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Hair stylist creates heart-shaped bun that's easier than you think (WATCH)

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Is it my fault that all of the tutorials I've found on Pinterest are woefully inadequate? No, but now I have no excuse for a subpar braid, thanks to a celebrity stylist responsible for glam looks on stars like Lea Michele, Mariah Carey and more.

Michael Dueñas just launched a YouTube series where each week he'll break down some gorgeous — yet difficult to master on your own — styles.

More: 13 Instagram shots inspiring us to go out with our hair in curlers

First up? This heart-shaped fishtail bun, a look he first created for actress Erin Richards.

Michael Duenas hair braid tutorial

Michael Duenas hair braid tutorial

As for where he gets his inspiration for his styles, Dueñas told PerfectLocks.com that he "draw[s] my inspiration from other hair around me. When someone passes me, I can see the beauty of another style/cut in their hair. It gets me excited!"

More: The pros and cons of hair extensions

We're excited too. Bring on a fall full of beautiful hair!


DWTS' controversial move to cast Paula Deen met with disgust

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Twitter erupted as the announcement began making the rounds. Everything from mild vexation to calling for an all-out boycott of the show. To some, it would appear that Deen is merely trying to regain some of her lost stardom in the wake of her incredibly racist remarks followed up by the posting of a photo of her appearing in blackface. To others, this is a move that can't be overlooked.

Some fans of the show said the news ruined their day.

Paula Deen tweet 1

Paula Deen tweet 1

More: Paul Deen wants you to hear her side of the story  — and charge you for it, too

And some said the casting move will be (another) reason they don't watch.

Paula Deen tweet 2

Paula Deen tweet 2

Other tweeters thought it was a pretty comical move, seeing the irony in the fact that Deen obviously thinks the public will forget all about her controversial past if they see her outside the kitchen a bit more.

Like Jessica who said, "LMFAO Paula Deen? Well, maybe they will pick that nanny."

Paula Deen tweet 3

Paula Deen tweet 3

More: Paula Deen blames her racism on a surprising target

And while that is hilarious, commenters couldn’t help but keep going back to the whole huge racist thing. Like Jeremy Newberger, who had this off-color — but still on point — quip:

Paula Deen tweet 4

Paula Deen tweet 4

Then there is The Big Man, who succinctly put it this way: "Well, no chance of watching @DancingABC this season. I can't support dancing racist. #pauladeen"

Paula Deen tweet 5

Paula Deen tweet 5

More: Paula Deen accused of racism, again, after she posts brownface pic (PHOTO)

Will you be tuning in because of Paula Deen or not watching because of the disgraced chef?

Why I didn't react to my high-schooler's first shocking transformation

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What’s a middle-of-the-road mom to think? To say? To do?

This is one kid who will never be mistaken for Japanese. His eyes are round and blue-green. His light brown hair fights any style but a bowl cut. Raised in Polo shirts, he has dipped his toes in skull prints, skinny black jeans and super-hold hair gel. He has always been quirky and is passionate about anime. He spent part of the summer in Japan, so I get it.

A child's first self-determined transformation, however, takes it to a whole new level.

When his first day of high school started — a new school with few longtime friends — he had ditched the nails but the hair stayed.

"Well, what do you think?"

I started with a smile and said something I hoped sounded vaguely sincere: "Wow! A new milestone, a new look. Cool!"

Before you think that I'm some judgmental prune, please know I embraced punk and dyed my hair matte fire engine red. But I was a young adult then. High school was a different story. I was bullied just because my pants were too short and I was seen kissing a boy at a dance.

Thankfully, kids seem to be more accepting of diversity at younger ages today, so maybe my son's striking look incited a shrug or two. Or maybe less. He adopted the teen code of silence and never told me. I just know how cruel teens can be.

While he searched my eyes to gauge my first reaction to his new persona, I searched my heart to find out why it really bothered me. And then I knew: control.

Teens desperately crave it at a time when they have one foot in childhood and the other on a gas pedal. I need to let him bowl his own game, but keep the guardrails up so his ball doesn’t careen into the gutter.

The older he gets, the harder that will be, I know.

I also know that what's acceptable for my teen may not be for yours. I cringe at lip piercings and starchy Stepford kids alike. But that's me. What is important for moms to realize is that kids will be who they will be, despite who we are as parents.

And is an outward expression like hair really a big thing?

I’ll take a caring heart and good grades despite the package it comes in.

So I will do nothing about the new look but grit my teeth and try not to look at him from the neck up until the roots start getting too noticeable. That's when I will take him to my hairdresser to blend the new and the natural a little better.

Hell, maybe he'll want a buzz cut by then.

Healthier chocolate chunk peanut butter cookies that only taste sinful

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Mashed bananas are combined with gluten-free oats, peanut butter, coconut oil and chocolate chunks, turning into one magical treat you won’t believe is healthy. Plus, there's no baking involved. These are so good they can easily be enjoyed for breakfast, packed in your kid's lunchbox or even with a hot cup of coffee as an afternoon treat.

Not a fan of peanut butter? Try swapping it out for creamy almond butter or cashew butter for a peanut-free version.

No-bake chocolate chunk peanut butter cookies recipe

Adapted from Well Plated

These easy, no-bake, gluten-free cookies are full of bananas, chocolate, peanut butter and oats for a healthy and easy dessert or snack.

