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That's right, the classic, dainty French meringue gets down and dirty with the king of all pork to produce little bites of heaven!

Sweet and Savory!

Adding homemade, crisp bacon bits and chopped chocolate chips to a classic meringue tones down the dessert's sweetness while leaving you with a slightly chewy, melt-in-your-mouth delight!

Chocolate chip and bacon meringues

Yields about 42 meringue cookies

Ingredients:

• 3 egg whites, room temperature
• 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 2/3 cup chocolate chips, chopped
• 1/2 pound bacon, cooked well done, blotted dry and chopped into bits

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees F and line two cookie sheets with parchment paper.
2. Place egg whites and cream of tartar in a large glass or stainless steel bowl. Using an electric mixer, whisk on high speed until thick and frothy looking, about two minutes.
3. Gradually add sugar to the bowl while continuously beating on high speed until the mixture becomes glossy looking with white stiff peaks. Add almond extract and beat another few seconds.
4. Fold chocolate chip and bacon bits into meringue mixture using a silicon spatula or metal spoon.
5. Using two teaspoons, spoon meringue mixture into small mounds onto your lined cookies sheets, about one inch apart.
6. Cook for two hours or until meringues are just ever so slightly browning.

More holiday dessert ideas

Mini carrot cake trifle with marzipan carrots
Lemon souffle in lemon cups
Mason jar pumpkin cupcakes

Celebrity parents and the new nuclear family

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt; Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber; Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick. The list of unmarried celebrity couples with kids is growing longer — especially those who cite political reasons for not tying the knot. Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard recently announced their pregnancy and the couple, although they are engaged, say they still have no plans to marry. Their reason? They want to wait until all gay and lesbian couples are afforded this same right. "We'll have them out of wedlock," 37-year-old Shepard told Larry King in a recent interview. "We're not worried about that."

So the question is, are even the most well-intentioned parents and future parents like Shepard and Bell — who are choosing not to marry — doing their children more harm than good? It really depends on who you ask... But with 40 percent of American babies born to unmarried parents, it's an important question to consider.

Families come in all shapes and sizes

"The reality of American culture today is that families come in all shapes, sizes and colors, and that is a good thing! Most of the research points to the fact that there is no 'perfect formula' for a healthy nurturing family environment in which children need to be raised to grow up healthy, happy and whole, emotionally," says Lisa Stevenson who holds a master's degree in counseling and has done extensive study on how the parental relationship affects children.

"The one common thread that all of the healthiest families do have is stability," adds Stevenson.

Sometimes love isn't enough

While most won't argue with how a celebrity's influence can inspire change and thus is commendable that these famous parents like Bell and Shepard would want to use their influence to help others, many experts still believe that marriage is what's best for the kids. Psychologist Tina Tessina brings up this point: "Marriage creates consequences for leaving the relationship that aren't there in cohabitation, and while we like to think love will be enough, it frequently isn't."

Life coach Amy Shoen adds, "No, you don't have to have a ring, but it does show commitment to each other and [not having one] makes it easier to walk away."

Being unwed and pregnant can get you fired >>

You need to define what your family is

Experts also agree that choosing not to marry can create confusion in children. Dr. John Duffy says he's worked with a number of parents who are unmarried by choice. "Some of the children are confused by their parents' arrangement and why they've chosen not to marry. In these situations I have found that the parents have been somewhat unclear about their feelings for each other with the kids. And they've also been unclear about the definition of family for them," says Duffy, who adds, "I found that these children felt insecure in their families."

"Parents should create a 'culture' of family within the household. That is, they collectively engage in rituals, celebrations, meals... that define them as a family," suggests Duffy.

"Once a child is old enough to understand, talk to them frankly about the reasons Mom and Dad chose not to marry. Like a lot of parent-child conversations, I encourage them to open with the things that do not change: We both love you, we love each other, we are a family."

Read more about marriage and parenting

How to adopt as a single mom
4 Things that your kids learn from your healthy marriage
Your kids and your marriage: Both are important

It's been said that working toward a dream without a plan is just a wish. In this issue of Working Mom 3.0, writer Stephanie Taylor Christensen offers tips on how work-at-home moms can put their career goals into action.

