Children slowly adjust to the demands of a structured academic environment, and their curiosity and zest for knowledge begin to equip them with the tools necessary for later inquiry. This love of learning is critical, and there are many ways to foster a deep interest in books, facts and academics as a whole. Here are seven to try at home with your own student.

1. Set a positive example

If you hope to raise a child who embraces the process of learning, you must first demonstrate the same trait. Your preschool student will follow your example; allow her to see you as you read or as you investigate an unfamiliar subject or object (such as an unrecognizable beetle in your garden).

2. Participate in her journey

Just as your child expresses interest in your actions and hobbies, show your interest in hers. Ask her questions as she plays, and answer any questions that she poses to you. Your commitment to her learning emphasizes its importance, and simply holding a genuine conversation can serve as positive reinforcement for your student.

3. Follow her passions

True learning is not possible without engagement. If your child loves to tell stories, build time for dramatic play into your schedule. If she enjoys cooking, experiment with sensory activities that utilize common kitchen ingredients. Better yet, invite her to assist with household chores. A sense of purpose may deepen her appreciation for and connection to the knowledge she gains.

4. Incorporate outside activities

"Outside," here, refers not to nature specifically, but to experiences beyond the home and the school: field trips. Museums and parks, among other locations, can present your student's passions in an exciting new light. Explore all angles of a subject, and remember that many meaningful activities (e.g. browsing books at the library) can be accessed free of charge.

5. Select age-appropriate pastimes

As you likely realize, your interests do not always align with your child's. If your student wishes to dig for dinosaur bones, rather than view them in a natural history museum, opt for the first. Disinterest can slow a burgeoning love for learning in very little time. When in doubt, choose hands-on activities.

6. Be flexible

Your child may maintain a single interest for months or years, or your student may develop an entirely new fascination every few days. Both paths are perfectly acceptable. Do not pressure her; instead, foster her curiosity, wherever it may lead. By experimenting in different fields now, your child can strengthen multiple literacies that will be critical in higher grades.

7. Document and reflect

As you and your student explore topics, document your progress with photographs, stories, videos, etc. Review these items together and reflect on what you have learned. Does your child have other questions? Other observations? One passion may lead to dozens more, and reflection helps your student think critically about their connections, a useful skill for the years ahead.

For more tips and strategies to help your student succeed in school, visit www.varsitytutors.com.

Photo credit: Thanasis Zovoilis/Moment/Getty Images

Whether you're preparing dinner, laying dishes out to dry or just trying to find someplace to jot down a note, there never seems to be enough countertop to go around. Well, like they say, less is more, especially when it comes to countertop decor and organization. Give yourself some space (and a break), by freeing up some room to work, with these helpful and chic storage ideas for maximizing your counter space.

1. Whatever can be hung up, should be hung up

Organizers for Every Room via Hometalker Knick of Time

Counter space can be cutely decorated, but decoration and space-saving can go hand in hand if you can just manage to to keep everything that doesn't necessarily need to be on your counter off of your counter. Knife magnets or utensil holders, like this great tin can DIY, are great ways to decorate your kitchen and have your tools handy, but keep your work space open and ready to go.

2. Containers are a must

Cute Ways to Maximize Space via Hometalker Rachel

Keep bits and pieces from ending up sprawled across your countertop by having a separate individual container for all of your kitchen needs. Tea bag canisters, sugar jars, recipe drawers... keep everything right where you need it and safely stowed in cute containers, adding to your organization and your decor.

3. You can always add more layers

Over the Sink Shelf via Hometalker Stow and Tell U

Layers and levels are key in kitchen organization and space-saving. Add shelves to the back wall of counters or over your sink for more storage space and out-of-the-way decor. Shelves are an excellent way to highlight design and not lose your decor style, while freeing up necessary counter space.

4. Trays aren't just for tea time and breakfast in bed

DIY Kitchen Reno via Hometalker Jenna LaFevor

Like shelves, trays are a great way of grouping things together decoratively, but keeping them mostly out of your way when you're working. Trays can be very cute decor, and even create little stations around your kitchen, like a beverage corner, a cleaning supply spot or any other station that would help your kitchen in function or design.

5. Be creative with storage space

Organize on a Door via Hometalker C.R.A.F.T.

Just because you’re keeping your countertop clean doesn't mean you're down to cabinets and shelves; with the right imagination and tools, anything can be storage space, from self-assembled stylish industrial shelving, to an ingeniously repurposed shutter like this beautiful and bright kitchen wall storage piece.

