Photo credit: Vittorio Zunino Celotto/Getty Images for IMG

Shame
is lame

I went to elementary school with a girl who was overly energetic and often wore bright pleather pants. She had a lot of friends and was by no means a loner but other kids made fun of her. Because she dared to be bold, she was a target to other kids in our class.

When I try to pinpoint a moment she was defeated by her naysayers or any moment she looked ashamed, I can't recall one.

This could be poor memory. Or, it could be that she refused to be anyone but herself. Her pleather pants stayed bright; they still had funky patterns.

I heard a segment on NPR about a year ago, an interview with researcher Brene Brown who studies shame and vulnerability. “We're up against uncertainty, risk and emotional exposure every day,” said Brown. While wearing pleather pants in fifth grade isn't exactly exposing any deep emotions, to wear them facing adversity is a small act of courage, a declaration of you who are.

Cancer survivor Monika Allen's was recently featured in SELF magazine running a race wearing a tutu. She was criticized by SELF as being lame but her wearing that tutu is a declaration in the same way. It's a symbol of herself. Sure, it's fluffy and weird and too girly for some but for her, it was strength. It was charity. It was living after coming so close to dying.

SELF magazine's decision to classify the cancer survivor's tutu as lame is a huge slash to the girl power message that the Sheryl Sandbergs and Beyoncés of the world have worked hard to lay groundwork for, and not because they shamed a cancer survivor but because they shamed someone period.

In a world where we encourage each other to redefine beauty and embrace our flaws and non-photoshopped shapes in light of shedding our layers and being wholly ourselves, we have to remember that cynicism is not a method of connection to the people who read your magazine or your blog, or to the girlfriends you brunch with, nor is it a way to the top. At least, it's not the right way.

As Brown put it, “In order for connection to happen, we have to allow ourselves to be seen.” She also states that shame is easily understood as the fear of disconnection. It's a fear that what makes you different also makes you weak and, as women, we should not seek to abuse each other's weaknesses. We should not disconnect others for such trivial reasons as what they wear or encourage them to disconnect themselves by poking fun.

Now, I'd be lying if I said I didn't know a few people whose first instinct would be to make a little fun of anyone running in a tutu because it's different, and weird, and flamboyant. Even though they're a single soul, not a major publication, shaming someone they don't know for a purely cosmetic reason, the crime is the same. People will criticize SELF and rightfully point fingers at what they did to Monika Allen, but we shouldn't spend too much time doing that. We should all take some time to reflect on a time we judged someone in passing with no consequences.

As individuals it's likely that no one is loading backlash and bad publicity into a bomb they will drop the moment you shame someone. Yet, we should probably be acting as if that were the case.

Women, and men for that matter, want to be loved for who we are. We like to say we live like we don't care what people think and increasingly turn to each other for advice on how to face adversity. As we continue to embrace real beauty as loving our flaws and banning the image society used to think we should succumb to, let's save our voices for less pessimistic matters than how stupid it is when other women wear pleather pants and tutus. After all, no matter what fabric they are made of, we all pull our pants up the same way each morning.

More on women's issues

How a group of girls redefined bossy
The message Ban Bossy is missing
Note to SELF magazine: Shaming women is never cool

Photo credit: WENN.com

The tragic tale of Paul Walker's death is hopefully turning a corner now that late actor's mother, Cheryl Walker, and his daughter's mother, Rebecca Soteros, have reached a guardianship agreement. The compromise was agreed upon with one condition for Rebecca: she must successfully complete an alcohol rehab program.

If that term is met, then Rebecca will have full custody of Paul's 15-year-old daughter, Meadow Rain. The teen had been under her dad's care prior to his death because of her mother's alcoholism issues. Paul died in November 2013 after a vehicle he was a passenger in crashed at a high rate of speed on a deserted street.

Speed claimed Paul Walker's life — not mechanical problems >>

In the meantime, Meadow will continue to live with her grandmother. She had been staying with her even prior to her father's death. The teen had moved in with her relative in August.

TMZ reported that Rebecca had two DUIs on her record and that her substance-abuse issues had surfaced over the last six years. For this reason, it was revealed that Paul stated in his will he wanted his mother to assume guardianship in case of his death.

Fast & Furious 7 set after Paul Walker's death is not the same >>

This agreement helps avoid a lengthy court battle after Cheryl filed papers with the court to seek legal guardianship over her granddaughter along with control of the $25 million estate the teen inherited.

According to People, their sources claimed that Meadow is happy with the agreement and is looking forward to being reunited with her mother on a full-time basis after treatment. That might be the happiest outcome after such a sad ending.

We're only three months into 2014, but Pharrell is seriously having the best year ever. Not only is he riding high off the success of his hit song, "Happy," but the industry heavyweight has been announced as the newest judge on the upcoming season of The Voice.

