VH1's 'Divas' Salute the Troops

Hi Biffles!
VH1, in partnership with USO, is hosting a concert in support of our troops overseas. Performers include R&B songstress, Keri Hilson and "California Gurl," Katy Perry! Viewers can show their support now by adding their Facebook profile picture to the Salute the Troops Mosaic or donating $1 to USO's Operation Enduring Care.


And as always, you can purchase a BFF bracelet and get to know someone serving in the armed forces. It's an awesome token of support that will remind us of the hard work and sacrifice these men and women out there undergo. Find your BAFF (Best Armed Forces Friend)!


**A special shoutout goes to Keri Hilson and the other VH1 "Divas", Big Time Rush for showing their patriotism this holiday season, and all of the wonderful supporting celebrities, including Perez Hilton, who featured our BFF bracelets on his fashion-inspired blog, Coco Perez!!


Catch VH1 Divas Salute the Troops this Sunday, December 5.
;)

Send An E-Card Day!

Happy Monday, BFF'ers!

Did you know that today is Send An E-Card Day? A simple greeting card in someone's inbox is a small, fun gesture that will brighten anyone's day! So take a moment today to send your friends and family a personalized e-card.

;)

Book Review: The Tipping Point

Hey BFF'ers! For those of you who have opted out of the Black Friday extravaganza, here is an awesome book to check out. Malcolm Gladwell, researcher and a staff writer for The New Yorker, explores the power behind word-of-mouth phenomenon in his bestseller, The Tipping Point: How Little Things Make a Big Difference. Ever wonder why certain things catch on (such as Silly Bandz) and how they spread? Amazon says, "The best way to understand the dramatic transformation of unknown books into bestsellers, or the rise of teenage smoking, or the phenomena of word of mouth or any number of the other mysterious changes that mark everyday life," writes Malcolm Gladwell, "is to think of them as epidemics. Ideas and products and messages and behaviors spread just like viruses do." Although anyone familiar with the theory of memetics will recognize this concept, Gladwell's The Tipping Point has quite a few interesting twists on the subject."


Great read. Spread the word ;)

Happy Thanksgiving!

Biffles,

While you set your eyes on some Turkey and Pumpkin Pie let us not forget about the brave women and men fighting for our country. How can you show your appreciation, you ask? With a BFF Bracelet of course! Together with the American Freedom Foundation, we are now able to help America connect with friends in the military! This pair of bff bracelets will create a bond of awareness and appreciation for our baff’s (best armed forces friends)! So tell us, do you have your BAFF yet?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Surviving Black Friday

Thanksgiving is only a day away, but we all know that it's not just your aunt's awesome stuffing that you're looking forward to. Black Friday, the Friday after Thanksgiving, is the BIGGEST shopping day of the year. Deals, doorbusters, and slashed prices draw crowds in the thousands during early morning hours. But how can we score those top deals without getting mobbed by the crowd or fighting over the last $3 toaster (à la Rebecca Bloomwood of Confessions of a Shopaholic)? BFF has your Black Friday guide to surviving on top!

1. Do your research beforehand

Sift through ads and visit deal-oriented websites, like GottaDeal. Know what the deals are and which retailers carry the ones you want to score. Picking out which deals you want ahead of time keeps you from making a bad split-second impulse buy.

2. Be a savvy shopper

Check Consumer Reports and reviews online before you commit to buying anything. No matter how discounted it is, a bad product is still a bad product.

3. Pick a good shopping buddy

Waiting in long lines and running into angry bargain-hunters can be a pain. But if you have a good teammate who can get in the spirit of Black Friday, shopping on such a stressful day will be less frustrating.

4. Bring props

Make a list of all your deals and stores to hit so that you don't get confused in all the commotion. Bring the ads you found so that if there is any dispute, you have your source with you! Finally, pack portable snacks and drinks so that you're not feeling faint during the shopping extravaganza!

4. Logistics, logistics, logistics

Now that you have your deals, stores, and Black Friday partner(s)-in-crime ready, it's all about execution. Overboard? I think not. Deciding on a time will help keep you moving. Planning out your route helps you navigate efficiently and saves time so that you can get in and out without pushing through crowds for too long.

5. Dress comfortably

I cannot stress this one enough. Make sure you bring a warm jacket - waiting outside in long seemingly never-ending lines can be harsh so be sure to stay warm. Keep in mind that shopping on Black Friday is a physical effort. That means no heels! Wear comfortable clothes that you can move around in.

6. Make friends with the people in line

This could prove handy if you have to run bathroom, and there are new friends who can save your spot in line.

7. Keep in mind that you can also shop online

Many retailers are having the same, if not better, deals online so don't feel like you have to brave the early morning crowds.

