'We don't worship rabbits!' Erika Christensen tries to explain Scientology as she declares it's NOT 'the Hollywood religion'

Erika Christensen has spoken out in defense of Scientology.
The 30-year-old Parenthood star has practiced the religion since she was a child and dismissed outrageous claims made about its practice in a newly-released video interview.
Sitting down with fellow actress Joy Bryant, Christensen said: 'If I had to sum it up, the goal of Scientology is giving the person back to themselves. Like, your own power of choice.'

Misconceptions: Erika Christensen dismissed outrageous claims made about Scientology in a newly-released video interview

The interview was conducted for Bryant’s web series Across the Board.

After a day of paddle boarding, the pair sit down for a chat and Christenen is asked about what keeps her grounded.

Scientology, she says, is at the top of the list.

 

Christensen goes on to discuss what she feels are misconceptions about the church, whose followers include Tom Cruise, John Travolta and Kirstie Alley.

'One, that we are some kind of closed group. Two, that we are the Hollywood religion and three, that we worship rabbits,' she said, laughing.

Girl talk: The interview was conducted by actress Joy Bryant for her web series Across the Board

'It's a study tool': Christensen goes on to discuss what she feels are misconceptions about the church, whose followers include Tom Cruise, John Travolta and Kirstie Alley

Christensen explained she was introduced to Scientology as a young girl: her parents are also Scientologists.

Bryant asked how she might approach the topic of religion with her own children.

'I would expose to them, like, this is what I do, which is how my parents did it, because my parents are Scientologists,' she said, recalling: 'When I was like seven, they did like this demonstration. There is this thing in Scientology, it’s a study method to demonstrate things out.

'I would give them the option, of like, these are our study tools. You can use them in school, get good grades, learn,’ she said.

High-profile: The Scientology Celebrity Centre and Church in Los Angeles, California

Scientology has earned its fair share of headlines in recent months, particularly in the wake of a divorce between one of its most high-profile members, Cruise, and his ex-wife, Katie Holmes, late last year.
In an article published by Vanity Fair in September, it was alleged the secretive religious group organised an 'audition' process to find Cruise a wife, grilling dozens of young women to make sure they posed no threat to the church or its most famous member.

In the article, special correspondent Maureen Orth  claims that the project to identify a new partner for Cruise, following the break-up of his relationships with Nicole Kidman and Penelope Cruz, started in 2004 and was headed by Shelly Miscavige, wife of the church's top official David Miscavige.

Silver.Ag:History Of Silver Bracelet

In the past bracelets have been worn by both sexes for many different reasons and in various ways. They have been worn in support of the eradication of various illnesses, yet have been worn for protection in various religions. Bracelets can be constructed out of many materials including cloth, rubber, beads, glass, gold, silver, etc., with the silver bracelet being among the most popular.

The two precious metals most widely used for bracelets are gold and silver. Between gold and silver, silver is the more cost-effective option while maintaining its classiness. Silver bracelets are rarely pure silver, but they are sterling silver which contains less than 10% pure copper, in addition to pure silver. Shine is increased by plating the bracelets with rhodium or 0.999 fine silver.

Link bracelets are made from connecting numerous silver links to one another until a bracelet is formed. Depending on the link, this could also be called a chain bracelet. One spin off from the chain bracelet is the identification bracelet where a chain is worn with a small placard that can contain names, inscriptions, medical conditions, etc.

Cuff bracelets are bracelets that are rigid yet pliable enough that the solid piece of silver can be bent and manipulated to slide over the wrist. These bracelets can often be tightened with a slight squeeze at the wrist to ensure it stays on.

Bangle bracelets can come as either one complete round piece of silver where the hand simply slips through, or it can have two main pieces and a hinge to make it easier to get the bracelet on and prevent it from falling off. It interesting to note that the number and type of bangles a woman wears in certain portions of India is indicative of her marital status.

Charms can often be found dangling from any of the above types of bracelets, thus this bracelet is aptly named the charm bracelet. The charms often symbolize an important time, event, or person in ones life. Commonly charms are found on chain and link types of bracelets.

