Lionel Richie and Darius Rucker

The Commodores' front man and the dude from Hootie and the Blowfish are up for a country music award . No, there's no punch line. All we can say about that is... Mother Rucker. Lionel Richie and Darius Rucker have put a country spin on "Stuck on You." It's an interesting idea, but I think we liked it better when it was called "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton. What's next — Snoop Dogg and Willie Nelson?

Yep. Snoop Dogg

Before we leave the CMA Musical Event of the Year category, which looks more like a story from The Onion, we've got the aforementioned Snoop Dogg and Willie Nelson collaboration. So what could these two from completely different sides of the musical spectrum have in common? It's their desire to be rolled up and smoked when they die. Does that make sense now? Didn't think so. Still, who doesn't love Willie Nelson, and who doesn't love Snoop Dogg, so why wouldn't we love them together? Who would have imagined? Take a listen.

Taylor Swift

So is she country, or isn't she? Perhaps, like the Marie Osmond of yesteryear, she's a little bit country and a little bit rock and roll. One minute, Swift is strumming a banjo in her "Mean" video, and the next, she is stadium rocking through "We Are Never, Ever Getting Back Together." This genre-busting, love-done-me-wrong princess of country music and pop is nominated for Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year and Musical Event of the Year. That's one busy year for Ms. Swift.

Kelly Clarkson

So where were we when Kelly Clarkson started cranking out country music? We're guessing the female vocalists of country music would prefer that Kelly pack her pipes and head back to pop. Kelly tested the country waters with "Mr. Know It All" and has been covering country classics by Trisha Yearwood, The Dixie Chicks, Tammy Wynette and Lee Ann Womack — all at the request of her fans. While on tour, Kelly lets a member of the audience pick a tune, and her fans are increasingly picking country songs. So can Clarkson snatch Female Vocalist of the Year away from country powerhouses like Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride and fellow American Idol alum Carrie Underwood? Hmmm. The CMAs just got a lot more interesting.

Image courtesy WENN.com

Taylor Swift joined Katie Couric Friday night to make a big announcement about... something. And many had suspected the news might be a reveal about who "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" might be about. But fans hoping she would talk about her private life were once again disappointed.

However, the actual news turned out to be much better than that little tidbit of information might have been. Swift announced a tour supporting her album Red, which came out on Monday.

"So I have some big news. My new album is finally out. I am beyond excited to tell you I am going back out on tour next year," she told Couric on 20/20.

Going with her on this tour will be Ed Sheeran, a British musician who collaborated with her on the song "Everything Has Changed," from Red.

"As of now, there are 58 shows slated for 45 cities in 29 states, with 9 shows taking place at stadiums," according to TasteofCountry.com. "The trek kicks off on March 13, which Swift reminded us is her lucky number. She will be on the road through Sept. of 2013, and some of the tickets for the trek will be on sale as of Nov. 16."

The tour kicks off in Omaha, Nebraska, and winds its way through the South, Northeast and West, before finally coming back to Nashville for its finale.

Swift also talked about her career and her life at the moment. Swift said she never "googles" herself, because she doesn't need to know what people are saying about her at the moment. But when Couric asked her where she would be in 10 years, she became speechless.

"I just don't want to do this after people get tired of me. I want to know where that line is," she finally answered. "And if I overstay my welcome, then I'll just go write songs for other people."

Photo courtesy WENN.com

Tina Fey has always been outspoken and funny. This week the 30 Rock star had the chance to show off those traits at the Center for Reproductive Rights' Inaugural Gala.

During her speech, she talked about how difficult it is to have a serious conversation about a woman's rights over her reproductive organs. In her signature sarcastically funny style, she attacked Rep. Todd Akin's comments about rape and pregnancy from earlier in the year. Her annoyance and exasperation over the issue came through in her speech.

Akin believes that when a woman is raped, she is stressed out and her reproductive system shuts down, preventing her from getting pregnant. His comments suggest that a woman who claims she's pregnant due to a rape actually had sex willingly. It's a tactic used by those opposed to abortion even in cases of rape or incest.

