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The 36 Most Scandalous and Heartbreaking Celebrity Breakups (PHOTOS)

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Post by Adriana Velez.

Why do we care so much when celebrity couples split? Maybe it's because we project our own dreams of true love on them. At any rate, some of these partings have been especially difficult -- for us! Whether it's because of scandals or just because they seemed so perfect together, here are the worst celeb breakups we remember.

Image via Photo Image Press / Splash News

 

 

 

 

 


Single Woman Brilliantly Uses the 'F' Word to Weed Out the Wrong Men

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Post by Adriana Velez.

What happens when you declare yourself a feminist in your Tinder profile? Some spectacularly crazy stuff, of course. Instagram user Feminist_Tinder put it out there and posted screenshots of men's reactions. What's the word for predictably sad and gross yet also funny?

You would think that including the word "feminist" would weed out any anti-feminist suitors on Tinder and attract the kind of men who are at least well-informed and comfortable with feminism. But then, that's not how digital life plays out. If anything, Feminist_Tinder seems to attract trolls eager to pick a fight.

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WHERE ARE THEY ALL COMING FROM?!?

A photo posted by @feminist_tinder on

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She spends a lot of time trying to correct misconceptions about feminism with wit and humor. It's not about women being better than men. It's not about women hating men. It's not about women wanting to be like men. It's about striving for equality.

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It's 2015 can we please stop acting like feminism is the antithesis to femininity?

A photo posted by @feminist_tinder on

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Here's a shot of this great hair, by the way. She is correct.

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Some guys seemed confused as to what a woman like her was even doing on Tinder in the first place. I mean, if you're not here for the grammatically incorrect, misspelled, clumsily worded, sexually explicit come-ons, why are you there at all? You know?

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A photo posted by @feminist_tinder on

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Some guys seem to confuse feminism with a sexual fetish. Oh my ... is there a missed opportunity here or what?

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A photo posted by @feminist_tinder on

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Some people get it, though.

More from The Stir: Woman's Hilarious Revenge Against Online Dating Creeps Is a Must-See

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And that gives me a little bit of hope for this woman. She's definitely wasting precious time on pugilistic jerks who are incapable of treating women with respect. But there are a few who want to have a real conversation with her, and that seems to be something she wants out of Tinder ... well, one of the things.

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Can she change the culture on Tinder this way, though? This guy (below) makes an interesting point (in his clumsy way). I have to confess, my boyfriend was raised by feminists-in-all-but-name and is amazingly enlightened on gender issues. But when we first met he was surprised that I refer to myself as a feminist and we had many conversations where I explained what it means to me, and how that's different from how he'd seen the term before. I think he might have agreed with this guy, at some point.

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I completely agree that this habit many men have of giving unsolicited advice on bio writing is obnoxious. And to her point -- about liking vegetables -- if feminism is very important to you, why wouldn't you put it out there? How is this different from saying "passionate about politics"? Because that's kind of what she's saying when she introduces herself this way -- she's looking for a guy who LIKES that she's a feminist, and also likes that she's got strong opinions.

Is she going to turn off a lot of guys this way? Sure ... but I don't think she wants a lot of guys. I think she's looking for a certain kind of guy, and they really are out there.

Meanwhile, she's also changing the dating landscape for other women, little by little. 

 

Image via Feminist_Tinder/Instagram

Is Ignorance Really Bliss? -- Women Discuss Whether They'd Want to Know If Their Husband Cheated

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Post by Adriana Velez.

Your husband is nearly perfect. He spends loads of time with the kids, he makes you feel loved, and he seems genuinely happy at home. But what if he cheated? Maybe just one slip, or maybe an affair. Would you want to know, or would you rather he "protect" you from that terrible knowledge? We asked a group of moms if they'd want to know about an infidelity and some of their responses will surprise you.

 Image via triocean/shutterstock

 

 

Nicki Minaj and Miley Cyrus's VMA Showdown Is All Sorts of Embarrassing (VIDEO)

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Post by Adriana Velez.

Are you keeping up with the girl feuds of the music world? A bit of drama played out at last night's VMAs between Nicki Minaj and host Miley Cyrus. Some say it was staged -- because that's what the people love, right? A good girlfight.

It all started with a previous conflict, the one between Minaj and Taylor Swift from a couple weeks ago. Minaj complained about how the awards show treats women of color, and Swift felt like Minaj was calling her out (she says she wasn't). The two eventually cleared the air, but that didn't stop Cyrus from chiming in on it. 

More from The Stir: When Nicki Minaj & Taylor Swift Fight Over Feminism We All Win

In a New York Times interview Cyrus was asked about the Minaj/Swift argument. She almost got out of it, saying, "I saw that. I didn't really get into it. I know there was some beef ..." But when prodded a little more she said she didn't respect Minaj's statements because she sounded angry and came from too personal a place.

If you want to make it about race, there’s a way you could do that. But don’t make it just about yourself. Say: 'This is the reason why I think it’s important to be nominated. There’s girls everywhere with this body type.'

Cyrus is forgetting that the personal is political. Not to mention, that line reading she just gave Minaj is almost exactly what she said.

So later, when Minaj accepted her award for Best Hip Hop Video, she thanked her fans and pastor before bringing up Cyrus's dig. "And now back to this bitch that had a lot to say about me in the press. Miley, what’s good?” Cyrus tried to brush it off, saying, "Hey, we're all in this industry, we all do interviews, and we all know how they manipulate s--t. Nicki, congratuf-klations.” Minaj responded from this not-so-sincere compliment by mouthing, “Don’t play with me, bitch!”

