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Seeking an International Editor

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SheKnows is currently seeking an International Editor.

Welcome to SheKnows where great work and fun collide! The people, the product, and the pace of our company are unique. Although we are an industry leader in what we do, we never want to lose sight of what makes this a great place to work. We carefully select those coming on-board because at the end of the day we couldn't do it without the talents that have built this company.

Description

Highly creative and motivated, the new International Editor at SheKnows will work to oversee content created for and related to our family of international sites including SheKnows Canada, SheKnows Australia and SheKnows United Kingdom. Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university and minimum of 2 years related experience, training required. This person should be a skilled editor, confident in writing, editing and management of freelancers, savvy in web navigation, online marketing and social networking, familiar with internet content best practices and should be always willing to portray the SheKnows network in the best possible light. The ideal candidate will be familiar with the international editorial marketplace, web interaction and trending topics, both in general and as these topics relate specifically to our current international audiences. Knowledge of international trends, topics and tastes is vital to this position.

Candidates must possess the energy and desire to work in a fast-paced environment and the confidence to uphold the integrity of SheKnows Editorial standards.

This is a full-time, in-office position; available immediately.

Responsibilities

This position may include some or all of the following:

  • Management of all content on SheKnows’ international websites
  • Staffing and managing a team of international writers and freelancers
  • Assist in managing the editorial department’s workflow on multiple editorially-driven projects at once
  • Effectively communicate with SheKnows editors, contract writers, columnists and bloggers with editorial direction and coordination for sponsored content
  • Assist in daily site maintenance: uploading, editing and formatting articles, banner ad copy creation, site QA
  • Assure quality content, grammar, spelling, format consistency and overall site continuity on SheKnows owned and operated sites
  • Oversee the project management of editorial projects through completion
  • Bring fresh, innovative ideas to the SheKnows audience and both initiate and oversee site improvements and enhancements
  • Enforce the editorial calendar and SheKnows StyleGuide throughout sites and campaigns
  • Use creative thinking and novel strategies to market SheKnows to other sites and mediums
  • Track progress of content using various metrics including Google Analytics statistics and continually innovate new and effective ways to increase organic traffic

Qualifications

  • Bachelors degree, preferably journalism, marketing, mass communication, public relations
  • 2+ years of experience in the online media industry or magazine publishing
  • International exposure and experience is preferred, including but not limited to international travel, a knowledge of international publications, and connections within those communities
  • Must demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Accurate and timeliness of work performed and strong interaction with departmental staff, sales force and other departments
  • Ability to juggle numerous projects at once under deadline pressure
  • Must be organized and deadline oriented
  • Experience or knowledge of web development is a strong plus
  • Must be proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word
  • Experience in any CMS, Word Press, Joomla, Macromedia Fireworks or Photoshop, and Macromedia Dreamweaver will be a big plus!

To apply

No phone calls please; submit a copy of your cover letter and resume to Crystal.Patriarche@sheknows.com.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
SheKnows.com is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer. The company subscribes to all state and federal regulations and prohibits discrimination based on gender, race, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, marital status, age, religion or veteran status. SheKnows hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States.

Chris Brown is a violent woman-hater... for Halloween

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Chris Brown and his crew dressed as the Taliban to attend Rihanna's Halloween party last night… You know, that violent terrorist group that hates women.

Chris Brown Halloween

Chris Brown makes all the wrong moves all the time, yet his career never seems to suffer. After beating Rihanna senseless nearly four years ago, he is back at the top of his game -- and back in the pop singer's arms. He got a tattoo of a bloody, beaten woman on his neck. He's been caught throwing around gay slurs several times. Now his latest misstep offends on multiple levels, yet he's sure to get away with it again.

Brown and his crew attended Rihanna's Halloween bash, and he posted a pic on Instagram of their group costume: The Taliban. Yup, the incredibly violent terrorist group that saves a special brand of torture just for women.

"Ain't nobody F***ing wit my clique!!!!#ohb" Brown wrote on Twitter when sharing the photo.

Fake Chris Brown files hilarious lawsuit against Rihanna >>

The costumes consisted of what would traditionally be considered Arab garb, with automatic weapons and ammo draped over their shoulders, perpetuating every Muslim stereotype.

Twitter erupted in an uproar over the fact that Brown was wearing such a violent costume to the party of a woman he was convicted of beating bloody, but Rihanna didn't seem to mind. In fact, while not addressing it directly on Twitter, she posted a page from a self-help book that read in part, "…most people who judge others who are actually doing something are the ones who are doing nothing themselves. They put down others trying to lift up themselves."

Chris Brown is throwing around gay slurs again >>

Beyond the Rihanna beating incident tie-in to the costume, Muslim and Arab Twitter users are incensed that it perpetuates a terrible stereotype about their culture: That they are all terrorists. What would the public reaction have been if Justin Timberlake stepped out in blackface?

But Brown's mom says we all need to settle down.

"HALLOWEEN IS FOR FUN NOTHING MORE THAN JUST FUN," Joyce Hawkins tweeted. "GET A LIFE PLEASE."

Tell us: Is Chris Brown's costume offensive?

Image courtesy WENN

Michelle Obama's school lunch program makes kids hungry

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The first lady has put considerable effort into supporting wide-sweeping changes to school lunch programs. Calories have been restricted under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. While the policy is intended to eradicate hunger or malnutrition and encourage healthy eating, some students are still hungry. Can you really mandate meals that will be appropriate for both an 80-pound girl and an athletic, 130-pound boy?

The first lady has put considerable effort into supporting wide-sweeping changes to school lunch programs. Calories have been restricted under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010.

Why one-size-fits-all may not work

While the policy is intended to eradicate hunger or malnutrition and encourage healthy eating, some students are still hungry. Can you really mandate meals that will be appropriate for both an 80-pound girl and an athletic, 130-pound boy?

