The College Survival Guide
A Fridge
Regardless of whether you have a wonderful sized meal plan, your fridge may come in handy with leftovers or when you feel like stocking it with bottled drinks.
Computer
The convenience of a computer is essential when sending your kids off to college. Forget the hike to the computer lab across campus students need a computer in the comfort of their room. A printer comes in handy as well. Depending on whether your child plans to carry his laptop around campus, you might opt for a desk top since they're lighter on the pockets.
Snacks
You will surely survive with off of a meal plan but it doesn't hurt to stock up on snacks when you don't feel like leaving your dorm room. Bottled water, pop corn, cereal and Ramen noodles are all low budget snacks to stock up on. Just be weary of the freshman 15.
Things from home
Some college students suffer from homesickness the first year. It's best to surround yourself with things like photos of the family, pillows or even stuffed animals. Anything that reminds your child of home.
MP3 Player
With all the stress that comes from school and exams, sometimes it's nice to block out the chaos in your life and even your roommate with music. It's nearly impossible to find students walking to class who aren't jamming to tunes.
Budget
Students who enter college often come in at the ripening age of 18. A great time for credit cards. Parents beware, your child may end up ruining their credit at a young age
Alarm Clock
When you're in college you don't have the luxury of getting awaken by your parents. It's now your responsibility to get to class on time so alarm clocks are a must. But keep your roommate in mind. You shouldn't wake him up ever morning with a blow horn alarm.
Cleaning supplies
Now you don't necessarily need to bring in the rubber gloves, mop and gas mask but it doesn't hurt to bring along Clorox all purpose wipes for spills or dust. Vacuums and brooms come in handy too depending if you have a carpeted dorm.
Bedding
What most parents aren't aware of is that most college beds are twin sized but extra long and require special sheets. When shopping keep your eye open for sheets that clearly state 'extra long' or else your child may come up short.
Shower shoes
You really don't know what some people do in the shower these days. College showers are known to be creeping with germs so spare yourself the fungus and purchase flip flops for the shower. You'll thank us later!
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Filed under: Lifestyle, Style and Beauty, Style Spotter, Life and Style
On Tuesday Beyonce dropped, "I Am...Sasha Fierce" a double CD that represents both sides of the Texas native's personality. To get in full Sasha mode, she's taken a dramatic departure style-wise from her trademark look of glittery gowns and up-to-there minis by American and Italian designers (Giorgio Armani, Elie Saab) opting instead for more futuristic, robotic shape dresses and accessories from the British and the French (Alexander McQueen, Gareth Push and Thierry Mugler). The custom robo-skeletal glove by Lorraine Schwartz alone has caused major buzz for its omnipresence. But the question is are we really feeling Sasha Fierce's Fembot fashion?
Sasha Fierce wearing Gareth Pugh at the MTV EVA's
While it's refreshing to see a wardrobe switch up (if I saw one more gold or nude shiny dress....) in the blog world fans have been blasting Sasha's Space Odyssey-like looks. Clearly Robocop has served as inspiration: peep the odd-shaped red carpet and performance dresses worn at the MTV European Video Awards from avant garde British designer Gareth Pugh; and the unforgettable and now annoying robo-glove worn in her "Single Ladies" video, album photos, and the World Music Awards. According to USA TODAY the majority is not feeling this new direction. The national newspaper revealed results from their "Metallic Glove: Love It or Hate It?" poll asking fans if they were digging the fashion-forward get-ups. A whopping 96 percent said "no" and 4 percent said it was "a fun new trend". Ouch.
A Fridge
Regardless of whether you have a wonderful sized meal plan, your fridge may come in handy with leftovers or when you feel like stocking it with bottled drinks.
Computer
The convenience of a computer is essential when sending your kids off to college. Forget the hike to the computer lab across campus students need a computer in the comfort of their room. A printer comes in handy as well. Depending on whether your child plans to carry his laptop around campus, you might opt for a desk top since they're lighter on the pockets.
Snacks
You will surely survive with off of a meal plan but it doesn't hurt to stock up on snacks when you don't feel like leaving your dorm room. Bottled water, pop corn, cereal and Ramen noodles are all low budget snacks to stock up on. Just be weary of the freshman 15.
Things from home
Some college students suffer from homesickness the first year. It's best to surround yourself with things like photos of the family, pillows or even stuffed animals. Anything that reminds your child of home.
MP3 Player
With all the stress that comes from school and exams, sometimes it's nice to block out the chaos in your life and even your roommate with music. It's nearly impossible to find students walking to class who aren't jamming to tunes.
Budget
Students who enter college often come in at the ripening age of 18. A great time for credit cards. Parents beware, your child may end up ruining their credit at a young age
Alarm Clock
When you're in college you don't have the luxury of getting awaken by your parents. It's now your responsibility to get to class on time so alarm clocks are a must. But keep your roommate in mind. You shouldn't wake him up ever morning with a blow horn alarm.