An insider tells Us, "Nicki was livid with Miley and decided to air her feelings onstage."

Well, I can see why Minaj would be upset. But honestly, I'm disappointed with her and with Cyrus. Why drag this drama out? Imagine all the young girls watching. You know teens and tweens get caught up in similar personal dramas all the time. And it's a crying shame because all that time and energy they direct into those feuds is time and energy they could be spending on something creative and empowering instead.

In that Times interview Cyrus complained about the negativity Minaj supposedly introduced in that first feud. "It became Nicki Minaj and Taylor in a fight, so now the story isn’t even on what you wanted it to be about. Now you’ve just given E! News 'Catfight! Taylor and Nicki Go at It.'"  

But what Cyrus forgets is that Minaj never mentioned Swift in the first place -- Swift came from a place of anger, butted in, and made Minaj's complaint about herself. Not to mention, by taking the bait and talking about the conflict, Cyrus perpetuates the very catfight she's complaining about. GIRLS! Stop provoking Minaj like it's a spectator sport.

We as women don't have to love each other or support each other all the time. That's unrealistic. And we all need to express frustration sometimes, even when it comes from an angry or personal place. But if you feel like someone has slighted you, IGNORE IT. Talking about it makes that supposed insult bigger and louder, and drags on the conflict. 

Don't we all have better things to do?

Here's a brilliant quote by Nobel Prize-winning poet and Soviet-era refugee Joseph Brodsky about the best way to respond to your haters

Above all, try to avoid telling stories about the unjust treatment you received at their hands; avoid it no matter how receptive your audience may be. Tales of this sort extend the existence of your antagonists; most likely they are counting on your being talkative and relating your experience to others ... Therefore, steal, or still, the echo, so that you don’t allow an event, however unpleasant or momentous, to claim any more time than it took for it to occur.

Still the echo. It's harder to do than reacting (for me, too!), but it's an act of compassion for everyone. We all get a little more dignity every time a woman resists the impulse to react to an insult, implied or imagined.

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Images via  Splash News, Xavier Collin/Image Press/Splash

Rock Legend Chrissie Hynde Sets Bad Example by Taking Responsibility for Her Rape

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Post by Adriana Velez.

Those of you who know your rock history may be familiar with Chrissie Hynde, the lead singer of legendary '80s band The Pretenders. She was a female pioneer in the rock world, but Hynde's recent victim-blaming comments about rape make her sound way more retro than her music.

In her new memoir Reckless, Hynde recounts a harrowing tale about a gang rape she survived at the age of 21. Men from a motorcycle gang told her they'd take her to a party, but instead they drove her to an abandoned building and forced her to perform sexual acts on them under threat of violence.

Horrifying, right? It's amazing how she recovered from that trauma and continued to perform and tour. How did she do it? Well, if you're waiting for an inspiring story of survival and empowerment, click away now. In a Sunday Times interview, Hynde put a very depressing spin on the incident.

For fans who used to admire Hynde, every word she says about her rape breaks our hearts a little.

"If I'm walking around in my underwear and I'm drunk. Who else's fault can it be?" Crack!

"Technically speaking, however you want to look at it, this was all my doing and I take full responsibility." Ping! Smash! 

"Those motorcycle gangs, that’s what they do." Snap!

"You can’t paint yourself into a corner and then say whose brush is this? You have to take responsibility. I mean, I was naïve." Creeeeeak!

"You know, if you don’t want to entice a rapist, don’t wear high heels so you can’t run from him." Clang! Shatter! Smash!

SOB! Say it isn't so, Chrissie! Tell us you don't really believe women who wear high heels and get within arm's reach of men who ride motorcycles deserve to be raped. Who are you, even?!? 

More from The Stir: Serena Williams Apologizes for Blaming the Steubenville Rape Victim

Hynde indulges in some pretty dark victim-blaming in her book, too:

If I'm walking around and I'm very modestly dressed and I'm keeping to myself and someone attacks me, then I'd say that's his fault. But if I'm being very lairy [flashy] and putting it about and being provocative, then you are enticing someone who's already unhinged—don't do that. Come on! That's just common sense.

Chrissie, don't get me wrong, but I can't stand by you. There is no middle of the road here.

Look, we all know what she means about using common sense and not putting ourselves in danger. Every woman has been warned, over and over again. But it's one thing to regret exercising good judgment -- it's another thing to say you're responsible for your own rape. Because no, you're not. The rapist is. That's common sense.

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Chrissie Hynde saying that dressing provocatively will entice rapists is like saying standing too close to a BBQ will entice cannibals

— Cara Sutra (@TheCaraSutra) August 30, 2015
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If there's any relief in these Chrissie Hynde quotes it's that the backlash has been so loud. People have been tweeting their disappointment, and I'm happy to say that several men are among them. After all, the idea that women entice men into committing rape is insulting to them. Like they're just stupid, helpless rape machines who can't be held responsible for their own actions!

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Chrissy Hynde believes rape victims only have themselves to blame? Tempted to just throw my Pretenders records in the trash.

— Beardo (@Mechaphil) August 31, 2015
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Oh Chrissy Hynde. No. Just no.

— Jim O'Toole (@JimOToole) August 30, 2015
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I realise Chrissy Hynde is a great example of a victim and self blame, but her comments are fucking horrendous. Totally fucking horrendous.

— Cosmo Demonic (@cosmodemtel) August 30, 2015
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It saddens me to think that Hynde has been carrying around this tremendous blame all this time. Maybe that's how she's been able to live with the horror -- by telling herself a little story about how if she just dresses differently and stays away from bikers she'll be safe from rape forever after. We've all told ourselves that story from time to time.