The Gala was an effort made by the Center for Reproductive Rights to support their Bill of Reproductive Rights. The bill demands that women be allowed to make their own decisions regarding their reproduction system. It says that safe, affordable and readily available reproductive health care are a basic human right and should not be denied to anyone. The bill is available for the general public to sign at DrawTheLine.org and iPads with the website loaded were passed around throughout the night so that guests of the gala could sign.

The Center for Reproductive Rights was founded in 1992. It is the only global advocacy group that is dedicated to defending and advancing reproductive rights. The organization works within the U.S. Constitution and global human rights laws to continue pushing for the legal protection of reproductive rights across the globe.

Images courtesy of WENN

More about Tina Fey

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refrigerator roundup

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The refrigerator is the most common kitchen appliance — used to store our beverages, healthy snacks and tonight's dinner. See what we ranked as the best of 2012 and why. But be warned, this may make you want to trade in yours!

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It looks like the May-September romance of Jennifer Lopez and Casper Smart is here to stay. The couple publicly honored their one-year anniversary on Twitter, on Thursday.

Lopez tweeted, "BEAUcasperSMART BEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Today is OUR's!! Thank you for sharing your beautiful smile with me everyday!"

Her man replied with "Happy 1 yr. anniversary to the most Gorgeous, Kind, Sweet, Funny, Beautiful Lil Bear in the world... Love Bear #October25"

Any rumors that the dancing duo were on the rocks appear to be completely false, as the two are proving that their age difference doesn't matter at all. Lopez and Smart first confirmed their dating status last fall, after they met through work while he was working as her backup dancer. He now holds the title of chief choreographer on her joint tour with Enrique Iglesias.

Many people in her entourage have doubted their relationship, since JLo is 43 years old and Smart is only 25 years old, but it seems to work.

Initially, Lopez's manager, Benny Medina, told Vogue, "The thing that I always sort of wished is that she would give herself time to just naturally meet someone, instead of having obsessive guys pursue her... The ease with which that obsession becomes a relationship I think sometimes works against her ability to have a real, meaningful relationship."

The relationship also came on the heels of her separation from singer Marc Anthony, to whom she was married for seven years. Within four months of the separation announcement, Smart was seen with the "Jenny from the Block" singer and playing with the twins, Emme and Max, from her marriage to Anthony.

Lopez and Smart have admitted that their romance didn't happen overnight.

Smart told Amy Robach in a Good Morning America interview, "I don't think it was [love at first sight] for either of us. It was just very natural how it happened. There was nothing before, no flirting, nothing."

The big question now is, will the two marry, since Lopez has walked down the aisle three times already?

In the same GMA interview, the former American Idol judge revealed, "Yes, for me the biggest dream is the fairy tale. I will never give up on that dream. It can be difficult for anybody who has to stand by my side, but at the end of the day, I know that I deserve that."

Now let's see if Casper Smart is the one for the Hollywood diva.

Image courtesy of Will Alexander/WENN.com

Lena Dunham has never exactly been shy about talking about her sexuality. So when she came out with a new ad in which she started off by talking about what seemed to be that very subject, not much seemed out of place.

"The first time shouldn't be with just anybody. You want to do it with a great guy," she said. "Someone who really cares about and understands women."

She continued by saying that your first time should be with "a guy who cares whether you get health insurance, and specifically whether you get birth control," among other things.

But as the ad went on, it became clear that Dunham was not talking about sex, but instead about politics. And the 26-year-old actress/writer/director knew who her target audience was.

"Although much of her work unabashedly features Dunham having sex, being rejected by boys, obsessing about her body image, and abusing her parents' generosity," said the LA Times, "Dunham's tongue-in-cheek outspokenness has empowered many girls to doggedly embrace their own work-in-progress womanhood, however incomplete or poorly-expressed."

Over one million people watched the ad on YouTube in just two days, and Dunham felt she got her point across.

"My first time voting was amazing," she continued. "It was this line in the sand. Before, I was a girl; now, I was a woman. I went to the polling station, I pulled back the curtain, I voted for Barack Obama."

Some critics have been criticizing the ad, saying it was too explicit for the voting audience, but Dunham tweeted afterward about how important it was to her.

"The video may be light," she said, "but the message is serious: vote for women's rights."

