Get Fit: Winter Workouts

Winter weather can make it hard to find the motivation to get up and get moving. But, you'll want to be in shape for those weekends skiing or snowboarding. Here are some exercises to get a good winter workout in now to get the body you want for the summer. All you will need is light-to-medium set of dumbbells, ranging from three to ten pounds and a little motivation!

Falling Abs
Targets abs

• Lie face up on the floor, hands behind your head, with a gliding disk (or paper plate or towel) underneath each foot
• Crunch up while sliding heels toward butt. Lower to start.
• Do two sets of 20 reps.

Chairlift
Targets back, shoulders, bicep, butt and quads

• Stand with legs hip-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand, elbows bent 90 degrees by sides, palms facing each other.
• Squat as you extend arms toward floor and then raise them to shoulder level in front of you.
• Stand up, lifting right knee in front of you to hip height while driving bent elbows back to sides.
• Return to squat and repeat, this time lifting left knee. Do two sets of 10 reps, alternating sides. 

The Mogul
Targets butt, quads & calves

• Stand with feet together holding a dumbbell in each hand.
• Lower into a deep squat, torso hinged foward in a tuck position, and bend elbows by ribs 90 degrees, palms facing each other (as if skiing).
• Maintaining tuck, pivot on balls of feet to forward toward left, then pulse up and down one inch for four counts
• Pivot back to center, repeat pulse; pivot to right, repeat pulse, to complete one  rep.
• Do five reps, then repeat five reps, this time pulsing only two counts at left, center and right. Do two sets.

 Source: Fitness Magazine

Lesley Anders is a Health blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog or follow her on Twitter.

  

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Happy Home: College Edition

Calling all college women!

As a senior in college, I know the woes of living in a dorm. It's cramped, you can hear everyone's business and it's hard to make it feel like a home. With spring semester starting, here are a few easy tricks to add some style and personality to your dorm room.

Pick a color palette.

Young and fun colors.
(via)

With ugly walls and floors in residence halls, picking a color palette can help bring your room together. Pick two or three colors that you would like to focus on and try to stay consistent. If there's too much going on, your dorm will quickly feel cluttered and chaotic.

 Invest in fun throw pillows.

These are bright, colorful and mismatched!
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Don't skimp on bedding! You can find great comforters at Target in Twin XL, as well as coordinating pillows. Your bed is the focal point in your dorm, so save the plain old blankets for home and fluff up your bed with several bright pillows instead.

3. Use wall decals.

Who says you can't have a glamourous headboard?
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Wall decals are a fun, stylish addition for your dorm room. Instead of posters, try decals of the Eiffel Tower, quotes, designs, monograms—anything that appeals to your style. Plus, wall decals are perfect for dorm rooms: they are easy to remove and don't leave marks!

 Buy trendy lamps.

Ikea has great options.
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Fluorescent lighting is not flattering and makes a dorm room feel like a doctor's office. Buy a few lamps and put them on your desk, dresser or in a corner. The softer lighting will give your room a much more homey feel.

Utilize cute curtains.

Dreamy and stylish.
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If possible, hang curtains with a tension rod from your windows (or use them as room dividers, as shown). No one likes to see bare windows, so try some dreamy white ones—they will still let light in, but won't overwhelm your room.

Here's to hoping everyone has a great start to a new semester, and good luck with dorm decorating! For more dorm style advice, check out the blog: Lovely Undergrad.

Kristyn is a Life Blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog and follow her on Twitter.

Too Stressed?

(image via funladyfitness)

We all know how it feels to be completely overwhelmed and  stressed. Sometimes, we take on more than we can handle, with school and work, all the while trying to avoid becoming a social leper. We need to keep in mind to slow things down and take a break every once in awhile. Not sure if you're too stressed? You might be in denial, so see if any of the below statements apply to you:

-You turn down spending time with your friends or family because it seems like too much work.

-Your sleep behavior is inconsistent and some nights you toss and turn because you can't turn your brain off.

-You have trouble focusing at work on just one thing (or anything at all).

-You forget to eat enough throughout the day or you end up binge eating when you get home.

-You snap at people easily, or act the opposite of your personality.

-You feel like you need a drink at the end of the day (well, most days).

