Day three into the New Year and I'm doing my best to keep my New Year's resolution going. If I reveal I know in a few hours I'm going to break it off! GIVE ME STRENGTH! Now back to some business...
LL Cool J Signs New Fitness Book "LL Cool J's Platinum Workout" at Barnes & Noble in New York City
look at this man's swagger!





It's about time LL release this book. Everyone is curious to see how he got fit especially since his "Luv U Better" video. Need a friendly reminder? Press play.

Whitney Houston is selling her clothes in the pursuit of getting money according to Us Weekly.

"Grammy-winning diva Whitney Houston is selling off hundreds of stage outfits and accessories, including intimate undergarments, at an Irvington, New Jersey, auction next Tuesday that could bring in hundreds of thousands of dollars in welcome cash, the New York Post's Page Six reports.
Among the items on the block are various bustier bras adorned with animal prints and sequins; four velvet bodysuits with "WH" logos, evening dresses, musical instruments, a slot machine, a leather whip and a chair described as "Whitney's throne" (late 90s-era crack pipe, evidently, sold separately).

Also on the block? 16 assorted music awards of estranged husband Bobby Brown (Houston filed for divorce from her husband of 14 years last September)."

{Us Weekly}

Justin Timberlake and Sharon Stone made it to the "Alpha Dog" LA premiere! What? No Cameron Diaz??! Maybe those rumors of JT and Cam breaking up is true?

Now about those rumors about JT and Cam, Star Magazine provided it as their cover story:

"Sources say the glamorous due broke up and went their separate ways after a serious discussion that ended with Justin deciding that his days with Cam were numbered. "They had been planning to be together in Tennessee with his folks," says a source. "But he came out alone and she stayed in L.A." And on Dec. 23, as he partied with friends in Senses nightclub in Memphis, the source says, Justin told fellow revelers: "Me and Cameron? We're done." He also confided to those friends that "the breakup is for keeps!"

[Star]
Joss Stone hunted down Lauryn Hill to record a dream duet. Here's how she did it:

"I called her mum every day for like a month and a half."
Stone's family plan paid off - Hill's mother told the singer of the Brit's dream duet and the reclusive soul star agreed to join her in the studio for new track MUSIC, a tune inspired by the Fugees' THE MASK.
Thrilled Stone adds, "I've wanted to work with her since the first time I heard her voice. It's a dream come true for me - a goal I can mark off my list. I love her so much, and she's just so talented." {Source}

And in related ANTM news, Caridee of "America's Next Top Model" posed for Seventeen magazine. So look out for Caridee on a newsstand by you! [I already posted up her Seventeen cover. See my sidebar!] Caridee's name already sounds like it's got that potential in becoming the one-name supermodel wonder. Here's hoping Caridee's on her model hustle!

" In honor of its 70th anniversary, the CBS daytime drama "Guiding Light" is throwing a party online. The show is launching http://www.findyourlight.net/ Wednesday, an interactive Web site that encourages viewers to upload videos and view behind-the-scenes content featuring the show's cast while introducing the series' yearlong "Find Your Light" campaign encouraging volunteerism.
User-generated content will focus on themes of inspiration and mimic an ongoing series of interstitials that will begin airing on the show this month featuring cast members speaking about what inspires them." {Hollywood Reporter}


Usher said oh hell naw to Jamie Foxx when Jamie offered Usher some booze on stage! J-Pat, Usher's mother, would be proud of her son!
[pic spotted at Juicy-News]

Kelis Ford Edge commerical

[spotted at A Hot Mess]


Pictures of celebrites ringing in the New Year keeps popping up. Victoria's Secret model Selita Banks threw a NYE bash at Suite and T.I came out to support her party. Okay is her clevage for real or a product of a really good VS bra?!!! STOP THE DAMN MADNESS!!! Okay let me stop she can pass as the chick from "Coming to America."


Fredro Starr, Felix and Yung Onyx were spotted at NYE bash at The Plumm hosted by
Noel Ashman and Jesse Bradford. Fredro made a name for himself on "Moesha" as Mo's boyfriend. He's also apart of the rap group, Onyx.

"Slam" by Onyx

Most recently, Fredro played a notable character in HBO's "The Wire" as the gangster Bird.

Eddie Murphy holds on to girlfriend of two months, Tracey Edmonds, during the couple's vacation in St. Bart's on Monday. "I'm having fun."

Legendary songtress Gladys Knight Knight and American Idol finalist Taylor Hicks performed during half time at the FedEX Orange Bowl in Miami's own Dolphins Stadium. Glays still got it.

Fergie and Will.i.am. of Black Eyed Peas rocked it out for the Rio de Janeiro crowd.