Cleaning supplies
Now you don't necessarily need to bring in the rubber gloves, mop and gas mask but it doesn't hurt to bring along Clorox all purpose wipes for spills or dust. Vacuums and brooms come in handy too depending if you have a carpeted dorm.
Bedding
What most parents aren't aware of is that most college beds are twin sized but extra long and require special sheets. When shopping keep your eye open for sheets that clearly state 'extra long' or else your child may come up short.
Shower shoes
You really don't know what some people do in the shower these days. College showers are known to be creeping with germs so spare yourself the fungus and purchase flip flops for the shower. You'll thank us later!
The custom Lorraine Schwartz robo-glove in another turn
But they didn't address the very hot motorcycle corset worn in her publicity shots. It's actually a throwback, a blast from the fashion past. The hot Harley-inspired top by Thierry Mugler originally debuted in his fashion show in 1992 and was featured in George Michael's "Too Funky" video the French designer directed in 1995. It was also on display at this year's "Superheroes: Fashion & Fantasy" exhibit the Met in New York City. And the trend may further escalate: Sean "Diddy" Combs' artist Janelle Monae was cleverly illustrated as a fembot on her EP album cover "Metropolis" released in September. The first time I saw it, I immediately thought of the robot-taking-over-the-world movie starring Will Smith "I, Robot".
Sasha Fierce in Thierry Mugler motorcycle corset
Thierry Mugler corset at MET's "Superheroes" exhibit
Thierry Mugler Fall 1995 Ad Campaign
Janelle Monae's "Metropolis" EP cover
Inspiration: "I, Robot" the movie poster
So is Sasha's fembot fashion more farce than fierce or is she ahead of the game for a mainstream artist? Sound off.
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If you haven't noticed, Usher brought his sexy back when he kicked off his One Night Stand -Ladies Only tour several weeks ago looking extra dapper... thanks to Canadian twin design team Dsquared2. The design duo, brothers Dean and Dan Caten, were elated at the opportunity to provide custom wardrobe for the sexy R&B star from their Spring 2009 runway collection, which was presented in Milan earlier this year. Is Usher the man for this or what?
Two design illustrations for Usher by DSquared2
The white tuxedo and what they call "barbershop styles" inspired by the seventies compliments Usher's slick dance moves and famous slow jams quite nicely. In one set he gives boudoir bad ass in a custom silk robe and slippers with his back-up dancers wearing Dsquared2 lingerie. "We are extremely excited to collaborate with Usher and his concert tour," said the Catens. "We are both huge fans of his music, and are thrilled that for this special event he has chosen looks from our collections that we think are perfect for a One Night Stand." If you haven't been to his show yet, get ready to get turned on and fantasize about your one night stand with the buffed b-boy with the sexy voice and chiseled six-pack.
Usher with DSquared2 designers Dean & Dan Caten
Women's shoe designer Courtney Crawford was feted recently by Italian handbag company Furla after he was chosen by the company to design shoes and bags for them as part of their Furla Talent Hub. The recognition hurls the usually low-key Crawford into the spotlight despite his penchant for staying under the radar. The Andre Leon Talley protégé' already has quite the celeb and fashion following (Mariah Carey is a fan).
Courtney Crawford for Furla shoe
The Furla Talent Hub is a program that honors emerging designers by providing them with an opportunity to design special pieces for the 80 year-old brand. For fall 2008 line Crawford designed footwear, which was featured recently in Harper's Bazaar, and for next spring handbags. "Furla has always been very careful about supporting young people," said Michele Furlanetto, the company's president. "These are our designers, and we love them so much because we see the passion that they put in it." Crawford described them very simply, "Sexy. Unapologetically sexy".
The 27 year-old St. Louis, Missouri native who attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City has designed for Missoni's Spring '07 shoe line, won two awards from fashion trade publication Footwear News and was named one of PAPER magazine's '50 Most Beautiful People'.
Courtney Crawford
It seems mass retailer Target has echoed the famous phrase made popular by supermodel Heidi Klum, 'either you're in or you're out' on her hit show "Project Runway". While the bad news is that designer Isaac Mizrahi is out, the good news is Alexander McQueen is in. That's right; the hi-end British designer is slated to produce a capsule collection for Target's next collaborative initiative called Designer Collaborations. Whoo-hoo!
McQueen will create a version of his secondary line McQ, called the McQ Alexander McQueen for Target. The brand, in his words, is a "younger and more renegade [than the main collection], but always signature McQueen." McQ Alexander McQueen for Target will feature lightweight sweaters, skinny jeans, bubble dresses, slim skirts and cuffed shorts, a coated cotton poplin black trench, a rock 'n' roll gray denim cropped studded jacket, a men's wear-inspired tuxedo blazer and a color-blocked one-shoulder dress with bubble hem, swimwear and print scarves; all in a muted color palette of black, white, gray and tan with hints of bright blue and bright pink. Accents include studs and mesh to give items an edge. Price points were not yet available.
