Hilarious Engagement Photo Is Worth More Than a Thousand Words!

There is a family I know well, and there are four daughters, close in age and the best of friends. Now check out this hilarious photo they posted recently and then gave me permission to write about the back story, which explains the comedy of the photo.

Lauren, a popular disc jockey on a top 40 Houston station, is the oldest daughter and happily unmarried at age 32. She is the one on the right, drinking champagne. Her sisters from left to right are Melanie, Melissa, and Amy, all engaged or married. This was taken by Lauren's father Mark during Lauren's youngest sister Melanie's engagement. One by one her younger sisters have all found Mr. Right and have gotten engaged or married.

As Lauren is acknowledging in the shot, she knows the barrage of well wishes for her sister will include many inquiries among Lauren's relatives as to when she, as the oldest, is going to find the right one and settle down. "I've been asked so many times when is it going to be my turn, I've lost count," Lauren says. It is questions like that make her want to drown them out in said champagne.

Yet, the photo is also about her genuine happiness for her sister and her way of toasting her sister's engagement.

Most of all, it shows her terrific sense of humor. In fact she told her father that her birthday gift to him is his not having to pay for her wedding this year.

You could not find a more close-knit family than Lauren's sisters, ranging in age from 32 to 26, and their parents. One of her sisters is Lauren's roommate and another lives in the same apartment complex. Her other married sister Amy is just five minutes away, and Lauren visits daily to see her little nephew. The four girls socialize together, shop together, eat together, and there is hardly ever a time where you see one without the others.

It must also be noted that Lauren is completely happy, independent, and successful. So to me, this photo celebrates that very self-confident, content but single oldest sister, along with a wry nod to those inquiring minds who are in a hurry for her to get married.

Kendall Jenner, Selena Gomez, and Gigi Hadid Go Full YOLO in Abu Dhabi

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It is a grand American tradition that wealthy American 20-somethings take a little time off after college and tour through Europe. Under the auspices of a "cultural experience," they take random drugs in foreign nightclubs and post heavily-filtered photos on various social media streams to let the world know they are YOLO-ing so hard right now.

But when you're Kendall Jenner, Europe is some basic s--t — hell, her sister Kim's wedding, which was partially in France and partially in Italy, was basically a European tour anyway — and the stakes are far higher. Which is why Jenner, Selena Gomez, and Gigi Hadid are currently on vacation in Abu Dhabi, a city in the United Arab Emirates which most people their age probably can't even find on a map.

While the location may be more exotic and they aren't college grads, Jenner, 19, Hadid, 19, Gomez, 22, and several other friends are basically doing the same thing. This is rich kid Rumspringa.

The first rule of college Rumspringa is to, at some point, wear clothing to indicate which country you are in. Hadid posted the above photo of she and Jenner wearing hijabs, the traditional head scarf women sport in Muslim countries like the UAE.

Then there is the silly photo in front of a historical site: for most kids this means holding up the Leaning Tower of Pisa or selfies at Auschwitz. For this group, it means making silly faces in front of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

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Why yes, that is Gigi Hadid's on-again, off-again boyfriend Cody Simpson sitting front and center. What are the odds someone in this group made an ill-conceived Muslim polygamy joke during this photo shoot? Don't bother answering, the odds are 100 percent.

So while you're scrambling to file year-end reports and fend off seasonal affective disorder, keep in mind these kids are taking selfies at odd angles in a city where the high temperature was 71 degrees today.

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Meanwhile, Kylie Jenner, the Baby Jane to Kendall's Blanche Hudson, got a dog for Christmas.

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Don't let the beautiful looks fool you. These two ladies really are not sisters!

Christie Brinkley and her stunning daughter Alexa Ray Joel proved once again that great beauty genes run in the family when they headed to Turks and Caicos for a birthday celebration.

At 60-years-young, Brinkley reminded us that age is only a number as she posed in a bikini with her 29-year-old daughter.

"Having Fun in the Sun with our Birthday Girl Alexa Ray!" she captioned on Instagram. "Happy Birthday @AlexaRayJoel"

Shortly after soaking up the sun, the former Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover girl decided to throw the ultimate birthday dinner for her eldest daughter. 

