Bundt cakes come in a variety of flavors and colors but are basically single-layer, ring-shaped cakes. They've become almost iconic, and today we're sharing a variety of recipes using delicious ingredients to make the classic Bundt a star at your next get-together.

1. Tangelo-ricotta Bundt cake recipe

Blog: Karen's Kitchen Stories

Take advantage of the seasonal citrus fruits coming to the markets, and make this tangelo-ricotta Bundt cake. The ricotta imparts an incredibly moist texture to the cake.

2. Lemon-ginger Bundt cake recipe

Blog: Spoonful of Flavor

We're loving the bright combination of flavors in this lemon-ginger Bundt cake, sure to brighten any chilly autumn day.

3. Easy apple Bundt cake with cream cheese-vanilla icing recipe

Blog: Very Culinary

Bring in the fall baking with this apple Bundt cake with cream cheese-vanilla icing, a simple cake with flavors that shine. We recommend using vanilla bean paste in the icing for an extra boost of vanilla flavor.

4. Apple-beer Bundt cake with dulce de leche glaze recipe

Blog: Crumb Blog

Nothing says indulgent more than this apple-beer Bundt cake with dulce de leche glaze. It seems beer in cakes is becoming the next big trend.

5. Iced pumpkin chocolate spice Bundt cake recipe

Blog: Crumb Blog

It's time to start baking with everything pumpkin, and this iced pumpkin chocolate spice Bundt is just the recipe to kick off the pumpkin-baking season.

6. Honey swirled coffee Bundt cake recipe

Blog: The Law Student's Wife

Start your mornings with a slice of this honey swirled coffee Bundt cake, and we can promise a day that will not disappoint.

7. Chocolate-zucchini Bundt cake recipe

Blog: Shugary Sweets

If you're still drowning in endless crops of zucchini, then this chocolate-zucchini Bundt cake is a great recipe to put that end-of-summer produce to work.

8. Cinnamon and orange-spiced chocolate-zucchini Bundt cake recipe

Blog: An Edible Mosaic

Spices add such great depth and flavor to baked goods, and this cinnamon and orange-spiced chocolate zucchini cake is the perfect example of how to use them.

9. Banana split Bundt cake recipe

Blog: Inside BruCrew Life

How about making your favorite dessert into a Bundt cake like this banana split Bundt cake? The best of both worlds.

10. Double chocolate espresso Bundt cake with caramel glaze recipe

Blog: Chocolate Moosey

For the chocolate lovers out there, this double chocolate espresso Bundt cake with caramel glaze is made just for you.

11. White chocolate funfetti chip Bundt cake recipe

Blog: Inside BruCrew Life

We're loving this fun and colorful white chocolate funfetti chip Bundt cake, perfect for a kid's birthday party or for no other reason than to just eat cake on a Monday.

12. Chocolate candy cane swirl Bundt cake recipe

Blog: I Heart Eating

For the chocolate and mint lovers out there, this is just the cake for you. Bake up a chocolate candy cane swirl Bundt cake, and fall in love with this classic flavor combination.

13. Vanilla bean bourbon nectarine Bundt cake recipe

Blog: Keep It Sweet Desserts

If summer has been an extended one in your area, you might be able to score some nectarines for this vanilla bean bourbon nectarine Bundt cake. If not, then grab whatever seasonal stone fruit is available, like plums or apricots.

14. Peanut butter Bundt cake with chocolate chips and peanut butter glaze recipe

Blog: The Law Student's Wife

Are you a peanut butter lover? Then this peanut butter Bundt cake with chocolate chips and peanut butter glaze is the thing for you. Packed with peanut butter flavor, it's paired with sweet chocolate chips for that classic flavor combination.

15. Mini dark chocolate-Chambord Bundt cakes recipe

Blog: Savory Simple

Chambord is a black raspberry liqueur and one that pairs marvelously with chocolate. These mini dark chocolate-Chambord Bundt cakes are delicate and special enough to serve guests at a dinner party.

16. Blackberry-buttermilk Bundt cake with sweet orange glaze recipe

Blog: The Law Student's Wife

Sweet berries and the tartness of the buttermilk make this blackberry-buttermilk Bundt cake with sweet orange glaze a perfectly balanced Bundt cake.

17. Lime poppy seed sourdough Bundt cake recipe

Blog: Stephie Cooks

Ever thought of adding sourdough batter to your baked goods (other than the typical bread)? This lime poppy seed sourdough Bundt cake proves it can be done, and done deliciously at that.

18. Pumpkin spice latte Bundt cake with espresso whipped cream recipe

Blog: Diethood

This pumpkin spice latte Bundt cake with espresso whipped cream will have you thinking you're at your local coffee shop, sipping on a seasonal beverage, but instead you can be comfy at home, having a slice of this cake.

19. S'mores Bundt cake recipe

Blog: Overtime Cook

The classic summertime dessert that's usually toasted over the fire is transformed into a cake in this s'mores Bundt cake.

20. Chocolate-beet Bundt cake recipe

Blog: Simple Bites

Need a healthier but still delicious Bundt cake? This chocolate-beet Bundt cake is sweetened with maple syrup and honey along with the natural sweetness of beets, and made with half whole-wheat flour, making it a satisfying treat.

