The Stir By CafeMom: Blogger Lindsay Mannering

‘Teen Mom’ Kailyn Lowry’s Husband Gets Giant New Tattoo That’s Almost as Cool as Hers (PHOTO)

Wed, 22 May 2013 17:15:00 EDT

Post by Lindsay Mannering

One small step for Javi Marroquin, one giant leap for his relationship with Teen Mom Kailyn Lowry. The reality show husband and soon father-to-be shared a photo of his enormous upper arm tattoo along with wife Kailyn, whose own sleeve is almost completed. This is at least the second time Javi's gotten inked -- back in 2012, he got an infinity sign to match Kailyn's on his lower back.

So what is Javi's new tattoo all about?

You tell me. It looks like some sort of old machine, or a military tank, or something Nathan Lane would've used to destroy the vermin in Mouse Hunt. Whatever it is, it looks pretty bad ass, and for an airman about to report to an Air Force base, this tat seems pretty on-par.

Lucky for him, he's got a partner in crime. Kailyn's obsessed with tattoos and has plenty of her own. I'm sure she's giving Javi plenty advice on how to care for his fresh ink, seeing as she's had lots of experience doing the same. From her enormous back tattoo to the simple ones on her forearms to the elaborate skull on her shoulder, the pregnant Teen Mom is very familiar with permanent body art.

And at the rate these two are going, Kailyn will be covered in ink by her 30th birthday, and Javi by his 40th. Here's hoping they leave room somewhere on their bodies for a 50th wedding anniversary tattoo -- how romantic would it be to get matching ink when they're in their early 70s?

Aww.

Do you and your husband like getting tattoos?

Photo via JaviM9/Twitter

‘Teen Mom’ Farrah Abraham’s Worth an Insane Amount of Money -- For Now

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:16:00 EDT

Post by Lindsay Mannering

Teen Mom Farrah Abraham is laughing all the way to the bank. If you're not sitting down, you may want to pull up a chair, because her estimated net worth might make you collapse with utter despair. The backdoor aficionado is reportedly worth $1.75 million, leading us to believe she's made $10 off every one of her bad decisions.

Guess it pays to be Farrah -- she made about $100,000 an episode when she was on Teen Mom and she earned around $1 million for her porn debut -- but I don't know what kind of earning power she has going forward.

She has a new reality show, but who knows if/when that'll be picked up. And once the reality well dries up, then what? She's said she'll never do porn again ... perhaps Farrah's planning on earning an income from all the wise investments her financial planner is making?

More From The Stir: 'Teen Mom' Not Cancelled After All

I think we can safely assume that's not happening, if only because Farrah's already been spotted shopping for an L.A. home worth over $3 million.

What do you think -- will it be 12 or maybe 18 months before we hear that Farrah's gone broke? It's a path many a reality star takes. Make money, spend all that money, continue to spend money you don't have, file for bankruptcy. Farrah seems like the type of person who would blow hundreds of thousands on plastic surgery, cars, home, clothes, mirrors for her ceiling ... anything, really.

Who knows -- maybe bankruptcy is part of the plan. What better angle is there for a second, third, or fourth reality show in which you star as a broken has-been trying to pick up the pieces?

Am I right, Toni Braxton?

Do you think Farrah will go broke?

Photo via farrahabrahamofficial/Instagram

LeAnn Rimes Uses Brandi Glanville’s Kids to Selfishly Promote Her Album

Wed, 22 May 2013 13:41:00 EDT

Post by Lindsay Mannering

Here's an interesting question. If Twitter didn't exist, would LeAnn Rimes? The country singer loves to stir up the drama and will use any excuse to draw attention to herself on the social network. Her latest move? It involves Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Brandi Glanville, of course, and worse, it involves Brandi's kids, too. Here's what went down.

TooFab caught it all before LeAnn went on a deleting spree. It started out with Brandi tweeting to Eddie:

Ive been trying to get a hold of my kids 4 over an hour no response to my calls ,emails or messages. Maybe twitter will work.

Obviously, Brandi was worried about her boys and reached out to their father, not their stepmother, to get some answers.

But LeAnn couldn't let sleeping dogs lie and decided to get involved and get defensive. She tweeted:

Funny, she just got off the phone w/ them. Sorry, we were doing baths, homework & dinner. All good!

And:

the phone rang, I picked it up. Never saw this til after. All you gotta do is call

She quickly deleted those two tweets and decided to take her version of the high road and say:

I don't do drama, I do music.

Can someone pass me a handkerchief? The irony is getting so thick I need to wipe clean m'glasses.

Evidently, LeAnn will stop at nothing to get her name out there. She's using Brandi's simple request about her children to lash out, and for no reason whatsoever.

But LeAnn needs to give herself more credit ... she does do drama, and she does it really, really well. And I assume she'll only turn it up now that her album's a few weeks from hitting stores.

The more she can use Brandi and Brandi's children to get her name in the press, the more hope she thinks she has of people buying her album.

One thing's for sure -- I'm not buying her drama, or her music.

What do you think of LeAnn's tweets?

