Fall seasonal detox foods

Fruits and vegetables that are nutrient dense — containing a variety of vitamins and minerals — will help support your liver's natural cleansing and detoxification process. These types of foods also naturally contain fiber. A fibrous diet is key for regular elimination, which is one of the body's main methods for detoxification.

• Apple: Fiber and antioxidant vitamin C
• Pear: Fiber, copper, vitamin C and vitamin K
• Broccoli: Fiber, calcium, chromium, zinc, vitamin E and manganese
• Cauliflower: Fiber, vitamin B6, magnesium and potassium
• Butternut squash: Fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C and folate

In one day, you can enjoy all five foods!

Lunch: Fall detox bowl

Serves 2

Ingredients:*

• 1 small butternut squash
• 2 cups cauliflower
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 2 cups broccoli
• 4 tablespoons almonds, slivered
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon sea salt

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Chop the butternut squash in half and then, with a spoon, scoop out the seeds.
3. Skin the butternut squash and then dice it into 1/2-inch squares.
4. Chop the cauliflower into small florets.
5. Toss squash and cauliflower with one tablespoon of coconut oil and place on a baking sheet to roast in the oven at 425 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Meanwhile, as squash and cauliflower are cooking, wash and chop broccoli and add it to a medium-sized bowl.
7. Combine broccoli with slivered almonds, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, olive oil and sea salt.
8. When squash and cauliflower are finished cooking, let them cool for 15 minutes and then add them to the bowl and toss everything together. Enjoy!

Afternoon snack: Cinnamon apple smoothie

Makes one 12-ounce smoothie

Ingredients:*

• 1 apple, cored
• 1 pear, cored
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 2 tablespoons whole chia seeds
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions:

1. Place ingredients in a high-speed blender and pulse for 30-60 seconds.
2. Enjoy immediately.

*Choosing organic ingredients is highly recommended to support cleansing and detoxing.

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The three new scents, called Cherished, Radiant and Sultry, are a long-awaited accomplishment for the actress, as she was approached about making a fragrance for two decades, People reported.

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"I have been asked to do a celebrity fragrance for 20 years," Barrymore said earlier this year at an event. "And I always said no, because I was completely convinced there would be nothing authentic about me in a, like, sensual setting trying to promote this fabulous fragrance."

But after learning that she could create a "beauty brand" instead of a "celebrity brand" after working for CoverGirl for several years, Barrymore realized she could make cosmetics for real women, and a fragrance could be an awesome addition to her products.

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"I got excited about doing a fragrance, because it was a natural progression in the Flower Beauty brand," she added. "The thing that got me the most excited about it was the potential story behind it."

So, with her three new fragrances, Barrymore hopes to tell the daily story of a woman through the different scents.

"I'm not the same person every day and I don't wear the same thing every day," Barrymore explained. "I celebrate that about myself."

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Barrymore went on to describe the fragrances, saying that the vanilla-like Cherished represents the happiness of being in a messy, but loved home such as hers with her daughters. Radiant is about feeling refreshed and empowered with a scent reminiscent of the woods and "dewy greens."

Sultry has a plum and jasmine scent and is all about ending the day on a high note, and still feeling sexy with possible room for romance at the end of it.

The Blended star's new perfumes will hit shelves at Wal-Mart in early October.

But a new offer from Sprint's mobile pre-paid, no-contract brand, Virgin Mobile USA, lets customers buy unlimited access to certain content and apps — like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram — which by definition identifies, labels and gives special consideration to specific kinds of data. It's the opposite of net neutrality.

You can get a Facebook-only phone for $12 a month. You can also get a Twitter, Instagram or Pinterest phone. For an extra $5 you can stream unlimited music.

Here's how the plan works. You can get up to five lines for just under $7 a month and pick add-ons which include unlimited texting, and voice plans and special add ons that give customers unlimited access to apps including Facebook or Pandora. The carrier also offers 30 minutes of international calling to specific countries.

"Custom represents both our first multi-line plan and a new model for buying no-contract wireless that gives consumers greater choice and control than ever before," says Dow Draper, president of Sprint Prepaid Group. "Our customers will have a whole new level of spending management, plan customization and parental control. They can tailor what they pay for to match their own and their family's needs."