If you feel that any of these statements apply to you, then you might be on the way to chronic stress, which could turn into other unhealthy habits. Try taking yoga classes, or do another exercises that will ease your mind. If you don't have time for yoga, at least take 10 minutes out of your day to practice deep breathing exercises.

Ladies, just remember that you have enough and you're doing enough, so sometimes it's okay to take a break!

Lesley Anders is a Health blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog or follow her on Twitter.

  

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Feather Girl DIY: Lotion Bars

This week, my hometown barely reached the positive degrees. We know what that means: dry, chapped skin and red, like Rudolph, noses. But, here's a creative way to make your own skincare remedy. No more slathering on greasy lotion—instead, try out this awesome DIY lotion bar!

It's like play-doh for your skin!
(via)

You may be wondering: what's a lotion bar? Well, it's only the greatest creation your skin is about to meet. These bars are designed to be solid at room temperature, but once your body heat warms them up, you can freely apply the lotion to your driest areas with ease. It's less messy than regular lotion, easy to store and super convenient in the winter.

Combine 4.5 oz of beeswax, 4 oz of shea butter and 4 oz of coconut oil in a double broiler. Melt the ingredients to a liquid, stir well and then pour into any size or shape mold you would like. Allow the bars to cool and solidify before removing from the molds and using.

If you don't feel like making your own, you can buy them at MadeOn, a skincare and hard lotion company who specializes in these amazing lotion bars. Or, gather your friends and make a spa day out of it—cook up some bars, bring out the cucumbers and have a blast. Tweet us your creations @rufflings!

Kristyn is a Life Blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog and follow her on Twitter.

Get Fit: Foods for Healthy Hair

(image via life123.com)

Winter can be a brutal season for your luscious locks. Don't let the cold, harsh air ruin your shiny hair. Other than cutting back on the heat and adding in extra conditioners, there are additional things you can do to have healthier hair. Did you know that eating the right foods can be one of those things? It's true, incorporating certain foods with special nutrients can help what's on your head.Try eating a few of these and see how silky your hair actually gets.

Walnuts: These little nuts are chock full of vitamin E and biotin, both which help protect your hair cells from DNA damage. They are also full of copper, a mineral that helps your natural hair maintain its rich color and lustrous look.

Sweet Potatoes: These tots are not only delicious, but they are a little miracle for your hair. They contain tons of vitamin A, which helps every cell in your body work properly, especially for your hair. It also helps protect the oils on your scalp, which means they help reduce an itchy, dry head that could turn into dandruff.

Spinach: We already know that spinach is great for your health, but it's also great for your looks. Spinach is full of iron, folate, antioxidants and vitamin C, all which help your hair follicles stay healthy and your scalp oils moving.

Salmon: This delicious fish is rich in vitamin D and protein, which keeps your strands super strong. And the omega-3 fatty acids are necessary for your body to grow hair. Actually, 3% of your hair shaft is made up of omega-3s.

Lesley Anders is a Health blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog or follow her on Twitter.

  

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Happy Home: Pops of Pink

Valentine's Day is only a few weeks away, so it's time to start getting in the spirit of love, with a few pink-hued decor items. Try a few just for the season or make the pieces more permanent—regardless, have some fun with pops of pink and purple. 

Girly but not overdone.
(via)

 Make some art, buy a few pillows or make a cute statement with a magenta upholstered chair, like the one above. A bright, colorful piece of furniture in your desired hue is a great way to take your family room to a new level of glam.

Make your bathroom a little more cheerful.
(via)

 Paint a cabinet in your bathroom this girly shade of pink. Who wouldn't love to get ready for the morning in this happy-hued space? It's young, fresh and looks like love.

Glam up your bedroom.
(via)

Try a subtle touch of color in your bedroom, like this adorable monochrome lamp. Although bright, a purple hue can add depth and glamour without being too cheesy. 

Kristyn is a Life Blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog and follow her on Twitter.

Healthy Recipe: The Green Monster

(image via Pinterest) 

Looking for something healthy and quick for your morning meal? A smoothie is a great alternative to your usual breakfast, since it's super nutritious. I like to make mine with spinach, added in with nutrients to get my leafy green fix (without tasting it!). This recipe only takes about five minutes to prepare, and depending on how big your handfuls are, it can make more than one serving.

