Etta James is singing her final goodbyes

Posted by Johan on Friday, December 16, 2011

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Etta James is fighting a losing battle. It's been confirmed that the singer is currently in the final stages of cancer. James is surrounded by family and friends, who are making her last days as comfortable as possible.

Etta JamesLegendary songstress Etta James is terminally ill. The woman who brought us bluesy tunes like "At Last" and "Tell Mama" is suffering from cancer. Her manager Lupe De Leon confirmed to Entertainment Weekly that the singer's health is fading fast.

“Etta has a terminal illness. She’s in the final stages of leukemia," said De Leon. "She has also been diagnosed with dementia and Hepatitis C. She’s in a home right now and mostly sleeps."

De Leon also revealed that James is receiving treatment from several physicians. "She is under the care of a live-in doctor from Riverside Community Hospital and two others who have placed her on oxygen. Her husband is with her 24 hours a day, and her sons visit regularly. We’re all very sad. We’re just waiting.”

Many of James' fans knew she was sick, but had no idea how bad. Despite her condition, she still managed to put out a new album last November called The Dreamer. Prior to its release, she confirmed that it would be her final one.

After decades in the music business, James experienced a surge in popularity after Beyonce Knowles portrayed her in the 2008 biopic Cadillac Records. For the soundtrack, Knowles remade her classic "At Last," which sparked new interest in the original. The song was so big that President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama danced to at his 2009 inaugural celebration.

Over the course of her career, Etta James has released 28 studio albums, three live albums, six compilations and an astounding 58 singles. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and the Blues Hall of Fame in 2001.

Photo credit: WENN

17 Dec, 2011


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Vegan chocolate almond cookie recipe

Posted by Johan

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I'm always looking for easy cookie recipes and this is one of them. The recipe is healthy, dairy-free and a delight for chocoholics. Yes, you know who you are! They're chocolaty with a pronounced almond flavor. They not only taste great but fill your home with the wonderful scent of cocoa as well. There is nothing more comforting than baking a fresh batch of cookies on a cold winter day, especially during the holidays.

Vegan chocolate holiday cookie

These are really rich and delicious and will appeal to anyone who is looking for a healthy alternative to store bought chocolate cookies. The secret is adding coconut flakes and coconut oil to the batter, which brings out the bold cocoa flavor. Top it off with some powdered sugar for a more festive look. Eat a few and enjoy during the holiday season; there’s no need to feel guilty here!

A decadent vegan chocolate almond cookie recipe for Christmas

Yields 12-18

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups almond meal
  • 2 dates, chopped and made into a paste
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
  • 2 tablespoons coconut flakes
  • 1/4 cup almond milk
  • 1 tablespoon ground flax
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon gluten-free baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Powdered sugar for sprinkling

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
  2. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Roll mixture into 12 to 18 balls, and then flatten in a criss-cross pattern with a fork.
  3. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

More vegan cookie recipes

Vegan chewy chocolate raspberry cookies
Vegan mint chocolate chip cookies
Vegan sugar cookies

17 Dec, 2011


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Candace Cameron Bure: House rules

Posted by Johan

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Yes, she's that actress—the one who played DJ Tanner on the hit 80s and 90s series Full House. But Candace Cameron Bure just happens to be a New York Times bestselling author , wife and mother to three children ages 13, 11 and 9, too.
Candace Cameron Bure

How she does it

Yes, she’s that actress -- the one who played DJ Tanner on the hit '80s and '90s series Full House. But Candace Cameron Bure just happens to be a New York Times bestselling author , wife and mother to three children ages 13, 11 and 9, too.

Here, Bure talks about the simple but super smart principle that helps her balance the demands of her career with her family’s needs -- and what drew her to her latest movie, The Heart of Christmas .

 

SheKnows: You’re on the ABC Family show Make It or Break It, and now you have a new movie. How do you choose your projects?

Cameron Bure: It comes down to my family and my faith as a Christian: Any work I do has to be purposeful, inspiring, family friendly and uplifting. Although sometimes, I choose things that are just plain fun!

SheKnows: You act, you write and you even just launched a website. You’ve got your hands full! How do you balance it all?

Candace Cameron Bure and family

Cameron Bure: What I come back to is this question: At the end of the day, what really matters to me? The answer is always my family. Yes, I want to be a woman of my word and honor my commitments, but when I’m stressed out and on multiple deadlines and I know something’s gotta give, it’s more important for me to love and feed my kids, for example, than to answer one more email. I try to give myself the grace to not do everything perfectly, and remind myself that I am not a failure if I cancel a meeting or decide to turn down a project.