21. Whole-wheat blueberry Bundt cake

Photo credit: Jessica Merchant of How Sweet Eats

This seriously delicious whole-wheat Bundt cake drizzled with luscious blueberry glaze is the perfect (healthy) dessert.

More Bundt cake recipes

Champagne-lemon mini Bundt cake
Pot of gold Bundt cake
Firecracker Bundt cake

A friend of mine recently confided in me that she's struggled while watching her son cope with severe ADHD. "He's so smart, but his energy and thoughts can overwhelm his classmates," she said. "They've started to pick on him, and it's so hard to watch because I know he wants to fit in."

My friend's struggles are common for parents of children with ADHD. "Children can start to feel as if there's something wrong with them," says ADHD expert Dr. Ed Hallowell. "It's normal for parents to hear phrases such as, 'It's OK, Mom, I'm just dumb,' when children with ADHD become frustrated with their inability to complete homework and stick to deadlines."

Of course, no mother wants to hear these words come from the lips of her child, but parents don't always know how to treat the disorder's symptoms. Many parents, like my friend, are familiar with ADHD medications, but are hesitant to start treatment with drugs. "Studies have found that medications can be quite effective at reducing the severity of ADHD symptoms, but they're not necessarily the right treatment choice for every child," explained Hallowell. He suggested that concerned parents work with a therapist who will consider the strengths and needs of each child while creating a treatment plan.

Moreover, treatment plans ought to include a variety of interventions, including the practice of mindfulness. Hallowell reported that mindfulness — which is a state of active, open attention to the present — is quite helpful for managing and living with ADHD. "Mindfulness exercises allow children to observe that the mind is always having thoughts, but that they don't need to get caught up in each of them," he explains. For instance, a person can sit by the highway and watch cars go by, but he or she has a choice to either watch them pass by without a thought, or to grow invested in each vehicle and its backstory. There's always a choice. Mindfulness teaches children with ADHD to exercise their choices, and stop intrusive thoughts by saying, "Thank you very much, but right now I'm finishing my project." Interestingly, these meditative exercises are quite effective as a stand-alone ADHD intervention, or used in conjunction with medication.

"Remember, there are things that are quite positive about ADHD," concludes Hallowell. "People with ADHD are creative, bright and intuitive." Having ADHD, though, is like having a race car engine for a brain, with a faulty brake system. "Once people strengthen their brake system, they're ready to win races — but those brakes really need some work first."

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That is one of life's more painful rites of passage. It's one of those things women do that men either totally take for granted, or they simply assume that we are exaggerating about the "ouch" factor. Hopefully these brave and good-humored dudes from Buzzfeed will put those skeptics and deniers in their place with this video. These guys decided to go and see firsthand what it was like when a woman gets a bikini wax.

Naturally, the results are hilarious. For the most part, the dudes are in utter agony throughout the entire ordeal. Of course there's always the one who claims it's not as bad as they expected it to be and kept a stiff upper lip. I doubt any single one of these dudes came out of this feeling like adding waxing to their daily routines was a must, but it's safe to say that their perspectives have definitely shifted. They'll think twice before rolling their eyes at a lady complaining about a recent wax, that's for sure.

More like this

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1. "Speakers put sound out... so they can't take sound in? Or they can turn this [cell phone] on, right? I'm just saying. We don't even know."

Swift had a lot to say during her recent Rolling Stone interview, and if we didn't know better, we might suspect that lavender lemonade she was sipping was spiked. Tay sounded pretty convinced her cell phone might be at the root of some elaborate conspiracy, and drunk people love a good conspiracy.

Taylor Swift's Instagram message gives us hope for celebs >>

2. "I need lunch like, whoa."

After a few cocktails, concepts move from concrete to abstract. And everything is like, whoa. Taylor Swift saying like, whoa, is, like, whoa.

3. "I swallowed a strand of my hair and now everything is ruined."

Girl, yes. Every. single. time.

4. "We wear them during the day and look like pioneer women, fresh off of the Oregon Trail."

Ha ha, first and foremost, the mental picture of Swift and Lena Dunham (who she's referring to) makes our day. Second, say what?

Frat boys lip-sync Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off" and it's perfect (VIDEO) >>

5. "So my brother comes home the other day and he goes, 'Oh my God — I just saw a guy walking down the street with a cat on his head.'"

C'mon, now. Tell us this doesn't sound like one of those classic stories drunk people tell. You know, the ones that start off crazy, end in a metaphor and leave you more confused about your life than when it started.

6. "That's a door that I walk into."

Well, now, this one is just self-explanatory. See also: stairs are tricky, too.

7. "Can someone please invent an app that tells me where I can get the food that I smell in the air?"

While they're at it, could someone invent an app that makes everything smell as good as it does when you are drunk? Because that feeling Swift is talking about? We totally get it. Food never smells better than when you're a little tipsy.

8. "It's crazy to think about how many countries I've lost hair ties in."

You know who Swift reminds us of when she says things like this? Charlotte from Sex and the City. And Charlotte was what we like to call a drunk sober person — that person who actually doesn't drink but has a knack for saying drunk-ish things like, "Do you think my hair is too shiny today?"

Confession: Why I'm not-so-secretly obsessed with Taylor Swift's love life >>

9. "I push this button that's like, 'Stop complaining, your life's great, stop, do not complain about this life, stop, this life is amaaaazing.' Sanity button."

