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The Billy Mack scenes from Love Actually that made us LOL

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(Warning: Billy Mack is a foul-mouthed, inappropriate, aging has-been. Language NSFW.)

Fun in the studio

Billy Mack's lack of enthusiasm for his own Christmas album starts in the studio, when he continually forgets to put a Christmas spin on the lyrics of one of his greatest hits.

More: The boys of Love Actually: Where are they now?

Love Actually Billy Mack in the studio

Love Actually Billy Mack in the studio

Don't do drugs

After our favorite washed-up rocker defiles the poster of a competing boy band, he has an important message for the kids, from "Uncle Bill."

More: Keira Knightley is pregnant, shows off small baby bump

Love Actually Billy Mack radio interview

Love Actually Billy Mack radio interview

"Festering turd of a record"

If someone threatened our lives and gave us five seconds to choose our favorite Billy Mack scene from Love Actually, this would be it. During Billy's radio interview, he describes his best shag as Britney Spears (and jokingly says she was "rubbish") and then asks the audience, "Wouldn't it be great if No. 1 this Christmas wasn't some smug teenager, but an old ex-heroin addict searching for a comeback at any price?" He rounds out his interview with an expletive-heavy commentary and then addresses the "children" in the audience. Priceless.

Love Actually Billy Mack radio interview 2

Love Actually Billy Mack radio interview 2

Bromance

Is your holiday really complete until you've quoted Billy by saying, "Come on, let's get pissed and watch porn"? Didn't think so.

Love Actually Billy Mack Bromance

Love Actually Billy Mack Bromance


Fat Schmidt dancing to Rihanna and 3 other hilarious Max Greenfield videos

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The same thing Max Greenfield did on the set of the New Girl: make a lip-sync video to Rihanna. This video is one of the most glorious pieces of cinematic mastery you will ever lay eyes on. How this video sat on YouTube for three years without being discovered, we have no idea.

Zooey Deschanel GIF

Zooey Deschanel GIF

More: 10 Times Zooey Deschanel looked perfectly retro

The video was posted back in October on Greenfield’s YouTube channel. It wasn’t until his co-star Zooey Deschanel posted it on Hello Giggle that everyone got to bear witness to this masterpiece. Deschanel herself claims it this video is “indescribable.” We agree.

Max Greenfield Rihanna lip sync video

Max Greenfield Rihanna lip sync video

The best thing on the internet? We thought so, too.

What could be better you ask? More Schmidt videos.

More: 9 Famous women who prove glasses are fashionable

1. Schmidt's workout video

Schmidt's workout video

Schmidt's workout video

I don't know about you, but I feel inspired to get into some spandex and find the nearest spin class. Immediately.

More: 10 Glittery accessories that are worth every penny

2. Schmidt's online dating profile

Schmidt's dating profile video

Schmidt's dating profile video

Was that the opening sequence of a new reality show or Schidmt's online dating profile? Just your average Tuesday, no biggie.

3. Best of Schmidt: New Girl (Season 1)

Best of Schmidt New Girl season 1

Best of Schmidt New Girl season 1

If this best-of video doesn't make you go binge-watch the first season of New Girl, I just don't know if you're human.

Taylor Swift celebrates b-day with Beyoncé and J.T. — seriously (PHOTOS)

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The super-ultra-mega-star is still rising… and she just celebrated her 25th birthday.

More: If you love Charli XCX, then you'll love Allie X

The country-turned-pop star rang in her quarter-century celebration in true Swift style: with Beyoncé, Jay Z, Justin Timberlake, Selena Gomez, Charli XCX, Sam Smith, and so many more. Judging by all the tweets and Instagram photos from the bash, we will assume it was a party that will not soon be forgotten by many of today's top stars.

More: 10 Things you didn't know about Sam Smith

There were so many huge names there, we couldn't possibly list them all. So we’ll just show you the amazing photos from Swift's birthday bash instead.
Check them out:
taylor swift b-day instagram

taylor swift b-day instagram

So this is being 25..... #WHAT

What is right! In case you have been living under a rock and you can't tell, I think that photo just broke the internet harder than Kim Kardashian and might get retweeted more than that selfie Ellen took.

More: Taylor Swift stands up for musicians as Woman of the Year

Selena Gomez kicked off the weekend shenanigans by getting nails did in tribute to her BFF:

Selena Gomez taylor swift photo

Selena Gomez taylor swift photo

All of Taylor's besties were there, and of course, all of them have photos from the fabulous fete.

Charli XCX Taylor Swift D-Bay Tweet

Charli XCX Taylor Swift D-Bay Tweet

Nick Jonas (and his abs) made an appearance. Andy Antonoff and Joy William shared photos, as well.

Nick Jonas Taylor Swift photo

Nick Jonas Taylor Swift photo

Andy antonoff taylor swift photo

Andy antonoff taylor swift photo

Joy Williams Taylor Swift photo

Joy Williams Taylor Swift photo

Happy birthday, Taylor Swift! It sure looks like you know how to throw one hell of a party, and it's OK, I'm sure our invite just got lost in the mail or something.

11 Times Benedict Cumberbatch stood up for gay rights

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The story of Alan Turing is not known by most, primarily because the heroic efforts he spearheaded in World War II were super-secret for decades before the truth was revealed. At Bletchley Park, Turing and his team of geniuses broke the German Enigma Code and possibly stopped the war two years early.

Despite this amazing achievement, Turing was later persecuted for being openly homosexual when this was still considered a crime. Turing had two choices: go to prison for two years or be chemically castrated. In order to continue his work, Turing chose option two, which led to his eventual suicide.

Due to the the Weinstein Company's superb media blitz, Cumberbatch, who plays Turing in the film (and is nominated for a Best Actor Golden Globe), has been everywhere from TV to radio to print. The media frenzy has given the actor countless opportunities to speak about gay rights and the tragedy that was the end of Turing's life.

More: SK Confessional: I’m obsessed with Benedict Cumberbatch, and here's why

This isn't the first time Cumberbatch has stood up for the gay community, though. Here's a roundup of some of our favorite pictures, quotes and events in which Cumberbatch proves he's a lot more than a pretty face.

1. He would defend gay rights "to the death."

Benedict Cumberbatch at Hobbit premiere

Image: SIPA / WENN

In a recent interview with The Guardian, Cumberbatch said: "People are being beheaded in countries right now because of their beliefs or sexual orientations. It's terrifying. It's medieval — a beheading! I'd take up arms against someone who was telling me I had to believe in what they believed or they would kill me. I would fight them. I would fight them to the death."

2. That pardon by the Queen? Bullocks.

The cast of The Imitation Game

Image: Dan Jackman / WENN

Alan Turing was pardoned by the Queen of England in 2013. Cumberbatch wasn't impressed. "It's an insult for anybody of authority or standing to sign off on him with their approval and say, 'Oh, he's forgiven.' The only person who should be [doing the] forgiving is Turing, and he can't because we killed him. And it makes me really angry. It makes me very angry."

