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The Bachelor's Tenley Molzahn begs suicidal fans to seek help after Lex McAllister's death (PHOTO)

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More: How The Bachelor awards looks over personality

Tenley Molzahn took to social media both to remember McAllister and to send a message to fans.

She first tweeted, "Remembering Lex. She was vibrant! I didn't know her well, but she was beautiful. Prayers to her family."

Lex McAllister 5

Lex McAllister 5

Molzahn then posted a photo on Facebook of an inspirational quote, captioned, "Hey you! You who are hurting... You who feel crushed by life... You who doesn't feel worth it today. I have something to tell you, you are SO WORTH IT! Please believe it," she captioned the pic. "I might not know you, but I know God created your life & your soul for a purpose. Scream it out, you are worth it! // So sad to have learned about another life lost today. Remembering her vibrance & beauty. // If you're struggling in believing your purpose & worth, please talk to someone. We need you here. 1.800.272.TALK."

Lex McAllister 4

Lex McAllister 4

Molzahn joins other The Bachelor and The Bachelorette stars who have offered their condolences via social media, including Chris Soules and Trista Sutter.

Lex McAllister 2

Lex McAllister 2

Lex McAllister 3

Lex McAllister 3

Jake Pavelka, on whose season McAllister was a contestant, also tweeted following the news of her death.

Lex McAllister 1

Lex McAllister 1

"I'm so sad to hear about Alexa," he wrote. "Such a beautiful girl. My heart breaks for her family. Covering them in prayer during this rough time."

Another former contestant, Jesse Csincsak, posted a series of photos of McAllister to Facebook, writing, "It saddens me deeply to hear the news of my #friend Lex McAllister Taking her own life !! You were a beautiful person inside and out !!! You will be missed !! Until we meet again dear R.I.P gone but never forgotten !!!" [sic]

Lex McAllister 6

Lex McAllister 6

News of McAllister's death broke Tuesday, days after she was found unresponsive in her home following a reported overdose of prescription pills. She was listed in stable condition in a hospital, but after days of organ failure, her family decided to pull her life support.

More: The Bachelor's Emily Maynard throws shade at the franchise

If you or someone you know is struggling, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).


Ronda Rousey's comments on feeling worthless are all too relatable

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Rousey had never lost a match before taking on Holly Holm last November, and she was sure that match would be no different. She was a force to be reckoned with, and many people thought there wasn't a woman alive who could take her out — until Holm did it. And not only did she win the match, she beat Rousey so badly she had to go to the hospital and has spent the last three months recovering.

While the public saw her get knocked down physically, they didn't see what happened to her spirit — until she shared her darkest moments with Ellen DeGeneres. "I was literally sitting there and thinking about killing myself, and that exact second I’m like, ‘I’m nothing, what do I do anymore, and no one gives a shit about me anymore without this," she said, wiping away tears.

Suicide? Over one loss? It may seem like an overreaction to some, but I totally get it. Rousey could only see herself as Ronda Rousey Undefeatable MMA Fighter and not Ronda Rousey Human Being with Faults, and that really resonated with me.

More: Ronda Rousey shares how her UFC loss emotionally scarred her

Like Rousey, I've always been an overachiever. I've never got anything less than an A. I've been valedictorian of every one of my graduating classes. I had my bachelor's degree by 18 and my master's by 20. I was a tenure-track professor by 21. I don't say this to brag but simply to explain what happened next: Everything fell apart.

Years of pushing myself so hard resulted in some devastating health problems, along with an emotional pregnancy loss. It all came down like a hammer, and I was so wrecked I couldn't get out of bed for four months. I had to give up my brand-new super-competitive job. I had to give up the idea of having a baby (at least for a while). I had to give up exercise — even walking around the block was too painful. But the worst loss was having to give up my identity as Charlotte the Smart Girl, as apart from that I had no idea who I was.

Would my family still love me if I was just Charlotte? What if I never did anything "big" or "important" — would I still have friends? What if I wasn't always pushing to be the best — would I ever work again? I honestly didn't know. And I, too, thought, I’m nothing, what do I do anymore, and no one gives a shit about me anymore without this.

When my health recovered to the point where I could function again, I decided that instead of jumping back into my crazy life where I'd left off, I was going to try something different. I got a job as a volunteer at a battered-women's shelter near my home. I did the most menial clerical work. I cleaned bathrooms. I organized files. I wrote hundreds of thank-you cards to people who had donated money to the shelter. I rationed out diapers and bus tickets, wiped children's noses, listened to the everyday woes of the women.

It was marvelous. It taught me how bad some other people have it (and how they handle it with so much grace), but even more, it humbled me. I learned I wasn’t as smart as I thought I was (or as smart as everyone else thought I was). Indeed, I was just normal, and that was okay.

I was still me — and me was good enough.

Working at the battered-women's shelter was what I needed, but we all have to find our own center of who we are, and there are as many paths to that as there are people. Rousey, for example, credits her boyfriend Travis Browne, for pulling her out. She told DeGeneres that in the depths of her despair, she looked at him and realized she wanted "to have his beautiful babies."

And no, I don't think she was saying that her only purpose was to birth babies. Rather, I think she just meant she recognized that she has a purpose bigger than herself and that fighting is only one part of a large, complex, beautiful life.

Rousey says she's physically back to fighting form (a form she unapologetically displays on the cover of the new Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, wearing nothing but body paint), but she's also back in the game mentally. And it took leaving the sport she loved, temporarily, to get her to this point.

"I had to be that example, picking myself off the floor for everyone,” she concluded. “Maybe that’s what I’m here for."

In a society that rewards achievement over kindness, generosity, wisdom and even health, defining yourself outside of your successes can be really difficult. But it's so important because, as Rousey showed, even the most successful will fail eventually, and it's what you do with that failure that will define you. As they say, it's the suffering that makes the saint.

Friends cast reunion spoilers: NBC releases the first sneak peek (VIDEO)

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Well, sort of.

On Sunday, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc and Jennifer Aniston will appear on the NBC special Must See TV: An All-Star Tribute to James Burrows. Along with members of the casts of Taxi, Will & Grace, Frasier and Cheers, the actors will celebrate Burrows, the legendary sitcom director who has made the medium what it is today.

So, unlike Fuller House and the Gilmore Girls reboot, don't expect this reunion to tell you whether Monica and Phoebe are still tight. And don't expect a full reunion, because one cast member is notably absent from the above list: Matthew Perry. He is currently performing in a West End production of The End of Longing, and his schedule prevented him from making it to the tribute.

