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Michelle Obama doesn't see the problem with American Sniper

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More: Barack, Michelle Obama on their shocking experiences with racial prejudice

Michelle Obama recently brought up the film during a speech to a crowd that included Bradley Cooper, its star, at the launch of the 6 Certified program at the National Geographic Society, Us Weekly reports. In her speech, she told the crowd about why she thinks they should see the hotly debated film.

"Today, I'm calling on all of you and folks across the entertainment industry to change the conversation about our veterans and military families," she said. "Give us the full story… I'm not saying that you should tell these stories just because it's the nice thing to do or the right thing to do. You should do it because these are good stories, period. They make for tremendous TV and movies that people want to see. So these stories are good for business as well."

More: Barack and Michelle Obama's love story is being made into a movie

She gave a shout out to American Sniper's box office success, too.

"The No. 1 movie in America right now is a complex, emotional depiction of a veteran and his family," she continued. "And I had a chance to see American Sniper this week on that long flight and while I know there have been critics, I felt that, more often than not, this film touches on many of the emotions and experiences that I've heard firsthand from military families over these past few years."

Despite pulling in more than $264 million at the worldwide box office, American Sniper has been criticized by celebrities and moviegoers alike for supposed historical inaccuracies that some said undermined the story of Chris Kyle, the army sniper who inspired the story.

"Here's why a movie like this is important: See, the vast majority of Americans will never see these stories," Michelle added. "They will never grasp these issues on an emotional level without portrayals like this... Films and TV are often the best way we have to share those stories... You don't have to center an entire movie or create a special episode on these issues. These folks can just be ordinary characters in the communities you create — a neighbor who once saw combat, a teacher whose son is deployed. See, that's the way we hope our country will welcome back our veterans — not by setting them apart, but by fully integrating them into the fabric of our communities."

More: Michelle Obama wants your kids to know the truth about Got Your 6 (VIDEO)

Do you agree with the first lady? Tell us what you think in the comments!


Nick Carter is totally grossing us out with his PDA red carpet photos

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More: Nick Carter and Lauren Kitt recounting all their "firsts" is so cute, it hurts (VIDEO)

We're definitely leaning toward gross after seeing these pics of Nick Carter and his wife, Lauren Kitt, on the red carpet.

The twosome hit the premiere of the documentary Backstreet Boys: Show 'Em What You're Made Of in Los Angeles earlier this week and, based on their red carpet behavior, they're either super in love or trying way too hard to prove something.

Carter was hamming it up in front of the cameras with some funny faces, but he also seemed to think it was funny to grab his wife's butt… right in front of fans and cameras alike.

If I were in Kitt's position, I would have been swatting my man's hands away left and right. Nobody actually thinks it's cute, lovey-dovey behavior to be squeezing a lady's rear in public. But Kitt, who wore a skin-tight gray dress that clung to her every curve, seemed to be digging it. She seemed really into her hubby's excessive PDA, even proudly joining in.

More: Nick Carter marries Lauren Kitt during emotional ceremony

The two were grabby on the red carpet, then stopped just before stepping inside the theater to treat their fans to a view of them smooching like teenagers, E! News reports.

Carter and Kitt have been married since April of last year. They had a quiet, intimate ceremony in front of family and friends in Santa Barbara. Almost a year after the wedding, you'd think the honeymoon period would be over. But apparently, you'd be wrong.

Even if Kitt is into excessive PDA, there's just something disrespectful about Carter's behavior. I know if I were in Kitt's place, I wouldn't be at all pleased about my husband putting my assets on display and then calling further attention to them by grabbing handfuls in front of a crowd.

But maybe that's just me. Do you agree? Is Nick Carter's red carpet PDA over the line? Or is it cute that he shows his wife so much affection, even in public? Let us know what you think down in the comments.

More: Nick Carter and Jordan Knight merge worlds with new song

Images: Brian To/WENN.com

12 Adorable babies in football uniforms, just in time for the Big Game

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If you've been living under a parenting rock like I have, you may not know that Super Bowl XLIX Sunday is coming up on Feb. 1, 2015. Get your butt in gear, start pinning delicious buffalo chicken ranch dip on Pinterest and check out these unreasonably cute babies to get the party started.

And if you happen to be the parent of a small baby during football season, this is your chance — dress that baby up and represent. Perhaps one of the greatest benefits of having a baby, besides procreation and love and the like, is that they will sit there like a cute blob for hours.

Throw on your favorite sports team's onesie, add a football beanie and prop your baby up in a Bumbo before your Super Bowl party. As your guests arrive, they will ooh and ahh over how cute your baby looks at each long-anticipated commercial break. You heard it here first.

You can use one of these 12 adorbs Super Bowl babies as inspiration, in no particular order: 

1. Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills

Let's call this dapper dude "Buffalo Billy."

2. Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears

Chicago Bears

Image: Etsy

The honorary Little Bear Cub.

3. Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys

I can't even with the cuteness of this Dallas Cowgirl.

4. Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos

Gotta give these parents props for making it a #BroncosFanatics family affair.

5. Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packers

Green Bay Packers

If I wasn't a Packers fan before, I am now.

6. Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins

Image: Etsy

Her adorableness is going to be the biggest distraction on game day.

7. New England Patriots

New England Patriots

New England Patriots

Our first 2015 Super Bowl contender — as soon as he fills out that jersey.

8. New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints

Image: Etsy

Who Dat Baby.

9. New York Giants

New York Giants

New York Giants

Start 'em young, I always say.

10. San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers

Image: Etsy

The hat, the face, the smile — in a word: irresistible.

11. Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks

Seattle Seahawks

Super Bowl 2015 contender number two, and he looks… adorably unenthused.

12. Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers

Image: Etsy

I have never seen such a happy — or cute — Steelers fan in all my life.

