Ursula was a pretty hot, sassy villain already. Where did the rest of her go?! | Source

Remember Ursula from The Little Mermaid? She was fabulously full-figured, super sassy, and, yeah, evil–but dude, she was so much fun to watch, wasn’t she? From her thunderous voice to her python-tight tentacle grip, Ursula was one of the original badasses from our childhoods, and she was also one of the only full-figured cartoon characters, despite being a villain.

But uh, what the heck happened to her now? Disney completely revamped Ursula’s appearance for their Disney Villains design collection, which includes makeup (their nail polishes look kind of awesome, not gonna lie), dolls, and other items (journals, etc.). Ursula now sports a dark purple seaweed-textured skirt instead of her trademark black tentacles and a rather gaunt body type, which is a really stark contrast to her original full-figured, wicked glory. She actually looks a lot more like Cruella DeVille from 101 Dalmatians than like, well, Ursula. Even her cropped ‘do is different–she sports a white bouffant instead now, and her full red lips are now narrow and purple. Take a look at the difference:

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To be fair, Ursula isn’t the only Disney villain to get a makeover. The Queen of Hearts looks like a hybrid of her cartoon and live-action version, more svelte and more made up, but donning the original costume. The Wicked Queen from Snow White has a new hair style, too. But Ursula’s transformation is the most jarring. If it weren’t for the seashell, she’d be pretty much unrecognizable.

The dramatic transformation of Ursula raises a few questions. Firstly, since the collection is reflective of design–of beauty, high fashion, and glamour–thinning down Ursula can make us ask, “Are full figures not glamorous?” This new look isn’t different from a lot of runway model body types (save for the greenish blue skin, naturally), so it bums us out a little that for Ursula to fit into a designer collection, she has to lose about 75 percent of her body weight.

Second, the thinning of Ursula and the Queen of Hearts may reflect and reinforce society’s stereotypes that thin women are wicked, shallow, and snobby–think of how Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother and the three fairies (Flora, Fauna, and the ultra-adorbs Meriwether) in Sleeping Beauty were all round and friendly. Who says thin women can’t be helpful and larger ones can’t be malicious?

And third, does Ursula having only one sharp chin instead of a few rounder ones simply going along with our visions of what represents a Disney villain as a whole? Perhaps.

But all of these questions and their prospective answers drive home that certain body types appeal to certain stereotypes–and none of those are too great. All in all, we gotta say: With her vermilion pout and dramatic eyeshadow of yore–not to mention her massive, heaving bosom and unapologetic curves–we kinda think the old Ursula was a lot more fabulous. The new one is still cool in her own right (the dress is pretty!), but compared to the cartoon Ursula, she looks like a poor, unfortunate, and rather hungry–and Cruella DeVille doppelganger-like–soul.

Who is your favorite female Disney villain? Do you think they should have slimmed down Ursula? Do you prefer the new Ursula to the old one? Tell us in the comments!

Do You Love Tinkerbell? We Don’t!

We’re super excited about her latest project Do The Craze, where viewers compete to get “internet famous” by recreating the latest viral videos and trends. (I hope there are Overly-Attached Girlfriend impersonations, oh, pretty please!) She’s totally hilarious, but above all insanely smart and ridiculously savvy.

We gave iJustine the Big Gurl Ten and she dished on her fave iPhone apps, the Biebz, and being a total dork.

1.) What’s your worst date story?
Dating in LA. Usually with an actor, you don’t think I have Googled you?! They talk about themselves a lot! I am easily entertained though so I haven’t been on a terrible date. I could play Xbox and watch TV and that would be a great date.

2.) If you could only have one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Bread. I love sandwiches. I love every food!

3.) Whose phone number do you wish you had?
Justin Bieber, I want to text him saying what’s up.

4.) What’s something you’ve always wanted that you’ve never gotten?
A pony.

5.) What’s your secret nickname?
“Jus.”

6.) What’s the guiltiest pleasure on your iPod?
Draw Something (app), Viddy (app), Backstreet Boys and Kenny G.

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Are you a total gadget geek? Let us know in the comments!

The little brainiac. | Source: Debi Patton of Flygirl Photography

You probably know her as “Weird Ashley” on ABC’s The Middle, but Katlin Mastandrea has a few more tricks up her sleeve–other than wizardry and wrestling. Katlin is not only reprising her role on The Middle, but she’s also set to star along side Charlie Sheen and Selma Blair in FX’s new comedy series Anger Management. The young up-and-comer has been nominated for four Young Artist Awards(she totally won two). While having recurring roles on two television series, Katlin is also studying to be a director in college. Crazy.

Katlin geeks out with us on having never been on a date, time travel and Transformers.

1. What’s your worst date story?
I’ve never been on a date so I can’t say. I’ve been focused on work and school.

2. If you could have one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Three Cheese Monte Cristo.

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3. Whose phone number do you wish you had?
The number to the Hoover Dam bunker that hides all the Transformers.