Photo via mikelcain/Flickr

Pauly D. Looks Nothing Like Pauly D. With Shocking New Hairdo (PHOTO)

Wed, 22 May 2013 12:21:00 EDT

Post by Lindsay Mannering

Once known for that unmistakable cement finish to his hair, Jersey Shore star Pauly D. has taken a trip to the softer side. The 32-year-old reality star looks unrecognizable with his new, side-parted 'do, and if you've always thought Pauly D. and his insanely gelled hair were unattractive, you might change your tune after seeing his transformation. Boy's good lookin'!

He took to Twitter to reveal his new look, and wow, goodbye Pauly D., hellooo Signore DelVecchio. I don't know if he's been listening to Justin Timberlake's "Suit & Tie" shit, or watching the Great Gatsby over and over, but this combed, debonair style hair is doing him a lot of favors.

With one swipe of the hairbrush, he went from Jersey Shore Guido to Jude Law Casanova. Right? Pauly looks like he could be a suave gangster in 1940s Sicily ... or a really hot waiter at Cipriani's in downtown Manhattan.

His co-star Snooki has reinvented herself since the Jersey Shore days -- gone are the poof, the "beer belly", and the crazy outfits -- and maybe Pauly's looking to do the same.

Could it be that they're all, gasp, growing up? Cheers to their maturity, and to Signore DelVecchio's hot new look.

Yeah, buddy.

Do you like Pauly's new hair?

Photo via Frederick M. Brown/Getty; DJPaulyD/Twitter

Teen Fakes Own Kidnapping to Avoid Telling His Parents About a Bad Grade

Tue, 21 May 2013 16:14:00 EDT

Post by Lindsay Mannering

Some kids would do anything to keep their report cards from their parents, but one 19-year-old college student took it to the extreme. Aftab Aslam, a freshman at Georgia Gwinnett College, was so afraid to tell his parents he was failing English, he faked his own kidnapping. Using a cellphone he'd purchased at Target, Aftab sent an anonymous text to his parents pretending to be his kidnappers. The cops were called, the FBI got involved, and 10 days later, Aftab had more problems than just that F in English.

He told authorities he'd been drugged, but eventually came clean and admitted that he camped out in a tent in a less-developed part of town, and when the weather turned bad, that's when he decided to head home.

And now he's in major trouble. He's turned himself in to the police and faces charges for three felony counts for false statements, tampering with evidence, and terroristic threats.

An F in school seems like child's play compared to that news.

Here's the thing -- while I think Aftab needs to pay for his mistakes (an FBI search doesn't come cheap, guys!), I can't help but feel a little sorry for him. Clearly his parents put an enormous amount of pressure on him to do well in school, and when he failed, he felt like he had to run. That's not good.

As parents, it's our job to encourage our children and push them to reach their potential in school, sports, art, etc., but we have to strike the balance of being ardent about success and approachable about failure. It's not easy to be the bad guy and the good guy all at the same time, but it's necessary.

The last thing we want to do is scare our kids into thinking the only solution is living in a tent for 10 days while the FBI searchers for their kidnappers.

How do you strike the balance?

Photo via Wonderlane/Flickr

N.Y. Governor Cuomo Warns Khloe Kardashian Her Inappropriate T-Shirt Is Illegal

Tue, 21 May 2013 15:59:00 EDT

Post by Lindsay Mannering

Khloe Kardashian is in hot water with Governor Cuomo of New York because of a t-shirt. The reality star didn't wear anything too revealing or racy, rather it was the logo on the tee that's caught the state's eye. Apparently, the design on one of Khloe's Rich Soil brand shirts mirrors the Department of Agriculture's a little too closely.

As in, Khloe's company, which she backs with husband Lamar Odom, totally ripped off the D.O.A.'s design and she just got served.

The state sent her a cease and desist letter, and as a result, the t-shirt in question has been removed from the Rich Soil website. Khloe's yet to comment on the ordeal, but I'm pretty sure she's used to saying "Oops! Sorrrrrry" and moving on.

Because this isn't the first time she and her family have come under fire for their lackadaisical if not totally illegal business practices. The girls were involved in a $10 million lawsuit after makeup brand Kroma alleged that the Kardashians' makeup brand Khroma stole their name. Then there was Kim copying a jewelry design and ripping off a Fendi dress, then there was the fact that almost every handbag in the Kardashian Kollection knocked off high-end designers, then there was the rumor that their stuff was being manufactured by slave laborers in China ... and now this. Khloe's kopying the kommonwealth's krest.

For a family that prides themselves on being "business people", they sure do suck at it. Sure, they might be unfairly targeted by opportunists looking to cash in, but nevertheless, the Kardashians do seem pretty lazy when it comes to making sure all their ducks are in a row before they slap their label on it and start selling.

It's almost as if their manager can't be bothered with checking up on such things. What -- is she too busy being Queen of F*cking Everything to bother with infringement laws?

This round goes to Cuomo.

What do you think of the Kardashian business practices?