The Green Monster 

• Handful of baby spinach or kale
• Handful of diced frozen pineapple
• Handful of frozen sliced peaches or diced mango
• 1 banana, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt or 1 cup of orange juice

Put all ingredients into your blender and mix until smooth. Add orange juice or yogurt, until you reach a desired thickness and texture. If you want added nutrients, mix in wheat germ or ground flax seed. You can also add in ice cubes to make it even colder, if you don't have time to freeze the fruit before blending. 

Source: Pennies on a Platter. 

Lesley Anders is a Health blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog or follow her on Twitter.

  

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Feather Girl DIY: Pom-Pom Sweater

It's a new year, so why not get yourself a new sweater? Trust me ladies, it's too cute for words. Give your fall sweaters a face lift by adding a fun, girly touch, including pom-poms!

So fun, so cute!
(via)

Polka dots and pom-poms have made a comeback, and I can't say I'm disappointed about it. Grab a plain, knitted sweater, buy some pom-poms (in your desired color, shape and texture—seriously, you won't believe the variety out there) and pull out your sewing kit. Simply sew the pom-poms onto your sleeves sporadically with a needle and thread, starting and ending your stitch on the inside of your sleeves and pushing the thread through the pom-poms a few times.

Use a lot, use a little, go crazy with color—just have fun! It's a great, non-serious girly sweater that's perfect for a chilly night out with girlfriends or a casual get-together at your place. Try it out and tweet us your creations @rufflings!

Kristyn is a Life Blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog and follow her on Twitter.

Get Fit: Fight the Flu

Ladies, get out those tissues because it's flu season. Not only is the flu virus spreading like crazy, but so are colds. Make sure to take the right steps to protect yourself from becoming a flu-zombie, too.

Get the flu shot. If you haven't already gotten a shot for the season, make an appointment with your doctor, or stop by a local drugstore that is offering the flu shot. After getting the shot, your immune system produces targeted antibodies to fight specific flu viruses, so you'll be able to fight off any live germs if you come in contact with them in the real world. The flu shot is at least 60 percent effective, and even if you get the flu after the shot, your symptoms will be less severe and the recovery time will be quicker.

Stay away from anyone that's already sick. If your boyfriend is coughing and sneezing, it's best to avoid kissing him until he is feeling better. If you're out in public and notice someone sniffling, try to stay at least 10 feet or more away from them. At work, wipe down your desk, computer and anything else with a disenfectent spray. And make sure to wash your hands as often as possible, especially before eating or putting your hands anywhere near your mouth. If you begin to feel sick, it's best to call out of work to avoid getting anyone else sick.

Eat to feel better. Cut back on all the unhealthy, fatty foods and put more immune-boosting foods in your body, like fruits and vegetables. Make sure to find foods that are high in vitamin C, E and D. Also, don't try any new crazy diet that cuts out a lot of calories, because your body needs the right amount of balanced nutrients now more than ever. If you aren't feeling well, try eating chicken noodle soup and drinking a cup of tea. Both will help soothe a sore throat and loosen up any congestion.

Lesley Anders is a Health blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog or follow her on Twitter.

  

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Happy Home: Aztec Prints

Designers everywhere are starting to bring that rugged, southwest feel back through Aztec prints. And I don't know about you, but I love it. Chevron patterns are becoming a little too overused, so why not go a little more bold and artsy with some of these prints and patterns instead?

The new cool.
(via)

Take any room in your home to a new level of cool with a big Aztec-printed rug, such as the one above. It's artfully tasteful, a bit eclectic and it adds a great mix of earthy tones.

Will we ever get sick of chartreuse? (Uhh, no.)
(via)

If you're not ready to go in full Aztec mode, try a modern printed blanket with a similar feel. Pick one with soft colors, like this awesome chartreuse and gray combo. It has got a southwest feel without the heavy colors and super intense geometrics.

Unique, right?
(via)

Go all Martha Stewart-DIY and create your own Aztec-inspired decorative rocks. The earthy feel of the rocks, mixed with the fun geometric designs will provide any room with just the right mix of southwest detail. Place them in a bowl on your coffee table, use them on your windowsill—your house will feel like a trendy Arizona ranch in no time.