4. What’s something you’ve always wanted that you’ve never gotten?
My own T.A.R.D.I.S.

5. What’s your secret nickname?
Bait. I got it for being bait in a first person shooter video game I play with my brother. He uses me as the bait to lure the bad guys out.

6. What’s the guiltiest pleasure on your iPod?
Tiny Tower.

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7. Best advice you ever got?
Focus on being yourself and making work you’re proud of and the rest will come naturally.

8. Favorite bargain purchase?
A little painted owl figurine with Japanese sayings written on its tummy. All for $1.

9. Instant pick me up?
Two words: Goldfish crackers.
10. Describe the high school you in 3 words:
Determined, focused, driven.

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The not-even-14-years-old-yet fashionista is a totally chic fashion blogger, model, and actress. We love her fun, flirty style, fashion tips, and crazy cool Instagram.

We gave Alli the Big Gurl Ten where she dished on her big bro’s advice, her favorite sneakers, and Josh Hutcherson.

1. What’s your worst date story?
My worst date story.. was when a guy I really liked took me out to the movies. I was wearing a white dress, and as we were walking in, he spilt his buttery popcorn all over me. Hahaha it was crazy, but we laughed it off.

2. If you could have one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
If I could only eat one food for the rest of my life it would definitely be sushi. I love sushi! I would easily eat it every day. Without a doubt.

3. Whose phone number do you wish you had?
I wish I had.. Josh Hutchetson’s phone number! Because he is really hot, and he’s my celebrity crush!

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5. What’s your secret nickname?
To be honest I don’t have a secret nick name! All of my friends have their own little nickname for me! Haha.

6. What’s the guiltiest pleasure on your iPod?
My guiltiest pleasure on my iPod/iPhone would be the app Instagram! I’m addicted to it! Constantly posting photos on it.

7. Best advice you ever got?
The best advice I’ve ever got, was given to me by my big brother Cody. He tells me, “you’re only young once” in other words.. YOYO!

9. Instant pick me up?
An instant pick me up for me, would be a funny text from a friend or family member!

10. Describe high school you in 3 words
Confident, classy and respectful

Check out our PASTRY Sugar Rush Sneaker Giveaway! They are totally cute for summer!

Are you obsessed with Instagram? Let us know in the comments!

Check out her latest vlog “How To Be Happy, Plus More Advice”. Yes she found the key to happiness! Again, why aren’t you watching?

Check her out every Wednesday at 2pmPT/5pmET for more advice and see the rest of her videos here!

Do you think Cat’s advice is on point? Let us know in the comments!

Passover starts with a seder, which has all sorts of delish dishes. | Source: Shutterstock

Passover is a Jewish holiday that falls in the springtime, often near the Christian Easter celebration. In Israel, Passover lasts seven days, but can be recognized for eight days elsewhere depending on one’s beliefs. It’s one of the most widely recognized Jewish holidays in the Hebrew calendar.

It celebrates the freeing of ancient Israelites from slavery in Egypt, though the story is actually far more intense–albeit in a dark way–than the Hebrews merely escaping. According to the book of Exodus, it’s believed that God put ten plagues on the Egyptians until the Pharaoh would release his Jewish slaves, and a lot of it sounds like it’d make for a freaky horror movie today: in the first plague, all the water in Egypt turned to blood (yikes!). The tenth and final plague was considered the worst–the slaughter of the firstborn. The Israelites were instructed by God to put lamb’s blood on their doors, and God would “pass over” their homes and their firstborns would live. I don’t know about you, but this all seems like pretty frightening stuff!

Matzo is a symbol of Passover. | Source: Shutterstock

That plague was enough to finally convince the Pharaoh to free the Israelites, who were worried he’d change his mind–so they fled before their bread was done leavening. (Which was a smart move, because it turns out they were right!) That’s why no leavened bread is eaten during Passover. In many religious households today, all “chametz” (leavened food made with certain types of grains) is either removed, sold, or sealed off to recognize the holiday before it starts. Many households use different dishes and/or cooking utensils around this time to avoid contact with leavening agents or grains. Matzo is a symbol of Passover and generally eaten around this time, as it’s generally made solely from flour and water.

Passover is celebrated with a seder, a feast that occurs in a special order. At a seder, a family will often read from a special text called the Haggadah, which details each step of the meal–there’s 15 of them!

Would Dianna Agron be fun to sit next to at a seder? | Source: Shutterstock

So, when is Passover? This year, Passover begins tonight (Friday, April 6), and ends next Saturday night (April 14). If you’re celebrating, you’re in good company: Dianna Agron, Mila Kunis, Adam Levine, and Drake are all recognizing the feast too!

Are you celebrating Passover? Do you have any special Passover traditions? What’s your favorite Passover food? Let us know in the comments!
 
 

Wonder What Other Celebs Are Jewish? Find Out Here!