Photo via The Guise Archives/Flickr

‘Teen Mom’ Kailyn Lowry’s Adorable Baby Shower Makes Us Think She’s Having a Girl (PHOTOS)

Tue, 21 May 2013 14:40:00 EDT

Post by Lindsay Mannering

Back in March, a source told In Touch that Teen Mom Kailyn Lowry was pregnant. They reported the 21-year-old was expecting her second child -- her first was with ex-boyfriend Jo Rivera, her second will be with husband Javi Marroquin. The reality star has been pretty mum on the subject of her alleged pregnancy, but now, the cat's out of the bag ... Kailyn had her baby shower this weekend!

Who knows whether or not Kailyn cares that her friend uploaded pictures of the event to her public social media accounts, but by the looks of them, the shower was an awesome time.

Kailyn, with a new brown, curly hairdo (not wanting to dye it for baby?), beamed as her friends kissed her stomach and shared in her joy. In a flower headband and flowy pink dress, the mom-to-be looked positively thrilled with all the wonderful attention.

More From The Stir: 'Teen Mom' Not Cancelled After All

While Kailyn's co-stars are in the news for heroin possession and adult films, it's nice to see that at least one Teen Mom is making news for something a) not illegal; and b) not porn.

It seems like Kailyn's due sometime in late summer. No word on the gender of the little one yet, but could Kailyn's all-pink outfit mean she's expecting a daughter?

If she needs any advice about raising a girl or if she needs any girl clothes and toys, she should reach out to Teen Mom Leah Messer Calvert. I'm sure her three girls wouldn't mind sharing their stuff!

Are you happy for Kailyn?

Photos via cpeach22/Twitter

Eva Longoria’s ‘Wardrobe Malfunction’ Showed Everything and Then Some

Tue, 21 May 2013 13:00:00 EDT

Post by Lindsay Mannering

At this point, it's just getting kind of old. Eva Longoria's wardrobe malfunction at the Cannes Film Festival this weekend exposed her lady parts, without underwear, to cameras ready to snap, snap, snap away. In a gorgeous teal green Atelier Versace gown, the 38-year-old actress gathered her dress in hand to avoid stepping on it, but pulled the high slit too far to the side and yada yada yada, now everyone's heard of her movie Jimmy P: Psychotherapy of a Plains Indian because her good girl peeked out on the red carpet.

I don't know, guys, maybe I'm just too jaded at this point to acknowledge or care about a famous person's genitals, but I have to believe that none of this is accidental. Wardrobe malfunctions equal press. Press equals promotion for your film. Promotion for your film equals more success.

There's no way that she's not keenly aware of that tried and true formula. They're all aware. And if they don't want to play that game, they wear underwear and/or exit cars ass first.

The only person I'm apt to believe actually did not plan nor appreciate her wardrobe malfunction was Anne Hathaway. I give her an 80 percent chance that her flashing of her womanly bits was unintentional.

After all, the next day she was on the Today show and was able to parlay that wardrobe malfunction into a call to action against the human sex trade. Only Anne.

On Sunday, Longoria tweeted a picture of her black, floor-length gown along with the caption: "No wardrobe malfunctions tonight!!!"

The dress, just FYI, was see-through.

Do you believe in accidental wardrobe malfunctions anymore?

Photo via Splash News

‘Bachelorette’ Desiree Hartsock’s Rap Video: It Doesn’t Get More Awkward Than This (VIDEO)

Tue, 21 May 2013 12:45:00 EDT

Post by Lindsay Mannering

I take it back. I TAKE IT ALL BACK. I wanted Desiree Hartsock to be the season 9 Bachelorette because she's quirky and kind of awkward and super down to earth (she lived in a tent as a kid!), and now I'm paying the price. ABC's just released a rap video that she and some of her 25 suitors made during the first group date, and guys? It's the whitest thing you've ever seen. I mean, it starts with Des "Elaine" dancing in the driveway.

I was no fan of runner-up Lindsay Yenter, but I'm pretty sure she would've smoked this rap video. At the very least, she would've gotten day drunk first. I can't fault Des for not being able to spit rhymes, but I can fault her for being too sober. A video vixen she is not.

And I feel partly responsible for her flop here. I pushed for her awkwardness, and now look what's happened. She's lumbering around pretending to rap about the "right reasons" all while wearing a Snooki-like clip-in hair poof on the crown of her heard.

On the other hand, the guys look pretty fun, especially the one who dresses up as Jason Mesnick's son. I think it's 30-year-old plumbing contractor with a love of teal deep Vs, Mikey T., who takes on the controversial role.

Because just when you thought the series couldn't get any more heartless, they go and take a swing at an innocent child. Thanks, ABC! Keep it classy.

Watch this video, then tell me: Is Des's season going to be too awkward to watch?! Should they have gone with Lindsay??

See this video on The Stir by CafeMom.

Photo via predatorA/YouTube

Your Purse Carries So Many Germs That It's Probably Dirtier Than a Public Toilet

Mon, 20 May 2013 17:29:00 EDT

Post by Lindsay Mannering

Hey you, with the cesspool of nasty germs on your shoulder, listen up. A new study has discovered that a woman's purse has more germs than a public toilet seat. Furthermore, 1 in 5 handbags has enough bacteria on it to be a risk to human health.