But unfortunately, that will only take you so far. What's more, that kind of thinking robs men of their responsibility and leads too many women to live half a life. We celebrate women like Chrissie Hynde for doing precisely the opposite, for daring to be bold, for bringing attention to themselves, for raiding a male-dominated world and creating a place for women there.

As Hynde herself once sang, "Gonna make you, make you, make you notice."

Like it or not, our society actually needs women to be loud, to dress provocatively, to wear high heels and to drink and to flirt. And most men can handle that without some monster rapist switch going off in their heads. I don't know why Chrissie feels the need to defend these "helpless" rapists from their own actions, but I know her words aren't going to stop women from wearing high heels and low-cut dresses. That's not the world any of us want.

 

Image via Fortunata / Splash News

Woman's 'Depression' Tattoo Could Change the Way You Think About Mental Illness (PHOTO)

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Post by Adriana Velez.


A 21-year-old woman has found a stunning way to share what it feels like to have depression -- using an optical illusion tattoo. Bekah Miles announced that she suffers from the mental illness and is ready to talk about it. Her body ink shows why that conversation can be so hard. 

Miles's Facebook post has received nearly 300,000 shares, so it's clearly resonating with people. She says she was diagnosed with depression a year ago, but believes she had the illness longer than that. In her post she talks about how difficult it is to talk about mental illness because of the shame surrounding it. Yet it's too important and affects too many people to ignore it.

That's why she got the tattoo, Miles says. It is, like most other tattoos, a conversation starter. Hers forces her to talk about her depression. The design is ingenious. From the viewer's perspective it looks like it reads "I'm fine" across her leg. But from her perspective it reads, "Save me."

More from The Stir: 21 Mother Daughter Tattoos That Are Simply Breathtaking (PHOTOS)

Miles says, "To me, it means that others see this person that seems okay, but, in reality, is not okay at all. It reminds me that people who may appear happy may be at battle with themselves."

The post has since gone viral with over 33,000 comments. It definitely resonated with people who can relate to Miles's take on depression -- and it's no doubt enlightened many others. It's such a creative way to start a conversation. Sometimes we need a visual to understand something -- and this visual is especially effective.

This tattoo is making a lot of us think, whether we suffer from depression or know someone who does. It's a sneaky disease that likes to disguise itself. It's easy to ignore -- until it's not, and then sometimes it's too late. Miles's tattoo doesn't solve the problem of that disease, but it does encourage more of us to engage in it.

Who knows, maybe Miles's tattoo will end up saving some lives.

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(Dear mom and dad, please don’t kill me over this permanent choice. I want you to hear me out.)Today, I am coming out...

Posted by Bekah Miles on Sunday, August 23, 2015
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Since posting the photo Miles has commented on the overwhelming response she's gotten.

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I think that it is time for me to make another status about my viral post. I never expected it to go beyond my friends...

Posted by Bekah Miles on Friday, August 28, 2015
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Image via Antonio Guillem/Shutterstock

The 'Downton Abbey' Season 6 Trailer Promises a Bloody Good Cry (VIDEO)

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Post by Adriana Velez.

Have you ever felt that combination of anticipation and dread at the same time? Well, you may now. The trailer for the sixth season of Downton Abbey is here. Stiff upper lip, everyone! It's going to take a great deal of fortitude to face this last (SOB!) season.

All we know so far is that the series picks up in 1925, just a few months after season five left off. In the trailer you see windows closing, people trudging around slowly and talk of not being able to hold back time. All of this can only mean one thing: The entire series is going to be one long good-bye. It's depressing as hell. I can barely stand watching it.

A couple of happy things happen in the trailer, though. You see Anna smile and some guy helps Edith with her coat (Mr. Pelham?). Oh wait -- and the Dowager Countess is still around! YES. That doesn't mean they won't kill her off anyway, but at least there's more Violet.

Meanwhile, Carson's name is removed from the door. Yes, it's because he's going to marry Mrs. Hughes and live happily ever after, but SIGH. Most disturbing of all is the way everyone keeps looking at Downton Abbey itself like it's going away ... or like they're going away from IT! What is that about?!? Does this mean that financial ruin the Crawleys are always flirting with finally comes to pass and the family loses its grip on the family property?

More from The Stir: 'Downton Abbey' Without the Dowager Countess Would Be a Total Buzzkill

We'll have to watch and see. Or not. I suspect that while some of us need that season-long good-bye, others of us can't even bear to watch this last season of Downton Abbey. We'll be the ones with our fingers in our ears, going "la la la I can't hear you talking about the last season this show will go on forever gonna watch season five again now byeeee."

Remember, the new series begins across the pond in September, but for the U.S. it's January 3, 2016.

See this video on The Stir by CafeMom.

 

Images via ITV/YouTube

007 Writer Who Says Idris Elba Is 'Too Street' to Play James Bond Must've Meant 'Too Sexy'

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Post by Adriana Velez.

While the rest of the world eagerly anticipates the day when actor Idris Elba assumes his rightful place as the next James Bond, one man refuses to accept this reality. Bond book author Anthony Horowitz says Elba is "too street" to play 007.

Too what?!?

Horowitz is the author of Trigger Mortis, the next book in the James Bond series (owned by the Fleming estate). He is not, I repeat, NOT an Eon Productions executive. He has no say in who is cast as the next Bond. So put down your pitchforks and torches. I will, too. This is just the opinion of the guy who's writing the character.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, Horowitz said, "For me, Idris Elba is a bit too rough to play the part. It’s not a colour issue. I think he is probably a bit too 'street' for Bond. Is it a question of being suave? Yeah."