As long as there have been cafeterias in schools, students have been complaining about the food. What used to consist of meat-and-potatoes fare slopped onto a plate has morphed over the years into prepackaged lunch items that more closely resemble fast food. Complaints now center on the nutritional value of the meals, and whether or not students who eat on campus are eating healthy.

Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act

Supported by the first lady as part of her Let’s Move! Campaign, the act was signed into law by President Obama back in December 2010. According to the White House press release, “The Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 authorizes funding for federal school meal and child nutrition programs and increases access to healthy food for low-income children.” The bill provided for $4.5 billion in new funding for these programs over a 10 year period, with the dual goals of fighting childhood hunger and taking aim at the epidemic of obesity in children.

With almost 32 million students relying on lunches through the school lunch program, these meals need to not just taste appealing but be nutritionally sound. Many low-income students also eat breakfast that is provided for them at school, which means that most of their daily nutritional needs come from school-provided food. When President Obama signed this act, the hope was to provide increased access to healthier options for school children over the next 10 years.

This school actually banned home packed lunches >>

Calories: Guidelines or restrictions?

Under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 there are specific guidelines for how many calories are allowed in each complete lunch. The USDA relied on recommendations made by a panel of experts brought together by the Institute of Medicine. Calorie amounts allowable per lunch were calculated based on the age of the child being served — using an average height and weight — and portion sizes were designed to maintain a healthy weight. The goal was to foster the same healthy changes in eating habits many parents are implementing at home.

Elementary school students in grades kindergarten through fifth are allowed 650 calories per meal. Moving into middle school, lunches served to children in sixth through eighth grades have a slightly increased calorie maximum at 700. By the time they are teenagers in high school, students are allowed 850 calories per meal — about one-third of the total calories they require per day. According to WebMD, active teens between the ages of 14 and 18 years require approximately 2,400 calories per day.

Many students and parents are complaining that the calorie maximums are too one-size-fits-all, and don’t provide enough food for larger, athletic teens who burn more calories. The USDA received an unprecedented 132,000 public comments regarding these proposed standards, and did make modifications where they deemed appropriate.

Students are hungry

"Under the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 there are specific guidelines for how many calories are allowed in each complete lunch."

Through YouTube videos and interviews, students are complaining that the calorie restrictions are leaving them hungry and unable to concentrate on schoolwork. The USDA has released a fact sheet on calories in school meals, to help school authorities answer public concerns. The fact sheet specifically mentions additional options for the very active students. “In addition to making available second helpings of fruits and vegetables at lunch, schools can also structure afterschool snack and supper programs to provide additional foods for those who need them. Many schools have previously found success with parent or school-run booster clubs and may opt to continue this practice.”

Bottom line

Students who eat school lunches can always bring snacks or extra items from home to supplement their calorie intake if they find themselves still hungry in the afternoon. It is difficult to make a one-size-fits-all calorie maximum for meals that works for everyone. Help your child find a healthier way to eat without making him starve by encouraging healthy eating at home as well.

More on healthy kids

How eating organic improves your child's health
How is sugar hurting your kids?
10 Healthiest foods your kids need to be eating

Pumpkin risotto paired with a bourbon cocktail

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Warm up on chilly autumn nights with this festive pumpkin risotto and warming bourbon cocktail.

Pumpkin Risotto

This restaurant-inspired pairing would be perfect for entertaining on a cozy fall evening.

Pumpkin risotto

Recipe compliments of Exective Chef Jason Tilmann of New York City's Triomphe.

Makes 6-8 servings

Ingredients:

  • 1-1/2 cups Arborio rice
  • 1 quart chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 1 medium shallot or 1/2 small onion, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups diced cooked pumpkin
  • 1 tablespoon chopped Italian parsley
  • Kosher salt, to taste

Directions:

  1. Heat the stock to a simmer in a medium saucepan, then lower the heat so that the stock just stays hot.
  2. In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the oil and one tablespoon of the butter over medium heat. When the butter has melted, add the chopped shallot or onion. Saute for two or three minutes or until it is slightly translucent.
  3. Add the rice to the pot and stir it briskly with a wooden spoon so that the grains are coated with the oil and melted butter. Saute for another minute or so, until there is a slightly nutty aroma. But don't let the rice turn brown.
  4. Add the wine and cook while stirring, until the liquid is fully absorbed.
  5. Add a ladle of hot chicken stock to the rice and stir until the liquid is fully absorbed. When the rice appears almost dry, add another ladle of stock and repeat the process. Note: It's important to stir constantly, especially while the hot stock gets absorbed, to prevent scorching, and add the next ladle as soon as the rice is almost dry.
  6. Continue adding ladles of hot stock and stirring the rice while the liquid is absorbed. As it cooks, you'll see that the rice will take on a creamy consistency as it begins to release its natural starches.
  7. Continue adding stock, a ladle at a time, for 20-30 minutes or until the grains are tender but still firm to the bite, without being crunchy. If you run out of stock and the risotto still isn't done, you can finish the cooking using hot water. Just add the water as you did with the stock, a ladle at a time, stirring while it's absorbed.
  8. Stir in the remaining two tablespoons butter, the Parmesan cheese,  the parsley, the pumpkin, and season to taste with kosher salt.
  9. Risotto turns glutinous if held for too long, so you should serve it right away. A properly cooked risotto should form a soft, creamy mound on a dinner plate. It shouldn't run across the plate, nor should it be stiff or gluey.

The expat

This refreshing, aromatic drink is perfect for a fall evening.

Recipe compliments of Theo Lieberman of Lantern's Keep in New York City.

The ExpatIngredients:

  • 2 ounces bourbon
  • 1 ounce fresh lime juice
  • 3/4 ounce simple syrup
  • Mint
  • Angostura bitters

Directions:

  1. Combine ingredients in a shaking tin with ice, shake vigorously and strain into a coupe glass.
  2. Garnish with a mint leaf and Angostura bitters.