In a   beautiful candle-lit setting by the pool, guests enjoyed tasty food, fine alcohol and even a fabulous birthday cake shaped as a chandelier. 

"A perfect night for my little Moonbeam's Happy Birthday," she shared on Instagram before enjoying a family bonfire with the birthday girl, Sailor Brinkley-Cook and Alexa's boyfriendRyan Gleason.

And just when we thought Christie and her daughter Sailor couldn't look more alike, the super mama shared a picture of her two girls together that left us in amazement once again. 

"As much as people say we're twins, I don't think I look like my mom that much," Sailor recently shared with Hamptons magazine. "So I think I can make my own identity in the modeling industry."

Talk about being humble, another trait that looks attractive on anyone. 

Lady Gaga Takes 50 Selfies for Shiseido Campaign

                   

In a time where most ad campaigns consist of high-budget celebrities, stylists, and photographers, Lady Gaga is changing up the game for 2015. The pop-star will be the face for Shiseido’s 2015 New Year’s ad campaign in Japan, which will strictly feature Gaga’s very own selfies, according toWWD. Unlike the majority of style and beauty ventures, this one is all Gaga – She’s the creative director, model, and photographer. 

Shiseido’s fresh and pioneering project is composed of 50 selfies taken by Mother Monster herself. The cosmetics company plans to release 46 of the photographs on January 1 and the rest on January 5 in various Japanese newspapers.

As spelled out in her famous ballad, Lady Gaga is “the queen of everything,” including these self-taken photos. The singer-songwriter’s social media handles are replete with the seemingly flattering yet totally casual shots, and she gave Yahoo Style an exclusive handful of selfies in September for an interview about her Cheek to Cheek album. While it’s been noted that Shiseido has no plans to extend it’s campaign beyond Japan, which means that we might not get a glimpse of the photos here in America, you can look to Lady Gaga’s Instagram to get a glimpse of her selfie skills – from Glam Gaga, to a sepia-toned songstress. (Out of her 870 Instagram posts, most are hand-held pics.)

Only one question: Will she use any filters?

Tara Reid Proudly Shows Off Skinny Bikini Body While on Vacation With Her Boyfriend—See the Pics!

   

Well, hello there, Tara Reid!

The 39-year-old actress shared several pics of herself prancing around the beach in bikinis during a holiday getaway in Tulum with her boyfriend.

In some of the shots, Reid is shown posing in front of the ocean and working on her tan dressed in a barely there rainbow two-piece that highlights her super-slim figure.

"The water is sooooo warm…about to jump in the ocean!" she wrote alongside two photos of herself.

"From earlier today. The weather is so amazing here. I have a permanent smile on my face. What a beautiful day and sunset today!"

She also joked that her beau was behind the camera taking shots of her throughout their tropical vacation.

"Nothing like catching some [sleep] with the waves crashing on the beach…Just found this [pic] from yesterday…My BF doubles as a cameraman when we travel. Thinking of you guys."

And it looks like life's just a beach for the Sharknado star.

.Earlier last month, the buxom blonde was spotted on a beach in Hawaii in yet another colorful itty-bitty bikini

But in between the warm weather trips, Reid made sure to spend Christmas with her family and loved ones and shared everything from her dinner to her tree and decorations with followers on the social media platform.

"Me and my best friends and boyfriend," she wrote next to a shot of her with pals posing in front of a tree before adding, "Merry Christmas."

Selena Gomez, Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid Kick Off New Year's Eve Celebrations Early in Dubai

     

Looks like these ladies are ringing in 2015 with a bang!

Selena Gomez and her gal pals Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid boarded planes from Los Angeles to Dubai Saturday afternoon in what is expected to be a New Year's celebration to remember.

"Plane rides tho…#emirates," the "Come and Get It" singer wrote on Instagram Sunday morning after traveling overnight. "Pashminas and candles under the stars," she also shared while hugging Jenner and Hadid on a bench. Awww.

So what is the gang up too? It appears the BFFs are just settling into their new destination before getting extra adventurous in the days to come.

And before you think this is a girls' only trip, you better think again!

PHOTOS: See our New Year's Eve Survival Guide 

Turns out Hadid's boyfriend Cody Simpson also packed his bags for the year-end getaway. The singer was spotted arriving at LAX airport in Los Angeles with his girlfriend and Jenner Saturday afternoon. 

