captions paid for by nbc-universal television ♪ it's a soggy fun day monday, everybody. may 21st. so glad you're with us today. ♪ rainy days and mondays never get us down ♪ >> yeah. by the way, the weekend was so gorgeous. >> we're paying for it. >> yesterday was so gorgeous, >> sun splashed. and this is nasty. you had a lot of visitors, didn't you, over the weekend?

>> i did. it is prom season, it is graduation season. in my days we went and got a little dress or our mother made us a little dress and we did our own hair and makeup. now, forget paying for college when you send your kids off. i can't believe how much it costs to send your kid to a prom! >> right. the dress, the -- >> oh, and hair and makeup and the pictures and da-da. then we hosted about 100 people at our house yesterday because everybody has to take their pictures. cass is in the middle there in that yellow -- butter color which is her nickname. there she is on the left. some of her friends. >> they're all beefl. >> the sweetest group of girls. they really are gorgeous girls. and there's cody with his sister. he's home for another week before he goes back. not flattering of mommy and daddy, but hey, it's not always about us. >> those are great shots. >> you know what's amazing to me, though? i mean, when i was younger and bought dresses, you know, for events and things like that -- i

mean, i still buy them. i don't steal them. but i paid a lot more money for things back then than i do now. i just won't do it. i bought a few gorgeous ralph lauren dresses through the years. cassidy's wearing one of them. that's one. yeah. and when i think -- this girl is 105 pounds. that's what cass -- 104. when i married frank, i weighed one pound less than cassidy! what happened to me? two caesareans and menopause happened to me. and a little vino. all right. a lot. oh, my gosh -- yes. there i am. there's my sister and my little niece shanny. yeah. niece. i was 104 pounds. >> you were so skinny. >> how did they happen to have that -- >> because that's how they do. before and after. before and after. >> so embarrassing! anyway -- >> we have a big announcement first in the kotb family. >> oh, that one.

>> my brother and his wife, you guys, adopted this beautiful baby from ethiopia named ella. and she arrived in my apartment. that's her and hanna holding hands. and my mom picked her up right there at the doorway and she was a little scared, like who are these people. my mom's got her. >> she's beautiful. >> she was adjusting and she was crying as kids do. and then she fell right asleep on top of me. and look at hanna's little pinhead in the corner. >> and it was love. it was love. >> anyway, her name's ella. we're so excited to have her. >> how is she adjusting to life? >> she's getting the hang of it. it's a weird adjustment. >> can you imagine the world she's been taken from and the world she goes forward? she gets on a plane with strangers. >> yeah. obviously for the first time. she's 2 years old. she doesn't speak the language. they speak amharic, which is another language. she's saying sounds and we're all trying to see what that meant and now we are getting the hang of it but i think she's adjusting and smiling more. >> and hannah's a good little sister -- big sister? >> yes. and she was holding her hand and helping her color. and i have some stuff on my

refrigerator of the first drawings that ella drew. it was a slash with a crayon, but i like it. >> a piece of art to you. >> i'm excited. >> congratulations. and that is an incredibly brave thing that they did. >> yeah. she's going to be a great kid. she's a great kid right now. so this is weird. i went to vegas do an interview with carrie underwood over the weekend for "dateline" -- >> that airs tomorrow night. >> that airs tomorrow night. i was staying at the mandarin hotel. i set the alarm to wake up at 6:00 because i wanted to make sure i was up at 6:00. >> on friday morning? >> yes, friday morning. set the alarm at 6:00. hit the button. the weird thing is the way the alarms work in that hotel is when 6:00 happens, the black shades -- the blackout shade open and a fake sunrise appears on the tv! look at it! isn't that weird? it starts out with birds chirping. >> did it freak you out? >> you're like -- >> there are no birds in vegas! >> i know. that's when i knew something was weird. anyway, it was really cool. i loved that whole thing. so i ended up interviewing carrie underwood. >> who is a doll! >> such a talent and so sweet.

she ended up -- we ended up doing some karaoke, which was just sad for me. praying she drowned me out. >> oh, my gosh. you're a brave woman. to do cakaraoke with carrie. >> carrie-oke. >> by the way, she knows every single song. she knows them all. >> "everyone has a story"? >> except for that one. but she's so great and we got on some mechanical bull like we did the whole thing. there's my big behind up there. >> not your first time at the rodeo. >> careful. anyway, that thing airs -- that's enough of that. i couldn't get up. all right? i'm old and flabby. >> oh, my gosh. sad news in the world. not just the music world but the world in general. because these are -- down to one bee gee brother left. robin died of a long battle with cancer over the weekend. just we can crank their music a little bit. because that is something that's going to live on and on and on. ♪

