White’s first venture into superstardom was The White Stripes with his ex-wife Meg White. They announced their official musical parting last year, much to the chagrin of fans everywhere. While they were on hiatus, however, White founded The Raconteurs, and later, The Dead Weather.

Blunderbuss marks White’s return to music since the White Stripes’ split. The album was self-produced, and a single, “Love Interruption,” was released earlier this week – and if it’s any indication, listeners will be hearing a calmer, understated side of the musician.

Considering the many faces of Jack White, however, it’s never a guarantee – and the man is keeping information tight to the chest. He says only that “… It’s an album that I couldn’t have released until now… the songs were written from scratch.” Blunderbuss is set for widespread release April 24.

Lucky for Stephanie she’s got pro bounty-hunter Ranger (Daniel Sunjata) to teach her the ropes—and unlock her after she’s been cuffed naked to her shower rod. Yes, that really happened. I get the vibe that Ranger is included less for character development and more for eye candy. He is fun to look at, after all.

One of the more unfortunate things about this movie is the film’s incessant voiceover. Not only does the narration diminish any pre-existing tension by over-explaining plot points, it also forces us to listen to Katherine Heigl’s butchered Jersey accent for 106 minutes. She can’t seem to nail down the “where ya goins?” and “whattya doins?” like everyone else, and her inconsistent Joizy pronunciations are a big pitfall of the film.

A less than thrilling plot doesn’t save her performance, either. Screenwriters Stacy Sherman, Karen Ray and Liz Brixius try their best to adapt Janet Evanovich’s best-selling comedy-thriller, but any hope for suspense is watered down with bad jokes and senseless humor. Often the film feels predictable and contrived, partially due to forced chemistry between Heigl and O’Mara, and partially due to plot points reduced to punch lines.

Don’t waste your Friday in theatres with this flick. In my book, One for the Money is going to have to pick up the pace by a mile a minute if it wants to give you any sort of run for your money.

Opening band New Medicine set the stage for Durbin, rocking the audience with hard-hitting electric guitar riffs and Beastie Boys-reminiscent rap, particularly in “Race You to the Bottom,” where lead singer Jake Sherer encouraged the audience to, “Look at the person next to you and CHUG!”

The packed house at Austin’s was fully charged when Durbin finally took the stage with “Stand Up,” the popular anthem from his recent album Memories of a Beautiful Disaster. Durbin’s fan base was varied but obviously dedicated: yelling lyrics as Durbin turned the microphone to the audience. He followed “Stand Up” with the powerful “Higher than Heaven,” a song about the time before he met his wife Heidi, proving his vocal worth with the highest pitched note I’ve heard a rock singer hit since Steven Tyler.

Lead guitarist Dylan Rosenberg (Archer) took control of each song with his Les Paul Gibson solos, and shirtless drummer Jeff Fabb (In This Moment) showed his skill, tossing his drumsticks in the air mid-beat. Other highlights included “Love Me Bad,” which started with a simple guitar melody and honest lyrics, and eventually broke wide open into an extremely punchy chorus—a soon-to-be cross genre hit for sure. Other highlights included  “Love in Ruins” and the much tougher “Outcast,” a tune led by Mick Mars guitar riffs.

While concerts full of leather and studded belts usually aren’t my style, Durbin’s energy and passion for rock was infectious. “There’s nothing like playing a bar,” he yelled through a megaphone scribbled with permanent marker. “This is where rock ‘n roll is. Hell yea!”

Durbin’s performance left me convinced. He has a raw talent that packs a lot of punch and a presence on stage that’s going to take him from American Idol contestant to selling out shows across the country in no time.

Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, amidst their torrid love affair (they married, divorced, remarried and divorced).

I was ruminating over my past relationships recently (while trying to come up with article ideas) and I stopped to ponder if I’ve ever dated an ex. I have, only once, and it lasted for about four days before I realized that, “Oh yeah, this guy is a total douche.”

So, the question remains: can you happily date an ex? And if so, how?

You hear about those couples who reunite after time gone by, or couples who’ve gotten divorced only to get remarried, and everything falls into place as it should. But, is this typical? What has to happen for it to fall back into place? Do you feel like there’s “one” who got away and you’ve always wondered what it would be like if you reunited?

I watch those couples who start out so in love, doting over each other, languishing in their affections. And then, with time, stress, and life experience, those same lovers rip each other to shreds by verbally assaulting and belittling each others’ very existence. Why does this happen, and can you ever find your way back to a happy, healthy place with an ex?

Here are my top questions to ask yourself (and possibly your ex, if it comes to that):

1. Why did you break up? Really examine this question. Did he drive you crazy on a daily basis? Did everything annoy you? Was there a breakdown in communication? What were the deal breakers? Are they still relevant? It’s rarely just one person or one incident that causes a break-up. It can be a thousand little cracks in the web, and you need to take the time to identify the hidden culprits.

