I had a plan to start a consulting business, which I knew was not a long-term solution, but I figured if I took the first step, and were patient, the right opportunity would present itself.

And boy did it ever!

The idea

In September 2011 my wife called me upstairs to watch an episode of an interior design show on HGTV in which they were covering an entire basement wall with large, beautiful photo collages. That was my "aha moment." The clouds parted and the angels sang.

It was the coolest thing I'd ever seen, but there was no way for me to make one myself.

That's when I charged head-first down the path of making the world's first website to let you turn photos into large collages on removable wallpaper: WeMontage.com.

Here's an excerpt from the HGTV episode:

Unexpected challenges

Like so many entrepreneurs before me, I threw caution to the wind and spent my last $35,000 to build the website for my new business. What I didn't know about building software is you can build it fast, inexpensively or really well. But you only get to pick two.

I had Champagne taste on a PBR tall boy budget, so I opted for really well and inexpensive, which meant the project that was supposed to only take three months took a whole year; I was not prepared for this financially and it was really painful.

When the end of 2012 came, I was out of cash and working for $10 per hour in the mall and hoping to get into a tech startup accelerator, which was my best hope to credibly and effectively launch my business.

My wife was also pregnant with twins.

Opportunity meets emergency

I got into the accelerator. Yay!

But we had to do an emergency C-section to deliver the twins three months prematurely, the day before I was to start the accelerator program, which was two hours away by car.

The twins weighed two pounds each and my son could literally fit in my hand. Their birth was extremely traumatic for me. I decided I wasn't going to leave my family in the hospital with my son fighting for his life. But I knew if I didn't go to the accelerator, WeMontage was most likely not going to happen.

My wife insisted I go because she said the family needed WeMontage to succeed. How many women would make that choice under those circumstances? Not many, I suppose. And I'm eternally thankful to my wife.

Handling the stress of it all

The twins and me catching a nap in the NICU at 5 weeks old.

While at the accelerator, I came home on the weekends and my wife and I spent the whole time in the NICU visiting the twins. I cried every day for two months and woke up every night at 2am and could never get back to sleep.

I was under immense pressure to build a website that worked well enough in three months to present at demo day and raise $250,000 from investors. The stress was made worse because of a talented software developer on my team who had "personal demons" and was very unreliable.

Somehow, I got it all done and raised the capital.

Thankfully, the twins finally came home from the NICU, my daughter after six weeks and my son after 10 weeks (on oxygen support), and they're doing great now.

Pursuing your passion

I'm willing to sacrifice it all to pursue my passion, as long as it doesn't adversely affect my family. I couldn't do it though without the love and support of my wife, Ayana.

It's not easy to live a life of passion and purpose, but if you have a dream, you can do it.

And always remember this Chinese Proverb: "The temptation to quit will be greatest just before you are about to succeed."

P.S., Here's a pic from Thaddeus and Zoe's 1-year-old photo shoot.

Image: Anthony Easton purple passion FSOD from important words series, westmount

The gorgeous Beth Behrs and Kat Dennings didn't host this year, but they were charming, albeit a little buzzed, onstage as presenters and Robert Downey Jr. was, of course, dashing as ever as he accepted his awards for Favorite Movie Actor and Favorite Dramatic Movie Actor. "This is perfect for me because I love people, I'm crazy about movies, and I prefer people who love my movies," RDJ joked as he accepted one of his awards.

Betty White wiggled her way into our hearts that much more as she accepted the TV Icon award. "When Melissa McCarthy came up onstage and said she'd stay as long as you let her, well, you've abused the privilege with me," White quipped, visibly emotional over her award. Don't even get me started on Chris Evans offering his arm to help her up the stairs to the podium. Swoon.

More: 2015 People's Choice Awards: Complete list of winners

But buzzed, dashing, iconic and chivalrous celebs aside, there was something else that stole the show at the 2015 People's Choice Awards: Anna Faris' legs.

The hot mama probably had her hubby, Chris Pratt, wishing that he didn't have to skip the event to say home with the couple's young son.

Seriously, check these puppies out.

More: 2015 People's Choice Awards: 12 Celebs who turned the hosting gig down

Image: FayesVision/WENN.com

The super-short, champagne-gold minidress is accentuating her gams in all the right ways.

Image: FayesVision/WENN.com

Here's another shot in the same dress that shows off Faris' muscle definition. This girl has been doing her calf presses.

Image: Adriana M. Barraza/WENN.com

Faris' legs aren't bare in this dress, but she pulls off this fluted skirt flawlessly, which isn't easy to do unless you have the right curves.

Image: People's Choice Awards/YouTube

Again, we're mesmerized by the calves in this shot. Faris' cohost and Mom costar Allison Janney has some noteworthy stems as well.

Finally, I leave you with Faris and Janney shakin' their thang in tight white tuxedo pants, a nightmare for some, but a dream for these two.

