How do you blog on a day like yesterday?

Our nephew Alex turned 12 yesterday. For the first time, he celebrated his first of many birthdays in heaven. Alex was born with Joubert Syndrome. The proper definition from the Joubert Foundation's site explains that this rare genetic disorder is characterized by decreased muscle tone, difficulties with coordination, abnormal eye movements, abnormal breathing pattern and cognitive impairment.

And they are right, Alex was so rare and special to everyone that ever met him. Last Sunday we celebrated his birthday with his Mama, Daddy & Step-Mom - the most loving parents you'll ever meet. His grandparents, brothers, sister, other Aunts and Uncles, all of his cousins and close friends were all there to sing Happy Birthday to him. 

Alex giving Airlie some cousin kisses last summer!

Alex may have had plenty of physical impairments, but I can assure you that mentally, he was one of the smartest, funniest, natural little boys. He loved to play around, loved when his classmates would get in trouble and laughed as hard as he could when his Nanny would "get on" his Papa. 

It's hard to make sense of tough times, short lives, why children are born with certain syndromes like this.  God's love and light could always be seen in Alex's beautiful face. God's miracles were proven time and time again, as Alex wasn't projected to live past the age of 3. The turn out for his service seemed endless and another testament of God's grace was present. My mother-in-law, Alex's Nanny, said it best: Alex was God's gift to not only his Mama & Daddy, but to all of us that had the wonderful privilege of knowing this sweet little boy. 

I cannot imagine never being able to hold, kiss or smell Airlie again. I cannot imagine growing up without my brother. As my mom told me after Airlie arrived, there is just something different when you become a grandparent. As much love that flows through my heart for my daughter, I believe the amount that consumes my mama's heart as a grandparent must be unimaginable. I cannot fathom losing my grandchild and trying to stay strong for my children at the same time.

Running for Alex & The Joubert Syndrome Foundation last October.

Fashion shows, the hottest trends, court cases for Lindsey Lohan are all so irrelevant when you think about the every day things we all go through - losing loved ones, job insecurity and a mountain of bills. My family holds very tightly to their relationship with God to help them through everything. But we all still need prayer.  I have learned over the past two years how strong and powerful the ability of prayer can be. 

So please keep my family in your prayers as their lives will never be the same without Alex but were forever changed because of him. 

This is one of the best books I have ever read. It will touch and move you on so many levels. The similarities to my nephew Alex are uncanny. Thank you Frances for showing this to me.

Countdown!!! 2 hours til.......

StandOut Alum, Ashley Underwood, to complete cast on Survivor: Redemption Island Premier tonight!!  We are beyond excited for Ashley and are so proud of everything she has done to get to this point. It was so much fun shooting her casting video, working through the L.A. interviews and now seeing her through the awesome press that surrounds the premier of the most talked about season. 

                                   It all starts at 8:00 est on CBS!  I promise this is a season you don't wanna miss!!!

Which of your fav celebs is expecting baby no. 2?

By Sara Hammel and Dahvi Shira

It's baby no. 2 for Jessica Alba and Cash Warren.

The actress announced on her Facebook page and Twitter account Wednesday that she and her husband are expecting their second child. "I thought I'd drop by to let you all in on some exciting news – Honor is going to be a Big Sister!" Alba, 29, wrote. "Cash and I are thrilled and wanted to share the news directly with you so you didn't hear about it somewhere else.

"I appreciated all of the love and support you all gave me during my first pregnancy and will definitely appreciate it again this time around. Have a great day!" she finishes, signing off, "Jess." Warren also posted to his Twitter page, "@jessicaalba are beyond excited about the news! Honor is going to be a great big sister. Thank you all for the wonderful messages!!"

Alba delivered daughter Honor Marie, 2½, in June 2008, a month after marrying Warren in California.

Miss USA & Miss Universe will be walking in style in this new sponsor....

February 10, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chinese Laundry Named Official Footwear Sponsor of the MISS UNIVERSE® and MISS USA® 2011 Pageants

New York, NY - January 12, 2011 - The Miss Universe Organization is kicking off 2011 with a new official footwear sponsor, Chinese Laundry. The trendsetter will sponsor the 60th annual MISS Universe® and MISS USA® Pageants.

The sexy, sophisticated footwear line will make its broadcast debut this June on the feet of beauties from all over the United States as they dance the opening number in the 2011 MISS USA® Pageant. Chinese Laundry will "wow" worldwide audiences on September 12th as gorgeous global contestants from over 80 countries compete for the title of MISS Universe 2011® in São Paulo, Brazil.

Each step the MISS USA and MISS Universe contestants take on stage can be crucial in determining the outcomes of the pageants. Chinese Laundry's shoes are not only stylish, stunning creations, they are also comfortable and easy to walk in. The footwear company will provide Miss Universe and Miss USA contestants with the royal treatment during both the preliminary competitions, as well as the live final telecasts.