2. What would have had to change in order for you to stay together? What would have been the saving grace for you not to break up? If it’s something relatively benign, like working late hours, that might be fixable. If he constantly treated you like crap, wasn’t romantic and wouldn’t communicate, these are probably traits that won’t shift, no matter how much he protests.

3. How are you different now? How is he different now? Has enough time gone by for you both to examine what went wrong and make the appropriate changes? How would your relationship be different now? For instance, if one of you cheated but you get back together, are you going to hold it over the other’s head forever? Ask yourself what is realistic in terms of what you are capable of feeling/handling.

4. If faced with the same problems, how will you handle the situation differently? If you constantly lost your temper or nagged your partner, how would you handle this situation differently? More importantly, can you? You both need to ask yourself what you are capable of, and how you will avoid the same pitfalls.

5. What drew you to this person in the first place? Do you still feel the same way? Make a list of your favorite traits. Are they still there? Can you still recognize them? Will they sustain you for the long haul? Do you love parts of this person, or the person in his/her entirety?

In my experience, fantasizing about someone you’ve broken up with can be much different than reality (as are most of our fantasies). Sometimes, if we’re the ones who are dumped, we fixate on this person like the Holy Grail. If you get back together, you might find that there was a legitimate reason it didn’t work out. Or, you could find out it’s just what the doctor ordered.

The bottom line? Be honest with yourself. Don’t try to fit the mold of a relationship that you’ve outgrown or just simply doesn’t work anymore. No matter how many “pieces” fit, unless the whole puzzle is intact, you’re not bound for a long-term relationship.

So figure out what you need – whether that’s with an old flame or someone entirely new.

Happy dating!

Dear Christine,

My boyfriend of two years and I broke up three months ago and I can’t get over him. He was the one that ended it, but we are trying to stay friends. But every time we talk, I just want him back. I’m devastated. How do I move on?

-Heartbroken, 26, California

Dear Heartbroken,

To put it bluntly, break-ups suck. And you are only three months into yours, so don’t expect to be over someone lickety-split who you spent two years of your life loving. There is no easy cure, quick fix or pill you can take to heal faster; we all just have to go through the pain.

But you are doing something that is detrimental to your heart-break recovery. You are still talking to your ex! Listen, I understand that it is excruciating to go from talking to someone everyday to being on your own. The harder you try to hang on to something that is over, the harder you are making it for yourself. Why fight for someone who does not want you? There is probably part of you that is hopeful you will get back together. By staying friends with him you may be thinking you can reel him back in. Forget it. Have faith that if it is meant to be, you will reunite; but for now it is time to move on with your life. Ex’s do not fall into the “friends” category.

Here is my relationship rehab suggestion for you: stop ALL contact with your ex for at least six months. And I mean all forms of contact – in person, over the phone, email, IM, texting, etc. – and NO CHEATING! If you absolutely must relay a message to him, try to go through a mutual friend. I know it sounds drastic, but trust me, it works. When my ex-fiancé and I broke up, he insisted on no contact and was brilliant for doing so. Even though I missed him like crazy and desperately wanted to talk to him, being forced to withdraw and focus on my own life provided the quickest road to my heartbreak recovery.

Another unhealthy “don’t:” keeping the fantasy of the relationship alive. You may be torturing yourself by remembering all the good stuff and none of the reasons why you were not a match. Neither living in fantasyland nor the flip side – demonizing an ex – allows you to get over him. Instead, reflect on what you can learn from the relationship, then process the breakup and behave in ways that are balanced and realistic.

I also caution you against quick fixes. You may feel tempted to overeat, drink too much, have a random hook-up or quickly find another person to date. All quick fixes are Band-Aids rather than cures and in the long run will do more harm than good. If you broke your leg, would you expect to walk on it the next day? Of course not. If you mask, medicate or deny your feelings, you are likely to get into another relationship that will probably result in another breakup. I recommend lots of time with supportive girlfriends who will not sit around bashing your ex, but rather will simply listen to you while encouraging your healing. Some sessions with a therapist or quality time with an older female mentor could also be helpful.

Six months down the road, if you feel like you truly have accepted your life without him in it, then perhaps set up a coffee date with your ex to either get “closure” or take a step towards friendship. But until then, focus on your friendship with yourself and other people in your life who you love and who love you. Be gentle with yourself by giving yourself time to grieve – say goodbye to him and hello to whatever (or whomever) may be ahead.

Fondly,

Christine

9 TO 11 MONTHS:

Book Your Reception Site

Location, location, location. If you do this first you will know what dates are available so everything will fall into place. Some of my Chicago favorites include:

West Loop Studios: www.westloopstudio.com

Gallery 1028: www.gallery-1028.com

Salvage One: www.salvageone.com

Get your Color On!