It starts with a plan

Particularly if you did not plan your long-term career goals around being a work-at-home mom, the simple aspect of not knowing what the future holds, or how to go about building it, can be daunting. To combat the uncertainty, self-doubt and fear, build a plan that will pave the way to new achievements and keep you continually moving toward the career path you want. Here's how.

Give yourself a deadline

When you're juggling family and work, it's too easy to put your career off for another day — especially when you don't yet have actual clients or an employer holding you accountable. Be your own project manager and set small deadlines you must achieve each week, whether it's making a new contact, earning an additional amount of money or perfecting a new skill.

Jenny McCarthy, did you forget you are a mom for a sec? The former Playboy model-cum-autism spokesperson got a big handful of Justin Bieber's butt at the AMAs Sunday night, kissing the surprised teen on the neck.

"Wow, I feel violated right now," said Bieber, who was receiving a pop/rock album prize at the American Music Awards from the self-proclaimed "cougar," 40.

Backstage, McCarthy admitted, "I did grab his butt. I couldn't help it. He was just so delicious."

"So little," she continued. "I wanted to tear his head off and eat it!"

McCarthy is known for her wacky antics, of course, so she no doubt assumed the grope would be taken as a joke.

Jenny McCarthy to bare boobies in Playboy for autism>>

She was so confident, in fact, that she posted a picture of herself kissing Justin's cringing neck, with the title "Cougar rape #poorjustin."

Still, viewers who watched McCarthy nab Bieber mostly got a little "ick" vibe. After all, McCarthy is literally more than twice Bieber's age, and though she may have meant her affection playfully, it came off a bit predatory.

After all, McCarthy is a devoted mother figure, mom to son Evan, whom she claims was "cured" of autism.

Would she enjoy seeing a woman her own age paw on Evan when he's 18, even playfully? And if Bieber was a teenage female and McCarthy a 40-year-old man, wouldn't the groping make McCarthy look like a dirty old man?

By the way, though gossip hounds were hoping Bieber would show up with beleaguered gal pal Selena Gomez, that's his mother on his arm.

Justin Bieber not ready to move on from Selena Gomez>>

Some have said that Gomez and Bieber were backstage holding hands, and E! News reported that Gomez arrived at the show's end to meet up with Bieber after the ceremony. Us Weekly also reported that the pair attended an AMAs after-party hosted by Bieber's manager, where they "held onto each other for much of the night and snuck in a few kisses as well."

Image courtesy Adriana M. Barraza/WENN.com

Read more on Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber photographed playing beer pong
Justin Bieber barfs on stage — twice
Justin Bieber's mom writes revealing memoir

As parents, when our child is going through a medical issue, we often trust their medical providers to give us the answers and treat him accordingly. There are times, however, where we might want to get another professional opinion.

Reasons for a second opinion

Is the recommended treatment more than you’d bargained for, or are you not jiving with the doctor? C. Noel Henley, an orthopedic surgeon with Ozark Orthopaedics, says these are absolutely reasons to request a second opinion. “Reasons to get a second opinion: The proposed treatment is invasive, has a long recovery time, is controversial in some way, or there are many ways to do the procedure or treatment,” he told us.

“Also, if the parents don't feel comfortable for any reason with this doctor . If the doctor suggests it, ask him or her if they think getting another opinion is wise. A conscientious doctor worth his salt will say yes almost every time .”

Fight for your child

While your child is important to your doctor, your child is more important to you. You are ultimately your child’s advocate — if you don’t fight for him, who will?

Katie, whose baby Jack suffers from three unusual diseases, knows firsthand the importance of speaking up and seeking a second — and more — opinion. “Some diseases are so rare that doctors are not likely to encounter them in practice, let alone encounter multiple rare conditions in one patient,” she explained. “So our pediatrician, in his 20+ years of practice, has never had any patients with any of these conditions, let alone all three.”

Your child’s advocate

While doctors and other medical staff can be intimidating, Katie says that it was important for her to stand up and get her son the help he needed. “I have learned in the past four months that my No. 1 job is to be my son's advocate,” she shared. “This responsibility doesn't come naturally to me — I am generally a ’people-pleaser, don't step on toes, don't rock the boat’ person by nature.”