Yields 24

Prep time: 10 minutes | Inactive time: 30 minutes | Total time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk or other type of milk
  • 2 tablespoons organic coconut oil (can also use butter or dairy-free butter)
  • 1/4 cup good-quality cocoa powder
  • 1/2 cup all-natural creamy peanut butter or other nut butter
  • 1/2 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 cup raw agave or honey
  • 1 large, ripe banana, mashed
  • 3-1/4 cups gluten-free rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup chopped dark chocolate chunks

Directions:

  1. Line a large baking sheet with waxed paper or parchment paper, and set it aside.
  2. To a medium-size pot, add the almond milk, coconut oil and cocoa powder, and bring to a boil, cooking for about 1 minute while whisking constantly.
  3. Remove the pot from the heat, and stir in the peanut butter, vanilla, sea salt and agave or honey. Mix until very smooth.
  4. Fold in the mashed banana, and continue to mix until there are no lumps and the mixture is very thick.
  5. Finally, stir in the rolled oats and the chocolate chunks.
  6. Drop large spoonfuls onto the baking sheet, and press slightly into the desired shape.
  7. Place the cookies in the refrigerator to firm up for about 30 minutes before serving.
  8. Store leftover cookies for several days in the refrigerator.

More no-bake desserts

3 Low-fat, no-bake desserts
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No-bake red velvet cheesecake

Dolls are starting to look more like real kids and it's amazing

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As the mum of a two-year-old boy my house certainly has a corner crammed full of cars, trucks and superhero costumes. I haven't swayed him, he just naturally gravitated towards those things. But my son has also shown an interest in figurines and dolls. He loves having a plastic person to put in his trike or to play with in the dirt in our backyard.

More: Dad has unexpected reaction to his little boy buying a doll

For his upcoming birthday I wanted to get him a buddy that was a bit closer to who he his. I wanted a boy doll that did the cool things he does, a toy he could relate to as a friend. Turns out the shelves in my department stores haven't been that forthcoming and there are actually many parents out there who want dolls that represent their child's differences and help make them feel included.

Earlier this year 3D-printed toy company, Makies, stepped up to the plate and offered the world's first line of dolls with disabilities including a doll with a facial birthmark, one that wears a cochlear implant (hearing aid) and another with a cane. Their whole collection of dolls is fully customisable, from different colour options in eyes, hair and skin to other additions such as glasses.

Makies: Toys like me

Image credit: Makies

Wonder Crew, who will soon be distributing their dolls "inspired" by the boy culture, are also challenging more stereotypical kids toys. The company is keen to highlight that their dolls are inspired by boys but that they are for anyone to play with.

More: Amazon no longer sees gender when it comes to toys

Much like me, the Wonder Crew Founder and psychotherapist, Laurel Wider, found that there was a clear gap in the doll market. She was frustrated by the messages boys were and more importantly weren't receiving from the "blue aisle".

Wonder crew doll

Image credit: Wonder Crew

The plastic boys come styled in pants and t-shirts and with accessories such as capes or hard hats. The chosen themes were based on research with parents, toy experts and psychologists and there is more in the pipeline such as jumping in the kitchen with your chef doll. This is a company I'm keen to see start shipping to Australia!

At the end of day, we all know that our kids will play with everything from the box the toy came in to toys that aren't in their gender-specific marketed aisle, so there's really is no harm in letting a boy play with a pink toy or a girl play with cars.

What changes would you like to see in the toy market?

More: Poll reveals parents don't want Miley Cyrus influencing their kids

Kelly Osbourne reveals her real reason for leaving Fashion Police

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Osbourne announced she was leaving the show shortly after Rancic made those famous racially charged comments about Zendaya's dreads, and everyone assumed she didn't want to work with the E! host anymore. But in a new interview, Osbourne insists that she would never go back to Fashion Police, with or without Rancic, and her decision had a lot more to do with another costar.

"There's no 'maybe' or 'wait and see'. Regardless of what happened or not, this was my last year," she told Remix magazine.

"People are responsible for their own words so I couldn't give a f*** about that," she continued, referring to Rancic's gaffe.

More: Kelly Osbourne publicly trashes Giuliana Rancic after recent drama on The View

In fact, her reasons for leaving were multiple and the heavy workload was just one.

"I haven't been able to go on family vacations. I worked 52 weeks a year for going on seven years," she said. "Five and a half years at Fashion Police and before that with what I was doing before. So really I knew whatever decision I made now was going to really reflect what I want to do for the rest of my life. So I took a break."

But her biggest reason for leaving is that she just misses the late, great Joan Rivers way too much.

"You try working with someone that you love and then going back into that same studio. I couldn't, I didn't want to. I was ready to go," she said.

More: Giuliana Rancic vs. Kelly Osbourne: A timeline of their Fashion Police feud

"Joan made everything fun. Everything. I mean one time we were on an airplane together and I got on late and I didn't know that we were on the same flight. I woke up and thought I had died because I couldn't see. Joan had duct taped a note to my head telling me that she was on the same flight, seat 3H, so I should turn around and look, that I don't snore in my sleep, and if I needed a ride she'd give me a ride. It was cold in New York so she'd written that if I needed to borrow a fur coat, I could borrow whatever I wanted, even though she knew I didn't like wearing animal fur.

"That was the thing about Joan, she never forgot anyone's name and she was the most generous and kind person. She might have had a vulgar mouth but she was a true lady.

"What people need to remember is that Fashion Police is not Joan Rivers' legacy," she said. "Joan Rivers' legacy is the fact that because of her, her mouth, her jokes, and her comedy, it is okay for girls like me to say whatever the f*** we want. And do you think women like Beyoncé Knowles would be such independent women without women like Joan Rivers? She was groundbreaking, and there will never be another."

Osbourne's voice can currently be heard in the TV series The 7D as Hildy.

Chelsea Handler's bottomless selfie makes us feel uncomfortable (PHOTO)

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So, it is no real shocker that her latest Insta post shows her in next to nothing again. But this time, it wasn't her nipples that were bared; she covered her downtown lady bits with some fruit — an apple, to be precise.

She captioned the awkward snap, "Look at my hair. Something must have happened while I slumbered."

Chelsea Handler apple pic

Chelsea Handler apple pic

More: Chelsea Handler posts her 897th topless pic — this time from Japan (PHOTO)

While the comedienne has a penchant for going topless and we are all for her war with Instagram over their nudity policy, there is so much about this photo that is both awkward and uncomfortable.