Kristyn is a Life Blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog and follow her on Twitter.

Couponing 101

(image  via)

Not sure how you feel about "crazy coupon ladies?" I'll be the first one to admit that I'm actually one of them. Well... kind of. I used to be embarrassed to buy anything generic or to hand the cashier a pile of coupons, until I realized how much money I can really save.

Looking to save some bucks? Here are some easy suggestions to follow.

When shopping online, always do a Google search for any relevant coupons. Sometimes, when you open a site they don't advertise all of their coupon or promo codes right on the homepage. Before finishing up a purchase, do a Google search on any current coupons. Also, try using the site, Retail Me Not where users post codes, expiration dates and certain exclusions.

Check your mail for any store or restaurant fliers. Don't be too quick to chuck any so-called, "junk mail." Although you might not get much in your mailbox these days, sometimes you can find great coupons in a pile of fliers for grocery stores, restaurants and beauty products. Cut some out that attract you and put them in your wallet so you always have them with you when you're out shopping.

Organize your inbox with a coupons folder. Do you get a billion emails everyday and ignore half of them? I am guilty of this until I realized how many coupons I was ignoring. Make a new folder and put any emails that contain any sales or coupons in the specific folder, so you can go back and easily find them before shopping.

Wait for things to go on sale. If you find something you really like but it's a little past your budget, wait for it to go on sale. Most likely, if you wait, you will end up getting it a lot cheaper at a later date. Although it's not fun waiting, you will be happy when you are able to get even more for your money.

Keep an eye on expiration dates.  Don't let a good coupon go to a waste by forgetting to use it. Put a reminder in your planner or in your phone to use it before it expires.

Lesley Anders is a Health blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog or follow her on Twitter. 

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#CelebGoss: Haylor Splits, Beyonce's 2013 Takeover, Lady Gaga Calls Out Kelly Osbourne

What will the song about Harry Styles be on Taylor Swift's next album? "The Brit Who Loved Me," "Crying on a Boat" or maybe "Guys in Boy Bands"?

If you didn't hear (or just didn't care), Taylor Swift and Harry Styles reportedly broke it off the Friday after New Year's while vacationing together in the British Virgin Islands.

This is not a surprise. I mean, Taylor is becoming to dating what Elizabeth Taylor was to marriage. She may have Liz beat, actually, because at least she spent a fair amount of her life trying to make it work with Richard Burton.

The best-selling country artist was seen floating away from her used-to-be lover on a water bed of her emotions a boat.

Then, ever the classy lady, she tweeted this:

Back in the studio. Uh oh...
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) January 10, 2013

---

If you didn't know, 2013 is the year of Beysus. She's already taking over with a GQ Magazine cover, new music from Destiny's Child, a Super Bowl halftime performance and now a documentary on HBO. Guys, that's all before we've even gotten two months into the year. Can you imagine what we have to look forward to? (If you couldn't tell, I'm a huge fan of Queen B.) [Beyonce.com]

---

Britney Spears had an eventful week. 
The mediocre singer broke off her engagement with agent-turned-lover Jason Trawick. It caused some legal scrambling with her conservationship, since she still isn't fit to look after herself. Well, that's what the court says, at least.
Spears also quit her judging duties on X Factor, so no more awkward glances and hearing her say, "I think you're amazing." Honestly, seeing someone who currently has very little talent judging people with a lot of talent just wasn't working for me.
Lastly, she's apparently really close to securing a HUGE deal to headline in a show in Vegas. It's reportedly worth over $100 million for every year she signs on for. There are apparently some little issues that could negatively impact the deal, but c'mon. Britney, for that kind of money, especially when you're not exactly as dedicated to being as great a performer as you once were, you should do whatever they want. [Perez Hilton]

---

So, Kelly Osbourne was upset that some of Lady Gaga's fans cyber bullied her and she spoke out about it in a magazine interview. Well, Mother Monster was none to pleased and wrote an open letter to Osbourne calling her out as a hypocrite. You know, since she does make a living bullying celebrities on Fashion Police. What they both don't realize is that now they've both joined Gaga's intense fans as bullies.
Also, Kelly Osbourne does not care about this, guys. Like not at all. She cares so little that she tweeted about it, which kind of shows that she cares, but she still said she doesn't:

I hope you guys realize that I don't care about any of this bullshit! I know who I am I don't need anyone to tell me!... love to all xoxo
— Kelly Osbourne (@MissKellyO) January 11, 2013

[People]
Brianti Downing is the Editor-in-Chief of Feather Magazine. You can read her personal blog and follow her on Twitter.