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Bruce Jenner may be transitioning but it’s not your business anyway

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Bruce Jenner is a person. He’s a person who has a platform to say something if he wants to. And so far, he hasn’t wanted to. That’s his business. So far the speculation about his appearance has been from almost entirely from invasive paparazzi taking photos of him from behind bushes, through windows, while he is running errands. Tabloids have documented medical procedures after being flatly told that he was “absolutely not” transitioning. His family has offered up their lives as entertainment, but he still deserves privacy.

Maybe he is transitioning to female. Maybe he is happily male. Maybe he is somewhere in the vast grey area between those two things.

And we know better. We know how difficult it is to be a transgender person in this country. We know how deeply personal any coming out story is. We fumble – Jill Soloway, creator of the groundbreaking and award-winning Transparent, posted a meme that was offensive to the transcommunity and also to Bruce Jenner and has since apologized for it – but we need to try. Let’s let Bruce Jenner keep this part of his life, whatever it is, private, since even the anonymous sources claiming to give away his secrets are saying he desperately desires that privacy. Let’s be better. Let’s let him tell his own story, whatever it may be.

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Little girl gives 'tude about riding a bike, promptly falls off it (VIDEO)

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Biker chick

Biker chick

Hmm... doesn't look like you did a whole lot of bike riding there, little lady. Parents everywhere have no doubt had to deal with their children getting a little too cocky every now and again, so it's totally acceptable if you've had a good laugh at this little biker chick's expense.

Lucky for this one parent, she got to capture her daughter's attitude and the resulting karma on video. I guess we know what will be playing on a loop at this kid's 21st birthday party.

More super-cute kids

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Bake 'em, dip 'em, eat 'em: Steak fries with 4 dipping sauces

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Do I really have to wait until the Super Bowl to make these? I'm not sure I can wait that long. I may throw my own pregame party now just so I can make these delish steak fries and sauces ahead of time, plus again on the big game day.

2 steak fries and sauces

These dipping sauces are homemade and super easy to make. I do have a favorite sauce, but it changes each time I try another flavor. Each time I'm eating one of the flavors of dipping sauce, it turns into my favorite. So I guess they're all my fave.

3 steak fries and sauces

And the baked fries are simple goodness. You see the one with the salt on top? It has my name all over it. I just love the fries with the extra salt.

4 steak fries and sauces

Right now, this chipotle dipping sauce is my fave.

5 steak fries and sauces

Baked steak fries recipe with 4 kinds of dipping sauces

These baked steak fries are even better served with four kinds of homemade dipping sauces: hot and spicy ketchup, chipotle mayo, garlicky ranch and honey horseradish mustard sauce.

Serves 3

Prep time: 30 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Total time: 55 minutes

Ingredients:

For the steak fries

  • 5 medium-size potatoes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil (for the potatoes)
  • 5 dashes ground black pepper
  • 5 dashes kosher salt (or salt to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (to drizzle on the cookie sheet)

For the hot and spicy ketchup

  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 2 teaspoons Chinese-style mustard, extra hot
  • 1/2 teaspoon Sriracha sauce
  • 1 teaspoon dried red chili peppers

For the chipotle mayo sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon chile chipotle powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

For the garlicky ranch sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (or salt to taste)
  • 2 dashes ground paprika
  • 1/4 cup half-and-half

For the honey horseradish mustard sauce

  • 1/4 cup yellow mustard
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup deli-style horseradish mustard
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 dash salt

Directions:

For the steak fries

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. Rinse off the potatoes, and pat them dry.
  3. Leave the skins on, and cut off any imperfections or bruises.
  4. Cut the potatoes in quarters lengthwise. If the potatoes are shaped more on the round side, you might need to cut them in fifths or sixths.
  5. To a medium-size bowl, add the potatoes, olive oil, pepper and salt. Mix them around with your hands to coat the potatoes evenly.
  6. Drizzle olive oil onto a large cookie sheet, and add the potatoes. Spread the potatoes out so 1 of the cut sides is lying flat on the cookie sheet.
  7. Bake until the sides facing down turn a golden color (about 25 minutes).
  8. Right after removing them from the oven, add additional salt if you like.
  9. Use a spatula to carefully remove them from the pan.
  10. Serve hot with dipping sauces.

For the dipping sauces

  1. For each dipping sauce, to a small bowl, add all the ingredients, and whisk them together.
  2. Serve each dipping sauce in a separate condiment dish along with the baked steak fries.

See all our Super Bowl-related articles

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This stuffed apple dessert is waistline-friendly

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If you're like me and love just the filling in apple pie, then you're in for a treat. This is exactly what these baked apples taste like. Not too sweet and not too bland, you will fool yourself into thinking these apples are anything but waistline-friendly. Leftovers also make a great side dish in kids' lunch boxes, since they are good both warm and chilled.

Spiced apple cobbler-stuffed apples recipe

Fresh Fuji apples are filled with a spiced oat-and-nut mixture and then baked until fragrant and soft for a healthy, guilt-free dessert.

Serves 6

Prep time: 20 minutes | Bake time: 30 minutes | Total time: 50 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 6 small to medium Fuji or other sweet variety apple
  • 1/4 cup coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup gluten-free rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup organic coconut sugar
  • 1/4 cup organic raisins (optional)
  • 1/4 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, finely chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • Ice cream, for serving (optional)

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F, and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
  2. Using a small paring knife, remove the top of the apple, and remove as much of the inside (or flesh) as possible. Place on a cutting board. Repeat with each apple.
  3. Place the hollowed-out apples in the baking dish, and set aside.
  4. Using a knife, finely chop the apple that was removed from the insides, and add it to a bowl.
  5. Combine the chopped apple with the remaining ingredients, and mix well.
  6. Fill each apple "cup" with the filling, and place the filled apples in the oven.
  7. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes or until the apples start to soften and turn a nice, golden brown color.
  8. Remove the apples from the oven, and allow them to cool for 5 minutes (the insides will be very hot).
  9. Serve in bowls, and even top with a scoop of ice cream if desired.