Struggling to find the right shade of lip gloss? Is your perfect hue of red-pink nowhere on the drug store shelves? Well, stop looking and starting making! That’s right, Brit is going to show you how to make lip gloss–but not just any lip gloss, your PERFECT lip gloss! It’s super cheap and super easy. You can make shades for every day wear or switch it up and go for bold blues, greens, or blacks…perfect for dress up. Ready, set, let’s do it, girl!

What’s your favorite shade of lip gloss? Have you tried Brit’s lip gloss recipe? Tell us everything in the comments!

Here’s How To Make A Super Chic Scarf!

That's me on the right, with my friend Shelly. Wish I'd had this confidence back in 8th grade!

This all continued into college. I’d shy away from parties where I knew girls were expected to wear less than a napkin, I only let a handful of my friends see me in a bathing suit, and, regretfully, I let my low self-esteem wreck my relationship with the first boy I was really into. Bad stuff, I know.

But things started to turn around senior year. I had to take a P.E. elective (ugghhh) and the only thing that jumped out at me was Middle Eastern Dance—Belly Dancing! My roommate and I thought it would be a fun (if silly) way to complete our requirement, so we signed up. It was definitely fun–I still have the tacky coin belts to prove it–but what I realized in taking the class is that the dance form isn’t ridiculous at all. It’s an art form full of sick muscle isolations, musicality, poise, and stage presence. It’s also an art form that made me finally start to appreciate my own body: belly and all.

Sexy, but not for the reasons you think! | Source: Shutterstock

Now, when you tell people you belly dance you get a range of reactions. From women, there’s cautious curiosity, a lot of “oh, I could never show my stomach like that”, and nervous laughter. From men, there are a lot of raised eyebrows, terrible terrible jokes, and . . . nervous laughter. I know what they’re thinking: “oooh, sexy.” That perception isn’t totally off-base, but it isn’t exactly right, either. What I’ve come to understand about belly dance is that it is actually really sexy, but it’s not because of girls with perfect figures in tiny costumes shaking it for men with their tongues hanging out. It’s sexy because a good belly dancer, whatever her appearance, can take a song and artfully translate it into something physical.

I went from super shy to up on a stage! | Source: John Ashton-Keller

I can’t say my self-image is golden or that I’m completely healed, but these days I carry myself a little differently. I actually have the capacity to express myself to others, I don’t worry so much about what other people think, and I spend a lot less time picking apart my appearance in the mirror and a lot more time relaxing and enjoying myself. This behavior is all becoming more ingrained in me, and I know that it’s because every now and then I get to be on a stage with music thumping, my hips ablaze in a shimmy, and onlookers hollering, and I think to myself, “hell yeah.”

Have you struggled with body image issues? Do you have a friend who needs a good dose of body confidence? Tell me all about it in the comments!

This Girl Went From Hating Her Nose To Loving It–Without Surgery!

All hail the country pop queen! | Source: Shutterstock

Big ups to our girl Taylor Swift, who took home the biggest trophy of the night at last night’s 2012 ACM Awards! Our girl Tay was named Entertainer of the Year, the biggest honor of the ceremony, for the second year straight. It was her second big win in two days, too–the night before she took home the Big Help Award at the Kids’ Choice Awards for giving back to the community and being generally awesome and inspirational.

Taylor was the second female to win Entertainer of the Year two years in a row, coming after Carrie Underwood, who also performed at the show. Even her competition, Blake Shelton, admitted that she deserved to win, and he’s totally right. Taylor gives a face to country music that even people who normally can’t stand country music can both recognize and appreciate–and she sells a whole lot of records. Taylor shows there’s more to country music than pick up trucks and broken hearts. That’s our girl!

Miranda Lambert (and hubby Blake Shelton) won big at the ACMs! | Source: Shutterstock

Taylor wasn’t the only big winner for gals at the ACM Awards, though. Petite powerhouse Miranda Lambert snagged the Female Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year, while female-fronted Lady Antebellum won Vocal Group of the Year. We’re particularly stoked for Miranda, since she’s so outspoken in her empowerment of young women (and we gotta say, her open disdain for Chris Brown is a little refreshing). That and come on, how cute is she?

Just because we rooted a little more loudly for our ladies doesn’t mean girls and boys can’t get along, though. Kelly Clarkson‘s collaboration with Jason Aldean, “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” earned two awards: Single of the Year and Vocal Event of the Year. We don’t think it would have been as celebrated a tune without the American Idol alum’s gorgeous pipes! Thompson Square took home a trophy for Vocal Duo of the Year, too, proving that the battle of the sexes doesn’t have to be a battle after all.

News like this makes us want to put on cowboy boots, kick back and celebrate!

Did you watch the ACM Awards? Do you like country music? Who’s your favorite country artist? Sound off in the comments!

And Here’s Another Reason We Look Up To Taylor Swift!