>> yeah. he was battling it and there was a point there where i think a lot of people thought that he had sort of beaten it. >> yeah. >> it was just so sad to hear. on the heels of donna summer, you heard that news late last week. then this. they really did define -- we always say certain musicians define generations. >> the soundtrack of your life during a certain period of time. >> yeah. but -- >> but donna and the bee gees were -- had so much talent that they were never isolated into one just disco. donna went on to win other grammys in inspirational music and the bee gees, they wrote that great song for kenny and dolly which is "islands in the stream." i mean, they're talented people. >> i didn't know they wrote that. >> yeah. they defied -- what's it called? just being putting a label on them and slapping them on the wall. yeah, our heart goes out to barry. it's really hard for barry. >> that was very sad. okay. so this is weird. a couple in chicago got married. and i don't know if you guys saw the news, what was going on in chicago.

but there were huge protests because of the nato meeting. so anyway, this couple gets married and they step outside and look what they step into. a huge protest -- >> talk about stepping in it. they stepped in it, all right. >> so that's where they had their pictures. she looks freaked. >> no, she's never been happier. what a glorious day. you know what? they say it's like rain on a wedding day. you're bummed by it -- or when a pigeon poops on you. it's supposed to be good luck. i would say it's good luck for the pigeon. he's the only one that feels better. >> a little sad on saturday night. i guess it is sort of the end of an era on "snl." kristen wiig basically said good-bye on "snl." it was one of those things, you heard rumblings it was going to happen. and this was the season finale. mick jagger wag hosting. >> he was funny. >> yeah, everyone says he was great. you wondered how they would say good-bye to her. he actually sang "ruby tuesday," and then they did this beautiful

good-bye thing. let's take a look. >> you've meant quite a lot to us over this past seven years. she got held back. so our music department got together and prepared a song to say good-bye. this one's for you. ♪ ♪ ♪ good-bye ruby tuesday ♪ who could hang a name on you ♪ >> she was crying at times, fighting back tears others. >> she's got six movies already ready to go. you know, she's going to have a huge, huge, huge career. personally i'm happy to see her go. >> why? >> because only she can do kathie lee.

>> well, let's take a look at that. >> oh. maybe not. >> no. we're going to get it. we can feel it. >> "today" show. >> i'm kathie lee gifford and i am like so menopausal. >> and i'm hoda kotb. hoda kotb. god, i am never going to get past that weird name. >> what? >> it's weird! hoda comes from the land of no vowels. >> there's an "o" in there. kathie. >> what? >> an "o." an "o" is a vowel. >> no, it's not. someone look it up. >> "o" is a vowel. look it up. >> and "a" is a vowel, too. oh, my gosh. i wish her all the best but i won't personally miss her at all. >> by the way, who's been doing you lately? >> i don't know. >> you're impossible to do apparently, hoda woman. >> who did it last time? we were talking to her. >> i think it should be thompson. what's his name?

kenan? >> that's enough. >> he's the only one qualified. >> ha, ha, ha, ha. >> the tan mom -- kristen also did the tan mom brilliantly. tan mom was speaking out on the "today" show today. >> patricia krentcil. >> yeah. you won't forget this. come on. >> look at the steam. >> anyway, today she spoke to one of our "today" show correspondents and she wanted to set the record straight, i guess, because she thought there were a lot of misconceptions about her. >> and there still are. >> we're fighting these charges because i'm not guilty. every allegation was completely wrong, and i just want people to leave us alone. is there something wrong about getting your nails done? or somebody who smokes too much? or somebody who overeats?

and if this is such a problem, why wasn't this said years ago? look in the mirror and look at yourself instead of looking at me. i'm sorry i'm tan. i like to be tan. it just feels good. but i really think that these moms or dads need to step off and step away. >> was it wines day wednesday that day? just asking. you know what? what can you say? >> nothing. nothing. >> but i don't think she changed anybody's mind. >> no, i don't think so. >> sometimes you speak out because you want to be understood. i still don't understand. >> all right. let's just -- >> i want to. >> i know you do. >> i do. >> let's take a tiny look back. on thursday you and i had a strange opening to our show. some people got it, some didn't. >> kind of enjoyed it. ♪