And on Friday, she apparently went one step further in showing how little she cares about her critics.

"It tickles me to no end that while my twitter feed was blowing up with conservative hate," she tweeted, "I was literally hanging out in a pile of bisexuals."

Photo courtesy FayesVision/WENN.com

New allegations are emerging in the Joe and Tina Simpson divorce case, after Radar Online posted details about a supposed young, male lover of Jessica Simpson's dad. Bryce Chandler Hill, a 21-year-old male model, is claiming that for the last year, he has been having an affair with the 54-year-old manager.

The article elaborates that the two were introduced by TJ Espinoza, a mutual friend of Jessica and Ashlee. Espinoza is a backup dancer who has worked with pop superstar Britney Spears in the past.

These recent details add fuel to the National Enquirer story that outed Joe and revealed that his attraction to men is what ended his 35-year marriage to his wife, Tina. Family and friends have been reporting that his daughters are floored by the news — that is, if the news is true.

The only word from Joe regarding his divorce and the gay rumors has been the one-sentence statement, "It is an amicable split, and there is no third party involved. Any other related allegations are completely false."

Hill has also taken to his Twitter account to dispute the reports of an affair with Simpson. Yesterday, he tweeted, "Yes, I've read the story... it's simply NOT TRUE." He received support from followers and told one fan, "It's crazy to have to deal w/a complete fabrication."

Even if Hill and Simpson aren't having an affair, it is unclear where the National Enquirer got its original information. The tabloid has been known to be wrong in the past. What is clear is that Simpson is ready to move on, with a new look. TMZ posted exclusive pictures of a fit and very blonde Simpson, with a Justin Bieber haircut and sporting a yellow sweater and yellow sneakers. Maybe he just needs a fashion intervention?

Image courtesy of Joseph Marzullo/Wenn.com

If life really does imitate art, Kristen Stewart should be the poster child. With the final Twilight film coming out in less than a month, the series' storyline is reminding fans exactly what has happened in the actress's life over the past few months. Over the summer, she was caught cheating on her Twilight co-star and boyfriend, Robert Pattinson, with her Snow White and the Huntsman director, Rupert Sanders.

But the show must go on, and Stewart is out promoting The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2. Wednesday, the actress was in Tokyo and started talking about the love affair between her character and Edward and Jacob, but it seemed like she could also be talking about her own life.

"As a woman, I think it's really important not to discredit feelings," she said of Bella's feelings toward both men in the films, according to Us Weekly. "There weren't too many difficulties with the whole love triangle thing. I mean, she needs Jacob in her life."

Even though Stewart was talking about her character and the film's plot, she could almost have been explaining her real life. If she really feels that you should act on your feelings toward two men, then she may not think what she was doing with Sanders was wrong.

She continued the thought and made it sound like the only thing wrong with what she did was how she handled society's reaction to her behavior.

"If you can get past conventions and what everyone else is thinking, then you can have what you want," Stewart said, according to Us Weekly. "[Bella, Edward and Jacob] get to a point where they get to have everything, and that's nice."

It is possible she was just really talking about the movie and its characters, but her thoughts might be a little too close to what is happening in her real life for us to believe that. But it's also possible people will be racing to see the film to get a taste of what is going on in Stewart's real-life love triangle. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2 will be in theaters Nov. 16.

Photo courtesy WENN.com

Russell Brand shocked everyone when he filed for divorce from wife Katy Perry in December. The divorce was finalized in July, and he has been seen out with a couple of different women since then. He sat down with Jay Leno on Thursday to talk about the single life.

"Well, mostly I've been devoting myself to single life so I can finally win that shagging Olympic medal," Brand said. "I'm putting in the training."

That training may include his short-term girlfriend Isabella Brewster, Jordana Brewster's sister, whom he was linked to for a few months over the summer. After performing at the London Olympic Games' closing ceremony, he was rumored to be dating Spice Girl Geri Halliwell also.

Brand was said to have ended the marriage over Perry's partying and unwillingness to have children. But when Leno asked him if he would like to get married again, Brand made it sound like it's not something that will be happening anytime soon.

"Yeah, definitely, because I really, really love people," he joked, according to The Huffington Post. "But what I think might be nicer would be more of one of those situations — Ah, now that Mitt Romney, he's a Mormon, isn't he? Where you can have several wives."