"Dubai bound tomorrow with some mates," he tweeted on Friday. "New Years will be mental. Then a little Maldives surf action." 

Guess he won't be celebrating with close pals Patrick Schwarzenegger and Miley Cyruswhen the clock strikes midnight.

And for those who still wonder if Gomez and Jenner still have a little friction between each other, it simply isn't the case.

Jennifer Lawrence Cheers On The Louisville Cardinals

The Louisville Cardinals may have lost their basketball game to the Kentucky Wildcats on Saturday, but the team couldn't have asked for a better cheerleader in the stands.

Jennifer Lawrence, a Louisville, Kentucky native, rooted on her home team at the KFC Yum! Center. The 24-year-old threw up an "L" hand signal, as if her University Of Louisville tee-shirt and red Cardinals baseball cap didn't already tell you where her allegiance lies:

Nick Stover, social media director for University of Louisville athletics , shared photos of Lawrence as she posed with a young fan and showed her Cardinals pride:

         

Christina Aguilera Disneyland Tantrum ... Calls Mickey an A**hole

Christina Aguilera is not in the Christmas spirit ... she spent her birthday in "The Happiest Place On Earth" ... in a heated argument with Mickey Mouse ... TMZ has learned.

Our theme park source tells us while ringing in her 34th b-day at Disney's California Adventure, Christina and her crew tried to get a pic with Mickey, but he was going on a break ... so Christina was told she had to wait. Cue meltdown!

Aguilera lost it, and called Mickey an "a**hole." We're told she even dropped the dreaded, "Do you know who I am?"

Xtina's crew started hurling threats, we're told ... and Mickey had to be ushered to a safe zone -- out of public view. Security was called, but by the time they arrived ... the former Mouseketeer had already split. 

Aguilera's rep had no comment. 

Aamir Khan’s ‘PK’ Is North America’s Biggest Foreign-Lingo Grosser Of 2014

Bollywood star Aamir Khan has outdone himself, just about. His current release, the Rajkumar Hirani-directed comedy/drama PK, has become the highest-grossing foreign-language film of 2014 in North America with a cume to date of $7.91M after two frames. That sets it just below his mega-hit last December, Dhoom 3, which ultimately earned a touch over $8M at the North American box office — but PK could be on track to pass that. After opening last weekend to the biggest Bollywood bow of all time in North America with $3.57M at 272 locations, the UTV-released PK parlayed that into a $6.16M first week and added $1.75M this weekend at 264 dates. In a case of turnabout-is-fair-play, PK just leapfrogged Mexico’s Cantinflas, which was the foreign-language title holder before this weekend with $6.38M. Last year, it was Mexico’sInstructions Not Included which widely ended up the biggest foreign language title in North America, while Dhoom 3 came in 2nd. 

PK now has an estimated cume in India of $51.6M and an overseas total of $17.8M (including North America). If the $51.6M cume at home holds after actuals are reported, and not taking currency fluctuations into account, that would catapult PK to the status of biggest Bollywood movie of all time at 327.6 crore — well beyond Dhoom 3‘s 284.27 crore, which at today’s exchange rate would equal $44.8M. It would also be the first time a Bollywood movie passes the 300 crore benchmark.

The story sees Khan as an alien who lands in the Rajasthan desert with a mission to study life on Earth. When the device that allows him to communicate with his spaceship is stolen, he sets out to find it while attempting to blend in. Ultimately, he heads to Delhi where the fish-out-of-water asks innocent questions that hold a deep and valuable meaning about the belief system that humans have created to reach God. There’s some controversy in India from religious groups against the film, but that hasn’t seemed to have dented box office at all.

It’s been a couple of very strong years for Bollywood globally including 2014’s Salman Khan-starrer Kick; Fox’s Hrithik Roshan vehicle, and Knight & Day remake, Bang Bang; and Shah Rukh Khan’s Happy New Year. When PK kicked off last week, it entered the North American Top 10 at No. 9 becoming the third Bollywood title to do so in recent memory, following Dhoom 3 andYeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, both last year.