On Monday (March 31), the official Twitter account for the hit NBC show sent out a series of funny tweets, offering followers hints about the identity of their new judge. After posting photos of a skateboard, a happy face and some killer shoes, they made their big reveal, tweeting, "Okay, we can OFFICIALLY say it! WE ARE SO #HAPPY to announce PHARRELL WILLIAMS = #NewVoiceCoach for SEASON 7." Skateboard P kept relatively mum on the issue, but he did reply to the show's announcement, writing, "This is going to be so fun."

No word on whether or not his famed Arby's hat will join him.

Pharrell endorses Hillary Clinton — but will she actually run for president? >>

Okay, we can OFFICIALLY say it! WE ARE SO #HAPPY to announce PHARRELL WILLIAMS = #NewVoiceCoach for SEASON 7. pic.twitter.com/GayqbMeU1l

— The Voice (@NBCTheVoice) March 31, 2014

Pharrell will replace show veteran, Cee Lo Green, who told Ellen DeGeneres last month that he was departing the singing competition to focus on his bread and butter. "I don't want to wear out my welcome there… I have so many other things that I want to do. I haven't released an album in four years," he told the talk show host.

While some may be disappointed to see Cee Lo and his cat, Purrfect, leave the panel, the announcement lit the blogosphere on fire and even catapulted #NewVoiceCoach to Twitter's top 10 trending topic list in the U.S.

Pharrell isn't exactly a stranger to the The Voice. During Season 4 of the show, the singer took to the NBC show as an adviser to Team Usher and, later on, as a special guest to perform "Blurred Lines" with Robin Thicke and T.I.

Up next: Spring shoes under $75 >>

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Up next: Spring shoes under $100 >>

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Photo credit: WENN.com

After news they are expecting their first child together, Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher were spotted going to visit the actor's family in Iowa. It was a very short trip, however, with the duo returning to Los Angeles after just one day.

Kunis and Kutcher were seen at the LAX airport on Sunday when they came back from their lightning-fast family trip. The Jupiter Ascending star was even sporting the same outfit she wore the day before on her way to Iowa.

Mila Kunis & Ashton Kutcher couple up on Two and a Half Men >>

While on their one-day stop to Kutcher's hometown of Cedar Rapids, the famous couple was snapped taking a walk around the neighborhood, with Kunis' baby bump quite evident under her coat. The duo stayed with Kutcher's mom, Diane Finnegan Kutcher, and also went out to dinner and did some shopping at Target, People magazine reported.

When Kunis and Kutcher landed in LA after their weekend trek, the lovebirds were seen getting "super lovey-dovey together." They also even kissed a few times while walking through the airport, according to an eyewitness.

Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher are (finally) engaged! >>

This was the couple's first visit to see Kutcher's family after revealing their baby news. However, Kunis had already spent time with her soon-to-be in-laws when she and Kutcher spent the 2012 holidays in Iowa. The two were also seen going into a Red Lobster with Kutcher's parents the day before Christmas.

Kunis and Kutcher are reportedly thrilled to become parents soon and can't wait to be a family together.

"They are happy, healthy and excited to start a family," an insider told Us Weekly magazine. "[Kunis] is all about being a mother."

Photo credit: Maria Fitzsimons/WENN.com

Lady Gaga is a woman of all sorts of looks when she hits the stage, but there's one ensemble her Little Monsters may not be familiar with. As the cover girl for the summer 2014 issue of Porter magazine, the pop star reveals that she throws on her grandmother's vintage floral robe when she's writing songs.

But that's not the only mention of family. It might come as a surprise, but the superstar behind all the catchy pop songs and elaborate stage shows is just a good old-fashioned New York girl who loves her family. In the interview, Gaga says she has a "fierce love" for her younger sister Natali Germanotta, admitting, "When she shows me her drawings, I think, 'F***!' I want to sit in her apartment with her and smoke cigarettes and sew all day."

For all we know, that might have been exactly what she did during her downtime this past weekend. On Friday, March 28, Gaga celebrated her birthday with a return to her hometown of New York City to kick off her sold-out seven-night residency at Roseland Ballroom, which will mark the historic venue's very last event before closing its doors.

Monster Monster does offer some insight to her always-changing image, citing her "restless soul" as the reason for constant outfit after outfit. "If I'm able to hold on to one look for a longer period of time, it means I've settled into a new idea. If I haven't, I'm just searching for the next thing," she explains.

As you might have guessed, Mother Monster took that mentality to Roseland, left the robe at home and offered the crowd everything from big hair to a string of eccentric costumes. Keep them coming, Gaga!

Photo credit: Apega/WENN.com

The Academy of Country Music Awards has announced that The Band Perry will be opening this year's telecast ceremony, while Miranda Lambert and George Strait will perform a special tribute medley.

ACM Awards nominees: Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw lead >>

More performers at the 49th Annual ACM Awards are already being announced with The Band Perry, Miranda Lambert, George Strait and more kicking off special opening numbers and a tribute medley. The Band Perry will open the show with an "explosive performance" of their new song "Chainsaw," while Lambert and Strait will honor Merle Haggard's 50 years in country music with hits such as "Tonight the Bottle Let Me Down" and "I'm A Lonesome Fugitive."