>> look at you. >> they're long. >> oh, hello. >> and if you saw it from the side view, this is what's sad. we could be an ad for spanx. if you look at some of the photos that were taken from around me -- >> who took those photos and why haven't they been destroyed? >> britney. that's practically naked. >> oh, hey. >> nobody told me -- you can't see them. you can't see them from behind the desk. >> it's not the spanx. it's the legs. >> whatever! they're too long. i can't keep them together -- i mean. >> spanx. they work in every direction. >> all right! >> forget it. >> anyway. you got some 'splaining to do. >> favorite things. >> mine is this burberry.

i love this. if i could get it open. the burberry natural bronzer summer glow number 4. it's $38 from burberry.com. over the weekend i only used that. >> oh, really? >> uh-huh. and it just makes you look like -- not like the tan lady. not quite like that. >> bronzey. >> a little bronzed. and i love it. it is really fun. >> my favorite thing is a little expensive but it is worth it if you like music in your house. it's called sonos. you get these portable speakers that you can put anywhere in your home, and with your iphone -- >> stop it. >> -- you can turn the volume up and down in different rooms. it is insane. each speaker is about $300. to set it up it's $49. you have to have wi-fi in your house. i'm telling you, you can adjust volume bedroom, living room, patio. it's insane. >> wouldn't work on my little dinosaur phone? my little flip top? >> no, no. wouldn't work there. >> hey, miss sara. >> my favorite thing are sweaty bands. you wear them when you work out. i live in workout clothes. these are about $18 at sweatybands.com.

>> i like it. >> i love them. and don't forget it's the last day for our contest for hot dads. go to klgandhoda.com to submit. >> what do they do? >> go on there and submit a photo and a reason why they have the hottest. >> all right, great. >> coming up next, big stories in tinseltown this weekend. >> we'll have the latest buzz. you know who's in the house. rob shooter. right after this.

♪ oh, what's going on ♪ what's going on we are back with "today's buzz" and all the celebrity news you missed while were you catching up on your chores this weekend. >> here with all the entertainment scoop is huffington post celebrity columnist mr. rob shooter. hello, rob. >> hello, ladies. >> the billboard awards were on last night. the music awards. always fun to watch. >> massive weekend. we were just saying how disappointed we were that so many people lip-nced. >> what's going on there? >> is there no shame left? >> do you know what the trouble is? it's actually become the norm now. expect more of this. nobody's outraged about the fact that everybody lip syncs.

>> kelly clarkson sang, right? >> yes. we should point that out. there was brilliance. i love people singing live. i think that's the joy of tuning in. however, there was somebody there who was a very special guest. for a year this young lady katie has been trying to get justin bieber to take her to her prom. it was this weekend. she finally had given in to the fact that he wasn't going. pretty upset about it. gets to the prom. he sends a video to the prom that they play inviting her to be the date the next day to the billboard awards. he flew her to las vegas, treated her like a v.i.p. here's the video that he sent to her class, and they played it. it was a fantastic moment. she even got a hug from him before he accepted the award. >> i'm sure he got a million of those from girls. you can't start a precedent either. >> i blame betty white for this on "snl." when she was on facebook and we got her do it, that's how it starts. >> what about miley cyrus's outfit? >> a very unusual choice. >> she forgot something that night. i think it's called her bra. >> and her pants. she had on this very white matte.

by jean paul gaultier. he's the famous designer that did the madonna cone dress. that's the right word i think. that gold bustier. he designed it for madonna. it is a very unusual look and everybody is talking about it today. >> the fact that she's not going to be doing "x factor" now, you've got to stay in the conversation, as they say. >> what about the whitney houston tribute? >> very touching moments. they gave a massive award to whitney, the millennium award. there were some conversations, a little bit of drama about who would accept the award work to be bobbi kristina, her daughter, or would it be her manager and sister-in-law, pat? in the end they both accepted the award. this is the first time she's spoken out publicly since the death. she did do the oprah interview. very touching. she said she was blessed to have been in such an incredible woman's life. she is very emotional. john legend nailed it with jordin sparks. it's fantastic to hear them sing these songs. >> i'm reading a lot of people