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

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Azie Tesfai: How being from a third-world country helped me define myself

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But then, something profoundly shifted Tesfai's life: She went home.

You see, while Tesfai was born in America and was largely raised in Los Angeles by her mother, she is a first-generation immigrant whose family hails from the developing East African countries of Ethiopia and Eritrea — aside from a few other relatives living in the States, most of her family still resides there.

And around the age of 10, Tesfai traveled to her family's homeland for the first time. To say it changed her would be an understatement.

"When I came back from Ethiopia, I never left anything on my plate," she said. "And to this day, I only take what I think I can eat and then I go back and get more — it's really hard for me to leave food."

This newfound mind-set ran much deeper than a preoccupation with food, of course. For Tesfai, it was about learning to appreciate what she had and be happier with less. In that respect, travel would become her greatest teacher.

Although she didn't make her inaugural sojourn to East Africa until she was 10, Tesfai and her immediate family spent the rest of the young girl's formative years bouncing between the first- and third-world countries.

Experiencing culture shock for the first time

Once, while visiting her family, Tesfai came across a group of children playing in a field. "I remember asking my mom, 'Why are those kids playing with a rock?' And my mom was like, 'No, it's a soccer ball. It's just been worn and used by them so much.' You know, it's like 15 kids and one ball," she said.

Still, she'd never seen happier children.

So Tesfai and her mom decided to surprise them with a new soccer ball. "My mom took me to buy them one, and you would think they were given pure gold, based off their excitement," she remembered. "They stayed out playing until really late that night, and they were just so happy."

It was a notion particularly jarring to the young girl from Southern California. "I thought, 'Oh, wow, my friends in LA have so much more and they're so miserable,'" she explained. "So I was really lucky to have that lesson at a really young age."

It's not being sheltered from those realities that Tesfai credits with changing her perception and helping to shape the person she is today.

"Once you see things, I always say, you can't unsee them," she said. "Once your heart opens to something, you can't reclose it, right? So the exposure of it is what really changes people."

Challenging offensive misconceptions about her "third-world" life

These days, it would be easy for Tesfai to get swept up in a life of glamour and excess. As Nadine on the CW's Golden Globe-winning Jane the Virgin, Tesfai is part of one of the hottest shows on television.

Still, she carries East Africa in her heart to keep herself grounded, continuing to split her time between her home base in LA and her homeland. It's the beautiful dichotomy of her life, albeit one that hasn't always been easy to harmonize.

Being from a "third-world country" was a difficult concept for many of her American peers to grasp.

"The misconception people had of Africa in general was that it was one of those commercials of the children with the bellies and the flies," Tesfai explained. "Unfortunately, even in a place like L.A., where people tend to be exposed to more, they really had an offensively strong misconception of what it was like."

Naturally, it was hard finding her place in both worlds. "It was really hard growing up — mainly coming from Ethiopia and Eritrea back to LA. You come back here and you're back in school, and everything kind of seems trivial and silly," she said.

Knowing that it is a simpler life in East Africa but the people are so much happier there with less, Tesfai felt "sort of protective over it, because I knew how beautiful it was."

But another notion has also governed many of Tesfai's choices throughout childhood and into the present: "It's not fair that where you're born can dictate so much of your life," she said. "I think that shifted how my whole life went."

It's a truth her family knows all too well.

Tesfai's mother was only able to come to the United States on a technicality. "My mom came here on a nursing scholarship where four women out of 5,000 that applied were accepted, and she came in fifth. The only rule was that you could not be pregnant, and a week before they left, they found out one of the women was pregnant," Tesfai revealed, "so my mom got to come."

Subsequently, Tesfai is the only member of her family "fortunate enough" to be born in this country.

"I've kind of reminded myself of that and tried to make this my purpose," said the actress. "I was lucky enough to be born here, but I have family there. That's how I've rationalized my situation to help transition."

Celebrating her diversity by giving back

Azie Tesfai- Fortuned Culture Instagram

Azie Tesfai- Fortuned Culture Instagram

She also strives to use the influence afforded her by being an actress to channel help back to the people she knows are in need. Enter Fortuned Culture, the jewelry company she founded to help shed light on the dire realities often faced by people in developing countries.

Each jewelry piece symbolizes what the proceeds will help charity partners fulfill. A $30 "Health" bracelet will feed a child in need 60 meals. A $65 "Rebirth" necklace provides a caretaker at an orphanage five months' salary.

"I've always wanted to represent a possibility," she told us, "and when you see something different or someone doing things differently, hopefully it inspires you that it's more possible."

Which is one of the many reasons Tesfai is grateful for her role on Jane the Virgin.

"I know Gina [Rodriguez, who plays Jane] talks a lot about picking roles, but it's huge," she said, "and I think all of the women in our show have talked about the fact we're very mindful of those roles that we take and the way that we portray ourselves and our cultures."

The show, remarkably, boasts a cast of women nearly all from other cultures — Rodriguez ("Jane"), Andrea Navedo ("Xiomara") and Ivonne Coll ("Alba"), Puerto Rican; Yael Groblas ("Petra"), Israeli; Diane Guerrero ("Lina"), Colombian; and, naturally, Tesfai.

As such, the women are fiercely proud of their workplace. "We all want to represent our cultures in a positive way and advance the cultures and the women in a positive way, so it's beautiful to be around a bunch of women who are very mindful of that," said Tesfai.

"I'm inspired being able to work with these women," she continued, "and, hopefully, that translates to the people watching it and enjoying it, too."

Most importantly, perhaps, Tesfai hopes the diverse cast inspires young women and gives them the courage to dare to dream.