You better think twice before handing your kid a napkin from your purse to wipe his nose -- I mean, why don't you just hand him a grenade, why dontcha? Jeez.

The researchers, Initial Washroom Hygiene, concluded that those bottles of hand-cream and moisturizers we carry around in our bags hold on to the most and grossest of germs. Mascara and tubes of lipstick came in second.

There is good news, though. If you're cheap like me, you've been inadvertently doing yourself a favor: leather handbags carry more germs than those made out of synthetics. I've never appreciated my faux-leather bag more.

If you think about it, a woman's bag goes any and everywhere. It hangs on the bathroom door when we need to pee, it finds its way to the bar floor when a hook is unavailable, it brushes up against people on our commute, it acts as home-base during a game of tag, it carries shoes, apples, used tissues, old receipts, makeup, kid toys, dog toys, husband toys, and everything else under the sun.

No wonder they're piles of nastiness!

To keep our bags clean, experts suggest wiping them down every now and again with an anti-bacterial wipe. I don't see why a little Lysol would hurt, either.

I can't wait to spray down my bag (and yours) -- I can almost hear the high-pitched screams of all the germs I'm about to kill. Ah, sweet satisfaction.

Have you ever disinfected your purse?

Photo via l.baily.beverly/Flickr

2-Year-Old Shoots Himself in the Face With Dad's Gun and Is Saved by a Miracle

Mon, 20 May 2013 17:19:00 EDT

Post by Lindsay Mannering

A 2-year-old toddler was playing in his parents' bedroom when he picked up a gun, stuck it in his mouth, and pulled the trigger. It happened Sunday in Asheboro, North Carolina. The boy was at home with both his parents and three older siblings when he shot himself in the face. The dad rushed his son to the emergency room where, miraculously, they received astonishingly good news.

Despite the extremely close-range shot, the toddler is expected to recover -- the bullet missed all major arteries and his spinal cord. Doctors assure the young child is "extremely lucky."

Unfortunately, this is just the latest in a string of children and accidental shootings. Last month, a 4-year-old boy was accused of killing a sheriff deputy's wife with a gun; just a few weeks ago, a 5-year-old was accused of fatally shooting his 2-year-old sister with a "My First Rifle"; and earlier in May, a 35-year-old grandmother was arrested after her 3-year-old grandson got a hold of her gun and shot and killed himself.

Authorities say this Asheboro case is still under investigation and it's yet to be determined if the parents will be charged. It seems too early to lean one way or another, but there is something that's certain. Even though the parents of the little boy weren't looking out for him, the universe certainly was.

How a toddler can shoot himself in the mouth and survive is truly amazing. He's in serious condition, but they're optimistic he'll pull through.

Hopefully that gun is now locked up and safely out of reach of the four children who live in that home. Something tells me if that gun were to go off again, the luck in that house will have run out.

What do you think?

Photo via peasap/Flickr

CaCee Cobb and Donald Faison’s Amazing Wedding Video Shows A-List Guests Getting Down 'n' Dirty (VIDEO)

Mon, 20 May 2013 15:54:00 EDT

Post by Lindsay Mannering

Yee haw! Celebrities sure love them a glamorous backyard wedding. CaCee Cobb and Donald Faison got married last June, and now, part of their wedding video has been shared with the Internets. If you weren't insanely jealous of the party back when the photos were released, hold on to your straw hat, because the video will make your brain boil over with jealousy and make you wish Jessica Simpson was your best friend, too.

The video shows stars like Jess, Zach Braff, Seth Green, and Breckin Meyer (hello Clueless reunion!) let loose and have some fun. And when I say fun? I mean fun. Gah! So jealous.

CaCee & Donald // A Buzz from Wade! on Vimeo.

I don't know if my favorite part is Donald's worm on the dance floor, or this brilliant moment below, which captured Don giving the "cut him off" gesture in reference to something Papa Joe Simpson said:

The wedding looks like it was overflowing with friendship, love, and romance -- everyone seemed right at home.

Now that CaCee and Jessica are both pregnant, think we could get a babymoon video out of them, like this one? Same band and everything? That'd be great, thanks.

Do you love CaCee and Donald's wedding video?

Photo via Shark Pig Videos

‘Bachelorette’ Desiree Hartsock Sounds Alarmingly Sad When Talking About Her Season

Mon, 20 May 2013 15:25:00 EDT

Post by Lindsay Mannering

Sounds like there's trouble in consistently wet-pavement paradise. Season 9 Bachelorette Desiree Hartsock attended a press call to promote her show, which premieres a week from today, but wasn't her smiley, bubbly self. According to those on the scene, Des' responses to questions about the season were less than enthusiastic. In fact, she sounded sort of downtrodden over the whole thing. Uh. Oh.

USA Today reports that Des seemed shy when talking about her experience and finding love. She said:

Overall, the experience was definitely an emotional journey. There were a lot of surprises. Overall, I think it's a journey of love, and love isn't always going to be happy. There's going to be ups and downs.

That doesn't sound like someone who's freshly engaged and bursting with joyful, new-love bliss. It sounds like someone who got dumped. I mean, let's be real. When your friends talk about their past relationships, they always bring up the "journey" and "how much they learned." They'd never say those things about their current relationship.