6. In-wall appliances are an easy space saver

Kitchen Makeover via Hometalker Andrea

If you have the option, a great way to free up counter space is to build appliances or appliance storage into your kitchen layout. A microwave set into the cabinet or wall, or a pull-out shelf for a mixer are some great ways to keep your appliances on hand and still give yourself some much-needed room in the kitchen.

7. Dish racks and drying racks are where it's at

Simple Organizing via Hometalker Hoosier Homemade

Damp towels and drying dishes take up more room than you even realize. Get rid of towels lounging around your countertops and slowly drying dishes by giving them their own special space in your kitchen. A rack over your sink or under your cabinets is a great place to let dishes drip-dry, while the inside of a cabinet door provides ample hook space for hanging hand towels.

Is kitchen clutter driving you mad? We have all the organization answers you need, on our organizing topic page at Hometalk.

Photo credit: Terry J Alcorn/Getty Images

With all of the excitement surrounding the triple threat's new gig, we decided to take a look at why the night will be epic for all of us watching. Here is NPH in GIFs doing what he does best — entertaining us all.

Neil Patrick Harris reveals the man who cemented his gayness

1. He has famous cool friends like Elmo

2. He likes to drink and the Oscars could use more of that

Neil Patrick Harris' kids were the real reason he got married

3. His musical numbers are always epic

4. Even though the Tonys have nothing to do with the Oscars, we wouldn't mind a little Hedwig action at the show

PHOTOS: Neil Patrick Harris marries David Burtka

5. He's always on top of pop culture, like his "drop mic" moment with Audra McDonald at the Tonys

6. He and husband, David Burtka, are so cute together; we hope we get adorable moments like this at the Oscars

The Oscars will air on Sunday, Feb. 22, 2015.

When did we forget about scrambled eggs and become obsessed with poached eggs, sous vide eggs and all those other "fancy" egg techniques that left no room for the elegant but simple scrambled eggs? Time has come to change that train of thought and to whip up some delicious scrambled egg recipes in your kitchen.

1. Baked scrambled eggs recipe

Blog: Buns in My Oven

This simple technique is worth a try when you have to make eggs for more than 10 people. Try these baked scrambled eggs tomorrow morning.

2. Scrambled egg recipe with turkey sausage, sun-dried tomatoes and basil

Blog: Cookin' Canuck

This scrambled egg recipe with turkey sausage, sun-dried tomatoes and basil is packed with great flavor — a perfect way to start your day.

3. Scrambled egg and roasted asparagus toast recipe

Blog: Foodie Crush

Make scrambled eggs look fancy by whipping up this scrambled egg and roasted asparagus toast, delicious for a quick brunch with the girls.

4. Lobster scrambled eggs recipe

Blog: Pineapple & Coconut

Save this one for a special Sunday brunch. These lobster scrambled eggs are indulgent and just the breakfast for important events. Or treat yourself to lobster on a Monday.

5. North Indian-style scrambled eggs recipe

Blog: A Brown Table

Flavored with a variety of spices, like turmeric, garam masala and ginger root, these North Indian-style scrambled eggs are unique and delicious.

6. Scrambled huevos rancheros recipe

Blog: Cookie + Kate

Bring a twist of Southwestern flavors to your morning eggs by making these scrambled huevos rancheros.

7. Smoked salmon scrambled eggs recipe

Blog: Barefeet in the Kitchen

The combination of two brunch essentials — smoked salmon and eggs — makes up these fantastic smoked salmon scrambled eggs.

8. Scrambled eggs with pan-roasted mushrooms recipe

Blog: What's Gaby Cooking

Hearty mushrooms make these scrambled eggs with pan-roasted mushrooms a meal all on its own.

9. Baguettes stuffed with spicy vegetable-filled scrambled eggs recipe

We're loving these baguettes stuffed with spicy vegetable-filled scrambled eggs and thinking about making them ahead of time and just reheating the dish in the mornings.

10. Cheesy scrambled eggs and pico de gallo avocado toast recipe

Blog: Sarcastic Cooking

A delightful way to start your Meatless Monday morning, these cheesy scrambled eggs and pico de gallo avocado toast are hearty and filled with flavor.

11. Breakfast stuffed sweet potatoes recipe

Blog: Damn Delicious

For all the sweet potato lovers out there, these stuffed sweet potatoes for breakfast are for you.

12. Blue corn breakfast tacos with scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, avocado and dill recipe

Blog: Ambitious Kitchen

Start your day with these blue corn breakfast tacos with scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, avocado and dill, and you won't be hungry for hours.

13. Creamy scrambled egg toast with bacon and whole-grain mustard cream sauce recipe

Blog: Climbing Grier Mountain

This breakfast dish can easily be a lunch or dinner. The creamy scrambled egg toast with bacon and whole-grain mustard cream sauce is a well-composed, delicious idea for eggs.