"I want to encourage young girls to be writers or directors or follow any creative path and help them realize you can make it a career," she said. "They can do whatever they want. You get one life, so follow what your heart's desire is."

More reading

Why Jane the Virgin's Gina Rodriguez is the role model I want for my daughter
Anne Hathaway tears up while talking about women who've bad-mouthed her
Eden Sher dishes on why she's OK with not landing "pretty-girl roles"


10 Ways to look for awe in the ordinary

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One saying comes to mind when working towards an end result: "You can't see the forest for the trees," meaning you can be so focused on one goal, problem or situation (tree), that you fail to see the bigger picture (forest). You are so close to one issue that you don't take a step back, take in the whole view and enjoy life. Living a more balanced life ideally should involve stepping back and taking in the wonderful but ordinary day-to-day happenings.

Make it a goal to be more aware of the ordinary, yet awe-inspiring, little things that make up moments of each day. Here are 10 ways to be more in tune with the present, and how to appreciate the little things in life that can lead to enhanced gratitude.

Here's my list of 10 ordinary things:

  1. Having that first perfect cup of coffee (or other favorite beverage): Take this time in the morning to reflect, meditate and center yourself for the start of your day. Coffee for many is their number one way to jumpstart their body and mind. Really focus on those first sips, and how they bring you enjoyment, clarity and creativity to start your work day.
  2. Sharing your life and laughter with family and friends: Getting together for a meal or social gathering gives the opportunity to share important events, funny stories and reconfirm the people that enrich our lives.
  3. Working in the zone: Appreciate the moments when you are in tune with your work and your creative juices are flowing and your ideas are starting to come to life.
  4. Arrange a vase of flowers: Little elements like this add a pop of color and beauty into your home and according to research at Rutgers, flowers improve our emotional health. http://aboutflowers.com/health-benefits-a-research/emotional-impact-of-flowers-study.html
  5. Spending the time to clean, organize and enjoy your living space: When your home is decluttered you're opening up both physical and mental space. Having this well-organized environment enhances our day-to-day living helping us to be more mindful.
  6. Tasting the fruits of the season: Eating seasonally is not only healthy for you, but it can also stir up fond memories of the family table filled with fresh veggies and fruit.
  7. Taking a walk, enjoying nature and looking to the sky in all its glory: Taking a moment to simply step outside and take in the crisp, fresh air and warmth of the sun is a simple yet effective way to be in the moment.
  8. The sound of music: Music can take you on a spiritual journey, calm you after a long day, inspire you to start a new project and has surprising health benefits. http://balancedbabe.com/loving-the-sound-of-music/
  9. Prepping and cooking a new recipe: Experimenting in the kitchen is a wonderful way to take your mind off daily stressors and bring you a feeling of accomplishment when you nail a new recipe.
  10. Having a conversation with a young child: This is the epitome of awe in the ordinary and living in the moment. Children can get so excited about the most ordinary day-to-day events.
The days pass quickly and trivial, mundane moments really do have meaning. Slow down, step back and cherish these moments.

"The real voyage of discovery consists of not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes." Marcel Proust

Image: Unsplash/Pixabay

Skip Fifty Shades! Here are 6 other movies to watch on Valentine’s Day

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If you're not in the mood to stand in line with the hordes of Fifty Shades of Grey fans this Valentine's Day, but you still want to spend the day at the movies (with or without a special someone by your side), then this is the list for you!

The Voices

I think we can all agree that Ryan Reynolds makes for superyummy man candy, but make no mistake — the usually endearing actor has got a lock on creepy in this dark (sort of romantic?) comedy. In The Voices, Reynolds plays a mentally ill factory worker who, when he goes off his meds and starts taking advice from his evil talking cat, turns into a serial killer who talks to the heads of the women he decapitates. The perfect movie to watch with your anti-Valentine!

More: Who's hotter, daddy edition: Ryan Gosling vs. Ryan Reynolds

The Voices trailer

The Voices trailer

Seventh Son

It's like Lord of the Rings meets Game of Thrones with a dash of Harry Potter and a sprinkling of that old-school fantasy fave, Willow. Jeff Bridges and Julianne Moore star in this fantasy/sci-fi movie featuring lots of swordplay, sorcery and magical creatures. There doesn't seem to be a lot of romance going on, but if you like CGI and dragons, you won't care.

More: Feed hungry kids by falling asleep to Jeff Bridges' voice (VIDEO)

Seventh Son trailer

Seventh Son trailer

Jupiter Ascending

Mila Kunis and Channing Tatum star in this sci-fi adventure epic about an earthbound space princess and the genetically engineered warrior tasked with protecting her. Jupiter Ascending is the brainchild of the Wachowski team, known for blowing our minds with The Matrix. This movie may not feel like an obvious choice for Valentine's Day, but it promises some satisfyingly steamy moments between Kunis and Tatum for fans to breathe heavily over.

Jupiter Ascending trailer

Jupiter Ascending trailer

The Last Five Years

Anna Kendrick and Jeremy Jordan (Smash) star in this musical about a struggling actress and her novelist lover, each one singing superawesome songs about the struggle and deconstruction of their love affair. Based on the Broadway musical, this movie promises to win your heart through song.

More: Our Pitch Perfect drinking game will turn you into an inebriated Bella

The Last Five Years

The Last Five Years

Kingsman: The Secret Service

Okay, Colin Firth may not be the first guy who comes to mind when you fantasize about meeting a top-secret British spy, but you've got to admit he wears the role well in this trailer for Kingsman: The Secret Service. The movie is definitely an unconventional choice for Valentine's Day, but with hunky spies and sexy spy gadgets, we're thinking it's a good bet for a good time.

Kingsman trailer

Kingsman trailer

Love, Rosie

This adorable British rom-com means Valentine's Day traditionalists can breathe a sigh of relief. The film, about best friends who could be perfect together if they would just get out of their own way, pledges to deliver on all the best rom-com promises, making it a sure bet for Valentine's Day. Plus, it's full of attractive faces (Sam Claflin, anyone?), which will make your eyeballs happy as well as your romance-hungry heart.

