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Buzz Gift Guide: Best of 2008 For Gals

BuzzSugar — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 08:30:45 -0800

Welcome back to my Buzz Gift Guide series for all the entertainment lovers in your life. Yesterday I sifted through the stacks (er, Web pages) of music, DVDs, and books to find some of the best 2008 has to offer dudes. Today I will share with you some 2008 entertainment gift ideas for the ladies.

It's no secret how much I love Jenny Lewis and I will be spreading the gospel this year by handing out her newest album Acid Tongue to my girlfriends (or at least including her songs on the mix CDs I'll make this holiday season). I'll also be giving out Aimee Mann's newest album, as I think it's pretty awesome.

It was a good year for books: I read both The Opposite of Love by Julie Buxbaum and Certain Girls by Jennifer Weiner and would definitely recommend them. In the movies department, might I suggest the hilarious Baby Mama or Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day on DVD?

Since I watch more TV than most people I know, I use the holidays to not-so-subtly suggest to friends what I know they would love, like 30 Rock or Greek. And many of my friends have grown to love Lipstick Jungle, so it would be a treat for them to receive the show's first season on DVD.

A couple more ideas below, so have fun scrolling on through.

Check out HolidaySugar for all of our holiday coverage and gift guides.

Jennifer Weiner Brings Her Relatable Storytelling to ABC

BuzzSugar — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:32:33 -0700

In a smart and savvy move, ABC has struck a deal with bestselling author Jennifer Weiner to develop a television series, presumably focusing on what Weiner knows best - highly relatable women.

ABC already has many shows geared toward females like Grey's Anatomy, Samantha Who? and Desperate Housewives, and I give them kudos for thinking outside the box in their search for the next hit series. Handing over the reins to a known name like Weiner - an author who has built a career creating memorable (and often hysterically funny) characters - seems like a win for them, and for audiences (like me) who love to see a little bit of themselves in the female characters on TV. An ABC representative said of Weiner's fans: "They respond to her wry wit, embrace her smart characters and want to live in the worlds she creates."

Weiner's book In Her Shoes was adapted for the big screen in 2005 and her new book, Certain Girls (the sequel to Good in Bed) hit bookstores earlier this month. She's a hot commodity these days: in addition to her deal with ABC, two different studios are working on adapting her books Little Earthquakes and The Guy Not Taken.

Are you as happy as I am to see someone this talented get so much love? Will you check out a TV show if she's behind it?

Source and Source

Book Review: Certain Girls

BuzzSugar — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 06:30:00 -0700

When I was first introduced to the smart, hilariously sassy Cannie Shapiro in Jennifer Weiner's Good in Bed, I felt like I'd made a friend. She's clever, outspoken, fun and talented, though she also, like many of us, struggles with her weight and her feelings of self-worth. Thus, I was delighted to find out that we get a continuation of Cannie's story in Certain Girls - and this time there's another voice talking: Cannie's now-13-year-old daughter, Joy.

Joy, whose premature birth left her with hearing problems, has always known that her mother wrote a salacious, bestselling novel many years ago but never had much interest in reading it - until now. And what she reads horrifies her. She starts to question her mother's honesty, and goes in search of the truth about her family's history. Meanwhile, Cannie's husband Peter wants to find a surrogate so he and Cannie can have their own baby together. Not loving the idea, Cannie explores their options while also trying to plan a bat mitzvah for her surly teenage girl.

In a rare occurrence of the sequel surpassing the original, I enjoyed Certain Girls more than I liked Good in Bed. To find out why, read more.

While I like the character of Cannie and the collection of hilarious characters that surround her in Good in Bed, that book is a whole lotta Cannie. It's also fanciful in ways that I couldn't quite swallow at times. But Certain Girls benefits from Joy's voice and her teenage perspective. At times it struck a chord so familiar I had to put down the book, recognizing as I did the painful experiences of puberty. It's also surprisingly fun to get a new, inside look at Cannie through her daughter's eyes. Certain Girls is also darker, in many ways, and though there's still a good amount of fantasy-world fun, there's also a hefty dose of real-world drama. Perhaps because of this, I became powerfully attached to this mother-daughter duo and had to do that thing where I lingered over the final few pages to try and make it last.

Bottom line: Certain Girls isn't literary perfection, but it is a funny, absorbing and emotional read.