Katie had to do a lot of her own research and “fire” physicians when she felt that their questions weren’t being answered and her son’s treatment team wasn’t addressing their concerns — especially when what she discovered during her own research didn’t fit with what treatment they were prescribing. “Even though those MDs wanted me to follow up with them, and were a bit pissy when I insisted on seeing a specialist in infant GERD, I know from my own research that he needed a more aggressive treatment,” she told us. “I am just sorry I waited so long to finally get it.”

She summed it up best. She said, “You are with your child day in and day out, you know them best, and I think if you are armed with information, even though you might step on some toes because some MDs have big egos, you will make the best decision you can to get them the help they deserve.”

More on sick kids

9 At-home activities for sick kids
Food and drinks that soothe sick kids
Is your child too sick to go to school?

Thanksgiving recipes

Bring beer to
the holiday table

Who says that Thanksgiving food and beverage pairings need to be all about wine or cider? If you're a beer lover, then this Thanksgiving learn how to choose the perfect brew to complement the holiday food, then get a creative, unconventional Thanksgiving recipe from MasterChef competitor Alejandra Schrader.

To learn about Thanksgiving food and beer pairings, we turned to Rob Nowaczyk of Fireman's Brew and chef Alejandra Schrader to give us a few tips.

Get more tips on Thanksgiving beer and wine pairings>>

Thanksgiving pairings

Your best bet for a beer that will pair with the majority of Thanksgiving foods is a light, crisp beer like Fireman's Brew Blonde, Kiran or Blue Moon. Nowaczyk also recommends Fireman's Brew Brunette or similar beer. "With its profusion of sweet, sour and savory elements," he says, "Fireman's Brew Brunette's maltiness and mild hopping make it a delicious pairing for some of the best Thanksgiving foods like dark turkey meat, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing and desserts like pumpkin pie."

Get inspiration for your Thanksgiving pairings with these amazing autumn beers >>

Food and beer — an unconventional Thanksgiving recipe

Usually when we think about food and beer pairings, we pair the beer to the food. But chef Alejandra Schrader has come up with a creative, very unconventional Thanksgiving recipe by thinking first about the beer. Her open-face stuffed turkey sliders with cranberry-onion compote, thyme cornbread 'buns' and sweet potato chips take all the elements of a Thanksgiving meal and combine them into one amazing dish.

"As a trained architect," says Schrader, "I still think about food in layers, textures and dimensions. Once involved with food, it was only natural to deconstruct and reinterpret food staples… Doing this for a Thanksgiving dish has been really fun, especially when trying to keep the comforting aspect of the food while making it casual and suitable to pair with beer."

Chef Schrader recommends serving this dish with Fireman's Brew Blonde or another light, crisp beer with mild flavors that will complement the turkey as well as the goat cheese.

Up next: Open-face stuffed turkey sliders with cranberry-onion compote, thyme cornbread 'buns' and sweet potato chips recipe >>

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Open-face stuffed turkey sliders with cranberry-onion compote, thyme cornbread 'buns' and sweet potato chips recipe

Courtesy of Alejandra Schrader

Serves 4

Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• Coarse sea salt
• Freshly ground pepper

Thyme cornbread

• 2 cups stone-ground yellow cornmeal
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 6 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon coarse sea salt
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 cups reduced fat milk
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves

Cranberry-onion compote

• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin, ground
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup water

Garlic aioli

• 2 egg yolks
• 1-1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup grapeseed oil
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced to paste

Sweet potato chips

• 1 large sweet potato, peeled
• Canola oil to fry
• Sel gris

Stuffed turkey sliders

• 2 pounds ground turkey
• 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
• Small pack goat cheese
• 1 cup wild baby arugula
• 1/2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 tablespoon olive oil

Directions:

Thyme cornbread

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt and sugar in a large bowl. Add milk, eggs, and canola oil and mix with a wooden spoon until mixture is smooth. Do not mix for more than one minute.
3. Pour on a greased large baking pan. Bake for 20 minutes or until a wooden toothpick comes out clean from the center. Allow to cool.
4. Using a 1-1/2-inch or 1-3/4-inch circular spring form or cookie cutter, cut 12 rounds from the cornbread and set aside on a platter. If desired, warm up on skillet or flat top prior to serving.

Cranberry-onion compote

1. Heat two tablespoons olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onions and saute until translucent, four to six minutes.
2. Add dried cranberries, cumin and cinnamon; stir to combine, continue to saute for four more minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Add molasses, stir; add orange juice and water, stir and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover with lid, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until liquid has reduced. Remove from heat and set aside.