Image: People's Choice Awards

Using a homemade cashew milk infused with vanilla and sweetened with agave, you can easily add rich, dark chocolate to this plant-based milk and serve it warm just like a regular hot cocoa. Even dairy drinkers will be amazed at how rich and creamy this drink is and might even say it's better than the real thing.

Don't forget the whipped cream either. You can find lots of dairy-free versions at your grocery store nowadays, or simply make your own out of coconut milk.

Vegan vanilla agave cashew milk hot chocolate recipe

Homemade vanilla cashew milk is sweetened with agave and combined with melted dark chocolate for an epic hot chocolate, plant-based drink.

Serves 2-3

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes | Total time: 20 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup raw cashews that have been soaked for 6 hours or longer
• 2-1/2 cups filtered water
• 4 tablespoons raw agave
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 ounces very good quality dark chocolate, chopped
• Coconut whipped cream for garnish (or any dairy-free whipped topping)

Directions:

1. To a high-speed blender such as a Vitamix, add the soaked cashews, filtered water, agave, vanilla and sea salt.
2. Blend on high for 1 to 2 minutes or until the mixture is velvety smooth and creamy.
3. In a small saucepot, combine the cashew milk and dark chocolate. Simmer on medium-low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently until the mixture is hot and the chocolate has completely melted.
4. Divide the hot chocolate into cups, and garnish with coconut whipped cream.
5. Best served warm.

For tons of great recipes, like our I <3 Comfort Food page on Facebook.

More homemade vegan recipes

Vegan vanilla almond milk with chia ice cubes
Vegan gluten-free hempseed cookies
Homemade vegan buffalo-style mozzarella

The Parks and Recreation star told Ellen DeGeneres that he is constantly amazed — and thwarted — by his 2-year-old's total grasp of grown-up language and concepts and his ridiculously good manners.

"From what I understand, most of the terrible 2 stuff is the toddler's inability to express what they want," he said of Jack, whose mom is Pratt's wife Anna Faris. "He's so vocal that it's not that hard for him."

More: Read why Chris Pratt skipped the 2015 People's Choice Awards

"It's super-frustrating, because you're like, 'Jack, I think it's time for you to go to bed,' and he's like, 'I thought about it and no thanks, Dad. Not right now.' He's so polite, what am I supposed to do? I'm like, 'I did teach you to be polite… OK, you can stay up.'"

Watch Chris Pratt talk about his son on Ellen

Not only is Jack the most polite toddler you'll ever meet, he happens to be completely adorable too. Behold:

More: Chris Pratt admits his priorities shifted after the birth of his son

Do you hear that noise? That's the sound of a million women spontaneously ovulating at the same time. I mean, seriously, the glasses are killing us. Too much cuteness!

Andi Dorfman and Josh Murray have called off their engagement and their relationship only days after walking the red carpet together at The Bachelor Season 19 event together.

More: The Bachelor: Every (inappropriate) thought I had during the premiere

The two released a joint statement confirming the split. "After several months of being engaged and working on our relationship, we have decided that it's best for both of us to go our separate ways. We are very sad that it has come to this point, but this is what's best for both of us individually."

This leaves me wondering: Was the red carpet on Monday all just an act?

The couple did tell Chris Harrison that they were still focusing on spending time together and getting to know one another in the relationship rather than setting a wedding date.

"We haven't even had time yet. We're looking forward to just settling down, just relaxing and just having some fun together," Murray said.

More: Chris Soules is in love before The Bachelor even starts, but with who?

"I feel like once you start planning, though, there's no stopping," Dorfman added. "So I've got to, like, be ready to plan. And he's got to really be ready to taste all the food and drink all the wine."

Murray quickly cut in that he's ready to eat food and drink wine, looking affectionately at Dorfman and saying, "You know I can eat."

Looking back on it, could this have been code for, "We're having trouble in the relationship"? Or could this have been the interview that spurred the couple's disagreement?

Still, the two seemed all smiles. Murray can even be seen putting his arm around Dorfman affectionately and she returned the touches during the interview. Even when they weren't smack in front of the camera, the two remained at each other's sides.

This has me thinking maybe it was a publicity thing. ABC could have asked the couple to keep their problems on the down-low until after Season 19 premiered, so that their news didn't take the attention away from current Bachelor Chris Soules.

On the other hand, if that were the case, I think Dorfman and Murray would have opted to stay at home for the evening rather than brave a bunch of screaming fans and purporting to be in love.

More: The Bachelor — amazing facts about the 30 contestants you must know

All in all, this breakup just has us stumped and the two have yet to make any comments on social media. In fact, as of writing this article, their twitter backgrounds were still romantic images of the two from the show's finale when they got engaged.

But, as with all Bachelor love stories, the harsh truth about their relationship's demise is sure to come out eventually. And we will be here to update you as soon as we know.

In the meantime, we'll mourn the loss of one of our favorite Bachelor couples.