Lisa Tucker from "American Idol" performed at The 118th Rose Parade in Pasadena, Cali on Monday. Great to see another American Idol other than Justin, Clay, Ruben, Fantasia, Kelly, Katherine, Carrie, and Taylor making it!

Fellow "American Idol" star Katherine McPhee was there too.

NBA champ Kareem Abdul Jabbar dressed up for the parade as well.

The cast of Disney's "High School Musical" dropped by MuchonDemand in Toronto yesterday. Monique Coleman was recently on "Dancing with the Stars"...she lucked out to winner former NFL baller Emmitt Smith.

Monique Coleman, Drew Steeley and Vanessa Hudgens from High School Musical. Okay I see Miss Monique rocking a trend---vests!
stay tune for fashion forward wednesday! (nice trends for 2007!)
Corbin Bleu, Ashley Tisdale and Lucas Grabeel

Did they look at Miss Rihanna when they drew that?!?! See more from this magazine shoot [here]
Rihanna will pop on a newsstand by you for the "hitkrant" and "viva" magazines. [pic credit: Ultimate Rihanna]

"Rihanna: This platinum-selling recording artist from the Barbados nutures her skin by removing all makeup before bed using Clinque Liquid Facial Soap and Clarifying Lotion."
click on the image to see it in full!

Radio DJ and gossip queen Wendy Williams held her annual Dons & Divas 2006 Extravaganza with celebrity guests actress Vivica A. Fox, Wendy's sidekick Charmalagne, and America's Next Top Model judge Jai Alexander. Wendy and Miss Vivica equally stepped up their clothes game!


Wendy and her husband

Jai and Vivica

[alltheparties.com]
VJ Vanessa Minnillo drops the "F" Bomb on MTV's New Year's Eve

This video clip supposedly provoked MTV to fire her or so goes the rumor...

"If somebody would have said, `OK, here is the prediction: You're going to meet a man 25 years old and he's going to see being with you and having your three kids as a bonus,' I would have said, `Keep dreaming,'" the 44-year-old actress says in an interview in Vanity Fair magazine's February issue, on newsstands Jan. 9. "I think it caught us both by surprise, and particularly him," Moore says of Kutcher, who is now 28. "He was in this real rise of his career just as we met, which for a young man is prime opportunity for heavy-duty play." [about her age difference with Ashton] "We've teased each other recently about doing `The Graduate' on Broadway but, you know, historically, real couples being on-screen together never seems to work," she says. "But a project that we create, that we're maybe more behind-the-scenes? I couldn't think of anything better, because there isn't anybody that I would rather spend my time with." [about kids with Ashton] "Most definitely," she tells the magazine. "Once you hit three, when you're outnumbered, it's really, like, what's the difference between (three or) four or five? For me, the most important thing that I've contributed is my children." [pic credit: Popbytes] [quote credit: Vanity Fair]

Juicy tidbits:
Pharrell and Naomi dating?!? Well that's word on the street is saying. I highly doubt that it's a front to cover up his relationship with Vashtie. "Rumors continue persist regarding music producer Pharrell Williams and supermodel Naomi Campbell. First, they were spotted in London getting cozy. Last week, they were seen popping up at several club spots in New York City. Sources claim, 'they appear smitten with one another.' " {Source}

Young Buck and Lil' Wayne got beef?!?! Chamillionaire and Wayne are only guest stars on 50 Cent's upcoming album, "Before I Self Destruct." "Allegedly, rappers Lil Wayne and Chamillionaire were going to be the only collaborations on 50 Cent's upcoming album, "Before I Self Destruct." Now, the streets are buzzing that Young Buck and Lil Wayne are allegedly beefing. Since all G-Unit soldiers stand up for one another, word is, Lil Wayne has been dropped from the album." {Source}

"Last year I told you I was writing a feature on Tiny and all the Louis Vuitton bags that Tip bought for her. Then I received a phone call from a very nervous Louis Vuitton Sales rep asking me to kill the story, which I did, because we all have to eat. But I had been told by a Grand Hustle insider that Tiny was "down with it" if I chose to do the writeup anyway. So here we are two days into the New Year and a reader emails me the above photo of Tiny at a New Year's Eve party in Miami with Tip, Queen Latifah, Solange, Kelly Rowland, Lindsay Lohan and others. In the pic, Tiny makes sure that the photographer gets a shot
of her new Louis Vuitton Miroir Speedy. She has reason to be proud of her new bag. The Miroir line of Louis Vuitton handbags are next to impossible to find. Due to the frenzy surrounding the launch of this line in December, there is a very long waiting list at Louis Vuitton stores for these bags. Janet Jackson is the only other star I've seen with a Miroir.

