As Christmas nears, kids buzz with anticipation and literally count the days until it’s time to celebrate. This year, help them acknowledge each passing day with a traditional Advent calendar. Elaborate or simple, these calendars bring the family together to count down to Christmas.

More celebrating

How to design a holiday mantel
Edible Christmas crafts
Homemade Christmas ornaments

Christmas/Christmas Eve

Smart celebrities know if they want to be left alone on their wedding day, it’s best to do it when something bigger is going on. So what could possibly be bigger than the most highly anticipated nuptials of our generation? Christmas. Think about it. All the paparazzi and reporters will be nestled, all snug in their beds, while Brad and Angie decide to wed. These two celebrities are famous for shunning the popularity that surrounds them, so we could see them huddling around the Christmas tree with their offspring, exchanging vows — in front of a Santa impersonator, perhaps?

Any Friday between now and New Year's

For the same reason stated above, Brad and Angie may be planning a Friday-in-December wedding. Remember when headlines about Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes’ divorce circulated on a Friday? Afternoon, no less? That was brilliant. It still made headlines, but all us entertainment writers in the industry had already checked out for the weekend, and were kind of pissed when we had to go back to work and write about Tom Cruise’s third failed marriage. Getting married on a Friday is a close second to Christmas — it would get covered more than a Christmas wedding, but reporters wouldn’t be happy about it.

Pretty much any day in December

There are several interesting anniversaries in December that Brad and Angie may want to honor by joining in holy matrimony. Dec. 1 is World AIDS Day. Brangelina loves nothing more than stirring up a little awareness. Dec. 3 is International Day of People with Disabilities. With all the couple’s humanitarian efforts, perhaps they’ll get married on Dec. 10, which is Human Rights Day. Brad and Angelina have strong ties to Africa — Angie’s humanitarian work, their first pictures as a couple were in Africa and their daughter, Shiloh was born in Africa. Perhaps they will marry on Dec. 12, which marks Independence Day in Kenya. Our bet is that they will marry Friday, Dec. 14, which as everyone knows is haven’t-you-guys-been-together-for-seven-years-and-don’t-you-already-have-six-kids-and-you’re-probably-already-married-and-no-one-would-give-a-rip-if-you-weren’t-Angelina-Jolie-and-Brad-Pitt-day.

New Year's Eve

Again, this holiday will serve as the perfect diversion with most people either in New York City or watching the gathering in Times Square on TV. People are so hung over on New Year's, it could be a week before people even catch on to a Brad/Angelina marriage. Angie’s New Year's kiss to Brad might also be her first kiss as his bride. Talk about a memorable way to ring in the New Year!

Image courtesy WENN.com

cooking show, recipes & life with Garth Brooks

Country music superstar and best-selling cookbook author Trisha Yearwood opens up to us on her show, her favorite foods and how she does the holidays.

Trisha's Food Network show, Trisha's Southern Kitchen, premiered its second season on Oct. 20, 2012. It features delicious Southern family recipes, nostalgic stories and traditions, and a special episode with husband Garth Brooks.

On cooking

SheKnows: What inspired you to have a cooking show?

Trisha: Well, it took a lot to talk me into it! I created the first cookbook as a way to get all my recipes in one place. I had no idea it would do so well, so when the idea of doing a show came about, I didn't want to at first. I wasn't sure if it would be fun. I didn't want to stand behind a counter by myself just reading off a recipe. A friend of mine said it can be whatever I want it to. I can have my friends and family on it, tell stories from where the recipes came from, and interact in the kitchen. It's been a lot of fun — everything is natural and we all hang out together.

SK: Growing up, was cooking something you enjoyed doing?

Trisha: As a kid, I did what I was told. I set the table and did simple stuff. Going to college was when I really started missing my mom's cooking. I remember the first thing I made that tasted like my mom's — a basic potato salad. I took comfort in that. I wasn't at home but it felt like I was. My mom taught me everything that I know.

SK: How is being on TV different from performing?

TY: When I'm on stage performing, I'm focused on the music. Every song is like a mini-movie, and I put myself into that role and lose myself in that song and in that moment. With cooking, there are so many things going on at once. I have to make sure the guest is comfortable, the stories get told and the recipe gets made. They're similar because of their structure and what has to get done. With the cooking show, the recipe must get made; and with a live show, the set list must be sung. Everything else can change, which keeps things fresh.

SK: You currently have two cookbooks, "Georgia Cooking in an Oklahoma Kitchen" and "Home Cooking with Trisha Yearwood," any plans for a third?

TY: I do want to continue making cookbooks, but one challenge is that those that have dozens of cookbooks have to relinquish control. The first few books are all you, but the reality is there are only so many family recipes. I love that all of the recipes in my books have a story that goes with it. It's personal. If there were a third book, I would want to focus on what we eat every day. My first two books are all about comfort foods, not necessarily how you eat on a daily basis. I'd want it to be a comfort book that won't kill you!

On holidays

SK: What is one of your favorite holiday traditions?

TY: We have a tradition where Garth, the girls and I all drive around and look at Christmas lights. We seek out the neighborhoods that really decorate for Christmas. It brings us all together as a family and is a lot of fun.