More fall recipes

Pumpkin spice granola and yogurt parfaits
Butternut squash ravioli with sage brown butter sauce recipe
Low carb soup recipes for fall

Seeking a Home & Living Editor

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SheKnows is seeking a Home & Living Editor

Welcome to SheKnows where great work and fun collide! The people, the product, and the pace of our company are unique. Although we are an industry leader in what we do, we never want to lose sight of what makes this a great place to work. We carefully select those coming on-board because at the end of the day we couldn't do it without the talents that have built this company.

Description

Highly creative and motivated, the new Home and Living Editor at SheKnows will work to oversee content on all home- and living-related sites within the SheKnows network. Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university and minimum of 2 years related experience, training required. This person should be a skilled editor, confident in writing, editing and management of freelancers, savvy in web navigation, online marketing and social networking, and should be always willing to portray the SheKnows network in the best possible light. The ideal candidate will have previous home and living related experience, such as with a major home magazine or website.

Candidates must possess the energy and desire to work in a fast-paced environment and the confidence to uphold the integrity of SheKnows Editorial standards.

This is a full-time, in-office position; available immediately.

Responsibilities

This position may include some or all of the following:

  • Track progress of content using Google Analytics and create weekly reports on sites' traffic and growth
  • Management of content on SheKnows' Home and Living-related websites
  • Assist in managing the editorial department's workflow on multiple editorially-driven projects at once
  • Effectively communicate with SheKnows editors, contract writers, columnists and bloggers with editorial direction and coordination for the home and living sites
  • Assist in daily site maintenance: uploading, editing and formatting articles, banner ad copy creation, site QA
  • Assure quality content, grammar, spelling, format consistency and overall site continuity on SheKnows owned and operated sites
  • Oversee the project management of editorial projects through completion
  • Bring fresh, innovative ideas to the SheKnows audience and both initiate and oversee site improvements and enhancements
  • Enforce the editorial calendar and SheKnows StyleGuide throughout sites and campaigns
  • Use creative thinking and novel strategies to market SheKnows to other sites and mediums
  • Initiate and coordinate press relations and announcements of site features and projects

Qualifications

  • Bachelors degree, preferably journalism, marketing, mass communication, public relations
  • 2+ years of experience in the online media industry or magazine publishing
  • Experience and/or knowledge of the culinary industry and culinary trends
  • Must demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Accurate and timeliness of work performed and strong interaction with departmental staff, sales force and other departments
  • Ability to juggle numerous projects at once under deadline pressure
  • Must be organized and deadline oriented
  • Experience or knowledge of web development is a strong plus
  • Must be proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word
  • Experience in any CMS, Word Press, Joomla, Macromedia Fireworks or Photoshop, and Macromedia Dreamweaver will be a big plus!

To apply

No phone calls please; submit a copy of your cover letter and resume to Crystal.Patriarche@sheknows.com.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
SheKnows.com is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer. The company subscribes to all state and federal regulations and prohibits discrimination based on gender, race, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, marital status, age, religion or veteran status. SheKnows hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States.

Seeking an Editor

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SheKnows is currently seeking a talented editor.

Welcome to SheKnows where great work and fun collide! The people, the product, and the pace of our company are unique. Although we are an industry leader in what we do, we never want to lose sight of what makes this a great place to work. We carefully select those coming on-board because at the end of the day we couldn't do it without the talents that have built this company.

Description

Highly creative and motivated, the newest Editor at SheKnows will work to oversee content on our growing family of sites. Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university and minimum of 2 years related experience, training required. This person should be a skilled editor, confident in writing, editing and management of freelancers, savvy in web navigation, online marketing and social networking, and should be always willing to portray the SheKnows network in the best possible light.

Candidates must possess the energy and desire to work in a fast-paced environment and the confidence to uphold the integrity of SheKnows Editorial standards.


This is a full-time, in-office position; available immediately.

Responsibilities

This position may include some or all of the following:

  • Management of content on SheKnows’ family of websites
  • Assist in managing the editorial department’s workflow on multiple editorially-driven projects at once
  • Effectively communicate with SheKnows editors, contract writers, columnists and bloggers with editorial direction and coordination
  • Assist in daily site maintenance: uploading, editing and formatting articles, banner ad copy creation, newsletters, site QA
  • Assure quality content, grammar, spelling, format consistency and overall site continuity on SheKnows owned and operated sites
  • Oversee the project management of editorial projects through completion
  • Bring fresh, innovative ideas to the SheKnows audience and both initiate and oversee site improvements and enhancements
  • Enforce the editorial calendar and SheKnows StyleGuide throughout sites and campaigns
  • Use creative thinking and novel strategies to market SheKnows to other sites and mediums
  • Initiate and coordinate press relations and announcements of site features and projects
  • Track progress of content using Google Analytics and create weekly reports on sites’ traffic and growth

Qualifications

  • Bachelors degree, preferably journalism, marketing, mass communication, public relations
  • 2+ years of experience in the online media industry or magazine publishing
  • Must demonstrate strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Accurate and timeliness of work performed and strong interaction with departmental staff, sales force and other departments
  • Ability to juggle numerous projects at once under deadline pressure
  • Must be organized and deadline oriented
  • Experience or knowledge of web development is a strong plus
  • Must be proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Excel, Word
  • Experience in any CMS, Word Press, Joomla, Macromedia Fireworks or Photoshop, and Macromedia Dreamweaver will be a big plus!

To apply

No phone calls please; submit a copy of your cover letter and resume to Crystal.Patriarche@sheknows.com.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
SheKnows.com is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer. The company subscribes to all state and federal regulations and prohibits discrimination based on gender, race, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, marital status, age, religion or veteran status. SheKnows hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States.