More from The Stir: Idris Elba Would Be the Hottest Bond Ever

P.S., "street" is usually a euphemism for "too black." But Horowitz doesn't think it's a "colour" issue, so I guess we have to take his word for it. (Elba is totally too black for him.)

As for the other issue, how is this not suave?

And how is this not suave?

Could anyone BE more suave than this? (The answer is no.)

What about this roll reads as "not suave" to you, Mr. Horowitz?

Just to emphasize that this is SO not a race thing, Horowitz says, "Idris Elba is a terrific actor, but I can think of other black actors who could do it better." Like, for example? Hustle actor Adrian Lester, he volunteers.

This guy?

No. Lester looks like a nice guy. Lester plays the high school principal who really "gets" kids. Lester plays the beleaguered district attorney fighting for justice. Lester plays the banker who's unknowingly financing an evil weapons dealer but then he finds out and after 30 seconds of contemplation decides to do the right thing and help turn the dealer in. But Lester does not play Bond. Why? Simple. Because we are not dying to have sex with him.

But maybe that's Horowitz's real problem. Elba is just too damn sexy for him and he can't EVEN. 

Obviously we don't really have to make an argument in defense of Elba because Horowitz is not in charge of casting. But we're just saying. Much suaveness here. So much suave.

UPDATE: Horowitz has responded to the outcry. He is mortifed!

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I'm really sorry my comments about Idris Elba have caused offence [full statement attached] pic.twitter.com/UD6ouA45Uv

— Anthony Horowitz (@AnthonyHorowitz) September 1, 2015
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Images via AdMedia / Splash News, Reimschuessel / Splash News


Blake Lively’s $860 Diaper Bag Will Probably Never Come Anywhere Near an Actual Diaper (PHOTO)

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Post by Adriana Velez.

Actress and lifestyle maven Blake Lively has another new baby -- and you can hold this one if you want to. Lively introduced a $860 leather baby bag on her website, Preserve.us. It's named after her real-life daughter, James. Care to find out what you'll be getting for your nearly 900 bucks?

Here it is, the beautiful Preserve James bag in "cognac." It also comes in "blue."

The James bag is made with "premium" Horween leather. Horween is a Chicago-based leather company which has "set the standard for the highest quality leathers since 1905," according to the company website. It is "premium" plaid lined, though I see no indication that this plaid is made in Scotland using traditional tartans. Disappointing -- an oversight, I'm sure.

The diaper bag has an imported RiRi zipper from Swizerland. Did you even know such a thing exists? Neither did I. But now that I know the Swiss are making zippers named after Rihanna I think I need to order several and replace every zipper in my life with them.

More from The Stir: Blake Lively Reveals the Secret Behind Her Stellar Style

The leather is "hand-distressed" and handcrafted in the USA by Sandast. At first I thought that read "students" and I was picturing Bard College students carrying each James bag around with them for a whole semester before they're sold. But no, Sandast is a Los Angeles–based leather goods manufacturer that specializes in accessories that look a bit "aged and rugged" and help you "make your own story."

Except you'll be making your own story with a diaper bag named after someone else's baby. Is that weird? We don't blame Lively at all for naming her bag after her own daughter. Makes total sense. But she probably wouldn't mind at all if you renamed yours after your own child. The Liam! 

As for the price tag -- yowch! That's gonna hurt. But let's just say you've got food, shelter, retirement, wheels, and your baby's college tuition covered with LOADS to spare. Maybe then I could see justifying the expense. After all, it's a premium diaper bag. PRIMO. Which means it'll probably live through a couple more babies. Just don't let those babies anywhere near it. Or any actual diapers.

 

Images via Felipe Ramales / Splash News; Preserve.us

Twitter Patiently Explains #BlackLivesMatter to Elisabeth Hasselbeck (VIDEO)

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Post by Adriana Velez.

Exactly no one should be surprised to hear that on Fox & Friends Elisabeth Hasselbeck wondered aloud why the Black Lives Matter movement hasn't been classified a hate group. Well heck, good question, E! Let's have Twitter answer for you.

After airing the most incendiary chants FOX News could find from a Black Lives Matter rally, Hasselbeck posed the question with her cohost Brian Kilmeade and conservative TV host Kevin Jackson: "Kevin, why has the Black Lives movement -- the Black Lives Matter movement -- not been classified yet as a hate group?"

Kevin replied that it's because it's a bunch of liberals funded by George Soros. (By the way, Ken Zimmerman, director of U.S. programs at Soros's Open Society Foundations, says the rumor is false.) 

More from The Stir: A Grandmother's 'Truth' About #BlackLivesMatter Doesn't Paint the Entire Picture

This is a milder version of how people felt when they first heard Hasselbeck's question.

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"Why has the black lives matter movement not been classified yet as a hate group?" — @ehasselbeckpic.twitter.com/V6FSFzAymT

— Ryan (@RyanHoulihan) August 31, 2015
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One person helpfully pointed out that it could be because hate is what the movement is actually protesting against, so...

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@Mediaite@ehasselbeck bc hatred of being murdered is not the definition of a hate group? Why haven't you been classified as brain dead?

— Vinings Dux (@DukeOfVinings) August 31, 2015
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No hate crimes have been committed under the auspices of the movement or as part of its agenda.

