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Keira Knightley Pregnant With First Child

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Congrats go out to Keira Knightley!

The 29-year-old actress and her husband James Righton are expecting their first child, according to New York Post's Page Six. Us Weekly and E! News confirmed the baby news, as well. The "Imitation Game" star and the Klaxons rocker married in May 2013 after two years of dating.

The Huffington Post has reached out to Knightley's reps for a statement and will update the post if one comes through.

Rumors of Knightley's pregnancy first surfaced in November with Star magazine claiming she was 12 weeks along. Then, the actress was spotted at the Moet British Independent Film Awards on Dec. 7 and seemingly confirmed the reports as she firmly stayed away from alcohol.

As for motherhood, Knightley made it pretty clear that she isn't keen on giving up her career after welcoming children. “I don’t want to deny my femininity. But would I want to be a stay-at-home mother? No," she told Vogue in 2012. "On the other hand, you should be allowed to do that, as should men, without being sneered at."

Beyoncé Releases 'Yours And Mine,' Short Film About Fame, Feminism And Love

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Beyoncé released a new short film, "Yours and Mine," that focuses on all the themes in her self-titled album, released a year ago: fame, feminism, loss, love and death. It's a powerful, black-and-white look at Bey's world and how she looks at life.

"When you're famous no one looks at you as a human anymore," she narrates. "You become the property of the public. There's nothing real about it."

She goes through backstage clips and scenes -- a beauty pageant, a dessert, a dance club -- which were originally released as music videos for "Beyoncé." (The Platinum edition of the album was released last month.) It's a spooky, sweet look back on Bey's recent years at the top. Jay Z and Blue Ivy make a few appearances, like they do in the videos, and Bey says, "There's nothing more exciting than having a witness to your life."

Kim Kardashian And Kris Jenner Go See-Through For Rihanna's Diamond Ball

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Like mother, like daughter.

Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner headed to Rihanna's Diamond Ball together at The Vineyard in Beverly Hills Thursday night. Both ladies opted for see-through styles: Kardashian wore a mesh dress with a bodysuit, while Jenner went with a lace top and a buttoned blazer.

Rihanna's Diamond Ball benefits the star's Clara Lionel Foundation, a charity she founded in 2012 in honor of her grandparents that directs funds to improve the quality of life in communities around the globe in the areas of health, education, arts and culture. Other stars in attendance Thursday included Ellen Pompeo, Salma Hayek, Jimmy Kimmel and Brad Pitt, among others.

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kim kardashian

kris jenner

The WineFashionista's Beautiful Holiday Gift Guide

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When I'm not drinking wine, I'm obsessed with makeup, lotions and potions and of course, perfume.  I've been a product junkie ever since I can remember, and my bathroom cabinets are overflowing with skin and hair care and all sorts of beauty products.

This year I've tried and tested many a cream,  and dabbed and spritzed all sorts of fragrances. I've come up with a list of my top 12 beauty products that really work -- and make great holiday gifts to boot.

1. Beauty DNA.  I've tried just about every beauty subscription out there.  I usually end up with a pile of unwanted stuff.  So I was skeptical about Beauty DNA's claim to make a perfect match for you every month.  I signed up for the $25 per month subscription.  My first delivery was the SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF -- a full size which sells for about $150.  Then I got Dermalogica's Multivitamin Power Serum -- once again full size, $65 retail.  I was hooked.

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Why it works?  You fill out an extensive questionnaire about your skin type, what you like and don't like in beauty products.  You can adjust your profile at any time.  So far Beauty DNA has delighted me with every delivery.

2.  TheBalm Cosmetics.  I was in the Mission distrtict in San Francisco with girlfriends when we walked by a colorful window display of makeup.  Turned out to be theBalm's boutique.  I had never heard of the brand but it sounded cheeky and fun.  After a makeup artist redid my look, I was happy but wanted to see how the tinted moisturizer she recommended over my regular foundation held up.

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It's perfect -- no separation or creasing.  It's light and has SPF 18. I'm sold on the rest of the line, especially the great brushes and Mary Lou Manizer, a honey-hued highlighter.

3. NeuBROW by Skin Research Laboratories.  When I saw at display for neuBROW at Cos Bar in Carmel By-the-Sea promising brow regrowth I couldn't wait to try it.

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4.  Marc Jacobs Beauty Kiss Pop Lip Color Sticks.  These are so much fun! The case is a big fat silver crayon.  The color inside is intense and stays put.

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5. NARS Audacious Lipsticks.  Yes, more lipstick.  These saturated colors go on soft and smooth.  The creamy consistency wears well.  Each color is named for an audacious woman.

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My current favorite is Fanny, a plummy rich berry shade.  Love the magnetic closure -- no more lipstick case lids falling off!

6. Karuna Sheet Masks.  Ok, so you look a little like Jason from the Friday the 13th movies, so warn anyone around you before you don these sheet masks chock full with nutrients and treatments for all skin types.

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I'm partial to the Hydrating and Brightening masks.  Be sure to rub extra serum into your neck, décolleté and hands.