Wait, does this mean Nick Viall has a chance now? Not gonna lie... I was a fan of Nick. Too soon?

What do you think led to the demise of Andi Dorfman and Josh Murray's engagement?

I had an awesome book when I was a kid called Magic Mud and Other Great Experiments: The Best of Dr. Zed's Brilliant Science Activities. (OK, I might still have it in an easily accessible spot in my bookcase.)

While I had a blast testing out all the various experiments in the book, I clearly remember the food-related activities being my favorite. In particular, there was an "experiment" (read: excuse to make cookies) for chocolate chip meringues, which I took to mean that, in the name of science, I could make and eat all the fluffy-and-crispy-at-the-same-time treats my little heart desired.

The best thing about the meringues was that if they sat out for even a few hours, they became chewy and inedible. I'm sure that's where the science portion came in, but to this day, all I've taken away from that lesson is that you eat all the meringues within the hour.

I took copious notes about very important things, but apparently I was too busy eating to jot down anything about the baking process:

Fast-forward to 25 years later, and food experiments still intrigue me. Check out the video, and see what kinds of cool things you can make... I'll be testing out that layered shooter if you need me.

Images: Karen Miner/SheKnows

More fun with food

10 Ways you can eat Olaf the Snowman, but you might not want to
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The British singer-songwriter has been very candid about the sadness that went into his 2014 smash-hit album, In the Lonely Hour, and how his personal life influenced the music. "I fell in love with someone last year, and he didn't love me back," Smith told Teen Vogue last year. "I deleted him off of WhatsApp, and it felt like I'd just broken up with him. On the record you can hear heartbreak, and there's a beauty in that I will always treasure."

But, oh, how things have changed since songs like "Stay with Me" and "I'm Not the Only One" were written. Smith is now head over heels for a new guy and this time the love doesn't seem to be unrequited.

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

Smith and his dancer/model boyfriend, Jonathan Zeizel, seem very much in love and on the same page and we don't mind being spectators.

Here are some of our favorite Smith and Zeizel social media moments.

1. Zeizel sneaks a video of Smith in the shower

Zeizel caught Smith in the shower, doing what he does best: singing, of course, and a Beyoncé song, no less. Who wouldn't be proud to be with the person behind such amazing talent?

2. New Year's selfies in Palm Beach

The couple look super comfy getting silly together.

3. Taking on adventures in Australia

If you can travel with your new significant other and not freak out, it's a sign they're a keeper.

4. At Taylor Swift's birthday bash

They just look perfect together!

5. Their Titanic moment

King of the world, indeed.

6. Caught in a moment

Busted!

7. Sam admiring his man from afar

OK, it's not that far, but he's definitely enjoying taking in all the lovely scenery.

Fey said that while she and cohost, Amy Poehler, don't want to harsh the buzz of anyone who's actually at the awards by making fun of them, Bill Cosby — who has no reason to be there — and the Sony e-mail hacking scandal are totally fair game.

"Amy and I have always said that the idea [is] that we don't want anyone attending to be scared to be there because of us. It's a party and it's — in the grand scheme of the world, it couldn't be less important and I think that's what makes it fun," Fey told Access Hollywood.

But when asked specifically if they planned to make Cosby jokes, she replied, "Oh, heck yes!"

This wouldn't be the first time Fey tried to take down the Cos with humor. Long before his sex assault scandal blew up in the media, Fey mentioned it twice on her own shows.

2005 SNL Weekend Update: Cosby rape joke

You can view the 30 Rock Cosby rape joke on Mediaite.

More: Tina Fey and Amy Poehler's 9 best Golden Globes zings

As far as the Sony hack goes, while Fey didn't address it directly, Hollywood Foreign Press Association president, Theo Kingma, said it is definitely not off-limits.

"I'm sure there'll be some comments this year about [the Sony scandal and The Interview], but we'll let that happen from the people who are on stage," he said. "Our focus is to provide the same prism that we always do, which is saluting excellence for the past year in both movies and TV, and whatever comes with that will come out naturally in the show."

So it's probably safe to say that Fey and Poehler have no qualms about yucking it up about the two issues at the Golden Globes. Of course, that doesn't mean they have anything down on paper yet.

"Amy and I, we'll get together tomorrow? One thing I will say about us: We don't work hard. Always know that about us," Fey said. "We're gonna write 'til the last second and see what we get."

Tune into the 2015 Golden Globe Awards, Sunday, Jan. 11 on NBC and see how harsh Fey and Poehler get.

The Unbroken director was given the opportunity to screen her buzzed-about film at the Vatican and then met Pope Francis following the viewing.

More: 6 Times Brad Pitt got our vote for husband of the year

"To be invited to screen Unbroken at The Vatican is an honor and a tribute to Louie's legacy as a man of faith and someone who exemplified the power of forgiveness and the strength of the human spirit," Jolie shared in a statement, according to E! News. "These are universal themes at the heart of the human experience everywhere."

