product with sweet deals that sound too good to be true. Use the same good practices you would use to select a contractor, plumber or new nanny. 


Recognize setbacks for what they are — an unavoidable, and sometimes the most valuable, part of the journey. This is an opportunity to build a business and life that you love.

There are many steps along this journey, but with the abundance of new resources available you can take your idea and run. As Julie Martin-Allen, senior director of showcase events for Sam’s Club, said in the foreword of my new book, “My final advice to those readers who aspire to see their products on the shelves of the nation’s top retailers; be courageous and go for it!”

Tamara Monosoff is an award-winning inventor, media contributor, speaker and author of six bestselling books; including the new interactive version of The Mom Inventors Handbook: How to Turn Your Great Idea into the Next Big Thing (second edition).

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While on a family vacation, Khloé Kardashian posed for a hot photo wearing a high-cut sailor bathing suit that showed off her new sexy curves.

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Enjoying the sun in Thailand with her family, Kardashian posed for a pinup-style photo wearing a low-cut Stampd Los Angeles East Coast black bathing suit paired with a sailor's cap. The reality starlet later posted the shot on Instagram, sharing her sexiness with fans.

After losing about 30 pounds back in 2013, Kardashian began wearing more revealing clothes, proudly showing her slimmer figure. Admitting she changed her fashion choices to put her new figure on display, Kardashian added she put in a lot of effort to lose the weight.

"I have worked really hard to be healthy," she wrote on her Twitter account last June. "and I am proud of my body! It's all ME!"

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In addition to the hot bathing suit pic, Kardashian also posted a close-up of herself puckering up for the camera. In the head shot, the Keeping Up With the Kardashians star flaunted bright red lips and large hoop earrings.

In an interview with Cosmopolitan magazine, Kardashian reiterated her newfound fashion sense, saying that she's "feeling good" and happy to be slimmer.

"I've worked hard on my body," Kardashian said. "So I think now I can sex it up a little!"

Kardashian has also been increasingly happy lately since her difficult split from husband Lamar Odom. The pair went through some tough times as Odom's drug problems and drinking issues escalated. The 29-year-old beauty ended up pulling the plug on her marriage after she realized the relationship could not be saved.

Photo credit: DIY Showoff

The transformation in this outdated bathroom is amazing. The bathroom got a complete scrub down, but it's the paint color — Valspar Pale Linen — that gives the bathroom a light and airy feel. The dark Huntshire vanity takes center stage, and accessories give it that coveted spa-like feel.

Photo credit: Dwellings by Devore

Dark paint colors are trending hard these days, and this gorgeous bath mini-makeover is a stellar example of how just painting alone can truly transform the space. Designer Bethany didn't stress about picking a paint color, either. "I asked the Sherwin-Williams paint man for a gallon of black eggshell paint and this is what I got."

Photo credit: Evolution of Style

Afraid that using a dark color in such a small space will make your bathroom cave-like? Take a cue from blogger Jenny, who painted her bathroom in Gentleman's Gray by Benjamin Moore and accented the walls with artwork in gold frames. She also has a fantastic trick for hanging gallery art, which she explains on her blog.

Photo credit: My Peanut Butter Cups

This bathroom overhaul went all the way from bare bones to a luxurious retreat. Design enthusiast Heather created her dream bathroom from scratch and filled it with beautiful finishes from top to bottom. She snagged the beautiful Restoration Hardware vanity on sale and contrasted the rustic look with a glitzy chandelier and nickel bath accessories.

Photo credit: Sweet Chaos Home

This '80s-style bathroom went from drab to fab. With a soaking tub, a lovely vanity setup and tons of natural light, this bathroom is a woman's dream.

Up next: 5 More amazing bathroom before and afters >>

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Photo credit: A Country Farmhouse

Sometimes simplicity is the best approach in creating a serene bathroom. These renters brightened up the bathtub area and maximized natural light by using white paint. Simple accents like a reproduction piece of Thomas Sully's "The Torn Hat" and a wooden dresser for linen storage make this space shine.

Photo credit: Thrifty Decor Chick

Wood planking gives this bright bathroom tons of character. A framed piece of children's artwork was the inspiration for the color palette, and little touches like colorful knobs and vintage-inspired lights give the space personality.

Photo credit: Simplicity in the South

The colorful palette for Tricia's bathroom was inspired by Hiya Papaya’s home tour featured on House of Turquoise. Sherwin-Williams' Tidewater is the paint she used for the walls, which she says is "a light blue-green with just a hint of gray undertones."

Photo credit: Miss Mustard Seed

Sometimes old can mean charming, and, well, sometimes not. It took over a year to complete this half-bath renovation, but the results were totally worth it. Mosaic tile gives the space an upgraded look, and bead board was an affordable way to cover up the old wall tile.

Photo credit: Joanna Goddard

It took a village to give Joanna, the voice behind the popular blog A Cup of Jo, a bathroom makeover. Her friend and prop stylist Kendra Smoot helped brainstorm accessories, and her buddy Jenny Komenda of Little Green Notebook helped make some of the crafty projects featured in the space. Nautical accents complement the bathroom walls painted in Valspar's Ballard Blue.

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The brides haven't confirmed that a wedding took place, but actress Juliette Lewis spilled the beans for them. On Sunday, Sara Gilbert married songwriter Linda Perry. The news was confirmed by Us Weekly.

The Talk co-host has been engaged to Perry for about a year. The musician staged a romantic proposal in a Los Angeles park with their favorite song, "Love Song," by The Cure playing back in April 2013.

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Perry made the proposal rather fun. Gilbert described the moment on her CBS daytime show last year, "She goes to her backpack and she pulls out these T-shirts and the first T-Shirt says 'will' and then puts on another T-shirt and it says, 'you,' then 'marry,' 'me.' And the last one's a question mark. It's the most amazing proposal ever."

The final part of the proposal was John Waite singing another one of their favorite tunes, "Missing You," to the couple in person immediately after Gilbert said, "Yes."

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While few details from the weekend nuptials have been revealed, Lewis gave a quick glimpse of the atmosphere before the ceremony began. She tweeted what was about to happen to her followers.

Holiday by Madonna playin, sun is beaming,gettin ready 4 the wedding of 1of my fave couples in the universe @RealLindaPerry @THEsaragilbert

— Juliette Lewis (@JulietteLewis) March 30, 2014

The newlyweds began dating in 2011 after the 39-year-old former Roseanne star split with longtime love TV producer Alison Adler. They had two kids together. Gilbert officially came out as a lesbian in 2010.

Congratulations, Sara and Linda!