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Tori Spelling: Our miracle baby

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Tori Spelling: Our miracle baby

The former Beverly Hills 90210 star recounts her terrifying ordeal in which she begged doctors to save her baby boy’s life over hers.

Tori Spelling had planned the perfect evening. While her husband Dean McDermott bunked with son Liam, 5, for a boys-only sleepover in May, the 20-weeks-pregnant star and her older daughter Stella, 4, were having a slumber party of their own. “We were really excited for girl time,” says Tori, also mum to one-year-old Hattie. But the fun was short-lived.

“I woke up at 6am and there was blood streaming down my legs,” the 39-year-old recalls. Dean, 45, rushed his wife to LA’s Cedars-Sinai medical centre, where they received a scary explanation for the bleeding episodes that had plagued Tori – she had placenta praevia, a condition in which the placenta covers the cervix. It was likely caused by scarring from Tori’s three C-sections, further complicated by conceiving the baby just one month after giving birth to Hattie. Now Tori was at risk of having a massive bleed that could force doctors to terminate the pregnancy and remove her entire uterus in an attempt to save her life.

“It was surreal,” says Tori, who was forced to spend the next two-and-a-half months lying flat on her back in hospital. “I just remember thinking, ‘I can’t leave three children behind’. Fortunately, her baby boy Finn Davey McDermott was born safely on August 30. She shares her journey exclusively with Woman’s Day.

When did you realise something was wrong?

The first bleed happened at eight weeks. My heart dropped. I started screaming for Dean and told him I’d had a miscarriage, but the next day I went to the hospital and the doctor said everything was fine. Right after that, I went to Utah to film a Christmas movie and I had to do all these dance routines. I had bleeding the entire time, but the doctor said the baby was totally developed… When I had the episode with Stella, that’s when doctors told me my life was in danger and that I’d have to stay in the hospital until the end of my pregnancy and then maybe have a hysterectomy afterwards.

Read more about Tori’s miracle birth in this week’s Woman’s Day on sale Monday October 22, 2012.

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Generation XXX: Documentary exposes 12-year-olds who think porn is the norm

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Generation XXX: Documentary exposes 12-year-olds who think porn is the norm

Girls pose for seductive photos to post online in documentary Sexy Baby

A documentary following girls as young as 12 posting images of themselves online in lingerie and imitating porn stars sheds light on how technology and pornography are shaping the sexual identity of young girls.

Sexy Baby: A Documentary About Sexiness and The Cyber Age, exposes the troubling truth of a generation getting their sex education from online porn, distorting their view of sex and what is normal.

Related: Why girls are having sex at 12

The film makers, former journalists Ronna Gradus and Jill Bauer hope the film will be a ‘conversation starter’ for parents when it opens in the US this week.

The documentary’s youngest subject, 12-year-old Manhattan girl Winnifred, reveals how she and her friends pose seductively for pictures to post online as she emulates her idol Lady Gaga, and explains the pressure to maintain a sexy online persona.

“Your facebook profile is not necessarily who you are, it’s more like who you want to be,” she says in the film.

“We make ourselves seem like we’re up for anything, and in a way all this internet stuff kind of traps you. You’ve started an alter ego that has to be maintained and has to be real in a way.”

The film makers have dubbed their subjects ‘Generation XXX’ and explore the world that Winnifred and her friends inhabit where ‘privates are public and extremes are the new norm’ — as well as the dangers of posting seductive images.

Winnifred’s friend Olivia told the camera “every girl wants to feel sexy, like Megan Fox,” but her attitude adjusted after a picture she posted of herself wearing only a bra went viral.

“I felt dirty afterwards,” she said.

The film explores this generation who are getting their sexual education from porn, and feel pressured to behave like porn stars.

Related: How to keep kids safe online

“Winnifred represents the next generation and simply put, is confused. She recently told us that she worries about her male peers who are getting their first glimpses of sex via hard core pornography,” the filmmakers explained.

“The film is not specifically about porn, it is about the new seismic shift — the fact that everything is at our fingertips all the time and available to everyone of all ages,” the filmmakers told MailOnline.

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Justin and Jessica are married!

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Maybe baby for Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel?

Photo: Getty

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel have married in Italy in a private ceremony near Naples.

“It’s great to be married, the ceremony was beautiful and it was so special to be surrounded by our family and friends,” the pair said in a statement.

In the days leading up to the ceremony the celebrity couple were spotted in the Puglia region of southern Italy, surrounded by family and friends as they enjoyed pre-wedding celebrations in the rustic Italian setting.

An insider told the New York Post the pair chose the location near Naples because “it means a lot to both of them”.

“The wedding is happening outside of Naples in a tiny town this week. It is their favourite place, a location that is very special to them,” the unnamed source told the newspaper.

Guests were flown to Italy and then transferred to the wedding venue, which has been set up in and around a ramshackle castle in Brindisi.

“A private plane was flown out of New York to take guests to Italy, including both their publicists,” the source said.