Swift is just high on life but, in general, nothing says public intoxication like rambling, overly optimistic self-affirmations. Especially ones involving sanity buttons.

10. "I don't drink to get drunk. That's just not cute."

Quoth every drunk girl ev-er.

When I first met my wife, we soon discussed our family plans. She had never considered having a family and children, as she knew from a young age that she was gay and didn't think it was much of a possibility, especially since she didn't want to give birth herself. When she found out I very much wanted children and wanted to be the gestational parent, she happily changed her mind.

We were on a five-year plan: Focus on our new marriage for five years, then start trying to conceive. We started trying to conceive ahead of schedule, because neither of us had considered the biological clock that started ticking loudly for me at 28. The best plans are sometimes the ones we rearrange a bit. It took a year for me to get pregnant, so we ended up right back on schedule. We celebrated our five-year wedding anniversary with our 3-month-old daughter.

We used an anonymous sperm donor to conceive, and though we were buying vials three at a time at first, by the end, money was tight, and our daughter was conceived on our last vial. Suddenly our plans for a second child had a question to answer. Should we buy more sperm? If we wanted to do this, we'd have to. The only problem was that we didn't really want to buy more sperm. We didn't really want to do any of this again. Our infant was taking up more room than we expected — in our hearts and in our apartment. We began to look at our future with the possibility of just her. We wouldn't outgrow our beloved city apartment. We wouldn't have to go through the journey of trying to conceive again, which had taken quite the emotional toll we hadn't expected. We would have more time and energy to focus on our daughter and each other. But mostly, we were both perfectly happy with the idea of our little already-complete family.

We decided to settle into the idea of having just one child for a bit, with the promise to revisit the conversation if either of us started to question the decision. Our daughter is 5 now. The decision to have just one child started with a conversation about ordering more sperm, and led us to the realization that our family is complete as three.

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One and done: Deciding to have an only child
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Jon Hamm, Questlove team up to end sexual assault (VIDEO) >>

Cole was taken in by authorities after police were called to the West Los Angeles penthouse condo of Birdman, CEO of Cash Money and Cole's rumored boyfriend, according to TMZ. Sources say that Cole showed up at the condo around 5 a.m. and went ballistic upon finding another woman there. Instead of taking out her anger on Birdman, the singer allegedly assaulted the other woman and left scratches on her face.

Cole was arrested for battery and an outstanding reckless driving warrant.

The fact that Cole showed up unannounced to her boyfriend's house at 5 a.m. is a clue that she was suspicious, and the songstress left some cryptic social media posts hinting that she knew Birdman could be up to no good.

The first post signaling unrest came on Wednesday, when Cole put up a quote about sadness.

On Thursday, Cole posted a photo that alluded to cheating and captioned it "!!!!Don't want #MrWrong! !!!!!! Don't come looking for !!!!!! me #MrRightnow !!!!!!I'll wait on #MrDownForTheRestOfMyLife!!" Later that day, she posted another photo of a bird in the rain and a quote about weathering the storm. The caption simply reads "word."

Cole was released the same day she was arrested on $46,000 bail, according to TMZ, but she wasn't done with her Insta-venting. A little after noon, she posted a picture of herself at home with her dog and the caption "Me and my LolaMae!! She knows my heart."

Shortly thereafter, she put up two more posts that seemed to be more directly aimed at Birdman and cheating accusations. One post is a quote that says "N***** be like 'WTF I gotta lie for' and still be lying," captioned "Silly rabbit." The other is another quote calling someone out for not being real, captioned "Fake. Just a fake."

Our question is: why attack the woman? If Cole is in a relationship with Birdman, her problem should be with him, not the woman in question. This is not the first time Cole has lashed out at fellow females. In March of 2013, she threw some unprovoked Twitter barbs at Michelle Williams. That same month, she attempted to start a Twitter war with Williams' Destiny Child bandmate Beyoncé Knowles.

That's not to say we condone the other woman's actions. It's just that with all of the victimization of women that's been going around lately, we need to stick together.

Pears are the perfect fruit to add a fall flair to your sangria. The pears combined with cinnamon, honey and apple cider pull the entire fall season into one delicious drink. This combination makes the perfect white wine sangria for a chilly fall night at home with friends. Garnish the side of your glass with a sliced pair for a little something extra.

Ingredients:

• 3 pears, thinly sliced
• 1 bottle white wine
• 1/2 cup ginger liqueur
• 1 teaspoon cardamom
• 2 cups apple cider
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 8-10 cinnamon sticks

Instructions:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a pitcher, stir, chill for 3 hours, and serve.

More fall drink recipes

Heirloom tomato bloody mary
Hard apple cider float
Caramel apple boozy milkshake

The network said in a public statement, "We are deeply saddened by the loss of Joan Rivers and, for the last two weeks, have turned our attention to honoring her memory on all of our platforms. We have also thought long and hard about what Joan would have wanted as it pertains to the future of Fashion Police."

Joan Rivers comes back from the dead to pimp iPhone 6 >>

With many fans desperately wanting the show to return as a way to honor the late comedian, the network agreed with the fans' perspective.