Jodie Foster snags Golden Globes' biggest award

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Jodie Foster has broken the streak. For the first time in a long time, a woman will take home The Hollywood Foreign Press Association's Cecil B. DeMille Award. The award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry.

Jodie Foster

Next year's Golden Globes will be filled with girl power. Last week, it was announced that Tina Fey and Amy Poehler will co-host the ceremony. And Thursday, we learned another woman will headline the show.

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association has announced the 2013 recipient of their coveted Cecil B. DeMille Award -- Jodie Foster.

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler set to host the 2013 Golden Globes >>

HFPA president Aida Takla-O’Reilly says, “Jodie is a multifaceted woman that has achieved immeasurable amounts of success and will continue to do so in her career. Her ambition, exuberance and grace have helped pave the way for budding artists in this business. She’s truly one of a kind.”

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Foster's been acting professionally since she was 3 years old. Now at 49, she has more than 70 credits to her name. She's one of the few actors to successfully make the transition from child star to adult roles. In the 1970s, she appeared in Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, Freaky Friday, and most famously, Taxi Driver.

As an adult, she's earned two Oscars and Golden Globes for outstanding lead actress in The Accused and The Silence of the Lambs. By the HFPA choosing Foster, it has shown that women are still on its radar. It has been 12 years since a woman has been honored with the DeMille Award, the last one being Barbra Streisand in 2000.

Other notable recipients include Walt Disney, Judy Garland, James Stewart, Alfred Hitchcock, Bette Davis, Lucille Ball, Lauren Bacall, Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn, Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese and most recently Morgan Freeman.

The Golden Globes will air live Jan. 13, 2013, on NBC at 8/7c.

Photo credit: Nikki Nelson/WENN

Famous November birthday baby names

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Whether you are expecting a baby in the month of November or celebrate a birthday in this autumn month, find out who you share a birthday with in our list of famous November birthday baby names. Many U.S. presidents celebrate a birthday this month, including James Polk and James Garfield. From writers, such as Dracula’s Bram Stoker, to celebs , find out who celebrates a birthday in November.

If you are expecting a baby in the month of November, you may be wondering who your child will share a birthday with. From American icons to Hollywood legends and current stars, check out the famous birthday names in the month of November. You can even click on the name to find out the meaning and origin of the names, as well!

November 1

November 2

November 3

November 4

November 5

November 6

November 7

November 8

November 9

November 10

November 11

November 12

November 13

November 14

November 15

  • Shailene Woodley
  • Sam Waterson
  • Zena Grey

November 16

November 17

November 18

November 19

November 20

November 21

November 22

November 23

November 24

November 25

November 26

November 27

November 28

November 29

November 30

November holidays and horoscopes

The most famous popular holiday in the month of November is Thanksgiving, which falls on the fourth Thursday of the month. All Saint’s Day and Day of the Dead fall on November 1, while All Soul’s Day is on November 2.

As far as horoscopes, if you are born between October 23 and November 21 you are a Scorpio. If you are born between November 22 through December 21 you are a Sagittarius.

More baby name ideas

Famous October birthday baby names
Thanksgiving inspired baby names
Preppy baby names


Check out Malibu Country & Last Man Standing

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The '90s are calling and they want their stars back. In the meantime, we might as well laugh it up.

Reba McEntire and Tim Allen

Last year, when NBC announced Last Man Standing, millions of fathers in households full of girls grunted and nodded in appreciation. It was their version of Home Improvement, complete with the manly man father and the hapless but intelligent mother. If Tim "The Tool Man" Taylor thought it was rough raising three boys in the '90s, he should try raising three girls in the 2000s. Oh, wait. He is.

Speaking of the '90s, we can't forget Reba McEntire. Sure, Reba, which aired from 2001-2007 , was a relatively cute show and a decent way to spend an afternoon while playing hooky. And, OK, fine, nearly every little girl from the '80s and '90s knows the words to "Fancy." But we all breathed a heavy sigh of relief when Reba ended. We could only hope McEntire's break would put an end to her duets with Kelly Clarkson and terrifying amount of cleavage our country music idol liked to show off at awards shows.

But, now she's back with her adorable accent and the same story line from last time.

Reba and Lily -- Malibu Country

Here's the gist of Malibu Country: Country star sleeps around. Country star's wife, Reba, finds out about it. Reba leaves country star and moves the rest of her family, including her mother, to her former husband's secret love nest in Malibu.

While there, she must learn to adjust to the California way of life, as well as her new life as a single mother. All this needs to be an exact replica of Reba is for her ex and his new lover to move into the beach house next door.

We're still on the fence with the Reba-ncarnation. Last Man Standing is a cute, funny show with a decent following. That's certainly a key factor in why they've paired it up with the new Malibu Country.

NBC is hoping Last Man Standing viewers will stick around for the funny and sassy Reba afterward. Maybe they will.

We're willing to give it a try. As long as NBC doesn't try to bring back the mullet, we're cool.

Photos courtesy of WENN and NBC

Work with your kids to support victims of superstorm Sandy

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As millions of Americans struggle to recover from the devastating effects of superstorm Sandy, learn what your family can do to help with disaster relief. Help your kids process their feelings about the storm by getting them involved with relief efforts.

As millions of Americans struggle to recover from the devastating effects of superstorm Sandy, learn what your family can do to help with disaster relief.

How to help
families in need

Help your kids process their feelings about the storm by getting them involved with relief efforts.

With each passing day, the news from the aftermath of superstorm Sandy becomes bleaker. The storm is now blamed for over 80 deaths in the United States. Millions are without power and basic necessities. Children may become overwhelmed or anxious over news of the storm and loss of life. Help your children cope by involving them in positive efforts to relieve victims of the storm.