Then, just when you thought it couldn't get more bleakly ominous, Des shared:

The journey was incredibly emotional and it was really surprising throughout, so unfortunately I can't comment on that at this time.

There we go with the "journey" again. And what "surprise" is she talking about? In this context, it doesn't sound good.

Guys? I'm worried. Maybe Des was just in a weird space when she answered the questions, or maybe she's excellent at hiding what really happened, or maybe her ass got left at the altar of proposal on some desert island.

Guess we'll have to wait and see if Des' fairy-tale is more like a freaking nightmare.

What do you think about Des' cryptic "love isn't always happy" quotes?

Photo via ABC

‘Real Housewife’s Insane Wedding Dress Matches Her Crazy Personality (PHOTO)

Mon, 20 May 2013 14:17:00 EDT

Post by Lindsay Mannering

Real Housewives of Miami star Adriana De Moura got married over the weekend in Coral Gables, Florida to Frederiq Marq in front of friends, family, and Bravo reality crewmen. The ceremony was taped for season 3, and fellow 'wives Marysol Patton, Lisa Hochstein, and Alexia Echevarria were in attendance, but cast member Joanna Krupa wasn't. She claims that Adriana has been married to Frederiq since 2008 and only concocted the "wedding" idea to create a story line.

So what does one wear to their wedding 2.0? An over-the-top gown fit with a hoop, layers of tulle, and a train the size of Manhattan.

Perhaps in an attempt to overcompensate for the fact that she's not really a bride (seeing as she's been married for five years), Adriana wore a wedding dress with all the bells in whistles.

Structured bodice? Check. Sequin embellishments? Check. Dramatic veil? Check. Poofiness over a hoop skirt? Check. Tulle? And more tulle? Check, check. A train so big it can't fit in the car? Check. Glittery platform stripper heels? Checkity check check check.

The most interesting thing the dress has going for it is its color. The soft gray is a nice, mature touch. In an unusual twist, her bridesmaids (a.k.a. cast mates) were the ones in white and wore floor-length, off-the-shoulder gowns for the occasion.

Insane, dramatic, flashy, loud, mildly-obnoxious, ballsy, and 100 percent Adriana, the dress cleverly mimics every side of Ms. De Moura's personality.

And for that, you gotta hand it to her.

What do you think of Adriana's dress?

Photo via Splash News

Chocolate Chip Cookie Marshmallow Smash Recipe Is a Dessert Lover’s Dream

Mon, 20 May 2013 13:20:00 EDT

Post by Lindsay Mannering

I'd eat two wooden coasters smashed together with marshmallow cream, but this recipe for chocolate chip cookie whoopie pies sounds a lot more appetizing. Warm, soft cookies and gooey marshmallow filling? What's not to love.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Marshmallow Whoopie Pies

Makes 16 pies.

Ingredients for the cookie part:

1 1/4 cups all purpose flour 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 cup butter, room temperature 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 large egg 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 cup buttermilk 2/3 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. In a large bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg and vanilla until well combined. Stir in half of the flour mixture, followed by the buttermilk. Stir in remaining flour, mixing just until no streaks of dry ingredients remain. Stir in chocolate chips. Drop tablespoonfuls of batter, making them as round as possible, onto prepared baking sheet. You will need 32 individual cookies. Bake for 11-14 minutes, until cookies are set and spring back when lightly pressed. Cool on a wire rack completely before filling.

For the marshmallow filling:

1/2 cup butter, softened 1 cup sifted powdered sugar 1 cup marshmallow creme 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add sugar, beating well. Add remaining ingredients, beating until well blended.

Smush some marshmallow cream in between two cookies and enjoy!

Photo via seelensturm/Flickr

‘RHOBH’ Eyes Actress Carlton Gebbia for Season 4 -- 5 Things to Know About This Fiery Rich Girl (VIDEO)

Mon, 20 May 2013 11:32:00 EDT

Post by Lindsay Mannering

Move over Lisa Rinna. Pack your bags Baroness Monica Von Neumann. Take a hike Jean Kasem -- rumor has it that the newest cast member on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is Carlton Gebbia. Despite previous gossip, it sounds like Ms. Gebbia might finally be the real deal. The TMZ guys almost got her to admit to replacing Adrienne Maloof, but the British beauty living in Beverly Hills couldn't be fooled.

So. Just who is this woman who dares to entertain us on reality TV with her wealth, attitude, and penchant for "telling it like it is"? Here's everything we know about her.

She's an actress. According to IMDb, Carlton had roles in the 1994 movie Eyes of the Serpent; in The Sexperiment in 1998; on the Young and the Restless in 1999; and on Suddenly Susan. It's not that big of a resume, but hey, at least she has some familiarity in front of the camera. She's super rich. Carlton's husband is David Gebbia, owner of StockCross Financial Services and a California construction company. His net worth is over $50 million. She's got a house to rival Villa Rosa. Carlton and David built their custom mansion in the exclusive Beverly Ridge Estates gated community. Their 12,800-square-foot home has two swimming pools and two driveways and looks a lot like Adrienne Maloof's old place. She keeps it real. When asked what she'd bring to the show, Carlton said "honesty" and "loyalty." She also mentioned she's a "bit of a fighter." Can we assume from her accent she'd be on team Lisa? Brits gotta stick together, right? She's a feminist. Ish. Sources say that Carlton's sick of all the "silly shit" women do on TV and wants to portray her gender as strong, beautiful, and powerful. What, Carlton -- you don't think wig-pulling, name-calling, back-stabbing, and total self-absorption is ladylike?