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For starters, @ehasselbeck, they don't commit hate crimes. Or any crime for that matter. https://t.co/pAWxWCst9e

— Awesome Johnson (@intrepid_heroin) August 31, 2015
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You can't make #BlackLivesMatter a hate group because they make you uncomfortable, @ehasselbeck. Other realities exist outside of yours.

— Awesome Johnson (@intrepid_heroin) August 31, 2015
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Also Black Lives Matter is not a "group" as such with centralized leadership. Silly conservatives, thinking liberals are ever that organized! Instead it's a movement that started when three activists, Patrisse Cullors, Alicia Garza, and Opal Tometi, came up with the hashtag. It's since been used as an umbrella term for everything from protests to lectures to blogs. 

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Can someone please tell @ehasselbeck that you can't label a movement a hate group. Geez.

— rolandsmartin (@rolandsmartin) August 31, 2015
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But if you want to point out people who promote hate, some think Hasselbeck has four more fingers pointing back at herself.

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Why isn't Elisabeth Hasselbeck classified as a hate group? http://t.co/kQCduKO2Zp

— Jezebel (@Jezebel) August 31, 2015
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Nailed it, Jezebel!

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Elisabeth Hasselbeck has been a cheerleader for white supremacy for a while now. She is not your friend. Don't let her smile fool you.

— Derrick Clifton (@DerrickClifton) September 1, 2015
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And for that matter, you could say the network itself isn't in a position to point fingers, either. #hypocriticalmuch?

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#FoxNews' @ehasselbeck suggests that #BlackLivesMatter is a hate group. No, Elisabeth, the network you work for is. pic.twitter.com/25M5D0VL55

— Justin Chadwick (@justin_chadwick) September 1, 2015
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If you're finding this all difficult to follow there's a much simpler way to answer Hasselbeck's question.

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Dear Elisabeth Hasselbeck: the reason BLM is not categorized as a hate group is because you're an idiot. I hope this clears things up.

— Leonard Pierce (@leonardpierce) August 31, 2015
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In conclusion, SIGH. 

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Elisabeth Hasselbeck has the IQ of a sponge. And I don't mean to offend sponges.

— W.E.B DemBois (@Phil_Cosby_) September 1, 2015
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Image via Alex Geana / Splash News

Nikki Reed's Wedding Dress Is Boho Perfection (PHOTO)

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Post by Adriana Velez.

When Nikki Reed and Ian Somerhalder got hitched in a secret wedding in April, Brides magazine was there to capture all the pretty details. Now they're finally sharing photos and we're almost blind from how gorgeous everything is. Especially Nikki Reed's toothachingly sweet wedding gown!

When the supernaturally beautiful couple whisked their guests to a surprise location in Topanga Canyon for a wedding ceremony, they said it was because they didn't want everyone "squeezed into formal attire." And while Reed's dress definitely isn't formal, either, it's far from casual.

The bride wore an ethereal lace Claire Pettibone gown with a loose, curly half-updo, no veil, and a sweet bouquet of roses, peonies, wildflowers, and greens. The groom wore a white bespoke suit by Nedo Bellucci. Here they are looking absolutely blissful. 

More from The Stir: Sneak Peek at Nikki Reed & Ian Somerhalder's Surprise Wedding (PHOTO)

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Could you die over all that lace? Amazing how it doesn't look the least bit fussy -- just incredibly romantic. We love Ian's white suit, too. These two are killing us. Stop being so gorgeous! 

By the way, is it really a secret wedding if a Condé Nast magazine photographs the whole thing for publication? Never mind. Who cares. We can't wait to see all of the photos, and we love this dress!

 

Image via Splash News

Justin Bieber's New Song Doesn't Promote Rape Culture -- Sorry, Lena Dunham!

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Post by Adriana Velez.

I never thought I'd ever find myself defending Justin Bieber -- especially against Lena Dunham. But here I am. Dunham just tweeted her disapproval of Bieber's new single, "What Do You Mean." And now I'm asking her the same question: Lena, what the heck do you mean?

 

Dunham appears to have a problem with Bieber's song because she believes it promotes rape culture. Remember the phrase "no means no"? It's a response to that myth/wish that when women say "no" to sex they're just trying to look like good girls, and really, they mean "yes." Many a titillating romance novel and movie has been built around this premise.

But seriously? In real life, when a woman says "no," you should assume that's what she really means. And that's what Dunham is referring to in her tweet.

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Let's do away with pop songs where a girl nods yes when she means no and vice versa, k?

— Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) August 31, 2015
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But hold on, is that what Bieber is really saying in his song? The offending lyrics in the chorus go:

What do you mean?/When you nod your head yes/But you wanna say no / What do you mean?

Well, hold on, isn't this really about asking for clarification? And isn't that something we'd prefer guys to do?

More from The Stir: Justin Bieber Survives Abortion & Selena Gomez Jokes at Brutal Comedy Central Roast

It kind of sounds like this woman is agreeing to something she's not actually down with, and Bieber is encouraging her to speak her truth. Like, maybe she doesn't want to have sex with him, but she's saying she does, because she's afraid of losing him, or because she's scared? He's encouraging her not to go along with something against her will.

As much as it pains me to say it -- because I find both Bieber's music and his past behavior completely awful -- I think this is cool. So don't discourage him, Lena!

I am 100 percent against rape culture, too. But if anything, I think these lyrics are anti-rape. Guys, if you're ever unsure that we're giving consent, by all means: Ask for clarification. Better to do that than to assume you've got a green light only to find out later we didn't mean it. This is the smart thing to do.