14. Breakfast naan pizza recipe

Pile on the scrambled eggs and all your other favorite breakfast foods to make the ultimate morning-time pizza.

More on eggs

Savory eggs in a nest
Buffalo blue cheese deviled eggs
Baked eggs with sweet potatoes and Gorgonzola

Fans of the hit show will remember that Carrie (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Mr. Big's (Noth) romance had so many ups and downs, it was a wonder the two of them ever ended up together.

7 Shows you didn't know are crazy popular in other countries

Personally, I never liked Mr. Big and I could never understand what Carrie saw in him. In fact, when I watch the reruns, I am always fast-forwarding through most of their scenes together because they make me cringe. To me, he was just a big a-hole and now I'm starting to think that Noth might be, as well.

In a recent interview with news.com.au, Noth said some pretty hateful things about the show, Carrie and women in general, all of which have a lot of fans (rightfully) in arms.

The interviewer asked Noth about playing powerful men, both on Sex and the City and on his current show, The Good Wife.

"She was such a whore!"

"People accuse me of always playing powerful men. But they're flawed — Big was powerful because he had a lot of money and he seemed to have the upper hand in the relationship, but emotionally he was a wreck. Actually, no: He was what he was. One of the things I tell people is that he never tried to pretend he was anything other than what he was. It was [Carrie] who tried to pretend he was something he wasn't. He was always honest about himself — he never cheated on her. The relationship just didn't work, and he went on to get married while she went on to... how many boyfriends did she have? She was such a whore! [laughs]."

Watch it or read it: Popular books with serious screen time

Missing the point of the show

Now, even though Noth goes on to say in the next sentence that Carrie was a "strong, smart woman," I feel the need to stop and discuss what he just said and how he is very confused about women and about the show itself.

The whole point of Sex and the City was to depict women as strong, unique individuals who could be just as interested in sex as men without being called words like "whore," "slut" and all those other lovely terms that oddly don't have a male counterpart. It's 2014 and the stereotype still exists that men who are promiscuous are celebrated, while women who simply own their sexuality are condemned.

The fact that Noth used the word "whore," even if he laughed and tried to make light of it, shows just how little he understands the purpose of the very show that helped turn him into a star.

Later on in the interview, Noth was asked about the lack of success of the second film. He blamed it on the location of the second film and, while that could be argued as possible, his reasoning is again unbelievably flawed.

More insults for Sex and the City and others

"The New York that Sex and the City depicted is not the New York that I love," Noth said. "New York was a much bigger, more interesting place than just fashion and glitz and all that crap. It's become its own nightmare — it's become Dubai, which is why I don't spend much time there anymore. It's full of tourists, Times Square is Disneyland. It is safer, and that's good, but what we've lost is the character of the city itself. Street art, street life, the fabulous ethnicities and cultures, the middle class — a lot of that's gone. There used to be so many eclectic stores in New York. Go to Manhattan now and it's nothing but drug stores and banks. It's all about money — all the foreigners, the rich Chinese and rich Russians, come in there and buy everything up, don't even live there and raise the prices up so high. Manhattan used to have a real rainbow coalition of class and ethnicity, but it's being pushed out. It's almost like New York became the [fantasy] city that Sex and the City depicted, which I find particularly boring."

Wow, now that's what I call talent. Noth managed to insult New York, multiple races and the entire Sex and the City franchise all in one paragraph. It's interesting that he talks about admiring the different classes and ethnicities, while simultaneously talking about some particular races and classes with disdain.

Sarah Jessica Parker launching own line of shoes in 2014

Frankly, after hearing what Noth's real opinion is on New York and Sex and the City, I'm hoping that the third film (should there be one) opens with Carrie announcing that she and Big are getting a divorce and we never hear from him again.

What do you think about Noth's remarks?

Playing pretend is my daughter's favorite way to play. And I'm game to allow her to give me a role to take on — but my little director-in-training always gives me a script to follow. She actually prompts me on what to say before my "character" has an opportunity to speak. God forbid I eke out a few improv lines of my own before she has a chance to instruct me on what to say next. My darling daughter puts me right back in my place by whispering something to the effect of "Mom, Elsa doesn't say that!" Well, excuse me. I thought we were playing together when she's clearly just pulling my puppet strings. Can't we just play Uno, instead?