More: Matt LeBlanc opens up about his dark days after Friends

If those disclaimers don't disappoint you too much, you're in luck. Based on the preview clips that NBC has released, there's a lot to enjoy about the special. Watch What Happens: Live host Andy Cohen moderates the discussion between Kudrow, Schwimmer, Cox, LeBlanc and Aniston, and there are some touching, insightful and hilarious moments teased.

Naturally, the overarching theme is the impact Burrows has had on their lives. Kudrow shares a story about how Burrows allowed the Friends cast to use his extra-large dressing room as a casual hangout space for bonding (and poker games), which proved necessary for developing the chemistry for the show. Schwimmer adds his own memories, discussing how Burrows served as a mentor when Schwimmer was learning how to be a director. (In addition to films like Run, Fatboy, Run and Trust, Schwimmer ultimately had the opportunity to direct 10 episodes of Friends in addition to playing Ross Geller.)

More: 10 Things we miss about Friends

But Aniston may be the one who put it best: "We would do anything for Jim Burrows, because he really gave us the opportunity of a lifetime and probably the best 10 years of our acting careers that we will forever remember." Considering all the award love that Aniston received for her performance in Cake last year, speaking of Friends (which ended over a decade ago) with such regard is incredibly high praise.

There are also some great moments that hint at the camaraderie that the actors still share all these years later. In one of the clips, Kudrow talks about her audition process and asks the others if they remember auditioning for Burrows.

"I remember meeting with Jimmy..." Schwimmer starts to respond before Kudrow teases, "That's not auditioning." To which Schwimmer responds with (what appears to be) a hearty, authentic laugh, the sort reserved for those specific people in your life who know how to poke fun at you in the truest but most loving ways.

More: Courteney Cox and Matthew Perry rumored to be dating IRL

Which isn't to say that there's no tension to be found in the reunion. Notably, Schwimmer and Aniston sit on opposite ends of the row — a big shift from the closeness they exuded as Ross and Rachel. Could Schwimmer still feel hurt about being left off the invite list for Aniston's wedding? Here's hoping that this is an issue with the clip editing and that, on the actual reunion special, we'll see some deeper tenderness and warmth between them. We'll just have to tune in Sunday night to find out.

Want to see more of your Friends? Tune into Must See TV: An All-Star Tribute to James Burrows on NBC, this Sunday at 9/8c. In the meantime, check out the preview clips below.

Friends reunion preview clip 1

Friends reunion preview clip 1

Friends reunion preview clip 2

Friends reunion preview clip 2

Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner insider explains why they're still not divorced

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Affleck and Garner announced their separation last June, but neither has filed divorce papers yet, despite serious accusations that he cheated on her with their nanny, Christine Ouzounian. So what's going on?

More: Christine Ouzounian: 6 Things about Ben Affleck's nanny that no one is saying

An insider close to the couple says they are just doing things the way that's right for them.

"They are doing it their own way," a source close to both of them told People. "And that way works for them right now."

And from what another insider said, it sounds like they might be trying to work out any financial settlement and custody issues before filing, to avoid legal complications.

"They're working out the details, but it seems nothing has changed," the source said. "They are moving forward with their plans."

In the meantime, don't look for Garner to be stepping out with a hot rebound anytime soon. It seems she is taking her time in that respect, too, even if her ex is not.

More: Ben Affleck sparks romance rumors with on-set PDA (PHOTOS)

"It's hard to picture her dating before the divorce is finalized," the source said. "She made an effort to start the year fresh, and she is having a good year so far," says the source. "She doesn't find her private life ideal, but she has accepted it."

The former couple seems to be making a valiant attempt at keeping things amicable, at least for the sake of their three kids. "They're not [best] friends, but they share in the joy of their children," an industry source said.

More: Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck's birthday get-together sounds absolutely miserable

Ben Affleck cheating slideshow

Kanye West issues a semi-apology for his controversial Twitter rants

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In the last week alone, West has tweeted that his sister-in-law Kylie Jenner should turn down a very lucrative deal with Puma, raising the ire of his mother-in-law Kris, who brokered the deal in the first place; said he is $53 million in debt and begged Mark Zuckerberg for $1 billion to fund his business ventures; then backtracked on the debt comments and said he has enough money to keep his family in mansions and furs. Before that, he slammed ex Amber Rose and her child during a beef with Wiz Khalifa.

Add this in with his lyrics about making Taylor Swift famous with his notorious MTV VMAs stunt, and West has had himself a very busy news cycle of late.

Kris is said to be furious that West tried to inject himself into Kylie’s business decisions, and even his own wife Kim Kardashian is reportedly fed up with his self-promotion. Thankfully, West seems to be getting the message.

In a new Twitter monologue, West gets about as humble as he is capable of and sort of apologizes for his own “ego.”

Kanye West tweets about ego

Kanye West tweets about ego

More: Kanye West takes aim at white media in latest Twitter rant

West did not go into detail about which rant he was wrong about or get more specific in his semi-apology. However, a friend says this is just par for the course for West’s personality and that it’s just part of his charm.

"Kanye is an extraordinarily creative person and he is a self-professed extraordinarily cocky person, and the behavior that he exhibits publicly is totally consistent with his persona," an insider explained to People. "He's also extremely funny, fun and daring — he's a risk taker and a lot of what he brings to the table in terms of performance, he brings his Twitter into that, he brings his entire life into that.

"He isn't afraid to be himself at all times and he really values that part of himself, even when being honest is uncomfortable, even when it ruffles feathers, provokes, ticks people off," explains the pal. "He often says that he was raised this way by his parents who were both activists and thinkers, educators. They instilled in him this belief that it was necessary to be himself at all costs."

And it’s not like his publicity stunts haven’t served him well. "A lot of what he's been able to accomplish has been by stirring up shit, drawing attention, shining a light on something or getting people interested,” the source pointed out.

If it’s true that all press is good press, then mission accomplished!

10 things to know about Candace Cameron Bure's daughter, Natasha

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Natasha Bure Instagram 1

Natasha Bure Instagram 1

Here are some things to know about Natasha.

More: Candace Cameron Bure: How Fuller House brings the Tanners into the 21st century

1. She's old hat at walking the red carpet

Candace Cameron Bure and Natasha Bure
Image: FayesVision/WENN

Natasha is known to hit red carpet events with her mom, like in the photo above of the two at the 2012 Creative Arts Emmy Awards.

2. She's entering the entertainment industry

Natasha Bure Instagram 2

Natasha Bure Instagram 2

While Candace is a well-known actress and talk show cohost, Natasha is is an aspiring singer. She frequently posts clips of herself singing on Instagram and has a beautiful voice.