The new plans are intended to attract parents who want more control over their kids' data consumption, and also gives Sprint a play for lower-income customers who rely solely on their smartphone for internet access — about one in four smartphone users, according to data from the Pew Research Internet Project. Certainly a hefty market segment. Nonetheless, it's nothing if not in direct opposition to the idea of a free and open internet.

It's worth mentioning that this sort of data usage and billing flexibility is something mobile carriers have wanted to offer for a long time. Otherwise, they would have been doing it already. It's smart business to charge a premium for the data people want most. But in the past, the technology infrastructure wasn't smart or flexible enough to make it happen. Sprint has recently put a slick, new platform behind its Virgin Mobile USA pre-paid brand, called ItsOn, which lets the carrier do these types of data and billing acrobatics for the first time. Instead of a rigid billing system that tracks a month's worth of data and spits out a report, ItsOn gives Sprint and Virgin Mobile USA the unique ability to make these on-the-fly changes to a customer's plan, bill or access. Another promise behind the flexible on-demand technology infrastructure is the ability for certain companies to sponsor data for customers as part of a branding or promotional campaign.

For Sprint, they say it's all about giving their customers more choice and letting them only buy what they use.

"This is really just part of a broader effort toward customization," Dow Draper, president of prepaid at Sprint told the Wall Street Journal.

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1. Put dishes somewhere

Your whole kitchen will feel so much cleaner if you can just stash those dirty plates somewhere out of sight. Tuck them into the dishwasher (and turn it on while you’re at it) or even the oven. Don’t gasp! This is a last-minute trick, not a permanent solution.

Photo credit: Complete Home Renovation

No dishes here, folks, just some flowers. Farmhouse sink via AK Complete Home Renovation on Hometalk.

2. Clear those counters

Another tip for a total transformation — clear off your kitchen counters. Group utensils into jars, or dump your keys and mail into an attractive box or basket (more on the amazing "cleaning" powers of baskets next). This also applies to your tables: coffee tables, end tables, console tables and, of course, the kitchen table.

Photo credit: The Dedicated House

This kitchen? It's clear! Excellent use of containers and baskets by The Dedicated House on Hometalk.

3. Baskets, baskets, baskets

This one-stop-shop solution will solve nearly all of your "mess" problems. Clothes on the floor? Toss them into a basket hamper. Magazines, books or other living room clutter? Vanished into a nice rattan basket. Odds and ends floating around the kitchen table, a desk or a counter? Place them into some nice baskets. Just about anything can be hidden in a nice looking wicker or rattan basket.

Photo credit: Wayfair

Basket storage in action via Wayfair on Hometalk.

4. Magician's trick: flowers

Made of fake or real flowers, a beautiful bouquet will distract the eye from quite a lot. Have at least one full bouquet in each room your guests may enter. Even you will be amazed by the classic magician tactic of misdirection.

Photo credit: Tips for Cleaner

These DIY flowers are actually paper. Paper flower tutorial via Tips for Cleaners on Hometalk.

5. Dust if your must

If you have to pick one or two chores to actually complete, dust is one problem that is immediately obvious to guests. So clean smarter, not harder, by dusting first and then vacuuming.

Don’t have time to dust all the blinds? Turn the blinds the other direction. Genius!

Photo credit: Bliss at Home

With great beauty comes great dusting responsibility. Beautifully styled bookcase via Bliss at Home on Hometalk.

6. All in order with hors d'oeuvres

If you can whip out some chilled wine or finger foods (like those little individual Laughing Cow cheeses) on an attractive serving platter, you’ll seem much more prepared, and your guests will assume any remaining clutter is just a part of "the look" of your decor scheme.

Photo credit: Mad in Crafts

Food will always be the best way to their hearts. DIY bar cart via Mad in Crafts on Hometalk.

7. Bathroom basics

There is no getting around the bathroom. You will have to do a little cleaning here, but trust us, having a clean bathroom for your guests might be the most important hostess rule of all. You can get all the "cleaning" done quickly with these four super-quick techniques.

1. Wipe faucet with dryer sheet.
2. Straighten hand towels.
3. Wipe dusty corners to make the rest of the room look clean.
4. Febreze! A good-smelling bathroom seems like a clean one.