Bad Cop was kind of cool in The LEGO Movie. In real life, playing Bad Cop is no fun at all. I hate seeing the sting in my son's eyes after I reprimand him or watching my daughter fight back tears as she flees to a "time-out" at my discretion. My heart breaks a little every time I invoke these sad responses from them. Should I explain "It hurts me more than it hurts you" or "It's for your own good"? Those just seem like tired excuses that even I don't want to hear come out of my mouth. I won't apologize for disciplining my kids. It is my job to help shape them into responsible human beings and I intend to do so, starting with a solid foundation of love, encouragement and yes, sometimes discipline. But saying no, revoking a privilege or enforcing a time-out just makes me feel like a suck.

Even worse than taking the reins in parenthood, though, is having to relinquish them. To Dad, the babysitter, Grandma and Grandpa... anyone other than myself. I want to be the hands-on parent who is there for it all. But I realize if I do that day after day without a break, my kids will have to visit me in some sort of institution. So instead of taking on all the responsibilities of parenthood, I reluctantly share the load. And in doing so, I've realized that it's not only good for me to give up some control, but it's good for my kids to understand how to listen to and respect other authority figures or those we invite to take charge in our absence. It also gives them an opportunity to form bonds of trust, love and friendship with people besides just me.

Another thing that sucks about motherhood is toting everything I can think of in my purse on a daily basis "just in case." You know who I'm really jealous of? Those women who carry those teeny purses or can leave the house with little more than an ID card, phone and their favorite lipstick in their pocket. I don't leave the house without an arsenal — water bottles, snacks, four-square ball, glitter lip gloss (not for me), several pairs of sunglasses that neither kid will ever ask for unless it is indeed the one time I leave them at home. At any given time, I can pull a few dolls, some Hot Wheels, crayons, notepads, Wet Ones, tissues, Band-Aids or a clean pair of mini Monster High undies from within the vast and seemingly endless canyon that I call my purse. I hardly ever need any of that stuff. But you'd better believe if I dared leave the house without all of it, I'd be wishing I hadn't left it behind.

Saying goodnight is a dreaded time in our household. At least for me. I've stretched out my kids' bedtime routine for hours on end. I never could just set my infants into their crib for nap or bedtime. I rocked them to sleep from infancy, and sometimes I would just hold and snuggle their warm little bodies long after they fell asleep. Up until just about a month ago, in fact, I even laid down in bed with them to avoid the bedtime blues. Saying goodnight is hard to do. I know allowing them to fall asleep without me is a useful tool for their independence, so I finally broke our bedtime habit. But sometimes I really just want to crawl in bed with my not-so-little babies and snuggle all night long.

More laughs for moms

How to change a tire with a toddler
7 Back-to-school ideas I'm way too lazy to try
"Baby Got Class" parody is your back-to-school jam

Twitter feud: Sam Smith crops Riff Raff out of VMAs photo

Snoop Dogg committed some atrocious social media assaults on fellow rapper, Iggy Azalea, earlier this week and now he's apologizing. But the only thing worse than a social media bully is someone who issues an insincere apology, and Snoop is guilty on both accounts.

After posting images on Instagram in an attempt to degrade Azalea's appearance, Snoop uploaded a video of himself apologizing. The apology comes after a reported conversation with T.I., Azalea's mentor and Mr. Dogg's friend, but the problem with his "I'm sorry" comes in the delivery. Snoop says, "No more bad talk. I apologize. Yeah, I apologize," with a smug look and a smirk that clearly says he's not apologetic, but more like a child who is forced to apologize to someone after receiving a light spanking. (You can watch the video here.)

Photo credit: Snoop Dogg/WENN.com

Azalea chose to take the high road and accept his lame apology, but short of being accused of not writing her own lyrics, we're left wondering what exactly she did to deserve the insults in the first place.

Snoop seems to have joined the part of our culture that thinks its OK to comment on someone's appearance. Which it's not. Ever. Making nasty comments about the way a person looks is the lowest form of insult-hurling ever and also the easiest. Snoop writes so many lyrics, is he really not clever enough to think of another way to express that he is displeased with another person? Snoop also referred to Azalea as a C-U-next-Tuesday in one of his posts. Name-calling is also not the epitome of intelligent discourse.

Based on his social media blitz, it looks like Snoop is feeling a little irrelevant himself and possibly quite threatened by the fact that women are becoming more prevalent in his industry.

We thought that stoners were supposed to be mellow and always viewed Snoop Dogg as being such a delightful, happy-go-lucky fellow. Then again, he also recently hurled anti-gay slurs on social media, as well. Seems that Snoop is looking less and less like a Bob Marley type and more and more like an immature, attention-seeking, sexist bigot.

VIDEO: Jay Leno's sad, star-studded Tonight Show goodbye

Rumor has it, Leno had an agreement with Carson to continue the ban against Rivers that Carson initiated in 1986. Carson famously stopped Rivers from appearing on the show after she started her own talk show.