3. She has two younger brothers

Candace Cameron Bure and family
Image: FayesVision/WENN

Natasha is older sister to Lev and Maksim. Her dad, Valeri Bure, formerly played 10 seasons in the National Hockey League for the Montreal Canadiens.

More: Candace Cameron Bure begs fans to speak up as she battles "hateful" liberals

3. She has a huge social media following

Natasha Bure Instagram 3

Natasha Bure Instagram 3

With 184,000 Instagram followers, almost 11,000 Twitter followers and 34,596 subscribers on YouTube, Natasha is certainly no slouch when it comes to the Internet. Her fans were super disappointed when she recently announced she would be giving up social media for Lent.

"Sayin [sic] goodbye to social media for a while," Natasha wrote on Instagram. "See ya in 40 days!! Cleanse time! #prayfornatasha."

4. She's a The Fault in Our Stars fangirl

The Fault in Our Stars gif
Image: Giphy

"The fictional character that I want to be my husband is Augustus Waters from Fault in Our Stars," Natasha said in a YouTube Q&A in December.

5. She and her mom could be twins

Natasha Bure YouTube 1

Natasha Bure YouTube 1

In a holiday-themed YouTube video, Candace and Natasha sat next to each other and fully displayed their eerie resemblance. From their voices to their facial expressions and mannerisms, it's obvious that the two are swimming in the same gene pool.

More: Candace Cameron Bure reveals the real reason she walked off The View

6. She's in with the Hallmark Channel

Natasha Bure music video

Natasha Bure music video

Hallmark cut a video featuring Natasha and scenes from Candace's Hallmark Channel movie A Christmas Detour.

7. She's appeared in commercials

Natasha Bure Twitter 1

Natasha Bure Twitter 1

A Twitter fan unearthed these adorable stills of Natasha's Whimzy Pets ad from several years back.

8. She's addicted to Christmas movies

Natasha Bure Instagram 4

Natasha Bure Instagram 4

"My mom and I, we always sit down and we watch a ton of Christmas movies together," Natasha said on YouTube. "One of my favorites is Elf and Home Alone. Like, I cannot go through Christmas season without watching Elf or Home Alone. And The Grinch, but like, towards more the end. At the beginning I just pull out Elf and am like, 'Have to watch it.'"

9. Her golf game is strong

Natasha Bure Instagram 5

Natasha Bure Instagram 5

I couldn't hit it that far. Just sayin'.

10. And so is her Dubsmash game

Natasha Bure Instagram 6

Natasha Bure Instagram 6

Are you a little freaked out at how much Bure is like her mom, or is it just us?

Before you go, check out our slideshow below.

fuller house slideshow

fuller house slideshow

Sniff your way to a love connection with this weird new dating service

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Think of Smell Dating like the lovechild of Tinder, match.com, mail-order brides and Smell-o-Vision. The new dating service that no one asked for works by making potential love matches based on each person's unique body odor.

First you wear a plain T-shirt for three days straight (no deodorant allowed!) to get it good and saturated with your personal scent. After you mail it to the company, they send you "swatches" of shirts containing the B.O. of potential mates. You sniff the swatches and tell them whose Eau de Pits most appeals to you. If that person swiped right, as it were, on your scent as well, then the company hooks you up.

It's actually not as crazy as it may sound. The concept is based on some pretty sound (if weird) scientific research that found women experience a sexual response to certain types of male body odor. Sweat carries pheremones, a substance that signals sexual availability to the opposite sex, and each person's combination of skin bacteria, diet and genetics makes a unique scent signature. While it's a very primal way of identifying a healthy available partner, it's one that seems to work on some level.

More: Women sweat — and it's actually pretty sexy

"The experience of smell is a more powerful or potent way to understand the world," says Smell Dating co-creator Tega Brain in an interview with Mic. She added this "more intuitive, natural" approach is especially important in our digitally flattened world.

According to the Smell Dating website's FAQs, "The Internet has replaced fleshy experience with flat apparitions, avatars and painstakingly curated profile pics. Smell Dating closes digital distance by restoring your molecular intuition. Our members make connections via deeply intuitive cues, perfected in the ancient laboratory of human evolution."

And since there are no pictures or other information to confuse your primal brain with modern distractions, your intuition is freed to make unbiased judgments. At the very least, it will give you the perfect opportunity to say, "Smell you later!" without any trace of irony.

More: Stop sweaty hands from embarrassing you left and right

But what about people who genuinely dislike the smell of sweat? It seems that would be a lot of us, given the popularity of body sprays, deodorants and perfumes. We certainly spend a lot of time and money covering up our natural scent. Brain says doubters should let those inhibitions go and "surrender yourself to a poignant experience of body odor."

But perhaps the best advice — in any dating situation, really — is the company's tagline: "Trust yourself. The nose knows." Okay, maybe just the first part.

Vanderpump Rules' Scheana Shay is the new face of an unexpected product

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More: 8 reasons you should love Vanderpump Rules' Lala Kent

Of course, it's her business how she wants to run her brand. But what makes me skeptical is that people will actually think the product is the reason for Shay's crazy-gorgeous bod.

In fact, Shay herself even took to Instagram to clear up the rumors.

Sheana Shay hydroxycut pic 1

Sheana Shay hydroxycut pic 1

"Hydroxycut keeps me energized and is a great substitute for coffee in the mornings and before workouts!" she explained, adding that diet and exercise led to her initial toning and fat burning.

Sheana Shay hydroxycut pic 3

Sheana Shay hydroxycut pic 3

Sheana Shay hydroxycut pic 4

Sheana Shay hydroxycut pic 4

But that hasn't stopped the brand from promoting Shay's "ab-solutely great" look.

Sheana Shay hydroxycut pic 2

Sheana Shay hydroxycut pic 2

Even her personal trainer Seth Browning got in on the promotion.

Sheana Shay hydroxycut pic 5

Sheana Shay hydroxycut pic 5

"What an incredible journey," Browning wrote. "Seems like just yesterday @scheanamarie came to me wanting to 'lose some weight' and tone up. Today she stands before you as the new spokesmodel for one of the worlds best selling fitness supplements, @hydroxycut I'm so proud of her blood, sweat and tears that led her here. Sky is the Fing limit (sic)!"

More: Vanderpump Rules’ Lisa Vanderpump schools Stassi Schroeder in the best way

Shay's followers, on the other hand, didn't seem too amused by her product placement either.

"Lol of course you're shilling diet pills. Real A-list," one user commented on her Instagram.

Another said, "Whatever makes her happy, of course, but on Vanderpump, when she was talking about her and Shay going to the gym and getting healthier, she said she didn't want to lose any weight..."

Shay isn't the only reality star jumping on the Hydroxycut promotion band wagon. The Bachelor's Sean Lowe is also now supporting the product.