Raise money for relief organizations

In the immediate aftermath of a storm, dozens of relief organizations mobilize to assist victims. When you talk to your kids about the storm, focus on the ways that people are helping each other. Ask your kids to help you brainstorm ways to raise funds to donate to relief organizations. For example, younger kids can donate portions of their allowances, teens can consign clothes or babysit, and families can host bake sales. If you donate money online, walk your kids through the process and talk about what that money is being used for.

Ways you can help

Here are some organizations currently reaching out to victims on the East Coast. If your child is age-appropriate, sit down with her and take a look at these websites to share stories of what people are doing to help victims. Talk about the sacrifices you can make as a family to budget for cash donations.

Give blood

While kids can’t personally give blood, you can involve them by talking about why it’s important to donate blood in times of need. If your kids are old enough to accompany you, bring them along to your local donation center or blood drive. This is a great chance to expose kids to a process that they may have anxiety about. If you’re afraid of needles or don’t handle giving blood well, go ahead and leave them at home during the process. Ask the blood drive staff if they have flyers or other promotional materials your children can distribute at school. Visit American Red Cross to find out where to give blood or attend a local drive.

Collect goods for storm victims

As you discuss the storm with your kids, talk about basic everyday goods that they may take for granted. Storm victims are in need of items like diapers, food and basic toiletries. In most cases, it’s best to donate money. Relief organizations have more experience distributing funds properly and buying the goods that are important. However, if you have contact with local relief groups asking for non-perishable donations, it’s perfectly fine to help them out. Help your kids organize a small drive through their classroom, your neighborhood association or place of worship.

More on giving back

8 Ways you can help fight hunger
Volunteering opportunities for teens
Ways to volunteer as a family

Creepy & weird: Amy Winehouse's wedding dress stolen

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The super-short, white wedding dress Amy Winehouse wore during her 2007 wedding to Blake Fielder Civil was stolen Thursday from the late singer's London home.

The Amy Winehouse wedding dress was stolen.

The Amy Winehouse Foundation reports two dresses were stolen from Amy Winehouse's home in London, including her 2007 wedding dress. The other dress was a newsprint cocktail dress.

The foundation was set to auction off the two dresses in London and New York in an effort to increase funding for its causes. The Amy Winehouse Foundation is dedicated to a multitude of charities, such as children's hospices and drug counseling. Amy Winehouse died at age 27 from alcohol intoxication in July 2011.

Amy Winehouse's ex 'keeps waking up' from coma >>

Amy Winehouse's father, Mitch Winehouse, told the London Evening Standard he was "baffled" why someone would take the wedding dress and newspaper dress instead of the much more valuable designer clothes.

Winehouse's wedding dress was a short, white halter dress with red anchors that she wore to her wedding to Blake Fielder Civil in May 2007. The couple had a civil ceremony in London and were married for two years. Sadly, for most of their marriage, Winehouse and Civil lived a life tormented by the paparazzi and filled with a multitude of hard drugs such as heroin and ecstasy.

Amy Winehouse's father points fingers in his new book >>

A spokesman for the Amy Winehouse Foundation spoke to Reuters and confirmed Winehouse's home showed no evidence of a break-in. Instead, insiders believe someone with access to the home and garments stole the newsprint cocktail dress and the wedding dress as they had just been cataloged and stored in the days before the theft.

Mitch Winehouse was devastated over the theft Amy's wedding dress. "It's sickening that someone would steal something in the knowledge of its sentimental value."

A police report will be filed.

Photo courtesy of Alex Jackson / WENN.com

Simple baking tips

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Every now and then you may encounter a problem while baking and not know how to solve it without starting from scratch. However, some problems are fixable and, with just a few simple tips and tricks, you’ll have perfect baked goods every time.

Baking with kids

Problem #1

Hard brown sugar

I have run into this problem more than one time but there is a simple quick fix: place the hard brown sugar in a microwave-safe bowl with a bowl of water next to it; microwave it for about 1 minute, or until brown sugar is softened .

To prevent this problem altogether, make sure to store brown sugar in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. You can also store it in the freezer and defrost it at room temperature a few hours before using.

Problem #2

Burnt bottoms

This is very common problem in many kitchens, the tops of your cookies, brownies, or cupcakes are perfectly fine, yet the bottoms are charred black. Instead of throwing them away, you can salvage most of them.

Try the most obvious solution first: scrape or cut off the burnt part, this will most likely save your sweets. If the burnt part is really bad, then scrape off what you can and crumble the rest to use as toppings on ice cream.

To prevent burning, line the bottom of the baking pan with parchment or wax paper to prevent the pan from getting super hot. You can also bake the cookies on the top or middle rack in the oven to keep them farther away from the heating coil. Keep a close eye on them and you will enjoy perfectly baked sweets all the time.

Problem #3

Hard cookies and brownies

If your cookies and brownies become hard after a day or two, add a slice of bread to the cookie jar when you store them, this will keep cookies soft. You also should store them in an airtight container to ensure the moisture stays in.

Problem #4

Too much liquid added

If you accidentally measure incorrectly and add too much liquid to the batter or dough and you know how much extra liquid you added, just double the recipe. Otherwise, simply stir in a few teaspoons of cornstarch or cake flour until the batter thickens.

Problem #5

Too much flour added

Adding too much flour to your batter can make your cakes, cookies, and brownies extra dense and cakey. If you have added extra flour, add a little extra liquid ; be sure not to add too much or the batter will be too thin.

No bake cookies

No bake chocolate oatmeal cookies

These no bake chocolate oatmeal cookies are quick, easy, and delicious!

More baking tips

Basic cookies made special
How to make the best brownies
6 Tempting desserts

Celebrity Halloween costumes: Funny or tacky?