Bravo has yet to confirm that Carlton's the new girl, but it won't be long now until they announce who's filling the open spots. And with Adrienne, Camille, Marisa, and possibly Kim Richards' and Taylor Armstrong's spots up for grabs, Carlton might not be the only one getting a part on the show.

On second thought, don't leave just yet Lisa, Monica, and Jean ...

Watch Carlton confront the rumor:

Unfortunately your browser does not support IFrames.

Carlton Gebbia -- I'm Joining 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' to Empower Women - Watch More Celebrity Videos or Subscribe

Would you like to see her on RHOBH?

Photo via TMZ

Will the 'Real Housewives' Divorce Curse Claim Another Couple? (VIDEO)

Fri, 17 May 2013 17:45:00 EDT

Post by Lindsay Mannering

On this week's episode of The Real Housewives of Orange County, we were afforded a peek inside Heather and Terry DuBrow's marriage. During a wine tasting in Malibu, their conversation about the D-word was a real, emotional, and raw moment that we rarely get to see on reality TV anymore. Even Vicki Gunvalson, the last person you'd ever think would give good love life advice, had honest and sage words to share.

I was pretty blown away by the conversation, if only because it seemed so unfiltered. Even though I'm sure that prior to the breakfast, Heather and Terry agreed they'd air some of their divorce drama on TV, it still doesn't take away any of its authenticity. They talked about a real fight that hurt, and is possibly still hurting, their marriage.

Heather has every right to be upset that Terry would throw around the D-word so casually, and he seems to regret it and understand how detrimental that can be to the relationship. When both Vicki and Tamra admitted "divorce" was a word they used all too often in their own marriages, which both ultimately ended in divorce, it was a poignant reminder of the word's power.

It would be surprising if Heather and Terry decided to split -- they seem to be able to have really open and honest discussions about their feelings, a saving grace if ever there was one. Even if they do have those talks on camera. In front of millions of viewers. When they're being paid as a couple to star on the show. Still counts!

Do you think Heather and Terry will get a divorce?

Photo via bravotv.com

Farrah Abraham Wants $3 Million L.A. Mansion -- Hey Wait, Wasn’t That Sex Tape Money Supposed to Go Toward Her Master's?

Fri, 17 May 2013 16:25:00 EDT

Post by Lindsay Mannering

Backdoor Teen Mom Farrah Abraham is shopping for a home in L.A. The 21-year-old porn star has decided to settle down in Hollywood so she can get on a reality show, or maybe make another sex tape that gets accidentally leaked, and was photographed touring a $3.3 million mansion in Justin Bieber's neighborhood, Calabasas.

If you're wondering how Farrah, who reportedly earned around $1 million for her adult film, can afford such a place, you're not alone.

But I have a theory. Farrah probably views money like those Real Housewives of New Jersey do. As long as they have enough money for the down payment, they'll worry about the mortgage later. They borrow money, buy something they can't afford, then act like victims when they're about to lose their house.

Farrah should talk to Teresa and Joe Giudice and get advice on living above your pay-grade, prioritizing appearances over financial stability, filing for bankruptcy, and selling everything you own in a yard sale to try and make ends meet.

What I think I love most about Farrah's house hunting is its contradiction. Wasn't it Farrah who said she did porn (excuse me, "sold her sex tape") because she was a lonely single mother who needed the money to open her restaurants and to get her master's degree?

Amazing.

Thanks for the laughs, Farrah. You never disappoint.

Do you think Farrah should buy this house?

Photo via F1abraham/Twitter

Kate Middleton’s New Portrait Is Almost as Bad as the First One

Fri, 17 May 2013 16:08:00 EDT

Post by Lindsay Mannering

When Kate Middleton's official portrait was unveiled in January, most everyone was taken aback by its rottenness. The artist made the Duchess look 53, when she's only 31. Her eyes were made to look beady, her chin was enlarged, and her mouth was drawn in a tight, unhappy line. No one likes it. (Well, Kate and Wills said they were thrilled with the painting, but they're obviously just being polite.)

Now, there's a new portrait. It wasn't commissioned by the Palace or anything, but painter Yves Messer was so appalled by the first attempt, he just had to do one himself. Messer's had his work shown all over the world -- certainly he could do the Duchess justice, right?

Wrong.

Messer's painting is better than the official portrait, but it's still pretty terrible. First of all, why did he choose to immortalize those bangs of hers, and second of all, why does she look like a chubby boy with a wig on?

The Duchess is graceful and beautiful and here she looks frumpy and disinterested. Her facial expression makes me think she's about to say, "Yeah, I mean, I've had a rough day. I could go for some tacos if you want. Whatever."