Sean Lowe hydroxycut pic 1

Sean Lowe hydroxycut pic 1

Sean Lowe hydroxycut pic 2

Sean Lowe hydroxycut pic 2

Do you think Hydroxycut really works, or is the company just trying to boost sales with reality TV stars' help?


Sexy excerpt: A steamy read from Beautiful Boss by Christina Lauren

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Read the excerpt from Beautiful Boss:

One drive to Boston down.

One rehearsal, one rehearsal dinner, one raucous night out with the guys down.

A wedding tomorrow, and one wife-to-be sleeping… down the hall.

I had a feeling this arrangement wouldn’t last. Hanna hated sleeping apart on her recent trips for faculty position interviews nearly as much as I did. And the night before our wedding her mother gets us separate rooms, to keep tradition, build suspense?

Forget it.

It wouldn’t last.

I reached behind me, fluffing the pillows, and then stretched out on the giant king-size bed.

My cell phone buzzed on the bedside table and I laughed, saying, “Called it,” to the empty room before answering, “Hanna, my love.”

She skipped the greeting entirely. “I’m nervous.”

I smiled into the phone. “I’m not surprised. You’re promising to obey me and be my sex slave for the remainder of your days. You know I won’t go easy on you.”

She didn’t even spare me a laugh. “Can I come to your room?”

More: An exclusive first read from Wicked Sexy Liar

“Of course,” I said. “I’ve been hoping you would come down —”

No,” she interrupted with force. “No, I can’t. That was a test, Will. You’re supposed to say it’s bad luck.”

“But I’m an atheist,” I reminded her. “I don’t believe in luck. I believe in intent. I believe in discovery. I believe in sex before the wedding. In fact, I believe you are three doors down, completely wigging out, when you could come in here and talk. And then let me put my penis in you. I’ll stare at you the entire time, too, and our marriage will still be the most amazing marriage in the —”

“My boobs look enormous in my wedding dress.”

I groaned, throwing my arm over my face. “Are you trying to kill me?”

“I just wanted to warn you.” Her voice grew slightly slurred and I could immediately imagine her nervously chewing on a fingernail. “I think maybe it’s overboard. I wanted it to be a cute thing between us — your boob obsession, our wedding; I mean, you —”

“Hanna,” I cut in. “I promise to do my best not to motorboat you at the altar.”

“That isn’t what I mean.”

“Plum. Breathe.” I heard her take a long inhale and slowly let it out. “Tell me,” I said quietly. “What did you mean?”

“Just that . . . what if I look . . .”

“Perfect?” I suggested.

She blew out a burst of air and admitted in a rush, “Busty — like a busty whore bride.”

I held back a laugh, because while this was ridiculous to me, I knew it wasn’t to her. “Are we seriously doing this right now? This is your pre-wedding freak-out? That your boobs will look too awesome tomorrow?”

More: The first look at Christina Lauren's Dark Wild Night

Hanna had dealt with the wedding planning with ease, handing over the final details to her mom while she traveled all over for job interviews. She was being recruited by schools in nearly every corner of the country, sometimes going to two different places in a single week. And she’d never once complained about the madness of the past few months. I knew my Hanna was laid-back, but — Jesus — given everything, I had expected… something. A meltdown while we packed, maybe? But no, we got into a playful laundry war and ended up having sex in the hallway. Maybe a nitpicky fight on the drive up to Beantown? But no, she gave me head. Even a tantrum once we reached the hotel? Nope. She grinned and stretched to kiss me before yelling, “Here we go!”

I looked around the empty hotel room, saying, “I feel like I’m getting off easy.”

Her little growl made my mouth curve into a smile, but it straightened when her voice came out reedy and stressed.

“What if my dress is all boob and you’re like the only one who doesn’t think it’s obscene?”

“If you came down the aisle topless I would be completely okay with this. And mine is the only opinion that matters tomorrow.”

“Then why did we invite a hundred and sixty-four other people?”

“Hanna. Shut up, right now. Come to my room to get laid.”

The line clicked dead, and a few seconds later I heard feet shuffling in front of my door, a long pause, and then a quiet knock.

“Close your eyes,” she called from the hallway.

I walked over, closed my eyes tight, and opened the door.

“Keep them closed,” she warned.

I squeezed them tighter, obediently.

Her hands moved to my neck and slid up to my face, fumbling in her nervousness before finally managing to tie something around my eyes. And then she fell quiet. I couldn’t see her, couldn’t feel her.

Reaching out, I found her waist, pulled her to my bare chest. “Tell me what’s really going on.”

“I don’t like not being with you the night before our wedding,” she confessed into my skin. “I need you.”

About the author: Christina Lauren is the combined pen name of longtime writing partners/besties/soulmates and brain-twins Christina Hobbs and Lauren Billings, The New York Times, USA Today, and #1 international bestselling authors of the Beautiful Bastard and Wild Seasons series,Sublime, and The House. You can find them online at christinalaurenbooks.com, Facebook.com/ChristinaLaurenBooks, or at @ChristinaLauren on Twitter.

Amy Schumer applauded for Taylor Swift apology without excuses (PHOTOS)

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The comedian posted a selfie to Instagram that showed her with extremely choppy short hair and a fake beard as her apology to Swift and everyone she may have offended. Her caption read, “That's not a beard this is a beard. So sorry to anyone with a beard this may offend. I am a comic and should never make fun of myself at the expense of anyone else that I wasn't making fun of in the first place.”

Amy Schumer Apology

Amy Schumer Apology

More: Amy Schumer shames 14 female celebrities to make a feminist point (VIDEO)

Yesterday during the Grammys, Schumer posted an Instagram with the caption, “Taylor that’s not a thigh gap. This is a thigh gap.” The comedian intended to poke fun at herself, but got huge backlash online from people calling her out for her body-shaming. And this time, the Internet commenters were right. And Schumer knew it.

Amy Schumer disses Taylor Swift

Amy Schumer disses Taylor Swift

More: How Amy Schumer is redefining celebrity body image

She wasn’t going to be completely serious with her apology, but I think in this instance she found the perfect mix of silly and sincere. She didn’t fall back on the standard comic excuse of “I’m a comedian. Making fun of people is what I do,” which is a total cop out, by the way. And she also didn’t hide behind a lame excuse. She came right out and said making fun of Taylor in order to make fun of herself wasn’t the way she should have said that joke.

And the Internet applauded Schumer for the way she instantly and perfectly handled the situation.

More: Amy Schumer takes on police brutality, body image — in a skit about dogs (VIDEO)

I don’t think it should go unnoticed that this is the second time strong, talented women have gotten in a tiff with Swift (remember the Nicki Minaj Twitter exchange?) and everyone handled it with dignity and support for each other. Maybe there is something to Swift’s #Squad.