"No, no, no, it never even came up," Leno told host, Billy Bush, on Access Hollywood of the ban on Rivers. "Nothing was ever said. We just didn't do it."

Although, Leno is admitting that he never had Rivers on the show out of respect for Carson. "I didn't want to do it [interview Rivers] while Johnny was alive, out of respect for Johnny. I don't think he wanted to see her on the show."

Jimmy Kimmel just can't stand Jay Leno

Still, even after Carson died in 2005, Leno didn't make the effort to have Rivers on the program.

Leno admitted it was due to the fact that, "It got a little awkward. By that point, Joan was sort of going on and on about me and I felt, well, let's let the ground lie fallow for a while and we'll see what happens. But she always kind of kept it going."

Leno said that he actually liked Rivers and considered them friends. He admitted that she was the first autograph he ever got, but that things were never right between the two of them. "It just got to be awkward and we just never did it."

Rivers died last month after complications during surgery.

Also during Leno's Access Hollywood appearance, the comedian confirmed he will be hosting a new series next year called Jay Leno's Garage.

Sharon Osbourne dishes the dirt on fling with Jay Leno

"This show will be about anything that rolls, explodes and makes noise," Leno explained. "We hope to highlight the passion and the stories behind men and women who made the automobile the greatest invention of the 20th century."

Leno famously has an extensive car collection. He owns hundreds of vehicles and previously had a website, also called Jay Leno's Garage, dedicated to detailing and sharing information about his collection and other automotives. It appears that site has now been merged with the NBC show site.

Watch Leno's Access Hollywood interview below.

Glenn Close: Mental illness should be a uniting, hope-filled issue

"You basically weren't allowed to do anything, or you were made to feel guilty about any unnatural desire," Close told E! News. "If you talk to anybody who was in a group that basically dictates how you're supposed to live and what you're supposed to say and how you're supposed to feel, from the time you're seven till the time you're 22, it has a profound impact on you."

The actress, who is currently starring on Broadway, said her father, Dr. William Taliaferro Close, was the one who joined the cult. She wasn’t able to escape from their control until she left for college. And although she never looked back, it haunted her for years.

"I would have dreams because I didn't go to any psychiatrist or anything," she explained. "I had these dreams, and they started with betrayal, a sense of betrayal, and then they developed into me being able to look at these people and say, 'You're wrong. You're wrong.' And then the final incarnation of those dreams was me being able to calmly get up and walk away. And then I didn't have them anymore."

Large to small: Film stars who have made the jump to TV

Although Close says the trauma suffered while in the cult became a part of her, she was able to leave and have the successful career she has had. The cult never tried to win her back, but she said her different childhood is still something she has to deal with.

"I always thought, the way life works, the burden of forgiveness is on the child," she explained. "That's the way it goes. Forgiveness is probably the most revolutionary concept there is right now in our world. Because without forgiveness, you just perpetuate what has been before. You [have to] say, 'It's going to stop with me.'"

Christian Bale and wife Sibi are parents again

Famous Batman, Christian Bale, is the latest celebrity to reportedly be "in talks" to play the role of the late Apple co-founder, Steve Jobs, in a highly anticipated upcoming biopic produced by Sony. He joins a long list of some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and Bradley Cooper, who are all supposedly being considered for the job since Leonardo DiCaprio dropped out a few weeks ago.

According to the Daily Mail, Bale was spotted out near Hollywood and he's there to discuss the role with the movie's producers. This is the second biopic about Jobs — Ashton Kutcher played the tech mogul in a film last year.

The upcoming version is already making waves, though — it's set to be directed by Slumdog Millionaire's Danny Boyle and written by Aaron Sorkin, who penned The Social Network, another flick about a famous name in the tech field, Mark Zuckerberg.

Celebrities who've received extreme movie makeovers

This film is also based on Jobs' officially biography, written by an author who was given near-unrestricted access to Jobs' family and friends and interviewed the Apple CEO 40 times before Jobs' death in 2011.

DiCaprio was reportedly the frontrunner for the sought-after role before turning it down to focus his time on another film, The Revenent, before taking a long break from acting.

Regardless of who scores the titular role in the film, titled Jobs, it's already being viewed as a potential Oscars contender, according to the Daily Mail. And with such a star-studded lineup of actors vying for the leading part, it's no wonder.

5 films that will get us through Leo DiCaprio's break from acting

Who would you like to see play Steve Jobs? One of the actors already rumored to be a contender? Or someone else entirely? Tell us in the comments below.