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Feather Girl DIY: Grateful Journal

We all want to start this new year out in the best way possible, and what better way to do that, than with your own personal grateful journal? This easy-to-make tool is a great way to stay focused and positive throughout the year, as you work toward your goals. Use it as a way to track those small, daily victories and watch as they add up!

A don't-give-up approach to your resolutions.
(via)

Sure, you can buy a journal—but if you want to be creative: gather some scrap-booking supplies and make your own! This DIY is really up to you in design; remember, it's the function that counts. Add a few pages for each month of the year and spend a few minutes every day reviewing your resolutions and see how you're holding up. Write down what you're grateful for that day: what made you happy, success you witnessed, memories that you want to hold on to for the year—anything that strikes you as important.

This daily reminder is a great way to stay in the present and appreciate what you do have, without getting discouraged. No more failed attempts at resolutions—stay encouraged by filling this book full of the good stuff. At the end of the year, you'll be able to review all the wonderful progress that happened this year as you plan for the next one. Tweet us your creations @rufflings!

Kristyn is a Life Blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog and follow her on Twitter.

Editor's Letter: A Little Extra

When I first started Feather, I wanted us to try to mimic print as much as possible. Since I was really obsessed with Esquire at the time (I still love it, but my obsession has decreased to normal levels), so we used a little inspiration from them and from other magazines to come up with Feather Notes.

Feather Notes are that little extra information to help you make a more informed decision on a topic or just give you some more information. We did two this week, including one with some fun tidbits on rising artist Wafia Al-Rikabi.

Wouldn't it be great to have a little extra information at your fingertips whenever you want to make a decision or just learn a little more? I'd like to think our stories fill that void in a few aspects of your life. Over the past year, we've covered so many topics, that you're bound to find something you'd like to know more about on our website.

And if you can't, let us know. We're always looking to cover topics our readers will care about. You can email us at feathermagazine [at] gmail [dot] com or tweet us at @feather_mag. You can always catch up with me, too, at @brianti.

Brianti Downing is the Editor-in-Chief of Feather Magazine. You can read her personal blog and follow her on Twitter.

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Put on the Winter SPF

(image via Solise.com)

Don't push the sunblock in the back of your drugstore supplies quite yet. Although you may not be baring your midriff any day soon, the sun is still out, which means the SPF should still be on. You may be covering the majority of your body up but your face, hands and neck still need protection.

The ozone layer is thinner during the winter months, which means there are less layers to absorb the sun's UV radiation. The truth is that UV rays are just as powerful in below-freezing temperatures as they are the middle of a summer heat wave.

Although the skies may look dark and dreary, the sun's rays also reflect off of snow and ice. Use a daily moisturizer with at least 30 SPF on your hands and neck (don't forget your ears!). When you plan on hitting the slopes for a full day of skiing and snowboarding make sure to lather on extra SPF, because the higher the altitude the more powerful the UV rays.

Not to mention, using sunscreen during the winter will also help prevent nasty windburn. No one likes a chapped, red face after spending a whole day outside playing in the snow. And of course it's really painful. Avoid that by remembering to apply some SPF before heading out the door.

Lesley Anders is a Health blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog or follow her on Twitter. 

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Get Fit: Biggest Diet Mistakes

(image via Life's Ambrosia)

Was your New Year's resolution to go on a diet and lose some of those excess holiday pounds? If so, you want to make sure all your efforts don't go to waste. Try to avoid these key diet mistakes, so you can successfully reach your weight loss goal.

Assuming that "good calories" don't count. Healthy items like whole grains, fruits and vegetables still convert to fat in your body. Unless you are burning off more than you are eating, these foods will still help you pack on the pounds. Learn what proportions are appropriate for your body and level of physical activity. 