Katy Perry may be better off without him. She was also not ready to be tied down, although she is now dating another serial dater, John Mayer. The couple have been on and off for months, but recently, they have been seen together more and more. Mayer has been linked to numerous other celebrities, including Taylor Swift, who may have even written a song about her relationship with him.

If Perry can handle Russell Brand, though, she may just be the perfect match for someone like John Mayer. As for Brand's claim about his new hobby, he is probably succeeding — unless the fact that he has only been linked to the two celebrities since his divorce means he's not Olympic grade after all.

Photo courtesy Daniel Tanner/ WENN.com

1990s Blaque R&B singer Natina Reed died late Friday night outside of Atlanta. A car struck the singer while she was crossing the street on the Lawrenceville Highway. She was brought to Gwinnett Medical Center, where she died of her injuries.

According to the Gwinnett Police Department, "The driver of the vehicle contacted 911 to request assistance. Natina Reed was pronounced dead at Gwinnett Medical Center at 10:59 p.m. EST. Preliminary information indicates that Reed was in the roadway on Lawrenceville Highway near Hamilton Road when struck."

The police will continue their investigation, but the driver "was determined to be not at fault, and there are no charges pending."

Reed was 32 years old, and she leaves behind her 10-year-old son, Tren Brown, from her relationship with rapper Kurupt.

The singer was also known for her appearance as "Jenelope" in the popular 2000 cheerleading film, Bring It On. She got her start in the industry as a protege of TLC's Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes. Ironically, Lopes also died in a car accident, back in 2002 in Honduras.

Brandi Williams and Sharmari Fears-DeVoe, two of Reed's former group mates in Blaque, released a statement about their loss.

"We are devastated by the loss of our group member, sister and friend Natina Reed. Because of the enormous support of Blaque fans and our love for each another [sic], Blaque officially reunited this fall, and we were in the process of working on a new album and a reality show. Natina continuously embodied the pioneering spirit of Blaque, and her undeniable creativity touched the hearts of fans everywhere."

Sadly, Sunday would have been Reed's 33rd birthday.

Image courtesy of Universal Studios

It's hard to believe Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel have been married for over a week now, but they have yet to be done with their wedding. The couple is still celebrating their nuptials after a wedding on the Italian coast last Friday in front of 100 of their family and friends. And Biel has decided to make the marriage official by doing something that isn't always done in Hollywood.

"Yes, I'm changing my name," Biel told People. "My professional name will still be the same, but for life, yes, I think it sounds great. I think I really won the jackpot of names."

The wedding was a long time coming, and Timberlake won his bride over by serenading her as she walked down the aisle.

"It was an original piece I wrote specifically for the evening and for her," Timberlake told People.

And the wedding itself was a great evening for both Timberlake and Biel.

"It was magical. It was an unforgettable evening," said the groom.

But for the couple, the wedding is only the beginning of a long life together, and they seem to understand how important building a marriage is, even this early. They both seem to understand the wedding is just a small part of their lives together.

"It's great to be married," the couple told People. "The ceremony was beautiful, and it was so special to be surrounded by our family and friends."

Biel's decision to change her last name is the beginning of showing that commitment, but the way the couple act together shows how they feel about each other.

"It's hard to find that one person in the world," says Biel. "Once you find that person, go for it. That kind of commitment is very special."

While "Jessica Timberlake" won’t be on any marquees anytime soon, the legal name change is enough to show how committed she is to her new husband.

Photo courtesy WENN.com

Fuss-free French fare

French food doesn't have to be fussy. Take these croque monsieur sandwiches, for example. They're a casual French favorite and are anything but difficult to make. Your family will love the cheesy goodness with warm ham, and you'll love the simplicity of getting together a terrific Sunday dinner.

Serve up blue cheese BLT wraps for Sunday dinner >>

Your kids might get a kick out of the English translation of croque monsieur — it means "crunchy mister," and if you add a fried egg to the top of the sandwich, it becomes a croque madame — or "crunchy madam."

Speak up

Perhaps you've considered teaching your child a second language. Studies show that there are benefits to children who speak more than one language. Read more about how you can arm your child with a second language.