7.  MitoQ Anti-Aging Serum.  MitoQ claims to be "the most potent antioxidant on the market."  Who can resist that?  With repeated use, you get soft, glowing skin.  Nice light texture too.  Sample provided.

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8. Ecotools Retractabke Brushes.  These are great brush for carrying in your handbag or for your travel cosmetics kit.  Made from natural materials and EVA.  They are cruelty, phthalates and PVC-free.

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I've got the Kabuki and foundation retractable brushes.  The brush is super soft and works just as well as more expensive brushes.  It's a great stocking stuffer at $6-$8.

9.  Aftelier Palimpsest, Byredo Black Saffron and Ajne Lakshmi perfumes.  Of all the scents I smelled this year, these three came out on top.  Palimpsest is the newest fragrance from Berkeley-based Mandy Aftel and her gorgeous natural line Aftelier.  Palimpsest is a lovely, fresh bouquet of florals.  As time goes on, the aroma transforms into something more exotic, warm and heady, thanks to the base of real ambergris.

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Read my review of her new book Fragrant:  The Secret Life of Scent and interview with Mandy here.

Byredo is one of my favorite luxury lines and Black Saffron is exceptional.  It's a warm, spicy scent, perfect for the holidays and chilly weather.  Notes of black violet, pomelo, saffron and leather make it irresistible.

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I adore Ajne's jewel box of a perfume shop in Carmel as much as I love Jane Hendler's natural fragrances. Big Sur has been my all time favorite of hers, but over Thanksgiving I discovered Lakshmi, a beautiful blend of blood orange, roses, amber and lotus flower.  It's exotic and mysterious.

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10. Jane Iredale Powder-Me SPF Dry Sunscreen.  This is genius.  I've been looking for an SPF powder to carry around as much of my work is outside in the California sunshine.  There's no brush, no mess no fuss.  You dab the pillowy soft sponge applicator on your skin to distribute the dry SPF 30 sunscreen powder.

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It doesn't cake at all. There's even a mirror on the lid!  Like I said, genius.  I use the translucent shade but there are color shades too.  This goes everywhere with me.

11. Mani/Pedi Combo at The Salon at Whole Body.  If you live or work in or travel to Silicon Valley, you're in luck because Whole Foods' only Whole Body Salon is in Campbell.  The combo treatment here is a pampering respit, complete with a fragrant floral foot soak, warm neck wrap and hand and foot massage.

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Best of all the salon is acetone-free so there are no off-putting or harmful chemical smells and all mani/pedi tools are sanitized for each client.  Gift certificates are available so you can give the gift of inner bliss.

12. Coconut oil and scents.  One whiff of any coconut lotion or perfume and I'm transported to a tropical getaway.  and I'm reading about coconut oil everywhere as the new skin cure-all.   That's why I love these products that are good for your body and soul.

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Capri Clear Spray on Moisturizer is a coconut oil that is unscented but has all the benefits of coconut oil for moisturizing, soothing and healing dry skin and scars.  The spray makes it convenient to use.  Sample provided.

Coconut Fashion SCENTS by Downeast Basics is an affordable 100% natural beauty line made with cocoa and shea butter.  Layer the body lotion, hand creme and perfume for long lasting wearable scent day or night.  Samples provided.

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Fashion Icon Eileen Fisher Talks About Creating Sustainable Fashion

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"We don't want sustainability to be
our edge, we want it to be universal.

- Eileen Fisher



Who knew that 30 years ago, this small-framed woman from Des Plaines, Illinois would not only revolutionize women's fashion, but would also be a pioneer at saving the earth? This woman is fashion icon Eileen Fisher. Known for creating simple beautiful clothing for real-life women, her companies trend has always been sustainability (decades before the rest of the fashion industry caught on). Her socially conscious, eco-minded designs are not only iconic, but revolutionary in the world of fast fashion. The company currently employees 1,199 people with over 65 stores in the U.S and Canada has a long-term goal of being a company that is 100 percent sustainable.

Not only does Eileen Fisher thrive for the wellness of the planet, she also offers the same incentive to her employees (heck, I wish I worked there). The company encourages well-being by providing yearly wellness-related expenses such as massage, acupuncture, gym memberships and retreats. They also provide an annual stipend encouraging their employees to explore enrichment opportunities such as photography, yoga teacher training and languages. Even their offices offer wellness opportunities such as yoga, meditation and tai-chi.

In honor of the company's 30th anniversary, it is my honor to interview Eileen Fisher, the woman behind the brand.


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Karim Orange: How does it feel to celebrate 30 years as a pioneer in women fashion?

Eileen Fisher: As the company celebrates 30 years, I'm reflecting on what I'm most proud of: we have stayed true to our values, both in relationship to the design concept and our commitment to creating positive change in the world. Simplicity is at the core of the design idea. I planted a seed all those years ago -- a collective of simple shapes that work together in many ways. The intention is to "solve her problem," giving women the pieces to put themselves together quickly and joyfully so they can focus on life. We believe that a good design is a result of paying attention to what women want and need. Women long to experience the magic that happens when you put on a garment that has been pared to its essence. It comes alive on your body, and you discover absolute freedom and confidence. I want EILEEN FISHER to be synonymous with clothes you don't have to over-think and that feel incredible on every time you reach for them.