very concerned about the reality series coming up, that this might not be the very best environment for bobbi kristina. >> that's a very good point. i spoke to her godmother last week on "new york live," and she told me she was really worried, she thought it was a little bit too soon. >> mark zuckerberg had a big week. >> what a week. 20 billion -- >> his bride, though, he makes the 20 billion and then the next day marries you. so you're not part of the -- share the wealth. >> so $20 billion and a new bride. what's lovely about these two is they've been dating for over nine years. they went to university together, harvard. he famously dropped out to pursue facebook. she did graduate and they even set up a facebook page. she's a pediatrician. they set up a facebook page souq give donations and organ donations. they just went to china. they got married. we asked their rep if there was a prenup because we're cheeky like, that but they declined to comment. >> it would be crazy not to. >> $20 billion. >> we're happy for them. >> kinda.

>> kristen wiig just quickly said good-bye. >> really classy. they haven't confirmed it. no one's saying it's official. but i think this video speaks for itself. >> a couple of other cast members have contracts that are over. jason sudeikis and andy samberg have contracts that are both up. we don't know what's going to happen to those two. coming up, what are those gender raeflt paeveal parties a? sounds dirty. >> and our fan of the week. it's back to more pain, back to more pills. the evening showings bring more pain and more pills. sealing the deal... when, hang on... her doctor recommended aleve. it can relieve pain all day with fewer pills than tylenol. this is lois... who chose two aleve and fewer pills for a day free of pain. and get the all day pain relief of aleve in liquid gels. [ female announcer ] when you give your kids frosted strawberry pop-tarts

baked with real fruit, they'll rise and you'll shine. pop-tarts, made for fun. regular men's body wash can dry out your skin. only dove men+care has micromoisture to fight skin dryness. so that manhide of yours stays clean and moisturized. skin care built in.

and on the go... ...with some really big news. it's b-i-g, big. high speed internet from at&t at home... includes wi-fi access on the go -- whoo-hoo!

it's an unbelievable deal. it's an unbelievable deal. [ both chuckle ] well, gotta go! but, wait, there's more! [ female announcer ] go to the website below today and get high speed internet for the unbelievably low price of just $14.95 a month for 12 months with a 1-year price guarantee. it's all the speed you need at a great price. you can chill online at a park. here, pigie, pigie. [ pigeon coos ] and surf the web at your favorite bookstore. our internet at home includes access to the entire national at&t wi-fi hot spot network on the go. [ female announcer ] go to the website below and get high speed internet for just $14.95 a month for 12 months with a 1-year price guarantee. that's all the speed you need at a great price. it's an unbelievable deal, so why wait? act now! act now! like he said. ♪

it is monday and that means it's time to reveal our "fan of the week." >> we still have some? >> apparently. >> as always, the lovely sara is here to announce our lucky winner and reveal where that fan is going. >> yes, drum roll, please. this week's winner is sissy mcnew. from greenbriar, arkansas who watches us on kark, channel 4. sissy says even working women are keeping up with the show daily. her job requires a lot of data entry, so she can listen to the show at her desk. she is the only woman in an office of 30 men, so you are her cyber co-workers that help keep her sane.

sissy records the show so she can watch it at home, too, and pay closer attention to all of the details. her favorite part of the show is the chat because you make her laugh and show that sometimes true friends just have to agree to disagree. >> that's right. >> you got it, sissy. >> so congratulations, sissy. we are sending you and a friend to niagara falls. >> yeah! >> you and a guess will enjoy a two-night stay at the mansn on delaware avenue in buffalo, new york. the trip includes discovery passes to niagara falls state park, a spirit of buffalo cruise, daily breakfast and round-trip airfare for two. the hotel and airfare accommodations were provided by visitbuffaloniagara and ilovenewyork. >> what a -- >> great. and it is gorgeous up there this time of year. beautiful, beautiful. >> she's going to have fun. have fun, sissi girl. do you think you deserve to be our fan of the week? go to klgandhoda.com and let us know. still ahead -- boy or girl? how to surprise the expectant mom even if it's you. that's right. that's enough to keep you coming back to see a gender reveal party. plus, are you ready for a beach getaway?

we've got some hot and very affordable deals for you. >> if have you any money left over after the prom. and move over burgers and hot dogs. it's summer grilling with swordfish.

