Emily Abbate

I'm the associate editor here at The Stir. I'm a bargainista by talent and runner of everything from 5ks to half marathons. Losing 70 pounds is my greatest life accomplishment, so far. In my spare time I ramble on personal blog, Making Life Fit.

Sipping on:

Watermelontini

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Emily's Latest Posts

OMG
'RHOOC' Lydia McLaughlin Says Her Crazy Castmates Aren't 'Acting' Crazy -- They ARE Crazy!

posted by Emily Abbate 4 hours ago in Entertainment

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I'll just come out and say this: I think Lydia McLaughlin of Real Housewives of Orange County is slightly annoying. OK, very annoying. I'm sorry doll -- it's just so easy to hold a grudge against someone you don't know when they have a ridiculously wealthy husband and go on dates to dinner via their own personal yacht.

Although annoying, McLaughlin seems a bit more grounded than her fellow housewives. In fact, the newest addition to the RHOOC cast has some good insight into the craziness of the franchise, saying that the Housewives drama you see on TV is no joke. "I think that the ladies are genuinely who they are on the show and that there isn't a lot of acting," said McLaughlin. "In some degree some of the worst drama actually happened when the cameras went down."

Wait, you mean worse than what we see on TV? How is that even POSSIBLE?!
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Inspiring
Hero Oklahoma Teacher Uses Her Body as a Shield to Save Her Students From Tornado (VIDEO)

posted by Emily Abbate 5 hours ago in In The News

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It was chaos as the horrific tornado that ripped through Oklahoma yesterday approached Plaza Towers Elementary school. But somehow, some way, first-grade teacher Becky Jo Evans' protective instincts kicked in. In the midst of all the noise, screaming, and destruction, Evans managed to think only about one thing: her students. She managed to usher some of them into a bathroom. As the walls began to fall around them, she quickly jumped on top of their tiny bodies to shield them from falling debris. After the horrific twister passed, the teacher continued on to pull children from the destroyed building.

As we have learned from school tragedies past, Evans' reaction was not unique. But that does not diminish what she did, it makes it all the more extraordinary. Stories of other Oklahoma school teachers who fearlessly protected their students in similar ways are coming to light in the aftermath, and we continue to be awestruck and grateful for each and every one.
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OMG
Waitress Gets $1,000 Tip From Generous Customer Who Wanted to Make Her Dreams Come True (PHOTO)

posted by Emily Abbate 5 hours ago in Food & Party

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Getting a little extra cash is always nice. You know, as a birthday present or tucked away in your Christmas stocking. But what if a total stranger handed you a casual $1,000? Supposedly, that's what happened to one lucky waitress. According to a blogger by the name of Casual Cynic, her mother was waiting on a customer and mentioned in passing that her family was from Italy and that she'd never been there. After finishing his meal, he told her to have a nice day and walked out the door. When the waitress went to go collect the receipt, she saw that he left a $1,000 tip and wrote, "Your ticket to Italy. Enjoy!!" next to the amount.

Um, hey, I wish I just had an extra $1,000 to hand over to a complete stranger. Talk about karma! Actually, talk about ONE LUCKY LADY! Best shift ever? Most definitely.

Of course, there's no legitimate proof that the receipt is 100 percent real. Am I a little skeptical? Of course. But either way, this is a pretty freakin' awesome story.
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GossipMonger
If Rihanna Wants to Kiss a Woman, She Can Do Better Than Miley Cyrus (PHOTOS)

posted by Emily Abbate Yesterday at 5:46 PM in Entertainment

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Think of hot celebrity couples and who tops your list? For me it's a straight up tie between Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel and Jay-Z and Beyonce. Next in line? Possibly Rihanna and Miley Cyrus. Yes, I'm serious. Apparently both Miley and Rihanna were approached and asked if they would want to make out with the other person. The verdict? Yes, Miley and Rihanna want to make out. Swap spit. Trade tongues. Someone with a video camera, get this on tape!

Hmmm, welp. I guess Rihanna's tried this whole woman-man relationship thing, and it totally backfired. If a man can't keep her satisfied, then maybe she's turning into a one-woman kinda lady?

OK. Maybe it's a stretch. Maybe it's not. Regardless, let's talk options. Sure, Miley is great and all -- but there are a whole SLEW of available sexy women in Hollywood. Starting with the newly single Kristen Stewart, of course.
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Inspiring
Teen Behind Goodbye Song 'Clouds' Dies & His Parents Should Be Proud (VIDEOS)

posted by Emily Abbate Yesterday at 5:09 PM in Teen

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It feels like just yesterday when we were first inspired by Zach Sobiech, an 18-year-old from Minnesota fighting bone cancer. Sobiech, who was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, shared his smile with the world with his viral hit about facing death, "Clouds," last December. This past month, Jason Mraz, Colbie Caillat, and dozens of other celebrities joined together to lip-sync Zach's "Clouds" in a moving tribute to his cancer battle. This morning, Zach Sobiech died.

It's heartbreaking. Sobiech quickly became a role model for so many across the globe so quickly. His message, which was that you shouldn't find out you're dying to start living, is a true testament to his loving spirit and compassion.

And whereas it's never easy to lose a child, I'm sure that Zach's parents are overjoyed knowing the legacy their son had, and that with "Clouds," a piece of him will always live on.
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