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With the bewitching hour behind us, we finally get to see what Halloween costumes celebs decided to don this year. But when does dress-up go from entertaining to plain insulting? Jessica Simpson rocked satirical style while other stars missed the mark.

Chris Brown and Friends Halloween 2012 Costumes

Chris Brown & gang

So Chris Brown and his merry band of thugs thought it clever to dress as Osama bin Laden and the Taliban for Halloween, posting this picture to Twitter with the caption “Ain’t nobody f*****g wit my clique!!!!” Methinks Mr. Brown may have missed the memo as to what constitutes funny and what is just in poor taste. Domestic violence? Not OK! Pretending to be proud members of a terrorist organization currently waging a jihad against America? Weird… also inappropriate. Maybe next year he should go as a douchebag — he won’t even have to dress up for that one.

Chris Brown is throwing around gay slurs again >>

Jessica Simpson, Eric Johnson, and Baby Maxwell Halloween Costumes 2012

Jessica Simpson, Eric Johnson and Maxi

Taking advantage of a family photo opp moment, Jessica Simpson and Eric Johnson grabbed baby Maxwell and struck a pose while the little family was decked out in their Halloween garb — which looked like it was plucked right out of a scene in Braveheart. Jess, the sexy Scottish wench, and Eric, the William-Wallace-esque warrior, cradled cute Maxi… the poultry. Sure, it’s slightly unnerving that the couple chose to disguise their offspring as dinner fare, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t funny. The quasi-cannibalistic humor gains these guys’ major comedic points in our book.

Jessica Simpson's hot for Halloween >>


Sean Combs Halloween Costumes 2012Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs

Apparently terrorism humor is hot this year in celebrity circles. Sean Combs, aka P. Diddy, decided to join in on the joke by donning what appears to be a Sacha Baron Cohen get-up a la The Dictator. His caption — albeit lacking any major spelling or grammar issues — is about as charming as Brown’s: “Happy Halloween b****es! Suck my dictator.” Perhaps he is the puppet master to Chris Brown’s Taliban crew. Or perhaps he and Chris are in cahoots on some twisted version of Making the Band . Either way, we much prefer Diddy dressed up in his other costume — iconic pop star Prince.

Hollywood Halloween Round 1: Attack of the cliché costumes >>

Ellen DeGeneres Halloween Costume 2012 FrontEllen DeGeneres Halloween Costume 2012 BackEllen DeGeneres

On a special episode of her show, Ellen debuted her Halloween costume to the world… and to her buddy/guest star Sofia Vergara, who just so happened to be the inspiration behind the voluptuous look. In a padded sequin dress giving her ample curves , Ellen could have easily offended sexy Sofia. Fortunately, Sofia — like us — found the outrageous ensemble to be hilarious. Besides, once people start making fun of your a** in this industry, you’ve pretty much made it. So, congrats, Sofia… you may now look forward to being the butt of many more jokes to come.

Ellen DeGeneres is Sofia Vergara for Halloween >>

Images, from top to bottom, courtesy of: Chris Brown/Twitter, Jessica Simpson/Twitter, Diddy/Instagram, WENN.com

Khloe Kardashian debuts nipples on The X Factor

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Khloe Kardashian made quite the impression during her first night hosting on The X Factor.

khloe kardashian nip slip on the x factor

Khloe Kardashian's first night hosting The X Factor went pretty well, considering millions of viewers got an eyeful of her nipple. Yes, seriously. Mrs. Lamar Odom wore a sheer purple blouse during her hosting debut — sans bra, of course. She soon recognized her mistake.

O.J. Simpson adds 'daughter' Khloe Kardashian to his will? >>

"I think I had a little nip action earlier," she tweeted midway through the Wednesday night show, adding that the studio air conditioning was "on high tonight."

At least Simon Cowell was appreciative.

"May I say, Khloe, you're looking sexy tonight," the British judge told the 28-year-old reality star.

"You love it!" Khloe spouted back.

Celebody: Khloe Kardashian says she's 'more athletic' than her sisters >>

She eventually covered up, but we have to wonder who exactly looked over her outfit and let her appear on national television without some undergarments. It's not the first time it's happened, either. Khloe appeared on Fox & Friends in January 2011 with sister Kourtney Kardashian and showed off her nips via a sheer Givenchy top.

"My mom just called me saying my nip slip is 'all over the internet!' Ha!" she tweeted after the appearance. "Is it weird that I love it?! Who knew nipples were so special?"

"As I'm sure you've all heard , I had a bit of a nip slip this morning on Fox & Friends! Whoops!!! My stylist Monica Rose DID tell me to wear a bra with that sheer top but being the naughty girl that I am I disobeyed and went bra-less," she later added on her bra. "I have a nipple obsession and personally love when women show their nipples — perhaps I was a member of a nudist colony in my last life."

Khloe Kardashian: Divorce? What divorce? >>

It must run in the family: In October, sister Kim Kardashian showed off her ample rear in a sheer black skirt while out to dinner with boyfriend Kanye West. Mom Kris Jenner also showed off her nipples last week in a TwitPic of her Wonder Woman costume.

Any attention is good attention, right? That's the Kardashian mantra.

Image courtesy Ivan Nikolov/WENN.com

Francis Lawrence to direct the next 3 Hunger Games films

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The next three Hunger Games films officially have a director as Lionsgate announces its choice for director to continue the series.

FrancisLawrenceHelmsTheHungerGames

It looks like Lionsgate is happy with the work director Francis Lawrence is doing on the current Hunger Games film because it announced on Thursday that he will continue with the franchise.

Lawrence is currently filming The Hunger Games:  Catching Fire, but his job won't end there. He will stick it out for parts 1 and 2 of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay.

The best-selling young adult book series by Suzanne Collins first hit the big screen in March and went on to gross more than $686 million worldwide.