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KO: You are also now a trailblazer in sustainable practices relating to fashion manufacturing, how did this come about?

EF: Becoming more mindful about clothing means looking at every fiber and every seed and every eye and seeing how to make it better. We want to make sustainability our way of life, and and we want it to be universal. Our social consciousness team works tirelessly to ensure our partners are fully vetted working in tandem with our core beliefs. Our goal is simple: design without adverse impacts right from the start.

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KO: Can you please elaborate on these practices, and what a consumer should understand about them?

EF: Sustainability begins with the design. When we select fabrics and yarns, we are making choices about better farming practices, greener dyes and more innovative production. Our customers know that we work to create products designed to last and easy to care for. We also ensure transparency by telling a story about the way our clothes are made on everything from our hangtags to our website.

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photo courtesy of EILEEN FISHER ®



In closing: I would like to say that as an urban sustainable farmer, I'm looking forward to the day when sustainable practices are universal.

Symbolic Sparkle: 12 Pieces of South Asian Wedding Jewelry and What they Really Mean

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Jewelry and adornments take on a whole new meaning in South Asian celebrations -- did you know there's an auspicious sign behind nearly every piece of jewelry a South Asian bride wears? "Solah Shringar" literally translates to "Sixteen Adornments," and is the ritual system of adorning a bride-to-be in 16 steps. In Hinduism, the ritual pays respect to the Goddess Laxmi, who represents beauty and femininity. But even non-Hindu brides in South Asia have embraced many elements of the Solah Shringar, especially since so many of the pieces are part of a traditional jewelry trousseau.

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Image courtesy of Gary Flom Photography via Shaadi Belles.

We're breaking down the symbolism behind 12 of our favorite pieces of wedding day bling. From the tikka at the top of a bride's head to the payals at the bottom of her feet, these pieces of South Asian bridal jewelry do more than just sparkle!

How To Wrap A Present In 12 Seconds -- Seriously.

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It's ironic that the first thing we notice about a present (besides its size, of course) is usually the last thing to get our attention during the frenzied gift-giving rush. But wrapping a gift won't ever be the same after you watch this 28-second video in which a Japanese department store employee wraps not one, but two boxes to Martha-Stewart-level perfection.



Game. Changed.

It is the season of giving, however, so our efforts to spread good will (and make you the czar of impeccable first impressions) don't end there. We present you with three more ways to take your gift-wrapping to new heights, excerpted from blogger Sally J. Shim's new book, "Pretty Packages." (Head over here for help with what's inside.)

Handmade Glitter Tape Gift Wrap
glitter tape gift wrap
Photo by Madelene Farin
MATERIALS
Dressmaker’s tape measure
Wrapped gift
½-in/12-mm-wide double-sided tape with backing
Fine glitter

TOOLS
2 pieces of paper
Scissors
Small brush (optional)

BRIGHT IDEAS
Cut the glitter tape into shapes and add them to the top of your wrapped gift. You can use patterned washi tape instead of making glitter tape.

HOW TO:
  1. Wrap the dressmaker’s tape measure around your wrapped gift to measure the distance around the gift, or twice its width plus twice its depth.

  2. Use scissors to cut a strip of double-sided tape 1 in/2.5 cm longer than the total measurement obtained in step 1.

  3. Place the tape sticky-side up onto one piece of the paper. If the ends of the tape curl up, place a small piece of the tape on each end to secure it to the paper. Sprinkle the glitter on the sticky tape so the entire surface is covered. Remove the tape that is holding down the ends of the sticky tape, if using. Shake off the excess glitter onto the second piece of paper. Use the paper to funnel the excess glitter back into the glitter dispenser.

  4. Remove the backing from the double-sided tape and place it on your wrapped gift, overlapping the ends on the underside of the gift.

NOTE: Use a small brush to wipe off excess glitter that may fall onto the wrapping paper, or use a small piece of tape to pick it up.




Confetti Gift Tag
confetti gift tag
Photo by Madelene Farin
MATERIALS
Scraps of colored paper in a variety of sizes and colors
1 glassine envelope, 2 by 2 in/ 5 by 5 cm
Double-sided tape
1 gift tag, 2½ by 4 in/ 6 by 10 cm
Twine

TOOLS
Paper hole punch
Paper circle hole punches in a variety of sizes

BRIGHT IDEAS
Instead of confetti, place colored candy sprinkles inside the glassine bag. Create a birthday party invitation by printing the party details on a card and adhering the glassine bag of confetti to the invitation.

HOW TO
  1. Using the paper hole punch and circle hole paper punches, punch at least twenty circles from the colored paper scraps to make confetti.

  2. Put the paper confetti in the envelope and seal the envelope closed with a piece of double-sided tape. Place four strips of tape on the back of the sealed envelope, one on each edge.