Though Brad Pitt didn't attend the event with his wife, she wasn't without her family. Jolie's two oldest daughters, Zahara Jolie-Pitt and Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, accompanied her to the Vatican. Jolie also brought her brother and an interpreter for the trip.

More: Brad Pitt and kids are adorable at Unbroken premiere

"There were some twenty-five people at the event," one attendee told E! News. "It's a very, very strong film about the suffering of a prisoner of war, and details the persecution he went through and his reaction of pardon and conversion, all rooted in faith."

The Pope was reportedly already aware of the story of Olympian and WWII survivor, Louis Zamperini, which is why he invited Jolie to screen it at the Vatican.

Following the screening, Jolie met the pontiff in the throne room at the papal palace, according to Business Insider.

More: How Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are being great examples for all parents

Though the meeting was short, it ended with Jolie kissing the Pope's ring and he gifted her with a rosary.

Jolie has had quite the whirlwind tour of meeting influential people this year. Just a few months ago, she met Queen Elizabeth II, who named the actress an honorary dame for her efforts against sexual violence and her contributions to the U.K.'s foreign policy.

Unbroken is already garnering Oscar buzz and, no doubt, Pope Francis' approval will only help Jolie's odds of winning one of the golden statues this year.

More: Eva Longoria says Apple employee breached privacy policy

Longoria sat down for an interview with Extra and started by clearing the air. The actress said the photos that showed her wearing what appeared to be an engagement ring just caught her at the wrong time. In fact, she explained, she's had the ring "forever."

Although she said she and Baston aren't engaged just yet, she admitted that she understood how the mishap happened. "First, on New Year's, I wore white because my black dress didn't fit," the actress explained. "Then because of a flight, I wore the ring on this finger [her wedding ring finger] because I had to move it from being so swollen from the flight. Then we dedicated a song to our friends, who are getting engaged, and the song was called 'Will You Marry Me?' I can totally see where people think [an engagement] happened."

More: Celebrity nudity is the new norm — good naked vs. bad naked

During the interview, Longoria was not wearing a ring on her ring finger and even showed her hands to the camera as proof.

"Nothing to share on that front," Longoria told Extra host, Tracey Edmonds.

Image: WENN.com

Though it's important to keep in mind, just because she isn't sporting a ring just yet, doesn't mean it isn't coming soon. The two have, after all, been dating for over a year now.

The ladies then moved on to discuss Longoria's new project for ESPN, Versus, which takes a look at cases "when the world of sports bumps up against something bigger than the sport."

More: Eva Longoria — brains, beauty and Maxim's Woman of the Year

Each segment is a short film that Longoria said was inspired by philanthropy. "What happens when you don't have a physical disability or injury, you have a moral obstacle, and how do you overcome that?"

Versus is expected to air in the spring of 2015.

1. Stephen Hawking's marriage to his second wife also ended in divorce

The Theory of Everything depicts the challenging marriage between Stephen (Eddie Redmayne) and Jane Hawking (Felicity Jones). Eventually, the couple divorced and Stephen married his nurse, Elaine Mason (Maxine Peake). Stephen and Elaine divorced in 2006, after 11 years of marriage.

More: Eddie Redmayne vs. Benedict Cumberbatch — who plays Stephen Hawking best?

Image: Focus Features

2. Rumors of abuse committed by his second wife, Elaine

In 2003, Stephen Hawking's own daughter, Lucy, reported mysterious injuries on her father to the police. According to the Daily Mail, "Prof Hawking declined to explain how his injuries had come about. A number of his former nurses, however, were in no doubt. They alleged that over the years his wife inflicted a catalogue of injuries on the vulnerable scientist: fractured his wrist by slamming it on to his wheelchair; humiliated him by refusing him access to a urine bottle, leaving him to wet himself; gashed his cheek with a razor, allowed him to slip beneath the water while in the bath, ensuring water entered the tracheotomy site in his throat; and left him alone in his garden during the hottest day of the year so long that he suffered heatstroke and severe sunburn."

3. Stephen Hawking believes in aliens and is afraid of them

On the Discovery Channel show, Into the Universe with Stephen Hawking, the astrophysicist said through his computer-generated voice that, "If aliens visit us, the outcome would be much as when Columbus landed in America, which didn't turn out well for the Native Americans. Such advanced aliens would perhaps become nomads, looking to conquer and colonize whatever planets they can reach. To my mathematical brain, the numbers alone make thinking about aliens perfectly rational."

More: 12 Celebs who surprisingly believe in aliens

Image: Focus Features

4. Stephen Hawking loves strippers

According to the Daily Beast, "Hawking became a regular at Stringfellows strip club in London." The scientist has also reportedly been "spotted numerous times getting lap dances at the California strip club Devore, and was even said to have frequented Freedom Acres, a swinger's club in California."