Source

Updated: Robbie Williams Proposes to Ayda on the Radio, Now His Mum Confirms It's True!

PopSugarUK — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 06:15:18 -0800

Robbie Williams proposed to his girlfriend Ayda Field live on 2Day FM in Sydney yesterday! After talking about proposals with the show's hosts he turned to Ayda and said: "I love you so much. Would you be my betrothed until the end of time?" It was a lighthearted moment, but Robbie has been talking about marrying Ayda - his girlfriend of three years - a lot recently and they certainly seemed happy as they joked together on the show - listen here!

The pair have just left Sydney, and were mobbed by press at the airport! Robbie's manager told GMTV this morning that the proposal was just a bit of fun - I wonder how long we'll have to wait for the two to make it official?

UPDATE: Despite his manager's protests this morning, Robbie's mum Jan has now confirmed that the news is true on BBC Radio 5 Live. She said he'd revealed his plan to her a week ago, and said:

"I've always wanted a daughter-in-law. I don't think [the wedding] will be that far in the not-too-distant future, but that's all I'm going to say on that. I'm very excited. I'm really pleased. They've been together for nearly three years, so it's about time. She's a great mate, as well as a lover. She's got all the qualities that he needs in a girl. It's a lovely match."

It's not been revealed whether the radio proposal was for real, or if Robbie proposed previous to the show. Congratulations to them both!

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Holiday Trendtotting: Classic Little Red Dresses

LilSugar — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:00:40 -0800

'Tis the season for holiday pictures and functions and every mama wants her children to look fashionable and festive. A little red dress is sure to impress any crowd and will lend to charming holiday pictures with Santa or the family. This Biscotti Unforgettable Bubble Dress ($110) lives up to its name, but you need not spend a small fortune. There's certainly no shortage of red smocks in stores this time of year.

Here are a few of my favorite little red dresses (in all price points) that your darling can wear all Winter with a cardigan, parka or plain white tee.

Classic Little Red Dresses For Toddlers and Young Girls:

For some even tinier little red dress options for infants and newborns, read more.

Classic Little Red Dresses For Infants:

Ruffled Bib Dresses for Baby - $16.50	Cable knit drop-waist sweater dress - $36.50
Little Ella Infant Girls' "Wonderland" Dress - $57.00	Isabel Garreton Infant's Smocked Silk Bishop Dress - $136.00
Snowflake Sweater Dress - $59.00	Youngland® Floral Tiered Velvet Dress And Leggings Set - $40.00
Little Ella Toddler's & Little Girl's Wonderland Ruffle-Hem Dress - $59.00	Ralph Lauren Toddler & Little Girl's Velvet Dress - $145.00

Marcia Cross Gives Thanks Early This Year

babysugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:30:53 -0800

Known as the buttoned-up and tightly wound kitchen queen on Desperate Housewives, Marcia Cross appears to be quite the opposite when seen about town toting her two tots to the local playground for a swing in the park or a roll in the grass. Though the multitasking mum certainly has her hands full and plenty of mouths to feed in her own home, the drama mama took time out of her Sunday afternoon to dish on motherhood, balancing a career, her fortunate life and how she gives back to the community.

How do you teach your children about giving back?

I have to be very honest and say that I'm in this very strange interim of wanting the world to seem like this perfect lovely place because they're 2-and-a-half... to then introducing them to the idea that other people have less. It's going to start soon, I think around the holidays. The way I try to do it is in simple ways. I have things in the house and I say, "Why don't we give this to so and so?" And I will say somebody else's child and "If you're finished with that, why don't you give that to so and so?" I've noticed that they'll come up with that on their own now, which makes me so happy... I can't yet go to the place where there are other kids that are hungry... maybe in another year. I don't know exactly. I think just teaching empathy and then teaching giving in that sort of way is how I've started and hopefully it will grow from there in terms of how lucky we are... We say Grace and we say prayers at night. Prayers to me is just sitting around and saying what you're grateful for. One answer that my daughter Eden says all the time, which I love, is "Outside," which is such a beautiful thing to say thank you for, which we take for granted.

What kinds of things do the girls do to make you laugh?

My girls are really funny. They're actually little jokesters. They do twists on words already, or I call them my little minxies. They dance, they do imitations of other kids dancing, they make up songs, they make up lyrics. It's all so silly but I think every mother just adores their own child and I'm the same way. They make me laugh all the time.