Garlic aioli

1. Beat egg yolks in a medium bowl for one minute; add mustard and lemon juice and whisk. Add olive oil slowly to the mixture, pouring it on a stream and whisking simultaneously. Add grapeseed oil in the same fashion until aioli has thickened.
2. Add garlic and whisk; season with salt and pepper. If aioli is too thick, add drops of fresh lemon juice and whisk until desired consistency is reached. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Sweet potato chips

1. Fill up a large bowl halfway with water. Using a mandolin, slice sweet potato very thin crosswise; transfer slices to bowl and soak in water.
2. Heat canola oil in cast iron pot , using thermometer to approximately 350 degrees F.
3. Drain sweet potato slices and pat dry with a paper towel.
4. Working in batches, fry the sweet potato slices for a couple of minutes, until golden brown. Remove from the oil using slotted spoon and drain on paper towel. Season with sel gris.

Stuffed turkey sliders

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
2. With a teaspoon, scoop out 12 pieces of goat cheese and, using your hands, shape them into small coins . Set on a platter.
3. In a bowl, combine ground turkey with garlic and season with salt and pepper. Divide mixture in 12 equal portions and round them like meatballs, pressing slightly with your palms to create patties. Using a knife, open each of them in half and stuff with goat cheese; use fingers to close sides and press with palms. Repeat with remaining patties. Cover with plastic and refrigerate for 10 minutes before cooking.
4. Heat oil on cast iron flat skillet and sear patties on both sides ; transfer to baking tray. Once all patties have been seared, transfer to oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, until meat has cooked through. Keep warm.
5. Whisk together fresh lemon juice and olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Dress arugula and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

To serve:

1. Spread aioli on each round of cornbread.
2. Place three on a plate and layer some dressed arugula followed by a stuffed turkey patty and some of the cranberry-onion compote. Serve three sliders on a plate along with sweet potato chips. Enjoy!

More on beer

The basics of craft beers
Comfort food and autumn beer pairings
Beer pairing tips for Super Bowl Sunday

When I saw Kelly Clarkson's "Catch My Breath" music video premiere, I was wondering how she would visually depict such a profound song. As you may know, the lyrics relate to empowerment and being true to who you are, after allowing the world to tell you how to act. I was expecting an intricate plot and lots of rain — and maybe a slap in someone's face.

Nope, you don't get to be distracted by anything else but her perfect voice. The focus is all on Clarkson. Walking through fire and walking on water, the music video almost evokes visual ecstasy with the vibrant colors and transitions. Not to mention, Madame Clarkson looks absolutely stunning in her ensemble — a long flowing black evening gown.

This goes back to my point about Kelly Clarkson being more about her music than performing it. Her voice does all the work necessary; however, it was a pleasant surprise to see her dolled up and glamorous. She is truly a stunning woman who proves you don't need to look like Barbie to be pretty.

Kelly Clarkson has such incredible talent that you wonder what other creativity remains undiscovered in our wonderful country. Attributing her breakthrough success to an American Idol beginning, she has paved the way for vivacious, independent female artists who are all about using music as a communicative tool. Her songs are full of life lessons, and she relies heavily on their content, not necessarily her performance, to drive the point home.

What Sarah McLachlan and Alanis Morissette may have been to one generation, Kelly Clarkson may be to this one. No, they are not similar in sound by any means, but in terms of role models who sing songs of liberation and promote positive body- and self-imagery, I can draw parallels.

This track is the headlining single off her Nov. 16-released album, Greatest Hits: Chapter 1. Before you run out to buy the album , let us know what you think of her music video below!

Photo courtesy of Sakura/WENN.com

For more editor's picks, check out:

Paloma Faith's "Just Be"
Swizz Beatz "Everyday Birthday"
Kristy Lee Cook's "Airborne Ranger Infantry"

Women think hair is the mecca of femininity — we’ve hid behind it when nervous on a first date, drastically colored it after a breakup and put it up in a bun for our wedding. But without it, we’re even stronger.

