Arnold’s not the only one with baby mama drama

We’re getting nostalgic for 1989

How to dress like Ashley Greene for cheap

What I learned 10 years out of college

Maria Sharapova is making $3,200 on just her earlobes

Craving some sushi after looking at this photogasm

Did your favorite comedian make the list?

This makes us sad for our future children

We’re in love with this Annie Hall inspired look

TV Shows and films imagined as retro video games

Just about everyone out there seems to have dating horror stories. Seriously, ask anybody; chances are they’ll tell you that they have a relationship that they wish had just never happened. I myself went through a pretty nasty break up earlier this year. Not only was I with the guy for over 3 years, we lived together and were planning a wedding when I realized that what we were doing was a mistake and called everything off.

I’ve spent the past 7 months trying to put my life back together and pretty much hating my ex for how nasty he got post-breakup.

Recently, however, a friend and I were talking about living without regrets. She said, “I don’t regret anything. Sure I’ve made mistakes and have had rough times, but all of that made me who I am today. And I love what I see in the mirror, so why bother with regrets?” I love my friend for her incredible amount of self confidence, and she really made me think. I realized that instead of hating my ex and wishing that I’d never met him, not EVERYTHING about our time together was bad.

From every relationship I’ve been in, I’ve taken something away and learned from them all:

Chris, you were my first boyfriend. We were pretty darn young; possibly too young to really date considering we had curfews. You drove me up the wall with all of your outrageous lies. You really think I believed you when you said that your mom was dating a millionaire and that he promised to wire you money for a car when you were old enough? You drove me up the wall over those months but from this, I learned the wrong way to break up with a guy. I’m sorry I couldn’t tell you to your face and had my best friend tell you. I don’t blame you for never talking to me again.

Evan, you were the epitome of mixed signals. You flirted excessively and told people you liked me, but when I asked you out we only dated for a few weeks… if you can even call it that, because you avoided me the whole time. You are the only guy I’ve dated who broke up with me. And it hurt. But you taught me that just because a guy is older than you, it doesn’t mean he’s more mature. I also had to learn the hard way that just because a guy will sneak out of a play with you to go make out in his truck and says he’ll call the next day, it doesn’t mean he will.

Jake, I think you were nuts. You told me you loved me entirely too soon and I was not ready for it. After I broke up with you, you left 6 voicemails within an hour that were all of you crying. Talk about wayyyyyy too heavy for high school. But there was some good. Because of you I love laying out and watching the sky at night like we used to do on the high school’s track. And I learned that there is such a thing as falling too hard, too fast. Like every other naive high school girl I thought I would one day meet the guy of my dreams and I would be love at first sight. But I realize now that love happens gradually and it shouldn’t be rushed.

And finally, Matt. I was with you for almost all of my college career, and my senior year has been quite an adjustment without you around. Like I said, I’ve spent the past 6 months hating your guts because you got so hateful towards me after I broke up with you, but now that I look back on it I can understand why. I broke your heart. You had the biggest impact on my life. Thank you for introducing me to sushi, Band of Horses, and East Texas, all of which are some of my favorite things now. You taught me that even though you really do love somebody, that doesn’t mean they are the one. I couldn’t be what you needed and vise versa. I also know now that you really need to love yourself first before you can love someone else; that’s something we both needed to work on.

So even though I went through some stupid/rough stuff with these guys, I can’t hate them. I value every experience each one gave me and I believe I can be a better girlfriend for whoever I date next. Here’s to living life without regrets!

Now it’s your turn! What have you learned from your exes?

But that being said, I’ve recently realized how many new things I’ve tried since calling Matt my boyfriend.

Most people think that once you’re in a serious relationship, your fun and adventurous days are over. Well that, like most other generalizations, isn’t true!