  3. Place the glassine envelope at the center of the gift tag, and press down to adhere it to the gift tag.

  4. Thread the twine through the hole and secure in a knot.





Yarn Pom-Pom Topper
pom pom topper
Photos by Madelene Farin
MATERIALS
Ball of yarn
1 piece of yarn, 12 in/ 30.5 cm long
Wrapped gift

TOOLS
Scissors

BRIGHT IDEAS
Make a dozen or more yarn pom-poms and string them together to make a sweet party garland. Try using several different colors of yarn to make a multi-color pom-pom.

HOW TO
  1. Place four fingers together on one hand and wrap the yarn around them fifty to sixty times (the more times you wrap the yarn, the fuller the pom-pom will be). Use the scissors to cut the end of the wrapped yarn from the ball of yarn.

  2. Take the 12-in/30.5-cm piece of yarn, slip it in between your second and third fingers, wrap it very tightly around the looped yarn twice, and tie a knot.

  3. Pull the yarn off your fingers and double knot the yarn. Cut through the yarn loops on each side.

  4. The yarn ball will be uneven. Fluff up the yarn ball, and trim it so that it is even and spherical in shape, leaving the long yarn ends.

  5. Use the yarn ends to tie the pom-pom around your gift.


Excerpts reprinted with permission from Pretty Packages, Chronicle Books, 2014.

Pamela Anderson Gets Into The Holiday Spirit By Posing In Lingerie


Social Worker Empowers Muslim Women In Need With Sewing Class

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When Tahani Jabarin started the Introduction to Sewing and Dressmaking program at the Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center in northern Virginia, she was hoping to create "a road to self-sufficiency" for Muslim women in her area. Made possible by a $10,000 grant from Islamic Relief, a U.S.-based charity organization, the sewing class graduated its first class of 12 students on Nov. 5.

Jabarin, 37, told The Huffington Post she could not be happier with the results. "Thank God things went great," she said.

A social worker at Dar Al-Hijrah with no background in sewing, Jabarin said she chose the subject because it's something women with children can do from home. Jabarin runs the program, but she hired a woman with commercial sewing experience to teach the actual classes. Women ages 18 and above who earn half the area median income or less, or who receive financial assistance like food stamps, were eligible to sign up for the first round of lessons, as long as they agreed to attend every one, Jabarin said.

Participants were also asked to pay a $300 fee for the class, but were issued waivers if they were unable to afford the cost. In exchange, the women received six hours of instruction every week for 16 weeks, with an additional four-hour workshop on starting their own business. Projects included clothing and home decor like curtains and lampshades. Dar Al-Hijrah sells the students' work on-site, Jabarin said, and each student gets 50 percent of whatever proceeds her pieces bring in, meaning the women can receive an income even during the program.

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Perhaps most significantly, those who completed 100 hours of sewing received their own machine, which Jabarin described as crucial for ensuring the women would continue their work after graduating. Of the 12 women who graduated in November, Jabarin said that more than half started making an income within two weeks of completing the course. A new 16-week course, she said, began earlier this month.

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Jabarin spoke with one of the graduates on behalf of HuffPost Religion to illustrate the program's effect on participants. Due to a language barrier, Jabarin spoke to the woman in Arabic and translated her answers into English.

How did you find the sewing group?

My name is Fawzia, and I was born in Sudan. I am 42 years old, and I have eight children, ages 25, 23, 17, 9, 8, 5, 2 years old and 4 months old. As an immigrant mother with eight children, I was facing financial instability that lost me my apartment and led me to seek a home in a shelter. Fortunately, the shelter I was placed in happened to be within walking distance of Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center. Through [a social worker's] help, I joined the sewing class, which enabled me to become self-sufficient via training whilst establishing an income. I applied for a waiver, since I had no income through which to pay for this class, and I received it, rendering my sewing lessons charge-free.

What have been some of the biggest struggles in your life since coming to the U.S.?

My most immediate issue was the language barrier. I required some time to learn the English language and become accustomed to speaking it. Secondly, as a mother, I faced the enormous problem of finding an apartment to rent for me to live in with my children. Having been blessed with a large family, it was difficult finding a place big enough to accommodate us. Not being able to be a self-sufficient mother who could provide for her children shook me to the core.

In what ways, if any, does the holiday season affect these concerns?

The holiday season is more taxing, as this is a family-oriented time during which I wish to present my children with the most joyous experience possible whilst also working hard to provide for them. I received support from my children’s elementary school, which donated gift cards to me in order to be able to purchase the Thanksgiving turkey. Simultaneously, I receive continuous support from Dar Al-Hijrah, which has a thrift store on-site. At any point that I need assistance buying clothing, I apply for aid and receive a $100 gift card to use at the store in order to keep my children and myself warm during this colder time of year.

In what ways has joining the sewing class made a difference in your life?

During this difficult year of my life, these obstacles enclosed me in a severe depression that I even received therapy for. Nothing seemed to really help me deal with the crippling mentality that I was unproductive until I joined the sewing group. Walking down from the shelter to the Islamic Center every Monday and Wednesday became something to look forward to, and my mood was automatically elevated on those days.

Additionally, the shelter kept telling me that I had an “exit date” and that I had to find a place to live. It just so happened that my graduation date coincided with my exit date from the shelter. It was my graduation, and the program director’s recommendation, that allowed the shelter to extend my stay for one more week. My life had finally begun looking up. I was becoming self-sufficient, which had always been my dream, and I was finally able to provide for my children.