When Mizrahi announced he will no longer produce collections for Target, loyalists moaned and groaned. He was one of the first to create affordable chic pieces for the masses allowing us to grab household products, home décor, electronics and clothing all in one shopping swoop. Since then others followed suit after his undeniable success but for the Go International series: Proenza Schouler (my favorite) Erin Fetherston (divine!), Luella Bartley (another fave), Thakoon (arrives next month!) and Patrick Robinson, to name a few. You can't front on Target, they keep bringing the hits.
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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.
Read MoreFiled under: Lifestyle, Style and Beauty, Style Spotter, Michelle Obama, Life and Style
Move over Beyoncé there's a new Sasha Fierce taking over your alter-ego moniker: 7 year-old First Daughter Sasha Obama. In the footsteps of her fashion-forward mother Michelle, the youngest of the Obama clan is so influential style-wise that the dress Baby O wore election night while onstage with her father, President-elect Barack Obama, has been named the "Sasha" dress by maker Gerson & Gerson Inc. due to its huge response after the unexpected product placement.
First Daughter Sasha Obama with family wearing the "Sasha" dress election night
The little black dress ($72) was produced under the Iris & Ivy label and will be available next spring in other fabrics, colors and more stores other than Nordstrom and Dillards, where it's currently available. Gerson & Gerson President Barbara Zeins made this comment on The Wall Street Journal's website: "If you don't deserve a beautiful dress when your Dad was just elected President of the United States , when DO you? We are proud that Sasha is wearing our dress, but even prouder that this beautiful and authentic family represents the greatest Democracy in the world. Yes WE CAN."
And if you're wondering about big sis' Malia's red dress it's by Biscotti, Inc. (www.biscottiinc.com). That number sold out in 24 hours after election night and the company (as is every other designer in the world) is hoping to dress the First Daughters for the inauguration in January.
Malia Obama wearing Biscotti, Inc.
The Obama family's impact on the fashion industry is as unprecedented as Barack's historic win. And this is before they even moved into the White House! If Barack can turn things around the way his family has (and will continue) for fashion companies, then in the words of Stevie Wonder, "Don't You Worry 'Bout a Thing".
The First Family at the Democratic National Convention August, 2008
Another night at the DNC
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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.
Read MoreFiled under: Lifestyle, Style and Beauty, Style Spotter, Life and Style
When President-elect Barack Obama spoke of the country's need for change he wasn't referring to just the economy . The GQ, Men's Vogue and Ebony poster king duly noted that when it comes to those wearing baggy pants with their underwear exposed, he just ain't feeling it. In one of his pre-election win interviews with MTV, Obama answered questions submitted by viewers emailed through Facebook.
One asked how he felt about the attempted (and successful) ban on baggy pants. Several cities in Michigan, Florida, Georgia and even a suburb in Chicago (Barack's hometown) have already passed a "Baggy Pants Bill" where an arrest for overexposure of your underwear can have you serve jail time, do community service and/or be fined as much as $500 (see chart.)
Obama's comment: "Here is my attitude: I think people passing a law against people wearing sagging pants is a waste of time. We should be focused on creating jobs, improving our schools, health care, dealing with the war in Iraq , and anybody, any public official, that is worrying about sagging pants probably needs to spend some time focusing on real problems out there. Having said that, brothers should pull up their pants. You are walking by your mother, your grandmother, your underwear is showing. What's wrong with that? Come on. There are some issues that we face, that you don't have to pass a law, but that doesn't mean folks can't have some sense and some respect for other people and, you know, some people might not want to see your underwear -- I'm one of them."
The College Survival Guide
A Fridge
Regardless of whether you have a wonderful sized meal plan, your fridge may come in handy with leftovers or when you feel like stocking it with bottled drinks.
Computer
The convenience of a computer is essential when sending your kids off to college. Forget the hike to the computer lab across campus students need a computer in the comfort of their room. A printer comes in handy as well. Depending on whether your child plans to carry his laptop around campus, you might opt for a desk top since they're lighter on the pockets.
Snacks
You will surely survive with off of a meal plan but it doesn't hurt to stock up on snacks when you don't feel like leaving your dorm room. Bottled water, pop corn, cereal and Ramen noodles are all low budget snacks to stock up on. Just be weary of the freshman 15.
Things from home
Some college students suffer from homesickness the first year. It's best to surround yourself with things like photos of the family, pillows or even stuffed animals. Anything that reminds your child of home.