Love, Rosie trailer

Love, Rosie trailer

Which movie will you be watching this Valentine's Day? Let us know in the comments below.

3 Women share how they turned their passion into their career (VIDEO)

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“My passion is storytelling,” said SheKows Expert Laura Fahrentold. “When my husband suddenly and immediately passed away, I became my own story.” Find out how she used her storytelling to heal and help others.

Pursuing Your Passion Laura Fahrentold

Pursuing Your Passion Laura Fahrentold

Akliah Hughes is a writer, comedian and YouTuber in NYC. “Look at your life and your experiences. If there’s ever a moment where you feel like, ‘This is something I could do for the rest of my life without making a dollar…. Then I think that’s your passion.” Find out the number one piece of advice she would give to anyone looking for success.

Pursuing Your Passion Akilah Hughes

Pursuing Your Passion Akilah Hughes

Lisa Stone is one of the co-founders of BlogHer. “When I first started blogging, I was amazed at the talent that I saw everywhere. Some of the world’s best voices, photographers, expert humorists, recipe writers, fashionistas are coming in to me from my blog and Facebook stream every day.” Find out why Lisa continues to pursue those voices every day.

Pursuing Your Passion Lisa Stone

Pursuing Your Passion Lisa Stone

See all of our stories on Pursuing Your Passion

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3-Ingredient chocolate desserts you can make in minutes

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Chocolate-pistachio truffles

Ingredients:

  • 1-1/2 cups pitted dates
  • 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup shelled unsalted pistachios

Directions:

  1. Add dates, cocoa powder and pistachios to a food processor. Blend until a thick paste forms. If too dry, add a bit of water and blend.
  2. Use a teaspoon to scoop out the mixture and form into 1-inch balls.
  3. Serve immediately.

Chocolate fruit parfaits

Ingredients:

  • 6 ounces chocolate yogurt
  • 1/4 cup fresh fruit
  • 1/2 cup cubed angel food cake

Directions:

  1. Alternately layer the chocolate yogurt, fresh fruit and angel food cake cubes in a clear glasses or a Mason jar.
  2. Serve immediately.

Cookie truffles

Ingredients:

  • 1 (14 ounce) package chocolate sandwich cookies
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, slightly softened
  • 16 ounces chocolate candy discs (for baking)

Directions:

  1. Crush the cookies into crumbs.
  2. Add slightly softened cream cheese to the crumbs, and mix well. Form into 2-inch balls.
  3. Melt the candy discs. Dip each ball in the melted mixture.
  4. Place on lined baking sheet and refrigerate for about an hour.

Chocolate-peppermint pretzel rods

Ingredients:

  • 24 pretzel rods
  • 12 ounces chocolate candy discs (for baking)
  • 1/3 cup peppermint hard candy, crushed

Directions:

  1. Crush the peppermint candy and set aside.
  2. Melt the discs, then remove from the heat. Quickly dip pretzel rods halfway into the melted mixture.
  3. Quickly roll in the crushed peppermint candy.
  4. Place on lined baking sheet until firm.

Chocolate-chia pudding

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup chocolate soy milk
  • 1/4 cup chia seeds
  • 1/4 cup plain vanilla yogurt

Directions:

  1. Mix together the chocolate milk, chia seeds and vanilla yogurt.
  2. Refrigerate for at least an hour, or up to overnight.

Fancy chocolate-dipped strawberries

Ingredients:

  • 24 clean, dry strawberries
  • 6 ounces milk chocolate candy discs (for baking)
  • 3 ounces white chocolate candy discs (for baking)

Directions:

  1. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper and set aside.
  2. Melt the milk chocolate discs over low heat. Remove from the heat and dip the strawberries into the mixture, leaving the tops exposed. Place on the baking sheet and in the refrigerator to harden for about 30 minutes.
  3. Melt the white chocolate discs over low heat. Remove from the heat and use a fork to drizzle the white chocolate over the chocolate-covered strawberries.

Chocolate fudge

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups chocolate chips
  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Directions:

  1. Line an 8x8-inch pan with foil and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Melt the chocolate chips with the sweetened condensed milk over low heat.
  3. Remove from the heat, stir in the vanilla, then pour into the pan.
  4. Refrigerate for a few hours until firm. Lift out of the pan and cut into cubes.

Chocolate-peanut butter balls

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup peanut butter
  • 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar, plus 1/4 cup reserved
  • 2 cups chocolate candy discs (for baking)

Directions:

  1. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper and set aside.
  2. Use a food processor to combine the peanut butter and confectioners' sugar until it forms a clump. If too soft, add a bit more confectioners' sugar. If too thick, add a touch of milk.
  3. Pinch from the mixture and shape into 2-inch balls. Place on the baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes.
  4. Melt the discs over low heat. Remove from the heat and dip each ball into the mixture.
  5. Place back on the baking sheet and allow the chocolate to harden.

Nutty chocolate croissants

Ingredients:

  • 1 (8 count) package crescent rolls
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts

Directions:

  1. Lay individual rolls flat, and sprinkle each with equal amounts of chocolate chips and nuts.
  2. Roll up, and bake according to package directions.

Frozen banana pops

Ingredients:

  • 3 whole bananas
  • 1/2 cup chocolate chips
  • 1/2 tablespoon vegetable or coconut oil

Directions:

  1. Cut the bananas in half and insert wooden ice pop stick into the flat ends. Freeze on baking sheet.
  2. Melt chocolate chips and oil over low heat. Remove from the heat.
  3. Dip bananas in the melted mixture (you may need to use a spoon to help coat the bananas). Refrigerate for 15 minutes until the chocolate has hardened.
This post was sponsored by Green & Black's Organic Chocolate.