♪ we're back on this damp fun day monday with "today's travel." so get out that sunscreen and skim board because we've got five killer beach deals to tell hoda about. >> and they all get an "a" for affordable. "travel & leisure" magazine's deputy editor laura bigley bloom is here. these are all affordable. >> they are. >> let's start with hawaii. let's go way out there. >> we've got the aqua lotus. this is a fantastic boutique hotel on oahu. gorgeous views from the rooms of both diamond head and the ocean. it's got a really asian decor and they offer tons of free perks in the rate, which is only $199 a night, by the way. great for hawaii.

they have morning yoga classes. they give you beach cruiser bikes so you can cruise around on the beach and afternoon wine tastings as well. >> book us! >> hello! done! let's go to northern california. what do you have for us there? >> northern california. a suite hotel called the blue door. this is not about lying on the beach. this is about being near this gorgeous coastline, getting out and hiking. >> is that near big sur, that area? monterey-ish? >> it's about 150 miles north of san francisco. so really dramatic coastline. great wine tastings in the area. do we see a theme here? >> book us. >> yes. and $200 a night. i can't believe you can get these kind of rooms for that rate. >> look at that beautiful room. >> fireplaces for cool nights. >> that is really amazing at that price. >> this would be for a typical every day -- >> these are general rates. you want to ask to make sure the rates aren't going up on the weekends or on holidays, but these are general starting rates. >> if you want to go closer to

florida, which is an easy flight for a lot of people, ft. lauderdale. >> this is the atlantic in ft. lauderdale. and this kind of offers the best of both worlds. it's on a quiet part of the beach with gorgeous panoramic views, but it's also right anywhere beach place, so you can be near the action and the restaurants. >> it's a lot of fun. >> a lot of fun. right now they are offering something that's super fun called the fintastic get-away. can you go to the museum of art and see this amazing shark exhibit that has installations and paintings, and they also throw in a snorkeling cruise. no sharks in the area. don't worry. >> go directly to that after you've been to the -- >> this is $199 a night. >> 199. also a great deal. they give you discounts on spa treatments. and morning breakfast as well. >> off to newport, rhode island which i love. >> really fun new hotel just opened -- or just opening there on june 1st called the atwater. and this is unlike a lot of other newport hotels which are a little more traditional. this is super funky, really modern, bright colors and the rooms are -- >> wow! >> the rooms are really high-tech.

they've got am apple tv and ipads and ipods. their starting rate is $165 a night. they also throw in a harbor cruise in the area. >> that's an old building that they renovated. >> right. it's in the center of newport but it's easy walking distance to the beach and -- >> all those mansions that you can tour that are just unbelievable. >> great getaway. >> and you'll take us to mexico here at the end. >> this is the viceroy in zihuatanejo, which is a charming little fishing village -- >> that's the place from "shawshank redemption," which he -- >> that's what he considered his perfect idea of paradise. this hotel is definitely paradise. many of the rooms have private plunge pools, gorgeous views of the beach. they also do what i think is really great, an organic cooking class where the chef takes you into the local market so you get to buy all of the local ingredients, then learn how to cook your mexican dinner back at the property. >> that is gorgeous. >> guess whose birthday it is today? >> who?

>> eduardo varestegi. speak of a hot tamale. that's what i was thinking of. thank you, laura. >> thank you, darling. up next, the latest trend for mommies to be. a gender reveal party. >> we'll show you how to throw one right after this. and crowd cheering so, i'm walking down the street, sfx: sounds of marching band and crowd cheering just you know walking, sfx: sounds of marching band and crowd cheering and i found myself in the middle of this parade honoring america's troops. which is actually quite fitting because geico has been serving the military for over 75 years. aawh no, look, i know this is about the troops and not about me. right, but i don't look like that. who can i write a letter to about this? geico. fifteen minutes could save you fifteen percent or more on car insurance. uhhh. boring.

living dead. that is a contradiction, my friend. starburst exists in two separate... you are boring me to death. and i am already dead. you're boring me back to death. [ female announcer ] starburst. it's a juicy contradiction. see? he's taking his vitamins. one a day vitacraves plus omega-3 dha is a complete multivitamin for adults. plus an excellent source of omega-3 dha in a great tasting gummy. one a day, gummies for grown-ups.

when someone gives blood and a life is saved, that moment when heartbreak turns to hope, you're there through the american red cross. every day, the red cross responds to nearly 200 neighborhood emergencies. and your support makes it possible. use this moment to join us today. visit redcross.org.