3. Although straight (and engaged to the lovely Sophie Hunter), he realizes being gay in Hollywood still carries a stigma.

Benedict Cumberbatch with fiancee Sophie Hunter

Image: Tumblr / Cumberswag

"We all know actors who are [gay] who don't want to talk about it or bring it up, or who deny it," Cumberbatch said in Out Magazine. "I don't really know what they do to deal with it. Human rights movements and sexual and gay rights movements have made huge social progress in the last 40 years, without a doubt, but there's a lot more work to be done."

4. We interrupt all seriousness for a gratuitous snuggle with gay actor (and on screen nemesis) Andrew Scott.

Andrew Scott and Benedict Cumberbatch

Image: Tumblr / Cumberbatchweb

More: Benedict Cumberbatch to join Marvel cast as Doctor Strange in upcoming flick

5. He's open about "experimentation."

Benedict Cumberbatch "dance off" with Michael Fassbender

Image: Tumblr / Hirxeth

Cumberbatch told Out Magazine about his own boyhood experimentation at boarding school: "While there was experimentation [at Brambletye], it had never occurred to me as, 'Oh, this is that.' It was just boys and their penises, the same way with girls and vaginas and boobs. It wasn't out of desire." Gay rights groups have given him a cheer for being able to talk about stuff like this when so many other high profile celebrities would never admit to such a thing. He even joked about it during an interview on the Graham Norton Show.

6. He officiated his gay friends' wedding.

Cumberbatch officiates gay wedding.

Image: Tumblr / Zap2It

7. He takes on bullies who pick on gay kids. (No. Really.)

Benedict Cumberbatch as Kahn

Image: Tumblr / HowBucky

While attending Harrow, there was a ruckus outside his house. Cumberbatch told Out Magazine, "These kids were chasing this poor kid, and they came into my house, breathless — a Sikh, a Jordanian prince, an Indian, and a Nigerian. I said, 'Stop, stop, stop, stop,' because they all just came charging down the corridor, and I said, 'What just happened?' and they told me, 'It's disgusting, isn't it?' And I went, 'No, your behavior is f***ing disgusting. How would you feel if you were chased because you have a turban, or you were chased because of the color of your skin, or you were chased because of your religion? It's about being an individual. You can't tolerate that? Are you sick in the head?' And they were like, 'What? No. Why, are you gay?' And I said, 'No, but I can clearly see that you're bullies. You're just nasty human beings.'"

More: What would Sherlock be like in bed? Let Benedict Cumberbatch tell you

8. Just for fun: more gratuitous cuddling with gay actor and Star Trek: Into Darkness costar Zachary Quinto.

Benedict Cumberbatch and Zachary Quinto

Image: Tumblr / EllaRosa

9. He's certainly not afraid to play gay characters.

Sherlock dinner scene

Sherlock dinner scene

Alan Turing isn't Cumberbatch's first time playing a gay character. He was a closeted homosexual in Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy, as well as in the stage play The Turning Point. Plus, he just recently hinted that his Sherlock on the BBC (the role that sky-rocketed him to fame) could be gay. When compared to Doctor Who, he told The Nerdist Podcast: "Sherlock talks fast and is clever, that's literally the only bracket they share. They've got different dress senses, different tastes in the sex of their partners ..." Possibly true. Let's not forget the incredibly awkward scene in season one of Sherlock when Watson tried to figure out his new roommate's sexuality.

10. The Moriarty-Sherlock almost kiss.

Sherlock and Moriarty almost-kiss

Image: Tumblr / IcedCookie

According to Sherlock's Executive Producer Stephen Moffat, "We got the idea to do it from the palpable chemistry between Andrew and Benedict. We cut it right before the kiss. And the sex." Cumberbatch promised it was no big deal. "It was like fist-bumping," he said.

11. And why not one more picture ... of Cumberbatch in drag?

Benedict Cumberbatch in drag

Image: Tumblr / ThereIsNoGoodOrEvil

More reading

Here's that Benedict Cumberbatch vibrator you never asked for
Colin Farrell defends his brother and gay rights with heartfelt plea
California high school students nominate a same-sex couple as homecoming queens

Slow Cooker Sunday: Indian butter chicken is a surprisingly easy dish

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slow cooker butter chicken

This recipe uses organic chicken breasts that I cut into chunks and then simmered in a tomato-based sauce with lots of spices. The best part? It's made in the slow cooker.

slow cooker butter chicken

Slow cooker Indian butter chicken recipe

Chicken is simmered in the slow cooker along with a flavorful sauce seasoned with tandoori, garam masala and curry spices. Serve over steamed basmati rice to complete your plate.

Serves 4

Prep time: 15 minutes | Cook time: 6 hours | Total time: 6 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 4 organic chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 small sweet onion, diced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup tomato paste
  • 1-1/4 cups full-fat canned coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1 tablespoon tandoori spice mix
  • 1/2 tablespoon garam masala
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Directions:

  1. To the slow cooker, add the chicken and the onions.
  2. In a bowl, combine all the remaining ingredients, and mix well.
  3. Pour the sauce over the chicken, and cover the slow cooker with the lid.
  4. Set the cooker to cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is completely cooked.
  5. Garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve the chicken alongside vegetables or steamed rice.

More slow cooker recipes

Big-batch slow cooker hot chocolate
Slow cooker apple pie oatmeal
Slow cooker turkey meatballs in creamy mushroom sauce

Today's Giveaway! A jaw-dropping Sephora gift set

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All this week, part of the SheKnows Media family — StyleCasterBeauty HighDaily Makeover, and SheKnows.com — has been teaming up to offer you seven spectacular giveaways, from designer handbags to jaw-dropping beauty sets. Each giveaway lasted just 24 hours, giving you seven chances to win a different awesome prize!

Sephora is the place where beauty dreams come true, and today we're giving away a goodie bag that's absolutely packed with colorful beauty essentials that will make any beauty lover squeal with delight. In this custom set, you'll find eye palettes, makeup brushes, glossy lip pencils, and more — all from the Sephora Collection.

Enter to win this goodie bag — valued at $270 — and knock 'em dead in the new year.

7 days of giveaways

7 days of giveaways

Curious about what you missed? See all of the previous giveaways.

16 Holiday cookies from all around the world

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Cookies come in all shapes and sizes and in a variety of flavors and textures, colors and aromas. Depending on what country or continent you're standing in, the cookie in your hand will be different, delicious and unique. These are our favorite cookies from around the world. Discover your new favorite cookie, and make it a tradition, even if you haven't visited the country. Or find a cookie recipe that links you to your heritage, whatever that may be.

Cookies from Latin America

1. Polvorones (Puerto Rican almond shortbread cookies) recipe

polvorones

Image: Always Order Dessert

Puerto Rican almond shortbread cookies are fantastic cookies to make, since they keep for up to two weeks.