When you love someone, you trust someone. And when you trust someone, you tend to be a little more willing to try weird things that used to make you want to barf. Those could be things that you never once considered (snowboarding), or things that you considered at one point, tried and vowed never to try again (Taquitos from 7-11). It just comes with the relationship territory; not only do you want to love the things your significant other loves, but you also know that if he or she enjoys them, maybe they’re not so bad after all.

Take food for example. About a year ago my boyfriend got me to try sushi for the first time. Being from West Texas there wasn’t a single sushi place in my hometown. Matt, however, has 3 relatives that have all lived in Japan at one time or another, so he kinda looked at me funny when I said I’d never had sushi. So I agreed to try it. I mean, if he loved it so much, it had to be OK, right?  The first few bites were a bit difficult to swallow (literally), but the more I ate the more I loved it. And I have the BF to thank for my new favorite cuisine.

And I’ve been getting Matt try new things as well. Why, just sitting here with him while I’m writing this I found out that he’s never seen any of the Back to The Future movies, aka my FAVORITE movies from when I was a kid. Guess what we’ll be doing this Christmas break?

Now, I’m sure to some of you these don’t sound all that exciting, but that’s not really the point. The point is that good relationships expose you to new things (whether it’s a new movie or jumping out of an airplane…) and push you out of your comfort zone a little bit. You can’t just do everything that YOU want to do in a relationship; you have to share experiences and hobbies, even if your boyfriend or girlfriend is a little hesitant about trying them. If things turn out well, you have something that the both of you can enjoy doing together. If they turn out not-so-well, you two have something to laugh about. (Unless not-so-well means broken bones or a bad case of food poisoning; those things are a bit harder to laugh about.) Either way, you are a closer couple in the end.

If you can break out of your comfort zone for someone it’s a huge sign that you love them. And at the end of the day, if you enjoyed that California Roll or not, isn’t showing some love the most important thing?

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Health guidelines and facts are constantly changing as we learn more about the human body and what we need to stay strong. To maintain optimal health, you need to keep up to date with the newest in fitness, nutrition and medical research.

Check out the latest headlines about that unique body of yours:

- So you think you’ll impress your crush by taking on a beer bong like a champ? A new study published in the March issue of Psychology of Addictive Behaviors asked women how much they thought they needed to drink at a social event to interest a man. The women’s estimates were more than twice what the guys said they would prefer. At your next party, drink less and truly impress!

- Has sex with your man been more pain than pleasure? Blame last week’s sushi dinner! A study of the latest food poisoning outbreak in North Carolina reveals a link between sexual pain and consuming predatory fish contaminated with Ciquatera Fish Poisoning (CFP). Men have reported painful ejaculation and women have described a burning sensation. Unfortunately, fish contaminated with CFP cannot be detected through odor or taste and is not a result of spoilage or preparation. Your best bet is to avoid predatory fish like Barracuda, Grouper, Red Snapper and Amberjack. Ask your waiter if any of the dishes contain these fish.

- I am the biggest baby when it comes to getting vaccinated. Wouldn’t it be nice if I could just eat yogurt instead of getting stabbed in the arm? Researchers have developed a way to use the probiotics in yogurt to release a vaccine through your stomach’s immune system. This method was quicker and more effective than injections in a study using mice and an anthrax vaccine. The scientists are even developing a yogurt vaccine for breast cancer and other infectious diseases!

- Your younger sister may soon be able to access the morning-after pill, even if she’s under 18! A U.S. court ruling this week will allow 17-year-olds to obtain the pill, sold as Plan B, within a month. U.S. District Judge Edward Korma is asking the FDA to reconsider whether it should be available without any age restrictions at all.

Who knows what the world’s best doctors and scientists will discover next week? In the meantime, don’t drink too much, watch your Red Snapper intake, eat your yogurt, and keep an eye on your sister!

I love food.

I also really love sex.

What can be better than enjoying my two loves at the same time? (The answer is: nothing). That is why I have compiled a list of sex-edible items – some conventional, some a little less so – for your holiday enjoyment. Disclaimer: I have not personally tried all of these, so you may want to try them out on a stain-proof surface such as a tarp or your grandmother’s plastic-covered couch. I’m just sayin’.