Picking a color scheme will help you discover what you are looking for and make the planning process much easier. You can check out www.beuweddings.com on Color Trend Friday to see today’s newest and hottest color schemes.

Food is Unforgettable

Choose your caterer—whether you are into farm-to-table, buffet style or a black-tie sit down dinner, make sure you have your caterer on board! Also, remember to taste, taste, taste—guests are going to remember your food!

Book Your Band

What type of couple are you? Band or DJ?

Not your average wedding band??? If you want a band that can cover all genres of songs for your ceremony and reception, visit www.thegoldcoastallstars.com. They are 100% Cheeky-approved.

Fig Media also has great DJ’s that will definitely keep the party going!

6 TO 8 MONTHS:

Make Snap Decisions…

Reserve your photographer and don’t forget to book a block of rooms for your out-of-town guests.

4 TO 6 MONTHS:

Send Out Your Save-the-Dates

Get started on your wedding invitation research. Be U Brides can customize your one-of-a-kind invitation and carry over the design throughout your wedding invitations and reception paper.

2 TO 3 MONTHS:

Dress to Impress

As a bride, you will have many events leading up to your special day—showers, bachelorette parties, etc. To keep your days stress free—pick your outfits out ahead of time. One of my favorite places to shop for these items is Sofia boutique.

Beauty Tips and Tricks Time

For hair, try Avieve Salon. Book your hair appointment through one of my favorite Lincoln Park salons!

For make-up we absolutely love Brie Aarin Makeup.

Remember, wedding planning should be one of the best experiences of your life.  Don’t stress, have fun and get your bridesmaids involved. After all, they are there to help you, too! For more tips and tricks that aren’t listed here, check back in March for my next Cheeky column!

(Bride and groom photo with red shoes courtesy of Carasco Photography)

Originally a licensed Asian Bodywork Therapist, Kimberly soon found herself falling into fitness when Equinox called and asked her to teach a Restorative Stretch class. She quickly added several cycling and treadmill classes to her schedule and began working closely with the former Group Fitness Manager, Marcelo Ehrhardt. Four months after she began teaching, Kimberly assisted Marcelo in an ECA World Fitness Conference and was soon recommended to become a Schwinn Master Trainer. Working with both ECA and Schwinn are coveted opportunities in the fitness world as they offer endless career possibilities and life experiences. Her recommendation to Schwinn brought her such an opportunity when she was introduced to worldwide Schwinn Master Trainer Jay Blahnik. The meeting allowed her to travel the world for a year with him as her mentor, absorbing his cycling teacher training programs.

When not traveling with world Schwinn Masters, Kimberly can be found training clients out of her coaching company Njoy Racing, teaching fitness classes at Lakeshore Sport and Fitness and on Star-Trac’s E-Series Treadmills. That’s right, she’s literally on treadmills. This high-end brand of treadmills allows Kimberly to coach you through interval running programs from the display screen on the actual treadmill. The E-Series Treadmill is just now being seen in local gyms, but not soon enough for Kimberly not to be receiving fan mail. Her very first fan mail read, “My running’s changed forever because of you.” Her company Njoy Racing trains about 10 triathletes at a time on one of 20 Computrainer cycling systems at Train Chicago Studios and with thrice weekly runs. “We’re in the business of helping people feel better about themselves,” she says. One of her favorite things is helping people find the athlete within themselves that they may not have previously thought was there.

Hearing about all of Kimberly’s amazing career entities might have one wondering how does this girl have the energy? “I literally live by the calendar,” she says. However, once changing to a strict vegetarian diet she went from needing nine hours of sleep a night to just eight. Her current diet consists of almonds, tofu with brown rice and veggies, oatmeal, juices and Indian food. Her advice when it comes to eating right is to box up half of your meal when dining out (the minute the food arrives) to help save on calories. She quotes Triathlete Coach, Bobby McGee, in saying, “We eat to train, not train to eat.”

To any Cheeky girl thinking their current workout could use a little spice, Kimberly says there is nothing like a mass sea of people running, biking and swimming all with the same goal. It becomes a very deep shared experience. “The world would be a better place if everyone ran a marathon,” she says. How’s that for a challenge?

Find Kimberly on Facebook at NJoy Racing and soon on TravelPeaks.com writing about her world-traveling experiences.

Luckily, the wedding registry can also be completely personalized, with sites like Amazon that let you feature items from any store online. All types of couples can customize their registry so they can start their lives together in their personal nest.

For couples into old-fashioned décor, these vintage-inspired items are a perfect pick (click the items to visit the websites): sip tea in this delicate cup and saucer, spice up your dining room with this jar fixture, spruce up your bookcase with these handsome poodle bookends and savor a new glass of wine after opening it with this unique opener.