There are just so many questions!

What is up with her facial expression? Why does she have an apple in her bathroom? Seriously, what is going on with her hair? What does she do to keep those rock-hard abs? Is that night cream on the counter? *Leans in close and almost puts nose on screen.* What kind is it?

More: Chelsea Handler goes topless for a camel ride in Israel (PHOTO)

I would assume most would consider this photo a tad more risqué than a simple nip pic, but it should more than meet Instagram’s strict guidelines regarding nudity. So, brava to Handler for expertly pulling off another blow to the ridiculous rules and for her epic use of photo props.

Echoing many of her fans, I think we can safely say most of us want to be Chelsea Handler when we grow up.

More: Chelsea Handler outs her ex-boyfriend's horrible behavior (PHOTO)

Serena Williams' butt gets some vulgar attention on Instagram (PHOTO)

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The tennis champ posted the bathroom selfie featuring her gorgeous curves in a tight white dress, and let's just say, Drake is a lucky, lucky man.

Serena Williams butt selfie

Serena Williams butt selfie

More: Serena Williams' New York Magazine interview is empowering and inspiring

If she wanted attention, she certainly got it: People went nuts over her bodacious booty!

Serena Williams butt selfie reactions

Serena Williams butt selfie reactions

More: Serena Williams responds to haters, telling them "You win" on Instagram

If Williams and Drake are indeed dating, we wonder how he feels about the entire Internet drooling over his lady's curves — not that it matters, because they are her curves to share as she wishes.

More: Serena Williams takes girl power to a new level with her version of "7/11" (VIDEO) 

Celebrities who've been shamed for plastic surgery


INTERVIEW: Amber Stevens on how her ethnicity has affected her career

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"It's a show about a conversation. It's a family having conversations," Stevens said about the show that focuses on a family full of very opinionated people, some of whom aren't afraid to voice their viewpoints no matter who they upset.

More: INTERVIEW: Amber Stevens talks 22 Jump Street and Jonah Hill's kissing skills

Stevens said sometimes the show borders the line between appropriate and inappropriate, to hilarious results. "You get some people who say things you're not really supposed to say out loud, but they say it," she said, adding that the series takes an attitude of "anything goes."

The series might look familiar to anyone who was around long enough to have seen another opinionated family on TV. "This show is very much like a throwback to the sitcoms of the '70s, very much like All in the Family," Stevens revealed.

Though it's a comedy, the actress said that the series will touch on heavier subjects. Currently working on an episode titled "Protest," Stevens revealed that it will ring true for many people. "It's all about Black Lives Matter," she said, adding that the episode will revolve around a black youth being shot by a police officer and the protest that results in the family's hometown.

If the message sounds current, that's on purpose. "We're shooting these episodes so close to their air date so we can be as current as we possibly can," Stevens shared.

Delivering a strong message is something that the actress is proud to be a part of, as her own career has been affected by her background. When she first began acting, Stevens did so mostly for fun and didn't realize what it meant to be offered the kinds of roles she was being offered.

More: 8 Ways the Emmys greatly improved its diversity problem this year

"Yes, most of the roles were supporting roles because of my ethnicity, but I didn't care," she shared. "But over time I learned that I could do this and maybe do this as a career."

But even when she was offered her first series, ABC Family's hit series Greek, it was still in a supporting, friend role. Not that Stevens isn't happy where her career ended up; in fact, she's appreciative of where those roles have led her. "I'm grateful I had those opportunities and they were stepping stones to get to people who look like me to become leads of projects.

"I'm grateful that I have a chance right now to be on this show," she said, adding that with all its messages and the diversity of the cast, the show is still just about a family that anyone can relate to, no matter their ethnic background. "To be honest, our show is a black family, but it's kind of a colorless family."

Another aspect of the show that Stevens appreciates is getting to work with an actress like Loretta Devine. "It's really fun to see her work on set and I'm definitely taking notes from her," Stevens said, likening her costar to someone else very special in her life.

"I tell her this everyday: She and my mom are like the same person. They're sisters that have never met, they are so alike. I feel the same way about her that I feel about my own mom. I love her so much and her energy is contagious and her sense of humor is infectious."

Speaking of mothers, Stevens' character, Maxine, feels the pressure from her mom to get married and have children. But that's one message that Stevens isn't necessarily ready to shout to the world and, in fact, is quite happy to see has changed over the years.

"We don't just have to do what nature says, so why not go out there and live your dreams and not have children?" Stevens said. "Or wait until you're ready. You don't have to do it when you're young; you don't have to marry the first person you meet. Go out there and date and find someone you really, really love and respect and want to have a family with," she added.

More: Kathryn Finney is empowering women looking to be leaders

"My character even says: I don't think that's the sole purpose of a woman's life is to get married and have children," Stevens said, revealing she feels the exact same way herself.

Be sure to check out The Carmichael Show when it premieres on Monday, Aug. 26 at 9 p.m. on NBC.

Bethenny Frankel reportedly dating a new man and it's not Eric stonestreet

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More: 5 Reasons Bethenny Frankel's ex, Jason Hoppy, sounds like a nightmare

Even though her divorce isn't quite finalized, the mogul has reportedly started dating someone who seems like her perfect match: CNBC's The Profit's Marcus Lemonis.

According to Us Weekly, the 44-year-old Real Housewives of New York star and the 41-year-old businessman have been at it for some time.

"They met over the summer and have been seeing each other," a source close to the new relationship reportedly told the site. "He’s really smart, successful, and so nice. They really like each other."

A second source reportedly confirmed the dating rumors to Us Weekly, telling the site Frankel and Lemonis have been seeing each other both in and out of NYC, and that they attended Ron Perelman's Apollo in the Hamptons dinner together last week.