Photo credit: Beneath my Heart

The flower and basket tricks work in the bathroom, too. Lovely bathroom via Beneath my Heart on Hometalk.

Looking for even more clever cleaning hacks? Hometalkers are positively chock full of the best cleaning and organizing secrets.

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Women of the world, rejoice

While Tory Burch's gorgeous designs have grabbed headlines, the brand certainly isn't alone in its expansion into beautiful tech accessories. We're seeing a wave of pieces that are as beautiful as they are functional, thus bringing fitness out of the gym and into our everyday lives — where it belongs.

Tory Burch for Fitbit metal hinged bracelet. No one will ever know that a Fitbit quietly lives inside this beautiful bracelet, featuring Tory Burch's signature lattice design. Wear it in the office or at the gym for the perfect statement piece. The design is also available in a Fitbit-friendly necklace. (Tory Burch, $195, Fitbit sold separately)

Tory Burch for Fitbit silicone printed bracelet. Not sure you're ready to spring for the pricey brass Tory Burch design? Go for this cute silicone version instead — which is equal in great taste, but at a more affordable price point. (Tory Burch, $38)

Misfit Shine bloom necklace. Styled like a timeless pendant, Misfit's Bloom Necklace houses the Shine activity monitor so you can easily keep track of your fitness wherever you go. (Misfit, $80, Shine monitor sold separately)

Misfit Shine sport necklace. The flowery Shine pendant isn't for everyone, and that's where this sport necklace can come in handy. The minimalist pendant comes in a variety of colors so you can match it to your exercise and work gear. (Misfit, $50)

Sony SmartBand. This activity monitor from Sony is styled more like a traditional fitness accessory, but its smooth silver disc is paired with a wristband that doesn't look cheap and plastic. It comes in a variety of colors for a funky bracelet. (Rakuten.com, $30, activity monitor sold separately)

Stay tuned for a surge in options

If the Tory Burch, Misfit and Sony options don't quite fit your style, stay tuned. Fashionable, wearable tech is the newest craze in fitness, so you can expect to see both fashion and fitness lines roll out new devices and accessories within the year.

Get excited. Stay excited. These trends demonstrate that Americans want to infuse fitness into their whole lives, which will do wonders for our health and wellness.

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Christina Aguilera talks "blossoming" baby and album >>

Aguilera hasn't exactly been shy about showing off her growing belly in public, and she decided to follow plenty of other celebs to show her whole body to the world. One of the photos has Aguilera in black and white, with her long blonde hair flowing around her and her baby bump featured prominently. Her left hand is in her hair, and her engagement ring is hard to miss.

Photo credits: Brian Bowen Smith/VMagazine.com

In the second photo, Aguilera shows off her baby bump underneath a sheer white dress.

"As a woman, I'm proud to embrace my body through all stages of life, staying fearless and confident in surrendering to the unknowns the future has in store," Aguilera told V Magazine.

Aguilera is not only expecting a baby — she's also planning a wedding to fiancé Matt Rutler. Aguilera and Rutler announced on Valentine's Day 2014 that they were engaged to be married, and less than a week later, announced their pregnancy. The couple met in 2010 on the set of Aguilera's movie Burlesque.

"We had a really strong friendship on the movie," Aguilera told MTV of Rutler back in 2010. "He's the kind of person you could spend hours on the phone talking to, and all of a sudden it's daylight. There's a love there."

The couple are expecting a girl, and Rutler poses with his wife-to-be in the magazine as well.

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Although Aguilera is following the current celeb trend of posing naked while pregnant, this isn't the first time she has done it. Aguilera also posed nude back when she was pregnant with her son Max, who is now 6 years old.

No one is talking just yet, but the paparazzi grabbed a photo of the actress chatting away on her cell phone. She was wearing green cargo pants and a blue polka-dotted tank top. Garner's shirt was snug over her usually fit midsection. The photo was reportedly taken on July 18.

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The actress already has three children with husband Ben Affleck: daughters Violet, 8, and Seraphina, 5, and son Samuel, 2. If she is indeed pregnant, this would be the couple's fourth child.

Don't expect any big announcement, though. The celebrity pair is notoriously private about their family life. It would be surprising to see any social media post announcing that they are expecting, as many other stars do.