Experts answer
your fears

When a woman finds out her hair has to go, her mind is flooded with questions and concerns on her hair future. SheKnows and their circle of experts want to make it easier for you to handle this side effect of cancer treatment. Hair Club Medical Group transplant physician Jeff Donovan and stylist Donald Arditi answer common questions you may have:

Is hair loss due to cancer treatment always temporary or is it sometimes permanent?

Hair loss after chemotherapy typically begins within one to three weeks and is complete within one to two months. The hair grows back usually within four months. In rare situations, patients may not fully regain the same hair density as they had before cancer treatment. This phenomenon is known as permanent chemotherapy induced alopecia . Certain drugs and treatments are more likely to cause PCIA than others. For instance, radiation to the brain has been known to sometimes cause permanent loss.

Does the hair grow back differently?

The new, re-growing hair may be a different texture and may even be a different color . It’s not uncommon for the hair to be curlier than it was before chemotherapy. Most of the time, however, the hair returns to its normal texture and color.

Is there anything one can do to prevent or counter the hair loss?

Cryotherapy or scalp cooling can sometimes be used to reduce the chance of developing hair loss. Scalp cooling is not used for all patients undergoing chemotherapy, but rather for patients receiving specific medications or fighting specific cancers. Topical minoxidil can also reduce the total number of weeks that a patient will experience hair loss after chemotherapy and will speed up the rate of hair growth following cancer therapies.

Aside from medical treatments, what are some easy ways to disguise and care for thinning hair?

Be gentle. Dry your hair with your hands and fingers, minimize using high heat settings on the blow dryer, and avoid using a brush when blow drying. Use a diffuser instead to create fullness when drying. The less tension you put on your hair, the less risk of premature breakage or damage.

More answers on breast cancer

How is breast cancer diagnosed?
Diet changes that promote better health
Breast cancer survivor stories

Thankful for sweets

Looking for the extraordinary pumpkin pie or Thanksgiving dessert this season? No fear, there are top-notch bakeries all across the nation just waiting for you to pick up one of their pies or goodies — your family will love you for it. SheKnows scoped out the US for the best. Here are our fab four — we hope you're near one!

More Thanksgiving dessert options

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3 Non-pie Thanksgiving pumpkin desserts
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More gift ideas

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Why did you write the book Simplicity Parenting?

Kim John Payne: Although I’ve worked and traveled through Asia and Africa helping families devastated by AIDS or war, I’ve found that children in western countries have many of the same stresses — but for the opposite reasons. Our children are living in an undeclared war on childhood. There isn’t a lot of difference between how over-stressed kids are acting in parts of Asia and Africa and in western countries. The children in the developing world often have had negative sensory overload, and we give our children sensory overload here — too many trinkets, too many choices, too much information — and this causes a cumulative stress issue in kids that leads to behavioral disorders.

What is Simplicity Parenting and how can parents and kids benefit from it?

Payne: Simplicity Parenting is nothing radical. It’s about balance and questioning the "new normal" of the fever pitch of family life and introducing small, doable changes into the flow of daily family life. No need to turn your life upside down. It's about preparing children for a rapidly changing world that requires being creative, innovative and adaptable. We don't get this from giving children a super-scheduled life. In fact, raising children in such a way prepares them for a world that disappeared in the 1950s. We need to give them the gift of boredom and allow them to problem solve and find their own inner creativity.

Slow down

Can you share some specific Simplicity Parenting tips for parents?

Payne: Simplicity Parenting helps parents create their own Simplicity Menu for their family, breaking it down into four layers:

1. Simplify the environment. Streamline your home of clutter .
2. Strengthen the rhythm and rituals such as mealtimes and bedtimes times so that they become predictable and safe.
3. Dial back the schedules allowing for time and connection with your child.
4. Filter out too much adult information.

I ask that parents see childhood as an unfolding experience, not an enrichment opportunity. Childhood is not a race but a journey.

Be quirky

What do you want parents to absorb most of all from your book Simplicity Parenting?

Payne: Many of today’s child behavior problems come from TMS . All children are quirky — that’s what makes them lovable and who they are. But these cumulative stresses slide those quirks along the behavior spectrum into disorders. Simplicity Parenting is a way to slide the child back down the spectrum. Children go from having a label or being very difficult, to being lovable and quirky again.