The statement continued, "We decided, with Melissa Rivers' blessing, that Joan would have wanted the franchise to continue. Fashion Police will return in 2015 commencing with Golden Globes coverage on Monday, January 12. No further details will be announced at this time."

The style show, co-hosted by Giuliana Rancic, Kelly Osbourne and George Kotsiopoulos, began in September 2010 as a half-hour series and expanded to a one-hour format in March 2012. Joan was the moderator of the four-person panel while Melissa produced the series throughout its run.

There's been no word on whether the comedy legend will be replaced with someone else or if the show will continue with the remaining three co-hosts.

Giuliana revealed to ABC News, "They are looking at different scenarios. A lot of that will be up to [Melissa] and how she's feeling and how she decides what she wants to do, along with the execs here at E! There is no word now — they are seeing what Fashion Police looks like without Joan."

In the meantime, on Friday E! ran a 12-hour marathon and a 90-minute special of Fashion Police in memory of Joan.

That was more than evident on Friday, when Billy Crystal appeared on The View and discussed the late, great comedian, who was also his dear friend.

Why Robin Williams was a significant part of my life >>

View co-host Whoopi Goldberg, who was also close to Williams, joined Crystal in remembering, nodding her head in agreement as Crystal spoke about his passing.

In fact, Goldberg even became emotional as Crystal recounted all of the wonderful qualities Williams possessed.

"He was such a great, dear friend of ours and such a joyous spirit, so when it all happened, it was so breathtaking," Crystal recounted. Goldberg agreed, especially when Crystal spoke of the tweet he wrote when he discovered Williams had died, which read only, "No words."

Celebs celebrate and remember Robin Williams >>

"'Cause I didn't have any," Crystal explained. "I just had pain."

Goldberg and Crystal sat together on stage in a more intimate setting, despite the audience. It seemed to be a chance for them to connect and honor Williams together publicly. Crystal referred to Williams as "our buddy," depicting the closeness the three shared.

Photo credit: WENN.com

Following Williams' death, Crystal paid homage to the actor during the Emmys and admitted, "It was one of the hardest, if not the hardest thing I've ever had to do."

Crystal explained that because Williams was such a good friend, it was hard to find the right words, especially in front of so many people. "It was hard to craft it and make it humorous and personal... and sort of being a two-minute eulogy in front of the country."

Robin Williams’ 5 best TV appearances before The Crazy Ones >>

Crystal, Goldberg and Williams were friends for about three decades. They famously raised more than $70 million for the homeless in America through Comic Relief.

"We started in 1986 and we became the closest of friends," Crystal explained. "Robin and I just bonded in the quiet moments."

Crystal said the best times were the times the three of them would bring checks for hundreds of thousands of dollars to the shelters.

Williams' battle with depression ended in suicide on Aug. 11. He was 63. It was later revealed the actor had also been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

"He was such an amazing person," Crystal said of Williams on The View. "He was the most brilliant performer you could ever imagine. His physical presence on stage was amazing. Many times, we'd be together on stage, the three of us, and Whoopi and I were like his parents. It just became so, sort of, magical to work with him, and it was just the greatest."

Julianne Moore is raising her kids to be charitable >>

"I did a juice cleanse for the Golden Globes one year," she tells New Beauty in the latest issue. "I think I did it for three days. To be honest, the only weight I lost was in my brain!"

The gorgeous Hunger Games actress is rocking the cover of the mag, and inside, she gets candid about all things beauty.

Take her hair color, for example. When the stunning, ivory-skinned redhead went blonde last summer, we mourned the loss of her bright crimson locks. It turns out, so did she.

"My grandmother always said my red hair was my calling card! And I never realized how much I identified with it until I had to dye it blond years ago for a role," she says. "It felt so weird, and I couldn't wait to go back to my regular shade."

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Even though she's playing a blonde in the upcoming Hunger Games: Catching Fire, she's wearing a wig this time, which she says is "pretty fun."

Moore dishes about her favorite workout styles, too — without those juice cleanses, a girl's gotta stay in shape.

"I don’t like noisy workouts," she says. "I tried spinning and didn't like it; it's just too loud for me. I do better when I am working out in quiet, which is why I like yoga. I also work out at my house, do interval running and lift light weights."

And Moore is just as down-to-earth when it comes to aging — and giving growing-up advice to her 12-year-old daughter.

"I can remember being 12 and everyone was talking about the year 2000 and it seemed so far away," she tells New Beauty. "I remember thinking, 'I will be 40 then,' and it just seemed so old — I couldn't even think about it; it was utterly shocking. But when you get there, it's so much less serious than you anticipated. The changes aren't as vast and it all happens very gradually. Getting older is not as bad as you think."

Julianne Moore joins the Mommalogues >>

She adds, "For my daughter, we talk about different things as they relate to beauty. I always tell her not to overpluck her eyebrows — I remember overplucking mine in sixth grade, and I guess everyone does! She is allowed to play with makeup, but I also remind her how beautiful she looks without it. I also try to remind her she can dress modestly and still look lovely."

According to E! News, who obtained the official complaint, Voronov claimed that Weir falsely accused him "of attempted rape and sexual misconduct in front of over 2,500,000 viewers." Voronov is referencing a March interview that the former figure skater gave to Access Hollywood about his marital split.