The duo married nine years ago and recently celebrated their anniversary in the Detroit area. It's been an interesting time in the press for the family since Affleck has been making headlines for getting kicked out of casinos for card counting while playing blackjack.

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They have been spending time as a family this summer in Michigan since Oscar winner Affleck is shooting Batman v Superman in the Midwest. Being away from Hollywood is a great way to avoid the prying eyes — and lenses — of the paparazzi.

However, a baby bump is a great way to draw attention to yourself. Let the bump watch begin!

Standing at 4 feet and 11 inches tall, Lawrence holds her own on the Animal Planet series Gator Boys. Alongside men three times her size, they capture wild alligators with their bare hands in the unprotected Florida waters. These conservationists from the Gator Boys Alligator Rescue are in a race against trappers who hunt nuisance gators for profit.

Sure, Ashley says when she shows up at a job, she'll occasionally get raised-eyebrow looks from skeptics, but once she goes to work, any doubt in her abilities is quickly forgotten.

"Once we deal with the alligator, people are so overwhelmed with gratitude, they're shaking our hand," Lawrence says. "They're just so glad the job is done."

She teased with an upcoming episode of Gator Boys where she and two other Gator Girls are called on to handle a monstrous 9-foot gator in the midst of a delicious duck feeding frenzy. As she walked up to the scene, she says she quickly realized she wasn't dealing with an animal that was willing to go quietly.

"He was an absolute dragon," Lawrence adds.

To make matters worse, a torrential thunderstorm started, leaving her and her Gator Girls team to deal with a pissy, massive, wet and slippery gator — in the mud.

"At that point, you look at the team you're with and you realize everyone has got to be on point," Lawrence says. "It was so exhilarating, and we got it done. We were even able to lift all 250 pounds of it into the truck."

While the aim of the Gator Boys series is to shine a spotlight on animal rights and conservation, Lawrence says she hopes her role on the show helps viewers see the women in their lives a little bit differently, too.

"I hope it helps people see the strength in their sisters and mothers," Lawrence says. "They may not have as big of biceps, but women can grow strength in different ways."

Girls and boys, she adds, can benefit from seeing, and talking about, women taking on non-traditional roles.

"People think this stuff isn't an issue anymore," she says. "But it's definitely something we should talk about."

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Now it's time to turn her attention back to her career. According to OK! magazine, Simpson has her sights set on returning to the silver screen.

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A source told the gossip site, "She doesn't want to put herself on the line as a lead, but she would like to appear in an ensemble piece."

That ensemble piece would be the TV-to-big-screen movie adaption of Entourage. She's reportedly so serious about a role that "she has an acting coach coming to her house twice a week" because "she knows her skills aren't the best."

This wouldn't be a huge stretch for Simpson, since she played herself on the HBO series in 2010. Her scene was with conniving agent Ari Gold, played by Jeremy Piven.

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She throughly enjoyed her time on the set of the long-running series. At the time, she tweeted, "I have the utmost respect for the entire cast and crew of Entourage! Thank you for making the past 2 days memorable."

The fashion mogul has appeared in several films in her young career, including The Dukes of Hazzard, Blonde Ambition and the massive flop Major Movie Star.

While that sounds like a fun role to pursue, Gossip Cop is saying the entire story is made up. Their sources confirmed that Simpson isn't interested in reviving her acting career.

There's also one other sticking point: the Entourage movie finished filming months ago. A role in the film would be very hard to come by.

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Arinc made the outrageous claim in a speech earlier this week, saying that it isn't considered proper for a woman to laugh out loud. "A man should be moral but women should be moral as well, they should know what is decent and what is not decent," Arinc said, according to The Guardian. "She should not laugh loudly in front of all the world and should preserve her decency at all times."

Considering laughter is one of the most natural things in the world, it's not surprising that many people, including men, have taken issue with Arinc's views. The speech has prompted an influx of women to post pictures of themselves publicly laughing on social media in protest.

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Watson jumped at the opportunity to stand up for her own sex, sharing a photo of herself doubled over in laughter and she's... gasp... outside.

It's no surprise the British actress felt moved by this particular cause. She was named Goodwill Ambassador to UN Women, an organization for the United Nations, in July. "Being asked to serve as UN Women's Goodwill Ambassador is truly humbling," she said at the time. "The chance to make a real difference is not an opportunity that everyone is given and is one I have no intention of taking lightly."