The series focuses on a post-apocalyptic world from the perspective of 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen. The Hunger Games are an annual event where young teens battle each other to the death in a televised broadcast.

The first film was directed by Gary Ross, but it is Lawrence who is taking the next three films of the trilogy. He is known for movies such as Will Smith's I Am Legend and Water for Elephants with Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon.

The next film will open on Nov. 22, 2013, and will continue Katniss' journey as played by actress Jennifer Lawrence, who is not related to the director. She seemed to approve of the second film's new director as she told the Los Angeles Times, "The new movie will be very real, which is what I’m excited about. I really like [new director] Francis Lawrence's take, which is a lot of what I liked in Gary Ross."

Mockingjay, Part 1 already has a release date of Nov. 21, 2014, and MockingjayPart 2 opens Nov. 20, 2015, so get those calendars marked now.

Catching Fire began filming in September with the Oscar-nominated actress and Liam Hemsworth returning to their respective roles of Katniss and Gale Hawthorne.

Image courtesy of Robert Wallace/ WENN.com

Miley Cyrus goes Minaj, makes out with unicorn Liam

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Check out Miley Cyrus as Nicki Minaj! The engaged young star dressed as the bootylicious rapper for Halloween 2012. Although the outfit was outrageous, is it as crazy as Ms. Miley getting covered in cake — and kissing a unicorn-headed Liam Hemsworth? There's a whole lot to see in the "Decisions" video, that's for sure.

Miley Cyrus

She may be Miley Cyrus by day, but it's "Nicki Minaj" on Halloween night, thank you very much!

Revealing her celebrity costume for 2012, Miley Cyrus tweeted this image of herself and Mandy Jiroux Wednesday, writing, "@NICKIMINAJ you a stupppppiddddd hoe #stupittttstupitttt."

Miley Cyrus is Honey Boo Boo's biggest fan >>

While Miley Cyrus was in good company with many other celebrity Halloween revelers, the morning light brought about another work day for the 19-year-old actress and singer.

The "Decisions" video, featuring Miley Cyrus and EDM producer Borgore, debuted Thursday. Watch below as the songstress, fiancé Liam Hemsworth, adult-film star Jessie Andrews, and Borgore have their cake and fight with it, too!

Be sure not to miss the bit where Miley Cyrus makes out with unicorn-head wearing Liam Hemsworth, giving all a glimpse at some serious tongue-action!

Miley Cyrus talks about proposal, Liam gets a matching tattoo >>

Giving insight into the former Disney star's coming of age that's playing out before our eyes, Jessie Andrews told MTV News, "I understand where she's coming from, trying to break away from that. She doesn't want to be Hannah Montana anymore; she wants to be her own person. ... The way she's dressing, the hair, the music — everything is outside of the box. It didn't really surprise me."

Are you a fan of the "Decisions" video? What do you think of Miley Cyrus' Nicki Minaj look?

Image via WENN

CeeLo Green's sexual battery case continues

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CeeLo Green's sexual battery case continues, as the woman accusing him comes forward with possibly damning evidence.

CeeLoGreenSexualBatteryCeeLo Green's sexual battery case may have just taken a more serious turn, if the allegations turn out to be true.

TMZ is reporting today that the woman who accused the singer of sexual battery also has a recording of Green apologizing for slipping her a drug after going on a dinner date in July. The accuser does not remember anything beyond having a drink at the restaurant.

She allegedly woke up in bed naked, next to the singer. She did report the incident to her home state's local authorities, who then transferred the report to the LAPD.

The woman was directed by detectives to make a "pretext" call, in which the accuser tries to get the alleged perpetrator to admit to the crime. Supposedly, Green apologized several times and dropped the word MDMA, or Ecstasy, throughout the conversation. According to the conversation, he thought the drug would make their evening more pleasurable, but it was not clear how the drug was administered.

The detectives are questioning the staff at the restaurant to see if they witnessed anything out of the ordinary as well.

On the flip side, the lawyer for The Voice judge tells a much different story, with the woman hiring a civil lawyer before she went to law enforcement. CeeLo Green's legal rep also says that the woman asked for money to make the case go away.

There are other rumors floating around. One holds that the accuser's lawyer called Green's manager to see if the "Forget You" singer had any sexually transmitted diseases, but that no money was demanded.

Whatever the real story is, the whole thing is a mess, and Green is denying any sexual battery charge.

As he told TMZ, "Nothing ever happened there or anywhere else."

Image courtesy of Nikki Nelson / WENN.com

Baby-proofing tricks for when you rent

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Baby proofing a rental home, apartment or condo brings about its own set of questions and concerns, including pool fences, installing baby gates and cabinet locks. Even if you are not sure how long you will be in your rental, baby proofing is an essential part of keeping your baby safe and happy.

baby proofing a rental

Baby proofing your rental home is necessary to keep your baby safe and your sanity intact. Knowing your baby can play in a house that is safe will give you peace of mind — but what should you do if you live in a rental home, apartment or condo?

Pool fences options for rental homes

Protecting your child from drowning should be at the top of your baby-proofing list. A pool fence is a must and all apartments should already come equipped with a standard pool fence. If your rental home does not have a pool fence, talk with your landlord about putting one in — and be prepared to possibly split the cost or pay for it completely. You can also consider a kid-safe pool safety net. You cannot put a price on safety and the importance of putting a barrier around your pool cannot be stressed enough. At the very least, install alarms on all your doors so you know when they are open and place locks up high so children cannot reach them to open the door.

Here are some baby-proofing tips for your bathroom >>

Baby gates

Another concern for parents who rent is installing baby gates. If you want to gate a room off from the rest of the house, a pressure-mounted gate is easy to use and doesn't require drilling into the wall. If your rental home has stairs, you must install a permanent or hardware-mounted gate that is drilled into the wall for safety. Talk to your landlord about this and be aware that you may have to pay for any wall repairs once the gate is removed — but it is worth it to protect your baby from falling down the stairs. A permanent gate must be installed at the top of the stairs, however a pressure-mounted gate will be fine for the bottom of the stairs. Most experts recommend stair gates from ages 0-2.