2. Dominican mantecaditos recipe

easy butter cookies

Image: Dominican Cooking

Like polvorones, but these mantecaditos are just simple butter cookies that pair well with your afternoon coffee.

3. Mexican pig-shaped cookies recipe

pig shaped cookies

Image: Muy Bueno Cooking

Mexican pig-shaped cookies are typically made during Day of the Dead celebrations, but we think they are cute enough for any time of the year.

4. Brazilian chocolate truffles recipe

brazilian chocolate truffles

Image: Half Baked Harvest

Brazilian chocolate truffles, although not cookies, are the candy of Brazilians, and they are eaten like a cookie — just one or two bites of smooth, chocolate heaven.

5. Argentinian alfajores recipe

alfajores

Image: Sweet Life

Argentinian alfajores are known for their melt-in-your-mouth texture, achieved because they are normally made with cornstarch in the dough. Filled with dulce de leche, these delights are an experience you need to bake in your kitchen.

Cookies from Europe

6. Biscotti alla Nutella recipe

nutella biscotti

Image: Domenica Cooks

Try these biscotti alla Nutella next time you have Nutella at home, which we will assume is all the time. Right?

7. Speculaas recipe

speculaas

Image: Eat the Love

These speculaas (also known as Dutch windmill cookies) have become popular thanks to the cookie butter called Speculoos. Plus, if you've ever been on a Delta flight, then you'd have had one of these.

8. Italian pizzelle recipe

pizzelle

Image: Family Foodie

You'll need a special press to make these Italian pizzelle, but they are well worth the work. So delicate!

9. German pfefernusse cookies recipe

german pferffernusse

Image: What's Gaby Cooking

German pfefernusse cookies are soft, full of gingerbread flavor and the perfect holiday cookie.

10. Strawberry-rhubarb French macarons recipe

macarons

Image: Running to the Kitchen

Classic French macarons come in all sorts of flavors, but we're loving these strawberry-rhubarb French macarons.

11. Palets de dames Lille style recipe

french butter cookies

Image: That Skinny Chick Can Bake

A delicate, ladylike cookie from France, these palets de dames Lille style would pair best with a cup of tea.

Cookies from Asia

12. Chinese almond cookies recipe

chinese almond cookies

Image: Table for Two

Chinese almond cookies are traditionally made to celebrate Chinese New Year, but we think they'd be perfect as a holiday gift idea.

13. Homemade fortune cookies recipe

fortune cookies

Image: Fifteen Spatulas

Make these homemade fortune cookies, and have your kids write fun holiday fortunes to place inside them. Who wouldn't want to get a dozen of these? No one will believe you actually made them, and they are pretty simple to make, actually!

Cookies from the U.S.

14. Best chocolate chip cookies recipe

chocolate chip cookies

Image: What's Gaby Cooking

The secret to the best chocolate chip cookies? Chilling that dough for 72 hours. Trust us, it's worth the wait.

15. Brown butter snickerdoodles recipe

snickedoodles

Image: Two Peas & Their Pod

The classic snickerdoodle cookie is made even better with the addition of brown butter, making these brown butter snickerdoodles the next best thing.

16. Red velvet macadamia nut cookies recipe

macadamia cookies

Image: Something Swanky

What's more American than red velvet anything? We're loving these gorgeous red velvet macadamia nut cookies.

See all our holiday articles

More cookie recipes

Easy-to-assemble, no-bake hamburger sandwich cookies
Snickers caramel cheesecake cookies
Peppermint Oreo-stuffed Christmas cookies

8 Times it sucks to be Amy Pascal since the Sony email hack

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Major security breach

Though the infamous Sony hack actually took place in late November, the really damning damage of the hack didn't start to see the light of day until Dec. 9, when the contents of Sony executives' emails were published. Sure, there were a few movies and a couple salaries revealed in the early days of the hack, but things got really juicy when we read about celebrity trash-talking by Pascal and her co-chairman, Scott Rudin. Think of what it's been like to be Pascal since late November, wondering if your inappropriate comments were going to become public information.

More: A full timeline of every dirty detail revealed in the Sony hacks

The infamous Angelina Jolie diss/run-in

The email hack really grew some legs when it was revealed that the two Sony execs, Rudin and Pascal, talked some serious smack about Mrs. Hollywood herself, Angelina Jolie. Rudin did most of the dissing, calling Jolie a "minimally talented spoiled brat" (them's fightin' words) with a "rampaging spoiled ego" (yowza!).

More: Awkward! Angelina Jolie's reaction to seeing Amy Pascal is priceless (PHOTO)

In a humiliating turn of events that seemed to be plucked straight from the movies, Pascal ran into Jolie right after the aforementioned smack-talk was made public, and the exchange appeared tense — to say the least. If you're keeping track, this is two more times it really sucked to be Pascal last week.

Movie developments leaked

The fun is just getting started with the not-so-off-the-record exchanges from Pascal's hard drive, but celebrity gossip isn't the only disastrous revelation within the email hack.

With Hollywood being the incredibly cutthroat, competitive community that it is, we have to imagine that when movie pitches, ideas and formulas are revealed, it's like giving the other guy a winning lottery ticket. Since the hack, we've learned about many of Sony's projects that are in the works, information we're certain Pascal and her ilk would rather never saw the light of day.

More: Is reading Sony's hacked emails the same as looking at hacked nude pics?

Barack Obama gaffe

This is where we stop smirking about being privy to celebrity dirt and start thinking, "They said what?" It's 100 percent true that those emails were private, and who among us hasn't occasionally said something to someone we trust — maybe thinking we're funny — that we'd never say to a crowd?

Still, there's a line, and Pascal definitely crossed it when she made racial jokes about the president in an exchange with a Hollywood producer. Taking on a president and making racist jokes? Come on. Pascal can't be stupid. This correspondence proved what Mom always taught us, "Money doesn't buy you class," and it has us wondering what Lisa Kudrow is asking — who's advising these people?

Leo DiCaprio diss

Pascal's Steve Jobs project is at the root of much of her public angst (so far). It was this project that led to the unsavory Jolie comments, and now we are learning that Pascal has no love for Leonardo DiCaprio either, or as Pascal may refer to him, "Leonardo DeSpicable."

When producer Mark Gordon learned DiCaprio had taken a big fat pass on the project, he described DiCaprio as having "horrible behavior." Pascal corrected him and called DiCaprio "despicable." Wow, Hollywood folks really don't love not getting their way, do they?

Insider secrets

This isn't Pascal's doing, but since she's a wheel at Sony and not a spoke, it had to suck for her when wages and benefits paid by Sony were revealed. This is bad news for obvious reasons — it's highly confidential information — but also because it spelled out that both male executives and actors are paid at much higher rates than their female counterparts.

Career future?

Who knows what remains to be publicized from Pascal's private correspondence, but the damage so far has many folks (reasonably) questioning the Sony exec's future career. We'd be naïve to think that she's the only exec in Hollywood who has made insensitive and unsavory comments about celebrities and — as in this case — the president.