Mob Wives overshadowed by Big Ang's death

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More: Let's hope Mob Wives' Big Ang gets well soon

Mob Wives
Image: Vh1

It was pretty early into Wednesday's new episode of Mob Wives when Twitter began to report that after months of dealing with metastatic cancer, Big Ang Raiola had died. At first, it seemed like just an unsubstantiated rumor, but it was soon confirmed by a family member to Entertainment Tonight. Devastated fans immediately took to Twitter to express their shock and sadness.

Mob Wives 1

Mob Wives 1

Mob Wives 2

Mob Wives 2

Mob Wives 3

Mob Wives 3

Mob Wives 4

Mob Wives 4

Mob Wives 5

Mob Wives 5

Mob Wives 6

Mob Wives 6

Mob Wives 7

Mob Wives 7

More: Mob Wives canceled after Season 6

Big Ang's death comes in the final season of Mob Wives and, coincidentally, when she's just been told by her doctor that her cancer is progressing and has begun processing the news with the other women on the show. On Wednesday's episode, she and husband Neil fought about money, as well as his lack of presence at things like doctor's appointments.

Ang has always been the one to encourage this group of women, who really enjoy threatening to physically harm one another, to come to the table with their issues and work them out. This season, she convened a sit-down, at the end of which, it seemed like everyone had dealt with themselves and decided that moving on would be best. Unfortunately, since then, things have gotten more out of control than ever — Marissa and Brittany are fighting, Drita continues to not be invited to events so that people can talk about her behind her back, and there are still plenty of threats and questioning of loyalties, particularly between Drita and Karen, who have been fighting more or less about the same thing since the beginning of the show. It's ironic, of course, because it's this kind of upheaval that Ang has been trying to smooth over and prevent more of, and here it is, flaring up again just when the group should be putting their differences aside to be there for their friend. Even before Wednesday's terrible announcement, it was getting uncomfortable to see people being so relentlessly cruel to each other when Ang was falling apart.

The season has already been recorded in its entirety, except for the reunion, so we'll definitely see how these animosities play out, but it will be hard to stomach them against the sad reality that the person who was looked to as a peacemaker and with such a generous heart has died.

More: Italian group blasts Mob Wives

Are you devastated about Big Ang's death? Will you watch the rest of Mob Wives knowing that she's gone? Tell us in the comments!

Karen
Image: VH1

Maci Bookout shares the surprising way she found out she was pregnant

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More: Celeb bump day: Maci Bookout, Nicky Hilton, Audrina Patridge, Chrissy Teigen

Teen Mom star Bookout just announced that she's expecting her third baby, less than a year after her second was born. And now, in a new interview with Us Weekly, she's revealing the majorly surprising way she learned she had another bun in the oven.

"I was at the doctor, ironically, to get my birth control prescription refilled," Bookout, who now works as a social media consultant, explained. The surprise came only two days after Bookout agreed to marry her longtime boyfriend Taylor McKinney, who proposed on Jan. 19.

Bookout is already mom to 7-year-old Bentley, whose birth was featured on the MTV reality show, as well as 8-month-old daughter Jayde, who she shares with McKinney. The new baby, she revealed, is due May 30, which is only a day after Jayde's first birthday.

"It’s very possible we’ll have two under the age of 1," Bookout said, joking, "They’ll definitely be Irish twins!"

More: Amber Portwood's fiancé Matt Baier addresses child support accusations

Bookout is expecting another little boy this time, and she says big brother Bentley is definitely looking forward to the new addition.

"He’s really excited to have a little brother," she said. "But he thinks it’s hilarious that Jayde’s going to be a big sister because she’s so little!"

Bookout also revealed that this will definitely be her final pregnancy.

"There are going to be some permanent birth control decisions made immediately after the birth," she said. "But it’s definitely a bonus to have it kind of done and out of the way. It’s done and we’re good to go!"

Good thing she's enjoying this pregnancy — she said McKinney has been spoiling her.

"It’s even better when I have pregnancy to use as my defense," she said. "It’s like, ‘I need to sleep in today because I’m building a baby!’ He can’t really say anything to that!"

More: Jenelle Evans' ex-fiancé's legal woes continue as he's forced to leave home

Radicchio: 3 ways to make the leafy vegetable a showstopper

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In Italy, radicchio is much celebrated in the kitchen. The best way to taste its lightly bitter and spicy flavor is by cooking it straight on the grill (or griddle) with just a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a bit of balsamic vinegar. It is extremely healthy plus so easy to do.

Italian chicory comes in different varieties, but they always have the distinctive red and white coloring, so you won't miss it in the market. The small round one — the most ubiquitous variety in the U.S. — is Chioggia. The longer one whose shape is similar to the Belgian endive is the Treviso. This is the variety I used in the frittata and risotto recipes here, while for grilling I used the Tardivo, the variety with the curly leaves. You can interchange the varieties in all three recipes and still get that wonderful radicchio flavor.

Grilled-radicchio-with-balsamic-vinegar-and-pine-nuts
Image: Rowena Dumlao-Giardina/SheKnows

One of the best ways to enjoy radicchio is to grill it and then dress it simply with balsamic vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil.

Grilled radicchio with pine nuts and balsamic vinegar recipe

Serves 4

Prep time: 5 minutes | Cook time: 8 minutes | Total time: 13 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 2 heads long radicchio, sliced in half lengthwise
  • 2 – 3 tablespoons pine nuts
  • 6 tablespoons or more balsamic vinegar
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Directions:

  1. On a hot grill or griddle, place the radicchio side by side. Cook for about 3 – 4 minutes each side.
  2. Transfer the radicchio to a serving plate, then sprinkle on the pine nuts, salt, pepper and parsley.
  3. Drizzle with the balsamic vinegar and extra-virgin olive oil.
  4. Serve while hot.

Next: More radicchio recipes

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Risotto-with-radicchio-walnuts-and-gorgonzola

Image: Rowena Dumlao-Giardina/SheKnows

The radicchio in this risotto gives a distinctive taste aided by Gorgonzola and walnuts. 


