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What to Rent: New DVDs This Week

Maggie Pehanick — Tue, 01 May 2012 05:30:00 PDT

Garry Marshall's latest ensemble comedy features a whole bushel of A-listers. Everyone from Ashton Kutcher to Robert De Niro makes an appearance in the flick that features stories of people experiencing New Year's Eve in New York City. The movie also stars Glee's Lea Michele as an aspiring singer, Michelle Pfeiffer as a woman on a mission to cross items off her bucket list, Zac Efron as the bike messenger who helps her, Katherine Heigl as Jon Bon Jovi's super angry ex-girlfriend, and many others. Though the film isn't the best in the genre, it's fun to see all the stars assembled and matched-up together. Extras include director's commentary, a gag reel, and deleted scenes.

Haywire

Real-life mixed martial arts fighter Gina Carano stars as Mallory Kane, a skilled black ops soldier on a mission for revenge after she is betrayed. Director Steven Soderbergh wrote the story around Carano after seeing her in a match, which means her butt-kicking skills are the focus of this action thriller. Also showcased? Antonio Banderas, amazing chase sequences, Channing Tatum, and lots and lots of hand-to-hand combat. Extras include a featuring looking at "the men of Haywire" and Gina Carano's training for the movie.

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One more release when you

W.E.

Abbie Cornish and James D'Arcy star in W.E., a historical romance directed and cowritten by Madonna. Cornish plays a modern woman obsessed with learning about the decades-old love affair between King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson (Andrea Riseborough), the woman he gave up the throne to be with. The film won accolades for its style, even landing an Oscar nomination for achievement in costume design. DVD extras include a making-of piece featuring Madonna.

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William and Kate Ring In the New Year With the Middletons

Katie Henry — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 14:31:10 PST

Kate Middleton and Prince William spent New Year's Eve with family and friends at her parents' home in Bucklebury, England. Kate was spotted frolicking around the grounds with a four-legged companion while William followed closely behind wearing his favorite Le Chameau boots and a traditional Barbour jacket. The couple spent the evening dining and dancing under a kata, a giant teepee-style tent, with her sister, Pippa, parents, Michael and Carole, and approximately 100 guests.

William and Kate were reportedly planning to spend the evening with his family in Scotland but apparently changed plans to hang with her loved ones. Prince Harry missed out on the New Year's Eve celebration and instead opted to ring in the new year from a ski resort in Switzerland. Many of you are hoping 2012 brings a royal baby for William and Kate, but we'll have to wait and see what the next 12 months hold in store for the young couple.

See How the Stars Celebrated New Year's Eve!

Allie Merriam — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 13:45:41 PST

New Year's Eve gave many of our favorite celebrities a chance to let loose with their loved ones! From NYC's Times Square to the many clubs of Las Vegas, the stars seemed to have had a great evening - click through to see what they were up to.

DIY Last-Minute New Year's Eve Decor - Make a Confetti Bag

Elka Karl — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 10:00:21 PST

Over on Craft Foxes, there's a terrific roundup of seven DIY New Year's Eve party decorations. As Brie notes in the DIY New Year's Eve decorating post, "When you’ve made it through the big holidays, it’s tempting to skimp on the decorations for your New Year’s party. But the beauty of throwing a New Year’s Eve or Day party is that between the champagne and cocktails your guests will have, no one will notice that you didn’t break the bank. Just having a few small details is enough to make a big impact."

My favorite idea from the roundup is this cute confetti bag. The DIY confetti has the advantage of being made from paper, not Mylar, which means it won't stick to your furniture and rugs. Well worth the time to whip these up, I'd say! Head over to Craft Foxes to discover six more DIY New Year's Eve crafts.

In Which Celebrity Hot Spot Would You Most Love to Ring In 2012?

Molly Goodson — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 08:43:53 PST

It's New Year's Eve! In just a few short hours the world will be ringing in 2012, which kicks off 12 more months of crazy stories, exciting new couples, growing families, and memorable pictures of our favorite stars. We've loved sharing another year with all of you. We hope you have an awesome New Year's Eve wherever you are, whether you're kissing a longtime love at midnight or saying cheers with friends. Celebrities are scattered around the globe for their own parties, concerts, intimate gatherings, and family-filled soirees - but which of these luxurious locales would be your dream NYE spot?

How to Wear Glittery, Shimmery Makeup Like a Grown-Up

Jaime Richards — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 07:04:19 PST

New Year's is the perfect time to experiment with shimmer, but too much glisten can look a little tacky and/or immature. So for a more grown-up approach to sparkle and glamour, check out the two great tips below.

Go for the gold: Apply metallic pigment or shadow to your eyes, suggests Ana Cruzalegui from UK-based lash brand We Are Faux, and pair it with fluttery falsies like their Kitsch lashes ($20). "For added drama without looking like a Studio 54 regular, dab some fine glitter on the center of your lid - just a touch will do the trick," Cruzalegui advises. For the perfect hint of glitz, try MAC Pro Glitter in Reflects Antique Gold.
Pretty pairings: Amp up your metallic look with rusty gold and deep purple shadows for an edgy take on the smoky eye, and round things out with shimmery nude lip gloss. "For an alternate holiday pick, try a tangy orange-red lip look paired with soft ginger and copper eye shadows," Cruzalegui admonishes. A red-hot option? Nars lipstick in Heat Wave.

How to Prevent Drunk Dials, Texts, Emails on New Year's Eve

Kristy Korcz — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 06:10:20 PST

New Year's Eve parties are usually accompanied by tasty libations, which are great, until you realize you've had one too many and drunk texted your old flame, exclaiming your everlasting love. How embarrassing. Before you start downing drinks at this weekend's year-end féte, designate a sober driver and check out these apps that will keep your drunken dialing on lockdown. Happy New Year!

Are You Hosting a New Year's Eve Party This Year?

CasaSugar — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 05:00:10 PST

I love being able to count down to the New Year in a house full of friends. At this time last year, I was busy hanging streamers and going over my head count, but this year, I'm kicking back and going to a friend's bash. I'm always curious to see how our readers are ringing in the New Year. Take our poll below to let us know about your plans!

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6 Things to Avoid on New Year's Eve

Annie Scudder — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 11:15:00 PST

New Year's Eve, out earlier this month, has nearly as many cheesy mentions to "second chances" and "hope for the new year" as it does attractive actors. But the film, staring everyone from Robert De Niro and Halle Berry to Ryan Seacrest, Ashton Kutcher, Lea Michele, Josh Duhamel, and Sarah Jessica Parker, does offer some lessons for your own New Year's Eve celebrations - mostly what not to do! I caught a screening of the movie, and using it as inspiration I've come up with six things to avoid tomorrow night. Minor spoilers ahead!

Chill Your Champagne, Stat!

YumSugar — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 10:00:00 PST

When you're celebrating the onset of 2012 tomorrow night, don't fall short on chilled bubbly. If you've got a warm bottle of Champagne and very little time to make it cold, we've got a fast solution for you.

Place your sparkler into an ice bucket or another tall plastic container. Add ice to the bottom and sprinkle the layer with a few tablespoons of salt. Continue to repeat layering ice and salt until the combination reaches the neck of your bottle; add cold water until it reaches ice level.

In a mere ten minutes, your bottle will be chilled. This method of chilling works much faster than simply sitting the bubbly in ice. Adding water increases the chilly surface area, and salt speeds the drop in water temperature (along with ice), making your sparkling wine frigid much faster. Have your own secret tip for chilling Champagne? If so, we'd love to hear about it!