Johnny Weir skates back into his marriage >>

The suit also said that Weir reportedly spread "salacious lies" about his ex having herpes or "some sort of sexually transmitted disease." Voronov believes the gossip was divulged to publicly embarrass him.

The ongoing battle has been fought on Twitter and in the media between the two men. The former couple have endured a nude photo leak, two alleged altercations, pet and property disputes and an attempt at reconciliation.

Tara Lipinski & Johnny Weir's fashions have become Sochi hit >>

Voronov filed the lawsuit in New York on Thursday. The news certainly didn't seem to faze Weir one bit. He was happy to share photos of his glamorous self in his Boston hotel lobby.

He captioned the picture, "Off to work. Beyond excited to perform for you Boston!"

The couple married in December 2013 and announced their split in February 2014, while Weir was covering the winter games.

Besides the defamation lawsuit, Weir is also having a big week when it comes to his professional life. He and Lipinski were promoted to the lead broadcast team for figure skating on NBC. They will replace longtime hosts Scott Hamilton and Sandra Bezic. Terry Gannon will stay on as color commentator.

Nicky Hilton pens a fashion book, gives away her wardrobe >>

The famous heiress posted a photo to her Instagram from the romantic European vacation during which her longtime boyfriend, banker James Rothschild, popped the question in August. The Eiffel Tower is in the background, but the ring is front and center, right where it deserves to be.

From the snap, it looks to be a gold band with a princess-cut center stone and a diamond on either side.

Hilton captioned the photo "#engagementmoon in Paris #FlashbackFriday."

Steal the look: Nicky Hilton >>

Hilton and Rothschild, who have been dating since 2011, roadtripped all over Europe to celebrate their anniversary this summer. Rothschild reportedly dropped to one knee to propose in Lake Como, Italy, a romantic spot favored by many in the Hollywood set, including George Clooney, who owns a villa and is rumored to be planning to hold his wedding there.

"He took her out on a boat in the middle of Lake Como and he proposed, got down on one knee and everything," a source told Us Weekly shortly after news broke of the couple's engagement. "It was incredibly romantic and beautiful."

And that was after Rothschild went the traditional route, taking a secret trip to the U.S. to clear it with Hilton's parents before popping the question. Obviously, he got their blessing, and it sounds like he earned it with such a perfect proposal and a gorgeous ring.

Nicky HIlton gets engaged on Italian excursion >>

Hilton and Rothschild have been tight-lipped about their plans to wed — they haven't even released a statement or spoken publicly about their engagement yet — but from the looks of Hilton's Instagram, the European road trip was a great time for the happy bride- and groom-to-be.

Gwyneth Paltrow happy Chris Martin and JLaw are dating >>

A source close to the couple tells Us Weekly that Lawrence and Martin are growing closer by the day. Another source reveals that Coldplay frontman Martin is starting to develop some seriously strong feelings.

"He's fallen in love," the insider tells Us Weekly. "It's the real deal."

JLaw seems totally OK with that, since a friend of hers tells the mag, "It's a fantasy come true [for Lawrence]."

The pair started dating last month, after both broke things off with their respective former significant others. Martin announced the end of his 10-year marriage to actress Gwyneth Paltrow in March, and Lawrence broke up with her boyfriend, Nick Hoult, earlier this past summer.

The two have been seen out and about, going on romantic dates at a number of hotspots in Hollywood and New York. A witness who spotted them at dinner at West Hollywood's Chateau Marmont said they were definitely not shy about their budding romance.

"They made out at the table," the source said.

And just this week, Lawrence was seen attending a Coldplay show in LA, where another concertgoer said Martin was keeping an eye out for his lady.

Jennifer Lawrence spotted sneaking out of Coldplay gig >>

"Chris gave a good look around the room and then spotted someone up on the balcony," the source said. "He pointed and said 'Aha! I see you!' and then smiled and waved. He kept looking up in the direction during the show and smiling, pointing, singing to her."

Since the beginning of their relationship, it's seemed like Martin has been making an attempt to keep JLaw at arm's length, especially when it was revealed earlier this week that he still hasn't introduced his new girlfriend to his two kids, Apple, 10, and Moses, 8.

"Jen has made a few visits to his Malibu house," a source told People magazine. "Chris seems very respectful of Gwyneth and feels more comfortable spending time with Jen away from his family."

You know something is going to taste good when all the ingredients in a recipe are delicious on their own. Take guacamole, for example. An avocado tastes great with just some salt and pepper or even in a sandwich. Then you mash it up and add some fresh ingredients like garlic, cilantro, onion, lime and salt, and out of nowhere you have super-tasty guacamole.

Now imagine adding condiments that taste amazing on their own to the guacamole, like olive tapenade, pesto or hot, smoky peppers and spicy Sriracha sauce. They take guacamole to a whole new level.