Khloe Kardashian on Dating French Montana After Lamar Odom Split: "I Was Lonely and Destructive"

                     

Too much, too soon. Khloe Kardashian opened up about her relationship with French Montanaduring the Dec. 28 episode of Kourtney & Khloe Take the Hamptons, telling her sister and Scott Disick that she now realizes she rushed into the romance a little quickly after her split from estranged husband Lamar Odom.

"It's nothing against French. I just think I don't want a boyfriend," she explained. "I jumped into something because I was just, like, lonely and destructive. But now I'm like, I just want to be alone."

"You need some time," Disick told her. "You gotta grieve your old marriage."

"I gotta grieve," she agreed. "I'm still married." (The 30-year-old reality star filed for divorce from Odom back in December 2013 but has yet to finalize the split.)

Kourtney, 35, offered her thoughts on the subject in a confessional. "I really do like French," she told the cameras. "I think that Khloe has a lot of fun with him. But I think that Khloe did rush into a relationship really quickly."

Khloe herself admitted to being "entertained at all times" by the rapper, but said his clingy behavior could be a bit difficult to handle. "There's highs and lows in every relationship," she shared on Sunday's episode. "I have no idea why French calls me 5,000 times a day." See pics of Khloe and French in happier times.

Christina Aguilera Accused of Disneyland Meltdown, Calling Mickey Mouse an "A--hole"

                      

Words can’t bring her down, but apparently Mickey Mouse can.  Christina Aguilera made quite a stir when visiting Disneyland on her Dec. 18 birthday. The former Mouseketeer, 34, took a celebratory trip to the Anaheim, Calif. park with her fiancé Matt Rutler and a group of pals. 

The site claims that Xtina got upset because Mickey Mouse was on a break when she wanted to take a picture with him. A source told that the Grammy winner called Mickey an “a--hole” and declared, “Do you know who I am?” also says that the Disney character had to be taken to a “safe zone” when members of Aguilera’s party began “hurling threats.” 

However, a source close to the pop diva exclusively tells, “Christina is a frequent guest at Disneyland. She loves the park and they adore her."

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Former Mouseketeer Christina Aguilera has a long history of posing with Mickey Mouse. 

Fun birthday celebration at the happiest place on earth #disneyland

The Voice coach, for her part, did not publicly address the claims, but posted a picture of her smiling group wearing mouse ears online on Dec. 18 with the caption, “Fun birthday celebration at the happiest place on earth #disneyland.” 

Chris Rock & Wife Malaak Divorcing After 19 Years Together

                          

Another longterm Hollywood marriage bites the dust! After nearly two decades of marriage, Chris Rock and wife Malaak announced they are divorcing.

"Chris Rock has filed for divorce from his wife, Malaak," his attorney Robert S. Cohen said in a statement on Sunday. "This is a personal matter and Chris requests privacy as he and Malaak work through this process and focus on their family."

Malaak also acknowledged the split in a statement to the magazine.

"After much contemplation and 19 years of marriage, Chris and I have decided to go our separate ways," the philanthropist and founder of the nonprofit styleWorks said. "Being fortunate enough to lead a life of service by working with those most vulnerable makes me well aware of life's blessings, even when faced with difficulties.

"While recognizing that this is a significant change, my children remain at the center of my life and their well-being is my top priority. It is in this spirit that I sincerely ask that their privacy and the privacy of our family be respected during this transition in our lives."

The actor, 49, and Malaak, 45, exchanged vows in 1996. The couple has been residing in New Jersey, where they are raising their two daughters, Lola Simone, 12, and Zahra Savannah, 10.

Alicia Keys Gives Birth

                           

It's a boy for Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz!

The songstress posted her good news on Instagram on Sunday.

"The joy of joy is joy!! It's a boy!! we are so grateful!! #blessings!!" she wrote.

Alicia Keys announced the birth of her son Genesis Ali Dean with husband Swizz Beatz on December 27, 2014 (Instagram)

The couple named their son Genesis Ali Dean.

The bundle of joy was born December 27 at 1:52 AM and weighed 6 lbs 5 oz.

This is the second child for Alicia and Swizz, a.k.a. Kasseem Dean, who wed in 2010. Genesis joins big brother Egypt Daoud, 4.

Alicia spoke to Access Hollywood at the 9th annual Keep A Child Alive Black Ball in New York City in October, where she revealed her firstborn was "so excited" for his sibling.