SK: Do you like to entertain or do you prefer to be the guest at holiday parties?

TY: I like to entertain! It's very casual, though. I've never thrown a formal dinner party in my life! Friends will come over, they sometimes bring a dish, or I'll put them to work in the kitchen! Cooking is something I love to do and it relaxes me. Our place is the gathering place, but again it's never formal.

SK: What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish to make and eat?

TY: Grandma's cornbread dressing is my favorite. If I could only eat one thing at Thanksgiving, this would be it. It's made from cornbread, toasted breadcrumbs, grilled onions, saltine crackers, hard-boiled eggs and turkey pan juices. It's by far my favorite part of the meal.

SK: What is your favorite holiday treat to bake?

TY: Every year we have a cookie party. My sister started this in Georgia. Everyone comes over with their favorite cookie recipe and bakes. We make hundreds of cookies. I've been making a white chocolate macadamia cranberry cookie. It's very festive! Garth suggested adding coconut, so this year I'm going to try that.

SK: What's on your Christmas wish-list this year?

TY: Garth and I are so bad about that! This past summer, my sister and I sold my mom's house, and we cleaned it out. It was very bittersweet — there were 45 years worth of stuff in this house. We kept a lot, but it was cleansing to get rid of some, too. We both agreed not to buy each other anything for Christmas. People have too much stuff in general. After cleaning that house, I haven't really bought anything. I enjoy giving gifts.

On husband Garth Brooks, new music and downtime

SK: Does Garth cook for you too, or do you mostly enjoy cooking together?

TY: He does! He's pretty awesome, he will take over and cook. I love to cook, but not every day. Garth doesn't follow recipes. His specialty is a taco pizza. It's a plain crust, with a combo of refried beans and picante on the bottom, topped with low-fat cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes and sour cream. It's healthy since it's meat-free, and he uses low-fat cheese.

SK: Other than cooking , what are some hobbies you and Garth enjoy together?

TY: We live on a farm, and are very outdoorsy people. Garth's a real cowboy, he likes to get out and do stuff. He's currently on the roof hanging Christmas lights! We like to hike with our rescue dogs, get in the Jeep and drive around the farm, play sports and, of course, watch football together on the couch.

SK: We hear you're in the process of making a record. Any plans on a release date or upcoming tour?

TY: It's still in the works. The show has been really time-consuming, and we're still editing the shows up until the end of the season. My goal is to take January off and then finish the record. I would love to have it out by fall of 2013, possibly earlier. Garth and I want to tour together in 2014.

SK: What do you do to relax?

TY: I like things that allow me to escape. I love reading and watching mindless television . I wake up before Garth and read while drinking coffee every morning.

SK: And finally, what brings you the most joy in your life?

TY: My family. I am so lucky — I married the love of my life. I feel very lucky to have found this and to know that it exists. My sister and I are very close; we're sort of the last men standing in our family. My parents were both really great cooks. Everything I know is from them. The show has been a great way to keep them alive and keep all the memories. My sister's very involved in the show, too. Everything we make has something to do with them.

More on Trisha Yearwood

Trisha Yearwood goes from singer to foodie
Trisha Yearwood – Wedding hairstyles
Trisha Yearwood joins Habitat for Humanity

Photo credit: The Food Network

Don't go it alone

If this is your first holiday since the split and your ex has custody of the kids this time, don't spend the season alone. Rely on family and close friends to help you get through this tough time, suggests Susan Saper Galamba, divorce and family law attorney, author of Don’t Burn the Underwear and media personality. She adds, "Making plans to be with friends and family is essential. Surround yourself with positive people during the holidays and don't dwell on the divorce."

Maintain traditions...

Melody Bacon, Ph.D., chair of the Marriage and Family Therapy Programs at the Irvine, California branch of The Chicago School of Professional Psychology and author of the upcoming The Grace Filled Divorce, says it's important to maintain some normalcy for your children by keeping things as familiar as possible.

She says, "Try to maintain traditions that you have established with your children, within reason. For instance, if your children have typically spent Christmas day with your in-laws and their extended family, perhaps you can allow them to spend at least part of the day. Or you can spend Christmas Eve with your kids and allow them to go with your ex to see his family on Christmas day. Splitting time during the holidays is important to keep harmony and consistency in your children's lives as they adjust to the divorce."

... And create some new ones

Silvia M. Dutchevici, MA, LMSW, president and founder of Critical Therapy Center in New York, agrees with keeping some traditions for your children. But she suggests creating some new ones as well.

She says, "Think about this first year after your divorce as a chance to celebrate the holidays in new ways. Keeping certain traditions — like opening presents on Christmas day or lighting the Chanukah candles — is important for feelings of family continuity and security, while incorporating new traditions of your own gives everyone the feeling of a new beginning."

It's OK to cry

Dutchevici also suggests giving yourself and your children the opportunity to cry and express feelings. She says, "Allow yourself and the kids to mourn. A divorce is difficult on everyone, even in cases where the couple feels that this is the best course of action."

She continues, "Acknowledge your own feelings about the divorce and allow your kids to express their concerns and feelings regarding the first set of holidays since the divorce/separation."