Croque monsieur sandwiches

Yields 2 sandwiches

Ingredients:

• 1-1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1-1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3-4 ounces shredded Gruyere cheese , plus an additional 1/4 cup
• 3-4 ounces sliced ham
• Rustic bread, like an Italian-style crusty bread, cut into 4 slices
• 1-2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. When the oven is hot, lightly toast the bread on a baking sheet, flipping once. Remove and set aside.
2. Using a small saute pan, melt the butter over low heat, then add the flour. Stir constantly for about two minutes.
3. Slowly add the milk to the mixture, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens. When the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and add the salt, pepper, nutmeg and three to four ounces of shredded Gruyere cheese. Mix until the cheese has melted and set it aside. The sauce will be thick.
4. Spread two slices of the bread with the Dijon mustard, then add a slice of ham and sprinkle evenly with the remaining shredded cheese.
5. Top with the remaining slices of bread, then dollop the tops with the melted Gruyere mixture, spreading it evenly across the entire top.
6. Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and under your oven's broiler, just until the cheese topping is lightly browned and bubbly.

Your family will love this French favorite!

More Sunday Dinner recipes

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Thai beef stir-fry
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Emulate the costume that Jane Pizem crafted for her baby, Rowen.

"I picked it because it was really easy to do and we had everything we needed," Jane said. "To make the wrist bands, I just cut off the tops of socks." Jane added a onesie, a baby hat and some leggings for this cute fitness instructor outfit.

See 4 easy no-sew DIY Halloween costumes for preschoolers >>

Need more inspiration?

Visit the blog ModernKiddo, which has an entire fashion show of DIY costumes. Lisa Storms' blog also has a plethora of DIY costume ideas starting with a simple hoodie; they've been a huge hit on Pinterest.

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On Saturday, Kim Kardashian tweeted out to her fans, "Getting ready for my Midori Halloween party tonight!!! Any idea of what my costume will be???"

We didn't have to wait long, as she and her rapper boyfriend, Kanye West, stepped out for the Midori party in New York City last night wearing matching outfits from the 1984 film Splash. Inspired by Daryl Hannah, Kim wore a full mermaid costume with a long, blonde wig, a seashell-bedazzled bra, and a shiny, green tail that hugged her famous curves. She told the press last night that the costume took two months to make and two hours to put on.

If you were expecting West to be costumed like Tom Hanks, think again. He decided to take his wardrobe in a more nautical direction, as he dressed like a stylish captain from a very expensive yacht. His costume included a blue-striped shirt topped with a sport coat, cuffed white pants, a captain's hat, and red deck shoes to accessorize the look.

Kardashian is a spokesperson for the Midori brand of melon liqueur, and each year, she dons a green-inspired costume for the Halloween party thrown by the green beverage's makers. Last year, she dressed as Poison Ivy from the Batman series. That occurred around the same time as her infamous split from Kris Humphries, after just 72 days of marriage.

Kanye did not talk to the press last night, but he was clearly there in a supportive capacity, taking iPhone photos of his reality-show girlfriend. His constant presence only fuels speculation that the duo are going to get engaged soon.

The only sticking point? Kardashian still hasn't settled her divorce from Humphries.

Image courtesy of Alberto Reyes/WENN.com

The FOX network is doing a great job of promoting its TV stars by having them sing the national anthem at this year's World Series. Last night, it was Zooey Deschanel's turn to hit the stage in Game 3 of the series between the San Francisco Giants and the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park in Motown.

Deschanel came dressed in a sparkly, nude dress, accessorized with a red belt and shoes to complete the look. The New Girl star was rock solid throughout the notoriously difficult song, and she displayed not one ounce of nerves during her two minutes in the spotlight.

The singer is no stranger to "The Star-Spangled Banner," since she also sang it at last year's World Series.

Deschanel also made it clear she was just happy to be there and didn't want choose a favorite team in this year's matchup. She tweeted before the game, "I am rooting for BOTH teams!!! Go #Tigers! Go #Giants! Can't wait for the game!"

The FOX network has supported many of its television shows by having its on-screen talent sing the national anthem throughout the World Series. Phillip Phillips, the most recent winner of American Idol, kicked off Game 1, while Glee star Matthew Morrison opened Game 2.