Will Pascal be judged by how she's done her job (she's been a part of several successful blockbusters for Sony)? Some argue that this controversy may actually help with the Christmas Day release of the movie that is being blamed for the hack, The Interview. What do you think? Should Pascal stay, or should she go?


13 Of the most a-hole Secret Santa gifts that ever happened

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1. The box of bacon

secret santa bacon

Image: daily4 via Imgur

Sure, some people love bacon more than life itself, but not everyone feels that way.

2. The wacky Wookie

secret santa wookie

Image: @thefuturegarage via Imgur

We're not really sure who is supposed to like this gift — a Star Wars fan? A fan of red cars? Perhaps triangles? Either way, this one struck out on all counts.

3. The way too personal hand sanitizer

secret santa

Image: SameGr8Cate via Imgur

Anything with the word "genitals" in it is bound to be a terrible Secret Santa gift.

4. The Grumpy Cat mug

secret santa grumpy cat

Image: Imgur

Not everyone wants to drink their morning cup of joe out the face of the grumpiest cat on the planet.

5. The serial killer note

secret santa serial killer

Image: @lazyguyoncouch via Imgur

Whether this note leads the receiver to a great gift or not, the way that it is written is bound to haunt their nightmares forever.

6. The scariest animal in the world

secret santa ugly

Image: @imbetsycracker via Imgur

We have no idea what this is and we don't care what it is. The point is that it is too frightening to give to anyone, especially as a Secret Santa present.

7. The dolls

Ugly Secret Santa dolls

Ugly Secret Santa dolls

Whoever gave this present probably thought they were being very amusing and clever. The receiver did not agree.

8. The not-so-nice mug

secret santa mug

Image: @jackberriman11 via Instagram

Giving a gift like this to a guy is just plain mean.

9. The roll of money toilet paper

secret santa toilet paper

Image:  @gretchenque via Imgur

A general rule of thumb for Secret Santa gift giving: no gifts that are meant to be used on or in the toilet.

10. The ugly ducks

secret santa ugly ducks

Image: @stephenmontero via Imgur

There may be a story about an ugly ducking turning into a beautiful swan, but these are just plain ugly.

11. The terrible veggie platter

secret santa veggies

Image: Notcarl via Imgur

Seriously? Whoever thought this was an appropriate Secret Santa gift needs to rethink their life choices.

12. The ugly wig

secret santa wig

Image: @agent_ass via Imgur

This hat/wig combo is so awful it's hard to believe someone paid money for it.

13. The wrong fit

secret santa wii

Image: @OMGlevel40igotamount via Imgur

Generally, this would be a really nice present to give someone but when your Secret Santa is this unaware of who you are, it's not nice at all.

More Christmas gifts

The one Christmas craft you have to make before the end of November
7 Places I have tried to hide my kids' Christmas gifts
54 Black Friday deals you won't want to miss

9 Flowering plants that dazzle in the winter

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If you are looking to add some year-round color to your landscape, consider planting these winter-blooming beauties. They will add a splash of color during the coldest months of the year and brighten up the most dreary winter garden.

Hellebore

winter flowers

Image: Cath via Flickr

Also known as the Lenten or Christmas Rose, hellebores bloom in the winter and the flowers can last up to eight weeks. The colors of these flowers are white, green, pink, purple, cream and even spotted. Hellebores are very hardy plants that like partial shade.

Daphne

winter flowers

Image: Ian Shane via Flickr

This low-maintenance shrub has fragrant flowers that bloom in winter and early spring. It's frost tolerant and prefers full sun to part shade. Daphne is a low-growing shrub that looks great as a border plant or in a rock garden.

Winter jasmine

winter flowers

Image: Bambo via Flickr

This shrub is a superstar in a winter garden. The slender, deciduous shrub is perfect for a trellis or trained to drape off a wall. The flowers are bright yellow and fragrant. Jasmine likes full sun to part shade.

Witch hazel

winter flowers witch hazel

Image: Russell McNeil via Flickr

Growing to a height of 12 feet or more, this shrub boasts showy spider-like flowers in late winter. Witch hazel makes a lovely focal piece in a woodland themed garden. It likes full sun to part shade.

Snow Drops

winter flowers

Image: John Britt via Flickr

These hardy bulbs are one of the earliest blooming flowers. They like full sun and bloom in mid to late winter. The dainty, teacup blooms look great in a meadow garden.

Cyclamen

winter flowers

Photo by Free Photos & Art via Flickr

A popular houseplant, these tubers shine when grown outdoors. They have showy pink, purple and white flowers. Although they bloom in late fall, the flowers on cyclamen can last up to two months. They like part shade and look best when planted under trees.

Winter aconite

winter flowers

Image: Margrit via Flickr

The buttery yellow goblet-shaped flowers of the winter aconite begins in late winter. They love the moist soil found in the understory of deciduous trees. These little flowers grow in clumps and reach 2 -4 inches in height.

Winter heath

winter flowers

Image: Steven Severinghaus via Flickr

This mounding, soft needle-like ground cover is smothered with dainty purple flowers in the winter. They start to bloom in December and the flower show can last until April. They like full sun and well-drained soil.

Camellia

winter flowers

Photo by Michael McCarty via Flickr

A favorite flower of the South, Camellias are famous for their sturdy foliage and rose-like blooms. The flower colors range from white to lilac-rose to deep red. They start to bloom in mid-fall and last well into winter. Camellias like full sun to partial shade and require a moderate amount of water.

More gardening

White, pink and purple roses that are perfect for your garden

7 Perennial flowers for your spring garden

10 Flowering trees that grow well in warm climates

Holiday stress? These pets show you how to multitask like a boss

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Get up and boldly face the day because laying in bed isn't getting your to-do list done.

Pet time management 1

Pet time management 1

Fit exercise into your day by doing what you love (if you like to jump for toys, then just do it already!).

Pet time management 2

Pet time management 2

Delegate chores to other pack mates in your household. You don't have to do it all, woman!

Pet time management 3

Pet time management 3

Always hug and kiss your hubby before you two start your day because affection in the morning will keep you going strong for the evening love to come.

Pet time management 4

Pet time management 4

Get organized (baby steps are OK) because clutter doesn't help you get things done nor can you hide in it.

Pet time management 5

Pet time management 5

Don't let the computer become a time-suck. Step away from the Pinterest board.

Pet time management 6

Pet time management 6

Check the weather before you head out so you don't waste time later changing out of your wet clothes.

Pet time management 7

Pet time management 7

Be a team player and you'll have more time to play and less time spent on whining or fighting.

Pet time management 8

Pet time management 8

Schedule a spa day as a reward for completing that to-do list (a massage is always good motivation to get your projects done).

Pet time management 9

Pet time management 9

If everything else fails, find the sense of humor in it all.