More chocolate dessert recipes

Gluten-free chocolate-chile brownies with chocolate-vanilla drizzle
Chocolate-cinnamon waffles with salted caramel sauce
Skillet brownies with peanut butter sauce

Whitney Houston's daughter Bobbi Kristina discovered unresponsive in tub

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At 10:20 a.m. today, Brown's husband, Nick Gordon, and a friend entered the home to find Brown facedown and unresponsive in the bathtub.

More: Bobbi Kristina Brown is happily married to her "brother" Nick Gordon

According to Roswell police spokeswoman Officer Lisa Holland, Gordon's friend called 911 while Gordon — unable to find a pulse — began administering CPR and continued to do so until police and paramedics arrived on the scene and took over life-saving measures.

Brown, 21, was taken to North Fulton Hospital, where she was last reported alive.

Although detectives do not at this time believe foul play was involved, officers remained on scene at Brown's home late into the afternoon, trying to determine the cause of events leading up to the incident.

The news is hauntingly familiar. It comes less than two weeks shy of the third anniversary of the death of Brown's mother, iconic entertainer Whitney Houston. On Feb. 11, 2012, the seven-time Grammy-winning singer was found submerged in a bathtub in a Beverly Hills hotel and was later pronounced dead.

More: Bobbi Kristina Brown's husband gets busted for a DUI

Houston, 48 at the time of her death, had long been plagued by problems with drugs. Upon retrieving at least a dozen prescription pill bottles from her hotel room, authorities ruled Houston's death an accidental drowning with contributing factors of cocaine and heart disease.

While there appears to be no indication that Brown is currently struggling with any addictions, the emotional gravitas of this month could certainly have contributed to a heightened level of stress — earlier in January, Lifetime released the biopic Whitney, which was much maligned by Houston's family.

More: Whitney, the Lifetime biopic, "dishonors" Whitney Houston

Also, on Jan. 23, police responded to a call at Brown's home on reports of a "fight," but Officer Holland insists that police found no corroborating evidence upon inspection.

At this time Brown's father, R&B singer Bobby Brown, has not released a statement.

Our thoughts are with Bobbi Kristina Brown and her family at this time. We're praying for the talented young star to pull through and experience a speedy recovery surrounded by loved ones.

11 Dark chocolate dessert recipes to make you drool

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These are our favorite recipes that include this tasty treat.

1. Cookie dough frosted dark chocolate cake

We all love to eat cookie dough with a spoon, but it's even better when it's spread on top of a dark chocolate cake.

2. Dark chocolate peanut butter swirl ice cream

One taste of this homemade dark chocolate ice cream rippled with peanut butter, and you'll never buy ice cream from the grocery store again.

3. No-bake Boston cream pie layer cake

All the creaminess of Boston cream doughnuts and pies, combined with light and fluffy angel food cake, will make this no-bake dessert a family favorite.

4. Dark chocolate pumpkin cookies with pumpkin chips

These easy cookies start out with a brownie mix, and end with pumpkin and white chocolate chips. The fall-inspired flavors are a must-have all year long.

5. S'mores dip

Partake in this childhood favorite, right in your dining room — no campfire needed.

6. Dark chocolate-dipped raspberry smoothies

Turn that smoothie into an ice pop and dip it dark chocolate for a decadent dessert that's easy to make.

7. Hot dark chocolate with cinnamon and cognac

This hot dark chocolate, spiced with cinnamon and cognac, is a big step up from your average cup of cocoa.

8. Chocolate avocado truffles

You'll never guess the secret ingredient in these creamy chocolate truffles is avocado.

9. Skinny chocolate-stuffed raspberries

It's hard to believe how tasty these simple treats are — especially since they take only minutes to put together.

10. Paleo double chocolate breakfast cookies

Cookies aren't usually the best choice for breakfast, but these ones are made of healthy ingredients... and chocolate.

11. Sea salt chocolate-dipped fruit snacks

If you're looking for a way to work more fruit into your diet, we've got you covered. Dip it in dark chocolate and sprinkle it with salt. The sweet and salty combo can't be beat.

This post was sponsored by Green & Black's Organic Chocolate.

More dark chocolate recipes

5 Dark chocolate after-dinner drinks
Rich dark chocolate and pistachio gelato
Vegan hot chocolate

Slow Cooker Sunday: These spicy meatballs are so easy and delicious

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These are wonderful on their own if you are having a get-together — serve them on a large platter with extra sauce for dipping. Or you can easily make these into a meal by serving them alongside fresh steamed vegetables or over steamed rice. You can even make these gluten free simply by use a gluten-free breadcrumb mixture in place of the regular breadcrumbs.

Spicy slow cooker pineapple chicken meatballs recipe

Ground chicken breast along with fresh pineapple, onions, garlic and red pepper flakes are slow-cooked in a sweet and zesty Asian-inspired sauce.

Serves 6-8

Prep time: 25 minutes | Cook time: 6 hours | Total time: 6 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients:

For the meatballs

  • 1 pound ground chicken breast
  • 1/2 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1 whole egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh pineapple, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the sauce

  • 1/4 cup fresh-squeezed orange juice
  • 1/2 cup pineapple apricot preserves
  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar or honey
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 4 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Directions:

  1. In a bowl, combine all the ingredients for the meatballs, and mix well.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine all the ingredients for the sauce, and mix. Transfer the sauce into the bowl of the slow cooker.
  3. Using a tablespoon, form the meatballs, keeping them uniform in size.
  4. Once all the meatballs are formed, carefully place them into the bowl of the slow cooker.
  5. Top with the lid, and set the slow cooker to low for 6 hours.
  6. Serve the meatballs on a platter with extra sauce for dipping, as a side dish next to steamed vegetables or over rice.