Twitter is also exploding with Turkish women who are not afraid to make a statement against their own government and the posts are marked with the hashtag #direnkahkaha, which translates to "ignore him, laugh," according to The Telegraph.

British songstress Kate Nash posted an Instgram video of herself and a friend in solidarity that made us laugh at loud. "Lol to the Turkish prime minister #direnkahkaha #direnkadin #bulenaric @paulatrounce and I shopping for sequins and lolling in public. OMG! #girlsrule," the caption reads. Ashton Kutcher, who is expecting a daughter with Mila Kunis, took the time to post his opinion on the matter on his website as well.

Obviously Arinc going public with his opinion on female laughter backfired, because women all over the world are in hysterics in public now more than ever.

Welcome back to the '90s... sort of

Netflix will debut the new animated series on Aug. 22. The show stars Will Arnett, Amy Sedaris and Aaron Paul and is about a cartoon horse-headed man who once starred in his own hit '90s sitcom called Horsin' Around. In the world of BoJack, humans and animal-headed people live together like it's no big deal.

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BoJack is not for kids

Just take a look at the show's trailer and you'll hear adult language, see adult themes and hear adult humor. A kids' show, this is not. But if you're a fan of anything that comes from Seth MacFarlane, then you're bound to love this one. Let's put it this way: A horse-man, human woman, human man threesome is not out of the question.

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Netflix has done it again with its on-point ad campaign

The network is really treating BoJack like he's a real person... um, horse. BoJack already has his own Twitter page, so go check it out if you'd like to see updates on what he's currently doing with his life. Also be prepared for the occasional horse-themed tweet, such as pictures of smiling horses, not to mention some really awful jokes.

They've also put up a so-bad-it's-amazing website that is designed to look like it was built circa 1995. Jump on the site to hear the Horsin' Around theme song and see the original opening credits (in video!). There's even contact info in case you want to, you know, hire BoJack for your latest project.

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Between the ad campaign, the voice talent, the show's premise and the first trailer, it looks like Netflix could have another hit on its hands. Just a few years ago, no one thought that releasing an entire series at once would work, but Netflix has made hits (Orange is the New Black, Hemlock Grove) out of doing just that. Since that's worked with drama series, it's time for Netflix to give animation a go, and even those of us here at SheKnows who don't watch animated series are (pardon the pun) chomping at the bit to see this one.

Are you planning to watch BoJack Horseman when it's released on Netflix?

Michael Strahan still "can't believe" Hall of Fame honor >>

"They love each other very much, but with the distance and work schedule, it has been hard to maintain the relationship," Strahan's rep told People.

That distance includes Strahan's Monday to Friday job of co-hosting Live! with Kelly and Michael as well as his weekend job (on the opposite coast) with NFL on Fox.

Strahan and Murphy began dating in 2007, after divorces for both of them. Murphy was previously married to actor Eddie Murphy, and Strahan was previously married to Jean Muggli. Between the two of them, they have nine children.

Murphy spoke to People about Strahan shortly after she started dating him and said at first that she was worried to start dating so soon after her divorce. But Strahan was the perfect man for her at the time.

"Michael and I talk about everything, and we both love to travel, explore and laugh," she said back in 2008.

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Strahan popped the question in 2009 and had seemed completely in love with his new fiancée.

"I have a great relationship and she's a great girl," Strahan had said. "I don't like to talk much about my private life, but I'm really happy."

Besides his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, Strahan continues his duties with both Live! with Kelly and Michael and NFL on Fox.

Justin Bieber vs. Orlando Bloom: 2014's funniest celebrity disses so far >>

Though Kerr is reportedly embarrassed by the fighting between Bloom and Bieber, her ex feels quite differently about the situation. In fact, Bloom says he's being lauded for taking a shot at The Biebs. "Everybody keeps telling me I'm their hero," the Lord of the Rings star said, according to The Mirror. Bloom, who is currently busy partying in Ibiza, allegedly claims he has been bombarded by fans who want to congratulate him for taking the singer down a peg or two and even counts Hollywood heavyweight Leonardo DiCaprio as one of his supporters.