Communicate with the ex

Open the lines of communication with your ex for the sake of your children this holiday, suggest Alan Plevy, family law attorney, and Kathryn Dickerson, civil litigation and child custody attorney at SmolenPlevy in Virginia. They advise, "Work together on scheduling exact times, etc. Talk about gift giving. Take your ex's desires into consideration when choosing a gift ."

More on dealing with divorce

How to talk to your kids about divorce
How to make divorce less traumatic for kids
Helping kids understand divorce

Last summer, Christian Bale said goodbye to Batman. The actor spent the past seven years of his career wearing the cape and mask, and following The Dark Knight Rises, he finally bid adieu.

Christopher Nolan's Dark Knight Trilogy couldn't have ended at a more inopportune time. As he wrapped his story, Warner Bros. began working on their Justice League movie. Every self-respecting comic book fan knows Batman is a major member of the JLA team.

How can they have Justice League with no Batman? Don't worry, the studio is hard at work finding a replacement. According to HitFix, the new Caped Crusader could be right under our noses.

Who's brave enough to tackle WB's Justice League?>>

[Spoiler alert]

Sources claim The Dark Knight Rises star Joseph Gordon-Levitt could appear in Justice League as the new Batman. At the end of TDKR, Bruce Wayne passed the torch to Gordon-Levitt's character John Blake. He essentially gave him the key to the Batcave, and access to his arsenal. More or less, Blake became Gotham's new protector.

There's word that next year's Superman reboot Man of Steel might set the stage for the Justice League and the new Bats. Director Zack Snyder hinted that Justice League and Man of Steel's existence could be intertwined.

Hot trailer: Man of Steel is the new Superman>>

It's a formula that Marvel used to set up The Avengers. Every character's film was essentially linked. You can't have the Justice League without Superman or Batman. That's like The Avengers without Iron Man or Captain America.

We doubt Warner Bros. would disappoint fans that way. They've got too much riding on JLA's success.

Photo credit: Bridow/WENN

Dannielynn Birkhead is only six, but she's already following in mom Anna Nicole Smith's footsteps by posing for a new GUESS Kids ad campaign set to invade billboards and magazine ads in January.

"Dannielynn has the same playful spirit that her mother had on a set," Paul Marciano, Creative Director for GUESS, Inc., said in a statement. "She is a second-generation GUESS girl, which makes this campaign a first for us."

While we're not so sure it's wise to put the littlest Birkhead in an ad campaign already, it's hard to deny that she's completely adorable in the ads. It got us reminiscing about the voluptuous Smith and all the promise she had before the May-December romances and tabloid drama came into play.

Smith was a Playboy cover girl when GUESS pushed her into superstardom in 1993. The brand casted her to replace German supermodel Claudia Schiffer as the line's new "all-American" face styled after the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Jane Mansfield.

It was actually her stint with the company that earned her the name Anna Nicole. Born Vicki Lynn Hogan, she took her first husband's last name and stayed with it while she posed for Playboy.

"Anna Nicole came from GUESS Jeans, Paul Marciano and me and one of his friends, we were sitting around coming up with a stage name, and that's where that came from," Smith told Larry King in 2002.

Despite the history with the brand, we're surprised that Larry Birkhead has opted to push his daughter into his mother's career. Well, he has an explanation for that.

"Dannielynn has always looked up to her mom's image and... I think that this is kind of Dannielynn's way of paying tribute to her mom in her own special way," he told Good Morning America on Nov. 27.

"To see her mom's picture next to hers as a GUESS girl and say, 'Hey, I was a GUESS Kids girl, my mommy was a GUESS girl,' that might be her only connection with her mom."

Sad.

More on celebrity style

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Friday’s Fashion Obsessions: Sophia Bush and the Victoria's Secret Angels
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Photo credits: GUESS? via WENN.com

Hey, baby, it's cold outside... but that doesn't mean your family needs to hibernate! While popular outdoor sports like baseball are benched until the air warms again, there are plenty ways for kids to stay active in the winter.

The key to staying active in the winter? Make it a priority. There really are many ways to be active — both inside and outdoors — so find what works for your kids and go for it.

More on active families

5 Ways to get your family exercising all year long
Easy ways to exercise without the kids even knowing it
Getting your sedentary children moving

What is HIV?

According to UNAIDS , HIV — the human immunodeficiency virus — is a virus that attacks the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness that puts people at risk of developing life-threatening diseases like cancer and pneumonia.

Unless treated, HIV can develop into AIDS—acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. It often takes more than 10 years for HIV to progress to AIDS, and there is no cure or vaccine.

Since 1981, more than 25 million people have died of AIDS, and at the end of 2008, 50 percent of all adults living with HIV worldwide were women .

Ways you can become infected with HIV

In order to be infected with HIV, the virus must enter a person's bloodstream.

Modes of transmission include:

• Unprotected sex
• Sharing needles
• Unsterilized needles
• Pregnancy

The Department of Infectious Diseases in the Public Health Agency of Canada advises people to ask themselves the following questions to see if they're at risk of developing HIV:

• Have you ever had unprotected sexual intercourse ?
• Have you ever shared needles or equipment for injecting drugs?
• Have you ever used unsterilized needles for tattooing, skin piercing or acupuncture?
• Have you ever experienced occupational exposure to HIV in a health care setting?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, see your doctor immediately and ask for an HIV/AIDS blood test.