I learned that much like sewing, life occurs in several stages, not all at once. Having acquired patience, I was able to push myself through these difficult times and persevere until I was able to improve my life. Having received my certificate of completion and my sewing machine, I finally felt like a productive member of society.

What are your hopes for improving your family’s circumstances moving forward, and how will the skills you’ve learned through the sewing group help you?

The day I graduated, I received my sewing machine from Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center. Furthermore, Dar Al-HIjrah connected me with the county’s case workers, who held several workshops that taught us to transform our sewing skills into a commercial method in order for us to establish our own businesses and become self-employed.

I walked into this class thinking I would only be taught to sew clothing, but soon thereafter I learned that was not the case. Aside from sewing clothing, I learned how to create home décor items like handkerchiefs and even custom-made draperies. I am now beginning to build my clientele, and I plan to develop my skills in this field in order to become more proficient and to find even more stability in my job. This way, I will finally have a steady income and be able to independently support my family.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Learn more about Islamic Relief and how you can contribute to its ongoing grants and programs here.

This story is part of series called 12 Days Of Giving. Huffington Post Impact, Religion and Parents have teamed up to feature stories from 12 families in need over 12 days between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Read more here.

8 Totally On-Trend Holiday Gifts

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Whether you're shopping for your finger-on-the-pulse friend or just want to wow everyone with your in-the-know status, we've rounded up gorgeous gifts that also happen to be totally in line with what's currently trending.

The Trend: Chunky Knits
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Cashmere Basket-Weave Scarf, Coyote, $69

A standard scarf is borderline boring as a gift, but this nubby knit version in a cool gray is totally of the moment, and has the added benefit of not breaking the bank.


The Trend: Artisanal Beauty
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Yarrow Buttercream, FIG+YARROW, $28

With organic ingredients and pretty packaging, artisanal beauty products, like this luxurious face and hand cream, feel perfectly giftable, especially for anyone weathering a harsh winter.


The Trend: Wall Hangings

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Handmade Wall Weavings, $245

Wall weavings are the new art, and the versions by All Roads in Los Angeles are something anyone with empty wall space would love to find under the tree this year.


The Trend: Moscow Mules
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S/2 Copper Moscow Mule Mugs, $35

With the craft-cocktail movement came the rebirth of the Moscow mule as one of the coolest cocktails around. A set of the requisite mugs, plus the right recipe, is a great way to send any aspiring mixologist on your list down the right path.


The Trend: Rocks & Minerals
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Pair of Agate Bookends, Blue/Multi, $79

Rocks and minerals have been popping up on everything from lamps and mirrors, to furniture and accents, like these agate bookends. What's not to love about a bit of nature that also brings along a healthy dose of glamour?


The Trend: Denim Everything!
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Clare V. x Jean Stories, Washed Denim Flat Clutch, $145

This clutch from the recent capsule collection Clare Vivier created with the website devoted to denim, Jean Stories, will make any fashion-obsessed heart skip a beat.


The Trend: Navajo Designs

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Legacy Throw, Indigo, $139

Heritage brand Pendelton has been turning out their Native American-inspired designs for over a century, but their latest wool throws featuring updates on their classic patterns are what any design lover is wanting right now.


The Trend: Mini Flower Arrangements
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4" Dotted Bud Vase, Gold, $49

Flower arrangements have gone mini, with fashionable florists turning out teeny-tiny bundles of blooms. This gorgeous bud vase is the perfect size for nailing the look but is also perfect as a catchall cup or a pretty place for pencils on the desk.

Read more from One Kings Lane:

12 Must-Read Decorating Tips
Ideas for Hosting a Stylish Hanukkah Celebration
Inside the Inspiring Office of NYC's Hottest Bag Designer
Glam Garland DIY

'Boob Goddess' Takiko Shindo Creates Bust-Enlarging Rake

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A Japanese woman known as the "Boob Goddess" hopes to rake in cash with a modified rake that she claims can firm a woman's bust and even enlarge it.

Takiko Shindo is known for something called "Oppai Taisou," which roughly translates into English as boob exercise massage."

Her latest advancement in the bustling field of bust enhancement is something called the "Oppai Taisou Hand," that is basically a pink rake for stroking and brushing one's breasts, according to Rocket News 24.

The rakish product sells online for between $41 and $54. A commercial suggests it can increase a woman's bust by three centimeters.

The so-called "science," according to Shindo, is that ligaments holding up breasts need to move. Otherwise fats in the same area settle down around the chest muscles, and causes breasts to sag, Rocket News 24 reports.

As titillating as it sounds, Shindo's theory flies in the face of modern medicine, according to Dr. Barry Handler, a board-certified cosmetic surgeon in San Diego.

"There are ligaments in breast tissue that stretch over time," he told HuffPost. "But once they stretch, they don't snap back. Ligaments aren't like muscles -- there's no contractible property."

But Shindo's mammary massage device may not be a complete bust, according to Dr. Bruce Lee, a Beverly Hills-based gynecologist.