5. Jane and Stephen Hawking are polar opposites

While Stephen came from a highly intellectual family that some even called eccentric, Jane Wilde came from less academically minded parents. Her choice to attend university back in the 1960s was considered to be quite bold because she was a woman. However, it's this polarity in the relationship that really sparked Eddie Redmayne's interest. "They were very different people, both extraordinary yet polar opposites. The idea of two human beings completing one another and defying all the odds I found compelling — and oh, was it romantic!" said Redmayne.

The Theory of Everything is currently in theaters and has been nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture.

More: Golden Globes — Bill Cosby and Sony hacks are not safe from Tina Fey

For my eldest daughter, I went the route of kind of sort of forgetting altogether about baptism, so when I got around to remembering it, she was almost 6 months old already — turns out, those cutesy baptism dresses aren't really meant for babies that old. Luckily for me, there was one in the family that I was able to borrow, so for once in my life, procrastination saved me some serious cash.

The whole "borrowed baptism dress" thing worked out so well the first time, that for my second daughter, I borrowed another dress, this time from one of my husband's cousins. Score! And then I had my son, quickly followed by another daughter and I figured it was time to rethink my cheapskate ways.

I went the route of online shopping for their christening outfits — and couldn't help but laugh my head off at some of the ridiculous ensembles out there.

Made for a king

But I mean, really, is this thing straight out of Prince George's closet? (The Christian Baby, $290)

Elizabeth silk christening gown

Don't even worry about it, guys — this dress has actual crystals on it, so it's totally worth the giant price tag. (The Christian Baby, $425)

The Penelope gown

No joke — this heirloom christening gown actually costs as much as my wedding dress did. And the matching "accessories" run another couple hundred bucks easy. (Christeninggowns.com, $475)

The designer gown

Hey, maybe someday your son will thank you for spending $200 on a dress for him — I'm just not making any promises. (Christeninggowns.com, $198)

Dolce and Gabana

You can "complete the look" of this designer gown with a matching bib for a cool $195. And the booties are free. Just kidding — they're an additional $220. (Saks Fifth Avenue, $826)

Couture cover up

Because you certainly wouldn't want your baby to get chilly in that expensive baptism gown, here is a reasonable option to keep her nice and cozy. Or you could buy her a car. Either way. (Saks Fifth Avenue, $1,875)

More on christenings

A guest's guide to baptisms and christenings
PHOTOS: Will and Kate celebrate Prince George's christening
Justin Bieber spent Saturday night looking to get baptized

More: Is Katy Perry the family-friendly star the Super Bowl wants?

The two have had a sort of feud going on for a while now — supposedly, Taylor's song "Bad Blood" was about her feelings for Katy after Katy (again, supposedly) stole all of Taylor's backup dancers and almost wrecked her tour. It's been a lot of she said, she said, finger-pointing and mean-girl drama, and now, Hollywood Life reports Katy is about to fire back in the most hilarious way possible.

According to the site, Katy Perry wrote her own dis in song form as a response to "Bad Blood," and she's planning to perform it for the first time at the Super Bowl, possibly the most public stage she'll ever have — 100 million viewers, anyone?

And you'll LOL when you hear the name of Katy's new song: "She's So Creepy." You know we love us some T-Swift, but that's so funny and ridiculous, we're not sure whose side we should be taking here.

More: Is Taylor Swift's unnamed female nemesis actually Katy Perry?

"Katy is in complete rehearsal mode for her Super Bowl performance, she wants to make it feel like a complete party and something that will be remembered forever," a source told Hollywood Life. "She wants to make a statement with her performance and show that she is the biggest female act in the world and she wants to show that to everyone including Taylor, who she has a feud with. In Katy's eyes, no one can compete on her level."

Will you watch Katy Perry's Super Bowl Halftime Show? Do you think she'll actually go through with her plan to dis Taylor Swift on live TV? Or do you think she should take the high road and leave the drama backstage? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!

More: Watch Katy Perry get her nose pierced... if you're into that

All three couples who took the Daily Mail challenge have children (one has children from a previous marriage). All three have busy careers and many reasons not to have sex on any given day. Like all couples. But they had to balance their mismatched libidos by not saying no. One thing that was interesting about this challenge is that it's not always the man who wants sex and the woman who doesn't. In this challenge there was one couple in which the man was the one who turned her down more often. Take that, dumb stereotype!

The couples had extra sex, but they didn't do it every night. It wasn't about a boink fest that would make everyone miserable. It was about helping feed the self-esteem of the partner who is often being told "no." And it seemed to work.

The fact is, getting married isn't a license to have sex whenever you want. Consent still matters. But it can be demoralizing as a lover to be told no every single time you make a move on your partner. So this challenge is a great idea.

I know after almost 12 years of marriage, there are more than a few times I have taken my husband for granted and not always said yes even when I know it mattered a lot to him. His mood changes significantly depending on our frequency, but sometimes even knowing that, I just can't do what he asks of me.