The Speedy Miroir is listed at $1300 but the price has already been marked up 10% due to the high demand. You probably won't be able to get your hands on one unless you have a personal shopper at LV. But you can find them on Ebay. If you do decide to go that route
and buy a Miroir off Ebay - beware of the very good imitations.

Speaking of Tiny: yes, the rumors you heard about Tiny and Tip being engaged are true. Tiny has been flashing her engagement rock for a couple of months now and I hear the wedding is set for May. I've heard the rumors that Tiny is supposedly pregnant but I haven't heard that from anybody in the know. When I get word I will let you know."

On A Newsstand by you...American Idol finalists past and present does "Us Weekly." [pic credit: Beyonce-lopez.com]

Get Jennifer Hudson's fitness regime:

"Before competting in 2004's Idol, the 5-foot-9 singer, 25, had already
accomplished a major feat: losing 60 pounds! "I used to wear a size 22," the now size-10 Season 3 finalist (who cut out fried foods and jogged to slow down)
tells Us. Yet, for Dreamgirls, the Golden Glode nominee actually had to regain 20 pounds, which she piled on with cakes, cookies, and inactivity. "It bothered me to not work out," she tells Us. As soon as filming wrapped in May, Hudson returned to her healthy habits-and her fighting weight.
Diet: "It's all about healthy living," says Hudson, whose staples includes green salads, fish, chicken, and cranberry juice. Her stay-energized snacks: cashews, almonds and raisins.
Workout: Chicago-based trainer LaFonza Alston gave Hudson a plan
she can do on the road: squats, pushups and abs (four sets of 25 each), plus running. "I never would have guessed I'd be up at 4 A.M. to run," she says. "I love it!"
Take-away tip: Lean on family. Hudson tells Us her mom encouraged
and supported her weight loss. "She is just pure love," says the singer.
February 2006: "To become Effie, I had to eat cake, which I never do,"
Hudson says of gaining weight for "Dreamgirls."

Read about how Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood stayed in fit [here]
Read about how Katharine McPhee, Taylor Hicks and Ruben Studdard stayed in fit [here]

AOL has leaked Katharine's new single, "Over it!" KATHARINE MCPHEE - OVER IT [LINK #1] KATHARINE MCPHEE - OVER IT [LINK #2]
Fantasia talked to Us Weekly about how Idol changed her life:

"Then: A single mom to Zion, now 5, the High Point, North Carolina, native was a high school dropout whose reading difficulties made it tough to get a job. To support her daughter, "I found myself stealing milk, stealing Pampers," she tells Us. "My life was going downhill." Zion's dad (whom Fantasia dated on and
off) told her, "You ain't never gonna be nothing," she says.
Now: Finicky judge Simon Cowell called Season 3 winner Fantasia, 22, "the best contestant
we've ever had," thanks to her unique voice and commanding stage prescene. Her 2004 debut album, Free Yourself, has sold nearly 1.7 million copies, allowing
her to splurge on a sprawling six-bedroom house in North Carolina-and a Mercedes SUV. "When I get in my car, sometimes I don't have anywhere to go--I just want to drive it!" Fantasia tells Us. Her sophomore album, Fantasia, (it hits stores December 12), has been critically praised, and she'll soon embark on a five-week
tour with Jamie Foxx. Says Fantasia (who's dating again), "This is all a blessing."

Read how Idol has changed the lives of Mario Vazquez, Tamyra Grey, and Clay Aiken [here]

Beyonce disqualified from Best Song Oscar consideration:

"Oscars won't 'Listen' to Beyonce; she's disqualified in song race. You can not only forget about Beyonce Knowles winning an Oscar for best actress this year.
(If you haven't heard, a certain ingenue keeps upstaging her throughout "Dreamgirls.") Now it looks like Beyonce won't win as a songwriter either — for "Listen," one of the original new tunes added to the original Broadway score. Officially, she's listed as one of the song's four writers, but the
motion-picture academy only permits three names — max — as a credit. The Oscars' songwriting branch has decided to qualify Henry Krieger, Anne Preven and Scott Cutler. No explanation is given for why Beyonce is excluded over the others. Is this just one of those cases of where the singer insisted upon having her name added to credits as part of her performance deal? Beyonce says "No!" In media interviews, she's often said that she was truly involved in its songwriting. Apparently, not to the extent as her three collaborators.
Take heart, Beyonce fans. Not only is she nominated at the Globes, but she'll be among the
people who share the credit for "Listen" if it wins best song there."