Garth Brooks will present Haggard with the Crystal Milestone Award, while Hunter Hayes will perform "Invisible" as part of the ConAgra Foods' Child Hunger Ends Here campaign. Luke Bryan and Florida Georgia Line will join with Nitro Circus for a special number of "This is How We Roll." Their joint performance will feature the action sports stars showing off their BMX skills in a live remote showing from the Mandalay Bay Events Center.

Country music awards 101: How are they different? >>

These newly announced artists join the already-announced performers including Jason Aldean, Eric Church, Brett Eldredge, Toby Keith, Justin Moore, Kip Moore, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban and Lady Antebellum with legendary musician Stevie Nicks.

The 49th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards will be broadcast live from the Las Vegas MGM Grand Garden Arena on Sunday, April 6, at 8:00 p.m. live ET, with a delayed PT airing, on the CBS Network.

After Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber broke up the first time, both said the pressure of the media and Beliebers had been a lot for them. Now that they may or may not be back together, it looks like the lack of privacy is catching back up with them.

Justin Bieber & Selena Gomez: Is sex with the ex a good idea? >>

Gomez appeared at the 2014 Kids' Choice Awards on Saturday night, March 29, with a brand-new accessory: a gold ring. The singer was called to the stage after winning the award for Favorite Female Singer, and the internet collectively seemed to start talking all at once about the gold ring on her left ring finger. According to the Huffington Post, the ring was actually first spotted when Gomez appeared at the We Day California Event on March 27.

Since breaking up years ago, Bieber and Gomez seem to have a connection with each other that won't allow them to let go of the relationship. In recent months, they have been spending more and more time together. Just after the new year, Gomez was out with Bieber in his neighborhood (coincidentally, only a few days later she checked into rehab). Since then, they have been seen out together more and more.

Rob Shuter, cohost of The Gossip Table, claims a source told him that the ring was a present from Bieber.

"Everyone around her is terrified he might propose and they'll elope," the source reportedly said, according to the Huffington Post. "They feel like the world is against their relationship, like a modern-day Romeo and Juliet. Who knows what they'll do, we'll just have to wait and see."

Taylor Swift on the outs with Selena Gomez over the Biebs >>

Whether or not they are engaged, or the ring was just a symbol of their relationship, Gomez will be seeing Bieber soon no matter what. She was served with papers last week to testify in a lawsuit against the Biebs. A photographer is claiming Bieber assaulted him while he tried to photograph Bieber and Gomez in California.

Photo credit: AMC

If you had any doubts about the kind of man Rick (Andrew Lincoln) was or what he was willing to do to protect the ones he loves, all of your questions were answered in The Walking Dead Season 4 finale.

Rick's journey has been one full of massive character shifts since he first opened his eyes from a coma and went stumbling through a hospital ravaged by a disaster he could not yet comprehend. It's perhaps fitting that he began his adventure in the zombie apocalypse without understanding what had happened. Maybe he needed the instant restart to his life so that he could be ready for what was to come.

The Walking Dead: How safe is Terminus? >>

The man who woke up in the hospital would probably look at the man who resorted to biting a man's jugular and be shocked by his actions. Or would he? Even in the beginning, it was obvious that Rick was a survivor and a man who didn't balk when it came to doing those things that needed to be done. Before the apocalypse he never would have killed his best friend, but when that best friend became a threat to him and his family... so long, Shane.

After Shane's death came Lori's tragic demise and Rick was sent spiraling along a new path — one of insanity. When he came through the tunnel, he was ready to go back to life as he knew it, but Hershel had other ideas. Seeing how Rick's son Carl had so coldly killed an unarmed man, Hershel decided it was high time that Rick became a better role model. Getting the hardcore lawman to give up his gun and pick up a shovel wasn't easy, but eventually Rick saw the benefits in letting others fight so he could be a better father to his children.

Say it ain't so! Is The Walking Dead setting up Daryl and Beth? >>

Sadly, the world of the zombie apocalypse isn't one where you can drop your weapon and take up farming. When the Governor came and destroyed the lives of those living in the prison, Rick was sent in another direction. It left him and his son, and eventually Michonne, on the road alone to fend for themselves. No longer was Rick able to shelter Carl and keep him from seeing the horrors of the current world.

That became abundantly clear in the final episode of The Walking Dead's fourth season. With a gun to his head, Rick watched as the man he calls brother was being beaten to death and both Michonne and his son were threatened with rape. In one moment, Rick let go of the man that wanted to live peacefully and embraced the man who did anything to keep his family safe.

5 Reasons The Walking Dead's Rick and Michonne should totally hook up >>

When Rick killed a man by tearing into his neck with his own teeth, he became a BAMF of epic levels. After that, he was a force to be reckoned with and though he and his group were left at the end of the episode trapped in a railroad car, there is no doubt that he will prevail. Once you've torn out a man's throat, what are a few people holding guns?

Welcome back, BAMF Rick — we missed you.

What did you think of Rick's actions in The Walking Dead Season 4 season finale?