Well, I am going to change all that. The fact is, I can't really remember a time I made the first move where he turned me down. I do know, though, that there have been times where I have been frisky and he hasn't been. And I know that hurt my feelings.

These couples didn't report anything earth-shattering. They didn't discover something new and amazing. But they did boost each other's self-esteem and spent some time in bed together. Sounds like a good deal to me.

I might institute my own challenge these next few weeks. Stay tuned.

Would you ever try this?

More on relationships

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More: Emma Watson, Victoria Beckham wow with UN speeches

She gets up every day at 6 a.m. to work out. She has a Bulldog named Coco Chanel. If she ran the world, she'd make it a better place by requiring everyone to do something philanthropic. She calls her kids by pet names that would seriously embarrass them if they were shared with the internet (which, let's be honest, just makes us want to know that much more).

To celebrate the opening of her new London store, Victoria answered 73 questions in a video for Vogue, and some of the answers were perfect glimpses into the world of an international celeb.

More: Victoria Beckham to sell 600 items in wardrobe for charity

Like how she puts her socks on before anything else when she gets dressed in the morning. And she doesn't go anywhere without lip liner in her purse. And she doesn't ever smile because she's smiling on the inside due to her "responsibility to the fashion community" (come on, Victoria, didn't anyone ever tell you a smile is an accessory that goes with any outfit?).

The video is mostly cute, but feels a little rehearsed at times, which makes us wonder: Why the hell didn't Victoria reshoot the opening scene? Because even though we've all experienced that awkward moment where you don't know if a hug or a handshake is happening, when Victoria Beckham does it, it is decidedly un-posh — and probably not living up to that fashion responsibility she mentions.

Then again, Victoria says if she could bring anything from the U.S. to London, she would choose a fanny pack. Good thing she redeemed herself by wishing she could work out and nap at the same time. Us, too, girl. Us, too.

More: David Beckham lets Victoria dress him

Check out the full video, and then tell us your favorite random Victoria Beckham fact in the comments.

Luckily, they will — and blogger Gabi Gregg of GabiFresh is planning to make this summer a whole lot sexier with her new swimwear collection — her third! — with Swim Sexy.

Photo: GabiFresh/Swim Sexy

The GabiFresh for Swim Sexy's Swimsuits for All 2015 Swim Collection, features eight bikinis and one one-piece suit in sizes ranging from 12-24 in D/DD cups and 18-24 in E/F cups. The best part: They actually fit curvy bodies like a glove! The plus-size blogger is outspoken (and rightfully so) about the need for functional and sexy fashion for women of all sizes.

Photo: GabiFresh/Swim Sexy

You won't find any demure colors in this group — all of the pieces are beautifully bold and bright with various patterns and a range of cuts to fit every style preference. Plus, zippers on swimsuits are totally sexy.

Photo: GabiFresh/Swim Sexy

"We are so conditioned to feel like we have to have a certain body type to go to the beach, women go on crazy crash diets and stuff just for the summer time, it's insane!" Gabi told MTV of why she started designing swimsuits.

Photo: GabiFresh/Swim Sexy

"I encourage people to be healthy, but also to know that they are OK right now, as they are. They shouldn't let anyone shame them into avoiding having fun and feeling great in swimwear."

Photo: GabiFresh/Swim Sexy

The collection is on sale now at Swimsuits for All, but don't wait — her previous collections sold out in seconds. Here's my thought process: The sooner I buy, the sooner summer gets here, right?

More on fashion

Why you should share Vogue's latest photo shoot like wildfire
The bogus reason Old Navy charges more for women's plus sizes
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We love a good mantra and make resolutions all the time in other areas of our lives, but did you know you they apply to your look too?

I am a self-proclaimed fashionista but I believe in evolving my look each year. For example, in 2013 I was all about tight jeans, blazers and showing some skin. However, 2014 involved pencil skirts, a high neckline and crop tops but remember everyone, this was a natural evolution. Taking risks in fashion is exciting because it is not permanent. You can reinvent yourself the next day. This is the personal mantra that I live by: If your look creates confidence, then go for it.

A lot of my friends are going through transitional periods in their lives and I want my experience to inspire other women to create the life they want through the way they present themselves. Let's be honest, as much as we try not to judge someone by how they look or how they dress, most of us tend to; it is natural. You want to get that job? Go in looking the part. You want that guy? Throw on those high heels. You have to put some effort into your look. If looking your best was a waste of time, then why is fashion a billion dollar industry? I am not suggesting red carpet attire; instead I’m suggesting that simple changes to your look (like adding a pop of color to your lip or throwing your hair in a neat bun or topknot), can actually bring you closer to the life you want to lead.

Here are a few simple fashion and beauty tips, and the mantras that inspired them, that you can do each day to dress for the life you want.