Happy shopping Biffles! ;)

Friends You Should AVOID

A friend can be one of the most important people in your life. But there are some friends who are more like enemies. These "toxic" friends are unreliable, overly-demanding, and don't give back. Could you be stuck in a toxic friendship? StyleCaster shares 5 frenemies that you should lose:


The Competitive Friend
This type of friend is always finding ways to compete, whether it’s for the attention of a guy, the approval of other friends, or for job-related praise.


The Debbie Downer
This frenemy turns your friendship "into a never-ending therapy session".


The Promise Breaker 
Constantly breaking promises, this type of friend still expects everything from you in return.


The Criticizer
While these criticisms may come in the form of jokes at first, this type of friendship will eventually become draining, as you’ll always be on the defense against her attacks


The Gossip 
This type of friend is constantly breaking your confidentiality.


While it is normal for friendships to change, some don't change for the better. To read the full article and find out how to deal with a toxic friend, go to Yahoo! Shine. Don't let frenemy distract you from awesome friends.

;)

Music Monday: The Astronomical Kid

Teen rapper The Astronomical Kid, who is known to his friends as Astro, is turning heads with his biting lyrics and old school rap influences. Just fourteen years old, Astro makes a big statement with his hit single, "Stop Looking At My Moms." Frustrated by men ogling his mom, this young music prodigy takes a stand. 

Astro has wowed audiences along the East Coast at events, such as  DE’s Stop The Violence Rally and  BK Fashion Weekend. When he's not studying the lyrical styles of Tupac and Nas or writing poetry and his own lyrics, he's an average teenager who loves video games and "106 and Park" on BET. One thing's for sure, this kid is a force to be reckoned with.

Read more about The Astronomical Kid here, and let us know what you think of his rhyming defense of his mom!

;) 

Giving Thanks: DIY Edition

Hey BFF'ers! Thanksgiving is almost here, and putting aside the thought of turkey and stuffing (yes, it's tough!), I thought I'd share this fantastic DIY way of showing your appreciation this year. These personalized quilted Thanksgiving cards, by CraftyPod, are a great way to share what (and who) you are thankful for.

From different combinations of fabric to...

...your very own personalized quilted Thanksgiving cards!

Happy DIYs! ;)

Harry Potter Extravaganza!

In honor of today's late-night premiere of Harry Potter and the Death Hallows: Part I, BFF has your latest (and quirkiest) Harry Potter headlines...

The 4th Annual Quidditch World Cup kicked off this past weekend, with teams from NYU, Emerson, Penn State, and more going head to head in Manhattan. Teams compete to capture the golden snitch as in the Harry Potter series... but minus the flying...  (Pictured above: NYU Hipster Horcruxes)

Tourists have been flocking to Ramle, a small town in Israel, to see Harry Potter's grave. (Not J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter, but a British soldier, killed in 1939, of the same famous name.)

Recap your top Harry Potter romantic scenes (our personal favorite here at BFF is #3!)

Get to know the REAL actor behind nemesis Draco Malfoy, a.k.a. Tom Felton, in his latest interview (it turns out he's a romantic)

Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando Resort, which opened this past spring, features everything Harry Potter, from butterbeer to Ollivander's Wand Shop

See Emma Watchson's transformation from adorably nerdy Hermione Granger to chic pixie-haired Brown attendee (Pictured above: Emma Watson is stunning in a Burberry campaign)

Are you the world's biggest Harry Potter fan? This guy thinks so! Check out his video for Moviefone's Harry Potter contest

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I premieres Friday at 12:01a.m.

;)

Celebrity Style Lookbook: Winter 2010

High collars, capes, military, wraps, animal print, and fringe! See what your favorite celebrities are wearing this winter...

Victoria Beckham rocking a Burberry military jacket

Vanessa Hudgens looking cozy in a slouchy cardigan and coordinated knit cap

Blake Lively dressing up a belted brown leather jacket

Natalie Portman, chic as always, in a gray military-inspired cape

Layer on chunky knit scarves à la Keira Knightley 

Alicia Keys brightening up her winter wardrobe with touches of color

Vanessa Minnillo channeling classic preppy

Kim Kardashian is trendy in camel, a must-have color this season

Taylor Momsen pairing plaid with gray over-the-knee leather boots

;)

Blogger Highlight: Lovely Undergrad

Biffles, as you all know, I love frugal finds and DIY crafts! If you don't want to drop tons of cash (like me!) to decorate your room, invest in high-end beauty products, or find fun things to do, Lovely Undergrad is an awesome resource for ideas and inspiration! A college student herself, Jessica shares her tips on everything from spicing up a plain room to great books to read and cute wardrobe ideas... all on a small budget! Here are a few of my favorite inspirations:

Try scouring a flea market for this birdcage photo display. Just use clothespins to attach photos!