7 Shows you didn't know are crazy popular in other countries

"Even with The Good Wife people accuse me of always playing powerful men. But they're flawed," he told news.com.au, via E! News. "Big was powerful because he had a lot of money and he seemed to have the upper hand in the relationship, but emotionally he was a wreck."

But Noth added that even though Mr. Big was flawed, he never pretended to be anything other than what he really was.

"Actually, no: he was what he was," he continued. "One of the things I tell people is that he never tried to pretend he was anything other than what he was. It was [Carrie] who tried to pretend he was something he wasn't.

"The relationship just didn't work, and he [Mr. Big] went on to get married while she went on to — how many boyfriends did she have? She was such a whore!" Noth explained, forgetting to mention that his character cheated on his wife with Carrie Bradshaw on the show.

Noth's interview came as rumors of a third Sex and the City film begin to swirl around. He said he doesn't have any information, but that, "I'll believe it when they say 'Action!'"

Sarah Jessica Parker launching own line of shoes in 2014

In the end, the real Mr. Big said that it wasn't Mr. Big's fault he treated Carrie Bradshaw that way.

"There's a misconception that Carrie was a victim of him," Noth added, "and that's not the case — she was a strong, smart woman."

Erykah Badu is fuming over Flaming Lips porn video

The singer-songwriter, record producer, activist and actress definitely had her heyday in the '90s, when her first album, Baduizm, went triple platinum. But it didn't end there. Badu's second album, a live concert recording, went double platinum, her third album went platinum and her fourth album went gold. Yeah. She's kind of a big deal.

That's why it's so surprising that when Badu went busking in Times Square, basically no one recognized her.

Gawker calls her "one of the greatest R&B singers of a generation," but from this video, you wouldn't know it. Sure, it's been a few years since she's produced an album, but come on, New York.

Janelle Monáe releases new video

The video, shot by Badu and a friend on a cell phone, shows exactly what happened when the multi-platinum singer tried to play anonymously in New York City. At the beginning of the seven-minute video, titled "Street Hustle Experiment," one person recognizes Badu and takes her photo. For the rest of the video, pretty much no one cares.

"Maybe I should take off my hat so no one recognizes me," she says. She places it on the sidewalk and launches into singing to strangers, "Please give me some money... I don't wanna get no job, I just want your money."

Maybe that was her mistake. Maybe one of her well-played singles would have been more effective. Regardless, New Yorkers were oblivious to her real identity as she danced, clapped and sang for... $3.60. That's right. Enough for, what, a slice of pizza? Maybe?

Luckily, she has a good attitude about it — after tallying up her money, she says, "Look at all this money. See, if you got some initiative, you can make money. All you need is a little initiative and a little talent."

Erykah Badu gets naked for new album

Check out the whole video below and then tell us your take in the comments.

Amanda Bynes hospitalized: Is she OK?

TMZ reported today that the actress, who was placed under a 72-hour psychiatric hold late last week, could be put under a strict new conservatorship if it's what a judge decides is best for her. Under this conservatorship's rules, Bynes could be involuntarily confined and medicated for up to a year.

An involuntary LPS hold of this nature is only for people who are "gravely disabled as a result of a mental disorder or impairment by chronic alcoholism," according to TMZ. Bynes' prior conservatorship had her living with her parents, but this one is much stricter — it would keep her confined to a hospital or another "secure facility" where she can be medicated, even if she doesn't consent to drugs. According to TMZ, her parents could not legally medicate or confine Bynes against her will under the previous conservatorship.

Amanda Bynes blames sick accusations on microchip in her head

Bynes' first LPS hold expired just last month. This would be her second. It can't be officially requested that the judge order it until Bynes has been "fully diagnosed," but that's expected to happen sometime this week.

Bynes is obviously a very troubled person and has been for some time. Her bizarre and erratic behavior has put her and others in danger — in the last two weeks alone, she's been arrested for a DUI, has been observed talking to herself in public, has been expelled from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, has been busted for shoplifting and accused of attacking a fan in a nightclub. Her parents, who admitted they are unable to control her, issued a statement asking the public to steer clear of Bynes if they see her and saying they are worried something tragic could happen to their daughter or those around her.

Nick Cannon finally says what needs to be said about Amanda Bynes

We only hope this is the solution to getting Bynes the help she clearly needs.

Neil Patrick Harris reveals the man who cemented his gayness

Patrick Harris hasn’t exactly given up his screen roles — in just this year, he has appeared in both Gone Girl and A Million Ways to Die in the West, not to mention his stage role in Hedwig and the Angry Inch — but he appears to enjoy the hosting role, according to Rolling Stone. He hosted the Tonys last year and the Emmys in 2009 and 2013.