Mantra 1: Confidence starts from the inside out

Look the part: The seamless bra

Ladies, no matter how lovely your outfit, ill-fitting undergarments sabotage the entire effect. Do you want people to admire you or the odd bumps on your lady lumps? Invest in a seamless bra and use your laced bras for "other occasions."

Achieve this look with La Senza's Lightly Lined Demi Bra.

Mantra 2: Keep it simple

Look the part: Eyebrows, the new black

Orderly brows are arguably the most important aspect in your beauty routine because they frame your face. Leaving the house with untamed brows is like not combing your hair. It looks messy! This kit has diverse shaped brow stencils (no excuses here, ladies) that you can use to create neat and flawless brows. If you only perform one of the suggested tips, make sure it is this one.

Achieve this look with Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Express.

Mantra 3: Love yourself, others will notice

Look the part: Tinted moisturizer with SPF

For those of you who do not like to wear foundation or concealer, this is the next best thing. Most importantly, you are protected from the sun and this product blends well under any type of makeup. Remember, SPF is your friend, wrinkles are not.

Achieve this look with Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream.

Mantra 4: Complete your look

Look the part: A purse pulls any look together

You do not have to be a size two or have Beyonce's budget to use this tip. A structured bag gives an outfit an immediate polish. If you want to rock the minimal trend, try one in grey, or if you want to stand out, choose a bold color like blue or red.

Achieve this look with Aldo's Towler Bag

As I mentioned above, no one forced me to evolve my look but other women inspired me and I hope these guidelines do the same for you. Be fearless this year, even if it is a small step towards red lipstick.

I was in love. We were in love. At first I thought it would never happen again. Then I thought he could control it and we could get past it. I thought he would change. I thought I could help him... It was complicated.

Then

Looking back, there were several red flags I didn't recognize at the time. Once, during a dinner with our summer school class, he got into an argument with someone and threw food in her face. Apparently he also overturned the table they were sitting at. I wasn't there. I was told about the whole thing after the fact, but of course I defended him. She had obviously provoked him, right? Sure, he overreacted, but it must have been the alcohol. He just drank a little too much and behaved badly. Oh, did I mention he was an alcoholic?

More: A year of domestic violence, up close and personal

When he drank too much, things became a little unpredictable. During our first Christmas together, he got into a heated argument with my cousin and sister. He got in their faces and called them bitches. He had to be pulled away. Sure, he was rude and overly aggressive, but he was just nervous about meeting my whole family. Anybody would have been intimidated, and to be honest, I was upset that they weren't a little more empathetic. "Give the guy a break," I pleaded. "Why don't you want me to be happy?" I asked them.

All of his episodes followed the same pattern: rage, fallout, damage control. He was such a sweet and sensitive guy, though. I didn't understand why other people couldn't see it. I was in love! We were in love!

Now

The clarity of hindsight is painful. It was in a terrible situation, and I recognize that I'm lucky to have escaped it alive, especially because statistics paint a bleak picture. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 72 percent of murder-suicides are a result of intimate partner violence. We were married. Ninety-four percent of murder-suicide victims are female. I am a woman. Women are six times more likely to be murdered when a gun is present. He had a gun. Black women are at increased risk and two and a half times more likely to be murdered than white women. I am black. And in the U.S., femicide is the leading cause of death for black women aged 15 to 45 years old. I was 26 when I finally left.

I should be dead.

One of the positive things that came out of this was a renewed sense of purpose. I was raised in a service-oriented family and have always been passionate about advocacy and communication, and this experience gave me an area to channel my energy. For the last six years I've volunteered for women's shelters, domestic violence hotlines and advocacy groups. I've donated money to all kinds of DV causes. I have participated, but always from a safe distance, without really lending my own voice to the conversation or having to dig too deep and expose myself.

And then a couple of months ago, I discovered this great organization, Truth In Reality, headed by an amazing woman, Sil Lai Abrams, who made me realize I'm ready to share my story. All she did was ask me what attracted me to their Redefining HERstory campaign, and then she sat back and listened. I told her my ugly truth, but it didn't hurt. It felt easy to share, easy to talk about. Especially because I now know that this is just a part of my story, not the complete picture.

So for the last few months, I've been helping to spread the word about an organization that not only challenges the negative and violent portrayal of women in the media, but that also questions society's acceptance of gender-based violence. They do this through digital advocacy, public awareness campaigns and a college campus-based educational program. As their part-time digital manager, my job is to develop and implement a digital and social media strategy, and it's been thrilling. I've been working with activists, women in media, college students — people from all over the country who are as passionate about this issue as I am. It has been an energizing experience, and I'm happy to say I'm finally standing up and pursuing my passion to boot.

More on domestic violence

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NBC's Tamron Hall talks losing her sister to domestic abuse

Images: Giphy.com

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My burgeoning sexuality exploded in junior high, as I continued devouring Anne Rice and dreamed of beautiful, long-haired men with sharpened incisors. Needless to say, I dated a lot of goths.