Pet time management 10

Pet time management 10

More life lessons from our pets

How having a dog can make you a better mom
How to seriously enjoy the weekend according to our pets
Real things we can learn about stress from this chill cat

Trick the Keurig 2.0 into brewing any K-Cup with this easy hack (VIDEO)

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You may have been wary of switching to the new model for fear you or a loved one would be stuck using the expensive Keurig 2.0 K-Cups. The good news is that with one very simple trick, you can fool your new machine into accepting any K-Cup, whether Keurig brand or not.

Check out the video below for a how-to, and don't forget to share this secret with any of your friends and family who are K-Cup addicts.

Keurig 2.0 hack

Keurig 2.0 hack

More on coffee

What your coffee choice says about you
How to oven-roast your own coffee
10 Times latte art made us set our mugs down in awe

9 Celebrities Sony ripped apart in e-mail chains

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By now, you've heard of the massive hack at the studio that occurred recently and all of the awful emails that have leaked as a result. Everyone pretty much already knew that the entertainment business is cutthroat, but now we have cold, hard, written proof.

Here's a look at some of what was said about some of America's favorite stars.

More: 4 Examples of sexism in Sony's e-mail hack so far

Up next: Leonardo DiCaprio >>

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1. Leonardo DiCaprio

Image: Michael Carpenter/WENN.com

Amy Pascal said: "Actually despicable"

About: Pascal, Sony's chairman of motion pictures, made this comment referencing DiCaprio's behavior surrounding his decision to not to take part in Jobs, the upcoming Steve Jobs biopic written by Aaron Sorkin. According to the Daily Beast, Pascal wrote this in a September e-mail to the film's producer, Mark Gordon, who agreed with Pascal's assessment of DiCaprio and added, "Horrible behavior."

Up next: Angelina Jolie >>

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 2. Angelina Jolie

Image: Anite Bugge/Future Image/WENN.com

Scott Rudin said: "There is no movie of Cleopatra to be made (and how that is a bad thing given the insanity and rampaging spoiled ego of this woman and the cost of the movie is beyond me)... I have zero appetite for the indulgence of spoiled brats and I will tell her this myself if you don't."

About: Rudin, a producer, sent this e-mail to Pascal referencing a battle for director, David Fincher, who Rudin and Pascal want to direct Jobs, but Jolie wanted for her Cleopatra movie. Rudin also called Jolie "minimally talented" and a "camp event and celebrity."

Up next: Willow and Jaden Smith >>

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3. and 4. Willow and Jaden Smith

Image: Guillermo Proano/WENN.com

Tom Rothman said: "1. Read this. 2. they r homeschooled: Don't let this family date your movies!!!"

About: Rothman, head of Tri-Star Productions, sent this e-mail to Pascal in November, along with a link to a recent magazine interview the Smith children had done.

Up next: Kevin Hart >>

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5. Kevin Hart

Image: Nikki Nelson/WENN.com

Clint Culpepper said: "I'm not saying he's a whore, but he's a whore."

About: Culpepper, another studio exec, made this comment in reference to the fact that Hart allegedly refused to tweet about his new movie unless he was paid an additional sum above his $3 million salary.

Up next: James Franco >>

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6. James Franco

Image: Brian To/WENN.com

Peter Taylor said: "James Franco proves once again that irritation is his strong suit which is a shame because the character could have been appealing and funny out of his hands."

About: Taylor, a U.K. Sony Pictures exec, says this in reference to Franco's upcoming film, The Interview, which may or may not have started this whole fiasco.

Up next: Aaron Sorkin >>

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7. Aaron Sorkin

Image: Brian To/WENN.com

Pascal said: "He is broke He wants to get paid We paid him an insane fee on flashboys... I don't care if Aaron is sleeping with the girl or not."

About: Pascal is obviously insinuating that Sorkin is broke because he is playing hardball regarding several projects that Sony had wanted him to work on. She is also saying that he may or may not be having sex with the author of one of the proposed projects, according to Defamer.

Up next: President Obama >>

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8. President Obama

Image: ATP/WENN.com

What Pascal and Rudin said: "What should I ask the President at this stupid Jeffrey breakfast? Should I ask him if he liked DJANGO?" Pascal wrote to Rudin, who answered, "12 YEARS."

About: In this particularly offensive e-mail chain, Pascal and Rudin go back and forth naming contemporary popular movies predominately starring black actors. "Ride Along," Rudin jumped in at one point. "I bet he likes Kevin Hart."

Up next: David Fincher >>

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9. David Fincher

Image: WENN.com

What Rudin said: "May be difficult?!?! Like Hitler 'may be anti-Semitic!!!"

About: Rudin wrote this in an e-mail chain, including Pascal and Jolie, discussing possible director choices for Cleopatra.

The day I was diagnosed with cancer... at 16

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The next twenty minutes would be forever burned into my brain. It was April 29, 1993. I was sixteen years old. Three days before I was supposed to take the SAT. I felt like I was hovering over my body watching everything from above. I wanted to shout, “This can’t be happening. Are they speaking English? Slow down. I’m not even present yet!” One day I was a high school student, playing sports and thinking about college. Then, out of nowhere, eight not-so-simple words changed my life. Dr. D calmly stated, “You have cancer, Deb. It’s called Hodgkin’s Disease.” Like an avalanche, everything turned white. The intensity consumed me. Was I frozen? Was I burning? I was searching for a life vest but had no idea where to look. In an instant, everything started to spin—my life, body, family, friends, expectations, and future were all tossed into a rocket ship and shot into space. Where the fuck am I? A war was beginning.

“Deb,” my doctor said. “Deb, did you hear me?”

My hovering self said, “Yeah, buddy, I heard you. I’m just trying to not faint and die of shock.” I mentally returned to the room, stiffened my posture, and sat up in the hospital bed.

My mother stood beside the team of white coats. Her eyes were watery, and there was no mistaking her fear. Mommy never gets scared. Although petite, my mother is a warrior. She effortlessly combines strength with grace. She reserves her softness for those she holds dear, and I have always felt privileged to be her daughter—to have such a role model. She takes crap from no one. My brother’s friends used to invite him over to play catch. One day he said, “Let’s go to my house. It’s so much closer.” His friends declined. “Your mother scares the shit out of us.” She isn’t actually scary, but she’s very intimidating—her strength and determination are impossible to miss.

So in that moment, when our world was collapsing around us, my mother’s force was ever so present. She stood in front of me, eyes locked on mine, wishing she could stare off the fatal thoughts permeating the room.