MP3 Player
With all the stress that comes from school and exams, sometimes it's nice to block out the chaos in your life and even your roommate with music. It's nearly impossible to find students walking to class who aren't jamming to tunes.
Budget
Students who enter college often come in at the ripening age of 18. A great time for credit cards. Parents beware, your child may end up ruining their credit at a young age
Alarm Clock
When you're in college you don't have the luxury of getting awaken by your parents. It's now your responsibility to get to class on time so alarm clocks are a must. But keep your roommate in mind. You shouldn't wake him up ever morning with a blow horn alarm.
Cleaning supplies
Now you don't necessarily need to bring in the rubber gloves, mop and gas mask but it doesn't hurt to bring along Clorox all purpose wipes for spills or dust. Vacuums and brooms come in handy too depending if you have a carpeted dorm.
Bedding
What most parents aren't aware of is that most college beds are twin sized but extra long and require special sheets. When shopping keep your eye open for sheets that clearly state 'extra long' or else your child may come up short.
Shower shoes
You really don't know what some people do in the shower these days. College showers are known to be creeping with germs so spare yourself the fungus and purchase flip flops for the shower. You'll thank us later!
Lil Wayne's exposed underwear look could warrent arrest in some states
A word of caution to rappers and fans rocking the style like Bow Wow, Soulja Boy and Lil' Wayne. If you're thinking of attending one of the Inauguration balls in Washington DC next January, take Jay-Z's advice and "button-up dude." Although Obama made it clear that it's not on his list of top priorities in office, if you're looking to impress him, step it up -- rather pull 'em up -- dude.
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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.
Read MoreFiled under: Lifestyle, Style and Beauty, Style Spotter, Life and Style
Michelle Obama has done it again. The most stylish potential First Lady in history bowled audiences over in a stylish ensemble for her appearance on the Jay Leno show last week. The color-blocked cardigan with graphic print top and metallic-esque skirt was not only colorful and tres chic but by (drumroll please...) attainable, mass brand J.Crew. And the entire look was under $340!
Michelle Obama on Jay Leno
Fashion trade publication WWD reported that Lady O's mere mention of the brand surged traffic to J.Crew's website by a whopping 464 percent compared to the previous day's hits. When asked by Leno what did she think about Governer Palin's wardrobe budget of $150,000 for her campaign rather than comment she mentioned "This is J.Crew!" to show it's really not that serious to be so excessive. J.Crew's response to unexpected shout-out? "We are thrilled that one of the most important women in America not only noticed, but looks fantastic in our clothes," said J. Crew creative director Jenna Lyons Mazeau. Recessionaistas take note: you can look fab for less. Mrs. Obama demonstrates it's all about confidence not price points and labels when it comes to her personal style. Clearly she knows what the country's priorities are.
Kim Kardashian as Wonder Woman
It seems Wonder Woman Mania will not cease anytime soon. On Halloween several celebrities wore costumes as the beautiful superhero on both coasts: R&B singer Cassie pranced with her "boss" Diddy at his bas hat Lucky Strike Lanes in New York City ; and at separate events in Hollywood, both Jada Pinkett Smith and reality star Kim Kardashian, certainly the curviest version of the three.
Jada Pinkett Smith with daughter Willow
The red carpet queens are right on time with the fashion industry and Tinseltown's obsession with comic book characters. This past summer New York's Costume Institute Gala had a superhero theme in conjunction with their super hero-inspired fashion exhibit and last month, queen of wrap-dresses designer Diane von Furstenberg launched her Wonder Woman-themed collection which includes the Be The Wonder Woman You Can comic book, a a collaboration with DC Comics and Warner Bros.
Cassie with Diddy working it as Wonder Woman
There's a graphic t-shirt ($45), tote bag ($165) and a few dresses, collector items for sure. After the success of Iron Man and Batman other comic book character flicks in theaters, there have been rumors of Angelina Jolie possibly playing Wonder Woman. I think she would be the perfect pick, not Kardashian who on this season's Dancing With The Stars surprisigly lacked rythmn. How could she spin fabulously much less anything else for the upcoming film? Don't believe the hype, there's no wiggle to that jiggle.
One of DVF's Wonder Woman dresses
For now, you can bring out your inner wonder woman at www.dvf.com.
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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.
Read MoreFiled under: Lifestyle, Life and Style, BV Bookshelf
The AOL Black Voices Hot Picks List presents our weekly best sellers (or at least the books we feel should be). Check back each Tuesday for our editorially selected "hottest books." Some are new, some are classics, and all are ones we know you'll love. The list is compiled by our staff of experts who have read just about everything out there.