More: Eric Stonestreet may not be pleased with Bethenny Frankel's latest comment

And it looks like Frankel predicted this romance-to-be back in July, when she mentioned her soon-to-be beau on Twitter.

"Couldn't sleep. Found @marcuslemonis on @TheProfitCNBC I like him & his way of doing business," she wrote at the time. How cute is that?

These reports come after earlier this month, when Frankel was linked to Modern Family actor Eric Stonestreet, a friend of hers. She laughed off those rumors, but they still persisted, leading some fans to think the two actually were dating despite Frankel's seeming reluctance to admit to it.

Frankel filed for divorce from her husband, Jason Hoppy, back in January of 2013. They still haven't finalized, though, as they've been duking it out in court over their assets, including a $5 million Tribeca loft and Frankel's multi-million dollar business.

More: Bethenny Frankel is making all the right decisions with Eric Stonestreet

Do you think the rumors are true? Are these two actually dating? Head down to the comments to weigh in.

Mom gets married and has a baby all in 1 epic day

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While they were excited they were going to have a baby soon, it did throw a wrench into their plans. They had intended to get married before their baby was born, but it didn't seem like that was going to be able to happen. However, the couple had just picked up their marriage license the day before, which just so happened to be out in their car, and she had a white dress with her that she had been planning to drop off at the dry cleaner's after her appointment. And a new plan was made — get married at the hospital, and then go have your baby.

MoreMom's 'Tootsie Roll' dance during labor goes viral (VIDEO)

Hospital staff whirled into action. They secured a chaplain, their obstetrician gave her flowers that she had on her own desk, and someone let her borrow a string of pearls. The wedding march was played on a cellphone, and staff sang to them as well. And after they were declared man and wife, she was shuttled off to the operating room, where a C-section was performed and their baby girl entered the world.

Couple gets married, has a baby

Couple gets married, has a baby

Getting married before children are born is seen as a long-held tradition, one in which this couple strongly wished to adhere to. It's uplifting to see that even though there was a time crunch, others around this new mom and dad made a wedding happen, and even though it wasn't what they had planned on (and definitely not where they planned on), it's going to be a treasured memory they will look back on for the rest of their lives.

MorePregnancy headaches could signal a much more serious problem

Not everyone gets married before they have children, and while that rate has generally trended upward over the years, it hasn't been a steady climb. For example, in 1999, 32.8 percent of births were to unmarried women, but in 2013 (the most recent year for which complete data is available), this accounted for 40.6 percent of births. However, 2013 was the fifth straight year in which this particular stat shows a decline.

While this couple is adorable and their story lovely, it doesn't mean parents who don't get married before their little one arrives are doing anything wrong either. Although studies show that those who have babies before marriage tend to be less educated than their counterparts who complete college, that isn't true for all who either wait for marriage or decide to not go down that path completely.

Basically... to each their own! If you're facing baby's birth and haven't walked down the aisle yet, well, that's fine. And if you want to throw a last-minute wedding to make sure baby's parents are married, congratulations to you!

MoreCouple announces pregnancy with creative sex tape (VIDEO)

Bones: Could Emily Deschanel be replaced by Betty White?

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On Thursday, TVLine announced that actress and comedian Betty White is joining Bones for an episode in the fall. How exciting is that? I don't know about you, but I sure can't get enough of White. Anyways, as for her guest-starring gig, she'll only appear in one episode. Well, that's a bummer, but it sounds like it'll be worth it. Her character is named Dr. Beth Mayer, and she's the latest squintern at the Jeffersonian.

White's character is described as follows: "An accomplished, sharp as a tack squintern who is brought in to assist in a murder linked to fantasy football — which just happens to be one of her many areas of expertise. With a half-century of work under her belt, Dr. Mayer is considered the world’s most experienced forensic anthropologist, which will lead to some serious competition with Emily Deschanel’s Brennan."

More: Betty White wants a piece of the dentist who killed Cecil the lion

Uh-oh, I sense some upcoming drama. As Bones fans know, Brennan, aka Bones, takes pride in her skills, talent and smarts. Whenever she is presented with someone who might give her a run for her money, well, sometimes she doesn't take to it kindly. If anyone is up for the job, it's definitely White. I mean, she's a legend, which means she could easily replace Deschanel on the series. She's a talent to be reckoned with.

Before you freak out too much, I'm clearly joking, but hey, you never know. White is a beloved actress, so maybe that means she'll appear in more than one episode and become a recurring character. It's the perfect time, especially with TV Land's Hot in Cleveland now canceled.

More: Hot in Cleveland: 7 Things I'll miss about this awesome show

White's episode is slated to air in late October. Bones Season 11 premieres Thursday, Oct. 1 at 8/7c.

Newborn photo shoot takes a majorly messy turn

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You know the bit of conventional wisdom that says newborns don't do much but eat, sleep and poop? Well, Mark and Shayna Resnick of Sarasota, Florida, know that to be true firsthand — and they have photographic proof!

More: Can you handle poop and pee?

The Resnicks enlisted Gigi O'Dea, owner and photographer at Memory Portraits by Gigi, to help create this sweet shot of 10-day-old Asher lying serenely on his father Mark's back:

resnick-baby-on-dads-back-no-poop

Image: Gigi O'Dea/Memory Portraits by Gigi

Before the magic could happen, Asher decided to create a little magic of his own, giving his parents the perfect photo keepsake and inducting his dad into a club every parent is a member of:

resnick-baby-poop

Image: Gigi O'Dea/Memory Portraits by Gigi

We've all been there! Gigi gave SheKnows a little background on the shoot and the Resnicks' sense of humor, saying, "These parents were so much fun to work with. In contrast to a lot of first-time parents, they were very laid-back and go-with-the-flow kind of people. This image was particularly important to them, as they really wanted a special image where they could showcase baby Asher with the dad's wing tattoo on his back. They were very committed to making it happen, obviously at any cost. We had been joking about the possibility from the time they came to be photographed. Knowing that Asher would be naked on Dad, we knew there was a high probability that it could get messy. I guess we never imagined just how messy it could be!"