And I know the British aren't especially praised for their dental care, but why not paint Kate with a smile on her face? She has a great smile! It's warm, inviting, and full of life.

I'm just starting to feel a little bad for KMids. Why can't anyone paint a flattering portrait? Is it that hard?

It must be. Because this second attempt, although better than the first, is still god-awful. Poor thing.

What do you think of this new portrait?

Photo via UK repsome/Flickr

'RHOOC's Vicki Gunvalson Is Setting Herself Up for a Big Heartbreak

Fri, 17 May 2013 15:28:00 EDT

Post by Lindsay Mannering

I thought for sure that Real Housewives of Orange County star Vicki Gunvalson would finally come to her senses this season and dump that prick Brooks Ayers, but no such luck. The 52-year-old reality star told Life & Style that she and her deadbeat Mississippi boyfriend are still together, despite continued protests from her 26-year-old daughter Brianna and Brianna's military husband, Ryan.

Vicki told the magazine:

I’ve got different pockets in my life. I’ve got my daughter and Brooks. He’s got his own place. So I go to his house, and we’ll watch a movie, or we go out. I’m not forcing Briana to spend time with him.

Vicki, my dear. If you have to separate your loves into pockets, isn't that a bad sign?

Clearly Vick's not one for noticing red flags. She's ignored the fact that he's a deadbeat dad who can't pay his child support; she's ignored the fact that he has a proven history of manipulating women across the nation in order to get to their money; she's ignored the fact that 20/20 profiled him as a scoundrel out to take advantage of kind women; and she's ignored the fact that every single person in her life (including the fans!) hates him.

It seems that nothing will change her mind about Brooks, which is too bad. She'll just have to learn the hard way, because rest assured, this dude is, as her daughter points out, an opportunist looking to cash in on Vicki's fame, money, low self-esteem, and loneliness.

Absolutely nobody, except Vicki, will be surprised by the magazine covers in a few months that will inevitably describe how Brooks has been stealing from her bank account, has purchased luxury items on her credit cards, has lied, cheated ... etc. It's only a matter of time.

You guys. I miss Don.

What do you think Vicki sees in Brooks?!

Photo via bravotv.com

'Bachelor' Winner Catherine Giudici’s See-Through Shirt Makes Her Look Like a Kardashian Wannabe (PHOTO)

Fri, 17 May 2013 14:30:00 EDT

Post by Lindsay Mannering

Bachelor Sean Lowe's fiance Catherine Giudici may be taking a page out of a fellow reality star's style playbook. The engaged 27-year-old wore a sheer, see-through top to the Maxim Hot 100 party in L.A. earlier this week, and onlookers were treated to stunning visuals of her black lace bra. Is Catherine copying Kim Kardashian's sense of style? Sheer madness, I say!

Kim's been spotted in many a black sheer top during her pregnancy -- perhaps seeing the magazine covers and online photos everywhere has subconsciously taken over Catherine's brain and all she can think about is see-through shirts and pickles with ice cream.

Catherine may be copying Kim's look (don't you love how I'm crediting Kim for, like, inventing wearing a sheer top? Me too), but she's not doing it very effectively. The hoops are totally Kardashian, but those dark jeans? Yeah, no.

For such a high-profile event, you'd think Catherine would've worn black on the bottom. Why not take the Kardashian copying thing all the way and wear some leather pants? That would've looked great on her. A high-waisted pencil skirt and a sexy heel could've worked, too.

The most un-Kim like thing about the whole ensemble, though, is Catherine's handful of SWAG. I don't know if she's carrying a box that holds some fancy watch, or if they're headphones, or what ... but it's rare to see a celeb photographed with a party favor. I'm sure Kris Jenner would think that was so uncool.

Catherine will be invited to plenty more hot parties -- will she go sheer to all of them? Only time will tell.

What do you think of Catherine's outfit?

Photo via Splash News

Winning Lotto Ticket Found in Cookie Jar Opens Up Eerie Mystery (VIDEO)

Fri, 17 May 2013 13:37:00 EDT

Post by Lindsay Mannering

Everyone knows that a cookie jar is where one goes to find amazing treats, but for the Cerezo family from the Chicago-area, the treats it held could be classified as divine. It was a gift their 14-year-old daughter had given the family before her death from a seizure disorder in August 2012. It was also where dad Ricardo Cerezo kept his lottery tickets. When his wife told him to get them checked or she'd throw them away, Ricardo would soon discover he had a lotto winner in the cookie jar. A big winner. Huge.

A scanner at a 7-Eleven told Ricardo to "File a Claim," a message that pops up when the pot is more than $600. Well, this was way more than $600. Turns out, he'd won $4.85 million.

Wow.

On the verge of losing their home, Ricardo to NBC that he had sat in his deceased daughter's room, crying and praying, asking God to take anything he wanted, but not this house that held her bedroom.

His prayers were answered. With $4.85 million in the bank, the Cerezo family won't lose their home to foreclosure, and his daughter's bedroom will remain, for now, unchanged.