BV Books Hot Picks 10.21.08
The Post-American World (Nonfiction) by Fareed Zakaria
W.W. Norton, $25.95
I wanted to start this, our first AOL Black Voices Hot Picks List, with a dose of reality. Everybody is so focused on whether John McCain is too old, whether Barack Obama is too inexperienced, whether we can actually put lipstick on a pig, that we're missing the whole point of this election. We are on the brink, or as Zakaria points out, we're already there, where America is no longer a superpower. That's what's at stake here. And if you think it doesn't matter, just watch. Knowledge is power. So let's arm ourselves with some truths and figure out what we're going to do to reclaim what we've lost.
W.W. Norton
The Audacity of Hope (Nonfiction) by Barack Obama
(Three Rivers Press, $14.95)
Random House
Let's Talk About Pep (Memoir) by Sandy (Pepa) Denton
MTV/VH1 Books, $23.95
This is not your typical celebrity tell-all. This book is introspective, raw and redemptive. The brash, tough girl from Salt-N-Pepa shows her vulnerable side in her harsh revelations about sexual and domestic abuse. Amid the tears, however, are quite a few hilarious anecdotes, like her speed race across Europe with model Caprice and the time she put a beatdown on Play from Kid-N-Play for teasing her.
VH1
Anticancer: A New Way of Life (Self-Help) by David Servan-Schrieber
Viking, $25.95
The number of Americans dying of cancer declined for the second year in a row, according to the American Cancer Society. But among blacks, cancer is way more deadly. Although black women have a 9% lower cancer rate than their white peers, black women have an 18% higher death rate for all forms of cancer. Black men have a 15% higher rate of cancer and a 38% higher death rate than white men, a trend that extends from 1999 to 2003. These stats are chilling enough for us to do something. This book gives some practical and realistic suggestions on how to beat this disease and if you can't beat it, live a healthier life with it. The author should know, he was given a death sentence and told that there was nothing they could do. He had a will and found a way.
Viking
The Time Paradox (Young Adult/Children) by Eion Colfer
Hyperion, $17.99
Having read the previous five in the Artemis Fowl series, the sixth doesn't disappoint. It's a little more cheeky and a whole lot fewer pages than Harry Potter, but it delivers the same kind of fanciful escape to a land where fairies and dwarfs, pixies and centaurs are real. This book is not just for kids, it's for anyone who wants to take a break from their reality and have a bit of fun.
Hyperion Books
Just Too Good To Be True (Fiction) by E. Lynn Harris
Doubleday, $24.95
If our first pick gives you too much to think about, take a break and cuddle up to Just Too Good To Be True. While not as good as his Say A Little Prayer, E. Lynn gets points and praise for consistency and longevity in a field cluttered by hacks. A nice read.
Random House
The Million Dollar Deception (Fiction) by RM Johnson
Simon & Schuster, $24
This is a sequel to 'Million Dollar Divorce,' where the main character Nate Kenny ends up a big-time loser when his wife snags him for $15-million settlement after he's busted cheating on her. (Hurray for her!). In this book, Nick flips the script. It's fast-paced, suspenseful and has a ridiculous cliff-hanger ending, which I will not give away but will make you ask: "When is part three?!" (You have to wait a year for that one!)
Simon & Schuster
Check out the list, and let us know what you think of our choices.
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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.
Read MoreFiled under: Lifestyle, Love, Life and Style
I've been dating a lovely man over the Internet for the last 5 months. He lives in Virginia and I live in Boston. He asked me to move in with him, so that we could take our relationship to the next level. I feel I am in love with him, but I'm not sure if I am ready to give up my friends and my job here in Boston. Any advice?
This is a good time to listen to your instincts, which are telling you that this is not the right time to make a move. A relationship needs time to grow and five months is not enough time to truly get to know someone. You two are still in the pre-commitment phase of your relationship, which means that you feel you might be in love, but really you are in the infatuation stage. Your body is releasing chemicals which lead to powerful feelings of attraction, closeness, well being, excitement, and love. These feelings can blind you from consciously learning if this relationship fulfills your requirements. Give yourself at least 18 months to truly get to know each other, and to see if you are actually compatible. Make a list of the requirements, functional needs, and emotional needs for the relationship, and give yourself enough time to make sure that they are being met.
A Fridge
Regardless of whether you have a wonderful sized meal plan, your fridge may come in handy with leftovers or when you feel like stocking it with bottled drinks.
Computer
The convenience of a computer is essential when sending your kids off to college. Forget the hike to the computer lab across campus students need a computer in the comfort of their room. A printer comes in handy as well. Depending on whether your child plans to carry his laptop around campus, you might opt for a desk top since they're lighter on the pockets.
Snacks
You will surely survive with off of a meal plan but it doesn't hurt to stock up on snacks when you don't feel like leaving your dorm room. Bottled water, pop corn, cereal and Ramen noodles are all low budget snacks to stock up on. Just be weary of the freshman 15.
Things from home
Some college students suffer from homesickness the first year. It's best to surround yourself with things like photos of the family, pillows or even stuffed animals. Anything that reminds your child of home.