The fisticuffs went down earlier this week, as Bieber is coincidentally vacationing in Ibiza now as well. The two happened to be in the same bar, and apparently words were exchanged regarding Kerr before Bloom threw a punch.

The feud supposedly stems from a love square of sorts. Rumors have spread that Bieber actually hooked up with Bloom's Victoria's Secret supermodel ex back in 2012, when the couple were very much still married. Bloom has also been seen with Bieber's on-again/off-again girlfriend, Selena Gomez, since splitting with Kerr.

Of course there is no hard evidence that Leo, or anyone else for that matter, has really given Bloom a pat on the back for the altercation on Wednesday, but there is video proof that the British thespian is have a darn good time in Ibiza and is surrounded by a gaggle of women and fans. Check out Bloom doing his "Happy" dance below, courtesy of E! News.

Video credit: E! News

A source revealed the man who is engaged to marry Gretzky, daughter of hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, has failed three drug tests: one for marijuana, in 2009, and two for cocaine, in 2012 and 2014.

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Johnson announced Thursday he'll be taking a leave of absence from the sport immediately in order to focus on his troubles.

"I will use this time to seek professional help for personal challenges I have faced," Johnson said in a statement sent out by his managers. "By committing the time and resources necessary to improve my mental health, physical well-being and emotional foundation, I am confident that I will be better equipped to fulfill my potential and become a consistent champion."

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As the golfer promises to seek help, a look at the couple's official social accounts reveals that their love for one another looks to be going strong, although neither Johnson nor Gretzky have yet made mention of the drug-test drama on their Twitter or Instagram accounts.

Check out the sexy young lady's most recent photo, which was posted two weeks ago and captioned, "Good luck today baby!! Love you @djohnsonpga."

And here's a look at the golfer's most recent pic, which he captioned, "Best b-day ever! I love you @paulinagretzky."

Although it was initially reported that Johnson had been given a six-month suspension, PGA Tour officials are making it clear this player's time off was his own choice.

A statement released to the press explains, "With regard to media reports that Dustin Johnson has been suspended by the PGA Tour, this is to clarify that Mr. Johnson has taken a voluntary leave of absence and is not under a suspension from the PGA Tour."

In The Maze Runner, Thomas (Dylan O'Brien) is deposited into a place called “The Glade” with no memories of his previous 16 years of life. Dozens of other teen boys also reside there and call themselves Gladers.

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The Glade is surrounded by a huge concrete maze infested with nasty, giant slug-like creatures called Grievers. Not long after Thomas arrives, a teen girl named Teresa (Kaya Scodelario) appears with a note saying she is the "last one ever." Though she quickly falls into a coma-like state of unconsciousness, Thomas soon discovers he has a telepathic connection to Teresa.

One of the things we're looking forward to in the Maze Runner movie is the depiction of an all-male society that is very different from the Hunger Games or Divergent films, which feature battles between males and females. A story about a group of teen boys struggling to survive invokes stories like Lord of the Flies by William Golding or the Lost Boys from J. M. Barrie's Peter Pan. Without any women or girls around, men and even boys can be brutal to each other.

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We're also excited to see the “Runners,” teen boys attempting to make their way out of the maze, navigate through this labyrinth of doom and dodge the squishy Grievers. There could potentially be some awesome, thrilling action sequences.

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One thing we’re not too sure about is enduring yet another film with a dark tone, visually and thematically. The news is depressing enough. The actors in this trailer appear gaunt, sad and underfed. We understand that desperate situations create heroes out of unlikely people, but we're about to spend our hard-earned dough on the fourth film installment of The Hunger Games, as Mockingjay Part 2 comes out this November. If we do decide to plop down $12 to see The Maze Runner, it better be worth it!

The Maze Runner opens Sept. 19.

• Smart
• Docile
• Brave
• Loyal companion
• Great swimmer

Overview

A wonderful swimmer and diver, the Portuguese Water Dog is often referred to as "Cão de Água" (dog of the water). Bred in Portugal to accompany fisherman on trips, this intelligent dog dove for fish, swam messages back and forth and acted as a guard dog of the boat. The Portuguese Water Dog is known for having a lion's cut, which is to aid while swimming in colder temperatures to keep vital organs warm. Nearly extinct, a wealthy Portuguese man brought the breed back, and it is now mildly popular in Portugal and the U.S. as a fishing companion as well as a therapy and assistance dog.