Whipped Cream

Pro: It’s a simple, fun, classic sex food that leaves minimal mess.

Con: Too much consumption may give you or your partner a tummy ache.

Hot Fudge

Pro: It’s warm, gooey, and absolutely delicious.

Con: I tried Hershey’s syrup once, and it stained my sister’s sheets. Also, it takes an unusually high number of licks to get it off your partner’s body. You can decide if that’s a good or bad thing.

Sushi

Pro: It’s easy to pop in your mouth and doesn’t leave much behind. Plus, Samantha tried it in the Sex and the City movie, which is just cool.

Con: Two words: fish smell. And there’s always the looming possibility of food poisoning if you leave it out too long.

Candy Jewelry

Pro: Having your partner nibble on your neck – or thigh, if you wear it as a garter – is always a good time.

Con: There are limited locations where candy jewelry can be placed. At least until they patent my friend Jordan’s invention of candy-clasped bras and underwear (genius, right?).

Ice Cream

Pro: Temperature sensations are always good, especially cold ice cream in a warm room. And you can pick any flavor you want!

Con: Sticky icky icky. And once it melts you have no idea which direction it’ll run.

Hershey’s Kisses

Pro: They’re delicious and they melt in your mouth, not on your bod. Make a trail with them and find your way back, Gretel. (Not exactly bread crumbs, but they work.)

Con: Candy (and other) wrappers leave a lot of evidence.

Cookie Dough

Pro: Everybody loves cookie dough. Also, you can chill or warm them up depending on your temperature preference.

Con: Like sushi, food poisoning may be a risk. Salmonella, anyone?

Frosting

Pro: It’s sweet, spreadable, and lickable. This is the top of my list to try over the holidays.

Cons: Like anything else sweet, it may be sticky. You may just have to take a shower afterwards. Now that I think of it, that may be more of a pro than a con….

When I stumbled over this recipe, I fell off my chair. No, really. I have the bruises to show for it.

I don’t know about any of you, but I LOVE sushi (hard to tell, huh?). And, if you’re put off by visions of raw fish, don’t be! This is one recipe that won’t have ANYONE feeling squeamish. Unless you’re scared of scrummy food. Seriously. This is that good. And as a bonus (or not!) it won’t send you into a sugar induced coma like some other dessert sushi’s out there.

And if you’re still not convinced why you should make/convince someone else (Mom!) to make this sushi for you, well, then, let me change your mind.

In my adapted version, the ‘rice’ is made up of cashew nuts, honey and butter. Cashew nuts provide a good source of protein and fiber, and is also a good source of nutrients and minerals. On top of that, they also help maintain good cholesterol levels, protecting your heart. Sound good so far? Well, it gets better. Honey is rich in antioxidants (here’s a tip: the darker the honey is, the richer in antioxidants) and obviously, because of the fruit on top, there’s more good stuff!

The wasabi on the sashimi? (God, that’s bad.) This is super easy, and looks like you spent hours slaving away, when really, all it takes is about ten minutes.

Fruit Sushi (A.K.A. Fruishi)What You Need:

1/2 cup cashews (preferably roasted and unsalted)

1/2 tbsp honey

1/2 tbsp butter

Fruit of your choice to put on top

What To Do:

Step 1: Place ingredients (except the fruit) in a bag. Smash with a rolling pin until rice-like (think the consistency of big-ish breadcrumbs) Make sure the butter and honey are well mixed with the cashews.

Step 2: Press well into sushi molds, or ice cube trays.

Word to the wise: if you don’t make it as compact as possible, it’ll fall apart. Really press that stuff in there.

Step 3: Place in the freezer to set and firm up (20-30mins). Remove and garnish.

Garnishing Options: Any fruit. No, I mean it. Kiwi goes really well, as does strawberry, blackberry, banana, mango…it’s endless!

And there it is!