Anyway, it sounds like the song isn't even really about sex (despite the steamy video). As Bieber explained to Ryan Seacrest, it's about miscommunication in relationships: "Girls are often just flip-floppy," he says. (Ahem, so are boys!) "They say something and they mean something else. So ... what do you mean? I don't really know, that's why I'm asking."

Well, good for you, Bieber. Keep asking, and keep promoting better communication between couples. Am I really writing these words? Man, things sure have changed for us, Biebs.

 

Image via Image Press/Splash News

How to Skin a Watermelon and Why It's a Complete Waste of Time (VIDEO)

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Post by Adriana Velez.

Hey kids, check out this amazing skinned watermelon trick. You split open the rind and wowzers! The juicy red inside of the watermelon pops out like a giant capsule. It's so smooth. How'd they do it? Wouldn't you like to find out?

YouTube vlogger Mark Rober demonstrates how to pull off this feat of melon. I have to admit, it's pretty darn impressive. I mean, look at this thing! You know your kids would freak if you made this for them.

It's a beauty, right? Except wait until you find out what goes into making it. Mark says prep should take only about 10 minutes or so to make, depending on the size of your melon. But he lies. Mark! You lie! I cut things with thick rinds all the time and this will take WAYYY longer than 10 minutes.

First of all, you need two melons. TWO. So either your family loves eating watermelon for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or you're a bartender who specializes in watermelon margaritas. Also, hope someone is helping you carry both of these.

Of course, you could just use baby watermelons.

Anyway, then you're going to spend the next few hours laboriously hacking the rind completely from one of these melons. You weren't planning to get anything else done today, were you? No laundry, errands, games? Good.

Here's the part where I would step back and say, ta-da! I'm done!

But no. You are so not done at this point. Grab some dish scrubbing pads, for there is melon sanding to do.

Friends, if you ever find me sanding watermelon flesh with a dish scrubber like an anal-retentive maniac please sit me down with a strong cup of coffee and call a therapist.

You're still not done!

Pick up that second melon, slice it in half, and gut it. This is a good time to take out your frustrations that you ever tried this quixotic melon project at all. Who makes crafts with fruit? Make sure your kids are out of the room so they can't hear you cursing.

Next you'll meticulously carve out every last bit of flesh from each half. Is this what you hoped for, when you became a mom? That you could someday find yourself spending 90 minutes scraping melon off the inside of a rind with a spoon, unable to tell the difference between the sweat from your brow and your tears of fatigue and frustration?

NOW YOU ARE FINISHED. Mark says the coolest part is you can put it together and take it to a party and impress your friends. But he is wrong.

This is the coolest part: Ooh, look! You've got a circumcised melon!

No wait, this is the coolest part: Show everyone how you put a condom on your melon.

You were planning on washing your kid's hair tonight anyway, right?

Okay, maybe you still want to make the skinned melon for your Labor Day weekend barbecue. Here's the full tutorial. But don't say I didn't warn you! 

See this video on The Stir by CafeMom.

 

Images via Praphan Jampala/Shutterstock; Mark Rober/YouTube

Gisele Bundchen May Have Taken One Scary Step Closer to Divorce

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Post by Adriana Velez.

Fall is almost here but it looks like one more couple just might squeak in another breakup in the Summer of Celeb Splits after all. Sources tell Us magazine that Gisele Bundchen is still threatening to leave Tom Brady. But now she's gone and consulted a divorce lawyer.

Apparently the tensions between the golden couple stem from Deflategate, when the New England Patriots were rumored to have deliberately deflated footballs in order to help them win a playoff game. Ever since Brady was hit with a four-game suspension in May, "Tom’s become very nasty and irritable and started acting out on her," a source close to Brady says.

More from The Stir: Tom Brady & Gisele Bundchen Are Reportedly Splitting

The couple didn't spend their summer birthdays together this year. As for Bundchen consulting a divorce attorney, "Tom thinks it’s only a threat," the source says. "But this is definitely a rough patch."

If it's a rough patch, the couple sure are working to cover up any evidence of that. They're still sharing their Boston apartment, and Bundchen traveled to New York to support Brady at his Deflategate hearing. They were seen holding hands.

More from The Stir: Tom Brady Doesn't Want Anyone Touching His Perfect Balls (VIDEO)

We hope they make it! No one wants to see another breakup anytime soon. It's challenges like these, when one or both of you is in deep trouble, that test a couple's strength. It's easy to have a happy marriage when everything is fine and you're winning. If Bundchen and Brady can get through this and stay together they'll be a whole lot stronger for it.

But if Brady really is taking out his Deflategate tension on his wife, she's right to push back. That is NOT okay. You don't get through a tough situation like that just by being understanding and taking someone's abuse. You still need to demand that they treat you with respect.

I'm sure it must be a terrible shock for someone like Brady to face accusations and a suspension. He's used to praise and adulation and winning. But a strong man can take his medicine without hurting the people he loves. I guess we'll see what kind of man the football star is soon enough.

 

Image via TK / Splash News

Kermit the Frog's New Girlfriend Is Some Pig!

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Post by Adriana Velez.

Oh my frog, looks like celeb Muppet Kermit has already bounced back from his breakup with Miss Piggy. Everyone, please meet Denise, Kermit's rumored hottie new girlfriend. It's only been a month since the big split, but Mr. The Frog is wasting no time at all -- and we want to know all about her!

So far all we know is that she's the head of marketing at ABC, and the two met while working on the upcoming docuseries Up Late With Miss Piggy. A source tells People magazine that "she's always stopping by the set of Up Late." I bet she is.