"The Miss Universe Organization is putting our best foot forward in 2011 as we welcome Chinese Laundry to our list of valued partners," said Paula M. Shugart, President of the Miss Universe Organization. "We are confident that this chic, sophisticated brand will complement the modern elegance of the MISS Universe® and MISS USA® Pageants."

Chinese Laundry Owner/CEO, Robert Goldman states, "Chinese Laundry is honored to provide footwear for an organization with such a rich history in setting fashion trends to a worldwide audience."

ABOUT MISS UNIVERSE:
The MISS UNIVERSE®, MISS USA® and MISS TEEN USA® pageants are a Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal joint venture. Utilizing its nationwide grass roots infrastructure, the Miss Universe Organization is committed to increasing HIV/AIDS awareness by focusing on women's health and reproductive issues. By forging relationships with organizations committed to research and education such as Aid for AIDS, the Latino Commission on AIDS, God's Love We Deliver, PSI/YouthAIDS, The Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases, Gay Men's Health Crisis and the Same Sky Trade Initiative. For more information, visit: www.missuniverse.com.

About Chinese Laundry
CHINESE LAUNDRY was launched in 1981. With groundbreaking styles season after season, Chinese Laundry lives at the forefront of fashion footwear for young women. Chinese Laundry is the perfect combination of outstanding quality and value with a unique and inspired point of view. For more information, visit www.chineselaundry.com.

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Fashion Face Off: Kim Kardashian vs. Natalie Portman in a designer dress you can get here...

I have to admit that I love almost everything Kim Kardashian wears. This awesome little black dress is no exception. Lanvin has created a line for the famed H&M, bringing this high fashion look to your favorite retail store for $199.

So the question is...who wore it better - Kim Kardashian or Oscar nominee, Black Swan actress, Natalie Portman?

Video: Christian Siriano's Fall 2011 Line - Warning - the Shoes are FIERCE!

Christian Siriano captured all of our hearts as Project Runway's Season 4 Winner. Not only was his vision fierce but he brought us a frank personality that we all fell in love with. His Fall 2011 line debuted this week in NYC at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week - a personal favorite!  

It fully embraces his edgy yet Avant-garde approach to fashion. He mixes leather with roughed ruffles and soft palettes in busy textures, all in beautiful rose, olive and his signature black. The skyscraper stilettos are the very definition of fierce!!!!

Jessica Simpson Accidental Fashion Mogul, Set to earn.....

Access Hollywood

Jessica Simpson may not have gone to Harvard and created Facebook like Mark Zuckerberg, but the blonde pop singer is about to have something in common with the social networking kingpin — she’s joining the ranks of the billionaires.

Simpson’s fashion line — which includes shoes, purses, hair extensions, clothes and more — is gearing up to make $1 billion in sales this year, according to New York magazine, which features the chanteuse on its cover. 

“I never thought I’d be some fashion mogul!” Simpson told the magazine of her move from the big time — $750 million in sales last year — to the even bigger time.  Simpson said she doesn’t try to concentrate on having a “trendy” collection, putting the main focus on “basics.” 

“We try not to set trends, but you need your trending pieces in every delivery. But those go fast: What you really need is your basics for every type of person,” she said. “When it comes to other celebrity brands, I think a lot of people do a great job, but it can’t be all about them. Everybody doesn’t want to just look like the celebrity, because they can’t. They just want one element of that style.”  

Like her customers, Simpson likes to look stylish. She’s tried a host of trends herself over the years, including those high-waisted jeans on stage in 2009 that made international headlines.  “I still thought I looked cute,” she said of the infamous outfit. “I wouldn’t have gone onstage if I didn’t.” 

Beyond her fashion line, Simpson is engaged to marry Yale graduate Eric Johnson, something she is thrilled about.  “It was a complete shock ... a beautiful shock,” she said. “It felt great for somebody to be on his knee, and I had to sit on that knee because I was so excited and overwhelmed I couldn’t even stand. Knowing that I had his knee to sit on in that moment was very magical. The way I always wanted it to be. I think I have a lot of stuff to write now. Not that I’m using him as a muse, but it makes me feel very open to share.” 

Breaking News: Miss USA Date is confirmed

[02/15/11 - 10:03 AM]
"The 2011 Miss USA(R) Pageant" Returns to Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas to Celebrate Its 60th Anniversary Live on NBC Sunday, June 19th (9-11 PM ET)
Released by NBC [NOTE: The following article is a press release issued by the aforementioned network and/or company. Any errors, typos, etc. are attributed to the original author. The release is reproduced solely for the dissemination of the enclosed information.]