Nothing goes better with your favorite Chardonnay than one of these pastas. Trust me, I did the taste testing. Plus, each delicious recipe is made with in-season produce, such as asparagus, radishes and artichokes. Move over casseroles and stews, these skinny pastas are taking over.

Serves about 6

Ingredients:

• 12 ounces uncooked fettuccine noodles
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large artichokes
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• 3 tablespoons shredded mozzarella
• Salt and pepper

Serves about 4

Ingredients:

• 1 pound broccoli rabe, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 8 ounces ziti noodles
• 4 ounces (about 1/2 cup) chopped pancetta
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 4 teaspoons pine nuts
• About 4 fresh turnips
• Salt and pepper

Directions:

Recipe slightly adapted from My Recipes

Serves about 4-6

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound dry fettuccine
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 6 ounces (3/4 cup) oyster mushrooms, chopped
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons dry white wine (like Chardonnay)
• 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
• 3 tablespoons shredded Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon truffle salt
• Cracked black pepper

Directions:

Recipe slightly adapted from 101 Cookbooks

Serves about 4

Ingredients:

• About 4 ounces brown rice noodles
• 1 cup light coconut milk
• About 1-1/2 to 2 tablespoons red curry paste
• 1-1/2 cups chicken broth
• 3/4 cup shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 tablespoons chopped basil
• 2 tablespoons chopped cashews
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Place the rice noodles in a large bowl filled with boiling water. Let sit for about 10 minutes, or until soft.
2. In a thick-bottomed saucepan, whisk 1/4 cup of coconut milk and red curry paste together. Add the remaining coconut milk, chicken broth and salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in the chicken, green onions, cilantro and basil.
3. Let simmer another 3 minutes. Mix in the rice noodles and cook another 3-4 minutes. Serve the pasta with chopped cashews.

More skinny recipes

8 Sparkling skinny cocktails
Truly skinny spinach dip
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Photo credit: Jackson Galaxy

Cat lovers everywhere are already aware of the plight of feral cats. No doubt, they can be a nuisance — they're loud, stinky and often flea-infested. But a growing number of animal lovers like us want to solve the problem without euthanizing the animals, which the Humane Society says doesn't work anyway.

The Humane Society advocates what it calls the "Trap-Neuter-Return" (TNR) philosophy, which it thinks is more effective than euthanasia. Those of us who feel sorry for the feral cats may be tempted to rescue and domesticate them. But is that a good idea?

We chatted with Jackson Galaxy, host and producer of Animal Planet's My Cat from Hell, who's currently training two feral cats of his own to find out just how well they can really be "domesticated."

What's a feral cat?

Strays are lost domesticated cats; feral cats are literally born wild. They've never lived with humans and behave more like a lion than Morris. They live in colonies and are extremely suspicious of humans, and while they're small, they can be dangerous to humans they feel threatened by. They don't "get us" like domesticated cats do, even the most aloof of which welcome human contact.

Can you domesticate a feral?

Meet Oliver, one of Galaxy's ferals.

Photo credit: Jackson Galaxy

According to Galaxy, "it depends on the cat." He says that everyone has a different theory on what age is too old for domestication. Some say as young as 3 months may be too late.

He also notes that cats have their own personalities. Two from the same litter may react differently, one being reintegrated successfully and the other not. He says he's never had one that was 5 years old that he could bring into the house.

That said, he does talk about what he calls "house ferals." They're not "domesticated" because they're not an integral part of the human/cat social structure, but they can be around humans.

Are there experts who can help?

Galaxy was really clear here. Anyone who tells you they're a feral cat training expert isn't telling the whole story. But that doesn't mean an expert like him can't help you.

How do you approach a feral cat?

You've seen those (heartbreaking) videos of people trying to rescue stray pit bulls, right? If so, you know two things are true: Dogs love McDonald's hamburgers, and trust takes time. Same goes for a feral cat, and Galaxy advises a similar technique.

Don't get too close, but do tempt them with food (remember, cats are carnivores). Make sure they have an escape route if they do feel threatened (so you don't get bitten or scratched). Don't make eye contact, and to paraphrase the Georgia Satellites, don't give 'em no lies and keep your hands to yourself.

Can they be trained?

Galaxy says, "Try what I call 'feral cat story time.' You're in a room with the feral — block off closets, under the bed, any escape routes. Put down food that is close enough to the cat where he can get to it, but it's still a bit of a challenge.

"Make yourself small," he continues. "Pull your knees to your chest or sit cross-legged. Bring a newspaper or magazine with you and read it out loud. Basically, you're telling a story to the cat. Pretend you're reading a bedtime story to a toddler — use your softest voice. Keep your eyes down, as it prevents engaging the cat in a threatening way. It also forms a positive association between you and the cat. You are a handless, eyeless voice that brings food. Remember, feral cats see humans almost as predators, and your job as a feral cat storyteller is to unstack the cards you have stacked against you."

He also advises not to spend time training a cat who resists. You can't change a leopard's spots.

What if you can't train them?