More slow cooker recipe ideas

Slow cooker chickpea curry
15 Slow cooker cocktails
Slow cooker rosemary-olive oil bread


Fried chicken nuggets and mashed potatoes, pizza style

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That's easy — make it all pizza style. You have permission to eat your mashed potatoes and gravy with your fingers when dining on this crispy fried chicken nugget pizza. This flatbread pizza is made with layers of comfort food. First it's topped with a layer of gravy, then a layer of garlic mashed potatoes, then a layer of crispy chicken nuggets and then another layer of gravy. How great is that?

2 fried chicken and gravy pizza

This pizza is a great meal to have at the end of a long day, when you can kick off your shoes, sit back and relax as you enjoy it. The hardest part about this pizza is stopping yourself from picking off and eating the yummy and crispy chicken nuggets before even taking your first bite of the pizza itself. I can say that from experience.

3 fried chicken and gravy pizza

And no need to be shy with the gravy either.

4 fried chicken and gravy pizza

Fried chicken nuggets and garlic mashed potatoes flatbread pizza recipe

Flatbread pizza topped with garlic mashed potatoes, crispy chicken nuggets and homemade gravy is a finger food and comfort food all in one.

Serves 2

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 35 minutes | Total time: 55 minutes

Ingredients:

For the garlic mashed potatoes
  • 2 medium-size russet potatoes with the skins on, cut in half widthwise
  • 5 dashes salt, for the boiling water
  • 2 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon butter
  • 2 tablespoons milk (or more depending on size of potatoes)
  • 5 dashes ground black pepper
  • 5 dashes salt (or salt to taste)

For the fried chicken nuggets

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1-1/2 cups flour
  • 1/2 cup canola oil
For the gravy
  • Drippings from frying the chicken nuggets
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon water
  • 5 dashes ground black pepper
  • 5 dashes salt (or salt to taste)
For the flatbread pizza
  • 2 servings flatbread
  • Gravy
  • Garlic mashed potatoes
  • Fried chicken nuggets
  • Drizzles of olive oil, for garnish
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onion, for garnish

Directions:

For the garlic mashed potatoes

  1. In a large pot, bring water to a boil, and add salt.
  2. Add the potatoes and garlic to the water.
  3. Let the potatoes cook until tender (about 20 minutes).
  4. Drain just the water out of the pan.
  5. Add the butter, milk, pepper and salt.
  6. Mash the potatoes with a potato masher. If they are too thick, then add a little bit more milk.
  7. Put a lid on the pot, and set aside.

For the fried chicken nuggets

  1. While the potatoes are boiling, coat the chicken with salt, pepper and flour.
  2. Heat a large skillet on medium heat, and add the oil.
  3. Toss a pinch of flour into the oil, and when it starts to sizzle, lay the pieces of chicken in the pan.
  4. When the sides of the chicken facing down in the pan turn a golden color, turn them over to cook the other side.
  5. When all sides of the chicken are a golden color and are completely cooked, transfer them to a plate with a paper towel, and set aside.
For the gravy
  1. Carefully drain out the hot oil into a heat-resistant cup (discard when the oil cools), leaving all the crispy drippings in the skillet.
  2. Heat the skillet on low to medium heat, and add the milk. Stir.
  3. To a small bowl, add the cornstarch and water. Stir to make a paste.
  4. Add the cornstarch mixture to the gravy, and whisk together.
  5. Add the pepper and salt.
  6. When the gravy thickens to the consistency of a sauce, remove it from the heat. If the gravy is too thick, then stir in a bit more milk.
For the flatbread pizza
  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. Lay the flatbread onto a cookie sheet.
  3. Top the flatbread with a layer of gravy.
  4. Lightly spread the mashed potatoes on top of the flatbread.
  5. Top with the chicken nuggets, and bake to warm up all the ingredients as well as the flatbread (about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the flatbread).
  6. Remove from the oven, drizzle olive oil on top, and garnish with green onions.
  7. Cut the flatbread pizza, and serve while hot.

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

More flatbread pizza recipes

Hawaiian barbecue chicken flatbread pizza
Asparagus and bacon flatbread
Sliced steak flatbread and apple slaw

The Bachelor exercise game to burn calories while you watch

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Sorry ABC, but could you cut us some slack? We can put up with your weird, over-the-top view on romance in which every season is a smorgasbord of the same one-liners like "This is the perfect place to fall in love," if you'd just learn to edit the show down to one single hour. For crying out loud.

But I have a silver lining for The Bachelor fanatics who insist on torturing themselves for two hours every Monday night, like myself (it's a love-hate relationship). I combined all the phrases and events that are guaranteed to happen and turned them into an exercise game. Think of it as The Bachelor drinking game, but instead of booze, it's exercise (sad, I know). But no one will judge you if you hydrate with some wine during your workout — except for your cat which is why I don't have one.

The Bachelor workout challenge

Image: J.P. Tanner

Read more: One-song workout set to Beyone's "Flawless" >> 

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Was Ashley S. faking her craziness?
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Golden cashewmilk is a satisfying winter drink with real health benefits

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Thankfully, there are recipes out there that meet all these needs and more. You may have heard of "golden milk" or "turmeric milk," as it is making the rounds in all the healthy eating circles lately. Turmeric is reported to have many health benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and is popular in Ayurvedic folk remedies. Golden milk is one of these. Whether or not it truly has healing properties, it's a satisfying cold-weather drink that's easy to make. The bright golden color and the exotic, earthy undertones warm you right down to your toes.

And it can be made all the better with unsweetened Silk® cashewmilk. If you're avoiding dairy or watching your carbs, cashew milk is the perfect alternative. It is wonderfully creamy and free of dairy, soy, gluten and many other things you may be cutting out of your diet. It also comes in at only 1 gram of carbs per cup, versus the 10 to 12 grams in regular cow's milk. Golden milk and cashewmilk are a match made in heaven. If you feel like making an indulgence out of it, add a dollop of coconut whipped cream for a rich, comforting treat.