MP3 Player
With all the stress that comes from school and exams, sometimes it's nice to block out the chaos in your life and even your roommate with music. It's nearly impossible to find students walking to class who aren't jamming to tunes.
Budget
Students who enter college often come in at the ripening age of 18. A great time for credit cards. Parents beware, your child may end up ruining their credit at a young age
Alarm Clock
When you're in college you don't have the luxury of getting awaken by your parents. It's now your responsibility to get to class on time so alarm clocks are a must. But keep your roommate in mind. You shouldn't wake him up ever morning with a blow horn alarm.
Cleaning supplies
Now you don't necessarily need to bring in the rubber gloves, mop and gas mask but it doesn't hurt to bring along Clorox all purpose wipes for spills or dust. Vacuums and brooms come in handy too depending if you have a carpeted dorm.
Bedding
What most parents aren't aware of is that most college beds are twin sized but extra long and require special sheets. When shopping keep your eye open for sheets that clearly state 'extra long' or else your child may come up short.
Shower shoes
You really don't know what some people do in the shower these days. College showers are known to be creeping with germs so spare yourself the fungus and purchase flip flops for the shower. You'll thank us later!
My boyfriend of 2 years feels that we need to move our relationship forward by living together. I was raised in a strict religious household, and there is no way I could tell my parents I was living with a man who isn't my husband. I know I need to live my own life, but when is it right to live with someone and when should you decide to get married?
Many couples believe that co-habitation is a step to understanding if a committed relationship will work. The truth is that the next step in the relationship is marriage. A couple that chooses to live together is still testing the waters and is still in the pre-commitment stage of the relationship. Most couples who live together before marriage, end up divorced, because they bring the pre-commitment values into the marriage. Another issue with living together is that you may fall into what is called a "mini marriage." In this type of marriage you are living together, but you believe that if something isn't working you can just walk away. When you are in a committed relationship, there are no exits, and any problems are either worked through or lived with.
Rebecca Brody is currently a Life Empowerment coach in New York City. Her area of expertise is in relationship coaching. She is a graduate of Vassar and Ipec, and has trained with the Relationship Coaching Institute. She is ICF certified, and has been studying social interaction, relationships and coupling for over a decade. To work with Coach Brody contact Brody@theluvcoach.com, or go to www.theluvcoach.com
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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.
Read MoreFiled under: Lifestyle, Love, Life and Style
I just found out that my boyfriend of 3 years has cheated on me again. He has been lying to me for months about where he has been, and I found out from the woman he was cheating with. I'm very embarrassed that I allowed him to do this to me again, but I still love him. He tells me it's my fault that he cheated, and says that I'm a snob and that I'm just not there for him. He is still living in my home, and some days he acts like nothing has happened. When he acts this way, I kinda wish we could go back to being together, but I also feel lost. What should I do?
When you are confronted with a cheating spouse, it is easy to struggle with the idea that you may be the one to blame for their infidelity, especially when they point the finger in your direction. The truth is, cheating is a choice, and a selfish and damaging one at that. Any partner who chooses to break the requirements of a relationship is sending you the clear message that they do not want to be in a committed relationship with you. No matter what their words are, their actions speak clearly for them. The actions of your boyfriend reflect a person who is emotionally immature, controlling, and irresponsible. Is this the kind of person you want holding your heart? In order to begin the healing process, you will need to confront the one person responsible for your happiness: You! It's time to break up, and take the steps to find out who you are once again.
The College Survival Guide
A Fridge
Regardless of whether you have a wonderful sized meal plan, your fridge may come in handy with leftovers or when you feel like stocking it with bottled drinks.
Computer
The convenience of a computer is essential when sending your kids off to college. Forget the hike to the computer lab across campus students need a computer in the comfort of their room. A printer comes in handy as well. Depending on whether your child plans to carry his laptop around campus, you might opt for a desk top since they're lighter on the pockets.
Snacks
You will surely survive with off of a meal plan but it doesn't hurt to stock up on snacks when you don't feel like leaving your dorm room. Bottled water, pop corn, cereal and Ramen noodles are all low budget snacks to stock up on. Just be weary of the freshman 15.
Things from home
Some college students suffer from homesickness the first year. It's best to surround yourself with things like photos of the family, pillows or even stuffed animals. Anything that reminds your child of home.
MP3 Player
With all the stress that comes from school and exams, sometimes it's nice to block out the chaos in your life and even your roommate with music. It's nearly impossible to find students walking to class who aren't jamming to tunes.
Budget
Students who enter college often come in at the ripening age of 18. A great time for credit cards. Parents beware, your child may end up ruining their credit at a young age
Alarm Clock
When you're in college you don't have the luxury of getting awaken by your parents. It's now your responsibility to get to class on time so alarm clocks are a must. But keep your roommate in mind. You shouldn't wake him up ever morning with a blow horn alarm.