"Usage of the breast rake upon oneself actually does accomplish several things that theoretically could alter the perception of breast size and shape," he told HuffPost by email. "When holding the rake in the right hand and massaging and lifting the left breast, one is actually exercising the right pectoral muscles, which lie beneath the breast."

Lee says these muscles, when exercised, will enlarge and tighten and add shape to the upper body. He also says mechanical breast stimulation can increase breast growth in both men and women.

"Certainly, the breast hand or rake is a novel stimulus for the manufacturer, who, no doubt, is smiling. And, pardon the pun, handily raking it in," he said.



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Obamas To Spend 7th Straight Christmas In Hawaii

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President Barack Obama and his family are scheduled to spend their seventh straight Christmas in Hawaii, according to the White House.

The first family will leave Washington on Dec. 19 for Honolulu on the island of Oahu, according to the White House press office. In the past, the family has stayed on the east side of the island in the upscale town of Kailua, about 45 minutes from tourist-heavy Waikiki. They've stayed in the same $3,500-a-day, beachside rental home for the past three years.

The Obamas have a fairly predictable Hawaii itinerary by now, featuring golf, shave ice, snorkeling trips to Hanauma Bay and dinners out at Alan Wong's.

Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) told The New York Times that the annual trip is a sanctuary for the president, who spent most of his childhood in Hawaii. “One of the reasons that the president, I think, likes it here is that he can have a sense of normalcy, even within his security bubble,” Schatz said last year. “He can still feel, perhaps, like he did when he was a teenager, just for a few moments at a time.”

Last year, the only holiday surprise from the Obama family came when the president and his daughters returned to D.C. after two weeks, and Michelle Obama stayed in Hawaii. At her husband's suggestion, the first lady went to Maui ahead of her 50th birthday to spend time on Oprah Winfrey's 17-acre estate.

Zeke Stokes Talks New Tie Line, GLAAD and LGBT Equality (AUDIO)

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2014-12-10-HUFFZeke.jpgThis week I talked with Zeke Stokes about his new line of men's ties made in small batches and handcrafted in the U.S.A. just in time for Christmas. Inspired by the high-quality, handmade items of a bygone era, each piece is constructed with the most discerning tastes in mind. A lifelong lover of fine clothing, Zeke's inspiration for his line of ties came when his partner's grandfather passed away unexpectedly and left a treasure trove of vintage menswear behind. The ties were well-crafted and timeless and inspired the collection. A number of them contained three buttonholes on the end to keep them fixed in place on your shirt. Zeke decided to make this a signature feature of the new line.

I talked to Zeke about his passion for fashion and his spin on LGBT issues. When asked what he would like to see happen for LGBT equality in the next few years, he stated:

If you look at national polling, seven out of 10 people in this country say they know someone personally who is L, G, B, or T, and we know that knowing someone personally is the thing that brings about acceptance and inclusion. We need to get that number to 10 out of 10 people. In the South that number is more like six out of 10 people, so we have a little more work to do in the South than we do in other places in this country. We know that knowing someone personally, having someone in your personal life, either at work, at school, at home, in your family, that's what makes a difference and brings people through the journey of acceptance and inclusion, and that's what I would love to see. This means that we need people coming out and speaking publicly about their authentic lives. I was so excited to see Ty Herndon, the very popular country artist, come out publicly and be quite a groundbreaker in the national community. Very quickly he was followed by Billy Gilman, who sold millions of country albums, who came out and said Ty Herndon inspired him to do that. We need these kinds of voices. We need voices from the world of athletics -- Michael Sam, Jason Collins, such pioneers. We need more of those, and we need more allies. We can't do this alone. There aren't enough of us to move the needle for everyone. So we need allies to tell their stories of moving from a place of non-acceptance to a place of acceptance, inclusion and understanding. I think that's where our work needs to be focused right now.


LISTEN:



Currently Zeke Stokes is Vice President of Programs at GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation). He leads a staff of media professionals in both Los Angeles and New York City in GLAAD's Entertainment Media, News Media, and Spanish-Language Departments, as well as the organization's transgender, sports, international and youth initiatives. Previously he was Director of Communications for Servicemembers Legal Defense Network and then Director of External Relations at OutServe-SLDN, where he played a key role in advancing LGBT military equality, repealing "don't ask, don't tell" (DADT) and defeating the so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). In addition to his new tie line and his work at GLAAD, Zeke is currently a co-producer of the upcoming docu-reality series TransMilitary.

For more information on Zeke Stokes, visit zekestokes.com.

Listen to more interviews with LGBTQ leaders, allies, and celebrities at OUTTAKE VOICES™.

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The Duchess' Great Deal And More Cheap Celeb Finds Of The Week

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During the holiday season, chances are you're spending your money on other people. But there is a way to treat yourself, if you're careful with your money.

This week, some of our favorite famous faces were out and about in some pretty affordable things that we already want in our closets. Kate Middleton rocked a simple yet chic black dress for a mere $99, while Emily Blunt's $59 lace Ann Taylor top will ensure that you're holiday party ready.

Check out all the best cheap celeb finds of the week and let us know which ones you're coveting.

