BellaSugar

Extra Extra! Kathy Hilton Has a Secret Fragrance

BellaSugar — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 14:00:22 PST

Whoa. I've just learned that Kathy Hilton - yes, Paris and Nicky's mom - has launched a fragrance called My Secret. Ahh, and apparently the buzz before the launch, as well as the big event, have also been kept secret. The fragrance was inspired by Kathy's world travels and is made from a blend of freesia, peony, rose, jasmine, mandarin, apricot leaf, vanilla musk, sandalwood, and amber.

All I have to say is, puh-lease! Any serious nose would have carefully planned out a press event or at least would have wanted a proper celebration marking her first entrepreneurial endeavor. Seems to me like Kathy's riding the tails of Paris who just recently talked about her five fragrances on David Letterman this past Friday.

My Secret is available as an eau de toilette ($52 to $68), a body lotion ($32), and a body gel ($28). The 3.4-oz heart-shaped tinted lavender bottle is currently being sold with Kathy's signature on the front for a limited time, and the body lotion and gels come in a pale pink tube with a gold monogram that resembles an aristocratic family crest.

I haven't tried it yet, but rushing out for a whiff is about as low on my list as getting a root canal. Are any of you even remotely curious about smelling My Secret?

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Men in Black 3: A Return to (Alien Life) Form

Becky Kirsch — Sat, 26 May 2012 10:29:01 PDT

I saw the original Men in Black movie so long ago that my memories of the film might as well have been zapped with a neuralyzer (that's the memory-erasing device the guys use in the movie, for those of you who are also having trouble recalling the original). What I did retain is that the film was funny, fresh, and silly and that it didn't hold up very well for the 2002 sequel. With that in mind, I had low expectations for Men in Black 3, but the newest installment is just as much fun as the original, and it actually benefits from the 15-year time lapse.

The script for the film is one of its biggest assets and truly sets Men in Black 3 apart from its predecessors. The aliens are still alive and ickier than ever now that they're in 3D, but the story is more focused on the friendship between J (Will Smith) and K (Tommy Lee Jones) and how it has evolved over the years. We learn early on that K has been keeping a secret from J all these years, and the mystery drives a wedge between the partners. Meanwhile, a treacherous alien named Boris the Animal (played to hilarious perfection by Flight of the Conchords's Jemaine Clement) breaks out of maximum-security prison and goes back in time to get revenge on K, who arrested him back in the '60s. The day that K had Boris locked up is the key to K's secret, so J heads on a mission back in time to save K and learn the truth.

To see why Men in Black 3 is so much fun, just

Will Smith hasn't been in a movie since 2008's Seven Pounds, and I didn't realize I missed him until I found myself giggling all the way through Men in Black 3. His shtick is still the same (he's one-liners still consistent of dialogue like "Where did you come from? Planet damn?"), but you can't help but love Agent J as he bumbles through the '60s, desperately trying to sell his story to people who don't recognize him - or believe him. You can tell that Smith feels completely comfortable in the role, and in the signature suit, which still looks perfect on him, as he hasn't aged a day.

Tommy Lee Jones is ever the reliable curmudgeon, but the film mines extra laughs when J travels to the '60s and meets a much younger version of his partner, played by Josh Brolin. Brolin looks enough like Jones to pass for him, but it's really his studied delivery and mannerisms that sell the performance. We also get some insight into how K has evolved over the years (he's always had a penchant for cowboy music, but he also used to be a bit of a dreamer), giving the film an extra layer to the enjoyable banter between J and K.

I'm not usually one to gush about 3D, but the special effects really come to life in Men in Black 3 in a way they never did in the first two movies. Not only do the aliens look creepier than ever, but the cartoonish feel of the film is taken to the next level with the 3D aspect, especially with the time-travel thrill-ride element. Much like with the 3D movies from my youth, I found myself shrinking in my seat just to avoid being too close to the alien goo, blood, breath, and beyond. Combined with the welcome return of Will Smith, you've got yourself a fun, mindless blockbuster.