Cleaning supplies
Now you don't necessarily need to bring in the rubber gloves, mop and gas mask but it doesn't hurt to bring along Clorox all purpose wipes for spills or dust. Vacuums and brooms come in handy too depending if you have a carpeted dorm.
Bedding
What most parents aren't aware of is that most college beds are twin sized but extra long and require special sheets. When shopping keep your eye open for sheets that clearly state 'extra long' or else your child may come up short.
Shower shoes
You really don't know what some people do in the shower these days. College showers are known to be creeping with germs so spare yourself the fungus and purchase flip flops for the shower. You'll thank us later!
I just turned 30, and I feel like I should be engaged and married. I want to be a young mom. My boyfriend, who had told me in the past that he wants me to be his wife, has now changed his mind. His parents recently got divorced, and he suddenly believes that marriage isn't normal for people. I'm completely stunned and shocked. Where do I go from here?
It sounds like you are holding onto a set plan for the direction your relationship and life should go in. It is good to have big dreams, and to set clear goals for life, but to stick rigidly to a timeline will only leave you stressed and feeling like a failure when those deadlines are not met. A relationship is made up of two people, and as a couple you must work to grow together and maintain your sacred connection. It is time to make up. Reach out and find a couples relationship coach who can help you reconnect, and confront the limiting beliefs both you and your boyfriend have established about marriage.
Rebecca Brody is currently a Life Empowerment coach in New York City. Her area of expertise is in relationship coaching. She is a graduate of Vassar and Ipec, and has trained with the Relationship Coaching Institute. She is ICF certified, and has been studying social interaction, relationships and coupling for over a decade. To work with Coach Brody contact Brody@theluvcoach.com, or go to www.theluvcoach.com
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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.
Read MoreFiled under: Lifestyle, health, Life and Style
By Angela Bronner, BlackVoices.com
From the scads pink-themed merchandise on shelves to scores of Race for the Cure contests throughout the country, October is the month that shines a crimson light on a disease that takes at least 40,000 American lives each year.
The Lifetime network, a channel with women-themed programming, premieres 'Living Proof' this month, a touching (read: tear jerking) biopic on breast cancer starring Harry Connick Jr.
The brainchild of Academy Award winning actress Renee Zellweger, who produced the film, 'Living Proof' boasts an all-star cast including Regina King, Amanda Bynes, Angie Harmon, Swoosie Kurtz, Bernadette Peters, Jennifer Coolidge and Connick, who stars in the film as Dr. Dennis Slamon, the UCLA medical researcher who developed the breast cancer drug Herceptin.
The College Survival Guide
A Fridge
Regardless of whether you have a wonderful sized meal plan, your fridge may come in handy with leftovers or when you feel like stocking it with bottled drinks.
Computer
The convenience of a computer is essential when sending your kids off to college. Forget the hike to the computer lab across campus students need a computer in the comfort of their room. A printer comes in handy as well. Depending on whether your child plans to carry his laptop around campus, you might opt for a desk top since they're lighter on the pockets.
Snacks
You will surely survive with off of a meal plan but it doesn't hurt to stock up on snacks when you don't feel like leaving your dorm room. Bottled water, pop corn, cereal and Ramen noodles are all low budget snacks to stock up on. Just be weary of the freshman 15.
Things from home
Some college students suffer from homesickness the first year. It's best to surround yourself with things like photos of the family, pillows or even stuffed animals. Anything that reminds your child of home.
MP3 Player
With all the stress that comes from school and exams, sometimes it's nice to block out the chaos in your life and even your roommate with music. It's nearly impossible to find students walking to class who aren't jamming to tunes.
Budget
Students who enter college often come in at the ripening age of 18. A great time for credit cards. Parents beware, your child may end up ruining their credit at a young age
Alarm Clock
When you're in college you don't have the luxury of getting awaken by your parents. It's now your responsibility to get to class on time so alarm clocks are a must. But keep your roommate in mind. You shouldn't wake him up ever morning with a blow horn alarm.
Cleaning supplies
Now you don't necessarily need to bring in the rubber gloves, mop and gas mask but it doesn't hurt to bring along Clorox all purpose wipes for spills or dust. Vacuums and brooms come in handy too depending if you have a carpeted dorm.
Bedding
What most parents aren't aware of is that most college beds are twin sized but extra long and require special sheets. When shopping keep your eye open for sheets that clearly state 'extra long' or else your child may come up short.
Shower shoes
You really don't know what some people do in the shower these days. College showers are known to be creeping with germs so spare yourself the fungus and purchase flip flops for the shower. You'll thank us later!
Connick puts in a masterful performance, recounting the doctor's multi-year struggle of getting Herceptin through research and development to clinical trial to market. It also depicts the real lives of the many women who lived with and died from breast cancer during this time.