The Valentino Couture Show Was Pretty Much A Winter Wonderland

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This week marked the first time Valentino debuted a couture collection in the U.S., and as you might expect -- the show was an incredible winter wonderland. The 47 looks included gorgeous white capes (which we've been coveting all season long), delicate lace pieces and structured blazers.

It goes without saying the elaborate gowns were breathtaking... even when viewing the collection solely via Twitter. Take a look at the beautiful designs in the tweets below. Can we add any of these to our holiday wish list, please?



























Best Tweets: What Women Said On Twitter This Week

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The countdown to Chrismakkuh has finally begun as people set out to find the perfect presents for their loved ones. While receiving gifts is probably the best part about the holidays (don't lie to yourself, we all know what's up), the worst might be buying and wrapping gifts for everyone on your long list. Twitter user Mischievous Jam is way ahead of the game, tweeting, "Don't hate me because I'm already done Christmas shopping and everything is all wrapped... ...Hate me because I tweeted about it." Ugh, whatever.

Twitter user Jenn & Juice is a bit more skeptical about the holiday cheer, tweeting, "I mean, was Santa the original stalker or nah? The song DOES say he sees me when I'm sleeping, knows when I'm awake, & when I'm bad or good." Santa is magical, leave him alone.

For more great tweets from women, scroll through the list below. Then visit our Funniest Tweets From Women page for our past collections.







































































15 Magical Moments That Happened At The 2014 iHeart Radio Jingle Ball

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As the classic song goes, it's "Christmas time in the city" and the lyrics couldn't have been more true last night, as your favorite stars officially welcomed the holidays during the iHeart Radio Jingle Ball in New York City.

The concert included epic performances by Pharrell, Charli XCX and of course, new(ish) New Yorker Taylor Swift, who also rang in her 25th birthday while on stage at Madison Square Garden. But in case you missed it, we've rounded up the most *~mAgIcAl~* six-seconds-or-less moments that took place.

1. When this girl showed off her sick dance moves while rocking out with Pharrell:







2. Four words: "SCREAMING, CRYING, PERFECT STORMS"







3. That time when everyone was losing their shizz to "Shake It Off" -- and that one dude in the back was just not feeling it:






4. When Charli XCX boomed and clapped like a goddess:






5. When Ariana Grande danced in reindeer antlers:






6. When Shawn Mendes adorably serenaded the crowd, making everyone ~swoon~:






7. When T-Swift glittered in a plaid crop top while singing "We Are Never Ever, Ever Getting Back Together":






8. When Ari blew the crowd a kiss:






9. When Jessie J looked like she was having the best night of her life dancing to "Bang Bang":






10. When Rita Ora couldn't hear herself because there was so much noise:






11. When Gwen Stefani and Pharrell sparked the fire together on stage:






12. When the boys of 5 Seconds of Summer casually hung out in a snow globe:






13. When Ansel Elgort giggled while biting a heart-shaped lollipop:






14. When Nick Jonas paused to take a Very Important phone call:






15. When Ariana rapped Nicki Minaj's part like a pro in "Bang Bang":







Slay, Ari, slay.

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Holiday Hostess Gifts That Will Get You Asked Back Next Year

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Yes, you have holiday parties almost every night in the coming weeks. No, you have not gotten gifts for any of your hosts/hostesses. You figured you would just pick up some bottles of booze and gift bags and call it a day. Great job. There's nothing about giving liquor (unless of course it's legendary bourbon Pappy Van Winkle) that says, "thank you for taking the time and money to plan and throw a party."

Thinking of bringing flowers? Yeah, great. Now, your hostess has to stop what she's doing and cut your flowers and put them in some water. How thoughtful. Stop being so predictable and get your gracious hosts what they really want...

Big T NYC Couture Collection Gift Set ($65)

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You know that post-party your hosts are going to need to curl up with a couple steaming mugs of tea (and probably some Valium*). This set includes three organic loose teas, an infuser, and a guide. *Sorry, Valium not included. Available at bigtnyc.com.

Nest Fragrances Birchwood Pine Collection ($28 - $225)

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Your boss and his wife are throwing a holiday party at their home. You want to give them something understated but memorable. Bring them the 3-wick candle, which will look gorgeous in their living room and fill their home with a warm, woodsy holiday scent. Trying to score major points? This scent also comes in a 4-wick candle ($225), reed diffuser ($38), and room spray ($28). Available at NeimanMarcus.com.


Bliss Be 'Spa'-Velous! Gift Set ($34)
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If you've ever hosted a holiday party, you know that the morning after is always ugly. Since you can't give your hostess 10 hours of additional sleep, give her this collection of at-home Bliss Spa favorites - 1 full-sized Hot Salt Scrub, 1 deluxe-sized High Intensity 24-'heaven' Healing Body Balm, 1 deluxe-sized Foot Patrol, and 3 Multi-'face'-eted Mask samples. Available at Sephora stores and Sephora.com.