♪ mamma mia >> announcer: "today's moms" is brought to you by charmin ultra strong. ♪er, i've been brokenhearted now on "today's moms," those increasingly popular gender reveal parties. >> what are they, you ask? we don't know either! well, it's when your friends learn the sex of your child the same time you do at a party, of course. >> so how do you throw one of these things? lori gelman is here with the details. she's the lifestyle and trend expert for babycenter.com. >> good to see you again. >> how are you? this is kind of an interesting concept. >> it's not dirty, kathie lee 7 37. i don't care what you say. >> gender reveal.

>> so how do we go about this? >> here's the thing. it is one of those things that it is one of the last things you find out about a baby and the trend started with one woman having a great idea, then she invited all her friends and now all of a sudden it's become this fantastic thing to do when you are going to find out what sex your baby is. >> how does it work? >> you get your sonogram and you don't find out anything. the technician seals the sonogram in aen an envelope and you give it to either your caterer or the baker at your local bakery and they will find out and they make -- >> everything appropriate. >> everything appropriate. >> right. >> pink or blue. >> your whole party is pink and blue. you put candies in jars. these are very nice. we got them i think at home goods or something. but you can get them anywhere. you can use mason jars at home. just something that's festive, says pink and blue. you get hershey bars. you can see that we've done with sharpies the he and the she. >> clever, right? >> people are voting, and then the ultimate goal is to reveal? >> when people show up they pick a side. they pick a side and say i'm on team boy or i'm on team girl. you know. you can even go as far as you

can get really nice invitations made up, too. >> are most of these the second or third child or do people do it on the first, too? >> a lot of people are doing it because they are so excited about their first baby. but this is in lieu of, say, like a shower. when you really don't need anything. you don't want to ask people for money or for gifts. you just want to celebrate the baby. people come in, they pick either team boy or team girl. then they can suggest names and write them down. put them in the box. you can, you know, wear a bead around your neck. say, i'm on team blue. since i have two girls, i'm going to be on team blue because i always wanted a boy, too. that is basically that part. then the big reveal -- >> how do we reveal it? >> what you do is now that you've had the cake made, you have no idea what it is. as the parents you have absolutely no idea. so you cut into the cake and let me just turn it around and show. it's a boy. >> or if you do these cupcakes, you have them put a little bit of frosting the color of pink or blue in the cupcakes so

everybody -- >> that's such a cute idea! >> very cute idea. >> there's a couple more things you can do. you can get a pinata. and you can have the store fill it with either pink or blue candy. that's basically instead of giving it to the baker you give it to the person at the store and say i don't want to know but fill it with something. >> people bring their children and everybody finds out at the same time. very cute. >> you tell it with either blue -- these actually you can get, they say it's a boy or it's a girl from hershey. it is all very cost efficient, i have to say. and this is one of those things that people are really talking about how to. on babycenter ten times as many people have been talking about it than they did last year. >> because usually it's just you and your husband in a hospital room and you're making all the phone calls. >> it's so boring. this is everybody gets a chance to -- even if they have a sibling and the sibling really wants a brother and all of a sudden it's a sister, you know, it softens the blow. >> it does. >> you get cake. one of the other big reveals if you don't want cake and stuff, these are balloons in a box.

nothing ever works. then everybody gets to -- >> it works just fine. >> surprise! it's a girl. >> okay. great to see you, lori. give our love to gelman. >> i will! up next, getting into a little heated competition over skin care.hi rig aft t as. good morning. it's time for your weather channel forecast. i'm meteorologist chris warren. a threat for storms today will be mainly on the east coast and throughout parts of the northern plains. we're going to see possibly some damaging winds and some large hail associated with any storms that do form throughout the day. and this is going to be with some very warm air in place. the dakotas, minnesota 80s expected. the southwest will be the hottest places, though. temperatures into the 90s. triple digits throughout parts of arizona, southern nevada, and southern california. the deserts of southern

california. pacific northwest dealing with some more rain. also the northeast now have more rain in the picture for the middle part of the week. and extreme southern florida dealing with some storms. that heat pushes farther to the east into parts of west texas. chicago, you're starting to see that rebound. we had some very warm temperatures last week. back up to around 80 on wednesday. that next system pushing into the plains with a chance for some rain and a few storms associated with it on thursday. keep it tuned in to the weather channel for the very latest on that severe weather threat by the end of the week for the plains. chance of a little bit of rain shower activity. maybe a storm or two in the mid-atlantic and parts of the coastal southeast. on friday another chant for the intermountain west to see some showers. even some snow possible in some of the higher elevations. rain showers around the great lakes and another shot at some rain on saturday for the northern plains, parts of west texas. you could see a few showers. and then on sunday it still looks like that chance for some rain in the pacific northwest and pushing out into the plains

out ahead of some heat. chicago still looking at mid 60s, and it's going to be warm in the southeast this weekend. temperatures into the 90s. and remember, on weekdays on the weather channel in the morning you can wake up with al roker and stephanie abrams.