Breed standards

• AKC group: Working Group
• UKC group: Gun Dog Group
• Average lifespan: 11 - 14 years
• Average size: 35 - 60 pounds
• Coat appearance: Curly or wavy haired
• Coloration: Black, white, brown, silver fox, gray or any combination with white markings
• Hypoallergenic: Yes
• Other identifiers: Medium size with athletic build, black nose, dark eyes, heart-shaped ears, straight legs with webbed feet
• Possible alterations: N/A

Is this breed right for you?

Extremely athletic, the Portuguese Water Dog does best in an environment that allows it to have high activity and possible swimming opportunities. If not provided with enough activity, it is likely that this breed will have behavioral problems. With a willingness to please, it is easy to train and will need it to keep a calm temperament. An average shedder, the Portuguese Water Dog is hypoallergenic and has simple grooming requirements. Affectionate with all members of the family, it does well with children and other animals if introduced to them young. This breed will do OK in an apartment as long as it is exercised, but it would most likely prefer a yard to romp around in.

A dream day-in-the-life

There is no doubt that the ideal day for the Portuguese Water Dog would involve some type of swimming. Whether in its own backyard pool or in a local pond or river, this dog will be the happiest pooch on the planet if it has the opportunity to perform the doggy paddle. Very loving, the rest of its day would happily be spent with its family and end with a jog, as it is known to be a wonderful running partner.

Other breeds you may like

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Tip one: Ditch the flash

The light from the flash is too harsh. Plants and flowers look great in natural diffused light. Try to take pictures in your garden in the morning or in the early evening. I find that the light during these times of day produces lovely, soft pictures.

Tip two: Invade its personal space

Get close to that flower or tomato! Unless you have a fancy telephoto lens, you won't get a nice up-close shot unless you move your feet. Unlike people, you will not offend a plant if you are right up next to it with a camera in its face.

Tip three: Take pictures from several angles

Try taking shots from above, below or off to the side of the plant. Sometimes I lay on my belly to get a great eye-level shot. I don't know what the best shot is going to be until I look at all of them later. It's nice to have several choices.

Tip four: Don't center your main object

Take the picture off center. It makes for a more interesting shot.

Tip five: Edit your pictures

There are several free photo-editing programs available. My favorites are Pic Monkey and the Adobe Photoshop Express app (both are free). Even the camera app on your smartphone has basic crop and sharpening features — use them. Apply enhancing filters and crop unwanted distractions from your photos. In a few steps, your garden pictures can look great.

Now share your garden masterpieces with the world. Print them out and place them in albums to reference for next season. In mid-January when you are wondering if spring will ever come, flip through your beautiful garden photographs. You'll be glad you captured you garden in great pictures.

More ideas for the great outdoors

7 Tools that make yard work a breeze
Give your yard some bohemian flair
This rotating house gets 360 degrees of killer views

The DVD player shelf

When you can't find a place for your stuffed animals, candles, bottles and snow globes, simply stash them on a step stool and media player. It works, right?

Behind the couch

When you grow up as the kid who cleans her room by shoving everything under the bed, you can bet you'll be the one who also cleans house by tossing things behind the couch (whether well hidden or not).

The dresser that has lost its cause

If this messy dresser could speak, it would probably claim it's having an identity crisis. From unopened mail and craft items to crayons and kids' paraphernalia, the clutter has taken over.

In the corner

Though it may be a temporary solution, the corners in a home can quickly pile up.

The refrigerator magnet collection

If you're going to collect magnets from around the country, it's better to clutter up the front of the fridge than let them take up space in a drawer.

In the toaster oven

This one made us laugh. Why wouldn't you store soft drinks in the toaster oven?

Where a chair should be

Who needs a desk? This is either a clever way to gain extra storage space, or an extremely odd place to keep clutter.

Hanging off the house

When in doubt, hang clutter off the house!