1. Pesto guacamole recipe

Yields 2 cups

Ingredients:

For the pesto

• 2 tablespoons pine nuts, toasted
• 1 cup basil, packed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 large, ripe avocados, skin and seeds removed
• Pesto
• Salt, to taste
• 2 teaspoons pine nuts, toasted (for garnish)

Directions:

For the pesto

1. To a small food processor, add all the ingredients, and blend together.

2. Tapenade guacamole recipe

Yields 2 cups

Ingredients:

• 2 large, ripe avocados, skin and seeds removed
• 1/2 a lime, juiced
• 1/2 cup olive tapenade
• 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or salt to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 garlic cloves, diced
• 2 teaspoons crumbled feta cheese (for garnish)
• Roasted red bell pepper strips (for garnish)
• 2-3 olives (for garnish)

Directions:

1. To a medium-size bowl, add the avocados, and mash them with a fork.
2. Add the lime juice, and stir it in with the avocado.
3. Add the olive tapenade, cilantro, salt, pepper and garlic.
4. Mix together.
5. Transfer to a serving dish.
6. Top with crumbled feta cheese, strips of red bell pepper and olives, and serve.

3. Sriracha-chipotle guacamole recipe

Yields 2 cups

Ingredients:

• 2 large, ripe avocados, skin and seeds removed (reserve 2 small pieces for garnish)
• 1/2 a lime, juiced
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onion
• 2 garlic cloves, diced
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt (or salt to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro (reserve a sprig for garnish)
• 5 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (from a can), chopped
• 3 teaspoons Sriracha sauce (or more if you like it hot)
• 1 chipotle pepper, chopped (for garnish)

Directions:

1. To a medium-size bowl, add the avocados, and mash them with a fork.
2. Add the lime juice, and stir it in with the avocados.
3. Add the onion, garlic, salt, pepper, cilantro, chipotle peppers and Sriracha sauce. Stir together.
4. Transfer to a serving dish.
5. Garnish with chopped chipotle peppers, small pieces of avocado and cilantro, and serve.

More creative guacamole recipes

Sriracha and mango guacamole
Grapefruit guacamole salsa
George Duran's crunchy herbed guacamole

Cereal box photo mats

Photo credit: Amy J Delightful

Although this original fabric-covered mat tutorial by Amy J Delightful uses a mat board, this post has blown up on Pinterest swapping out mat boards for cereal boxes. Double them up for extra strength before you cover it in fabric and frame your favorite photo of your kids.

Materials:

• Rectangular piece of cotton fabric approximately 11x13 inches or bigger
• 2 (8x10 inch) cereal box mats or single mat from mat board
• Spray glue
• Scissors
• Craft knife
• Mod Podge
• Small foam brush

Directions:

1. First, place your fabric face down and mist the back of the fabric with spray glue.
2. Next, for the cereal box version, adhere the two cereal box mats printed side together before spraying one side of your mat and center it on your fabric. The glue sides should be joined together. Press down firmly all over the back side of the mat and make sure all the bubbles are out of the fabric.
3. Then cut off the corners of the fabric with scissors, leaving only a tiny margin by the corner of the mat.
4. Now give the back side of your mat a coat of spray glue and starting next to the corner, pull the fabric firmly up over the mat, one side at a time. Press down, smoothing out all air bubbles.
5. Next, cut an X on the interior of the fabric starting at each corner of the mat. Trim edges.
6. Then pull fabric up and over the edge of the mat, starting in the corners. Pull firmly to ensure that the fabric is tight. Use Mod Podge on your foam brush to help adhere if fabric doesn't stick.
7. Finally, once all edges are in place, use Mod Podge to go over the edges of the fabric for extra security and to prevent fraying and allow to dry before adding your cereal box photo mat to your picture frame.

Mini cereal box seed starters

Photo credit: Whimsy-Love

Mini cereal boxes may be small, but they do a mighty good job of bringing little seedlings into the world before they are planted outside. Check out this seed starter tutorial by Whimsy-Love that makes upcycling cereal boxes a colorful way to recycle and go green.

Materials:

• Mini cereal box
• Glue gun
• Craft knife
• Potting soil
• Seeds
• Flat dish

Directions:

1. First, glue the top of the cereal box closed with a hot glue gun.
2. Next, take a craft knife and cut the box open on the front of the box along the dotted lines.
3. Then fill the boxes with dirt and seeds and label your box.
4. Finally, place your mini cereal box seed starter on a dish to catch any rogue water and place on a sunny sill.

Cereal box cupcake carrier

Photo credit: Money Saving Queen

Save the earth and deliver smiles when you upcycle a cereal box into a cupcake carrier. Warning: This cereal box cupcake carrier by Money Saving Queen may get more attention than your cupcakes.

Materials:

• Empty cereal box
• Tape
• Craft knife

Directions:

1. First, tape the opening of your cereal box closed with masking tape.
2. Next, cut the front of the box on three sides with a craft knife to create a flap for your cereal box cupcake carrier.
3. Then place tape on the two cut corners to keep the lid from falling in.
4. Finally, fill with cupcakes and carry to your next shindig.

Cereal box storage bins

Photo credit: Nisha Brinda

Perfect for your office, pantry or playroom, this super-customizable cereal box storage bin by Nisha Brinda makes upcycling look good.

Materials:

• Empty cereal box
• Utility knife
• Construction paper
• White glue
• Scissors
• Packing tape
• Ruler

Directions:

1. First, mark your cereal box 7 inches up from the bottom for the depth of your storage bin.
2. Next, cut down the sides and fold them in to make the cereal box storage bin more sturdy.
3. Then mark and cut 1-inch handles on two opposite sides 1.5 inches below the top edge.
4. Now reinforce the sides and bottom with packing tape before you cover the outside of the cereal box with construction paper and glue. On another post Nisha uses patterned duct tape in lieu of construction paper, which could be really cute here, too.
5. Finally, fill your cereal box craft with office supplies, toys or whatever needs organizing.