Harris, who was recently married, made the announcement via a video, in which he answers a phone as the camera scrolls to his bucket list, which includes: "Jump out of a plane," "Move to NYC," "Win a Tony Award" and "Sleep in Cinderella's Castle," among other goals. It appears the only bucket list item that Harris hasn't yet completed is to host the Oscars. During the phone call, he circles his last item.

The actor isn’t a stranger to the Academy Awards. In 2010, he sang a song during the show, but has not yet been nominated for the award. Howewer, he is halfway to an EGOT: with a Tony Award and multiple Emmy Awards — for his roles on Glee and as host of the Tonys.

6 GIFs that prove Neil Patrick Harris is the Oscars host of our dreams

Harris will have some big shoes to fill for this year’s Oscars ceremony. In 2014, host Ellen DeGeneres brought in 43 million viewers to the show. According to Variety, DeGeneres opted not to host two years in a row.

The 2015 Oscars will air on ABC on Feb. 22.

Watch the video here:

5 Seconds of Summer was scared to tour with One Direction

"Hi guys, we have some news for you today," the band said. "Ashton has come down with a case of appendicitis and had to have an operation. He's doing great and will be back up & running in no time, but he'll need to rest up for the next week or so. Unfortunately this means that we'll no longer be able to fly back to the UK this weekend for the BBC Radio 1 Teen Awards. We will also be postponing next week's trip to Japan (more info to come soon)."

The band also took to Twitter to announce the news.

The Aussie band is fresh off a tour with One Direction and has plenty of new fans in the U.K. Although they were disappointed, it looks like Ashton’s surgery went well and he will be up and moving soon.

5 Seconds of Summer bassist reveals 6 seconds of boner

The band also promised they would make it up to their U.K. fans:

"We are so sorry to everyone that had planned on seeing us," the band added. "We were so excited to come see you all and we never want to make any of you sad… We hope you understand! Thanks so much for supporting all we do, we love you. Can't wait for us four lads to get back on the road (minus one band appendix) and rock out with you all again soon!"

Supplies:

• Sheet of corrugated plastic
• Scissors
• Pen
• Paper
• Orange, yellow and white duct tape
• Paint stir sticks
• Glue

Directions:

1. Cut out a template

Cut out a candy corn shape from a piece of paper to make a template.

2. Trace and cut

Trace around the template on the corrugated plastic, then cut out the shapes.

3. Cover with duct tape

Cut strips of duct tape and tape them to the plastic candy corn shape. Tape yellow at the bottom, orange in the middle and white at the top.

4. Glue on the stick

Fold the overhanging edges of the duct tape around the back of the candy corn. Use glue to attach a paint stick to the back of the candy corn. Once the glue is dry the candy corn yard stake is ready to put in the yard.

More Halloween crafts

Edible Halloween crafts for kids
Simple Halloween spiderweb craft
Halloween glow stick crafts for kids

The couple introduced the latest member of their family via Instagram on Thursday, Oct. 16, and it's a girl.

Ian Somerhalder talks farmers market runs with Nikki Reed

Reed shared an adorable picture of herself giving some love to her new adopted grey kitten, which she captioned, "Went to the animal shelter today to give some love to the babies living in cages who don't have homes and ended up adopting this little girl! What should we name her?"

Photo credit: Nikki Reed/Instagram

We're already thinking up names for this little cutie, but some of the couple's fans have already gotten creative with their name choices, which currently include "Obama," "Hope," "Applepaw," "Stain," and "Lucky," among many more.

Twilight star Nikki Reed & husband Paul McDonald split

As for The Vampire Diaries hunk? He took to Twitter to inform fans about the "newest addition to the family," adding, "Holy shit this little GIRL is amazing! PLEASEAdopt Adopt Adopt."

The couple is pretty much perfect for each other, because they both share a major passion for animals, and just last week, Somerhalder celebrated the one-year anniversary of his beloved adopted dog Nietzsche. Taking to Instagram at the time, he shared an amazing picture of himself and his new girlfriend along with their two pups, in which he praised Reed for her work that benefited the ASPCA.

Reed recently designed a line of dog collars with and leashes with Gilt and 100 percent of the proceeds are going to the ASPCA. Aww!

PHOTO: Ian Somerhalder and Nikki Reed are the cutest celeb couple, ever

Tell us: What should Reed and Somerhalder name their new kitten?

Normally crusted and coated chicken take far too much time, way too many bowls, and you're left with egg and flour everywhere on your counter. This quick and easy pecan-crusted chicken is way simpler. It's dipped in yogurt instead of a flour-and-egg dredge, and the pecans are pulsed just a few times in a food processor before coating, all of which takes about five minutes of prep time before cooking.