Enjoy!

You can even make a dipping sauce (see the website I found the original recipe on). Just watch out for the strange chopstick wielding pests. Grrr…

Last time

Morning: everyone is back at the house quietly eating breakfast. Destiney isn’t wearing make up and she looks fantastic without it. Big John comes in with three buckets for them to clean the house because someone they know is coming. Daisy is cleaning in a half shirt. Of course she is.

Doorbell rings and it’s parent time. Ambre’s dad is the first to arrive and they hug like she’s coming home from war. Bret got his hair blown out and flat ironed and he desperately needs a bandana. At least a real parent showed up for her this time.

Destiney’s parents come. She’s wearing a pink hat but no make up so I’ll forgive the stupid hat.

Daisy’s been on her own since she was 15 so instead of parents, Stephanie, Daisy’s ex-boyfriend’s sister, shows up for her. Are you kidding? Bret is clearly not thrilled.

They all hit the bar and Bret tries to serve up Destiney’s dad who can’t drink because he has liver cancer. He’s been given less than six months to live and Destiney’s awesome biker dad with the tattoo on his forehead makes her seem very human to me. Before this she was just a big bag of siliconed eyeliner crazy.

BBQ – Bret asks Ambre’s dad about all of his children. Ambre’s 37. Bret, don’t act like you really thought that she was really 32.

After eating, Bret shows everyone a clip from a show and Destiney got up to do a groupie dance. In front of her parents. Bret holds Ambre’s hand during her freak dance because he’s worried that Destiney won’t love Bret Michaels off stage.

Bret’s going to take everyone out separately. Daisy and her “ex” boyfriend’s sister are first.

They go to the Rainbow Bar. Daisy’s never been there, to the Viper Room or Whiskey – riiiight. Bret asks about Charles. Spill it, Stephanie. Charles cheated on Daisy and Daisy’s “life is black and white not color.” Bret and I have no idea what she’s talking about.

Stephanie says that the Charles relationship is over. “You’re seeing this like a guy.” Um, so I guess that I am, too. Stephanie has mastered English, though, so Bret’s getting some clarity on the situation – but not enough.

Next day: For the Destiney family date, Bret got a bike for Destiney’s parents to ride – that’s a really nice gesture. And he leads them to a tattoo parlor so that Destiney can get a tattoo. She wants the “Rock of Love” logo on the back of her neck but without the words. Is Bret disappointed that she won’t add the words to the tattoo? She’s putting it right where Heather did.

For Ambre’s date, they go for sushi and the age lie comes up. “Oh my god, I can’t believe I lied to Bret.” You said UM before you told him your age. Don’t cry, Liar. She has a career in which she needs to be younger so she told the girls that she’s 32. But she’s fallen in love with Bret – she says it in front of her dad which is kind of creepy to me.

So the date ends and back at the house, Bret thanks the families and the ex-boyfriend’s sister for coming out. Destiney’s mom is wearing an awful hat – I see where it comes from. I really hope that Destiney’s dad can somehow beat his cancer.

There was little drama in this episode but…no, I spoke spoke too soon. Ambre wants to air out some stuff. Are you gonna tell them that you’re 37? She says to Destiney: “I wasn’t sure if you’d completely given your heart to Bret.”

Destiney: “It’s hard for me to give myself 100% if I don’t know if it’s being returned.”

How is Destiney the voice of reason here? Ambre says that she feels like she’s in love with Bret. You ARE vulnerable and stupid. Speaking of stupid, Daisy says that she’s in love with Bret, too.

Elimination time – I have NO idea who’s going home.

Bret tells each of the girls what he loves about them and what their downsides are. He loves the way Daisy sings? And she has a walk-in garage of skeletons. At least he knows that he’s too old to pick through it.

Daisy tells Bret that Destiney’s not 100% in love with him. Destiney says, “I’m not in love with you but I have feelings for you.” But it doesn’t save her; he calls down Destiney and she’s going home for loving the experience and not loving Bret.