Ways to organize the clutter

How to organize a cluttered space
Top 10 closet organizers from West Elm
12 Secret spaces to keep household treasures

Remember when the hottest summer toy was a Pogo Ball? That Saturn-shaped nightmare guaranteed at least one skinned elbow to any kid brave enough to take it on. These days, summer toys are a lot faster. Here are the hottest summer ride-on toys for your little adrenaline junkies.

EXY Trickstartr Stunt Scooter

Scooters keep evolving every year. The EXY Trickstartr Stunt Scooter, which comes in a cool purple shade I love, has an innovative wheelie system. What does that mean for Mom? It probably means it's time to stock up on a few more boxes of Band-Aids. What does it mean for kids? This thing can shred. A detachable device on the scooter lets kids start on easy mode at age 5 and move up level by level to expert mode. Expert mode means you should probably close your eyes while your kid is doing wild tricks. (Toys R Us, $80)

EXY Sharker

When a plain old skateboard won't do, the EXY Sharker is the way to go. Part casterboard and part skateboard, it lets your kid propel forward without having to push off against the ground. Confused? Don't worry, your kid will get it. The cool part is the hip-wiggling motion and keen balance needed to zoom around on this cool board are perfect for summer fitness. EXY Sharker sent my boys one to try out and I've never seen them get so sweaty so fast. (Toys R Us, $80)

Razor RipRider 360

I know you remember the sound of plastic wheels on pavement. The Big Wheels of the past have evolved into much sleeker, faster trikes. As a result, the Razor RipRider 360 looks like something you'd see on a racetrack. Little kids who aren't ready for big-time balancing can pull some serious moves on this cool trike that can drift and spin. I'm not gonna lie. I wish I could fit on one of these. (Amazon, $87)

YBIKE Explorer Go-Kart

Next time your kid begs for an electric or gas-powered go-kart, consider a kid-powered option. That is, when you're done laughing at your kid's ridiculous request. Unlike fast and terrifying motorized karts, the YBIKE Explorer Go-Kart runs on kid energy. Trust me, this means a better night's sleep for everyone involved. (YBike USA, $200)

Radio Flyer Ziggle

Your preschooler can get in on the ride-on action with an age-appropriate toy like the Radio Flyer Ziggle. In addition to having the cutest name I've ever heard, it's the perfect step up from a tricycle for budding daredevils. Kids can wiggle, spin and glide. It's a fun way to encourage movement and balance without full-on sending your kid down a half-pipe. (Amazon, $36)

More toys for kids

Move over Barbie — there's a new role model in the toy box
Disney responds to call for more Princess Leia toys
The best bikes for every age

Buy up all the farmers market fruit this summer, and make a rainbow layer "cake."

This cake uses cantaloupe, watermelon, pink grapefruit, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, peaches, kiwi fruit and green grapes, but you could use almost any of your favorite fruits.

Cut each fruit into thin slices, and layer them one on top of the other in cake pans.

Add a final layer of Cool Whip (whipped cream would work too).

Simply freeze the "cakes," and then pop them out of the cake pans, and stack them.

An alternative to traditional cake, but just as pretty.

Fresh-fruit rainbow layer cake recipe

Serves 6-8

Ingredients:

• Fresh fruit of your choice in different colors, thinly sliced
• Cool Whip or whipped cream

Directions:

1. Line two 6-inch round cake pans with parchment paper, and spray the sides with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Lay the slices of fruit (1 fruit at a time) into layers. Try to make all the layers the same thickness.
3. Leave room at the top of 1 of your cake pans to add a layer of Cool Whip. This will be the top of your cake.
4. Freeze both cake pans for at least 2 hours or until the fruit is very frozen.
5. To remove the fruit layers from the pans, first add warm to hot water to a shallow baking dish. Place the cake pan into the dish so that most of it is submerged in the water bath. Leave it there for 2 to 3 minutes, and then immediately flip the pan over a cutting board. When the fruit cake pops out onto the cutting board, immediately put it onto another plate, and freeze it again until you are ready to assemble your final cake. Do the same for second cake layer.
6. Once both layers are out of the pans, place the Cool Whip-topped layer on top of the other layer.
7. Keep frozen, and when ready to serve, take the cake out of the freezer, and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. Use a very sharp knife to cut it into slices, and serve.

More fruity recipes

Fresh fruit cocktails
Fruity pie-inspired treats
Strawberry-burrata bruschetta