It's an incredible story at face value -- millions found in a cookie jar?! -- but the emotion behind the Cerezo's family's loss, and the fact that the jar was a gift from their departed teenager, takes the story to a whole new level.

It seems like this couldn't have happened to nicer people. They endured so much loss and now, thanks to a miracle, they can keep their house ... and then some.

A cookie jar's contents were never sweeter.

Watch Ricardo Cerezo's heart-melting interview:

View more videos at: http://nbcchicago.com.

What are your thoughts?

Photo via aussiegal/Flickr

Chef Allegedly Killed Over Meal Because Drunk Customers Didn't Like His Noodles

Fri, 17 May 2013 11:41:00 EDT

Post by Lindsay Mannering

When well-adjusted people have a poor experience at a restaurant, they may complain to the manager and make a note to never return. When maladjusted people have a poor experience at a restaurant, they murder the cook. A Japanese chef was allegedly killed over a meal of beef and noodles that two unruly, intoxicated diners on the German island of Sylt, a vacation destination, really didn't like. Miki Nozawa, 57, was a famous chef known for his Japanese-Italian fusion. Reportedly, the men were dissatisfied with their noodles and demanded a refund of their 10 euros.

Then, things escalated.

It's unclear whether they attacked Nozawa in the restaurant or later on when they ran into him at a club, but the chef was allegedly beaten to death, ultimately dying of a brain hemorrhage.

The two men who supposedly did it were arrested then released after police felt they didn't have enough evidence. However, they're still prime suspects who are required to answer a lot more questions.

Everyone can relate to having a bad meal while eating out, and many of us have, in a pre-caffeinated state, wished a plague on our Starbucks barista who seems to be taking their sweet, sweet time regardless of the morning rush and the homeless person banging on the bathroom door, but almost no one would take it to such a violent and horrifying level. Nowaza's ex-wife claims racism comes into play.

Moms of young children know all too well the price that can be paid for serving sub-par cuisine (how dare you insist your kids eat those vegetables; how dare you). The tantrums, the pouting, the declarations of hate ... it's not easy being a chef when the customers are so unruly.

Nowaza's death is as shocking as it is very, very sad. I hope whoever did this is put in jail ... and forced to eat really bad beef and noodles for the rest of their days.

Can you believe this?

Photo via jeffreyw/Flickr

Should the Whites-Only Scholarship at a Top University Be Changed?

Thu, 16 May 2013 18:00:00 EDT

Post by Lindsay Mannering

Columbia University is petitioning to change one of their graduate school fellowships that is currently whites-only. The Lydia C. Roberts graduate fellowship stipulates that the recipient must be Caucasian and must be from Iowa. The scholarship was established in 1920, but hasn't been awarded since 1997. The Ivy League school is currently asking the courts to allow a change of the scholarship's whites-only requirement, presumably so they can continue awarding the scholarship, this time with a clear conscience.

There are, however, many exclusionary, race-based, gender-based, religion-based, and hometown-based scholarships out there. Many are intended to focus on and help students who are generally underrepresented in high educational systems, and grant funding and aid to individuals in order to diversify the student body.

In this case, Columbia wants to remove a restriction they think is inappropriate. A quick look at Columbia's extensive lists of fellowships shows that a lot of once discriminative scholarships have been amended to include a broader audience.

For example, the Kaiser Family Foundation was founded to help black, Hispanic, and Native American students develop leadership skills in health policy. However, since its founding, it's been changed to include all students, regardless of race or ethnicity, who are interested in the subject matter.

It's startling to learn that a whites-only scholarship still exists -- it's about time that this Lydia C. Roberts fellowship is changed. High time.

The fellowship hasn't been handed out in 16 years, but hopefully the court will allow the university to make the desired changes, which would presumably inspire them to start distributing it once again.

Wonder if they'll keep the Iowan requirement.

Do you think the scholarship should be changed?

Photo via janoma.cl/Flickr

Woman’s Service Dog Dressed in Cap and Gown Is Star of Her Amazing Graduation (PHOTO)

Thu, 16 May 2013 17:45:00 EDT

Post by Lindsay Mannering

For many of us, our beloved pets are simply wonderful companions who greet us when we get home, snuggle in our beds, and entertain our guests with their adorable ballerina costume that mommy just loves putting on them. But for a disabled graduate student, her dog was that, and then some. A Redditer posted a photo of a canine companion dressed in cap and gown escorting his wheelchair-bound owner on stage as she received her Masters in Applied Health Sciences at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

The student in the photo took to the social media site to introduce her dog, Hero, to the world:

Hero knows over forty commands to assist me. He loves to retrieve objects for my like envelopes, pens, my crutches, etc. He also turns off the lights, opens doors, and he pulls me in my wheelchair up ramps! I couldn't have gone to college without him!

And the caption on the student's photo reads:

This is my service dog, Hero, after we graduated with our Master's degrees at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Hero's an aptly named pup who deserves his cap and gown getup. Pets are such a part of our lives and it's so great to see Hero honored for his devoted and helpful service. Without him, a graduation ceremony for his master's Masters may never have been possible!

Do you love this?

Photo via Imgur