I had never seen this guy before. First off, he was smiling. The other guys didn’t smile. His face was round and friendly with a full head of curly black hair. He walked with confidence. Almost annoyingly so. He was wearing a suit and tie sans the white coat. One point for Mr. X: He’s not a doctor.I looked slightly to my left, baffled by the array of faces focused singularly on me, waiting for the ticking time bomb to explode. Silence. I felt like a spectacle. Dr. D continued to sternly inform me that the cancer had spread to many regions of my body including my neck, chest, and pelvis. This isn’t good. Immediate administration of chemotherapy was necessary and he was not sugar-coating the issue. Anger welled up inside of me. Dr. D may as well have been the Devil incarnate. Without thought, I ordered everyone out. I just started screaming. No thought, just reaction. “Get out! Get out of my room!” I looked around: the gray plastic water pitcher, the bed pan sitting idle on the night stand, the flickering halogen lights, the IV protruding from my hand, the oxygen tank attached to the wall. No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no! With all my might, I wanted to throw something heavy and glass against the cement block wall and make it shatter into a million pieces. I wanted to scream and punch and defend and protest. I felt like breathing fire and incinerating everything around me. I sat with my head between my legs, swaying back and forth with a vengeance, trying to figure out how this could happen. No one asked my permission for any of this. Who is responsible for this outrageous diagnosis? Like I was at Gap asking to speak to a manager to complain about a mispriced sweater—I was frantically searching for someone to right this wrong. I screamed, cried, punched the wall, and thought I was going to die—way before the cancer killed me—of true rage. After an hour, I had nothing left. I collapsed with the ripped pillow over my head. Then, suddenly, the door opened. Who in their right mind is coming back in here? I am about to kick someone’s ass.

“I’m Dr. W,” he said calmly. Sneaky bastard.

“Why aren’t you wearing a white coat?” I asked.

“Well, I’m the oncology psychologist.” There was that word again. Oncology. What word is worse to a sixteen-year-old—Oncology or Psychologist? So they think I have cancer, and I’m crazy.

His next stab at engaging me was, “So, you just got diagnosed, huh?” Is this guy for real? I stared at him in silence. “I hear you kicked everyone out,” he said. Then, I got it. They have no idea what to do with me and brought you down here to handle it. I said nothing. We sat like that, or rather I sat and he stood, in silence, until he asked, “Do you like pie?” Do I like pie? What’s this guy’s deal? I just wanted to be left alone. I wanted to cry and scream without anybody pestering me. I had a thick shell of anger coating the gut wrenching, unimaginable fear of facing my mortality that I needed to attend to, and this guy was talking about pie. Dude, go up to your fancy shmancy office, pull those degrees off your wall and throw them in the garbage.

“No, I don’t eat pie,” I said.

“Hmm. Maybe later,” he continued. He opened his mouth and words spilled out. I went into a sort of trance, watching his mouth move without hearing any words. Minutes passed. Maybe ten. Maybe fifty. His voice was soothing, so I let his tone act as a musical background. It wasn’t U2, but it was something other than perpetual beeps from various monitors in the hallway.

All of a sudden, I snapped back as he muttered, “There’s some apple pie in the cafeteria. It’s really good. I think you’ll like it. Let me get some.” I was exhausted. Too confused to respond. He wore me down. Making himself at home, he picked up the phone sitting on the rolling cart used for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. “Hi, this is Dr. W. Could I have some apple pie delivered to Room 246 please? Thank you.” What just happened? Should I be looking for hidden cameras in the walls? Is this some sort of joke? I thought shrinks were supposed to be on the money, but this guy was acting like I just told him I was going to get a wart removed. He continued to talk as I floated in and out of consciousness. The door opened again and a hospital aid delivered a cafeteria tray with a piece of apple pie on it. She positioned the cart in front of me and left the room. Dr. W said, “Try it.” There was so much anguish pulsing through my veins that it almost transformed into laughter. But no. I wouldn’t give him that. “I’m not hungry,” I replied coldly.

“Okay, maybe later then,” he responded.

I just wanted to be left alone but he wouldn’t leave!

“So, you are taking the SATs?” he asked.

For a second I thought he might be clairvoyant, but then I noticed my prep book sitting on my bedside table next to the emergency oxygen tank. At this point I’d become so anxious that if I actually allowed myself to feel all the fear, pressure, expectation, and seriousness of the situation, I would not only need the oxygen tank, but a crash cart as well. Dr. W’s candor disarmed me and I realized he wasn’t going to leave. Okay, whatever Deb. Just talk to this guy. I flipped through the SAT booklet. “I’ve been studying and I’m ready to take the exam. It’s 9:00 a.m. this Saturday in my high school cafeteria. I’m assuming I can’t go.”

Dr. W’s brilliant approach, as he would love for it to be called, accessed the part of me that had been asked to check herself at the door. I was still a regular teenager seeking autonomy and respect. Dr. W knew that a calm or rational Deb just wasn’t available at the moment. My life was crashing down around me. After talking for a while he said, “I know this really sucks.” It does! It was dark and horrible and so damn scary. There was nothing he could have said or done in those moments to ease my pain. And I don’t believe that was his mission. His goal was to stay in my room, treat me like a sixteen-year-old girl wishing she was wearing her own perfectly coordinated outfit, and withstand my rage. He understood that only then would I be able to come back to earth and start talking. I didn’t eat the pie, but I did press the little red button on the side of my bed and tell the nurse I was ready to see everyone.

The door opened. My mother was the first to step back inside, and then the doctors, nurses, and social worker followed. Dr. D began to speak. This was not a dream. It was in fact very real. My heart was racing and I began to sweat.

About the author

Deb Ebenstein is a Jersey girl turned wife, mother, and some say survivor. This is an excerpt from her first book, Mani Pedi STAT, where she describes her multiple experiences with serious illness and recovery.

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How to Get Away with Murder casts Cicely Tyson: Who's she playing?

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According to E! Online, Tyson will star in at least one episode when Season 1 returns Jan. 29, though little is known about her role on the show.

More: Shonda Rhimes dominates Thursdays

Tyson previously stared alongside Viola Davis in The Help, so we can't wait to see the ladies reunited, now on television.

Here are our theories about her character on the show.

1. A murderer

Of course, if Tyson is only going to appear in one episode, it would make sense to have her join the cast as Annalise's latest client, though we suspect, moving into the second half of the season, that Sam and Lila's murders are going to take center stage. At least, we hope that's the case. Plus, we think there are a ton of other exciting and more interesting roles Tyson could tackle for her HTGAWM appearance.

More: Dear critics, Shonda Rhimes isn't angry, she's just black

2. Michaela's grandmother

We know Michaela came from a rough past, which is why her fiancé's mom is so not into the upcoming nuptials. Other than that, Michaela's background is a bit of a mystery. Maybe it's time Michaela got some backup of her own and who better than a hard-hitting granny?

3. Annalise's mom

We're going to go ahead and say this one is the most likely theory.

Now that Sam is dead, Annalise is going to have a rough time of things. Not that we think it will be mommy dearest to the rescue. If we've learned anything from How to Get Away with Murder, it's that everyone has secrets and people are capable of much more sinister things than we'd like to imagine when pushed.

More: 4 Killer How to Get Away with Murder theories

If Annalise's mom suddenly comes on the scene in the wake of Sam's death, we can only imagine the gritty dust of secrets she'll kick up in her path to "support her daughter." Now, that's a story line we'd love to see.