Style classic: Spanx, the Bridget Jones-style pants that are the best friend to women of all shapes

At the Golden Globes, you can guarantee most of the celebrities sauntering down the red carpet were wearing waist-cinching, bottom- hugging, thigh-squeezing Spanx under their gowns.
The Bridget Jones-style pants have been the best friend to women of all shapes since their launch in 2000.
As the brand's creator Sara Blakely says: 'I never dreamed that visible panty lines and uncomfortable thongs would inspire me.'

Gwyneth Paltrow proudly declared she wore two pairs, and Jessica Alba is also a vocal advocates

But that's what happened when in 1998 she tried to find the perfect knickers to wear under tight white trousers.

She cut the feet out of her control tights, and Spanx had arrived.

 

They were put on the coveted 'Oprah's favourite things list' and the TV star later declared she no longer wore anything other than Spanx.
Gwyneth Paltrow also proudly declared she wore two pairs at a time after her daughter Apple was born, and Julia Roberts and Jessica Alba (right) are vocal advocates.

Spanx come in a range of styles. Their 70-denier tights cost £32 from figleaves.com

The brand ranges from slimming knickers and shaping bras to swimsuits and men's T-shirts.
Last year, Blakely was named the world's youngest, self-made female billionaire by Forbes Magazine and one of Time's 100 Most Influential People.
So, you really can have that lightbulb moment when getting dressed in the morning.

Necklaces Are An Elegant Addition To Your Collection Of Exquisite Jewelry

Every woman who has jewelry, must have a set of in her collection. Whether it be pearl necklaces, or gold necklaces and maybe even a diamond necklace, this piece of jewelry is always a welcome guest.

A gold necklace seems a bit dated with all the varieties of precious metal available today. Why settle for a dull gold chain around your neck, when you can have a shimmering platinum necklace sparkling around your neck. Whereas a pearl necklace or choker wrapped around your neck may leave some of you thinking, pearls are boring and something my great grandmother would wear. Well think again!..

A pearl necklace is not as dated as you might have thought. You can get a pearl necklace at a very reasonable price and there are plenty of designs out there to suit all ages. Here are a list of a few that are available:

- Freshwater cultured pearl necklace with filigree heart - A beautiful collection of freshwater pearls with a toggle closure and a detailed sterling silver filigree heart charm.

- Pearl and agate necklace - This piece has black and white pearls that are mixed with agate and sterling silver and highlighted by a trio of spinning agate beads.

- Pearls with aquamarine - This stunning piece combines freshwater pearls with light blue aquamarine and silver spacers. This piece is beautiful and can be worn for all occasions.

Your collection will never be complete without them, no matter what your budget is, there is a necklace to suit everyone's taste and bank balance.

'Justin Bieber beat me up': Teen pop star sued by former bodyguard

A former bodyguard for Justin Bieber has accused the pop star of beating him up.
Moshe Benabou claims the 5ft 7in singer, 18, repeatedly struck him during an October confrontation.
He is also seeking more than $420,000 in overtime and other wages.

The bodyguard: Justin Bieber with Moshe Benabou in September

Benabou's lawsuit claims Bieber berated him and repeatedly punched him in the chest after a disagreement about how to handle a member of the Grammy-nominated singer's entourage. After he walked away, Bieber fired him, Benabou's lawsuit claims.

Legal action: The security guard claims the singer repeatedly punched him during an October confrontation

Benabou also says he was mistakenly told that he wasn't entitled to receive overtime despite working 14 to 18 hour days between March 2011 and October 2012.
An email message sent to Bieber's publicist was not immediately returned.
Benabou is seeking unspecified damages on the assault and battery claims and $421,261 in unpaid overtime, vacation and other wage benefits.
'For nearly two years Mr. Benabou devoted himself completely to ensuring Mr. Bieber's personal safety,' Benabou's attorney, Ilan Heimanson, wrote in a statement.
'Mr. Benabou deserved, as does any employee, to be treated with respect, dignity and in accordance with the law. Unfortunately, he was not. '
Bieber's album Believe ranked No. 6 in 2012 sales with more than 1.3 million units sold.
In October Los Angeles prosecutors declined to file charges against Bieber after finding insufficient evidence that he punched and kicked a photographer outside a movie theater near his home in Calabasas, Calif., a month earlier.