The new mom announced her second pregnancy on her anniversary.

"And to make it even sweeter we've been blessed with another angel on the way!! You make me happier than I have ever known! Here's to many many more years of the best parts of life!" she posted on Instagram along with a photo of her bump. 

Beyoncé and Jay Z Take Over Iceland

Beyonce knew just where to go to have a white Christmas this year.

The "Partition" singer and her husband Jay Z went to Iceland over the holiday, and she's sharing some incredible photos from this beautiful destination.

In pictures that speak for themselves, take a look at the fun this music power couple had.

Queen Bey played in the snow.

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And while she made some snow angels, their drinks chilled.

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All bundled up, Bey and Jay toasted their champagne before their private helicopter tour.

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Then, they went snowmobiling.

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And they even found waterfalls to strike triangle hand poses in front of. They made some diamonds in the air here.

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After all of this sight-seeing, Beyonce decided to take a dip with a view too!

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The singer posted many pictures with her husband and the chilling scenery on both Instagram and her own website. This is not their first Iceland trip as they also recently celebrated Jay Z's 45th birthday in Iceland on Dec. 5.

President Obama's Hawaii vacation: Day 7

KANEOHE BAY, Hawaii (AP) — How President Barack Obama spent the seventh day of his family's holiday vacation in Hawaii on Friday:

— MORNING WORKOUT: Obama began his morning as he did many other days of his vacation by exercising at a gym at Marine Corps Base Hawaii. On the way back to the Kailua vacation home, a child sat on a shirtless man's shoulders watching the passing motorcade and children jumped on a trampoline.

— BEACH TIME: Obama joined the first family and friends in the late morning under sunny skies at a beach at Bellows Air Force Station in Waimanalo. It was a beautifully warm day with soft breezes and crystal clear, turquoise water. Michelle, Malia and Sasha Obama were spotted through the window of a black sport utility vehicle as the motorcade whizzed past horse stables, a youth correctional facility and orchid farms. A small crowd of onlookers greeted the motorcade as it arrived.

— GONE GOLFING: The president hit the links again with friends Greg Orme, Bobby Titcomb and Mike Ramos, the White House said. This time, they played at the Royal Hawaiian Golf Club in Kailua, a lush course with views of the Koolau Mountains. The club is currently under renovation and only has nine holes open, according to its website.

Phillip Phillips got engaged to girlfriend Hannah Blackwell on December 26, 2014

                        

Phillip Phillips and longtime girlfriend Hannah Blackwell are engaged.

“My best Christmas surprise is happening. We're engaged yall! @HannahBlackwell,” the “American Idol” Season 11 champ posted on Facebook on Friday.

The husband and wife-to-be shared a photo of their excited faces as part of the post. In the pic, Hannah showed off her engagement ring bling.

“I've been dreaming of this for over 20 years. I've been dreaming of this guy for just that long. Overwhelmed with happiness,” Hannah Instagrammed alongside a closeup of her ring next to a photo of herself in 1995.

 

I've been dreaming of this for over 20 years. I've been dreaming of this guy for just that long. Overwhelmed with happiness. 

In May 2012, Access Hollywood asked Phillip what the future had in store 10 years down the line.

“I might have a family going,” he said at the time. “I’m a really family oriented guy. ... I want to have a family of my own one day. I love kids. I want to have my own kids with whoever I marry.”

Miley Cyrus and Patrick Schwarzenegger Turn Up the Heat in Miami at Art Basel

Miley Cyrus creates her own artwork, but on Friday, she enjoyed Art Basel in Miami with beau Patrick Schwarzenegger.

The duo attended Hublot's "Time Is Beautiful" event at the estate of JR and Loren Ridinger.

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Laughing and dancing, Cyrus and the 21-year-old USC student were in good spirits.

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Recently, the couple was spotted getting cozy in Malibu, kissing at a USC game and partying for the "Wrecking Ball" singer's 22nd birthday.

Getting artsy now, they had fun at a premiere international art show.

Art Basel stages modern and contemporary art shows in Basel, Miami and Hong Kong. For over forty years, Art Basel has provided a platform for artists and gallerists from around the world and shown off the vanguard of the visual arts.