To see what the striking redhead has to say about balancing motherhood and her career, her character Bree, and what she is most thankful for, read more.

Are there any similarities between Bree and Marcia Cross?

Wow. I wish there were more because she's so organized and such the domestic diva, which I am not. But I think in her own twisted way, Bree has a big heart and a passion for life. Although, I'm thinking about what she's doing right now and we don't have that in common... she's having a little extra passion right now (giggle). At the moment, I'm going to say there's a little less in common than more.

How do you raise your kids and have a career?

I think some days I do it more gracefully than others. And other days it takes its tolls. Like any parent, I go through times where things are going great and then I have a week where both of my daughters are sick and so I'm trying to juggle work and home-life and it's hard and it's stressful and I think it would be unrealistic to say otherwise. I think that mothers manage an incredible workload. Whether you're a stay-at-home mother or you have a job as well, it's a very full life and certainly one that I dreamed about and always wanted. And even given that there are days that are challenging, because you can only be in so many places at once... whether it's at work or with your kids, or sometimes you just really want a nap so it's a full-time job.

What are you thankful for?

Health. Health of my family, health of my friends, health of my parents, who thank God, are still with me. I'm grateful that I have a family that I always dreamed about. I'm grateful for the job that I have. I get to do what I love. I'm grateful that I get the opportunity to be a spokesperson for things I feel are important.

This Thanksgiving, Marcia is encouraging all Facebook mommies to go to My Chinet's Facebook page where they can pick a plate, decorate it and show it on their profile page. By doing this, mommy will feed her soul and donate to the cause of filling someone else's stomach this holiday season.

Gender Roles - Love 'Em Or Leave 'Em?

OnSugar Blog — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:10:00 -0800

Here's a poll from OnSugar blog Rantings of a Single Girl.

Let's go back to the 1940s for a minute. My grandmother was married, raised a kid, ran a farm, taught school, and kept a clean house. All while my grandfather was away at war. After my grandfather came back from the war and had recovered from his wounds, they went back into their traditional roles. He ran the farm and did all the "manly" things. My grandmother raised my aunt, taught school, and still had dinner on the table by 5:30 PM every night. All while pregnant with my dad.

I'm exhausted just talking about it.

I bring all this up because I've been thinking about gender roles lately. I look at my parents. Granted, my dad still does majority of the "manly'" things around the house and my mom does the household things, neither one is afraid to help out the other. My dad does housework. My mom can swing a hammer when needed.

And that's what I like.

I'll never be able to date a guy who believes in traditional gender roles. As much as I like cooking and being in the kitchen, I don't like being expected to be there. If we have kids, I'm not going to be the one who raises them. I certainly expect their father to help out. At the same time, I don't expect him the only one who takes out the trash or fixes things when they break. I think 50/50 is a good blend.

So could you be with someone who firmly believes in traditional gender roles? Or would you rather share the load?

Want to see more? Start following Rantings of a Single Girl or start your own OnSugar Blog. Maybe your stories will be posted here on TrèsSugar!

BellaSugar's Gift Guide: The Pretty Little Princess

BellaSugarUK — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 06:00:00 -0800

Little girls and overactive adolescents can be so much fun to shop for, especially if they're into a certain theme. I've seen lots of tots obsess over all things princess - which means glitter galore!

Then there's the tween crowd who wants to look and act like a young adult even though they're not quite there yet. Here are some adorable beauty products suitable for the glamor goddesses of the future, including this great Nintendo DS Girls Life Makeover game (£22) - have fun shopping!

Gold Wide Alice Band - £3.00	Natural Products Naughty But Nice Lip Gloss Pots - £6.00
Disney Princess 7 X 50ml Bath And Shower Gift Set - £3.99	OPI Nails - Nail Lacquer, Princesses Rule, 10ml - £9.95
Me To You Hair Dryer - £20.00	Hello Kitty Collection - £16.00
Cheeky Monkey Nail Dryer - £6.00	Avon Kids Super Gentle 2-in-1 Shampoo For Normal Hair - £2.50
Rose Lip Gloss - £6.00	Disney Princess Cosmetic Tidy Bag - £9.00
Little Me Organics Sleepy Head Bath Milk - £3.99	3pk Glitter Hair Bows - £3.00
Superdrug Little Horrors Toothpaste Strawberry 75ml - £0.88	Me To You Hair Straighteners - £25.00
Fruity Beauty Glitter Soaps - £5.00	Girls With Attitude Rock On Beauty 5 x lip Gloss Set - £4.00
Rose Glitter Clips - £6.00	Twin Pack Sweet Heart Lip Gloss - £4.89
Nintendo Ds Girls Life: Makeover - £22.00