Photos courtesy of Sony

5 Things You Always Wanted to Know About Paying For College

LearnVest — Wed, 23 May 2012 00:15:23 PDT

Paying for college is such a complex issue. LearnVest helps simplify it by answering some key questions in regard to paying tuition.

If you believe everything you read, then you might think you need to be a Rockefeller to have kids.

That, of course, isn't the case.

Yes, kids are expensive, and thinking about paying for a college education can be scary and frustrating . . . but that's where we come in.

As with everything else in life, figuring out what to do about your kid's college savings is all about the planning, says Stephany Kirkpatrick, CFP, LearnVest's director of financial planning. Depending on where you are in life right now and how old your kids are, you may have questions about how to set up a 529 plan (which is an education savings plan designed to help families set aside funds for future college costs), what to look for, and when to start saving.

If you're pregnant or have a newborn and are starting to think about this, then good for you! The earlier you get started socking away cash for their college, the easier it will be. You'll learn a lot in this article, but you should also check out our Baby on Board Bootcamp, which will tell you everything you need to know - financially - to be ready for a baby. It includes 529 advice, as well as financial tips on everything from putting together a will and picking out a life insurance policy to buying nursery basics.
If your kid is slightly older and you’ve done your research but haven’t yet started saving in a 529 plan, then first read the four mistakes to avoid when choosing a 529 plan, and then check out the different college savings plans available to you.
If this is the first you’re thinking about it, no matter your kid's ageI, then don't worry about it. You have to start somewhere!

Read on for more.

Halle Berry Reveals the Secret to Her Flawless Skin

Jessica Cruel — Tue, 22 May 2012 15:38:00 PDT

Yes, Halle Berry really is as gorgeous and flawlessly complected in person as she appears on screen. So now that your most pertinent question is answered, let's move on to the good stuff. Halle has served as the global brand ambassador for Revlon for over 10 years, and she's set to launch a campaign for the brand's new ColorStay Whipped Creme foundation (which hits shelves June 1).

With Halle's impossibly glowing skin, it's hard not to want to know her skin-care secrets. The actress has a few pearls of wisdom to share on how she maintains her luminous look, along with her tips for living a happy and beautiful life. Find out Halle's advice, the reason she changed her hairstyle, and more when you continue reading.

"My Co-Worker Has Feelings For My Boyfriend"

Tres Community — Mon, 21 May 2012 03:05:45 PDT

This question is from a Group Therapy post in our TrèsSugar Community. Add your advice in the comments!

I desperately need some advice. Here goes . . .

Me, my friend, and new boyfriend work at the same workplace. My friend is pretty close to my boyfriend as they work in the same department. I was fine with this before I found out she had a crush on him at the same time as me. It all started when I told her that I had a crush on this guy. I told him how I felt, and we eventually started dating. She then told me that she had a crush on him the same time I did. Even though she had a bf at the time, and she knew that I liked him, she still told him how she felt about him. He didn't respond to her feelings. I had no idea about this until we went on our first date, and my friend told me the next day.

I have never had a problem with their friendship until now. They spend a lot of time together at work (he spends his lunchtime with her), and he never makes any effort to see me at work. I am really uncomfortable about them together now that I know how she once felt, and I can't help but feel anxiety. Am I wrong to feel this way? She has become colder toward me since we started dating, and I don't think she realizes it. I can't go on dating him knowing that they go for coffee together after work and they spend a lot of time together at work.

I have doubts about this guy anyway because he ignores me at work (he wants to keep us a secret because he is worried that we will lose credibility) yet he spends all his spare time with my friend. He texts me once a day (yes, really!) and does not phone. I don't mind that, but it just adds to my doubts about him. Am I being paranoid?

Please help me.

Have a dilemma of your own? Post it anonymously to Group Therapy for advice and check out what else is happening in the TrèsSugar Community.