Which character do you think Tyson is most likely playing?


Netflix adds 33 shows and movies in January, cuts 60 favorites

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More: 12 Reasons I'm spending Valentine's Day with Netflix

Let's start with the bad news. As of Jan. 1, these awesome picks will no longer stream on Netflix. Watch 'em now, while you still can.

12 Angry Men (1957)

A Mighty Heart (2007)

A River Runs Through It (1992)

Backdraft (1991)

Bad Boys (1995)

Batman (1989)

Beethoven (1992)

Beethoven’s 2nd (1993)

Beverly Hills Cop (1984)

Big Trouble in Little China (1986)

Boyz n the Hood (1991)

Braveheart (1995)

Can’t Buy Me Love (1987)

Carrie (1976)

D3: The Mighty Ducks (1996)

Duck Soup (1933)

Far and Away (1992)

G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero

Girls Just Want to Have Fun (1985)

Gladiator (2000)

Good Burger (1997)

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967)

Happy Gilmore (1996)

Hitch (2005)

Hotel Rwanda (2004)

Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959)

Kiss the Girls (1997)

Kramer vs. Kramer (1979)

Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)

Love Actually (2003)

Manhattan (1979)

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)

My Girl (1991)

My Girl 2 (1994)

Red Dawn (1984)

Rocky I­V (1985)

Roman Holiday (1953)

Saved! (2004)

Scary Movie 2 (2001)

Spaceballs (1987)

Stargate (1994)

Taylor Swift: Journey to Fearless (2010)

The Bad News Bears Go to Japan (1978)

The Brady Bunch Movie (1995)

The Breakfast Club (1985)

The Chronicles of Riddick (2004)

The Company Men (2010)

The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)

The Grapes of Wrath (1940)

The Longest Yard (1974)

The Mighty Ducks (1992)

The Original Kings of Comedy (2000)

The Parent Trap (1998)
The Phantom of the Opera (1989)
The Usual Suspects (1995)

The Wedding Planner (2001)

Titanic (1997)

Tombstone (1993)

Transformers: Generation 1

Turner and Hooch (1989)

You've Got Mail (1998)

On the bright side, Netflix is adding in a ton of favorites. In movies, we're getting the cult classic Mean Girls and the much lauded Chef. And in television, Friends' complete series will finally arrive!

More: Netflix spoilers turned me into a spoiler addict

Movies

101 Dalmatians (1996)

Bad Boys II (2003)

Brick Mansions (2014)

Batman & Robin (1997)

Bruce Almighty (2003)

Cast Away (2000)

Chef (2014)

Election (1999)

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)

Fort Bliss (2014)

Frank (2014)

Get Low (2009)

Iliza Shlesinger: Freezing Hot (2014)

Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit (2014)

Jeepers Creepers 2 (2003)
Mean Girls (2004)
Shall We Dance? (2004)
The French Connection (1971)

The Quiet Man (1952)

The War of the Worlds (1953)

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)

To Be Takei (2014)

Wayne’s World 2 (1993)

More: 16 Popcorn recipes for binge-watching Netflix

TV

Beauty and the Beast: Season 2

Being Human: Season 4 (U.S.)

Dallas: Season 3 (2012)

Friends: complete series (1994 -2004)

Psych: Season 8

The Fall: Season 2

The Adventures of Puss in Boots: Season 1

White Collar: Season 5

Wolfblood: Season 3 (2014)

Z Nation: Season 1

Don't let this turn into a "you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone" scenario. Make sure to catch these additions as soon as possible!

More: Want more TV and movie news? Sign up for our newsletter

Channing Tatum, Chris Pratt's Ghostbusters plans revealed in Sony hack

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A lot of revelations have come out of the Sony e-mail hack, including an exec's real thoughts on Angelina Jolie's talent (or lack thereof) and Jennifer Lawrence getting ripped off because she had a vagina. But the awesomest news leaked is that Tatum and Pratt are planning a reboot of the Ghostbusters franchise!

The leaked e-mails are from August and include Tatum telling Jolie's now-frenemy, Amy Pascal, that he wants to create a new Dark Knight-esque mythology to the tale and the execs pondering who would direct, what the revised plot would be and how it could live in the same world as a rumored all-female Ghostbusters.

More: The true story behind franchise-spawning Ghostbusters 3

"So… in a curious turn of events — the Russos and Channing want to develop Ghostbusters as a vehicle for Channing and Chris Pratt to do together," wrote Hannah Minghella, copresident of production for Columbia Pictures. "The Russos, Channing and Reid have been brainstorming ideas and want to create a whole new mythology that would support multiple movies (the way that Nolan reinvented Batman). To be clear — the Russos want to produce (not direct) and while Channing and Chris are looking for a movie to do together they haven't mentioned this to him yet because they weren't sure how we'd react.

"They want to make it simultaneously super scary while also super funny. They love the idea that they are mortal heroes who are believers in the paranormal and the only people who can defend mankind from a paranormal threat."

Tatum, who sounds exactly like the bro you think he is over e-mail, wrote to Pascal, "Let us show the world The DarkSide and let us fight it with all the glory and epicness of a HUGE BATMAN BEGINS MOVIE. I know we can make this a huge franchise. Fun adventure craziness. COME OONNNN!!!"

More: Guardians of the Galaxy cast's epic dance-off

As far as that all-female Ghostbusters rumor, it seems it is more than just a rumor and execs seem to think there is room for them both.

"I'm not sure whether we'd ever develop two different versions simultaneously. Joe Russo is open to the idea that both movies could be developed in partnership so they compliment one another within the same Ghostbusters universe," Minghella wrote. "Apparently the Russos are very close to Paul and Joe suggested Paul could be attached to direct both. Personally I think it's possible for the female version to co-exist with this other version so maybe they're not mutually exclusive."

Pascal's reaction: "F***kk."

We'll take that as enthusiasm.

Maisie Williams doesn't agree with Emma Watson or her views on feminism

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In fact, according to Williams' recent interview with the Guardian, the 17-year-old actress explained that she thinks there are a lot bigger issues that people should worry about rather than feminism.

More: How would you die in Game of Thrones? (QUIZ)

The topic of Emma Watson's recent UN speech came up during the interview and Williams didn't seem as enthused about it as expected.

"A lot of what Emma Watson spoke about, I just think, 'that doesn't bother me.' I know things aren't perfect for women in the UK and in America, but there are women in the rest of the world who have it far worse."

Williams explained that "first-world feminism" is frustrating to her. She feels there are more pressing issues in the world like breast cancer, which Williams' mom had, and cyberbullying, which Williams herself experienced.

More: Maisie Williams throws a Twitter fit at British Airways

"There's that constant fight between being myself, and then being a toned-down version of myself — sometimes it seems being myself is 'too much,'" Williams explained.