As I grew up, I discovered something unexpected due to an interesting name on a book cover: Anaïs Nin. Who was this woman with the cool name? Well, the mother of erotica, of course — and so began my lengthy literary education into a world of closed doors.

More: Planned Parenthood wants to give erotica to your teen daughter

Oh, erotica! So popular now due to the Fifty Shades revolution, but some women are still embarrassed to admit to reading the stuff. I'd say I spend about 25 percent of my reading week on sex, thanks to the overabundance of kinky lit pouring forth from reputable publishing houses (and fan fiction; don't forget fan fiction!).

I'm completely open about my adoration for erotica and thankful for all I've learned. I assume so is my husband, considering my decades-long foray into the genre has taught me some important things about sex.

1. Sex isn't always about orgasms

In Alice Clayton's Wallbanger, our narrator Caroline lost her orgasm due to an unfortunate jackhammer bedmate and is forced to listen to her neighbor Simon bang the hell out of women in the apartment next door. When Caroline eventually gets her chance to see what Simon is all about, the big O is still unwilling, which sends Caroline into a complete panic and almost ruins the relationship. As modern women, we deserve orgasms, of course, but so many women chase orgasms like a marathon finish line. Face it: sometimes, sex just feels good without the endgame. Why not stop stressing about the O and just enjoy the — quite literal — ride?

2. Embrace your inner freak

Exit to Eden is Anne Rice's erotica masterpiece, far surpassing her Sleeping Beauty series for me. Lisa and Elliott meet at The Club, an exclusive island resort for the more experimental in nature. Yes, they let their freak flags fly high. And why not? The older I get, the more I have learned to embrace myself: the good, the bad and the weird. If you're a freak in the sheets, don't hide between silky white lingerie. Buy some leather. Get that whip you always wanted. Own every fantasy you've ever imagined. Trust me, freakiness isn't going to send a guy running; instead, you might have to use that whip to get him to leave in the morning.

More: Meet the first woman of erotica, Anaïs Nin

3. Sex is more than physical

The mother of my erotica obsession is and always will be Anaïs Nin, whose Delta of Venus story collection changed my life. Delta of Venus is not really a happy collection. Rarely do her characters end up getting exactly what they want. However, the one thing Nin makes entirely clear: sex is about more than skin and bones. Sexual connection runs deep and hits us at our most vulnerable. Her words remind us to be careful about who we sleep with, because no matter how much we want to believe we can handle a one-night stand, we can't. There is an emotional connection when you are intimate with someone. That connection is much stronger than the physical, so be sure to enjoy your lover's brain as much as his body.

4. There's no shame in the boudoir

The Sexual Life of Catherine M. is the true story of French sex-perimentation by author Catherine Millet. You won't believe what this woman gets up to, and yeah, even I was blushing at certain scenes. That said, Catherine feels no shame about her forays into high-class orgies and sex without sentiment. She taught me there is no shame in the boudoir. At least, there shouldn't be. If you feel ashamed about something you did in bed, you did it wrong. Sex is about adventure. It's about trying new things. What I learned from Catherine: try everything once. Or maybe twice. Three times...

More: More than Mommy porn: "Why I read smut"

5. If you're uncomfortable about something in bed, say so

Although I'm a fan of bondage, Story of O by Pauline Réage was even too much for me, which was a nice reminder: it's OK to say no, even in a dedicated, trusting sexual relationship. I've made it perfectly clear that experimentation is good. In fact, it's great. However, being made to feel uncomfortable in bed is not good. Communication between lovers is key. Push boundaries, of course, but as soon as you start feeling nervous, it's time to put on the brakes, and your significant other will respect that.

6. Sexuality is fluid

Contrary to popular belief, I don't believe in straight or gay. Neither does Christopher Rice, whose novella The Flame left me panting and clawing my sheets. His story is about a happily married couple who, due to some Southern voodoo, realize how much they care for their gay friend and invite him to bed. Don't worry; it has a happy ending (pun intended). I've been sexually involved with both women and men, and although I married a man, I can still appreciate a nice pair of breasts. Sex is about the person, so if you find someone attractive (no matter your affiliation), why fight it?

7. There's always something new to try in bed

Cassie Alexander's The House is choose-your-own-adventure erotica. You travel the mansion she has created and choose your own door. Like the sound of a whip behind door number one? Head in there and see what happens. Like the sound of laughter in a swimming pool? Door number two. And so on. Her exploratory take on want and need is a great reminder that there is always something new to try in bed. There is no excuse for going vanilla or getting bored. This beautiful world is full of new positions, toys and — oh, why not? — orgies. Go on. Explore!

More on erotica

Christopher Rice reveals the secret to writing a good, gay sex scene in fiction
Top 6 most sexually charged excerpts from erotica books
Get kinky with Cassie Alexander's choose-your-own erotica