While the chicken cooks, the apple slaw comes together in minutes. Tart green apples, sweet raisins and dried cranberries are the perfect mixture for a refreshing topping on the crunchy chicken.

This one definitely fits the weekday recipe criteria.

Pecan-crusted chicken with green apple slaw recipe

This pecan-crusted chicken is a quick and easy dinner that changes up the boring chicken routine. For an extra-crispy exterior, finish the chicken under the broiler for one to two minutes.

Serves 4

Prep time: 10 minutes | Bake time: 20 minutes | Total time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 pounds chicken breast
• 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon plain yogurt, divided
• 3/4 cup pecans
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 green apple, grated
• 2 tablespoons raisins
• 2 tablespoons dried cranberries

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, place it in a bowl with 1/2 cup of plain yogurt, and turn to coat the chicken.
3. Pulse the pecans in a food processor until finely chopped. Place them in a shallow bowl.
4. Coat each piece of chicken in the pecans, and place on a greased baking sheet.
5. Bake the chicken for 20 minutes, until it is cooked through.
6. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine the apples, raisins and cranberries. Add the remaining tablespoon of yogurt, and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
7. Top the chicken with the slaw, and serve.

More chicken dinner recipes

Red velvet fried chicken
Quick chicken roll-ups
Baked bacon ranch chicken

Jimmy Fallon trims Jared Leto's bush (VIDEO)

The game is simple enough: Fallon and Stone take turns picking a box from a shelf. They are separated by a barrier so they can only see each other's faces. After a box is chosen, they open it and see what's inside, showing the contents to the audience as well. Stone and Fallon then either decide to lie to the other about the contents of the box or tell the truth. If the person can guess correctly whether the other is lying or not, they get a point. The first to two points wins.

The best part is that the boxes are filled with the strangest items. Stone picks the first and it's a copy of a Frozen DVD frozen within a block of ice. Fallon picks next and gets a fake hand wearing a watch. And on and on the game goes.

Late-night hosts added as presenters for Emmy Awards

With her perfectly wide eyes and uncertain expression, Stone tries to lie, though she admits before the game begins, "I love to lip-sync but I'm a terrible liar."

Stone previously appeared on Fallon's show in a fierce lip-syncing competition in which she killed it.

At first, it's easy to brush off Stone's comments about being a bad liar as her just trying to be a good sport and have fun. But, trust us, she really isn't kidding. It's surprising, since she's such a killer actress, but her wide eyes and innocent charm do her in every time.

Jimmy Fallon eases Barbra Streisand's nerves, gives her the desk (VIDEO)

Needless to say, the game doesn't last long at all. Even with the audience's help, Fallon can tell Stone is lying. Fallon quickly beats Stone and does a nice little victory lap around the stage.

Trust us, Stone's expressions make this video well worth the watch.

1. Go for a ride on the 4-wheeler

Get the dog ready, put on your helmet and take a ride around your block. I'm sure Fido will have more fun chasing the quad then he will going on a measly ol' walk anyhow. Ensure you're extra cautious, though, as we don't want any pups to get hurt or strain themselves when in sprint mode.

2. Take the golf cart out for a spin

Don't have a 4-wheeler or land to use it on? No problem. The golf cart will do just fine. Just do us a favor and don't have your pup chase you down a busy road.

3. Have another dog do the job for you

Again, humans are negotiable when it comes to doing the walking. If you've got two pups, they can walk themselves. Hopefully.

4. Use a ball launcher

Want a guaranteed way to give your dog exercise and keep your lazy butt planted to the chair? Launch some balls with a nifty shooting device like this K-9 Kannon available at Target ($17). Your dog will run, fetch and drop the balls right back at your feet for an old-fashioned game of fun.

5. Allow your dog to chase down the neighbors

Make your dog the happiest pooch on the planet and let it chase the neighbor kids. Hey, if anything, it's free entertainment! Just make sure that their parents don't have your phone number when the kiddos come home crying.

6. Toss the leash

Literally, toss the leash! Tie it to a chair and let the dog run after it, over and over and over again. Fido will be so excited to think he's going for a walk, he won't even notice that he's taking himself on. Lounge in your beach chair and have the treats ready for when the dog finally catches on.

7. Laser it

That laser pointer is more than just fun and games, it's an automated dog walker. Get comfy on the couch with your favorite Netflix series as your pup chases the laser pointer for hours on end. Make sure to stop and take potty breaks for yourself and the dog.

More in dog fun

Husky says no in hilarious doggy tantrum (VIDEO)
Quiz: What kind of dog are you?
15 Crazy-genius life hacks for dog owners