Read more expert parenting advice

Parenting Guru: What it takes to make friends
Parenting Guru: The benefits of emotion coaching
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Sad day for all soccer fans — and for all fans of the British god that is David Beckham: He announced Monday that he's leaving the Los Angeles Galaxy after the MLS Cup game later this year.

"I've had an incredibly special time playing for the L.A. Galaxy," Beckham said in a statement. "However, I wanted to experience one last challenge before the end of my playing career."

Who would David Beckham most like to invite to dinner? >>

So, he's retiring from the game that made him famous? It would seem so, though various Australia clubs are reporting he's thinking about moving Down Under.

"We're putting forward an offer. It's compelling and the opportunity is here for him to come here," Melbourne Heart chief executive Scott Munn commented Tuesday, according to Fox News Sports. "What I can say is that it's certainly real. ... That is absolutely legitimate. Let's let David get through next week, play the final of the MLS and hopefully he'll have a win. Then I'm sure he'll assess every offer."

Get your hands on David Beckham's flaming hot torch >>

This is heartbreaking. We've grown accustomed to seeing the Beckham family — including Victoria Beckham and their adorable clan of children— on a near daily basis. Now, we'll have to settle for seeing him in various underwear ads.

On second thought, we're not complaining about that.

He added that he might be back with U.S. soccer before all is said and done, though.

David Beckham's kids mortified by Super Bowl commercial >>

"I don't see this as the end of my relationship with the league, as my ambition is to be part of the ownership structure in the future," he added in the statement.

Whatever it takes to get you back to the U.S., Becks.

Image courtesy Adriana M. Barraza/WENN.com

All is well in the Gossip Girl universe now that Dan and Serena are hooking up again.

After losing our interest on frivolity like the Spences and horses named Lady Alexander, Gossip Girl finally got back on track in this season’s sixth episode — “Where the Vile Things Are” — rewarding loyal viewers by digging into its nostalgic past.

How can we not start with the reincarnation of Dan and Serena? And for the heck of it, why not call them one of those cool couple nicknames, like "van der Humphrey?"

We know by now that Serena van der Woodsen gets over her men faster than Jenny McCarthy’s hand moving toward a Justin Bieber butt cheek. After nearly saying I do to Steven Spence the previous week, Serena and Dan spend most of this episode escaping the paparazzi plus gallivanting at their high school hangout spots.

As we stroll down memory lane with van der Humphrey, we even gather some helpful dating advice for both sides.

Women: It’s OK to hustle your date at billiards — as long as you look like Blake Lively and not Minnesota Fats.

Men: Women cannot resist a man who drives a Vespa like Jason Bourne.

Couples: When your relationship turns south, head for an elevator.

Yep, Serena and Dan get stuck in an elevator again.

This challenges us to dig back to a Season 2 episode when van der Humphrey is trapped during a summer blackout. Dan and Serena emerged from those closed doors a split pair. But during elevator lockdown Round 2, the only doors opening are straight to Serena’s bedroom.

For all they’ve been through, it’s hard not to wish for Dan and Serena to finish the series a happy couple. Whereas other Gossip Girl couples consistently choose separation, van der Humphrey exudes determination.

Heck, Romeo and Juliet had it easier! Their parents may have wanted the other’s blood, but at least Mr. Montague didn’t marry Mrs. Capulet.

If, by the end of the series, Dan and Serena’s stars end up crossed, then all our romantic hope hinges on the shoulders of Chuck and Blair . Surprisingly, the two do not share a single scene in this week’s episode.

While Chuck and Blair are busy sorting out their mommy and daddy issues, we see them tap into bygone behavior that made them Chuck and Blair in the first place.

Chuck is still persistent after proof his father brokered an illegal oil deal. And that leads him to some scheming with his good buddy Nate . It’s not a Bass-Archibald plan if it doesn’t involve alcohol and half-naked call girls.

It’s nice to see Chuck and Nate hatching plans together again, even if it only serves the purpose of a shameless corporate plug for the new Windows 8 phone. Ultimately, the two besties are outmaneuvered at an art auction by the slippery Ivy Dickens.

Yes, the Upper East Side’s most annoying charlatan is still lingering. And as long as she holds the proof Chuck covets, Ivy and her big 80s hair aren’t going anywhere.

Speaking of hair, how fitting that Blair’s plot to save her stake in mom’s company is yet another Gossip Girl throwback?