Eating for your emotions. Boyfriends, friends, family and work can bring a lot of stress on us as young women. When you are feeling down, don't turn to McDonald's and a pint of ice cream. Try keeping a daily food diary of what you eat, how much and how you feel before and after. Instead of binge eating, find other ways to cope with your feelings, like yoga or another positive activity.

Starving yourself. Restricting yourself from eating a lot during the day before going out for a big meal at night might seem like a good idea, but in reality you're slowing down your metabolism. Your body starts looking for energy and begins burning muscle for fuel. Make sure to eat every three to five hours. Bring small snacks to work so you don't overeat your calories later.

Looking for a "quick fix." Hopping on the latest diet trend can be risky. A drastic low-calorie diet can put your body in "conservation mode," so you burn calories slower. Not to mention you get cranky, tired and some massive headaches. You may quickly lose weight, but it's not healthy so it will only be temporary. Find a balanced diet, that you can easily incorporate into your life.

Lesley Anders is a Health blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog or follow her on Twitter. 

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Happy Home: Ceramic Animals

Home decor is totally on an animal kick these days. This week I'm looking at ceramic animals--they've been popping up everywhere! Not only are they cute, they bring a playful, young feel to any room.

Make your own!
(via)

Deer are making a statement this year in ceramics, soon to be the number one "it" animal. Cute, innocent and a bit rustic, ceramic deer are a hipster's dream. You can find tons of vintage ones--leave them as they come or paint them any color you'd like using a nontoxic spray paint.

Eclectic furniture pieces.
(via)

It seems owls will never go out of style. Instead of a small statement on your coffee table, give your room a unique accessory with an owl side table. It's a fun, bold addition to any room--and a great conversation piece.

Functional and cute.
(via)

Ceramic animals can be totally functional, too, like this adorable rabbit jewelry holder. You can also find teacups with hidden animals inside, animal-shaped bookends, and lamps that use animals as their base. Bringing together that functionality and playful, artsy spirit will add some personality to any room.

Kristyn is a Life Blogger for Ruffled Feathers. You can read her personal blog and follow her on Twitter.

First Look: New 'Catching Fire' Photos

I'm so excited for you to see these new photos that I'm not going to write much. I could pretty much just write a scream because that's what I'm doing right now. Sure, the ending to the first film was rushed, but how awesome is it to have a heroine who fights back and an actress who plays her well? (Yeah, that was a dig at Kristen Stewart. Sue me.)

The first stills for Catching Fire were released on Entertainment Weekly's website this morning and I'm ready for it to be released now. I'm also ready to ogle at Sam Claflin (he's portraying Finnick), like I do during every film he's in. With him the cast, the eye candy factor is so high that I'm even more delighted I read the books because I may be drooling over the guys too much to really pay attention.

Do we really have to wait almost an entire year for this? More importantly, can I survive that long?

Brianti Downing is the Editor-in-Chief of Feather Magazine. You can read her personal blog and follow her on Twitter.

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Feather Note: Wafia Al-Rikabi

I first fell in love with Wafia Al-Rikabi's music when I heard her cover of Lana del Rey's "Video Games." With the release of her EP, my admiration for her musical prowess was solidified.

I had the pleasure of interviewing her for a feature that ran on Feather Magazine today. As always, I added in some fun questions for our blog readers and included more of her music.

Name: Wafia Al-Rikabi

Age: Nineteen

Hometown: Groningen, The Netherlands (currently living in Brisbane, Australia)

Your Guitar's Name (if you've given it one): A long time ago I called my guitar Shaniqua as a joke, but I think it’s a lot more serious than that because I just called my new guitar Tyrone.

Favorite Color: Coral

Favorite Book: White Oleander by Janet Fitch

What's on your iPod right now?: "I have refund obsession with remixes and my favourites right now are Bon Iver - "Flume (KulKid Remix)" and Destiny's Child - "Say My Name (Cyril Hahn Remix)"

Heels or flats?: Flats! 

Who would play you in a film version of your life?: Maya Rudolph because she's hilarious. 

Best advice you've ever received: "You can be whatever you want to be. If you don't make it, your effort probably stopped with just wanting."

Now that you know her a little better, listen to her music.