♪ beautiful girls now on "today's beauty," skin care myths that will surprise you as the seasons change. so should your skin care regimen change as well? who really follows that? most people use the same stuff all the time. >> so here to test our knowledge on skin care and help aw invoiced making some common mistakes is sara bernard, the host of the thread on yahoo. >> we were wondering where you were. >> i'm here! great to see you guys. >> we're going to play a little game. we're going to guess myth or fact. >> yeah.

you have your paddle. i'm going to tell you something and you're going to say whether it's a myth or a fact. >> we're ready. >> okay. wearing makeup to bed occasionally won't cause break-outs. myth or fact? >> won't. >> won't. occasionally. it's a fact. >> okay. it's a myth. it is actually -- quick change. it's actually one of the worst things can you do for your skin. the easiest to change. >> occasionally! >> every now and then! >> here's a solution. keep those make-up remover wipes right by your bedside so you have no excuse. >> i'm lazy. >> you really are. >> okay. next. here's another one. myth or fact? oops. let me get my cards. you always need to wash your face in the morning even if you wash it the night before. >> i'm going to say myth. >> fact. that is a fact! even if you wash it at night, overnight your cell is going to -- i mean your skin cells are going through a renewal process. they're kicking off toxins, metabolic products you that need to wash off in the morning. two washes -- >> isn't it too much washing?

>> you've got to use a gentle cleanser. you've got to be gentle but wash nighttime, morning. >> you seem like a nice woman but you're starting to get on our nerves. >> i'm just giving you more work do on your skin. you're tied, though, so that's good. the next one is you can disregard your skin type when choosing a cleanser. >> myth. >> so you're both right. always take your skin type into consideration because if you have oily skin and you use a dry cleanser it is not going to remove all the oil. if you do the reverse you might get redness or irritation. you guys knew that one. >> yes. i just use whatever's in the bathroom. >> never use a deodorant bar soap on your face. >> fact. >> fact, that is correct. because even though it is innocuous, it can cause dryness and irritation. you got that one. all right. it's best to clean your face with a wash cloth. >> a wash cloth? myth. >> no, it's not. so that would be a myth.

>> that would be a myth. you guys are totally on the same wavelength here. it is a myth because bacteria loves those warm wet wash cloths that all hang in our bathrooms. so you could actually be washing back tier yo onto your face. >> so what's the best way to wash -- >> your hands, actually. clean hands. just be gentle about it. >> should you use toner and all those other things? >> it can be really drying. so it depends. if you have oily skin, yes. if you have dry skin, no, i wouldn't do it. cleared that one up. okay. hot showers cause wrinkles. >> that's a myth. it better be. >> don't say fact. is it? >> it's a fact. because hot showers dry your skin. if your skin cells -- >> hot showers cause wrinkles? >> yes. >> you're going to have to change absolutely everything you do. >> my favorite things -- sugar and hot showers cause wrinkles. >> it's all over for you, hoda. >> just lukewarm. >> but who wants that? that's no good. >> we've got to suffer for our beauty.

last one. >> oh, the tiebreaker. >> no. no, it's not the tiebreaker. >> come on. clearly it's the tiebreaker. >> don't leave makeup on while you exercise. >> don't leave it on -- wait. don't leave it on -- >> put it that way. you shouldn't leave makeup on while you exercise. >> fact. >> all right. you guys are both right on that one. but there's an exception to that. lip gloss and waterproof mascara, that's all right. though i don't know why you'd want to do it. but some people go to the gym with a full face of makeup. >> i can't be without something on my lips. ever. ever. >> so how do we split it? >> we don't split it! >> we have a real prize. >> oh, my gosh, hoda, you should be so ashamed. >> i use oil of olay. >> take them. >> i use the venus, too. up next, give them a thrill on the grill with some swordfish. but first, this is "today" on nbc. attention - americans living with limited mobility.