Are you at risk for HIV and AIDS?

HIV and AIDS can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation or socio-economic status. However, stigma, discrimination and violation of civil and human rights make socially and economically marginalized groups and populations even more vulnerable to infection.

Up next: Ways to reduce your risk of HIV and AIDS >>

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Reduce your risk of HIV and AIDS

Here are several ways to reduce your risk of HIV infection and developing AIDS.

Always use condoms

Although no form of protection is 100 percent effective in preventing the spread of HIV, wearing a condom during vaginal, anal or oral sex goes a long way. To prevent condom breakage, consider using a water-based lubricant.

Join campaigns, like the one recently launched by LifeStyles Condoms, to spread the word about HIV transmission and protection. Check their campaign out on Facebook and Twitter.

More on HIV and AIDS

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Lend your voice to fight AIDS
Elton John: AIDS should have put me six feet under too

Warm winter beer
for the holidays

Every day is a holiday once the weather gets cold, and the best way to celebrate is to enjoy a special winter beer. Winter brews are available for only a few months, so get them while they're hot !

Shipyard Longfellow Winter Ale

Available now through December, this bold and full-bodied ale is a classic example of what a winter ale is all about. It's hoppy and malty but totally well-balanced throughout the finish. Made with five different malts, Shipyard Longfellow Winter Ale is complex, with distinct wheat, barley and even chocolate flavors. It has a dark copper color and a thick head when poured. Sniff it before drinking to catch the aromas of coffee, butterscotch and chocolate. Pair this beer with hearty soups, stews, casseroles and dark meat like steak and pork.

Blue Point Brewing Company Winter Ale

The full, rich body of this beer warms you from the inside out and instantly transports you to Colorado, where you can imagine yourself sipping it after a full day of fun on the ski slopes. With distinct spice notes and just a hint of sweetness, this amber-colored ale is crisp with a smooth finish. Vanilla, caramel and toffee can be tasted and smelled in this beer, which is brewed only during cold months. For the best effect, pour Blue Point Brewing Company Winter Ale into a pint glass, and watch the bubbles surround the glass and the head form on top. Great food pairings for this ale are duck, steak or sharp cheeses. Get it now through January.

Southern Tier Old Man Winter Ale 

Described as a "liquid winter wonderland," this beer is perfect for sipping next to a roaring fireplace. It goes down smooth and silky and is well-balanced and full-bodied, which make it a great beer for slow drinking. It is rich and hoppy, with a deep caramel flavor. Southern Tier Old Man Winter Ale is also high in alcohol content , and with its bold flavor, it really packs a punch. Old Man Winter Ale can be drunk right away, or you can put a few bottles in your cellar and age it for a few months to enjoy in the scorching heat of summer, when you miss that cold, crisp air. Pair this beer with bold cheeses, seafood or poultry dishes.

Troegs Mad Elf Ale

Just the name alone makes you smile, and tasting this beer will definitely give you holiday joy. It has a deep red color and just looks festive on the holiday table. Troegs Mad Elf Ale is brewed with cherries and honey, and you can taste and smell both flavors as soon as you crack open the bottle. Mad Elf is not very sweet; in fact, it's almost spicy, which gives it a full-bodied mouthfeel. This is simply a tasty, delicious beer and completely perfect on a cold winter night or at a festive holiday party. Pair this beer with pork, poultry or desserts.

Anderson Valley Brewing Company Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale

This winter ale has a highly unique sense about it; it's made with wintry spices like nutmeg and cinnamon, with hints of vanilla and even marshmallow. Anderson Valley Brewing Company Winter Solstice Seasonal Ale is smooth and rich and is reminiscent of a cream soda. This winter warmer smells like winter and is perfect with your favorite holiday dishes. Pair this beer with sides like mashed potatoes or main dishes like ham and turkey.

More winter recipes

10 Best beers you've never heard of
8 Must-try winter recipes
Winter dessert recipes

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Gifts for mom

Skin care focus: Microdermabrasion

Get younger, smoother skin

We all know how important exfoliation is when it comes to keeping skin smooth, soft and healthy. Microdermabrasion offers a way to reap the benefits of a skin scrubbing session without having to open a bottle or shop for a product that works. Purported to take years off your face, we have the goods on how this skin treatment works.

Microdermabrasion: What is it?

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, almost 500,000 microdermabrasion procedures were done in 2011 alone, and it’s consistently in the top five most popular nonsurgical procedures. The painless procedure involves exfoliating the surface layer of the skin with a simple abrasive paddle, cream or crystals. Removing the dead cells allows the younger, smoother skin beneath to be revealed.

What to expect

A typical microdermabrasion session is fairly quick — it takes between 15 and 30 minutes, making it an ideal midday treatment. Whether you’re fighting fine lines, dealing with age spots or want an effective way to minimize discoloration or other superficial skin blemishes, this multitasking treatment might be a good option for you. Microdermabrasion can also be helpful with oily and enlarged pores, blackheads and even some acne scarring.