If you are wondering who to watch for in Games 4 and 5, try The X Factor judge Demi Lovato for tonight's game and the amazing diva Aretha Franklin for Game 5. That is, if Game 5 is even necessary, as Detroit has yet to win a game in the series.

Image courtesy of Nikki Nelson/WENN.com

Up-and-coming country singer Hunter Hayes is hitting it big in 2012, and he has a lot on his plate. This year has brought a Country Music Awards nomination for Best New Artist, an opening-act spot on country sweetheart Carrie Underwood's tour, and three American Country Awards nominations.

Yet, the 21-year-old is taking it all in stride. Recently, he talked with SheKnows about opening for the sensational Underwood, saying this type of show is a big undertaking, but also an enjoyable one.

He said, "It's my first time orchestrating a show of this type [and] this time sensitive... which is actually kind of fun."

Hayes doesn't spend much time with the former American Idol winner, since they have "separate schedules."

He revealed, "I am waiting to... the end of the tour to have the sit-down," to ask Underwood for advice.

Hayes doesn't seem to need much help these days. He is up for a CMA this week as a part of the Best New Artist category, with fellow nominees Lee Brice, Brantley Gilbert, Love and Theft, and Thompson Square.

The young singer is predicted to win his category, but he doesn't have a speech prepared.

Hayes shared, "It's such an honor to have the industry sort of recognize you in that way... You know, to put your name on that list. It's a really good list. I'm kind of scared... but it's awesome. It's a rare opportunity. It means a whole lot to me."

The fans seems to agree, as they have helped make his single "Wanted" go Platinum and hit the top of the Billboard Country Charts. His latest single, "Somebody's Heartbreak," is quickly climbing the charts, too.

Hayes talked about how his new song represents the idea that "when something's worth trying, you're not afraid to fall flat on your face."

This should excite some of his fans, because not only is he single, he is also "flying solo" on the red carpet at the CMAs.

The "Wanted" singer is honored that his fans have nominated him for the ACAs in three categories this year.

He said, "I'm blessed to be surrounded by people who support me that way. That's huge. It's amazing."

In his spare time, Hayes is working on his pilot's license because he has always wanted to be a private pilot.

He said, "It's a great way for me to take a day off. It frees my mind."

Hayes doesn't have much time off, though. His tour with Carrie Underwood continues through Dec. 22, and then he looks forward to creating more music and focusing on headlining his own tour in 2013.

Image courtesy of Judy Eddy/WENN.com

One of my favorite appetizers is hummus and pita bread. The two are not only delicious, they're quite filling and unbelievably healthy. But just because I like hummus, doesn't mean I don't like garbanzo beans in their original chickpea form. I actually like them so much, I always have a can in the cupboard so that I can add them to salads. I'm such a fan, in fact, I don't think a salad is finished if it doesn't have a handful of garbanzo beans mixed in. So when Fine Cooking suggested making an entire salad out of garbanzo beans, I jumped right on board.

What makes this salad different from most aren't the ingredients in the salad, but the ingredients that go on top. A salad can be good if the ingredients are fresh and tasty. But what makes a salad great is its dressing, and this dressing is awesome. Who knew spices that are usually reserved for curries and tikkas would combine to make the perfect salad topping as well? So next time you're in the mood for a light salad, leave the ranch in the refrigerator and try this Indian-inspired dressing instead.

Indian garbanzo bean salad

Serves 6

Ingredients:

• 2 cans garbanzo beans
• 3 large heirloom tomatoes, chopped
• 2 carrots, shredded
• 1 Japanese cucumber, halved and sliced
• 1 cup red onion, chopped
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 pita rounds, cut into quarters

Directions:

1. Combine the garbanzo beans, tomatoes, carrots, cucumber and onion in a large bowl.
2. Combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, oil, cumin, curry powder, salt and pepper in a screwtop jar. Cover and shake vigorously for at least one minute. Pour over the salad mixture and toss to coat. Serve immediately with the pita wedges.