Dana's Bakery December Holiday Box ($30)
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Okay fine, this gift is slightly selfish... You are banking on your gracious hosts immediately plating these brightly colored confections. But how could they not? A) These macarons are pretty damn festive B) They're most delicious consumed fresh. The December Holiday Box comes with Egg Nog, Sugar Cookie, and Nutcracker (Chocolate Hazelnut) macarons. Available at Danasbakery.com.

Annick Goutal Noel Candle ($35 / $85)
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You are meeting your boyfriend's mother for the first time, and she's hosting 30 people for Christmas dinner. Think she'll be a little stressed out? Give her this candle and you just bought yourself an invitation to Easter. With notes of lemon, bitter orange, Brazilian mandarin and Siberian pine, this candle basically smells like classy Christmas. Available at the Annick Goutal Boutique, 397 Bleecker Street, NYC, (646) 964-4819 - ships nationwide.

Philosophy Trio of Cookies Shower Gel Collection w/Cookie Cutters ($42)
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Your hostess is that very special neighbor who drops off freshly baked Christmas cookies every year. Show her your appreciation with this yummy set of shampoo, shower gel and bubble baths in Spiced Gingerbread Cookie, Cherry Pinwheel Cookie, and Christmas cookie. With three of these full-sized bad boys, she can smell like her delicacies all year round. Bonus: The set comes with three cookie cutters. Available at QVC.com.

Elemis Spa Light Candle ($47.50)
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Your hosts are known for their modern, chic décor, always bathed in candlelight. Now, just because it's the holidays don't go mucking things up by buying them something in red and green. Don't forget that one person's festive is another person's garish. This candle comes encased in stunning purple glass and with notes of cinnamon, orange and vanilla, it smells subtly of the holidays without overpowering. Available at TimetoSpa.com.

Prince George's Christmas Photos Are Full Of Holiday Cheer

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Christmas came early!

Prince William and Kate Middleton pulled a Beyoncé and released three new official photos of their son, Prince George, on Saturday. The 16-month-old posed for the Christmas pictures back in November and they feature the tiny royal sitting in a courtyard at London's Kensington Palace.

Dressed in a white collared shirt, navy sweater vest embroidered with guardsmen, shorts, knee-high socks and leather buckle shoes, George gets chummy for the camera and makes a series of silly faces. (Our favorite, of course, is the side-eye.)

People reports that the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge shared these jovial images of George as gratitude that "their request for Prince George to grow up without intrusion from photography has been, and continues to be, honored."

We're sure the royal couple have a lot to be thankful for this year, including Kate's second pregnancy and meeting Queen Bey. But we'd like to send a huge thanks to Will and Kate for spreading holiday cheer in the form of these adorable photos.

prince george christmas photo

prince george christmas photo

prince george christmas photo

Reese Witherspoon's Smokey Eye Makeup Renders Us Speechless

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Stop everything you're doing right now, scroll to the photograph of Reese Witherspoon and marvel in her makeup.

The 38-year-old actress attended the Hollywood premiere of "Inherent Vice" wearing a totally different beauty look than we're used to seeing. Witherspoon sported a sleek low ponytail, sultry smokey eye and pink lipstick that matched her Balenciaga shift dress. It was the perfect mix of sweetness and sophistication.

But Witherspoon wasn't the only celeb who caught our eye this week. Find out which other star's made this week's best and worst beauty list below.

BEST: Reese Witherspoon

reese witherspoon

If Witherspoon's famous film character Elle Woods were attending a major red carpet event, this is how we'd imagine she'd wear her hair and makeup. The classic pink shades work beautifully against her complexion and her eye makeup makes her blue eyes pop.

BEST: Olivia Munn

olivia munn

Munn looks like a tangerine dream with her matchy-matchy lipstick and dress combo. Even though we're used to seeing this bright hue during the summer months, it's refreshing to see it splashed against her freckled face and jet black hair.

BEST: Karolina Kurkova

karolina kurkova

The Czech model kept the bright lip color theme going at the Valentino Sala Bianca 945 event. With her blonde strands styled in a center-part and pulled into a tight braided chignon, Kurkova's shocking pink lips make a bold statement.

BEST: Tracee Ellis Ross

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Well, hello curls! It's great to see Ross rocking her natural hair texture not only on TV but the red carpet. And with such incredible locks, all she needs is black mascara and a swipe of magenta lipstick.

WORST: Evangeline Lilly

evangeline lilly

We are absolutely envious of Lilly's shiny hair. (Tell us your secrets!) But what gives us pause is her retro-inspired hairdo. Between the severe side part and that awkward pin curl, this looks more like a costume.

WORST: Rita Ora

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Ora nails it in the makeup department, no doubt about it. However, we're totally distracted by those random long pieces of hair that fall into her blunt bangs. By keeping her fringe cleaner and the ends of her platinum bob a bit jagged, the singer's 'do would definitely be a do.

WORST: Eleanor Tomlinson

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This is a very clear example of how not to do the bedhead hair look. The "Jack the Giant Slayer" star's gorgeous red curls are too tousled and cover up her beautiful face.

WORST: Zosia Mamet

zosia mamet

Mamet's new gray hair is actually one of the best looks we've seen on the "Girls" actress all year. But her gray eyebrows and nude lip gloss ages her well beyond her years.
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