what do you do when you can no longer get around like you used to? when you fear losing your independence? who do you call? call hoveround now, to see if you qualify for america's premier power chair. hi, i'm tom kruse, inventor and founder of hoveround. now you can do more, see more, enjoy life more. here's why hoveround makes it easier than any other power chair. hoveround is more maneuverable to get you through the tightest doors and hallways. more reliable. hoveround employees build your chair, deliver your chair, and will service your chair for as long as you own your chair. and most importantly, 9 out of 10 people got their hoveround for little or no cost. call now for your free dvd and information kit. and now every hoveround comes with this tote bag and cup holder for handy access to your favorite items. you don't really have to give up living because you don't have your legs. call now for your free consultation. and right now, get this limited edition hoveround america travel mug free with your hoveround delivery. call or log onto hoveround.com right now!

i'm here to unleash my inner cowboy. instead i got heartburn. [ horse neighs ] hold up partner. prilosec isn't for fast relief. try alka-seltzer. it kills heartburn fast. yeehaw! it kills heartburn fast. on my journey across america, i found new ways to tell people about saving money. this is bobby. say hello bobby. hello bobby. do you know you could save hundreds on car insurance over the phone, online or at your local geico office? tell us bobby, what would you do with all those savings? hire a better ventriloquist. your lips are moving. geico®. fifteen minutes could save you fifteen percent or more on car insurance.

♪ i got a feeling it's time to head into the kitchen to see "what's cookin'?" it looks like we've got some fish in the dish. >> ben pollinger, executive chef just a block away from us right here in new york city.

>> we can smell the fish when we pass by. >> smells great. >> what's happening in this region? >> we've got a little something to warm up the morning. this is our oceanic kokts cocktail. >> oh. >> with a little bit of seaweed. we've got a little bit of lime juice, sherry, citrus vodka, mulled a little cucumber and mint. little bit of salt. >> i like that. >> put it this way. it's interesting. >> very nice. >> we're making some swordfish. >> we've got swordfish on the grill. we drizzle it with a little olive oil and season it with some salt and pepper. put it on the grill for about two minutes, and then we turn it for 90 degrees. >> why is that? >> because after another two minutes when you flip it over -- >> that's the only reason you're doing it? that is adorable! >> that is so cute. >> we're going to grill some asparagus here. we slice the ends off the asparagus. and then to get this presentation this is called colored asparagus. we trim around the end and then peel it back with a paring

knife. that gives you a nice pretty presentation. that's going to grill for five minutes on the grill. >> so far it is nice and low-cal. >> it is. everything here today. >> how long do you cook the swordfish. >> the swordfish is going to be about eight minutes overall. two minutes you're going to turn it, another two, flip it, and then you're going to turn it again. >> and everybody likes their swordfish different too. some people like it -- >> for an inch-thick piece it's going to give you about medium. >> okay. what are you cooking up here? what's happening in this pan? >> this is some shallots that are sauteing with a little olive oil. here's the stems from the asparagus. >> nothing goes to waste. i like that. >> exactly. that we're going to saute and add some chicken stock. >> time to turn this. >> yes. >> i'm cooking. >> you're stirring actually, hoda. >> no, this is cooking. >> after about five minutes you're going to transfer this to a blender and puree it. then you've got this nice asparagus puree. >> that's cool. >> that's a great idea. you don't waste anything. >> we put the asparagus puree on the plate, put our grilled asparagus, our piece of

swordfish -- >> and you're going to garnish it with some cucumber? more asparagus. >> we've taken the tips of the asparagus, season that with a little olive oil and coarse salt for a little asparagus salad. then we've got a balsamic vinegar reduction. >> to put all over -- why don't you come around back here, ben and we can taste some of this good stuff. >> i'm going to flip this baby. >> flip it. nice job. >> thank you very much. >> so this is the finished product? >> this is the balsamic vinegar reduction. >> what's happening in the middle? >> spring pea risotto with parmesan cheese and mint. >> oh, is that good. >> watercress salad with roasted mushrooms and pine nuts. >> get in here. that's so good. >> and a little best anchovy -- >> ben, we've got to run but it is so good. so delicious. oceana, right here next to 30 rock. we're so happy. >> delicious. >> guess where i'm going today?