Golden cashewmilk with turmeric recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups unsweetened Silk® cashewmilk
  • 2 teaspoons of your favorite sweetener (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • Dash black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Dollop of lightly sweetened coconut whipped cream (optional)

Directions:

  1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together cashewmilk, sweetener, turmeric, cinnamon, ginger and pepper.
  2. Bring to just a simmer, then stir in vanilla extract and pour into two mugs. Garnish with coconut whipped cream, if desired.

Disclosure: This is part of a sponsored collaboration between SheKnows and Silk. All opinions are 100% my own.

Cashew pudding with raspberry granola is a yummy non-dairy breakfast

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And if you are anything like me, same goes for lunch. If I don't have something pre-made and ready to go, I end up skipping breakfast or lunch, sometimes both. Eek.

But... new year, new habits, right? With that, I'm sharing one of my new favorite ways to get a fast and easy bite in with minimal effort. Of course there's the added plus that it's a deliciously creamy homemade pudding. Win-win!

To start, the pudding takes less than 30 minutes to make and has a cashewmilk base, so it's non-dairy, gluten free and soy free. Yay to all of the above.

And to stay ahead of schedule, the pudding can be made up to three days ahead. Just remember to place plastic wrap directly on top of the pudding surface to prevent a "skin." Add some granola on top when you're ready to eat and you're all set to go.

Cashew pudding with raspberry granola recipe

Makes four 4-ounce servings

Ingredients:

  • 1/3 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 cups Silk® cashewmilk
  • 1/2 cup cashew butter
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Directions:

  1. Combine cornstarch, sugar, salt, Silk® cashewmilk and cashew butter in a blender or food processor and pulse until well blended. Alternately, combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk vigorously.
  2. Transfer mixture to a heatproof bowl and place over (not on) simmering water for approximately 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pudding is ready when mixture coats the back of the spoon.
  3. Add chocolate or preferred flavor and stir to combine. Add vanilla and stir to combine.

Disclosure: This is part of a sponsored collaboration between SheKnows and Silk. All opinions are 100% my own.

A Fifty Shades of Grey role play guide for Valentine's Day

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My boyfriend hasn't read the book, so when I told him my idea, he wanted me to elaborate. In great detail. So in the manner of the pragmatic Christian Grey himself, I drew up guidelines for what the game would consist of, and allowed him to have input on each provision. It became a pretty comprehensive list which I think would turn any ordinary romantic evening into something much more. So if you're looking for, shall we say, a different Valentine's Day this year, here's a simple guide to Grey up your night (props not included).

1. Where to shop for hardware

Image: Karsten via Flickr

Check out Sportsheets.com for some essential hardware — most everything Christian Grey has in his dom room is on this website, from beginner's handcuffs to something called a Spread the Love Bar. In the words of my boyfriend, "Yeah, I'm totally down."

2. Write up a contract

Determine your negotiable hard and soft limits. Our hard limits were pretty much the same as in the books: no acts of fire play, no acts involving children or animals, etc. Our soft limits were a bit tamer than Christian's. Let's just say we're not going near clamping, canning or hot wax.

3. Buy each other a gift to set the mood

Image: Tumblr

Agree to get each other something implicit, but not obviously sexual as a gift. For example, Grey got Ana first editions of Tess of the D'Urbervilles, because of the not so subtle connection to their relationship. Something thoughtful, and ever so slightly devious. Perhaps a little too expensive.

4. Decide your roles

Image: Geoff Mock via Flickr

Agree ahead of time who's the student and who's the teacher tonight. This dominant/submissive game is probably my favorite, but you really must commit, and don't be afraid to truly punish. We've decided to make this a coin toss, and my boyfriend is playing down his excitement (and nerves) about it.

5. Pick your outfits carefully

Image: Giphy

Outfits must be well thought out, and flawless. I'm playing down my excitement (and nerves) about this.

6. Choose your safe word

Image: Giphy

Make sure you agree on safety words before signing anything. Ours is koala for reasons known to both of us.

Read more: 12 Unusual safe words couples actually use in the bedroom

7. Don't use your usual nicknames for each other

Keep conversation formal and proper, even when it seems ridiculous to do so. Something I could never get past was how often Christian used Anastasia's full, proper name. I mean, I know it's part of the whole control thing, but honestly, E L James, could you have made it more difficult for yourself? We will use Mr. and Miss when addressing each other. The Decided Dominant will get a "Sir" tacked on, regardless of the gender of who wins the coin toss.

8. Choose a drink that enhances your character

Image: Giphy

All things drunk should be fancy, or at least look fancy. For example, Champagne or sparkling wine that has an interesting vintage. If it doesn't, make it up, but you must be convincing, or you'll ruin the mood.

9. Don't use this as an excuse to not use protection

Use protection, and decide ahead of time what kind it will be. Safety and health are very important to Christian, and he was always, always prepared. You never want to be caught at that pivotal moment, and have to go searching. That would not be very debonair.

10. Start the role play tactics early in the day during all forms of communication

Image: Giphy

Email each other leading up to the night, and play into your dominant/submissive roles. The anticipation game is perhaps the sexiest part of this whole book, and you want to savor it. My boyfriend and I are emailing back and forth between the office and living room as I type.

11. Go off script

Finally, don't be afraid to let a certain moment take you where it will. I know Christian's all about sticking to the script, but then he's so pleasantly surprised when Ana throws him for a loop! Remember, these are just guidelines designed to help spark something. Don't be afraid to go off script — that's when the most exciting (and arousing) things tend to happen.

More on Fifty Shades of Grey

Top 6 most sexually-charged excerpts from erotica books
4 Ways Fifty Shades is a ripped-off version of Secretary
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