Lauren Conrad Somehow Landed a Cookbook Deal; Free Slurpees at 7-Eleven

Plus a chance to hang with Ruth Reichl and what Stanley Tucci wants for his final meal.

— Laguna Beach star and Kohl's clothing designer Lauren Conrad is writing a cookbook. Details are currently slim but it will be published by Harper Collins. Currently titled Lauren Conrad Celebrate, the book is slated to hit shelves April 2016. [via @paulaforbes]

— It's that time of year again: Tomorrow is 7-Eleven's annual free Slurpee day. However, this year marks the convenience store chain's 88th birthday, and it's giving out prizes all week long starting July 12.

— Blogger Elizabeth Auerbach of Elizabeth on Food filed a review of chef Thomas Keller's three-Michelin star California restaurant The French Laundry after finding it a challenge to snag a table. Auerbach found her meal to be "outstanding" but not "extraordinary": "Tonight's menu delivered some sparks, but it was not a broadside of three-star fireworks."

— Actor and cookbook author Stanley Tucci reveals to the Guardian what he wants as his final meal. It would take place by Lake Como in Italy and there would be plenty of martinis involved. To eat, he would want tagliarini with white truffles, risotto with shrimp, and a whole branzino. Tucci also dreams of a number of salads — one made from fresh tomatoes, another from peas — alongside a Florentine steak, some cheese for dessert, and a Cuban cigar.

— A new study from researchers in New Zealand found that "taxing foods high in saturated fat and salt," could save the lives of over 2,400 people every year. However, the country's Food and Grocery Council says the findings are absurd and that taxing "staple items would put them out of reach" for much of the New Zealand population. The study also calls for a 20 percent subsidy on fruits and vegetables to balance the increase out. Perhaps the country should start with taxing sugary beverages, an idea that has already seen some success in other countries.

— There's a very useful app out for Android users. Called the "Gordon Ramsay Soundboard" it features some of the shouty chef's best lines — including "camel turd" and "arsehole" — for use right in the palm of your hand.

— Hello Kitty mania hits McDonald's Singapore again. Locations around the country will soon release six exclusive and collectable Hello Kitty stuffed animals as part of its celebration for Singapore's Golden Jubilee. The plush toy comes dressed as various characters including a "durian lover." Brace for lines.

— Random House is hosting a day-long event in Hudson, N.Y. called Off The Page this Saturday. Authors speaking at event include former Gourmet editor Ruth Reichl who will preview of her upcoming book, My Kitchen Year: 136 Recipes That Changed My Life. Plus there will be workshops on topics like flower arranging and coffee brewing.

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