Couples into the non-frill ambiance must check out these masculine pieces: keep your brandy in this stylish decanter, decorate your couch with burlap pillow covers, cuddle up during a snowstorm with this faux fur throw and keep your furniture ring-free with wooden coasters.

Funky, fun-loving couples should take a peek at these quirky gifts: dine on a grrreat tiger plate, cork that wine with a mustache stopper, store your books behind this hilarious painting and drink your martinis with these cute glasses.

What type of couple are you?

1. In Honor of the Foot

Although we know that foot fashion is neither functional nor feel-good, we can’t seem to tear ourselves away from the three (or six)-inch beauties that test our coordination and our balance. High heels will artificially engage our foot muscles throughout the day making us more susceptible to muscle cramping and strain. The fix? A DIY, daily foot fitness plan. Keep a tennis ball, number two pencil and ballet flats under your desk. In between meetings and during those long hours at the computer, roll out the bottom of the foot over the tennis ball as if you were kneading dough. Then, give your toes a workout by trying to pick up the pencil – feeling talented? Throw some paper under the desk and write yourself a Cheeky note! Finally, have the ballet flats available for a “Blahnik Break” or even a quick trip to Starbucks.  The more you take your feet out of their “containers,” the more resilient those tootsies will be for dancing the night away!

2. Keep Calm and Carry On

As women, we can be accused of being “too sensitive” or “over emotional” when we react to a situation. But how do we manage our reactions in the moment? Try The 90 Second Pause. The next time you are triggered and feel that heat of anger creeping upon you, breathe and wait 90 seconds. Often times, this minute and a half can occur while the person who is triggering you is still talking. Your brain is only able to produce the “pissy” chemical for those 90 seconds. Once the time has passed, anger can only stay present if you choose to let that circuit continue to run. Cheeky girls can make the choice to “Act” and not “ReACT.”

3. The Invisible Bikini

Use this subtle exercise to narrow your waistline and tone the muscles “down under.” Imagine you are wearing the perfect string bikini.  Miraculously, everything fits, nothing is falling out and you feel secure in your sexiness.  Engage the muscles of your low belly, pulling them towards your center and away from the bikini’s triangle.  Then, using the muscles at your sides, imagine that you could pull the strings up a little higher towards your waist – think Cameron Diaz in Charlie’s Angels. Now try to do both actions at the same time and feel the “girdle” you have created just by using your core.  Getting in touch with these muscles will help you create a strong lower back, slimmer waist and start to build your “Girdle of Strength!”

Let us know about the Cheeky places you were able to try out these tips. Did you wear your “invisible bikini” to the boardroom? Were you able to pause for the full 90 seconds?  Check back next week as we move our way up to the neck and shoulders for more tips to relieve physical tension and discover strategies to stretch your mind and serve your body.

Doug Fletcher inspects the vines at Chimney Rock Winery

Character—it’s all about what happens when no one is looking. And right now, few travelers to Napa are spending time looking at the bare vines. As I drive down the Silverado Trail, I don’t see much action in the vineyards that line this long and winding road. But here is the amazing thing about January in the vineyards—what happens now is the single most important thing in determining a wine’s character. And what, you may ask, happens this time of year that seals the fate of a wine being of high quality or something not -so-much? In a word, pruning.

Doug Fletcher oversees winemaking for a number of Terlato family-owned wineries (Chimney Rock, Rutherford Hill and Terlato Family Vineyards in Napa) and has been working in the Stags Leap District for over 25 years. He is rather academic, yet passionate about his craft and not the kind of guy to take shortcuts. And, it is Doug who has suggested I take a closer look to discover the current and critical activity in the valley. This is the time of year that finds vineyard workers not picking grapes (obviously), but quite busy at their tasks. Vines can be fussy and require skilled care. Proper pruning lays the base for the coming growing season and gives the winemakers the best chance of harvesting the finest fruit possible in the fall. The actual process of pruning is fairly complex, with precise measurements to weigh the branches and intricate formulas to calculate yields. While walking through the vineyards with Doug, he stopped to pick up a bundle of canes that would later go to the lab. Suffice to say this type of farming is very labor intensive.  And the labor doesn’t come free. This, my dear wine friends, is part of the answer to the perpetual question of why some wines cost more. Doing it right—inspecting, calculating, deliberating, pruning—is more expensive. Some wineries do it and some don’t.

There is a saying out here in wine country that wine is made in the vineyards. Those that prepare the vines approach the task as a labor of love because they know there are no short cuts if you want the best in the bottle. We all know a chef’s dish can only be as strong as the ingredients used. When you are a winemaker and have just one main ingredient, then this is all the more true. Even though the final cost of the bottle might end up being higher, you’ll certainly appreciate good “character” when pouring your next glass.