What to TiVo: Monday

Maggie Pehanick — Sun, 20 May 2012 23:59:00 PDT

8:00 Dancing With the Stars (new)
9:00 The Bachelorette (new)
11:35 Nightline (new)
12:00 Jimmy Kimmel Live! (new, with guests Kathy Griffin and Emily Maynard)

8:00 How I Met Your Mother (repeat)
8:30 2 Broke Girls (repeat)
9:00 Two and a Half Men (repeat)
9:30 Mike & Molly (repeat)
10:00 Clash of the Commercials: USA vs. the World (new)
11:35 Late Show With David Letterman (new, with guest Lea Michele)
12:27 The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson (new, with guest Jeffrey Dean Morgan)

8:00 House (new, series finale)

8:00 America's Got Talent (new)
9:00 American Ninja Warrior (new)
11:34 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno (new, with guest Kevin Costner)
12:37 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon (new, with guests John Lithgow and Miranda Cosgrove)

8:00 One Tree Hill (repeat)
9:00 One Tree Hill (repeat

Dairy-Free Ways to Get Your Chocolate Fix

Jenny Sugar — Fri, 18 May 2012 14:29:20 PDT

If dairy products don't sit well with your belly or you choose to eat a vegan diet, then you can still satisfy your chocolate cravings. Although milk chocolate is made with dairy, many dark chocolate products are not. Just be sure to read the label before indulging in any chocolatey treat. I've done the legwork for you and gathered a list of my favorite dessert products and recipes that don't contain a drop of milk, butter, or cream.

Use vegan chocolate chips and whip up a batch of vegan chocolate mouse made with this simple three-ingredient recipe.
Endangered Species makes a few varieties of dairy-free dark chocolate including Dark Chocolate With Cranberries and Almonds, Dark Chocolate With Mint, Dark Chocolate With Blueberries, and Dark Chocolate With Espresso Beans.
Get baking and prepare these decadent vegan brownies made with a secret ingredient: spinach. Top with fresh fruit puree or enjoy it on its own.
If you prefer a crunchy cookie, then bake up a healthier, vegan version of Thin Mints.

See more dairy-free chocolate ideas after the break!

The Hottest Spots in the World For Design Inspiration: Morocco, Britain, Cuba, and Two Other Amazing Destinations

Guest Writer — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:56:53 PDT

We're thrilled to present a post from Ashley Read at SFA Design. Ashley recently attended the Los Angeles design event, Legends, and reported back to us on the latest trends and inspirations from the event.

Named "LA's premier destination for home design" by House Beautiful, the La Cienega Design Quarter is chock-full of the hottest interior design studios, showrooms, and galleries. Until recently, this chic neighborhood has been a trade secret among design professionals, but with the 4th Annual Legends of La Cienega event coming to a close, it seems that the LCDQ is a secret no more!

For those not yet in the know, the Legends event is a who's who gathering of the top designers, design publications, and vendors, similar to the West Week events, but in a more relaxed, neighborly setting. Each year comes with a relevant theme: last year celebrated art, and for 2012, Legends designers shared their international inspirations via "Windows to the World," complete with panel discussions and window displays depicting an exciting array of location-based inspirations from Abu Dhabi to Antarctica, Kenya to Côte d'Azur.

Attending all of the amazing panel discussions was a real eye-opener and definitely caused me to add a few new spots to my "travel bucket list!" Check out a few international inspiration tips we picked up from the A-list Legends panelists, and instead of Paris or Tuscany, try looking to Fes, Morocco, or Vietnam as your next design muse . . .

Victoria's Secret Model Erin Heatherton's "Golden Combination" For Staying in Bikini Shape

Zelana Montminy — Thu, 17 May 2012 11:38:00 PDT

Erin Heatherton is the face of VSX, the fitness line from Victoria's Secret. She models swimsuits for the company too, and with bikini season fast approaching, we sat down with the athletic model to learn her secrets for staying fit. Watch the video to learn what Erin considers the perfect workout and what she eats on cheat days.

How to Create Charlize Theron's Braided Updo

Kirbie Johnson — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:05:38 PDT

Looking for a new take on a classic style? Let Charlize Theron's elegant braided bun be your inspiration - and let her personal hairstylist, Enzo Angileri, show you how to re-create the look with step-by-step guidance. Equal parts chic sophisticate and bohemian beauty, this updo looks just as good with jeans and a tee as it does on the red carpet. Watch now and see how to get the look!