More: 10 Unique and adorable baby poses

Anyone who has ever been on the receiving end of a little accident like this one knows just what a shock it can be. You can't stress about it, and you have to take it in stride with a little humor and a lot of baby wipes, which Dad Mark was willing to do, and it's a good thing too, because according to Gigi, Asher had even more in store for him. "Asher pooped on Dad not only once, but twice, and then proceeded to pee and spit up on him! I just love it when dads are the target in these mishaps."

Mark shared the image on Facebook, and it's gotten a lot of attention, going viral in a matter of days. Gigi thinks she knows why. "I am very surprised by its popularity and can understand why people are so drawn to the image. Almost any parent can relate, as they have probably had a similar experience at some point with their own babies."

I think we can all agree on that! Gigi, for her part, hopes people will take the time to appreciate the other images that came out of the now-infamous shoot, because Asher is one cute little guy, and the Resnicks are clearly proud, doting parents.

More: Fun ways to share your newborn baby's pictures

"Asher was probably the happiest baby that I have ever photographed. I was able to capture 34 smiling images of him in his newborn session, which is unheard of! Obviously he got the last laugh!"
asher-resnick-smiles

Image: Gigi O'Dea/Memory Portraits by Gigi

He really did! Just look at his mischievous little grin!

For her part, Gigi O'Dea knows a thing or two about babies. She was a NICU nurse for 20 years, and newborn photography is a specialty of hers, so she's "come to expect the unexpected." You can check out more of her photos on her website, Memory Portraits by Gigi, or on her Facebook page.

Kim Zolciak's huge new gig is causing her biggest fans to freak out

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According to E! News, the Bravo and Don't Be Tardy star Kim Zolciak is joining Dancing with the Stars Season 21. Per multiple sources, the former Real Housewives of Atlanta regular will soon be seen putting on her dancing shoes for the upcoming season, and she definitely isn't the first housewife to do so.

Both Real Housewives of Beverly Hills stars Lisa Vanderpump and Lisa Rinna appeared on DWTS at one point. Plus, Zolciak's Housewives bestie NeNe Leakes also competed. None of them won, but that doesn't mean Zolciak won't take home the mirror ball trophy — that is, if she's really joining. The official DWTS list will be announced on Good Morning America on Sept. 2, so until then, let's see how fans are reacting to the news.

More: DWTS nabs Nick Carter and his BSB days will definitely come in handy (GIFs)

As you can see below, her fans are really excited and are hoping the casting news is true.

Kim Z. Fan Reaction #1

Kim Z. Fan Reaction #1

Kim Z. Fan Reaction #2

Kim Z. Fan Reaction #2

Kim Z. Fan Reaction #3

Kim Z. Fan Reaction #3

Kim Z. Fan Reaction #4

Kim Z. Fan Reaction #4

Kim Z. Fan Reaction #5

Kim Z. Fan Reaction #5

Kim Z. Fan Reaction #6

Kim Z. Fan Reaction #6

More: DWTS' controversial move to cast Paula Deen met with disgust

See? Zolciak already has major support!

Dancing with the Stars premieres Monday, Sept. 14 at 8/7c on ABC.

Julianne Hough's huge engagement ring spawns hateful, negative response (PHOTOS)

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But that is no reason to stomp on a newly engaged woman's rounds of showing off the ring — a rite of passage and tradition for the newly engaged — and being a giggly, excited school girl about her impending wedding. Julianne Hough posted a few photos on her blog of her massive rock, and not only is it breathtaking, but it is a wonder she doesn't have to lift some (more) weights to be able to lug it around.

She gushed over the adorable details of the actual event and stated that even though the ring is gorgeous, it's not just about that. She said, "Getting engaged has been about much more than the engagement itself. The rush of love from friends and family, plus the support from all of you has been overwhelming The love being poured into this next step of our relationship is incredible, and I'm so very grateful."

Julianne Hough ring photo 1

And while love for the ring has been there, the love for the Dancing with the Stars star hasn't. Fans and commenters immediately began hating on the bride-to-be.

She's not even picked out a wedding gown yet, and people immediately began asking if she would be giving the ring back when she and fiancé Brooks Laich split.

More: DWTS' Julianne Hough opens up about her body image issues

One person said, "The bigger the diamond, the shorter the marriage in celebrity land."

Julianne Hough ring photo 2

Images: Julianne Hough

Not only did people suddenly become marriage and relationship experts, but they magically became jewelers, too. "It looks like it wasn't set straight. The band looks too think [sic] for the size of the rock," said one commenter.

Another said, "To me looks like a girls [sic] $.25 jewel ring. You know those gigantic ones so little girls won't swallow it."

More: Derek Hough horrified during Julianne Hough's vulgar lip-sync battle (VIDEO)

The rock, which they never state is a diamond (maybe morganite?), was designed by famed designer Lorraine Schwartz, a third-generation jeweler who has adorned the likes of Halle Berry, Jennifer Lopez and Beyoncé. Oh and let's not forget the 15-carat diamond engagement ring Kanye West had her design for Kim Kardashian. So I am sure she would love to hear all the feedback on her design from folks who think they know better.

Can we just be happy for Hough, who is clearly over the moon about her fiancé and her new engagement? Congrats to the happy couple, and here’s to watching her try to top that ring with an even more impressive dress!

More: Julianne Hough's strength-training workout builds mad muscle


The biggest college savings mistakes parents make

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According to Tanya Van Court, founder of saving and spending platform Sow for children and young adults, there is an alarming disconnect between families' college savings and the amount of money today's kids will have to spend on tuition in the future. In fact, Sallie Mae's statistics show 48 percent of American parents don't have any money stocked away, and those who do have a college fund set up are saving less than they did in years past.