SheKnows: On your website, you write, “Modern women in the trenches of motherhood can feel isolated at times.”

Cameron Bure: Yes! Women are so busy, and our friends are often the first thing to get slashed from the to-do list. But it is so important to get out of the house -- even for 30 minutes -- and spend time with people who make you feel good. It’s okay to ask for support from your husband and others so you can take care of yourself! I always remind myself that I’ll be a better mom if I do.

SheKnows: The Heart of Christmas is based on the true story of Dax Locke, a 2-year-old whose battle with Leukemia inspired thousands to support him and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. What drew you to this movie?

Cameron Bure: I’m a sucker for anything that will make me cry. When I read this script, I thought it was sad but so sweet the way Dax Locke’s community rallied around him to give him one last Christmas. It’s something you’d hope all of us would do if presented with the opportunity. In my own life, I support several nonprofits, including Compassion International, because like many Americans, my family is blessed and I want to give as much as I can. I truly believe helping others is what life is all about, and The Heart of Christmas is the perfect example of this.

The Heart of Christmas re-airs on Dec. 18 at 9 a.m. and Dec. 22 at 9 p.m. You can also see Candace on Mommalogues beginning in January, where she'll be our very own featured celeb Mommaloguer.

More on balancing family and work

Can working moms really be happy?
How to balance career, family and self
Balancing work and motherhood

Photo credit: Rowan Daly

17 Dec, 2011


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Filipino Christmas tamale recipe

Posted by Johan

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This recipe is a Filipino version of Mexican tamales. Instead of using corn husks and masa, the Filipino tamale is rice-based, made with coconut milk and steamed in banana leaves. They're commonly served during big festivals or family parties. If you grew up eating tamales, it will surely bring back many wonderful Christmas memories. The mixture is amazingly sweet and savory and a tasty alternative to the Mexican version.
Filipino Christmas tamale

This recipe is a Filipino version of Mexican tamales. Instead of using corn husks and masa, the Filipino tamale is rice-based, made with coconut milk and steamed in banana leaves.

A Filipino twist on the classic Mexican dish

They're commonly served during big festivals or family parties. If you grew up eating tamales, it will surely bring back many wonderful Christmas memories. The mixture is amazingly sweet and savory and a tasty alternative to the Mexican version.

You can add in many different fillings, so be creative and experiment with your tamales. Feel free to include chorizo sausage or cubed pork loin, and for vegetarian tamales, use some vegetables like garlic, onions and bell peppers.

Filipino Christmas tamale recipe

Yields 12-16

Ingredients:

  • 12-16 banana leaves blanched in hot water or aluminum foil, 10 x 12-inch pieces
  • 3-1/2 cups uncooked rice
  • 6 cups coconut milk
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 boneless and skinless cooked chicken breasts, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup cooked ham, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
  • 1 cup roasted peanuts, coarsely crushed
  • 3 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
  • Sriracha sauce for optional garnish

Directions:

  1. In a large pot, mix together rice, coconut milk, brown sugar, salt and pepper.
  2. Cook mixture on low heat for 25 minutes, stirring constantly so the rice doesn’t stick to the pot.
  3. Mix in the peanuts and cook for another eight to 10 minutes, stirring constantly.
  4. On a banana leaf, place about a quarter cup of the rice mixture forming a 3-inch square shape and top with chicken, shrimp, ham and sliced eggs. Then top with another quarter cup of rice mixture and wrap the banana leaf in the form of a square and tie securely with kitchen string. Continue this step to fill the rest of your banana leaves.
  5. Place tamales in a deep steamer. Cover and cook for up to two hours. If you don’t have a steamer, arrange tamales in a deep pot and cover with water. Boil for about 30 minutes. Serve with sriracha sauce .

More tamale recipes

Beef tamale pie
Tamale skillet meal
Southwest tamale tart

17 Dec, 2011


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Christmas with Denise Richards includes Santa and Charlie Sheen

Posted by Johan

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Denise Richards is gearing up for her first Christmas with three daughters in the house! Here comes Santa Claus -- and Charlie Sheen.

Denise RichardsDenise Richards is sharing her holiday plans with the world on her new site, DeniseRichards.com. There's much to celebrate for the actress, who will unwrap presents on the big day with her three daughters and ex-husband Charlie Sheen.

"The kids and I track Santa online to see where he is and when he will be at our house," the actress said, adding that her girls still believe in the jolly old fellow. "They’ve heard otherwise, but I’ve reassured them he exists. We set out cookies and milk and carrots for the reindeer."

Santa isn't the only person paying a visit to the home that "looks like Candy Land at Christmas."