So the woman who was nearly eliminated on the first episode is in the finals with Daisy. Well, at least I can say I called one of the final two.

Next time: SEASON FINALE!!!! In the mean time, on Thursday night they’re gonna air lost moments. Like it’s some brilliant show a la Seinfeld and we need to see that…

• England is telling Nigella Lawson she’s fat. And she’s believing them!

• Now the guys in our lives can be comfortable while peeing…as if they don’t enjoy using the bathroom enough…

• The 10-year-old version of me just lost it over this game! We all need it!

• In: Having a cell phone to check in with family. Out: Payphones; Superman

• Not to scare all of you…but sushi can be high in calories so just make sure you aren’t ordering the double battered tempura roll dipped in more fried tempura and you’ll be ok.

• Cutest Story of the Day: Photojournalist saves a puppy from a hole! Awwww.

It’s Thursday again and that means it’s time for another round of Weekly Obsessions!

This week has been a mix of the last days of warm weather and the gray dreary days of Fall, so I’ve been trying my best to counteract any kind of gloominess with tons of color and fun!

First things first:

Fashion Obsession: Colorful Hair!

On Monday, I woke up feeling like I needed a change–any change. Simply, I was bored. And what do I do when I’m bored? I change my hair color! I’ve had all sorts of wacky colors and cuts through the years but I wanted something drastic.

I made my way down to SoHo to the Arrojo Studios where I asked my awesome colorist to make me as blonde as possible. She took one look at my dark brown hair and I could already tell it would be impossible. Going from dark brown to platinum would be a painful, all-day process.

Such a bummer. (Sidenote: If Japanese girls can go blonde, why can’t I?)

She salvaged the situation by putting some (subtle) blue and pink bits all throughout the front of my hair which I completely love. Maybe after a little more planning I’ll be able to go lighter, but for now, I’m loving the new streaks.

For those of you not quite ready to take the plunge? Get a wig! Halloween is coming up so there’s no better excuse to try out something completely ridiculous (and hilarious!).

Leisure Obsession: Zines!

To me, Zines scream “1999!”, but for some reason, this week I’ve been totally infatuated.

For those of you who are in the dark right now, according to Wikipedia, Zines are a small circulation, non-commercial publication of original or appropriated texts and images. More broadly, the term encompasses any self-published work of minority interest.

You can usually find zines within any kind of underground movement, or in a lot of our cases, on college campuses. They cover all kinds of topics. I’ve seen some fantastically creative ones that cover anything from vegetarianism to punk rock.

Lucky for us, there are lots of places to find interesting zines online. And for you ambitious folks out there, you can read up on how to self-publish here.

Tech Obsession: Completely Useless (But Fun!) Gadgets We May Use…But Probably Won’t!

Maybe I’m nuts, but when I read about new inventions or concepts that are pretty much useless it doesn’t matter–as long as they look cool, I’m so down.

So, it makes sens that I freaked out when I saw this. Amazing!! It looks like Lite-Brite which, anyone who knows me personally can tell you, I adore.

Apparently, they do this kind of stuff in Vegas but I’ve never been there so I’m going to just have to swoon over these pictures until I can get my butt out to Nevada to gamble my savings away.

And check this out! I know people, I know. We can all just wipe our mirrors off with a towel or something, but this is just hilarious. They should sell these babies with a guarantee that you’ll have a good giggle every morning after your shower…that should move a few off the shelves, right?

Food Obsession: Shabu-Shabu Restaurants!

Have you guys seen these? If we’re talking fun this week, these Japanese restaurants are it. It’s basically like beef fondue, if you want to put it simply.

What happens is, when you sit down you get raw beef (or pork, lobster, crab, chicken, or duck) which you submerge in a pot of boiling water to cook. Then you get an array of dipping sauces to spice up your poached meat.

To me, it’s like a welcome variation to sushi (thank God) that everyone can enjoy together…and that’s the most fun!