Microdermabrasion is also known to stimulate the creation of collagen and cell turnover, something countless anti-aging creams promise, but never seem to deliver. Immediately following a microdermabrasion session, skin often feels smoother and tighter.

What to consider

Thinking of taking the plunge? Microdermabrasion is a common, non-surgical procedure; however, there are people who should opt out — talk to your physician before booking an appointment. Other than that, microdermabrasion is effective on all skin types and colors, offers a great alternative to chemical peels for anyone with sensitive skin and offers another way to keep skin looking younger and healthier.

More beauty tips and trends

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A lot of people wonder what Kim Kardashian's been up to lately. The reality celeb topped Bing's most-searched list for 2012, regaining the top spot from singer Justin Bieber.

Bieber himself has fallen to second on the list.

The rest of the most-searched list, in order of most- to least-searched, includes Miley Cyrus, Rihanna, Lindsay Lohan, Katy Perry, Selena Gomez, Jennifer Aniston, Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift.

Miley Cyrus, really? Was her haircut that weird?

Rihanna, Gomez, Minaj and Swift are new to the list, having pushed off Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Megan Fox and Lady Gaga.

Most-searched celebrity couples include winners Rihanna and Chris Brown, K-Stew and Robert Pattinson, and Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom.

The offspring of celeb couples are also popular on the search engine, with users searching for, in order of preference, information about the babies birthed by Beyonce, Jessica Simpson, Snooki and Kourtney Kardashian.

Bing also tracked the most-searched TV shows, naming American Idol as number one, followed by Dancing with the Stars, The Young and the Restless, The Walking Dead, Family Guy, and Here Comes Honey Boo Boo.

Image courtesy WENN.com

You know you wouldn't hand your preschooler a mug of coffee, but is it OK to let your teen chug down caffeine-filled energy drinks?

Effects of caffeine
on kids

In a recent lawsuit, parents of a deceased teen are blaming Monster Energy Drink for the death of their daughter, but you may not need to ban your brood from guzzling these energy-boosting beverages just yet. From details of this latest lawsuit involving a teen to the effects of caffeine on kids, get the scoop on whether or not you should forbid your youngsters from sipping these pick-me-ups to avoid death by energy drink.

Lawsuit details

This jitter-inducing ingredient can be found in tons of fare from sodas to chocolate bars, but one family found that caffeine and kids can be a deadly combination. In October 2012, Wendy Crossland and Richard Fournier of Maryland filed a complaint suing Monster Beverage Corp. for the wrongful death of their 14-year-old daughter, Anais Fournier. The teen, who went into cardiac arrest after consuming two 24-ounce Monster Energy Drinks, died of cardiac arrhythmia due to caffeine toxicity according to the Maryland medical examiner's office. However, the autopsy report discovered that the girl suffered from a heart disorder — Ehlers-Danlos syndrome — which can make connective tissues weak. But, what about the average, healthy kid?

Discover cappuccinos for kids: the new trend for mini foodies?>>

Effects of caffeine on kids

Just like Mom and Dad, Junior can become jumpy after eating or drinking caffeine-infused fare. Categorized as a drug, the stimulant can be found naturally in the leaves and seeds of many plants or produced artificially and rouses the central nervous system. Lower levels of caffeine can make kids feel alert and energetic, but too much can cause nervousness, tummy trouble, headaches, difficulty concentrating and sleeping as well as increased heart rate and blood pressure. And, don't forget that caffeine can be dehydrating and addictive! A 24-ounce can of Monster Energy Drink packs in 240 milligrams of caffeine compared to the average 34 milligrams you'll find in a can of soda, so you shouldn't be surprised to find your kiddo zooming around the room after popping open a can of this pick-me-up.

How much caffeine is OK for kids?

Although the United States hasn't published guidelines for how much caffeine is safe for kids to consume, Canadian guidelines recommend that adolescents between ages 13 and 18 put a cap on caffeine based on body weight: No more than 2.5 milligrams per 2.2 pounds your child weighs. "In general however, I do not recommend that kids consume caffeine because it can have both acute and chronic effects on cognition and mood," advises Dr. Margaret McMahon, pediatrician at Loyola University Health System. "Side effects and the incidence of withdrawal symptoms increase with larger doses [of caffeine] consumed [by kids]."

Weigh in: Should kids be banned from buying energy drinks?>> 

Despite the latest lawsuit involving a teen, you can rest safely knowing that an average, healthy teen won't likely face death by energy drink when you monitor your teen's consumption. But, doctors still recommend that kids — teens included — get the energy boost they need through exercise and rest instead of Monster Energy. "While occasional exposure to small amounts of caffeine is not dangerous, it is not beneficial to children," explains Dr. McMahon. "Therefore, it is best avoided." Whether or not you gulp down caffeine is up to you!

More about kids' health

Are your child's asthma meds making him short?
The truth about sandbox sand: Is yours safe?
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Is there anything more amazing than salted caramel? This salty sweet treat is overtop a buttery shortbread crust and perfect for your holiday cookie platter. Don't worry if you are short on time. This delicious dish can be made in less than 45 minutes and sets up in no time. That means, in under an hour you can be in salted caramel shortbread heaven!