"I do see Charlie over the holidays," she explained. "He's my family." Though they divorced in 2006, the pair share parenting duties of daughters Sam and Lola. "I think it's best to stay friendly whether it’s the holidays or not," she added. "Keep it about the kids and keep the peace."

Denise Richards went on to say, "[We spend] Christmas morning opening presents with the kids. Then Christmas dinner at our house -- this year it will be all of us. Many of my friends can't get home, they come for dinner as well."

Speaking of adopted daughter Eloise Joni, named after the 40-year-old's late mother Joni, Denise gushed, "I can’t wait for her first picture with Santa!" The family also honors the girls' grandmother by baking. Denise explained, "I make the chocolate no-bake cookies my mom always made."

Beyond Christmas it's all about getting in tip-top shape! Though not making an official New Year's resolution Denise Richards said, "If I did, it would be to be consistent with my fitness routine. I really dropped that ball this year. No more excuses!"

More Denise Richards news:

Reunited! Denise Richards and Richie Sambora are back on
Denise Richards regrets getting her boob jobs
Denise Richards finally talks about Charlie Sheen

Image via WENN

17 Dec, 2011


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Piers Morgan: Howard Stern is perfect for AGT

Posted by Johan

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Piers Morgan and Howard Stern traded compliments and concerns about Stern's new judging role on America's Got Talent.

Howard Stern talks America's Got Talent with Piers Morgan

Former America's Got Talent judge Piers Morgan couldn't be happier that shock jock Howard Stern is taking his place on the hit NBC show.

"Congrats to @HowardStern on landing my #AmericasGotTalent judging gig -- he'll be outrageous, hilarious, dangerous & brilliant. Can't wait," Morgan tweeted after the $20 million deal went public earlier this week. 

Morgan continued that praise with Stern's Thursday night appearance on his CNN show, Piers Morgan Tonight.

Stern is more concerned with winning over the audience, saying that parenting groups are worried that he's "some sort of weird pervert who's going to convert America into some kind of zombie sex fiends." 

"But I can assure you and the rest of America what I'm looking at here is to be a very good judge," Stern said. "To sit there, I take it seriously, you know I watched the show."

He also said he'll tap into his fatherly instincts to judge people on America's Got Talent

"If you're going to put your children on television to be judged, which by the way, I don't know that I would ever do that with my children," Stern said. "I raised three daughters and I don't think that that would be appropriate. But there are parents out there who think it's a good idea. And you got to be damn sure that this is a wise decision before you do it, because not only are you putting a kid out there, to be judged, but — you know, if a kid really does have talent, you do need time to nurture that talent, develop that talent."

The SiriusXM radio star is also a fan of the show — and it made the decision to sign on an easy one.

"I love this type of television. And the idea that they're coming to me I think first got started because I've had a rather long and lustrous radio career," he said.

"Whatever you think of me, I'm honest and I'll give you an honest opinion," he added. "And my — and really my goal is to find real talent and to actually find someone who can become a major superstar."

We can't wait to find out.

Image courtesy Michael Carpenter/ WENN.com

Do you think Howard Stern will make a good judge on America's Got Talent?

17 Dec, 2011


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Vegan holiday menu

Posted by Johan

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Planning a menu for a holiday party is no easy feat, especially when catering to vegan family and friends. However, meatless meal planning doesn't have to be hard and you certainly don't have to reinvent the wheel when it comes to creating your entrees and sides. Simple swaps, like soy milk for regular, vegan cheese for cheddar, and Tofurky for red meat can turn any meal into a vegan one! Plus, with such decadent dishes like shepherd's pie and rich cranberry cheesecake, people won't miss the heaviness that accompanies meat and cheese!

Share the joys of healthy food and healthy living with your family and friends by introducing them to these incredibly delicious vegan recipes. If you are eager to reinvent some of your favorite holiday dishes, like green bean casserole or cheesecake, just swap out the dairy ingredients with soy or coconut milk.

Tofurky stuffing bites

One of the easiest and most delicious holiday dishes to prepare is stuffing. However, to change things up a bit this year, I decided to turn this side into a bite-size appetizer! The great thing about these stuffing bites is that they can be made with both vegan and non-vegan ingredients and the taste is the same -- amazing!

Tofurky stuffing bites

Yields 12

Ingredients:

  • 12 pre-cooked phyllo shells
  • 1-1/2 cups vegan stuffing, prepared
  • 2 basil leaves, chopped
  • 3 links Tofurky breakfast sausage links
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Directions:

  1. In a medium size nonstick pan, cook sausages until fully cooked and browned, about five to six minutes. Take off heat and let cool. Once cooled, chop into small bite-size pieces.
  2. Place about one tablespoon of stuffing into each shell. Top with chopped sausage and basil leaves. Garnish with salt and pepper and enjoy!