“But the event has been shrouded in a lot of secrecy, and not even the guests were told the exact location or day of the wedding before they left.”

The newspaper also reports that Jessica’s maid of honour was her best friend Lindsay Ratowsky, while her stylist Estee Stanley has been heavily involved in the wedding planning.

The couple, who wanted to surprise their guests, sent out vague “save the date” several months ago, and guests were not allowed to take cameras or phones.

Celebrity friends rapper Timbaland, Jessica’s Seventh Heaven co-star Beverley Mitchell, and Chris Kirkpatrick from Justin’s former boy band ‘N Sync attended the wedding.

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Young cancer sufferer becomes a CoverGirl

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Young cancer sufferer becomes a CoverGirl

It’s not every day that you read about someone like Talia Joy Castellano.

At just 13 years old, the inspirational cancer sufferer has taken YouTube by storm, attracting more than 14 million viewers to her make-up video blog.

Six years ago, while spending time with another cancer survivor, Talia began experimenting with make-up and developed a love for it.

Now, after being discovered by US talk show host Ellen DeGeneres (scroll down for video), Talia has been given a rare opportunity to become the honorary face of beauty giant CoverGirl.

Talia, who was originally diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma diesease, a cancer that develops in infants and children and spreads throughout the body, has recently revealed she also has leukemia.

And although her prognosis is grim, the bubbly beauty is ready to fight both cancers head on and, with an incredibly positive attitude, has pledged to continue producing her videos “for as long as I can”.

“Basically, there are not really a lot of options for treatment anymore,” she says in one of her videos.

Talia now has to choose whether or not to undergo a bone marrow transplant, but the surgery would take a great toll on her already weakened body. If she doesn’t have the transplant, she has been given only four months to one year to live.

“I’m going to decide whether or not I want to do the bone marrow transplant, or whether or not I just don’t do it and live the time I have remaining,” she said.

So once a week, in the middle of enduring chemotherapy, radiation, stem cell transplants and blood transfusions, Talia records a tutorial.

Her love of make-up stemmed from her distaste for wearing wigs.

“I don’t like wigs, they’re so, I dunno… When I have on a wig I feel, not fake, just not me,” she says in one of her posts.

“When I put on my make-up I feel like I can embrace those features that I really like about myself. I feel if someone’s looking at me, they’re looking at my make-up, not looking at my bald head.

“I am just trying to make young girls, young adults, adults, anyone, feel beautiful by using make-up.”

And despite the hardship that cancer has caused throughout her young life, Talia is optimistically grateful.

“I’ve gotten so many benefits from [cancer]. Having a YouTube channel, having to inspire people and having people look up to me… I adore, I love make-up, using it as my wig… it’s amazing… the journey of having cancer was amazing. But every journey has an end,” she says.

“Having cancer has been a gift, but it’s a horrible, horrible thing.”

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Katie Holmes’ comeback

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Katie Holmes is back! Not only is she back on Broadway in the new show Dead Accounts, she is also smiling again.

Since her split from ex-husband Tom Cruise in June, Katie has a new lease on life – and her work life is no exception.

The 33-year-old has been filmed laughing and joking around with her co-star Norbert Leo Butz in a clip released to promote their new play.

Katie’s last stage performance in All My Sons four years ago won her much praise and she is clearly delighted to do it again.

“’I’ve been looking to go onstage since All My Sons,” she told the New York Daily News.

“I’ve been a fan of [playwright] Theresa [Rebeck]. It’s really great to do a new play that you’re going make people laugh – I hope.”

See the pictures and the video of Katie’s new play here.

Katie Holmes and Norbert Leo Butz.

Dead Accounts is about a brother and sister played by Katie and Nobert.

Since her marriage to Tom, Katie has put her career on the back burner.

The actors appear to have forged a close bond during rehearsals.

Previews for the show begin on November 3.

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Mel Gibson falls for stuntwoman

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Mel Gibson falls for stuntwoman

Photo: INF

Mel Gibson has a new lady in his life and she is one tough woman.

The star, who has been linked to a number of beauties since his very public split from Oksana Grigorieva in 2010, is now dating stuntwoman and actress Ashley Cusato.

The pair were spotted getting cozy at upmarket restaurant Nobu in LA’s beach suburb of Malibu.

TMZ reported that sources close to the actor say the two have been dating for about a month and that things are going well. Mel has even introduced her to several members of his family.

Ashley, 38, has worked as a stunt double for actresses such as Emily Deschanel and Denise Richards. She is a martial arts expert and is currently training for her black belt in Yoshukai karate.

Mel, 56, has kept a low profile since his split from Oksana after she claimed he had been abusive during their relationship and took out a restraining order against him.

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It’s a boy for Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green

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It’s a boy for Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green

Photo: Getty.

Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green have welcomed a baby boy! But unlike most celebrity couples, the pair kept their new arrival a secret for weeks.

“We have been very lucky to have had a peaceful few weeks at home, but I would like to release this myself before others do,” Megan wrote on her Facebook page.