"I spent so much time thinking about what he had to do on a daily basis," said Connick of Dr. Slamon. "So when it came time to film those particular scenes I just put myself in his place. It's profound what this doctor has to do."
"I've had some cancer in my family and I've always dedicated whatever charity work I did to that cause so I was familiar with it," he explained. "I didn't know anything compared to what I knew after doing the movie - especially how important the research element is."
Zellweger, who tapped Connick for the lead during the upcoming film the two worked on, 'Chilled in Miami' (out in January 2009) also called on her old friend Regina King, whom she has known since they filmed 'Jerry Maguire' years before.
"I knew pretty much about breast cancer and the statistics but I must say that a lot of the statistics change every year," said King, who plays Ellie, a young fashion designer diagnosed with terminal breast cancer. "That's why it's important for constant research when it comes to terminal illnesses."
King said that she didn't think Zellweger and writer Vivienne Radkoff necessarily wrote the character for an African- American woman, but that they wanted to portray the many lives of women touched by breast cancer.
"Unfortunately more white women have access to health insurance and medical situations that bring them into the doctors to catch breast cancer in its early stages," said King. "And I really believe that that is the reason why black people die more than any other race or culture when it comes to pretty much all diseases."
King, like Connick, put in an emotionally laden performance and said she called on personal experience to get to that place.
"I would say that [breast cancer] is close to home," said King, who explained that she knew five women diagnosed with breast cancer - three who are survivors, two of whom were not.
"It's something that is that universal," she lamented. "The reality and the seriousness of that didn't make it hard for my heart to think of the women I know who battled with the disease and the children who were left behind by those women who died. All of that was right in my heart. It's just really tapping into that."
'Living Proof' appears on Lifetime on Saturday, October 18 at 9PM ET.
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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.
Read MoreFiled under: Lifestyle, Love, Life and Style
Isaac "Fatman Scoop" and Shanda Freeman, stars of the new tell it like it t-i-s reality show on MTV, 'Man and Wife' have been married for five glorious years. Shanda and Scoop, who were burning up the internet with their brazen, no-holds barred love advice online before MTV came knocking, are indeed the genuine article. Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby! Scoop and Shanda, Man and Wife, drop hilarious jewels on the BV audience -- their Top 10 Ways to Keep a relationship poppin'. Ka-pow!Note: 'Man and Wife' appears daily on MTV at midnight.
2008 MTV Video Music Awards
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 07: (FILE PHOTO) Musician Travis Barker poses in the press room at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards at Paramount Pictures Studios on September 7, 2008 in Los Angeles, California. It was reported that former Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker and a popular disc jockey have been critically injured in a Learjet crash that killed four people on September 20, 2008 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Getty Images
DJ AM (L) and musician Travis Barker arrive at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles in this file photo from September 7, 2008. According to reports Barker and DJ AM are in critical condition after the plane they were passengers in crashed in which 4 other passengers died in Columbia, South Carolina on September 19, 2008.REUTERS/Phil McCarten/Files (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
DJ AM (L) and musician Travis Barker pose backstage at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles in this file photo from September 7, 2008. According to reports Barker and DJ AM are in critical condition after the plane they were passengers in crashed in which 4 other passengers died in Columbia, South Carolina on September 19, 2008.REUTERS/Phil McCarten/Files (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
Lauren Conrad from the MTV reality series "The Hills" arrives at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles in this September 7, 2008 file photo. Conrad has signed a book deal for a young adult fiction series based on her own transformation from regular California teen to celebrity darling, HarperCollins Publishers said September 11, 2008. REUTERS/Phil McCarten/Files (UNITED STATES)
Reuters
NBA star Kobe Bryant present the award for video of the year to Britney Spears at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards held at Paramount Pictures Studio Lot on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
AP
Britney Spears and her manager, Larry Rudolph react after she wins one of three awards at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards held at Paramount Pictures Studio Lot on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
AP
NBA player Kobe Bryant presents the video of the year at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards held at Paramount Pictures Studio Lot on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
AP
Lil Wayne, left, and Kid Rock shake hands as they perform at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards held at Paramount Pictures Studio Lot on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
AP
Lil Wayne, left, and Kid Rock perform at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards held at Paramount Pictures Studio Lot on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
AP
Paris Hilton presents the award for best pop video at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards held at Paramount Pictures Studio Lot on Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
AP
Even more love advice from Scoop and Shanda. Keep It Poppin' Part 2:
To peep Man & Wife's Webisodes, get advice from Scoop and Shanda or just for more plain talk on sex and relationships, go to: http://www.manandwife.tv/
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SPONSORED BY: BOLD MOVES: THE FUTURE OF FORD Step behind the curtain at Ford Motor. Experience the documentary first-hand.
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