Greek roasted potatoes

These seasoned potatoes are the biggest hit around our house. Every time we make a batch, the whole thing is gone in less than 20 minutes. Besides being incredibly delicious, these potatoes are naturally dairy and meat free, so no swapping or sacrificing is necessary! Plus, the whole dish is ready in 30 minutes or less, so you can spend more time eating and caroling!

Greek roasted potatoes

Serves 4

Ingredients:

  • 4 medium size red potatoes
  • 2 tablespoons Greek seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. In a large pot, boil six cups of water . Place whole potatoes in water and boil until soft, about eight minutes. Rinse and let cool completely.
  3. Once potatoes have cooled, quarter and place in a glass baking dish. Cover with olive oil and Greek spice. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until potatoes are browned and have a little crunch on the outside. Enjoy!

Savory butternut squash soup

There's nothing like a warm bowl of soup on a freezing cold winter day. What makes this soup recipe perfect for holiday gatherings is that it can be prepared up to three days in advance! Made with rich potatoes, celery, carrots, onions and fresh butternut squash, this soup is a great starter or side dish to any holiday meal.

Savory butternut squash soup

Serves 6-8

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1 stalk celery with leaves, chopped
  • 1 medium carrot, chopped
  • 1 small bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 large russet potato, quartered
  • 1 medium butternut squash, seeded and cubed
  • 32 ounce container of vegetable broth
  • 2 basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegan sour cream for garnish

Directions:

  1. In a medium pan, heat olive oil. Add onions, garlic, celery, carrots, bell pepper, potato and butternut squash and heat until lightly browned, about five minutes. Cover vegetables with broth and bring to a boil.
  2. Reduce heat and simmer for about 25 minutes.
  3. Pour soup into a blender and blend until pureed. Serve with vegan sour cream and enjoy!

Vegan shepherd's pie

This popular Irish meal is incredibly rich, hearty and filling, especially when prepared with ground beef and butter-laden mashed potatoes. Not only is this vegan recipe lighter on the waistline, it's healthier for you since it's packed with fiber rich kidney beans! Plus, who doesn't want a big ol' heaping of warm and cozy comfort food around the holidays?

Vegan shepards pie

Serves 8-10

Ingredients:

  • 3 to 3-1/2 cups vegan mashed potatoes, prepared
  • 1 cup mushrooms, chopped
  • 1-1/2 cups kidney beans
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, chopped
  • 2 parsnips, chopped
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon basil
  • 2 teaspoons rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons shredded soy cheese

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  2. In a large pan, heat olive oil. Add onions, garlic, carrots, parsnips and mushrooms. Heat until softened, about six to seven minutes. Add peas and kidney beans and heat for an additional six minutes, or until peas are soft. Pour broth and wine over mixture and simmer until mixture thickens, about six to eight minutes. Add salt, pepper, rosemary and basil; stir and remove from heat.
  3. Pour mixture into a casserole dish. Scoop mashed potatoes over vegetable mixture, completely covering it. Cover with shredded soy cheese and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. Enjoy!

Vegan cranberry orange cheesecake

The seasonal ingredients, the creamy filling and the homemade graham cracker crust make this festive dessert recipe a perfect end to your holiday celebration. Each bite has all of the flavors you love in regular cheesecake, without any of the hard-to-digest dairy. Serve each slice with a garnish of fresh cranberries, grated orange peel and a dollop of vegan whipped cream. Or, if you're feeling jolly, serve a slice of this to Ol' St. Nick for a sweet he'll gobble down in seconds! .

Vegan cranberry orange cheesecake

Serves 8-12

Ingredients:

  • 1 prepared vegan pie crust
  • 14 ounce package firm tofu
  • 1 package Tofutti Better than Cream Cheese
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons grated orange peel
  • 1/4 cup low sugar cranberry juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Set prepared crust aside.
  2. Place tofu and vegan cream cheese in the food processor and process for at least one minute. Add in sugar and process until smooth, about four to five minutes. Transfer mixture to a bowl.
  3. Add orange zest, almond extract and cranberry juice to bowl and stir until fully combined. Whisk in cornstarch and cranberries until completly mixed. Pour mixture into the pie crust and bake for at least 40 to 45 minutes.
  4. Chill for at least two hours. Garnish with fresh cranberries and enjoy!

More vegan and vegetarian holiday ideas

Top vegan Christmas recipes
3 Vegetarian holiday recipes
Holiday gifts: Vegan cookbooks

17 Dec, 2011


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