Blog Posts by Hilary Hagerman

Many Yahoo! Canada readers don't classify Angelina Jolie's decision as 'heroic.' (Theo Wargo/WireImage)Earlier this week, Angelina Jolie made news when she revealed in a New York Times op-ed that she had a preventative double mastectomy. Jolie carries the BRCA1 gene, which she says gave her an “87 per cent risk of breast cancer and a 50 per cent risk of ovarian cancer.” Her surgery drastically reduced that risk, and now, the actress is trying to raise awareness about what she went through.

While some people (including Brad Pitt) said Angelina’s decision was heroic, others don't feel the same. Yesterday, we asked Yahoo! Canada readers to weigh in, and received more than 600 comments.

The verdict? Many Yahoo! Canada readers think Jolie should not be classified as a “hero.”

“She is nowhere near being a hero, no more than any other female that has [gone] through this,” writes user Mark T. “Why would this even be an issue? ‘Cause she is a celebrity? My grandmother went through this years ago when there was less tech and with nowhere near the money this lady has.”

“Are you serious, a hero?,”

Angelina Jolie at the 2013 Women in the World conference (Daniel Zuchnik/Getty Images)Earlier this week, Angelina Jolie made headlines when she announced in a New York Times op-ed piece that she had a preventative double mastectomy.

But while Jolie's story is inspirational and courageous, it raises many questions for the average woman.  How important is it for women to get tested for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations? Can all Canadian women get tested? Is surgery really the best option?

Now, we want to know what you think about Angelina Jolie's decision to have a double mastectomy? Was it courageous for her to tell the public, or should she have kept it private? Would you do the same? Let us know what you think in the comments below, and your comment could be featured in an upcoming blog.

More on Yahoo! Shine Canada:

 Angelina Jolie's double mastectomy raises questions for women

Angelina Jolie's passionate tribute to Malala Youfsafzi

Kate Middleton's weekend wedding outfit is one she's worn before. (Twitter)Ahh, famous royals. They’re just like us!

Kate Middleton is a big fan of recycling her favourite clothes and accessories (those L.K. Bennett pumps, that structured Smythe blazer) and when she loves something, she’s not afraid to rock it multiple times.

This past Saturday, the Duchess of Cambridge attended a friend’s wedding in England. From the blurry Twitter photo snapped by a passerby, Kate seemed to be wearing the exact same outfit she wore to tour Warner Bros. Studios last month. The only noticeable difference? This weekend, she was donning a cute new fascinator.

Also see: What Kate Middleton is rarely spotted without

Kate’s dress is made by Topshop, and the affordable frock was available online – but it quickly sold out, as is tradition. The fitted blazer is Ralph Lauren, and her classic black pumps are from the brand Episode. And of course, the Duchess carried a sleek black clutch – one of her go-to accessories.

The mom-to-be (new rumours speculate she’s due July 13) and her husband

Do you think Kim's floral gown fit the punk theme? (Rabbani and Solimene Photography/WireImage)Kim Kardashian stepped out on the red carpet at the annual Met Gala on Tuesday night wearing a head-to-toe floral ensemble. And we really mean head-to-toe.

Kardashian wore a floral patterned Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci gown complete with a thigh-high slit. As if the fitted frock wasn’t enough, she topped off the look with matching shoes and gloves, although we’re confused where the dress sleeves end and the gloves begin (we're also a little scared by the fact that her arms seem to become one with her outfit).

While the theme of the gala was “Punk: From Chaos to Couture,” it looks like the mom-to-be might have accidentally mistaken it for “Things You Found in the Garden” or “Upholstery You Stole from Your Grandma’s Couch.”

Kardashian was one of the stars who didn’t seem to fully embrace the punk theme in the same spiked-hair-and-studded-jacket way that Miley Cyrus and Sienna Miller did. But apparently, she never went through a punk phase, so can you blame her?

Also see: Best and worst "punk"

What's the most important thing you've learned about being a mom? (Thinkstock)Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and we’re all gearing up to celebrate the special ladies in our lives.

Moms, while we hope your kids and hubby treat you to breakfast in bed, a relaxing spa day or just some family fun, we’re also asking for something from you this year.

We want to know: What’s the most important lesson you’ve ever learned about being a mother? Good or bad, we'd love to hear your stories.

Let us know in the comments below by Friday, May 10 and your advice could be featured in a special Mother’s Day blog.

 Check out our Mother's Day page for great gift ideas and other ways to make the mom in your life feel special this Sunday.

Many of us use margarine and butter on a regular basis, whether it’s for cooking, baking or just to top off some cooked veggies or a fresh bun. But is margarine actually better for you than butter? And which margarine is the healthiest?

On today’s episode of The Perfect Bite, host Andrea Jenna is joined by registered dietitian Samara Foisy. They taste test five popular margarine brands and give you the skinny on what reigns supreme when it comes to health and taste.

Which do you prefer: Margarine or butter? (Thinkstock)Becel with Bertolli Olive Oil

“Nice and creamy,” Samara immediately comments of the texture of this margarine.

Andrea agrees that the texture is smooth, but says the taste is a little salty – although both taste testers agree there isn’t an overpowering olive flavour.

“Consumers may be confused, because as you can see there’s a whole bunch of different kinds of margarines on the market with different property,” Samara explains. “So for example the Becel has olive oil in it. If you look at the blend, it really only comprises

Gwyneth Paltrow has worn some interesting outfits in the past (anyone remember this little number from the 2002 Oscars? Or more recently, how about this floral ensemble?)

Gwyneth Paltrow at the Iron Man 3 premiere in Hollywood, Calif. (Gregg DeGuire/WireImage)But most recently, the dress she wore to the Iron Man 3 premiere in Hollywood, Calif. last week has us scratching our heads.

The gorgeous actress, who was recently named People’s “Most Beautiful Woman,” wore a long, flowing, colour-blocked dress by designer Antonio Berardi. While the oddly-shaped sleeves weren’t exactly flattering, they weren’t what really got people talking. The real attention-grabber? The sheer panels that left little to the imagination.

Also see: Celebrity bodies that get better with age

“Oh brother,” Gwyneth laughed when describing the dress on the Ellen DeGeneres Show.

“I think there’s a lot of questions,” DeGeneres said. “And the question to me is…”

“Why is your ass hanging out?” Paltrow finished.

Well, you said it, not us.

Also see: Gwyneth Paltrow's footwear fail

Apparently she had a bit of a

Jordan and Prieto. (David Tingey/Splash News)This weekend, basketball superstar Michael Jordan tied the knot with his longtime girlfriend Yvette Prieto, 34. The pair had been engaged since December 2011, and have reportedly been dating since 2008. But besides the fact that she’s now Mrs. MJ, we don’t know a lot about this gorgeous lady. Here are five things you should know about Yvette Prieto:

1) She’s a former model. The Cuban-born beauty got her start doing commercials and bikini calendars before she modeled for famous designer Alexander Wang.

2) She used to date Julio Iglesias Jr. Yes, Enrique’s older brother and son of Julio senior. “She’s a fantastic girl and I like her,” he told Hola! back in 2003. “Aside from her beauty, which is obvious, she is loving, simple and a very good person.” Sorry it didn’t work out, Julio Jr. We send our condolences.

3) She’s a smarty pants. Prieto isn’t one of those models who gets by in life on her good looks (although we’re sure they don’t hurt!). She studied business management at university,