Not only that, they new couple has been seen together around town -- and, according to the source, "he calls her his girlfriend."

So serious so soon? Denise must be something special. (That or she's just his rebound girl ... Kermit wouldn't do that, would he?!? Uhh, let's go with the "something special" theory.) And you know what? Good for them.

No, I'm serious. I've always though Miss Piggy was too much of a diva for such a mild-mannered, self-effacing frog like Kermit. Don't get me wrong. I love Miss Piggy's brass and I don't think she should ever change. But man, it would be exhausting to be in a relationship with her, don't you think? Too. Much. Drama.

More from The Stir: Miss Piggy & Kermit the Frog Have Officially Split -- But They'll Get Plenty of Swipe-Rights on Tinder

Like I said, we don't know much about Denise from marketing. But just looking at her photo she comes across as utterly sweet and chill, just the kind of partner poor stressed-out Kermit needs. And didn't I see a bikini pic of her in the Daily Mail the other day? I can't find the link right now but wowzers, dem ham hocks!

Anyway, don't feel too sad for Miss Piggy. It looks like she's well on her way to trading up herself. Check out the us-ie she took with Liam are-you-serious Hemsworth. Bow chicka bow wow!

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Spent Friday with the most beautiful girl in the world. Kermit, #SorryNotSorry. #TheMuppets #misspiggy

A photo posted by Liam Hemsworth (@liamhemsworth) on

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Image by Andrea McCallin/ABC


Woman Confronts the Ex-Boyfriend Who Cheated on Her and It’s So Satisfying (VIDEO)

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Post by Adriana Velez.

Think of your last real relationship. If you could sit down with your ex and ask him or her anything, what would you ask? Video project The {} And brought college sweethearts Ali and Andrew together two years after they broke up to ask each other anything -- and it got intense.

The video jumps right in the beginning with the Big One: "Why did you cheat on me so many times?" Ali asks Andrew. How many women on planet Earth have been dying to ask an ex that question? The surprising thing is that she doesn't really get satisfaction from his answer. That's not surprising because the real answer to "why did you cheat" is usually something utterly mundane (as it is in this case).

But what is satisfying is the way Andrew was forced to look Ali in the eye and answer for his actions. Oh, he squirms and tries to deny at first. But she gets him to fess up about what he really did. And then she gets to tell him, "That f---ing sucks!" He has to watch her cry and face the last remnants of the pain he caused her.

That's probably the most excruciating part of the confrontation. Ali and Andrew also reminisce about the good times. But Ali gets in some more of those closure-seeking questions we all crave. "Who is at fault for the relationship ending?" "Why haven't you been in a relationship since we broke up?"

More from The Stir: Do You Google Your Exes? 13 Women Share Their Secret Search Habits

It must be enormously cathartic to have this kind of confrontation with your ex. There's a kind of deep vicarious satisfaction we get from watching Ali and Andrew hash out their past like this. I think their encounter must have given them a lot to think about.

But I suspect what makes this conversation work is that they've gotten some distance from their breakup. It's been two years, and they've both done a lot of thinking and processing during that time. It shows. Ali doesn't lash out in anger and Andrew doesn't stonewall her defensively. They're both mature and honest with each other -- especially Ali, wow.

So going back to my original question -- if you could do this with an ex, what would you ask? Would you even want to have this conversation? Do you think it would help you resolve anything?

Of course, for a lot of us, our last breakup may have been a divorce with our kids' father, which means we don't get to walk away never to see each other again. We confront our exes regularly for visitations and custody arrangements. Many of us avoid asking difficult questions so we can keep things civil.

Still, I have to think, assuming you've both had time to get some perspective and can handle uncomfortable conversations, this may be just the therapy to help exes get the closure they need and learn some important insights they can apply to future relationships.

See this video on The Stir by CafeMom.

 

Image via Glamour Magazine/YouTube

Miley Cyrus’s Family’s Reaction to Nicki Minaj’s VMAs Shade Is So Appropriate (VIDEO)

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Post by Adriana Velez.

Miley Cyrus and Nicki Minaj shared an awkward moment of conflict onstage at the VMAs this year. They'll both survive. But how did daddy Billy Ray Cyrus feel about the whole thing? You have to see the entire Cyrus family respond to the VMAs kerfuffle.

It was all caught on camera, and we could probably sum it all with a big "Whaaaaa???" Sounds like they were just as caught off guard as we were and didn't even register what Minaj said until Miley sounded off. Then, sister Noah and half-brother Braison kept staring straight ahead, nonplussed. But stepmom Tish first exchanged shocked looks with the girls sitting in front of her, then appeared to mouth "Oh my God" to her husband.

As for Billy Ray, he smiled and snapped a photo with his phone (he was subtle about it -- you almost can't tell). Eh, all in a day's work for his little girl.

More from The Stir: Nicki Minaj & Miley Cyrus's VMAs Showdown Is All Sorts of Embarrassing (VIDEO)

I'm sure the incident made at least some of Cyrus's family uncomfortable. But I'm not all that surprised by Billy Ray's response. Hasn't he seen it all before -- and worse -- when it comes to Miley? He knows how she courts controversy. Heck, Minaj's calling her a "bitch" onstage is relatively mild compared with what else he's heard people call his daughter.

Not that he doesn't care -- I'm sure he does. I think what this really speaks to is his faith in her resilience. Maybe he snapped a photo to show her later, just for a little quarterbacking. "Now Miley, the next time this happens, what's your strategy?"

Anyway, here's the Cyrus family watching their girl get dissed on national television.

 

See this video on The Stir by CafeMom.