Risotto with radicchio, walnuts and Gorgonzola recipe

Serves 4

Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 25 minutes | Total time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 scallion, finely chopped

  • 1-1/2 cups rice for risotto (Vialone Nano, carnaroli, Arborio, Roma)
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 3 – 4 cups hot vegetable broth
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
  • 1 head radicchio
  • 3.5 ounces Gorgonzola
  • Pepper, to taste

Directions:

  1. Slice the radicchio in half lengthwise, and then slice off the white central part. Slice the leaves into small strips, and set aside.
  2. In a medium-large pot with extra-virgin olive oil over medium heat, sauté the scallion quickly for less than a minute, then add the rice. Cook for about 2 minutes.
  3. Pour in the wine, and let it evaporate for about 2 – 3 minutes.
  4. Pour in about 1/3 of the vegetable broth (no exact amount). Let the rice cook on low heat.
  5. Gradually add the vegetable broth when you see that the rice is absorbing it. Mix often with a wooden spoon to avoid the rice sticking to the pot. The risotto should cook from 17 – 19 minutes or until it becomes creamy. Note: Absorption of the broth depends on the kind of rice used. You may or may not use up the 4 cups of broth.
  6. About 2 minutes before turning off the heat, add the walnuts, radicchio, Gorgonzola and pepper, and mix.
  7. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil. Serve while hot.
Mini-frittata-with-radicchio-pancetta-and-brie
Image: Rowena Dumlao-Giardina/SheKnows

If you want that tasty cheesy frittata all for yourself, then this one is a winner.

Individual frittata with radicchio, pancetta and Brie recipe

Serves 4

Prep time: 10 minutes | Bake time: 25 minutes | Total time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 5 ounces pancetta (or bacon), diced
  • 1 small head radicchio
  • 3 ounces Brie, coarsely chopped
  • 6 eggs
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Extra-virgin olive oil

Directions:

  1. Heat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. Prepare individual cocottes or any similar baking dishes by spraying or rubbing them with oil. Set aside.
  3. Slice the radicchio in half lengthwise, remove the white central part, and then slice the leaves into strips.
  4. In a medium saucepan over low-medium heat, cook the pancetta, then add the radicchio, and cook for about half a minute. Set aside.
  5. In a medium-large bowl, whisk the eggs, and add the Parmesan and pepper.
  6. Distribute the pancetta, radicchio and Brie among the cocottes, and then pour in the eggs. Leave some space for the eggs to rise while cooking. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil.
  7. Bake for 20 – 25 minutes.
  8. Serve while hot.

More radicchio recipes

Farro, radicchio and pear salad with lemon-basil vinaigrette
Mediterranean tuna salad in radicchio bowls
Barley salad with Champagne-orange vinaigrette

Henry Cavill gets harshly criticized for his new 'gross' relationship

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Cavill spoke about King in a recent interview with Elle magazine, and had nothing but amazing things to say about her.

"When I met my girlfriend, I was super intimidated. I wanted to impress her," Cavill admitted to Elle, via People magazine. "I was thinking, 'Don’t mess this up, man.'"

Henry Cavill and girlfriend Tara King
Image: Karwai Tang/Getty Images

He also spoke on their age gap in a preemptive attempt to defend the relationship from the Internet backlash that would soon come after the interview was published.

More: Henry Cavill speaking about being fat-shamed sends an important message

"People say age is just a number. It’s actually [a] real and true sign of someone’s maturity," Cavill said. "But in this case, she’s fantastic."

While Cavill's words about King are loving and kind, the response to him going public with his feelings has not reciprocated those sentiments. Reactions range from a simple "ew" and "gross" to much more in-depth analyses of the situation.

"He's a gross, creep & his behaviour & actions are not something to boast about. I will not be seeing any movies he stars in & I will not be taking my nieces & nephews to BvS. I hope Superman is handed over to a more deserving actor," [sic] wrote a People commenter, while others echoed, "I always thought he was so hot. I didn't realize he was such a sleazy deucher [sic]. Bummer," and "disgusting he gets away with it because he is attractive, if it were someone else it would be creepy and pedo, but have a great body and face and people overlook that like they did with Paul Walker."

More: Henry Cavill's rumored new girlfriend is the last celebrity we'd expect

"Gross gross gross, just lost all his appeal for me," said one Just Jared reader.

So, does Cavill deserve this wicked condemnation for dating King? The age gap can't be denied, but he isn't breaking the law, the relationship is consensual and he obviously has great admiration for her. It's totally unfair for anyone who doesn't know either party personally to pass such heinous judgement on them. Whatever happened to live and let live?

"Still don't care about his own life," wrote a fan on Just Jared. "All i [sic] care is about his movies and beautiful face lol." Isn't that the approach we should all take when grading all our favorite entertainers? It seems much more reasonable to judge celebrities based on their work — and sometimes their crushworthiness — than their personal lives.

More: Henry Cavill and Kaley Cuoco break up (already)

And double standards be damned, Cavill says he has been in King's shoes relationship-wise. "When I was 19, I was going out with a 32-year-old," he revealed in his interview with Elle.

What do you think? Is Cavill's relationship with King inappropriate, or should they be able to live their own lives?

There's an Instagram account dedicated to cakes with Drake lyrics on them

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According to her site, Joy the Baker, Joy Wilson is inspired by people and culture, so it's no surprise that she's drawing inspiration from the "greatest ever."

Drake on Cake 2

Drake on Cake 2

The self-taught baker and photographer says, "I grew up in the kitchen in between my father, who makes a mean sweet-potato pie, and my mother, who makes a really weird purple hot-dog casserole… don’t ask. Between my kitchen-loving parents, the clinking cake pans and the flying flour, it became clear that baking is in my blood."

Drake on Cake 1

Drake on Cake 1

More: Tom Ford's Drake lipstick sold out in mere minutes

Drake on Cake 4

Drake on Cake 4

Joy started "Draking" her cakes and sharing them via her Instagram account @drakeoncake a few months ago.

More: Drizzy app: 20 most hilarious Drake lyrics to text your friends

Drake on Cake 3

Drake on Cake 3

Her first post got over 3,500 likes and almost 2,700 comments. She has since shared 23 photos and currently has 63,000 followers.

Drake on Cake 5

Drake on Cake 5

Aside from her Drake passion project and baking professionally, she is also the author of two cookbooks. You can follow her baking exploits on Instagram at @joythebaker.

What lyric would you like to see on one of Joy's "Drake cakes"? Tell us in Comments below.

More: We used Drake's new app to meet boys on Tinder, and it was gold (PHOTOS)


Kirstie Alley debuts new look one month after 65th birthday (PHOTO)

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For her 65th birthday, Alley gave herself a tremendous present: the gift of looking abso-freaking-lutely amazing at 65.

Alley has famously fought the battle of the bulge for years, and her weight has yo-yoed from high to low — she even famously appeared on a 2006 episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show in a bikini. But she kept gaining the weight back, even with the help of Jenny Craig.

More: Kirstie Alley's diet company under fire for huge fraud allegations

However, now Alley looks better than ever, and it all has to do with a change in mindset.