As a response, Williams took down many of her social media sites and decided not to concern herself with other people's opinions. But she says this is not a unique struggle. Many teenagers are affected by their peers in negative ways.

"Why do I need to hear what other people think of me? I'm happy. Those years are such a strange, strange time because you're just constantly trying to do the right thing and be liked. Or just go under the radar and fit in. And before you know it, you're being attacked by everyone and it's really scary."

More: Top 10 Reasons we want to be BFFs with Maisie Williams

In fact, Williams shared that her mother still monitors her Twitter account. She doesn't post for her daughter, but keeps an eye on things, which Williams said helped because she knew her mom was seeing what she saw, which helped her cope with bullying.

Williams thinks it's an issue that shouldn't so easily be dismissed, "I think it hurts even more [than other forms of bullying]," she said. "Kids are killing themselves. It's very serious."

Do you agree with Williams that there are more important and pressing issues than feminism?

No-bake white chocolate-peppermint cheesecakes in a jar

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Speaking of the holidays, who's not ready? I have bought zero presents and haven't even put up a tree. I'm starting to think I will just bury my stress in a few jars of this and call it a day.

no bake white chocolate cheesecake

No-bake white chocolate-peppermint cheesecake recipe

These no-bake white chocolate cheesecakes are jazzed up with crushed candy canes and peppermint chocolate sandwich cookies. Perfect for Christmas.

Yields 8

Prep time: 20 minutes | Inactive time: 1 hour | Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup pure white chocolate chips, melted
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
  • 1/2 teaspoon mint extract
  • 8 ounces frozen whipped topping, thawed
  • 1/2 cup crushed candy canes
  • 1 cup crushed peppermint Oreos

Directions:

  1. To the bowl of an electric mixer, add the melted white chocolate, cream cheese and mint extract. Beat together until well combined and slightly fluffy.
  2. Fold in the whipped topping until combined.
  3. Lay out 8 (4 ounce) jars, fill each 1/4 full of cheesecake mixture, and top with crushed peppermint and crushed peppermint Oreo cookies. Repeat layers 1 more time.
  4. Let the cheesecakes sit for 1 hour to set up.
  5. Serve cold.

See all our holiday articles

More no-bake cheesecakes

No-bake peach cheesecake
Easy no-bake cheesecakes
Red, white and blue no-bake cheesecakes

How to effectively use social media to grow your business

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In fact, I believe "doing social media" is a waste of time created by an army of aspiring social media gurus, marketing consultants and the advertising power of Facebook and LinkedIn to take advantage of the little guy. No offense to these fine folks, I am just skeptical.

Fortunately, here at Mightybell we host tens of thousands of small business owners and self-employed professionals in our How to Be Self-Employed professional network.

So we asked. We surveyed over 16,000 self-employed professionals to get a pulse on how they are actually using social media for their businesses. We were overwhelmed with the number of responses, providing us with results worth sharing.

There were no surprises as to why small business owners were using social media. The top two reasons they're using social media is to identify new customers and build stronger relationships with existing customers.

The surprises were in the details.

Small business owners like you are spending 6x more time on Facebook and LinkedIn than Twitter, Pinterest or Instagram.

The majority of respondents invest more than two hours each day building their social reputations, yet almost 40 percent of these professionals aren't sure whether or not their efforts are working. That's 10 hours a week dedicated to the same imprecise science and guesswork of traditional advertising.

Three reasons to use social media that don't waste your time

As we followed up our survey with interviews, three things emerged as the most effective reasons for self-employed professionals to use social media.

  1. Strengthen relationships with existing clients. Focusing on existing customers is fast and measurable because it is well-defined. There is no guesswork in connecting with people you already know, so investing a half hour a day in this can pack a punch.
  2. Look legitimate to new and potential customers. It's clear to us that an active social media presence creates legitimacy when potential customers check you out. The great news is that focusing on existing customers can also help you build your legitimacy with new prospects.
  3. Rise in natural search results. We found 35 percent of respondents recognize and take advantage of search engine optimization (SEO) dynamics by using social media. In this way, social media can be very valuable, and it suggests those same 30 minutes a day can accomplish a lot.

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Stories from the front lines

Nancy Rothstein: Photographer

"At first I used Facebook as a portfolio to showcase my work. I added galleries of my photos and made sure it represented my brand.

Now I focus on building relationships with my existing clients. They are the best source of new clients, especially as I post their photos and celebrate their stories, and they share these out to their networks.

I approach each client to connect on Facebook and LinkedIn with an attitude of 'I am here to promote you’ and use social media to celebrate what each client has accomplished."

Sandra Harris: Founder & President, ECOlunchbox

"Many of us use social media as a way to 'check out' companies and make sure they're 'for real' and 'legit' before proceeding to buy or otherwise engage.

We've cultivated a 10,000-strong fan base on Facebook for ECOlunchbox. While our daily posts on Facebook may only reach a few hundred people (unless it's shared and goes viral), our likes and page 'vouches' for ECOlunchbox.

If someone passing by our Facebook page takes a moment to read comments, they'll see that ECOlunchbox is a 'lovemark' among our eco-friendly community."

Freda Gore: Owner, Caribbean Culinary Tours & Vacations

"I use both Facebook and Twitter as a great way to build relationships with my current customers. This has the secondary result of getting the word out about my business. Because I have a niche service business, I have to keep my name in front of prospects and social media is one way of doing that."

Jackie Reisenauer: Owner, Munster Rose Floral Design

"Most of our incoming prospects first saw us on Instagram. Our secret isn't really a secret at all: We have great photos and consistently post.

I got advice early on to post photos of the kind of work that excites me. At Munster Rose, we only do weddings and large events and often we do designs that aren't my personal style. However, I make a practice of not posting event photos to social media that aren't in line with where I want to take our brand."

Up next: What can you do to make social media work for you?

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What can you do to make social media work for you?

At the end of this project, I remain skeptical of social media as a magical source of new clients. It just isn't. But I was surprised by the concrete reasons the best small business owners invest their time, energy and creativity in social media.

What can you do differently today to take full advantage of the power of social media? There is no need to reinvent the wheel. Borrow these tips and get started.

  1. Know your goal. What do you want to accomplish in your business in the next three months? Will your time spent in social media, strengthening existing client relationships, looking legitimate and increasing search traffic help you meet those goals? If not, look to invest the time elsewhere.
  2. Set a timer. Stay disciplined. Social media can be addicting, and what starts off as "I'll only spend 30 minutes a day on Facebook" turns into two hours before you know it. Refer to your plan (what is it, again, you wanted to achieve?) and stick to it. When it comes to social media, more time spent doesn't equal better results.
  3. Measure your results. Re-allocating 15 minutes of your social media time to analyzing your results against your goals everyday is more than worth it. It will keep you focused and you'll achieve more faster. I don't know why this works, but it does.

Join us!

Does social media work for you? Join us in building the largest knowledge base of specific, practical information for successful self-employment and business ownership at How to Be Self-Employed and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

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