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"THE 2011 MISS USA(R) PAGEANT" RETURNS TO PLANET HOLLYWOOD RESORT & CASINO IN LAS VEGAS TO CELEBRATE ITS 60TH ANNIVERSARY LIVE ON NBC SUNDAY, JUNE 19TH (9-11 PM ET)

The MISS USA(R) Pageant will celebrate its 60th anniversary at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas with a LIVE broadcast on Sunday, June 19 (9-11 p.m. ET) 

NEW YORK, NY - February 15, 2011 - NBC, Donald J. Trump and Paula M. Shugart, president of Miss Universe Organization, announced today that "The 2011 MISS USA(R) Pageant" will air on NBC Sunday, June 19 (9-11 p.m. ET) from the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas at the Theatre for Performing Arts. 

"We're very excited to announce that 'The 2011 MISS USA(R) Pageant' will return to Las Vegas. We'll have 51 of the most beautiful women in the world competing in one of the best live shows on television," said Trump, who will again serve as executive producer of "The 2011 MISS USA(R) Pageant." 

"We have had an amazing partnership with Planet Hollywood, Caesars Entertainment and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority," said Shugart. "Given our history with Las Vegas, I can think of no better place for us to celebrate our 60th anniversary. It's going to be a great party." 

"This marks the fourth year the MISS USA(R) Pageant and Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino have partnered to host this spectacular event," said David Hoenemeyer, general manager of Planet Hollywood Resort. "The MISS USA(R) Pageant exemplifies what Planet Hollywood is best known for, being the most exciting resort on the Las Vegas Strip for star-studded events and entertainment." The Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Las Vegas is the official host hotel of "The 2011 MISS USA(R) Pageant." 

In 2010, Rima Fakih of Michigan made history and broke several barriers as the first immigrant, Arab American and Muslim to be crowned Miss USA. Since being crowned, Rima has been traveling the world as an advocate for breast and ovarian cancer awareness, education, research and legislation. 

"The 2011 MISS USA(R) Pageant" will feature contestants from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Contestants will be judged in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview. The show will conclude with one contestant ultimately being crowned Miss USA 2011. 

The MISS USA(R) Pageant is a Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal joint venture. Utilizing its nationwide grass roots infrastructure, the Miss Universe Organization is committed to increasing awareness of breast and ovarian cancers by forging relationships with organizations committed to research and education, such as Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Gilda's Club and the Same Sky Trade Initiative. 

For more information, visit: www.missusa.com.

The hottest pumps on the market for the coolest price!

Pump up your height but not your wallet! I was born in heels and appreciate anything that keeps my legs stretching to the heavens, but let's face it - our beloved Louboutins are out of everyone's price range right now.  Platforms have proved that they are sticking around for a while. Peep-toes, pumps and sandals are heading into a new trend with an illusion platform. The chunky heels and noticeable 2" platform soles are edging their way out. Designers are streamlining their styles for a more sophisticated, elegant look. 

The illusion comes from an almost hidden, mini platform under the built-in platform. Fabric is wrapped around the main platform for a boost and a smaller and sometimes decorated addition is placed underneath. The result: uber chic heels that fit into every woman's personal sense of style. People can enjoy their flats all they want, but fashion houses around the world have made a bold statement with the newer platforms. I am happy to comply!

So how do you get this runway look for less?

Meet Michael Antonio. I have been a huge fan of this line for years. Most of the time when you go down in price, the heel height and design elements shrink. But with Michael Antonio, continuous pumps, platforms and dangerously sexy sandals keep popping up at incredible prices. 

Check out the Leno Platform Pump. With a suede-like upper and hot gold "hidden" platform, the chunk is gone in this shoe, leaving your legs looking sleek and sexy. It's the perfect staple to your wardrobe because this 6 1/2" can be worn with skinny jeans, a pantsuit, dressy shorts or your favorite little dress. You will get more wear out of this shoe than any other one in your closet. It comes in blue, brown, gray and black - perfect for year-round travels and events. 

Oh and it's on sale this week for $35.24 at endless.com. You may just want to get it in all four colors! 

Designers are keen to these jaw-dropping prices, lines like Michael Antonio offers. Stiletto King and Celeb favorite, Brian Atwood, launched his new B for Brian Atwood line this week in New York. Charmed star, Rose McGowan, said at the launch, "He does stuff that other designers don’t and he’s really attentive to detail and that will set you apart in a really cluttered market."

Actress, Rose McGowan

Sporting Atwood's "Rose Gold" pumps to the event, the designer will always have a fan in Rose. So what will this new line cost you? B by Brian Atwood will run you between $200 - $600, a far cry from his main collection.

From his interview in Elle, “We [wanted] to be more downtown, and less red carpet, but of course you’ll have high heels because that’s what people associate with me,” Atwood says of the shoes.Everyone from Barney's to Shopbop has picked up the new line.