If you can't train a feral, reach out to an organization that practices TNR. They aren't bad cats, they're just rolling stones. As Galaxy says, "One of my missions is to teach others to appreciate, love and value 'community cats' for who they are, not who you want them to be!"

If you want more info on effective cat training methods, check out My Cat from Hell Season 2 on Animal Planet starting April 26, or go to JacksonGalaxy.com.

More on cat behavior

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Top 3 signs you should hire a cat behaviorist
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Gwyneth Paltrow just can't get any sympathy for her split from husband Chris Martin, and she seems to be making it worse. After the couple's initial announcement, the internet took to making fun of their very proper "conscious uncoupling" sentiments.

Celeb mom style: Spring looks to steal >>

But now, Paltrow's latest statement has started a new furor over the actress, who has grown up in the upper class and is proving she has stayed there. She opened up about raising her children doing what she does.

"It's much harder for me," she said, according to USA Today. "I feel like I set it up in a way that makes it difficult because… for me, like if I miss a school run, they are like, 'Where were you?' I don't like to be the lead so I don't [have] to work every day, you know, I have little things that I like and obviously I want it to be good and challenging and interesting, and be with good people and that kind of thing."

Paltrow then said her life as an actress and mother is much more difficult than basically any other working woman in America.

"I think it's different when you have an office job, because it's routine and, you know, you can do all the stuff in the morning and then you come home in the evening," she added. "When you're shooting a movie, they're like, 'We need you to go to Wisconsin for two weeks,' and then you work 14 hours a day and that part of it is very difficult. I think to have a regular job and be a mom is not as, of course there are challenges, but it's not like being on set."

Gwyneth Paltrow reportedly kissing ex before split news >>

Paltrow's mom is Blythe Danner, another actress who has been working for decades. But Paltrow is not getting much sympathy for having to work as a millionaire. Either way, a breakup is a breakup, and the couple is working together to raise their children and (somewhat) keep their lives out of the public eye.

Photo credit: Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images

House music has just lost one of its veterans: The beloved DJ Frankie Knuckles died Monday, March 31.

GWAR front man Dave Brockie found dead at 50 >>

The sad news of Knuckles' death was confirmed by his business partner Frederick Dunson to the Chicago Tribune. According to Dunson, the house music legend had "died unexpectedly" at home on Monday afternoon. While the official cause of death is still unknown, some reports suggest it was from complications related to type 2 diabetes.

"The Whistle Song" hit maker pursued his love of house music first in New York City and then Chicago during the '70s, and he is considered to be one of the founding fathers of house music and a dance music innovator who went on to become an internationally celebrated DJ in the club scene.

L'Wren Scott's estranged sister talks about her desire for kids >>

Knuckles was not short of accolades: Not only did he have a Grammy Award under his belt but he also worked with some of the biggest stars in the music industry, including the late Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston as well as Depeche Mode, Toni Braxton and Diana Ross.

The 59-year-old music legend was respected by many in the industry and fellow musicians from across the world have paid tribute to Knuckles since learning of his passing.

Legendary folk singer & activist Pete Seeger dead at 94 >>

DJ and producer David Morales took to Twitter to say, "I am devastated to write that my dear friend Frankie Knuckles has passed away today. Can't write anymore than this at the moment. I'm sorry."

I am devastated to write that my dear friend Frankie Knuckles has passed away today. Can't write anymore than this at the moment. I'm sorry.

— David Morales (@DJDavidMorales) April 1, 2014

Trance DJ Markus Schulz also expressed his sadness with a tweet, saying, "RIP Frankie Knuckles. One of the most beautiful human beings to have ever graced this earth. I'll miss that smile."

RIP Frankie Knuckles. One of the most beautiful human beings to have ever graced this earth. I'll miss that smile. #Godfatherofhousemusic

— Markus Schulz (@MarkusSchulz) April 1, 2014

Other messages included tweets from DJ Vince Lawrence, Tim Burgess and DJ Bad Boy Bill among many others. Producer Duke Dumont also mourned Knuckles' passing, tweeting, "RIP Frankie Knuckles ..had the honour of working with you last year,,,, Eternally grateful for laying the blueprint, that is House."

RIP Frankie Knuckles ..had the honour of working with you last year,,,, Eternally grateful for laying the blueprint, that is House.

— Duke Dumont (@DukeDumont) April 1, 2014

The news of the DJ's passing has come as a deep shock to fans and fellow musicians alike, as Knuckles just recently played a set at London's Ministry of Sound on March 29.

Our thoughts are with all those who loved DJ Frankie Knuckles.

Photo credit: Jim Jordan

Meet our newest celeb vlogger

Ever since her first Seventeen cover, many of us fell in love with her gorgeous smile and girl-next-door charm. Now, Niki Taylor is a mom, wife and world-famous model. And this month, she's joining the Mommalogues!

Celebrity vlogger

For the month of April, we’re excited to welcome model Niki Taylor to the Mommalogues. Along with our regular Mommaloguers, Taylor will be speaking out on topics like fashion, relationships and parenting. She joins other celebrity moms who have raised their voices on the Mommalogues, including Cindy Crawford, Candace Cameron Bure and Camila Alves.