Blair spends most of the “Vile things” episode brooding and sulking while her mother condemns her dark side behavior. All seems lost until an epiphanic rendezvous with the most underrated Gossip Girl blast-from-the-past, Nelly Yuki .

The fact Queen B meets Nelly on the New York Met steps — the place where she once ruled her high school kingdom — is a symbolic retrogression to the show’s golden ages of knee-high socks, plaid skirts, and, of course, headbands for everyone!

While Nelly Yuki deserves some credit for the hair accessory idea, Blair emerges from the Met steps as the hero having found her pièce de résistance.

Headbands for everyone!

Naturally Blair Waldorf plans to revolutionize an entire line of girl’s high school uniforms. Apparently, there’s a market for that, and girls will be lining up to buy B’s outfits like they’re extinct Twinkies.

For a show that’s strayed far from its original path, what better way to reconnect Gossip Girl with its roots than the “B-Line” heading to an Upper East Side boutique near you.

Headbands for everyone!

Images courtesy of CW Network

Check out More Gossip Girl

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Gossip Girl keeps fan guessing
Kristen Bell comes home for Gossip Girl finale

Sally Field has gained career-high reviews in hot biopic Lincoln, she tells The Hollywood Reporter that director Steven Spielberg didn't want her for the movie.

Though Spielberg had offered Sally Field Mary Todd Lincoln's role in 2005, by the time the film was being cast, he'd changed his mind.

"By the time it was going to be made, the original person [Liam Neeson] had dropped out and Daniel Day-Lewis came on board, and from the time that he first asked me, a little voice inside me said, 'You'll never do it, Field. You'll never do it,'" Field said.

The problem? Her age.

Lincoln movie review: A complex man is brought to light>>

"I'm 10 years older than Daniel and 20 older than Mary Todd Lincoln, and I thought, 'This is going to be a problem.'"

Spielberg shared her worries. "Yes, I don't see you with Daniel. Sorry," he told her. But Field wouldn't give in.

"I said, 'Steven, test me! I'm not walking away!'"

Nice guy Day-Lewis flew in from Ireland "out of the graciousness of his heart" and Field and Day-Lewis did "some bizarre improv, but I became Mary and he became Mr. Lincoln for about an hour!"

Field was nervous about her audition, but it all worked out in the end. "When I got home the phone was ringing, and Steven and Daniel were on the phone saying 'Will you be Mary?'"

Sally Field gained 25 pounds to win Lincoln role>>

I'm thrilled that Field, a fine actress, got this role and apparently did great things with it. But um, "holy hell" means you auditioned? That's holy hell? Really?

Field talked to The Hollywood Reporter as part of a roundtable of actresses, including Anne Hathaway, Helen Hunt, and Amy Adams.

Image courtesy Dominic Chan/ WENN.com

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Black Friday at ULTA Beauty is every beauty queen's dream day, so prepare yourself for some of the hottest deals of the season.

Ulta Black Friday 2012 deals

All of the following specials are valid on Friday, Nov. 23 and Saturday, Nov. 24 only, while supplies last, both online and in stores.

Happy Black Friday 2012!

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Holiday dinners can be heavy and filling, leaving little room for a rich dessert. Instead, give your guests the option of taking home their sweet treat in the form of homemade edible party favors in festive cellophane bags. This spicy nut brittle with almonds, cashews and pecans is a fun twist on classic peanut brittle.

Spicy nut brittle

Makes about 1 pound

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup water
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ancho chili powder
• 1/2 cup roasted, salted almonds
• 1/2 cup roasted, salted cashews
• 1/2 cup pecans
• Cooking spray

Directions:

1. Line a baking sheet with foil, then spray with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Combine corn syrup, sugar and water in a three-quart saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, swirling the pot occasionally to stir. Let boil until mixture is an amber color, about eight minutes.
3. Quickly stir in butter, baking soda, cayenne pepper and ancho chili powder. Remove from heat once butter is melted and immediately stir in nuts. Quickly coat nuts completely.
4. Scrape the mixture onto prepared baking sheet and quickly spread into a thin layer.  
5. Let cool for about 30 minutes. When completely cool, break into pieces. Store in an airtight container. Do not refrigerate.
6. To make party favors, place in cellophane bags and tie with a ribbon.

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