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The College Board reports that college tuition in 2015 is between $9,139 and $31,231 per year, depending on if the school is a public, four-year college or a private, four-year college. "In the years 2028-2029, when today's incoming kindergarten class is graduating from high school, the College Board expects tuition costs to be $26,677 for in-state public college, $46,494 for out-of-state public college and $61,143 for private college," Van Court says. These rates are for one single year and do not include room and board.

More: 7 Companies with better tuition reimbursement programs than Starbucks

Even though the average American family does try to squirrel away some money, the normal rate of savings won't do much to put a dent in a $240,000 private college education bill by the time 2028 rolls around. "The average total savings for higher education is $15,346, up from $11,781 in 2013," says Van Court. With pressing bills taking precedence over long time savings, it's hard for parents to keep up with skyrocketing tuition rates.

So, how can a well-intentioned parent begin the process of saving for a child's education?

It all comes down to planning. Planners are more successful savers, says Van Court, so it's important not to wing it entirely. "Parents with a plan have saved 83 percent more in their college savings fund than savers who don't have a plan," she adds.

More: Should kids pay for their college education?

Not sure where to start? Van Court says that even well-intentioned parents often make the following planning mistakes:

1. Not having priorities in line

Here's a shocker: If savings isn't important to you, then you're less likely to make it a priority. And even if you say savings is important to your family, the proof is in the pudding — and whether or not you're willing to pay into savings before paying into other wants or goals. "Parents should pay their savings accounts first," Van Court says. She suggests that parents automatically transfer money from a checking account into a savings account or 529 account every month so that the expense becomes a key family priority.

2. Starting too late

When parents bring home their baby from the hospital, college may be the last thing on their minds. Those early years, however, are the best years to throw money into a college savings account because then the money has more of an opportunity to grow. "Saving $5,000 by the time your child is 5 will yield $12,000 — assuming a 7 percent annual return — by the time the child is 18 and ready to fly the coop," says Van Court. "If you start later, you'll have to save $7,000 by the time your child is 10 to grow to that same $12,000."

3. Misdirecting "extra" funds

Income tax refunds. A Christmas bonus. An extra pay period. Most families occasionally see an influx of money during the course of the year, but Van Court explains that many parents commit this extra money to other goals. "If you are paid every two weeks, there are two months out of the year when you will receive three paychecks instead of two. Pretend that extra money never existed," she says. Instead of using the money for a vacation or new clothes, put it immediately into a vehicle for savings.

4. Missing opportunities

It's easy for parents to get wrapped up in the excitement of birthdays, holidays and even smaller events like a kid's stellar report card. Many parents will invest money in awesome gifts or even a special event without recognizing that these instances are golden opportunities to increase savings. "Parents should use birthdays, holidays, graduations and report cards as opportunities to get kids disciplined around the philosophy of 'saving, sharing and spending' rather than 'spending, spending, spending,'" she says. Parents can use these opportunities to invest in a college savings account on behalf of their kids, or encourage their kids to invest some of their haul in their own future education.

Yes, college savings statistics are disheartening, and sometimes you're not sure the $20 you could put away here and there would make much of a difference when faced with a giant tuition bill. But every bit counts and might even show your child that chipping away at an enormous goal can help to build the future you both desire.

10 Bosses everyone who's ever worked in food service has had

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Being a server is like being a part of the world's most conflicted club. Whether you've done your time in a family-style eatery, pizza delivery joint or white tablecloth establishment that requires the purchase of actual slacks, you know exactly what I mean. Almost every server has uttered the phrase "I hate my life so much," and almost every server can nod in agreement when you bring up the subject of how close the staff gets. You wear your time as a card-carrying member of the no-slip, non-marking, black-soled shoe club like a badge of honor, swapping stories with fellow servers wherever you go.

One thing you've probably bonded over? Your terrible boss, who probably took the form of one of these:

1. The chipper manager who sleeps with the handbook under his pillow

ned-flanders-boss-chipper

Image: Giphy

You know this guy. He is so upbeat that it's impossible to like him, because you know that no one gets that excited about adding a new panini to the menu. Underneath the sugary crust of his cheerful veneer, though, is something a little more sinister. He has a personalized write-up pad and will nail you for every single infraction you commit since he's memorized them all. Got your name tag pinned to the wrong side of your shirt? He sees that. Forgot to stash your nonregulation hoop earrings before you got to work? He sees that too. Switched shifts without filling out the shift-switching form in triplicate to be submitted to corporate three weeks in advance? You're on thin ice, Missy!

More: 15 Undeniable truths every server knows

2. The screamer

screaming-frustrated-boss

Image: Giphy

Is the screamer mad at you? The answer is yes, but don't take it personally, because the screamer is mad at everything. A true fact about the screamer is that she hates fluffy puppies, rainbows and the heart-lifting tinkle of a baby's laugh. She yells — a lot. She yells at the cooks. The bar backs. Sometimes she'll even yell at a guest. Mostly, though? She just yells at you. Her catchphrase is, "If you have time to lean, you have time to clean!"

You must never cry in front of the screamer. It makes her angry, and she'll evolve into her final form: the red-faced shrieker who is THIS CLOSE TO FIRING YOU, DAVE, THIS CLOSE! THERE'S NO CRYING IN BENNIGAN'S!

3. That manager who is "just like you"

steve-buscemi-fellow-kids

Image: Giphy

Oh man, this guy is so cool. He never misses an opportunity to tell you about some "phat" concert he went to or how his neighborhood's annual National Night Out barbecue was "da bomb, yo." He would like to go to a rave with you, and there is an almost 100 percent chance he will ask you to score him "the drugs." He does not know which drug, so someone will probably end up selling him some Midol. Will you make him feel young again? Oh God, please? He feels so dead inside.