Upper level apartments and two-story homes

If you live in the upper level of an apartment or a two-story house, do not place Baby's crib or other furniture near a window, as many children are injured each year by climbing and falling out of windows. In fact, a study showed that an average of 14 children are injured each day from falling out of windows. The highest risk group is age 2, with boys falling out of windows more than girls.

Anchor all furniture and heavy appliances

Make sure you anchor all furniture and heavy appliances, including shelves, dressers, TV stands and refrigerators to the wall to prevent them from falling on top of Baby if he decides to try to climb on the furniture — as curious babies and toddlers tend to do. Use a strap or L-shaped bracket to drill into the wall. Your landlord should not have an issue with this, as it won't leave a large hole in the wall.

Cabinet lock options for rental homes

It is a good idea to install cabinet locks in your kitchen and bathrooms, however some of these devices do require drilling into the wood. Talk to your landlord first for approval and be aware you may have to pay for repairs once the hardware is removed. Another option is installing drill-free cabinet locks, which often feature a handle lock that fits outside of the cabinet. Other options include putting a gate up to prevent your child from getting into the kitchen or bathroom — or simply remove all dangerous items and put them up and out of reach.

Outlet covers

Lastly, outlet covers are inexpensive, easy to install and are easy to remove when you move out.

Check out the top 10 baby-proofing mistakes >>

More on safety

Do baby monitors really keep babies safe?
Child safety checklist for the home
Crib safety: Is your baby's sleep space safe?

Steven Tyler f-bombs The Today Show

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Steven Tyler proves he's not ready for morning television, as he wakes up half the country with a good old-fashioned f-bomb.

In what might have offended half of America and made the other half giggle over their cereal, Steven Tyler made quite an appearance on The Today Show this morning. He dropped an f-bomb live on the air, while Al Roker was finishing up the weather.

The slip of the tongue occurred during the 8 a.m. hour while Roker was giving his final words on today's weather. Tyler was psyching up the crowd in anticipation of his band's performance, but it seems he had no clue that his microphone was on.

In the background of Roker's report, the Aerosmith leader yelled, "Hey y'all, thanks for coming out, you crazy f***kers."

The meteorologist's quick reply was priceless, as he quipped, "What did he just say? That's why they haven't done mornings."

As if that weren't bad enough, it was actually Tyler's second gaffe of the morning.

Earlier in the show, during a promo spot with his band, he said straight to the camera, "Good morning, America."

It seems the former American Idol judge hasn't been following the morning show ratings, because the ABC news program he mistakenly mentioned has been handily beating Today ever since the Ann Curry debacle this summer.

Of course, the always-joking Roker again had the best comeback of the morning by saying, "No, no, no, no. That's why they haven't done morning television! They don't even know what show they are on!"

No word yet on whether Al will be buying Aerosmith's new album, Music From Another Dimension, which drops on Tuesday, Nov. 6.


Image courtesy of Andres Otero/ WENN.com

Giant pumpkin cinnamon roll cake recipe

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Why eat a pumpkin cinnamon roll like everyone else? In this super fun recipe, we transform this treat into something huge and spectacular. You will surely be the talk of the holiday gathering with this treat.

Giant pumpkin cinnamon roll cake recipe

We all love pumpkin and we all love cinnamon rolls, right? So why not make this recipe bigger and better than all the others. Literally! Here we took a basic pumpkin cinnamon roll recipe, and, instead of making individual servings, we created a massive pumpkin roll to serve in slices. This impressive fun recipe looks like it took all day to create but it's super easy and super fun!

Giant pumpkin cinnamon roll recipe

Giant pumpkin cinnamon roll cake recipe

Inspired by my baking addiction

Serves 8 to 10

Ingredients:

  • 1 large baking sheet
  • Cooking spray
  • Parchment paper

For the dough

  • 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons of warm water
  • 1/4 cup butter, softened at room temperature
  • 2-1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1-3/4 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1/4 cup nonfat dry milk
  • 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 packet instant or quick rise yeast

For the filling

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
  • 2/3 cup dark brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice

For the frosting

  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

Directions:

  1. In a mixer add all of the dough ingredients and mix until the dough is soft and smooth. It will most likely be pretty sticky. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl and cover with a dish towel. Allow the dough to rise in a dark place for about one-and-one-half hours or until doubled in size.
  2. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line the baking sheet with parchment paper and spray lightly with cooking spray and set aside. Once the dough has risen, turn it onto a floured surface and roll into a large rectangle as thin as possible without it breaking. Use a pastry brush or the back of a large spoon to evenly spread the softened butter over the dough but leaving about a one inch border.
  3. In a small bowl mix all of the filling ingredients together and sprinkle over the entire surface of the dough. Starting with the shortest end of the dough begin slowly rolling the dough into a log keeping the dough as tight as possible. Once you have the log assembled cut the dough in half so that you have two long logs .
  4. On the cookie sheet take one of the logs and gently begin to coil the dough until it begins to resemble a large cinnamon roll. Continue with the second piece of dough until the entire roll is assembled. Bake the roll for about 35-45 minutes, depending on your oven or until it is baked thru and golden brown. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
  5. For the glaze, mix the cream cheese, softened butter, maple syrup, powdered sugar and pumpkin pie spice until nice and creamy. If you would like to thin it out add a little bit of cream or milk until the desired consistency is reached. Drizzle over the roll and cut into slices as you would a cake or a pie. Serve warm.

More pumpkin recipes

Pumpkin spice granola and yogurt parfaits
Pumpkin orange scones
Creamy pumpkin soup

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