Sephora + Pantone Color IQ: What to Know Before You Get Matched

Finding your perfect shade just got a little easier.
(image source)

If you watched Full House growing up, you probably learned from Becky that the goal of makeup is to make it look like you’re not wearing any. This important life lesson is a makeup essential.

Sephora and Pantone LLC have teamed up to create color matching technology, Sephora + Pantone Color IQ, that'll help you find your perfect shade at Sephora stores.  

A story about the technology is on Feather today, but you also need to know what steps to take before your color match.

If you’re planning to get color matched, Sephora recommends taking a few precautionary steps to ensure the best results. These include:
• Don't work out 30 minutes before your match. An intense workout can overflush the skin. 
• Avoid chemical peels for at least three to six days beforehand because they can affect the texture and discoloration in your skin. 
• Skip the Starbucks run until after your color matching. Caffeine can restrict blood flow and impact the flush of your skin. 
• If you’re wearing self-tanner, let the Beauty expert know, so that they can adjust the machine accordingly. 

The technology is currently only in New York City and San Francisco. So, if you aren’t looking to spend money, check out CoverGirl’s Shade Match. This website lets you fill in your favorite high-end products and shades and will automatically match them to one of CoverGirl’s products, free of charge.

A Feather Note is a sidebar to a larger story featured on the Feather Magazine website. You can read all of them here. Information for this story was gathered by the writer of the main story, which is linked above.

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#CelebGoss: Knocked-Up Celebs, Bieber Lights Up, Josh Hutcherson is Dreamy & The Beckhams Move to the UK

The new year has apparently brought about new pregnancies in Hollywood. A lot of them. Seriously, it must be something in the water out there.

Let's run down the list:
• Kimye is preggers. I'm happy Kim is finally getting to start a family and I'm hoping this will make Kanye a little nicer in public, but I'm already tired of this baby. You're already releasing statements about your cravings and how you plan to have the baby on the show, Kim? Or should I just address Kris Jenner because we all know who pulls the puppet strings in that family. [E! News]
• Jessica Simpson is expecting again. She just gave birth to Maxwell, but she's already far enough along in her second pregnancy to be making announcements about it. But if you've seen her fiancé, you probably couldn't keep your hands off him either. [People]

• Also knocked up in 2013 are: Kate Middleton, Kristen Bell, Shakira, Holly Madison, Lisa Ling, Jenna Dewan-Tatum and more women than I can really ever keep up with.

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The Biebs was caught lighting one up the day after a paparazzo who thought he was following the teen idol was killed by oncoming traffic. It could just be rolled tobacco, but I'm not dumb enough to give him the benefit of the doubt. He apologized to his fans on Twitter, of course. I've also seen some reports that Justin spent the night in his hotel room with a girl who was not Selena Gomez. Guess they're done again? [TMZ]

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In grown-up hottie news, Josh Hutcherson is a total dream boat in this video about being a sensitive guy and I realize that I love him even when he isn't Peeta Mellark. But he'd totally be sexier with a loaf of bread in his hand, though, right? [MTV]

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Whenever I see at least two people from Freaks & Geeks together I want to watch that one awesome season of the show all over again. But I don't because I've got more important things to do with my life. It's a nice thought, though.

A very pregnant Busy Phillips (Seriously, what's in the water out there?) met up with former castmate Jason Segel for a jaunt on the beach in Cancun, Mexico. Oh, and I guess Michelle Williams was there, too. I don't know what to think of her because she's never really made much of an impression on me. And I always have to try to explain to people who she is when I mention her in pop culture conversation. But even saying she's Jason Segel's girlfriend isn't enough.

Michelle, make my life easier and be great in Oz: The Great and Powerful. At least then, my mom friends will know who you are. [UsWeekly]

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The Beckhams are going back to London. I don't know the kids that well and I guess I'll sort of miss seeing Victoria's emotionless face on red carpets, but why would you take David Beckham from us?!

C'mon. British Girls have enough eye candy to go around, so can't we just keep the only hot, well-dressed MILF in the United States? I guess that's just too much to ask for.

Have fun across the pond, Beckhams. But remember what country gave you the least paparazzi attention...and then come back. [RadarOnline]

Brianti Downing is the Editor-in-Chief of Feather Magazine. You can read her personal blog and follow her on Twitter.

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