[http://goldderby.latimes.com/awards_....html#comments]
And in related Destiny's Child news, Kelly Rowland e-mailed her fans to let them to know her progress and to wish a good New Year.

"Happy New Year Kelly Rowland Fans,
Kelly is nearing completion of her new solo album "My Story: Kelly Rowland", which is still scheduled for release in early 2007. We'll let you know as soon as we get a confirmed release date.
Kelly currently has a song on the gospel CD Spirit Rising Volume I and II titled "You Will Win".
If you want access to exclusive videos, photos, KellyTV, high quality streaming radio, the latest news, and a great community system - Join Kelly's Official Fan Club - Go to www.welovekelly.com."
Will the real name of her album stand up?!?! Okay first it was called "My Story: Kelly Rowland" now it's "My Story: Miss Kelly." Either way I can't wait to hear what she has to sing about. Visit Kelly's Official myspace page to hear her gospel-R&B song, "You Will Win." [www.myspace.com/kellyrowland]

Speaking of Kelly, CL posted up these fun candids of Kelly, Solange, and Teairra Mari partying it up in Miami Beach. Look out for Teairra's new album dropping sometime this year!

Kelly Rowland gives a parting salute during a late night out in Miami Beach Tuesday morning.
Lebron James hangs with friends as he waves to photographer and then meets up with Kelly Rowland, Solange and a large group at the hotel pool in Miami at the Shore Club while on vacation on New Year's Day in Miami. Kelly is seen waving goodbye to the NBA star and his family. [pic credit: KellyRowlandWeb.com]


[see much more of LeBron James, Kelly, Solange and Teairra at http://kelly-rowland.org/candid/2007/jan2-miami/]

Say it ain't so! 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith' is coming to TV! This is not going to do well. Brad and Angelina made this movie!

"The film’s writer, Simon Kinberg, penned the pilot script, about John and Jane Smith, a married couple who both work as assassins.The film’s director, Doug Liman, is on board to helm the pilot and executive produce with Kinberg and Dave Bartis.The pilot takes place about six months after the events in the 2005 feature starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, which grossed more than $186 million in North America. The Smiths have bought a new house in a new suburb and
have re-established their businesses, but the attraction and sexual spark they had found at movie’s end has dwindled, and they are back dealing with marital issues.“In a way, the show is all about the marriage,” Kinberg said. “It is a show about any married couple trying to balance professional and home life.”

[spotted at Just Jared]

Bossip has revealed this blind item via Panache Report.com. Bossip and its readers believe the blind item is about Paula Patton and Robin Thicke:

"This very pretty and sexy black actress has slept with everyone (male and female) to get breaks in Hollywood. She was determined from the start ‘to do whatever it takes to get ahead.’ Few people outside of Hollywood, know she’s bi-sexual. Because of her femininity and sex appeal, no one suspects it. I’ve seen her in action at the Playboy mansion. She is always on the make, staring down pretty girls and propositioning them. She has been spotted in compromising
positions with women, usually in “The Grotto.” The most secluded and romantic area on the grounds of the Playboy Mansion. This woman also happens to be married, it is well known that she only married her husband for his Hollywood connections and she has worked more since the marriage. Her husband doesn’t have a problem with her and other women but she ’s not allowed to sleep with men. He was once overheard saying, ‘I have to take my wife and her girlfriend out to
dinner tonight.’ This is an accepted situation in Hollywood, the latest trend. Men consider it less threatening and they like the thought of a menage a trois. Despite all the sexual encounters, this actress is not well known outside the black community. Hint: Her husband is not African-American."

[http://www.bossip.com/2006/12/could-blind-item-be-paula-patton.html#links]
I can't think of someone else that this blind item might be about but I don't think it's Paula! Why not Kerry Washington?!?! YOU BE THE JUDGE!

Nelly and Ashanti NOT engaged.

"Nelly is still among the rappers in the world of single celebrities. Over the holiday break, rumors spread that the St. Louis rapper had been engaged to girlfriend Ashanti, but the rapper has dispelled the notion.

Nelly and Ashanti are not headed to the wedding altar, a publicist at Universal Records told AllHipHop.com on behalf of the artist. The pair were supposedly engaged over the Christmas holiday according to a number of blogs and rumor sites. While there are no upcoming nuptials, Nelly is working on his next album that will have him working with "some surprising people." In addition to his own career, Nelly is also guiding the path of a young soul singer named Avery Storm. Nelly's unnamed sixth album is expected to drop later this year.