4. Touchy-feely dude

bugs-bunny-massage

Image: Giphy

Touchy-feely dude sends servers of both sexes running with his weird, unsolicited back rubs, shoulder punches and strangely painful neck massages. He does these things while you have a plate of sizzlin' hot fajita meat in your hands so you can't do much but cringe.

Touchy-feely dude's malicious little brother is "the creep," who hires "hotties" and stares at women for way too long. Eventually you leave and learn that "the creep" has been a) fired, b) arrested or c) fired, arrested and then hired back, where he is as prolific a letch as ever, just an aging one.

5. The ghost

casper-christina-ricci-ghost

Image: Giphy

Where is this boss? You do not know. You last saw her when she hired you. She is always in her office, door firmly locked. They manage to see all, though, because they still manage to make it rain write-ups by pinning them to the break room bulletin board, and the schedule is always updated. She probably lives in the supply closet.

More: How to tip in the service industry

6. The power-mad corpo wannabe

office-space-boss

Image: Giphy

Assistant manager at Domino's is just a stepping-stone for this guy. He dresses for the job he wants and not the job he has, but always gets mad when he trails his Perry Ellis oxford shirt cuffs in the marinara sauce. He is a self-proclaimed entrepreneur, with a leadership blog he requires all his staff members to follow and a framed copy of every participation award he's ever gotten, including the ones from high school. If anyone is going to make you do a trust fall, it's this guy, and if you refuse, he's going to cut your hours down to practically nothing. Then he'll tell you that maybe when you have to explain to your 5-year-old why she can't be in ballet anymore, you'll have a better grasp of why team-building is so important.

7. The blame-shifter

alicia-silverstone-always-wrong-clueless

Image: Giphy

This manager hates confrontation. When someone raises their voice, she begins to sweat — profusely. She sows discord among the cooks and staff by foisting her mistakes onto them, and heaven help you should a guest want to "speak to a manager." She will come out, trembling, and acquiesce to their every shouted request, agree that you are indeed "the biggest moron ever to walk the hallowed halls of IHOP" and agree to fire you. Later she will sob in dry storage while she asks for your forgiveness.

8. The manager who is way too hands-on

infomercial-eat-cooking

Image: Giphy

Maybe this is a new manager, or maybe this guy just doesn't want to let go of the "fun" of being a server. Either way, he will tromp to the back of the house and either run your food to the wrong people, piss off a cook by mixing up tickets or accidentally refill the wrong soda in the fountain without telling anyone, which means everyone who orders Diet Coke for the next hour but gets root beer will hate you. Your tips will be dismal anytime you have a shift with this guy.

9. The deluded kingpin

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Image: Giphy

This guy. Hooo, buddy, this guy. This manager insists he knows everyone who is anyone in your town: East Jebumblepooty, Wyoming. He wants everyone to believe that he "runs things around here." This mostly just manifests itself in quoting Scarface a lot and comping a lot of meals. Every once in a while, though, this guy will surprise you by being arrested for being the main pipeline of meth to the entire trucker community in East Jebumblepooty.

More: 20 Things restaurant servers want you to know (but their employers may not) 

10. The boss who is actually cool

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Image: Giphy

Once in a blue moon, you will have a manager who is empathetic but has good boundaries, will stick up for you when a guest is being unreasonable and who can go out for a drink without assuming you'll sleep with them. They make fair schedules and can run food without costing you tips. This boss deserves a hug but won't make it weird if they get one.

Woman asked to leave coffee shop for wearing her gym gear

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London-based personal trainer Davina Ward took to her Facebook page to vent after being asked to leave a Costa branch for wearing leggings and a sports bra.

Davina Ward Costa Coffee

Davina Ward Costa Coffee

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The 35-year-old personal trainer was sitting in the Sutton coffee shop with a friend when a member of staff asked her to cover up, reported The Mirror.

Ms Ward had just taken a ninja skills class and had nothing else to wear. She claims she was then asked to leave the premises, and to add insult to injury, the staff initially refused to refund her for the two coffees she had purchased.

I've never been so angry in my life... I'm absolutely fuming," she said. "Why would they let me sit down and then embarrass me by telling me to leave?"

"I spend all my life in my gym kit, that's how I get most of my business," she added. "I feel like I've been thrown out on the basis of being fit and healthy."

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The Costa Coffee version of events is slightly different, but also slightly confusing: the barista who asked Ms Ward to cover up said she didn't ask her to leave the shop. However, the barista also said: "It's health and safety, and common sense. We have plenty of people coming in from the gym, [it wasn't] because it was a bra and because it was a girl. I wouldn't allow anyone to sit in without a top."

Kerry Parkin, Costa's head of communications, said the company was investigating the incident, and apologised to Ms Ward for "any offence caused".

"We'd like to assure customers that our stores are warm and welcoming environments and we will be looking to reassess our training policy with our teams immediately," she said.

More: The Feminists vs Photoshop video left me disappointed — here's why

If Ms Ward had been sitting in Costa in a lacy bra, then I can see why some customers or staff members might have an issue with it. But the only thing a sports bra shows off that a low-cut vest doesn't is the stomach. (And if I had abs like Davina Ward, I'd go everywhere in my sports bra.)

FYI, if you happen to be in Sutton in your sports bra any time soon and fancy a coffee, head to Starbucks. Apparently Ms Ward went there after she was "ejected" from Costa, and received a much warmer welcome.

What do you think: is a sports bra and leggings suitable attire for a coffee shop? Let us know in the comments section below.

A female engineer sounds off on the problems with women in STEM

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This past summer has celebrated one victory for women after another. The NFL recently named the first female coach in the league’s history. Last month, Misty Copeland was named the first African American principal dancer with American Ballet Theater. The United States women's soccer team won the World Cup and received a ticker-tape parade in New York—the first-ever ticker-tape parade in New York for a women's sports team. And Serena Williams made some serious progress in becoming the most dominant American athlete in history.