Salted caramel shortbread bites

Yield 8 x 8 square dish

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup white sugar
• 1/2 cup ground shortbread cookie crumbs
• 1/2 cup flour
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 cup light corn syrup
• 1 - 2 teaspoon sea salt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a bowl of an electric mixer add room temperature butter and white sugar. Mix until fluffy, about 2 minutes.
3. Add in shortbread cookie crumbs and flour. Mix until dough is formed. This will take about 3-4 minutes.
4. Press into parchment lined 8 x 8 glass dish and bake for 25 minutes.
5. While crust is cooling start making caramel.
6. In a skillet add dark brown sugar, heavy cream, butter and corn syrup.
7. Cook over medium until mixture starts to bubble — add in sea salt.
8. Using a candy thermometer cook without stirring for 8-10 minutes until temperature has reached 240 degrees.
9. Pour over shortbread crust and sprinkle with a little extra sea salt. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting.

More caramel recipes

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"Jake from Two and a Half Men means nothing. He is a nonexistent character...," Angus T. Jones says, starting around the 7:35 mark in the the video above. "If you watch Two and a Half Men, please stop watching Two and a Half Men. I'm on Two and a Half Men, and I don't want to be on it. Please stop watching it; stop filling your head with filth."

Bold remarks coming from a 10-year veteran of one of TV's most successful comedies.

But it's not the first time a Two and a Half Men star has reconsidered his role in the program — and life for that matter.

Charlie Sheen may have cleared the way for the 19-year-old Jones' exit, but it's safe to say the dismissals are on slightly different terms.

Jones may not explicitly attest to divine intervention — the overbearing voices and prophecies that birth skepticism among the masses — but some deep refelction on his influence and impact as Jake on the show has led to an intervention of divine magnitude, nonetheless.

Just look at the numbers: Jones earns a reported $350,000 per episode... errr, earned, perhaps.

The video above was mostly shot in his production trailer and wasposted by Forerunner Christian Church. However, CBS has yet to make a move.

But it appears Jones is walking away.

Most times, that means you're walking toward something else.

In this case, it appears Jones has his sights set on God.

Now , I'm not saying you have to agree or disagree with the message as a whole and proclaim an immediate stance on faith, but anyone humble enough to face his own convinctions and take a stand with that much on the line grabs my attention and demands more investigation.

I suppose the stakes put that much more legitimacy in the claims.

So why is he done?

Jones talks about his youth, growing up in a "Christian" environment and testing the boundaries with drug use, fame and fortune, as well as shifting to keeping the Sabbath and recognizing blessings in his life.

The result is a brand-new perspective that has him denouncing his involvement in a television "legacy," if you will, and reconsidering the effects of his portrayal of Jake.

"If I'm doing more harm than good, then I don't want to be here, " Jones continued.

We can only assume that the racy and somewhat perverse nature of the show is the "harm" to which he's alluding.

Is this "the Christian thing to do"?

Is he a religious nut?

Who turns down that much cash?

Undoubtedly, this is the angle most news outlets will take on this piece.

I read something recently by Rob Bell: "Christian is a great noun and a poor adjective."

My two cents: If you find the strength to look in the mirror and honestly consider the implications of your life — and whatever higher power may or may not be interested — and change for the better, I believe that deserves respect. It's not an adjective "thing to do."

In other words, don't let the title dilute the act.

Video courtesy of the Forerunner Christian Church

The Independent Spirit Awards have announced their nominees for next year's ceremony. Leading the charge is David O. Russell and Wes Anderson's 2012 films Silver Linings Playbook and Moonrise Kingdom. Both movies scored five nominations including Best Director, Best Screenplay and Best Feature.

They'll have stiff competition from critical darlings like Beasts of the Southern Wild, Seven Psychopaths, Bernie and even Magic Mike. For the actors, Matthew McConaughey is pulling double duty as he's earned two nominations for Mike and Killer Joe. He'll be one to beat.

Here are the nominees for the 2013 Independent Spirit Awards:

Best Feature: 

• Beasts of the Southern Wild
• Bernie
• Keep the Lights On
• Moonrise Kingdom
• Silver Linings Playbook
  

Best Director:

• Wes Anderson, Moonrise Kingdom
• Julia Loktev, The Loneliest Planet
• David O. Russell, Silver Linings Playbook
• Ira Sachs, Keep the Lights On
• Benh Zeitlin, Beasts of the Southern Wild

Best Screenplay:

• Wes Anderson and Roman Coppola, Moonrise Kingdom
• Zoe Kazan, Ruby Sparks
• Martin McDonagh, Seven Psychopaths
• David O. Russell, Silver Linings Playbook
• Ira Sachs, Keep the Lights On

Best First Feature:

• Fill the Void
• Gimme the Loot
• Safety Not Guaranteed
• Sound of My Voice
• The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Best First Screenplay:

• Rama Burshtein, Fill the Void
• Derek Connolly, Safety Not Guaranteed
• Christopher Ford, Robot & Frank
• Rashida Jones and Will McCormack, Celeste and Jesse Forever
• Jonathan Lisecki, Gayby