FabSugar Exclusive: Alexis Bittar Is Gossip Girl's Favorite Accessory Designer

FabSugar — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 14:00:22 -0800

We caught up with Alexis Bittar at his Neiman Marcus trunk show recently. He's super dreamy, as you can tell from his photo (center). And so friendly, it was comfortable, like we'd met before. Read what he had to say about his biggest fans - Fab fave Cameron Diaz and the Gossip Girl stylists - as well as how he got his start.

What sparked your interest in jewelry?

I sold antique jewelry on the street [at the 26th Street flea market in Manhattan] for 15 years. I started working with Lucite, I just pounded it, started carving it. I actually don’t know how I put it all together in my brain, but I liked that you could sculpt it. It’s pretty cheap - in the beginning I had no money. It seemed like an experimental medium. And I like working with mediums that aren’t typical. When I first saw it, I loved it and I still love it. Guys like it, too; they’re into the science of it, they’re trying to figure it out. It took a long time - the beginning was a bit difficult, then certain key people used it, and it slowly took off. When the millennium happened there was thing of perceiving everything differently and it became the new.

See what else we discussed.

Demi Has Lots to Say About Cougars and Marriage

PopSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:00:55 -0800

Demi Moore struck a gorgeous pose for the cover of December's W. She's the latest member of her extended family to pose for the publication, following Bruce Willis's saucy spread with his new wife Emma Hemming earlier this year. Demi is out and about promoting her movie with David Duchovny, The Joneses, as well as Happy Tears with Parker Posey. She sat down with the magazine to chat about her marriage to Ashton Kutcher and what she thinks of being labeled a cougar. Here's more:

On being married to a younger man: "I’m certainly not the first person to be in a relationship with a younger man, but somehow I was plucked out as a bit of a poster girl. . . I don’t know why that is. But I just kind of step back sometimes and say, 'There is some reason, and what is it that I have to share in a positive way?'"
On being labeled a cougar: "I’d prefer to be called a puma. . . [I] Twittered it out. People wrote back hilarious stuff, saying, 'I’m going to get T-shirts that say PUMA POWER.'"
On meeting Ashton six years ago: "The most overwhelming part of meeting someone that you already felt you had such a deep and old connection with is that your feelings are greater than the time you’ve had to actually be with one another. Now we’ve had the physical time together. The love he has for me makes me a better person by giving me the courage to take risks. I can fail and have someone who loves me just the same. I never knew it was quite possible."

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There are lots more photos at W's site, and the whole issue will be available on newsstands on Tuesday, November 24.

The Opposite of Love: Julie Buxbaum ($16.50)	Break Up the Concrete: The Pretenders ($11.99)
Acid Tongue: Jenny Lewis ($12.49)	Certain Girls: A Novel: Jennifer Weiner ($17.79)
@#%&*! Smilers: Aimee Mann ($13.99)	Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day ($12.99)
Baby Mama ($17.99)	Greek - Chapter One ($19.99)
30 Rock: Season 2 ($25.99)	Lipstick Jungle - Season One ($24.99)

Girl Cable Sweater Dress - $26.50	Bonnie jean 7-16 bow-detail sweater dress - $40.00
Amalia Velvet Dress - $145.00	Alice + Olivia Party Poof Dress - $275.00
Il Baule D'Elianne Infant's Plaid Party Dress - $265.00	Charter Club Girls Dress, Little Girls Party Dress - $68.00
Papo d'Anjo Toddler's & Little Girl's Velvet Dress - $175.00	Blush by Us Angels Bow Dress (Big Girls) - $89.00
Biscotti - Unforgetable Bubble Dress (Little Kids) (Red) - $110.67	Ralph Lauren Toddler & Little Girl's Tartan Dress - $60.00
Drop-waist party dress - $36.50	Charter Club Little Girls Dress, Tartan Holiday Dress - $68.00