Taylor lives in Brentwood, Tennessee, with her husband, former NASCAR driver Burney Lamar, their twin sons, Jake and Hunter (19), daughter, Ciel (5) and son, Rex (2).

Modeling

She began modeling at the age of 14, and her career quickly skyrocketed. In fact, she became the first spokesmodel under the age of 18 to sign an exclusive contract with Cover Girl Cosmetics. Taylor also holds the Guinness Book of World Records record as the youngest model to sign a six-figure deal. Taylor's first magazine cover was an issue of Seventeen in 1989. The following year, at the age of 15, she graced the cover of Vogue. She has been featured on more than 300 magazine covers worldwide, including Harper’s Bazaar, Mademoiselle, Allure, Elle and Self. Taylor was also featured in the Sports Illustrated 1997 swimsuit issue, and on the cover of their 1998 calendar.

In addition, Taylor has held national advertising campaigns for Cover Girl, Liz Claiborne, Nokia, Ellen Tracy, L’Oreal, Lee Jeans and Pantene.

Taylor’s branding value from Wall Street is $100 million. In a nutshell? She’s one of the most successful international models of all time.

Hosting

After taking the modeling industry by storm, Taylor showed off her hosting prowess, reporting for the internationally-syndicated show, Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. She also covered events for NBC, and was a guest host on MTV’s Fashionably Loud. In 2008, Taylor co-hosted Bravo’s Make Me a Supermodel.

Charity work

Not only is Taylor stunningly beautiful, but she’s also a gracious and dedicated philanthropist. She is actively involved with numerous charitable organizations, including The American Red Cross and Victory Junction Gang Camp.

As a contestant in the 2011 season of Donald Trump’s Celebrity Apprentice, Taylor represented The American Red Cross. After the first task, she was rewarded $35,000 for her charity, but went on to become the third person to be fired by The Donald.

Visit Mommalogues to learn more about this inspirational celebrity mom. You can also keep up with Taylor on Twitter at @NikiTaylorInc.

All about the Mommalogues

Mommalogues is a destination for parents to raise their voices about the hot topics they care about. The online conversation includes celebrities and popular bloggers, as well as Mommalogues' engaged and growing community, all interacting on issues and experiences that come along with juggling the demands of parenthood with a busy life.

While the moms and celebs provide plenty of content, readers are encouraged to share their own experiences with the Mommalogues community through the reaction buttons, social media share features and comments sections.

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These cute carrots are actually crispy cones filled with a creamy goat cheese salmon mousse. While this recipe has a lot of steps, by making the mousse and cones the day before, you can save on prep time and throw a low-stress, elegant Easter brunch.

The first step is to whip up your salmon mousse. This mousse uses goat cheese, rather than cream cheese, for a tangy, grown-up flavor. Once it's made, store it in the refrigerator at least one hour so it gets nice and firm.

The carrot cones are tuiles, a gourmet wafer that you can make in your own kitchen. Start by making a stencil. It needs to be a hard, thin piece of plastic, like the lid to a lettuce container. Find a bowl or dish that's four inches in diameter to trace onto your stencil, then cut out the circle.

Use a flexible spatula to spread the batter into your stencil, making sure to use a Silpat or parchment paper. I recommend starting with one tuile to get the hang of it.

Bake the tuiles for four minutes, then set the cookie sheet on the door of the oven. This keeps the tuiles warm and flexible so they don't break.

Flip over your first tuile with an offset spatula.

Now place your cornet mold (also called a cream horn mold) along one edge of the tuile and carefully roll the tuile around it. The tuiles are VERY hot, so touch lightly and be careful not to touch the hot pan. You can have them seam side up or down, but I find that I like the look of the seam up, because it lets the mousse peek out of the cone better.

Bake the tuiles on their molds for an additional three or four minutes.

Remove the cookie sheet and use a hot pad to carefully move the cones (still on their molds) to a paper towel-lined plate.

Let them rest for one minute, then remove from the mold. You can now start another batch of tuiles.

Let the cones cool completely before filling with the mousse. You can store them unfilled in an airtight container for up to two days.

For crispy cones, assemble the carrots 30 minutes or less before serving. Simply use a bag with a pastry tip to pipe the mousse into each cone (you may have some mousse left). Poke a sprig of dill into the center of the cone, and you've got a complete carrot.