John Cassavetes Award — :

• Breakfast with Curtis
• Middle of Nowhere
• Mosquita y Mari
• Starlet
• The Color Wheel

Best Female Lead:

• Linda Cardellini, Return
• Emayatzy Corinealdi, Middle of Nowhere
• Jennifer Lawrence, Silver Linings Playbook
• Quvenzhane Wallis, Beasts of the Southern Wild
• Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Smashed

Best Male Lead:

• Jack Black, Bernie
• Bradley Cooper, Silver Linings Playbook
• John Hawkes, The Sessions
• Thure Lindhardt, Keep the Lights On
• Matthew McConaughey, Killer Joe
• Wendell Pierce, Four

Best Supporting Female:

• Rosemarie DeWitt, Your Sister’s Sister
• Ann Dowd, Compliance
• Helen Hunt, The Sessions
• Brit Marling, Sound of My Voice
• Lorraine Toussaint, Middle of Nowhere

Best Supporting Male:

• Matthew McConaughey, Magic Mike
• David Oyelowo, Middle of Nowhere
• Michael Pena, End of Watch
• Sam Rockwell, Seven Psychopaths
• Bruce Willis, Moonrise Kingdom

Best Cinematography:

• Yoni Brook, Valley of Saints
• Lol Crawley, Here
• Ben Richardson, Beasts of the Southern Wild
• Roman Vasyanov, End of Watch
• Robert Yeoman, Moonrise Kingdom

Best Documentary:

• How to Survive a Plague
• Marina Abramovic: The Artist is Present
• The Central Park Five
• The Invisible War
• The Waiting Room

Best International Film:

• Amour
• Once Upon A Time in Anatolia
• Rust And Bone
• Sister
• War Witch

Piaget Producers Award:

• Nobody Walks, Alicia Van Couvering
• Prince Avalanche, Derrick Tseng
• Stones in the Sun, Mynette Louie

Someone To Watch Award:

• Pincus, director David Finker
• Gimme the Loot, director Adam Leon
• Electrick Children, director Rebecca Thomas

Truer Than Fiction Award :

• Leviathan, directors Lucien Castaing-Taylor and Verena Paravel
• The Waiting Room, director Peter Nicks
• Only the Young, directors Jason Tippet and Elizabeth Mims

Robert Altman Award:

• Starlet
• Director: Sean Baker
• Casting Director: Julia Kim
• Cast: Dree Hemingway, Besedka Johnson, Karren Karagulian, Stella Maeve, James Ransone

Winners for the 2013 Independent Spirit Awards will be announced Saturday, Feb. 23.

What do you think of this year's nominees?

Photo credit: FayesVision/WENN

You never thought you’d be here, but you and your husband are in therapy.

Working on your marriage, in private?

You know the kids must be aware you’ve been struggling because they’ve felt the tension, witnessed some of the arguments. So the question is, do you tell them you’re in counseling?

Only 19 percent of currently married couples have taken part in counseling and a recent study of divorcing couples found that nearly 75 percent of them never sought counseling before divorce. So if you're in the minority of couples who are going — or thinking of going — most experts agree that it's not something you should hide from your children. Especially because they already know something is up anyway.

Don't hide it... because they already know there are problems

Psychotherapist and parenting coach, Tamara Gold says, "There is nothing to be ashamed about and hiding this could even make it look worse."

Family psychotherapist Fran Walfish adds, "Most children of any age, toddlers to teens, are comforted and relieved to learn that their parents are in couples therapy after the kids have witnessed fighting, screaming and arguing. It is extremely anxiety provoking for kids to hear their parents fight."

Walfish continues, "Hour after hour kids come into my office, throw themselves onto my couch, and cry about how sad, worried, and frightened they feel about their mom and dad yelling in front of them. Kids feel relief when they learn their parents are working with a professional to improve their relationship and save their marriage."

"Kids like to understand things and when shut out they could make things much worse inside their own head," adds Gold.

What is couples therapy and can it improve your marriage?>>

So how much do you tell them?

Experts agree that you should talk to your child about counseling in an age-appropriate way. For younger children, Gold suggests, "We are going to someone who is helping Mommy and Daddy learn to use their words," and for older children, she suggests, "we care about each other greatly and want to help be a better Mom and Dad and this person we are going to is helping us do that."

"It should be short, simple, positive and calming. You can tell your child that there is no school for marriage so every couple has to learn ways to talk to each other and even ways to fight with each other in a positive way."

"If I did not care for your I would not be going. And just like the best sports stars have coaches this person is coaching us to be the best partners we can be to each other."

All couples argue

Marriage and family therapist, Sharon Gilchrest O’Neill also adds an important point: "Ultimately we want our kids to understand about fighting and arguing and that some is normal for everyone. Also, it is good for them to see when Mommy and Daddy make up and hug!"

3 Signs you need couples therapy>>

You're modeling good behavior

"Telling your kids that you are learning to understand and talk about your feelings with each other so you can have a happier and more loving home is something to be proud of and a wonderful thing to model," says Jan Harrell, Ph.D. "When my daughter was young, I would conclude fairy tales in this way, 'Then married and went to live at his castle. They learned to talk about their feelings and problems and they had a good life!'"