What To Look For In a Jewelry Designer

The way we express ourselves is shown through the things we wear on the outside. The clothes we wear and the accessories we use can make powerful statements about who we are. When you pass by a person on the street you instantly make an impression about what that person is like, at least in general. The same thing applies to you, so you need to choose your looks properly.

While clothes are very important to a person, jewelry is also an important factor that can be used to determine another person's impression about who you are. Because of this you should choose what you wear carefully. There are some jewelry pieces that have a much more important role than just complementing your outfits, but you need to choose the ones that appeal to you most.

Most people prefer products that are the creation of a jewelry designer. The reason for this is because they are crafted with a lot more care and attention to detail than other items, some of them being unique. If you choose the source for your jewelry wisely and you do a little research prior to the purchase, the items you are going to wear can be life changing.

Many people are fascinated with the cultures that have a rich history behind them, either filled with violence, or with great mystery and impressive developments. These cultures have guided their beliefs in tone with certain symbols that were believed to help them throughout their lives.

The symbols I am talking about are believed to have hidden powers. Just as Christians wear a cross around their necks because they believe it will keep them safe, those symbols addressed similar fields of interest or others. David Weitzman is a jewelry designer that has set on a mission to help other people through his jewelry designs and creations.

As a jewelry designer, inspiration comes from nature or surroundings, but David has traveled the world in order to come in contact with many powerful cultures, finding inspiration in their symbols and transposing them into jewelry pieces. Each piece is meant to help people around the world find the right path in their lives and not worry about simple thing

A fresh start! Troubled Brooke Mueller keeps her New Year's resolution as she heads to grounding yoga session

Of all people, Brooke Mueller needs some balance in her life.
Charlie Sheen's ex-wife has just completed her 19th stint in rehab, and it looks like she is making a fresh start.
Brooke was seen attending a yoga class in West Hollywood on Wednesday looking more refreshed than she's been in weeks.

Yoga works: Brooke Mueller stepped out for a therapeutic yoga class in West Hollywood on Wednesday

The 35-year-old aspiring jewelry maker wore black leggings and white T-shirt, and she was also covered in a Native American garb including a grey and blue Navaho blanket and black moccasins.
Brooke, whose blonde-streaked hair was long and loose, wore a headpiece from her own handmade jewelry collection as well as a rustic looking necklace.
No doubt the deep breathing and meditation exercises are doing wonders to Brooke's fragile health.

Earth girl: Brooke was decked out in Native American garb including a grey and blue Navaho wrap

The mother of two smiled and waved as she left her class, holding her yoga mat and her skin glowing from the physical exertion.
Before heading home to her three-year-old twins Bob and Max, Brooke stopped into Earth Bar for a cool refreshing beverage.
Just a few weeks ago it was a different story as Brooke's behaviour had everyone worried.
On December 10, Brooke voluntarily checked into rehab to seek treatment for an addiction to Adderall, which is a powerful psycho-stimulant used to treat Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), after she was found unconscious at her home.

Bright outlook: Brooke's red and yellow scarves and her red blanket were eye-catching

However, Brooke checked out of the facility after a short 'detox' of only six days.
The former actress, who divorced Charlie after he assaulted her in 2009, had left her young sons with his second wife Denise Richards so she could recover.
That came to an end once the Starship Troopers star let her know that she intended to take the boys to Charlie's Christmas party.

Colourful accessories: Brooke, an actress-turned-jewelry maker, was wearing an interesting headpiece

Brooke became very upset and told Denise, 'Absolutely not', adding that she didn't want the boys anywhere near her former husband, as reported by TMZ.
Brooke's lawyers allegedly contacted Denise a short while later.
The next day, Brooke's mother Moira reportedly turned up at Denise's house demanding to pick up the children.
Now Brooke is out of rehab and the boys are once again in her care at her home in Tarzana, a suburb of Los Angeles.

Good start: Reese Witherspoon is also a yoga enthusiast and was spotted walking to her class Wednesday too