Salmon mousse carrot cones

Design inspired by Hungry Happenings; tuile recipe adapted from The French Laundry Cookbook

Makes 8

Ingredients and supplies:

For the salmon mousse

• 4 ounces smoked salmon
• 10 sprigs fresh dill, divided
• 8 ounces creamy goat cheese (chevre)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

For the tuile cones

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened but still cool
• 2 large egg whites, cold
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Orange (or yellow and red food dye paste) 
• Stencil
• Cream horn molds
• Silpat or parchment paper
• Pastry bag and star tip

Directions:

1. Finely chop salmon and two sprigs of dill, in a food processor.
2. Add goat cheese, lemon juice and pepper. Pulse until combined. Scoop the salmon mousse into a bag fitted with a pastry tip, and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
3. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F, then clean the food processor and dry well.
4. Process the butter in your food processor until it is very creamy, like mayonnaise. Add the egg whites, salt, sugar and flour. Pulse until it's incorporated into a lump-free batter, using a spatula to scrape the sides down if necessary.
5. Add food dye to the batter, pulsing again until you get a nice bright orange. I dipped 2 toothpicks in red dye and two in yellow, then swirled them through the batter.
6. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat.
7. Place your stencil on the sheet and use a flexible spatula to spread batter evenly across the stencil. Remove the stencil, and you should be left with a circle. Repeat as room allows, only making as many circles as you have cream horn molds.
8. Bake in the oven for 4 minutes.
9. Remove promptly, setting the sheet on the open oven door.
10. Use an offset spatula to flip your first circle. Place a mold on the circle, with the tip of the mold touching the edge of the circle. Carefully (they're hot!) roll the tuile around the mold. Repeat with remaining circles and molds. Place them seam side up if you can for a fancier presentation, but (if you're having trouble getting them to stay) seam side down will work.
11. Bake an additional 3-4 minutes, until just starting to brown at the edges.
12. Remove from the oven, and use a hot pad to remove the cones (still on their molds) to a paper towel-lined plate. Let sit for 1 minute, then remove the molds and let the tuile cones cool.
13. To assemble the carrots, pipe your salmon mousse into each cone. Lay the cones on your platter and insert a sprig of dill into each. Serve within 30 minutes for best results.

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Rumors spread that Keri Russell and her The Americans co-star Matthew Rhys were dating earlier this year, and now their relationship has been confirmed. The couple was seen getting cozy last week during a theater date together.

When Russell and Rhys fueled romance rumors after being seen taking a romantic stroll earlier this year, they denied they were in a relationship. But, after going out together on March 27, insiders for People magazine reported seeing the pair whispering to each other and displaying lots of PDA.

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Rhys was asked by People last month if he and Russell were romantically involved, and he did not deny or admit that they were. "That's the best [rumor] I love," he said, adding that even his mom asked about the pesky rumors.

But, during their most recent date, an eyewitness said they appeared like a couple as Russell stroked Rhys's hair while the duo spoke softly to each other.

Russell announced late last year she was separating from her husband of seven years, Shane Deary, with whom she has two children. Apparently, Russell and Deary had been living separately since last summer, but their rep told the media that their split was "amicable and their focus is on their children."

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While the former couple did not reveal their breakup for some time, rumors began swirling when Russell went solo to premiere events and was often spotted out alone with the children. When the former Felicity star made headlines after her home was burglarized while she and the children slept inside in December, many questioned why Deary was not in the house with them.

Photo credit: FayesVision/WENN.com

Howard Stern usually gets the most interesting and scandalous bits from his radio show guests and his latest is no exception. On Monday, March 31, Anderson Cooper sat down with the infamous radio personality during his Howard Stern Show and confessed that he will not be receiving any sort of inheritance money from his mom Gloria Vanderbilt.

Cooper is a respectable and accomplished triple threat with his own CNN news show who will likely be just fine without any sort of trust fund. But even if the 46-year-old talent had some money coming his way, it doesn't sound like he'd take it, calling the ritual an "initiative sucker" and a "curse."

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"Who's inherited a lot of money that has gone on to do things in their own life?" he asked Stern. "From the time I was growing up, if I felt that there was some pot of gold waiting for me, I don't know that I would've been so motivated."

Stern was unbelievably shocked at Cooper's revelation and even questioned the anchor on what Gloria plans to do with her fortunes, to which Cooper remained clueless. "I have no idea," he told the shock jock.

In the end, Cooper's wealth and growing empire appears to be trailing a path that is similar to his mother's as he admitted that Gloria made more money in her own life than the amount she actually inherited.

But will Cooper consider breaking the no-pass-down tradition with his own children? "If maybe I felt like they had a good sense of responsibility, maybe I would try to leave some money."

Photo credit: FayesVision/WENN.com

A new announcement from MTV reveals that Ellie Goulding and Zedd will be hitting the 2014 MTV Movie Awards stage to perform songs from the Divergent soundtrack.

Joining the presenters already announced earlier, who include Cameron Diaz, Leslie Mann and Kate Upton, additional performers have also been named today by MTV. Goulding and Zedd will bring their respective Divergent songs to the stage, including Goulding's hit single "Beating Heart" and Zedd's "Finding You."

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When told that his song would be featured in the hit film's soundtrack, Zedd was "beyond stoked," and he was ecstatic that he'd get to perform it live at this year's MTV Movie Awards. Zedd will be joined by Matthew Koma and Swedish vocalist Miriam Bryant to perform his track.

"Getting to perform the song live at the MTV Movie Awards with Matthew and Miriam is a total thrill we're really looking forward to sharing with the fans!" Zedd added.

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Divergent came out too late to be nominated for the popular awards show this time around and will have to wait until next year for any possible MTV Movie Awards. However, the film's presence will be widely felt with live music from the blockbuster movie.