While the photo above is from January, you can see one from Feb. 18 on UsWeekly.com, and she literally looks a solid 20 years younger than she is.

That's thanks to a 50-pound weight loss. So what's different this time? Alley opened up about her change in attitude to the Today show in January 2015, when she was in the middle of her current journey.

More: Scientologist Kirstie Alley betrayed by Dancing with the Stars

"Before, I had more of a view of, 'Get to the goal, have the goal,'" she explained. "I thought, 'OK, what is the goal? What is the time span of the goal?' [This time] I really looked at it as this is my life, and until I'm dead, basically, I am going to keep [doing it]. Instead of like, 'Oh, I lost 50 pounds and now I can do whatever I want.' I don't have that anymore… My goal is to keep this and maintain this throughout my life."

And now she is bringing some former Cheers co-stars into the Jenny Craig fold: John Ratzenberger and George Wendt are now helping her promote the company.

Cheers costars join Kirstie Alley for Jenny Craig

Cheers costars join Kirstie Alley for Jenny Craig

More: Kirstie Alley sued over weight-loss product campaign

Maybe some of Alley's determination will rub off on them.

RHOBH's Brandi Glanville dated a very unexpected A-list comedian

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More: Brandi Glanville's Twitter followers lash out in response to family death

Long before she was a star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Glanville was romantically involved with a surprising star who went on to become an A-list comedian: Ben Stiller.

Stiller is currently promoting Zoolander 2, and on Wednesday's Watch What Happens Live, he dished some details about his unlikely relationship. Though he appeared caught off-guard by the question about dating Glanville, Stiller did say their time together was "short-lived" and that he wouldn't "characterize it as a relationship."

"It was a couple of dates and fun," he continued. "I'm not sure my wife [Christine Taylor] is even aware of that."

While the news confirmed that Stiller and Glanville were once an item, there has been speculation in the past that Stiller was one of the men Glanville described dating in her 2014 book Drinking and Dating.

More: Brandi Glanville has a nasty nickname for Lisa Vanderpump

"I’ve never had a problem getting f***ed," Glanville wrote, before alluding to some of her more famous conquests, all without naming names. The passage that may have been referring to Stiller describes the man as a "height-challenged up-and-coming comedian" whom she dated in the '90s and says would later become a household name.

"He had the kind of face you remember," Glanville wrote. "Sharp features, thick dark hair and a goofy grin."

She said that during one date, "We laughed so hard... that my stomach was hurting and my jaw was sore (it sometimes ends up sore after a date, but not from giggling)."

But when Glanville and this mystery comedian hit the bedroom, things got awkward.

"We had spent the entire evening laughing so much that I couldn’t stop laughing when it was time to get serious," she wrote. "Every time I looked at him, I’d think of something funny he said or remember one of his characters and would burst into hysterics. It didn’t help the mood."

More: Brandi Glanville refuses to move on from her past with Eddie Cibrian

Do you think Glanville was describing Stiller in her book?

Survivor's Darnell Hamilton tells the story behind his crazy poop break

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SheKnows: How does it feel knowing you will be remembered on Survivor for being the guy who got naked to poop in the ocean?

Darnell Hamilton: [Laughs.] Two seasons ago, Dan Foley did the same thing. It's fine. If that's what I'm remembered for, that's fine.

SK: When you got to see the episode, was there any level of embarrassment when they showed you taking your clothes off to go to the bathroom in the water?

DH: [Laughs.] I had to go. A lot of the stuff with Survivor, you don't want to go off on your own. That's like the worst thing you could do on Survivor. We had a designated area to use the bathroom. I told my tribe I was going to use the bathroom. They were like, "Oh! What are you doing?!" It was crazy. It was fun.

More: Survivor's toughest season ever premieres with a nightmare for one contestant

Darnell Hamilton on the Brawn tribe for Survivor: Kaoh Rong
Image: CBS

SK: Since production happened so long ago, you waited 11 months to watch the first episode from the date in which your ouster was filmed. What was it like to see the show knowing you would be the first voted off?

DH: It was tough. You have a lot of people that see you on TV, and they're like, "Oh, I want you to win the million dollars! I'm rooting for you." You can't really show emotion. People are happy for you, but you are torn on the inside by the situation because I didn't even get close. It's tough.

SK: Were you excited to watch the premiere, or was it something you were dreading?

DH: Mixed feelings. I was happy I was on Survivor, but then it was like, Oh yeah, I'm out first.

SK: Were you at all surprised to see a tie between you and Alecia at the first Tribal Council?

DH: I was shocked that it was tied. I felt I built a strong enough case to stay, but when it tied I thought they were trying to flush the Idol to see if any of us had it.

Brawn tribe at first Tribal Council on Survivor: Kaoh Rong
Image: CBS

SK: It looked like you were somewhat confident in your safety in the game because you didn't bring any of your personal belongings with you to Tribal Council.

DH: [Laughs.] No, I brought 'em, you just didn't see them. I was so devastated that I just left them [behind at Tribal Council].

SK: Had you known you were going to be the first person eliminated, would you have even wanted to compete?

DH: Yeah. It was a great opportunity. Somebody has to go first. I think a lot of people sign up for the show that's always fearful of going home first. It's still a great experience. It's still a great adventure. That fear shouldn't stop anybody from coming out there trying to compete and trying to win.

More: What we know about Survivor: Kaoh Rong so far

Brawn tribe ready to compete in first Immunity challenge on Survivor: Kaoh Rong
Image: CBS

SK: When you were voted out, did you blame anybody in particular for your demise?

DH: No, I took ownership. I don't believe in blaming nobody. If something goes wrong, I take ownership and say it's my fault. I don't believe in putting my mistakes on other people.

SK: Was Scot the driving force behind your elimination, or was there more to it that we didn't get to see?

DH: If anything, it was more Jason. Scot had a hand in it. He was really upset with me about losing the goggles at the challenge. He was hot about that. He didn't want to talk to me, and he didn't even want to look at me after that. I already knew he was gonna write my name down. Jason wanted to take the opportunity to take me out.

Kyle Jason and Darnell Hamilton work at Brawn camp on Survivor: Kaoh Rong
Image: CBS

SK: You're referring to Kyle as Jason. Why reference him by his last name?

DH: I don't know what he calls himself. Sarge, Kyle, Jason. Whatever. I called him Jason. That's how he introduced himself on day one: "My name is Jason."

More: Meet the 18 contestants of Survivor: Kaoh Rong

SK: There was a nasty moment when a bug crawled deep into Jennifer's ear. A lot of viewers were asking on social media why the medical team didn't show up to help remove it. Did Jennifer ever ask for medical assistance?