“I gave birth to our son Noah Shannon Green on September 27th. He is healthy, happy and perfect.”

The couple, who married in 2010, only announced they were expecting their first child together in June. Green is already dad to 10-year-old son Kassius Lijah, from his relationship with Vanessa Marcil.

“We are humbled to have the opportunity to call ourselves the parents of this beautiful soul and I am forever grateful to God for allowing me to know this kind of boundless, immaculate love,” Fox said.

“Thanks to those of you who wish to send your positive energy and well wishes. May God bless you and your families abundantly.”

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Why 40 is the new 20

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What do these women have in common? They are all embracing their bodies at age 40 plus – and looking better than ever!

In a recent interview Cameron Diaz revealed that she feels better at 40 than she did in her 20s. And she isn’t the only one embracing her age and looking fantastic while doing it.

From Nicole Kidman , who recently posed in some raunchy shots for V magazine to Jennifer Aniston who has been voted as the hottest woman of the decade, these stars are proving that it’s not hard to look good and feel fab at 40!

Check out all the celebrities who are celebrating their 40s here!

For these celebrities 40 is the new 20!

Gwen Stefani is a very youthful looking 43-year-old and prides herself on her look.

At 44, Kylie says her secret to youth is organic facial cleanser.

She may be 43, but Jennifer Aniston says: “I don’t feel my age. I feel young every day.”

Naomi Watts, 44, keeps herself young with lots of outdoor activity.

At 47 Sarah Jessica Parker knows that she is ageing and doesn’t have a problem with it.

Brooke Shields, 45: “I’m trying to find the beauty in the whole picture not the crow’s feet”

At 49, Elle Macpherson puts her youthfullness down to an organic lifestyle.

Teri Hatcher,47, promotes ageing and posted images of herself on twitter make-up free.

Jennifer Lopez, 43, keeps herself young with a toyboy!

Liz Hurley, 47, says she walks everyday to “get things moving”.

At 43 Salma Hayek refuses to have work done.

At 45, Nicole Kidman sizzled on this magazine cover.

Demi Moore, 49, says she ALWAYS moisturises, no matter how late it is.

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Leila McKinnon welcomes baby boy

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Leila McKinnon welcomes baby boy

Nine newsreader andAustralian Women’s Weeklybook reviewer Leila McKinnon has given birth to her first child.

Leila and her husband Nine CEO David Gyngell welcomed Edmund “Ted” McKinnon Gyngell into the world at around 2am this morning.

The newest addition to McKinnon Gyngell clan is a 51cm, 3.018kg, healthy baby boy who arrived at a tense time for his father.

Gyngell joined his wife’s side amid meetings with financiers concerning his company, taking time out from negotiations to be with Leila in hospital, saying he had “more important things to attend to”.

Mother and baby are “doing well”, a Nine Network spokesperson said this morning.

Congratulations Leila and David!

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Choosing a sperm donor: Would you pay for a ‘celebrity’ dad?

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Choosing a sperm donor: Would you pay more for a 'celebrity' dad?

A UK website is offering women a choice of VIP sperm donors, but Australian women value health over status

Actor, genius, rock star, or aristocrat. These are the options a UK website gives women choosing the potential father of their children.

No they aren’t profiles on some exclusive dating agency, but a sperm bank offering a catalogue of VIP donors to women with a penchant for privileged backgrounds or celebrity status.

Related: My dad was a sperm donor

Charging over $20,000 for “celebrity sperm”, the website “Fame Daddy” claims to guarantee women their child will be “a proven winner” that will get “a head start in life”.

While it is unknown how much of the exorbitant fee the donor will see, visitors to the website are told celebrity donors “are looking for a way to make a difference, to give something back to their fans.”

Having a premiership footballer or millionaire entrepreneur as a surrogate father may seem attractive, but the “top-flight client list of celebrity donors” might not be as popular as the soon-to-launch website founders think.

In Australia it is illegal to buy or sell human tissue, so women or partners seeking sperm don’t have the option of paying top dollar for “better” sperm, but they can still choose from a catalogue of donors.

According to leading fertility clinic Fertility East, women seeking donors are more interested in genetic characteristics rather than their education or VIP status.

While information about donors’ nationality, appearance, height and occupation are available to women or couples choosing their sperm donors, occupation or status are often given the least consideration by those looking to start the lengthy process.

“A woman’s motivation when it comes to donor selection is multifactorial depending on her and her partners expectations,” Fertility East’s medical director Dr Bernstein told The Weekly.

“These can include religion, education, health, physical characteristics, but most commonly availability of the donor and the woman’s urgency to commence treatment.”

Related: I had a baby at 50 — without IVF

Women or couples selecting from a catalogue of sperm donors are more likely to select someone who looks like them, and is healthy.

According for IVF Australia, people would be more likely to select donors based on their resemblance to the mother or couple, rather than forking out for a “rock star baby”.

Your say: What would you look for in a sperm donor?

Video: I’m donor-sexual

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