Cereal box 3-D star

Photo credit: Grey Luster Girl

From Memorial Day to Fourth of July to Christmas, there's no holiday too big for these cereal box 3-D stars from Grey Luster Girl that dress up your abode in a snap.

Materials:

• Empty cereal box
• Pencil
• Craft knife
• Hot glue gun
• Spray paint

Visit Grey Luster Girls' blog to continue reading >>

Cereal box gift tags

Photo credit: Off Beat and Inspired

Upcycle crafts that turn trash into treasure are worth their weight in gold. Find out how Off Beat and Inspired used cereal boxes to add flair to gifts, decor and more.

Materials:

• Empty cereal boxes
• Scissors
• Paper punch in the shape of a gift tag (optional)
• Hole punch
• Mod Podge
• Printed paper (newspaper, book pages, fabric — anything you want)
• Pen
• Paper towels
• Baker's twine

Continue reading Off Beat and Inspired's post for directions >>

Read more DIY inspiration

How to transform kids' play table
DIY infinity nursing cover scarf
DIY kid-safe bug repellant

Photo credit: Anderson + Grant

How great would one or two of these be for your fall or Thanksgiving table setting to add height and depth to create a dramatic cheese or dessert display when entertaining? It would also work really well on a bar to store wine bottles or glasses.

Visit Anderson + Grant for the full tutorial on how Jamie transformed a consignment-store cutting board into this vintage-inspired wooden pedestal entertaining and serving piece. While you're at it, check out her online shop for some more charming vintage finds.

More inspiring DIY crafts

How to make a decorative letter
DIY chalkboard mug
Easy DIY framed jewelry holder

Because go hard or go home, right? This sounds like it's too crazy to work or too good to be true, but neither is the case. This gorgeous cheesecake is incredibly rich, tart and sweet, with the perfect blend of bold goat cheese, ricotta and sweetened mascarpone. You're going to need a minute with this one. Trust me.

Goat, ricotta and mascarpone cheesecake topped with roasted figs and cherries recipe

Serves 8-10

Ingredients:

For the shortbread crust

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• Dash of cinnamon

For the filling

• 16 ounces mascarpone cheese
• 8 ounces ricotta cheese, pureed
• 8 ounces soft goat cheese
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 2-1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest

For the topping

• 2 cups fresh or frozen black cherries
• 2/3 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 8 fresh figs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 vanilla bean, scraped

For the whipped cream

• 3/4 cup cold heavy whipping cream
• 2-1/2 tablespoons honey
• Fresh cinnamon stick

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a pie plate with butter. In a mixing bowl of a stand mixer, mix the butter, flour, powdered sugar and dash of cinnamon with a paddle attachment until soft and combined.
2. Using the back of a spatula, press the mixture into the bottom and up the sides of the pie plate. Bake for about 13 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from the oven, and let cool.
3. In another bowl of the stand mixer, beat together the mascarpone cheese, pureed ricotta, goat cheese and sugars on medium-high speed. Scrape down the sides, and mix in the flour. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in the lemon juice and zest until combined.
4. Pour the filling into the crust, and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake until the top is cracked slightly or for about 35 to 40 minutes. Remove from the oven, let cool for about 10 minutes, and then chill in the fridge for at least 1 to 2 hours.
5. Meanwhile, prepare the cherries. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Add the cherries, sugar, cornstarch, pumpkin pie spice and zest from the lemon. Mix to combine. In another pan, place the figs. Slice the tops (like an X), and place them bottom side down into the pan. Drizzle butter over the figs, and scrape the vanilla beans over them.
6. Roast both the figs and cherries for about 25 to 30 minutes, mixing the cherries after 15 minutes. Let cool completely.
7. Once the fruit has been roasted, beat the whipping cream and honey in a chilled mixing bowl until stiff peaks form. Spread the whipping cream over the chilled cheesecake, grate with fresh cinnamon, and top with whole figs and roasted cherries. Serve immediately or chill until ready.

More cheesecake recipes

Lemon cheesecake
Light, airy, no-bake mint cheesecake
Baked blueberry cheesecake

I love fries, and I'm always trying to create new spice mixes for the topping. These three spice mixes will help you get started with your own spicy fry mix at home.

1. Indian-spiced fries recipe

Indian flavors have been a huge trend for the year 2014. The combination of turmeric and cumin really makes these fries stand out. In fact, they were my favorite out of the trio set. As you will notice, these fries came out much more yellow than the other batches, and that is because of the turmeric.

Serves 3-4

Ingredients:

• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 3 large russet potatoes
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. In a small bowl, combine the turmeric, cumin, coriander, paprika and salt.
3. Cut the potatoes into shoestring slices. Coat with olive oil, and then sprinkle the fries with the spice mix.
4. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes.

2. Italian-spiced fries recipe

These fries are always made in my home. Most people already have the spices in their pantry and can whip up a batch in a matter of minutes. If you really want to make them stand out, then top them with a little bit of shredded Parmesan cheese while baking.