DH: I really don't know. I just know that she was laying there in pain. I really don't know as far as what Jennifer did.

Brawn tribe poses for group photo on Survivor: Kaoh Rong
Image: CBS

SK: Who did you see yourself aligning with and going with deep into the game?

DH: I really just wanted to find a solid three. You don't know these people. You don't know their stories. I had clicked with Jen, Cydney and Alecia.

SK: How did you end up getting picked for Survivor?

DH: I applied right after the first "Brains vs. Brawn vs. Beauty" [Season 28]. I've been a longtime fan.

Darnell Hamilton cast photo for Survivor: Kaoh Rong
Image: CBS

Were you surprised Darnell was the first person voted off? Do you think the tribe made the right choice in targeting him so early in the game? Would you be embarrassed to have your bathroom break splashed across national TV? Join the conversation, and leave a comment below.

5 things Lydia McLaughlin's been up to since RHOC

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More: Gretchen Rossi on the real reason she left Real Housewives of Orange County

Bravo
Image: Bravo

You might remember Lydia McLaughlin as the member of the RHOC Season 8 cast who was slightly wackier than the rest. Lydia, then a mother of two, was a friend of former RHOC castmate Alexis Bellino. She's heading back to the show next season, and her return might be a nice change after the absolute insanity of Season 10, but she hasn't exactly been on the couch watching Netflix since the cameras stopped shooting. (There's probably been a little Netflix, though, I hope.) Here's what she's been doing.

1. Birthing

When we last left Lydia, she had two boys, Stirling and Maverick, with her husband, Doug, and the couple was contemplating expanding their family. In November, the McLaughlins welcomed their third child, a boy named Roman.

More: 11 most dramatic Real Housewives of Orange County fights ever (VIDEO)

2. Expanding her empire

Lydia works as the managing editor of Beverly Hills Lifestyle magazine, in addition to having her own jewelry line and publishing a book. She's also launched a lifestyle blog (I believe this is what's known as creating a brand), OC Lydia, where she posts about fashion, travel and family. And yes, you can go there to buy her jewelry.

3. Dressing up her kids

Lydia's Instagram is full of pictures of her ridiculously photogenic brood, and that includes her three boys wearing outfits featuring a Nirvana T-shirt and feathered headpiece, light sabers and a turkey suit.

Lydia

Lydia

It's not just Lydia's kids who get costumed, though. If you keep going through her Instagram, you'll find a priceless picture of Doug dressed as a shark.

4. Traveling

Since the end of her stint on RHOC, Lydia and her family have been jet-setting — fabulously, of course. They've been to San Diego, San Francisco, Napa Valley, Hawaii, Mexico and Italy. Lydia's documented her travels on her blog, along with some really beautiful photos of food, her kids and Doug (not in his shark costume).

5. Finding bargains and not being afraid to tell you about them

The RHOC ladies are not known for their frugal shopping habits, but Lydia apparently is, and she's not afraid to share her finds on OC Lydia. Has any Housewife ever worn a $20 skirt? Do they even own a $20 skirt? And if they did, would they tell you? It's kind of great that Lydia's not above admitting she shops at Forever 21 and the Gap, although she probably spends more there than you do.

More: Despite the odds, one Real Housewives star's marriage is still going strong

Are you excited about Lydia's return to RHOC? Tell us in Comments!

Before you go, check out our slideshow below!

Real Housewives slideshow
Image: Bravo

Talking about my weight hurt my sons more than I realized

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I was never a very good "girl" myself. While I love being a girl — the dresses and makeup and hair and shoes — I was never very good at all those things. I’m still not.

Or at least, I don’t think I am. You see, I have this huge problem with self-esteem. Specifically, mine sucks.

I’m not sure how or why it happened, but somewhere along the line I went from a happy, confident grade-schooler to a moody, unconfident teen. Now, at age 45, even though I have moments of clarity and self-assurance, I still doubt myself more than I should.

I tend to think it's OK that I still struggle with self-esteem, because after all, who is watching me? I don’t have daughters I need to fake confidence for. I don’t have any little women in the house for whom I need to be a role model.

More: I'm married to a Marine, so why do I feel like a single mom?

Boys don’t notice that stuff, do they?

Well, it turns out they actually do.

They notice what I’m saying and what I’m eating and how much I’m exercising, and they are thinking about it in terms of themselves.

At the start of the Catholic season of Lent, we were discussing what we were going to give up for the 40 days before Easter.

I talked about giving up chips and desserts in a dual effort to sacrifice something I love and to get in shape. My 10-year-old, who is naturally tall as well as a little overweight, said, “I’m giving up desserts. I need to get in shape too.”

I didn’t think much about it. Although he is active in basketball, baseball, bike riding, sledding and other things boys love to do, he also loves to eat. A few less desserts wouldn’t hurt him.

A day later, his brothers and I were lying on my king-size bed, reading books, when he said to me, “Mom, are you pregnant again?”

I looked at my belly spilling over to the side and laughed. “Nope, I’m just fat.”

Then my sweet son looked at his own stomach and said, “Yeah, I’m fat too.”

And my heart broke into a dozen pieces.

More: 50 classic TV shows to stream with your kids right now

I know he gets teased by other kids. He would never tell me, but when I picked him up from a sports-themed birthday party once, the host told me some kids were calling him fat.

His dad and I hound him about his eating and exercise as well.

If he were a girl, we would never talk about weight and food. The fear of creating an eating disorder would always be on our minds.

But the fact is that boys can develop eating disorders too. It is estimated that approximately 1 to 2 percent of 14-year-old males will suffer from an eating disorder such as anorexia, bulimia or binge-eating disorder. The percentages rise as young men age. In fact, 1 million U.S. men (versus 2 million women) will suffer from an eating disorder sometime in their lives.

I know some of these men — athletes who are trying to make a weight class, shave time off their mile or who are taking performance-enhancing drugs that interfere with their metabolism.

As moms, we need to be aware of our sons’ body image as well. In my case, I am the parent who is with my sons the most. I buy the food, I cook the meals, and I decide what we do on days off from school.

It is my voice they hear the most, my choices they are watching and my decisions they use to make their own.

It hurts my heart to think my own insecurities might be creating self-doubt in my son and giving him poor self-esteem, but I know there is something I can do about it that will benefit us both. We can make healthy choices at the grocery store. We can fix a well-balanced lunch for ourselves. We can walk the dog together. And we can praise each other’s successes.

More: What happens when a modern mom parents like it's the '70s for a whole week

Just because I am a mom of boys doesn't mean I can be careless about self-image. I need to be a healthy role model for my sons too.

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