More about talking to your kids about conflict in your marriage

How to explain to your kids why parents fight
How to fight fair in front of your kids
Should kids see their parents argue?

Trendspotting

Forgiving holiday outfits

Hello SK Style Watchers! Something that I look forward to every holiday season is hitting the party circuit, catching up with friends and family, and then of course, enjoying the rich, decadent food and drink. For most of us, this translates to a few extra pounds, which we'll aim to lose come January. So today, I'm going to share three great tips on how can you hide that extra goodness for the next few weeks, all while looking super chic and gorgeous!

Go monochromatic

Anyone familiar with Fashion 101 knows that black is slimming. But rather than go all black for the next few months, venture into some other neutral shades as well, such as gray, camel or navy. Wear the same shade head to toe, and then add a pop of color with your shoes, bag or accessories. For layering, start with your dark shade first, then add a jacket or cardigan in another color. With prints, remember, the smaller the print, the smaller and slimmer you'll appear.

Rachel Zoe Jumpsuit

Dresses instead of pants

While pants are unforgiving when it comes to size, many dresses can still be worn when you're packing extra cheesecake. Most women carry their weight in the waist, hips or thighs, so the last thing you want to struggle with when you've gained a few is putting on a pair of pants! Instead, opt for dresses that skim effortlessly over these areas, and wear with tights to magically shed that extra weight. V-neck dresses whittle down a waist, as does a belt worn at the smallest and highest part of the waist, just under your ribcage.

If you have to wear pants, choose a bootcut trouser or jean over the dreaded skinny pant, as these will balance your look and make your waist appear smaller.

Alex & Ava Jersey Dress

Accessorize to minimize

It sounds crazy, but bigger accessories give the illusion that the rest of you is smaller. A great statement necklace, a large man's watch, a medium to large bag, and most important, a chunky heel will all balance your look and help you to look slimmer. That being said, choose only one or two big pieces to keep your overall look in proportion.

Outfit by Kate Spade, Nordstrom.com

One final note: I've seen so many well-meaning women wear clothes that have no shape and are many sizes too big, thinking that they are fooling everyone and hiding their extra pounds. But this has the opposite effect, and truly makes you appear larger, shapeless and makes your outfit look sloppy.

So make sure what you're wearing still fits and flatters. Pick items that still show you have a shape, because tents are for the woods, people! Now, you can choose one separate item per outfit that is slightly larger, such as a boyfriend jacket or cardigan. Pick that one piece carefully, and don't expect to hide under an entire look that is several sizes too big.

More trendspotting

Trendspotting with Jill Laine: Adorn yourself with accessories
Trendspotting with Jill Laine: Fall blouses
Trendspotting with Jill Laine: Fall 2012 colors

Many parents are searching for an exotic baby girl name because they want a name that is unique. Others may want to find a name that pays respect to their family background. Check out some of our favorite cool and exotic girl names, broken down by origin.

Irish Girl names

Irish girl names are a popular choice for parents here in the United States -- and we can see why! Check out these beautiful and feminine Irish girl names.

Get more Irish baby names here>>

French Girl Names

These French girl names are romantic with beautiful meanings. Check out some of our top picks of names that will be perfect for your little French rose.

Get more French baby names here>>

Spanish girl names

Many Americans can speak Spanish, making these delightful names a popular choice. Check out our picks of Spanish girl names for your little bebe.

Get more Spanish baby names here>>

Italian girl names

Italian girl names have a melodic sound to them, often ending in –a. If you love these beautiful and feminine names, check out our top picks below.

Get more Italian baby names here>>

More baby girl names

Top 50 fastest climbing girl names
Top 100 baby girl names
Short and unique girl names

After a rough start to 2012 with a drug overdose in January and a trip to rehab in February, it looks like Demi Moore is officially on the rebound. According to the New York Post, Moore is enjoying the company of a 26-year-old art dealer, Vito Schnabel.

The actress has been separated from her husband Ashton Kutcher since last fall. Kutcher has certainly moved on with actress and former That 70's Show co-star Mila Kunis, as the two have been spotted making out all over the globe.

Earlier in the fall, the Ghost actress was spotted with New Zealand actor Martin Henderson, but it seems that was just a casual encounter. It is unknown how long Moore has been dating Schnabel, but they were first spotted at a party thrown by supermodel Naomi Campbell in Jodhpur, India.

A guest at the party told the New York Post, “They were dancing and grinding all over each other, openly, in front of other guests."

While dirty dancing is rarely a sign of a commitment, it does show that the 50-year-old is returning to her former self. Earlier in the year, Moore was pretty frail and clearly suffering from the demise of her third marriage.

Her current younger beau sure doesn't have a problem with dating an older woman since his list of exes includes supermodel Elle Macpherson, who is 23 years older, and actress Liv Tyler, who rings in at only 9 years older.

Schnabel is the son of renowned painter Julian Schnabel, so he runs in pretty heavyweight art circles. The couple did not celebrate the recent Thanksgiving holiday with each other, but with the two "quietly spending time" together perhaps a New Year's Eve midnight kiss is in the works.

Image courtesy of FayesVision/WENN.com