Neon pinks, anything that glitters and of course animal print will lead his collections this year. So if you feel like splurging or the hubby asks for your birthday list, B by Brian Atwood, is the new accessory to your wardrobe.  

To keep it cost-effective but high on fashion, Michael Antonio is your man. Thank goodness the competitive markets keep our designers turning out their best for our benefit!

Setting the Record Straight

This is the ad where I am actually 16.

I came across something today and I have to finally set the record straight. I am probably going to upset some people so know that it is not my intention to do so. But as much as I preach on being true to yourself, I have to be the example. For the past 5 years, since my win as Miss USA, Fitness Trainer, Mike Mauney, has been falsely using my pictures to impart the idea that he had credit for me winning Miss USA. 

I can’t imagine him taking credit for my body as I am still criticized to this day for being Miss Piggy USA.  In the new Pageantry Magazine, he writes an article (which I will address in a minute) with an add containing my picture. This picture is of me working out in his facility with the caption: Chelsea Cooley, Miss USA 2005. This photo, however, was taken when I was 16 and preparing for Miss Teen USA. Not when I was preparing for Miss USA. It falsely advertises that he was a part of my team to get me to Miss USA. 

Did I train with him when I was Miss NC Teen USA? Yes I did. During that time, I was 118 lbs. soaking wet before I ever met with him and after the first meeting; he determined I had over 30% body fat. I was a size 0/2 at the time, ate whatever I wanted and never gained a pound.  I was traumatized with that assessment as it began the body image issues I would struggle with for the next 10 years. 

Is Mike a nice person? Absolutely! But I cannot let this false advertisement go on any longer. I met with Mike once after I won Miss NC USA to have a consultation. I wasn’t too keen on his plan so I decided that I was going to get myself swimsuit ready for Miss USA. I never went back. Have I signed photos for him? Yes. As a sponsor for my state pageant, we are asked to sign pictures as a thank-you to all of our sponsors – an idea I fully support. 

But what girls and titleholders don’t realize is the power their name has attached to it. I know that now more than ever how powerful my name and title will always be in our business. I am very thankful for it so I have to protect it.  Being Miss USA is an incredible job to say the least. There are highs and lows and while I loved every minute of it, I am happier today than I ever have been in my life. The body image issues I once had are completely GONE! That is due to my business relationship and friendship with A.T. Dunn. A.T. became my trainer after I gave up my title as Miss USA.

Never had I seen changes on my body like his program could do. I was sent to EVERYONE  - the best of the best – in New York City and A.T. is the ONLY person that not only got me the results I wanted on my body but changed my mindset and insecurities. His program includes ground-breaking techniques that I had never seen before. So when I read the article Mike wrote about his 20-year program and emphasis on water, I had to question it. I’m 27. I met him when I was 16. The first I heard of this water plan was when I met A.T.  Please know that my intention is not to hurt anyone. But I have an intense passion on telling the truth. 

The only thing I hope you can take away from this is to learn how to focus your thoughts on others intentions. Mike is not a bad person at all. He is so nice! But he is in business and in his business, promoting winners grows it. I cannot have someone promote something about me falsely anymore. StandOut Productions is my passion and livelihood. So I, just like you, cannot afford to have anyone ride your coattails. 

Cheryl Burke's revealing new book, Dancing Lessons

Cheryl Burke has been a fan favorite on the hit ABC show, Dancing with the Stars, from the moment she joined the cast. Having judged the Miss Virginia USA pageant with her a couple of years ago, it's hard not to fall in love with her. She just exudes an easy kindness towards anyone and everyone she meets. 

Never did I realize that she came from a broken home with a haunting past. In her new book, Dancing Lessons, she reveals the painful media scrutiny surrounding a minor weight gain, her parent's divorce and the molestation she suffered as a child. 

This book is a must-have for anyone looking for a great read from an awesome role model!

5 Reasons why I have Beiber Fever!

Ok, so I'll admit it, I really like Justin Beiber! He's got a great voice, awesome stage presence and is doing it all at a young age. Here's my top 5 reasons why I have Beiber Fever! 

• I can't help but dance every time I hear, "Baby." It's just a feel-good song!

• He's just so dang cute.

•  He's a Christian.

• He seems to "get it." He talks a lot about wanting to influence others in a positive way since he grew up below the poverty line.  

•  I've been really impressed with his professionalism. From greeting fans to guest appearances on talk shows. He seems very gracious and even though he was naturally disappointed in losing the Grammy to Esperanza Spalding, he handled it like a pro.

Did Christina Aguilera redeem herself?

Last night's Grammy opening was pretty awesome. Being a big Aretha Franklin fan myself, I loved the tribute. But critics around the web aren't agreeing with me, especially after Christina's Super Bowl flub just a week earlier. What did you think of the performance?