Despite this progress and outpouring of recognition of women in the predominantly male-dominated sports world, there is still a long way to go to remove the gender bias in other industries — most notably Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, or STEM fields.

More: Company tells women they need to 'think like a man' on Women's Day

While the women outlined above were being recognized and rewarded for their successes, Isis Wenger, a platform engineer for OneLogin, was told she’s "too pretty to be an engineer" by countless critics on the Internet. Earlier this summer, Nobel laureate Tim Hunt recounted his "trouble with girls" while speaking at the World Conference of Science Journalists. A couple of weeks earlier, Shrinivas Kulkarni, an astronomer who teaches astrophysics at the California Institute of Technology characterized scientists as "boys with toys," erasing an entire gender’s scientific accomplishments with a single comment.

These examples, just a few of many carried out by well-educated individuals, is a startling reminder that women sometimes must work twice as hard as men to prove their intelligence, value and right to have a seat at the lab bench.

As a woman scientist, this trend troubles me. I graduated from MIT and was accepted at Cal Tech. I have studied astronomy and have topped international science fairs. I am an engineer at Chevron, and both my mother and grandmother were mechanical engineers. I am also fortunate enough that despite coming to America from China in the second grade, speaking no English, my family instilled in me a belief that I am smart and capable of anything, and that math was my conduit to success.

More: 10 Fierce female athletes who inspire us to be better

They also sparked a competitive bug that pushed me to work twice as hard as any boy that knew more than me. I wouldn't settle for second place, and still don't. And I encourage women and girls to realize their awesomeness and not discount or underestimate their abilities.

I think back to the time when I was a child — when every child believes she or he is capable of flying and being superheroes. For far too many girls, someone or something dampens that spirit, that sense of curiosity, that dreamer. I can't stand by and watch that happen, so I've started a math club at Pinole Middle School in California with support from Chevron and the goal of nurturing a love of math and fostering growth in a safe environment. In a short time, I've grown the program, now composed of 75 percent girls.

Through mentoring and coaching, I can see that I’m inspiring a new generation of mathematicians, technologists, engineers — and it’s life affirming.

I'm an idealist, but also a realist. I am well aware that women make up 47 percent of the total U.S. workforce but only account for 7.2 percent of mechanical engineers; that a pay gap exists in the sciences; that only 47 out of 500+ Nobel Prize winners have been women; and that women in the workplace have to provide more evidence of competence to prove themselves. And I know that deep-seated gender stereotypes and societal norms are challenging to change.

It is true that STEM is largely a boys club, with a large proportion of white men dominating the conversation and laboratories. But rather than throw up our hands, I see this as a major opportunity. Everyone learns differently, teaches differently, solves problems differently and has different ideas to contribute. Imagine if labs were equally populated by men, women and a range of ethnicities that are currently underrepresented. Imagine if the media industry showed more diversity in its portrayal of scientists. Imagine if more women led scientific institutions, held positions of power and served as strong role models to young girls. In these scenarios, the United States would close the STEM gap in no time.

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I am encouraged by the vast shift toward gender inclusion and diversity in other male-dominated industries, as well as the social media firestorms that erupted following the "#ILookLikeAnEngineer," "trouble with girls" and "boys with toys" blunders. But there is more work to be done.

As a society, we must do better for our next generation of girls. Without our support and a shift in attitude, how will they channel their ability, perseverance and self-belief? By discarding female talent and acumen, we are also weakening our nation's scientific competitiveness and innovative spirit. To my colleagues in the scientific community — wake up to the needed changes around you, and to my girls at Pinole and girls everywhere — never give up on your dream.

About the Author: Tongji Li, Oronite Development Program Engineer, Chevron

Tongji Li

Tongji Li is a Development Program Engineer at the Chevron Richmond Technology Center. In this role, she works at Chevron Oronite, a part of the company that develops, manufactures and markets performance-enhancing additives for the lubricating oils and transportation fuels used in cars, trucks, ships and more.

In November 2014, Tongji started the Pinole Middle School Math Club as a way to nurture a love of math among young people and to provide a fun outlet for youth who are gifted in the subject. The math club is open to all students who are interested in furthering their math skills and competing in national math competitions. Since its inception, there has been a 100 percent improvement in individual math scores and a 223 percent improvement in team scores for students participating in the club.

Tongji graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2014 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Caitlyn Jenner drops bombshell news about who she wants to date (VIDEO)

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It is fascinating to watch as she discovers the woman she always was as well as the woman she is becoming and wants to be. An in an exclusive sneak peek of Sunday's episode of I Am Cait, posted by People magazine, we get to see another monumental part of what she wants from her public life as a transgender woman.

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The former Olympian reluctantly and almost sheepishly admits that she would like, very much, to be treated like a "normal woman."

She is speaking with friend and fellow trans woman Jennifer Finney Boylan. Boylan asks her what she means by "normal." Jenner explains, "It would be very attractive to me to have a guy treat me like a woman."

Caitlyn Jenner I AM Cait Clip

Caitlyn Jenner I AM Cait Clip

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This is the first time Jenner has spoken out regarding the gender she's most interested in post-transition. And we know it's one question many people were wondering. We love that Boylan is quick to make sure Jenner knows, though, that she is a normal woman and that the gender of whomever she chooses as a companion does not make her any more or less feminine.

She said, "We look to men to give us self-worth. I think now that you're in the sisterhood, you have gone through such trouble to become a woman. Don't be a stupid one. Be a smart one."

This moment seems so authentic, something that can be a rarity in reality television, and watching Jenner talk these things out as well as get some pretty solid advice — some advice all us ladies should probably take — is truly a touching moment.

More: I Am Cait: Does Caitlyn Jenner have a girlfriend?

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