[http://www.allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=6555]
Candids:
Ashanti shopping in Los Angeles


[http://ashantifanstreet.free.fr/images/candids/Shopping-Los-Angeles-March2006/Shopping-Los-Angeles-March2006.htm] I love the fact she has on 7 for all Mankind Jeans! They are my favorite designer jeans ever.

I also like how thick Ashanti has gotten no doubt Nelly likes her either way. I can't wait to hear her new album which drops this Spring.

New music from Ashanti!!!

Brian of CL posted up the leaked Ashanti single, "My Number, Babe." Prince influences is back in full effort! From Alicia Keys to Ciara to now Ashanti, Prince must be feeling really proud and humble.

Ashanti & 7 Aurelius -My Number, Babe (full) - download / alternate
Keisha Buchanana of the Sugababes was spotted in South Beach yesterday with her crew and a man. I don't know about you but I'm making South Beah one of my destination spots this year!


hmm is this unidentified guy her man?!?!

Things that make me go hmm...

Usually I like how different Keyshia Cole's style is but she just took this new hair color to the max!
Here she is partying up with her sister

Couples News:

"Simpson, 26, and Mayer, 29, spent a romantic weekend together in NYC, where the pop starlet was heard referring to the rocker as her “boyfriend.” [Us Weekly]

Eva Longoria says NO to Tony Parker about having a bachelor party

"Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria is calling a foul on her fiancé Tony Parker's plans to have a wild bachelor party! The 24-year-old San Antonio Spurs star's teammates and close friends began to plan an extravagant weekend for Tony, but when Eva, 31, got wind of it, she put her foot down. "Eva thinks letting men have bachelor parties is just asking for trouble," confides a pal."

[In Touch Weekly]

Ryan wants his soon to be ex wife Reese back.

"Ryan Phillippe has made a shocking New Year’s resolution: He wants to win back his estranged wife, Reese Witherspoon! “Ryan misses his family,” an insider close to Reese says. “He’s been calling Reese to tell her how he’s never loved anyone as much as her.” [Life & Style]

Rumor Mill: Halle Berry MIGHT be pregnant by boyfriend Gabriel Aubrey. Ya'll know Halle has said time and time again she wants a child of her own. Wasn't she pregnant by her last boyfriend Michael Ealy?!?! 'The actress has been spotted wearing baggy tops and sporting what some believe is a baby bump. She has been extra cautious to cover her tummy from the photogs in recent weeks.' [Hollyscoop]

Style Report

Vanessa Minnillo wore a strikingly similar gold outfit on MTV's NYE bash that looks like Jessica Simpson's outfit. Inspiration, perhaps?
Fashion Forward Wednesday!
Welcome to the first installment of Fashion Forward Wednesday 2007. I decided to include this installment into this post. Sit back and enjoy!
Rihanna, Fergie, Britney Spears, and Vanessa Minnillo have started off the sequin trend.

Here's how you can make the look fit you on a day to day thing.

For a relaxed day to day look try a gold sequin top ($43.20) Wear this top alone or pair it with a Rocawear Furry Roc Sweater in red and gold ($68.00). The gold on gold is an interesting combo.
For glam appeal at a nightclub...
Try Mandee glitter halter dress in gold ($40.00)
For a evening party...
Try a Sequin Queen long plain gown in metallic silver ($259.00)
For prom...
Try a pink/orange sequin dress me gown ($416.00)
Tiny and Kelly Rowland has launched the LV bag craze.

Any girl loves a LV bag so I got some affordable look a likes that you can rock.

For all you luxury fashionstas the real deal:
The LV Speedy Miroir ($1150)
For us regular folks a day to day look-a-like:
Try a Bebe lambskin quilted satchel. ($198.00)

And here's a sneak preview of a potential Spring trend: pedal-pushers.
Kelly Rowland and Tracee Edmonds recently wore a pair of denim pedal-pushers out and about.

Pair this new trend with a tunic for a more relaxed look.
**TWO CAPRIS, TWO DIFFERENT LOOKS!**

Pair a Sassy Capri Dereon Jeans ($74.00) with 3/4 Sleeve Mandee fashion gray top ($22.00) to duplicate a relaxed look as seen on Kelly Rowland
For a dressed up look,
Pair a Baby Phat peddle pusher with a wrap sweater or a Joie white button top ($99.99) and a Bebe Ballet slipper ($89.00)

song of the moment:
Destiny's Child "Get on the Bus" (what a catchy song! Kelly had second lead vocals on this song here. Oh the memories! This video was done back when Destiny's Child had LeToya and LaTavia.)

Labels: Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson, Juicy Tales, Kelly Rowland, LL Cool J, Newsstand Snapshots, Out and About, Paula Patton, Rihanna, Robin Thicke, Solange Knowles-Smith