Other acts set to perform include twenty one pilots, who will sing their hit single "Car Radio," with additional performers to be announced at a later date.

Nominees up for MTV Movie Awards this year include The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, American Hustle, 12 Years a Slave, The Wolf of Wall Street and The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug for films. Actors nominated include Amy Adams, Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper and Matthew McConaughey.

Sometimes, being in the kitchen can feel like such a drag. We cook, we clean, we clean some more and we cook even more. It can feel rather mundane and sometimes harder than it needs to be. Here, we're showing you 10 great ways to make your life easier in the kitchen — everything from cooking tips to cleaning shortcuts.

Photo credit: Grady Coppell/Photographer's Choice RF/Getty Images

Whether burnt spots were left on your pan from sautéing vegetables or in the oven from a pie that boiled over, you no longer have to scrub and scrub to get them out. Instead, pour some boiling water on top of the spot, sprinkle on some baking soda and let sit for 15 minutes. The burnt spot should wipe up with a few paper towels.

Clean your oven as you normally would, but this time pour a few drops of vanilla extract onto a towel and wipe down the inside. Every time you turn your oven on, the whole house will smell as if you're baking a cake. Use imitation vanilla extract if you're worried about the cost or make it yourself.

Photo credit: bhofack2/iStock 360/Getty Images

Every time I want ice cream, I manage to bend a spoon trying to scoop it out. To avoid this (and freezer burn), place the ice cream container in a large plastic bag and seal. You'll have fresh, scoopable ice cream straight from the freezer.

Photo credit: Levent Konuk/iStock 360/Getty Images

Salt is one of the cheapest and most efficient ways to remove stains on mugs, glassware and greasy pans. Simply sprinkle and scrub.

Photo credit: livecal/iStock 360/Getty Images

Ditch the potato peeler and instead boil the potato, place in ice water and twist. The skin comes off in one easy swoop — guaranteed to make all future Thanksgivings less stressful.

Photo credit: Donatello Trisolino/Flickr Open/Getty Images

Cloudy ice is just fine for everyday use, but if you're hosting a party and want to impress your guests, boil the water before freezing. Your cocktails and sodas will instantly be taken up a notch.

Make hash browns, scrambled eggs, paninis, hamburgers and even bacon in the waffle iron. The bacon will be perfectly crisp, and everything else will be crispy on the outside but soft on the inside.

Is it just me, or does everyone get a craving for banana bread only to have to wait a few days for the bananas to ripen? Ripen them instantly by placing them on a cookie sheet (leave the peels on) and baking for 10-15 minutes per side on your oven's lowest setting. Instant ripened bananas equal instant banana bread, just what we like.

Photo credit: Jamie Grill Photography/Getty Images

Butter that needs to be at room temperature takes hours. Next time a recipe calls for this, cut the butter into small chunks and let sit for 10 minutes. Or, for an even faster way, shred the butter with a cheese grater.

Photo credit: Jupiterimages/BananaStock360/Getty Images

Like your wine aerated? Pour a glass in the blender and blend for a few seconds. The wine takes on a whole new (and better) flavor. For easy cleanup, pour hot water and a dash of soap in the blender and blend. Rinse clean. And if for some reason you don't finish all your wine, check out the top 10 things to do with the leftovers.

More kitchen shortcuts

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9 Shortcuts to cut dinner prep in half
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Photo credit: Bridow/WENN.com

Kaley Cuoco has had quite the year. Not only is she the female lead on the most popular comedy on TV, but she is a brand-new bride. It was less than a year ago that Cuoco was single and had just begun dating Man of Steel's Henry Cavill. That relationship was short-lived, but Cuoco saw an entirely new side to life in Hollywood.

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"I had no one following me until I met Superman," she explained to Cosmopolitan magazine. "I've been in this business for 20 years, and my whole life, I could go anywhere, do anything. There had not been one paparazzi photo of me until like several months ago. The recognition was crazy."

Cuoco and Cavill were only together for a matter of weeks, and it wasn't long after they broke up that she met Ryan Sweeting. Three months later, the couple was engaged, and three months after that they were married.

"I admit it happened fast, but that's who I am. When we met, I knew he was the one," she said. "[At my wedding], I felt like a rock star and a bada**. What was amazing in that room, it was so full of love. It was like nothing I'd ever been to before, and it was exactly what we wanted it to be. It was the eighth wonder of the world, the greatest wedding of all time."

Agreed! Kaley Cuoco's ready for The Big Bang Theory wedding >>

Cuoco had previously dated her Big Bang Theory costar Johnny Galecki, and the two had awkwardness on set after their breakup. She said that awkwardness has since gone away, and Galecki was happy for her to be married.


"It took a minute, a bit of awkwardness. By the grace of God, we became best buddies and moved on in such an elegant way," she told Cosmo. "[He's] one of my closest friends. He was in the front row at my wedding, with a huge smile on his face."

See Cuoco on the cover of Cosmo on newsstands April 8.