Serves 3-4

Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon coriander seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon rubbed sage
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 large russet potatoes
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. In a small bowl, combine the basil, coriander, garlic salt, paprika, oregano, sage, parsley and black pepper.
3. Cut the potatoes into shoestring slices. Coat with olive oil, and then sprinkle the fries with the spice mix.
4. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes.

3. Mexican-spiced fries recipe

It's no lie that I love anything with Mexican flavors. These fries have me craving Mexican food all over again. The spices create a little touch of heat, but add them to queso or guacamole, and you are in french fry heaven.

Serves 3-4

Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon table salt
• Couple pinches ground pepper
• 3 large russet potatoes
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt and pepper.
3. Cut the potatoes into shoestring slices. Coat with olive oil, and then sprinkle the fries with the spice mix.
4. Bake in the oven for 25 minutes.

More tasty homemade fries

Baked sweet potato fries
Baked chipotle cheese fries
Baked garlic truffle fries

Pies can win the prize, but this recipe for chocolate-pecan hand pies with caramel drizzle is in a category by itself. These small, individual portions of pie enveloped in crust and dripping with caramel sauce are fantastic for dessert.

If you like, you can adapt this recipe and make things a little easier by using prepared pie dough and prepared caramel sauce. The chocolate, pecans and caramel combine perfectly for a fab fall-inspired treat.

Chocolate-pecan hand pies with caramel drizzle recipe

Yields 15

Ingredients:

For the dough

• 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for your work surface
• 1/2 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup vegetable shortening
• 3/4 cup cold water
• 1 egg, beaten, as a wash for the dough before baking
• Parchment paper

For the filling

• 1 cup toasted pecan halves (I cut mine in half again)
• 4 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup corn syrup

For the drizzle

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons milk
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar

Directions:

For the dough

1. To a large bowl, add the flour, sugar and salt, and whisk to combine.
2. Add the shortening to the flour mixture in small pieces. Use a pastry blender (or your hands and a fork) to mix the ingredients together.
3. A little at a time, add the cold water to the flour mixture. Stir, and continue to blend the mix until it looks like coarse sand with several pea-size clumps.
4. Use your hands to mix the dough into a soft dough ball.
5. Divide the dough in half, and shape each half into a disk about 1 inch thick. Wrap in cling wrap, and refrigerate for about 1 hour.

For the filling

1. To a microwave-safe bowl, add the chocolate chips and butter, and heat in 20-second increments until melted. Stir to combine.
2. Add the brown sugar to the mixture, stirring, and then allow it to cool for a few minutes.
3. Add the egg, and mix well. Add the vanilla, salt and corn syrup to the mixture. Finally, fold in the pecan pieces.

For the drizzle

1. To a saucepan over medium heat, add the brown sugar, butter, milk and salt. Stir to combine, and increase the heat.
2. Continue to stir, and when the mixture boils, reduce the heat slightly. Allow the mixture to boil for a few minutes.
3. Remove the pan from the heat. When the mixture has cooled by about half, add the vanilla and 1/2 the confectioners' sugar. Whisk until smooth.
4. If the mixture needs to be a little thicker, then add the remaining confectioners' sugar a little at a time.

To prepare the hand pies

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Add the egg wash to a small bowl, and set it aside.
2. Remove 1 disk of dough from the refrigerator at a time, and roll it out on a floured surface until it is about 1/8 inch thick.
3. Use a 4-1/2-inch round pastry cutter to cut out the dough. Gather the scraps, and continue to roll out the dough until there isn't enough left for extra rounds.
4. Drop 1 teaspoon of the filling mixture into the centers of the cut-out dough rounds. Fold the rounds in half, and tightly seal the edges, pinching them together.
5. Use a sharp knife to cut 2 small slits in the tops of the hand pies for steam to escape while baking. Brush the tops of the pies with the egg wash. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the pies are lightly golden.
6. Remove from the oven, and let cool slightly.
7. Serve warm (or at room temperature) with the caramel drizzle over the tops of the hand pies.

You won't be able to keep your hands off this dessert.

More dessert recipes

Dulce de leche-banana ice cream sandwiches
Sticky and sweet gluten-free apple-cinnamon pull-apart bread
Candy funfetti dessert bowls

This magnetic marker holder is a great way to keep markers in their place. You can make several to keep in the classroom, or a single marker holder on the fridge at home to use for homework or weekend craft projects.

Supplies:

Cardboard cereal or cracker box
Duck Tape sheet
Scissors
Pencil
Ruler
Magnets
Tape

1. Start by marking the template for your magnetic marker box on the back of the cereal box. Four vertical lines — the first two 1-3/4 inches apart, then 3-1/2 inches apart, then another 1-3/4 inches apart. Four horizontal lines — the first two 3-1/2 inches apart, then another 1-3/4 inches apart, then 3-1/2 inches apart.

2. Cut out the box shape.

3. Fold on all the lines.

4.Tape the magnets in place on the back to secure them before the next step.

5. Peel the backing off the Duck Tape sheet, then secure the box to the sheet. Only attach the center, not the side flaps.

6. Trim any excess Duck Tape from each side.

7. Fold in sides, and secure with the Duck Tape.

8. Repeat with the other side, then cut off the flaps.

9. Cut a notch at each corner at the top.

10. Fold in the Duck Tape flaps. Insert the markers, and your box is finished.

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