 

Image via London Entertainment/Splash News

Avril Lavigne and Chad Kroeger Are Splitting Up and We Can’t Take Any More

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Post by Adriana Velez.

As much as it pains me, I feel it's my duty as a blogger to inform you all of yet another celeb breakup: Avril Lavigne and Chad Kroeger are separating after two years of marriage. Lavigne announced the split this afternoon via an Instagram post.

Et tu, Avril? Et tu? Noooo, we can't take another split this summer!

Lavigne was gracious in her post, saying, "Through not only the marriage, but the music as well, we've created many unforgettable moments." She thanks friends, family, and fans for their support and vows that she and Kroeger will remain the best of friends. Well, at least it sound like the split is amicable.

Divorce rumors about Lavigne and Kroeger were swirling a year ago. Sources said they were fighting and both were supposedly flirting with others. And then we all moved on with our lives and forgot because they didn't split up at the time.

More from The Stir: Avril Lavigne & Chad Kroeger May Be Headed for Divorce Already

But then! Lavigne revealed that she had Lyme disease. She was bedridden for months while Kroeger was on tour, and she said he could only "check in" with her occasionally while her mother took care of her. Oh man, is that what did it?

Are they splitting up because he wasn't there for her during the early throes of her illness? What happened to "in sickness and in health"? Did she come to resent Kroeger for choosing his career over nursing her? Did she tell him, "No, go on, do your tour" all while secretly seething that he actually went ahead with that tour? Did he leave because they weren't getting along anyway? What??? 

I guess we'll never know ... unless she writes a song or memoir about it. But we're sad that Lavigne endured a terrible illness and the demise of her marriage in the same year. We hope she heals from both.

Meanwhile, did you hear Lagivne's ex-husband Deryck Whibley just married Ariana Cooper? SIGH.

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Image via MSA/Splash News

Amy Schumer and Jennifer Lawrence's Movie Mom Needs to Be Bette Midler, Obviously (GIFS)

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Post by Adriana Velez.

The perfect family you've always wanted to be part of is forming as we speak. Remember how Amy Schumer and Jennifer Lawrence are writing a screenplay together about being sisters? Well, Amy and JLaw's mother has just stepped up: Bette Midler. Yes, movie gods, please make it so!

We know this is perfect and so does Bette Midler. She volunteered via Twitter.

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Amy Schumer & Jennifer Lawrence are co-writing a screenplay about sisters. Hmm, who could play their mother? She'd have to be DIVINE!

— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) September 1, 2015
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So yes! Bette is the perfect brassy, loudmouth, blond comic to play JLaw and Amy's mother. That would be brilliant. Look at what a weirdo she is.

(N.B. not her real teeth.)

More from The Stir: Amy Schumer & Jennifer Lawrence Should Just Film Their Screenwriting Process & Call It a Day (GIFS)

With Bette on board there could be musical numbers, which you know Amy and Jen would be up for joining.

And slapping! Tell me there's a mother-daughter-sister slapping scene in there. 

She's already declared her love for Jennifer Lawrence.

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Jennifer Lawrence is so charming that she could run me over with her car and I’d send her a thank you note.

— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler) March 3, 2014
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More from The Stir: Inside Scoop on Jennifer Lawrence & Amy Schumer's Vacation From Someone Who Was Definitely, Totally There (PHOTOS)

By the way, when Midler says "she'd have to be DIVINE," she's not referring to the transvestite actor famous for appearing in John Waters films. Sadly, that actor died in 1988. (But that casting would have been another kind of awesome.)

No, Midler is referring to her 1972 debut album, "The Divine Miss M."

She kind of looks like JLaw there, doesn't she?

So what do you say? This is happening, right? Bette Midler HAS to play Jennifer Lawrence and Amy Schumer's mother. She just has to.

Don't leave her hanging. It's for the girls! She's a legendary funny woman. Who else could be more perfect? (Don't say Meryl. Don't say Meryl.)

 

Image via Roger Wong/INFphoto.com/Splash News

Samantha Bee Shows Off the Scary 'Assets' She Has Over Other Late-Night TV Hosts (VIDEO)

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Post by Adriana Velez.

I'm not sure you've noticed, but late-night television is dominated by men. But starting January, one woman will stand alone in this crowded field: former Daily Show corespondent Samantha Bee in TBS's Full Frontal. For those who doubt a woman can pull off this job, she has two very big things to share.

I'm just going to step aside, first, and let you see this teaser. Then we can discuss Ms. Bee's qualifications.

See this video on The Stir by CafeMom.

Whoa! Who knew she had THOSE hiding under her skirt all this time! How does she even sit down? She doesn't. Because. She's got the most gargantuan balls in entertainment, that's why.

I may actually break down and get cable just to see this show. (And also buy a TV.) Truth be told, I'm afraid if I don't Samantha Bee with her huge balls will come after me for not watching her show. I don't think she's kidding around. If she got studio execs to cast her in a hosting gig, there's no telling what else she's capable of. Do you know how hard that is to do?

Late-night television is a total sausage fest! And I like sausage as much as the next lady, but come on. Enough is enough. We can't live on sausage alone.

See this video on The Stir by CafeMom.

Am I right? So hooray for Samantha Bee and her humungoid balls. She had to have them to be a corespondent interviewing total loons night after night on The Daily Show. And she'll need them to keep her late show. I don't know how she'll fit those balls behind a desk, but if anyone can figure that out, she can. 

P.S. Seriously, though. Isn't it weird that there have been so few female late-night TV hosts?

 

Image via Splash News

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