More Tonight's Dinner recipes >>

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Spiced chickpeas with a drizzle of honey

How you choose to feed your baby shouldn’t be a decision that defines you as a mother. Unfortunately, the mainstream mommy culture can be pretty unforgiving when it comes to formula-feeding moms.

rare support for formula feeders

Whether you choose to breastfeed, formula-feed or a combination of both, the bottom line is that you are caring for your baby. Isn’t that what really matters?

Journalist Suzanne Barston was unable to breastfeed her first child for a number of reasons, including nerve damage in one of her breasts, latching issues, allergies and severe postpartum depression. Upset by the lack of information available to mothers who formula feed their babies, Barston launched her blog site Fearless Formula Feeder with the hope that it would become a source of community and accurate information for all mothers.

Culture of acceptance

By using a variety of guest posts, essays on the breastfeeding vs. formula wars, factual analysis of studies and critiques of current affairs related to the issue, Fearless Formula Feeder strives to support all new parents. Barston’s goal is to stay away from judgments about any particular parenting choice, and to refrain from attacking breastfeeding mothers. Fans flock to her site in the thousands each day to catch up on the latest information and personal stories shared by readers.

Healthy nutrition for every stage >>

Anti-breast?

People might assume that a site encouraging formula feeding moms is anti-breastfeeding. Barston’s goal in starting her site was to do the opposite. “I advocate for breastfeeding wherever and whenever I can — I think it can be one of the most incredible, self-affirming acts a new mother can do,” says Barston. “There are a few women who’ve been reading my blog since they stopped breastfeeding their first children, and who are now breastfeeding subsequent kids. This makes me so incredibly proud and happy, because I feel like I have done my job. Women need to be encouraged no matter what feeding method they choose.”

Is the BFHI supportive of mothers?

The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative is being promoted as the best way to increase successful breastfeeding, and is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics and several government agencies. What started as a feel-good way to promote breastfeeding has become a sore point for Barston.

“I consider myself a breastfeeding advocate — I think women should be encouraged to breastfeed, and supported at every turn,” she says. “But that doesn’t mean they should be bullied or scared into it, and I do not find the BFHI supportive in the way its creators defend it to be.” Rather than being supportive of mothers, she feels that the initiative actually takes away choice. “There’s no reason why the BFHI couldn’t incorporate policies that encourage and support breastfeeding without taking the option away from parents who want to formula feed.” She does add that there is part of what BFHI is trying to do that she supports. “What I like about the initiative is that it stops medical staff from interfering in the processes of bonding and breastfeeding — which I don’t believe to be mutually exclusive.”

Reasons why you should hire a birth doula >>

Support for new book

Barston recently released her new book, Bottled Up: How the Way We Feed Babies Has Come to Define Motherhood, and Why It Shouldn’t, the first book in three decades that specifically addresses the needs and support that formula feeding parents need. Her book is part memoir, part social commentary and part popular science. Barston examines the politics and emotions involved in the ongoing battle of the bottle. She takes a well-researched approach to presenting her view of breastfeeding politics through her personal experiences and the encounters she has had through her blog.

In the end, we all need to feed our babies. How we choose to do that should not reflect on our ability to mother, but on our decision to do what’s best for our own children.

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cat decor

Made for cats... loved by humans

Cats are elegant, simple and no-fuss pets. They want elegant, simple and no-fuss cat furniture just as much as their cat-loving owners. Check out these modern pieces to please the feline in all of us.

If you're a cat person, you already know that they're just as loving and loyal as "man's best friend," but other than the litter box, they're way less work! As an extra bonus, there are plenty of cat accessories, from scratching posts to fun furniture to accommodate felines and humans alike, that look as amazing as they are functional.

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Hungry for the latest food updates? Check out these bite-sized portions of food news, which are hot off the griddle.

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food buzz!

No tricks: Your kids can eat out for free on Halloween

We're not playing tricks on you! The following restaurants are offering some spooktacular Halloween treats for the kids!

Outback Steakhouse

In honor of Halloween and the spirit of the season, Outback Steakhouse is offering up a free kids meal with the purchase of an adult entree. This offer stands whether you want to dine in or you prefer to call for curbside pickup. To participate, your child must be 10 years old or younger. Find out where there is an Outback Steakhouse near you.

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