Edamame: a healthy and cheap snack!

An AWESOME alternative to a traditional nightstand

This bulletin board was made from a door! Insane.

Great theme!

Get your make-up organized!

From salvaged chain gate to adorable headboard with just a blanket or quilt!

Hope you guys found some inspiration here. It's true that with a little flair, you don't need a big budget to get organized and add some style. Check out Lovely Undergrad for more tricks and ideas. DIY away, BFF'ers

;)

Today is America Recycles Day!

When you say recycle, many of us tend to imagine those bright blue bins where we separate aluminum cans from plastic bottles. But for America Recycles Day, I found out that recycling is not only putting containers in their appropriate bins. It's also about donating things that you don't use anymore to people who need it, getting your local community behind a cause together, and knowing that your actions do matter. Overconsumption of natural resources and heavy production of non-recyclable waste are taking their toll on the environment. That's why America Recycles Day is so important.

So spread the word about this national initiative to educate and motivate people about recycling! Here are some cool things recycling-related things that I found:

TerraCycle makes cool things out of waste. This Starburst cooler was made from
candy wrappers! (Also, join one of TerraCycle's brigades and get paid for trash)

The U.S. is one of the world's top consumers of natural resources (measured as an ecological footprint) and accounts for 24% of the world's consumption of resources while only making op 5% of the population!

Soles 4 Souls, a partner of America Recycles Day, has donated almost 12 million pairs
of shoes to those in need around the world!

Recycling paper instead of making it from new material generates 74 percent less air pollution and uses 50 percent less water.

;)

Support Our Troops with a BFF Bracelet!

Hello friends!

We would like to take the time out to give our most sincerest appreciation to our troops and veterans. Thank you for everything you have done for our country. "This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave." - Elmer Davis


In honor of Veteran's Day, E! News presented a very special treat for you last night with our BFF bracelets. If you've been living under a rock, the BFF Bracelet is an awesome way to show your support for our troops and can be considered the uber-cool remake of the Pen-Pal system. Together with the American Freedom Foundation, we are now able to help America connect with friends in the military! Proceeds from your purchase will help fund charities that support members of the armed forces and their families. For more information or to find out how you can participate, head over to our BFF Bracelet page.

;)

Chicken Soup for the Soul Day: November 12

"A self-fulling prophecy is that you get what you expect. Why not create great expections and the highest vision possible for yourself and the whole world." -Mark Victor Hansen, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul

Chicken soup cures all. That's the inspiration for the best-selling book series. Featuring inspirational stories from people of all backgrounds, Chicken Soup for the Soul is a classic to revisit when you run into times of uncertainty. Let's celebrate the holiday, and the series, by looking back on some of your favorite stories. Tell us which ones you stick by.

;)

Winter Beauty Tricks: Keep Cold Weather From Taking It Out on Your Skin

Hey BFF'ers,
For me, winter signals holiday decorations and get-togethers, hot chocolate with marshmallows, and cozy wool capes in camel. But one thing that I can't stand about winter is the cold weather itself! Your hair gets blown out by high-speed winds (not in a gorgeous Marni Spring RTW 2011 fashion show kind of way), and the chilly temperatures can dry out your skin. Not cute. I thought I'd share with you guys some of the great beauty tips that I found on how to survive the winter blues.


First things first, remember to apply sunblock everyday. Even though it's cold, the sun's rays still do its damages on the skin, known to cause wrinkling and skin cancer.


Next up: keeping your skin moisturized. Avoid products containing alcohol; they are drying for the skin. Instead, be sure to use a mild facial cleanser (I love the one by Aveeno because it's a gentle non-drying formula!) and switch to a richer moisturizer. Use a hydrating mask about once a week to keep your skin soft and smooth.


Now what do you do about chapped lips? I don't know about you guys but it seems like no matter what I do, chapped lips are inevitable! Always remember to put on lip balm (I can't live without Smith's Rosebud Salve!), and more ultra chapped lips, try a heavier emollient, like the one by Aquaphor.


Those were my musts for winter. Now here are a few secret hints for more winter beauty woes:
**For rough elbows and heels, try a thick moisturizer on the elbows and an exfoliating scrub on the heels. Then apply a thin layer of Vaseline to both for an overnight moisture overhaul.


**Red nose like Rudolph? The cold causes blood vessels to expand, therefore causing red noses in many. Try using sunscreen or some other face protectant to create a barrier between your skin and cold winds. When you get indoors, apply a warm compress and the redness should subside.


**For red, dry eyes, protect them from wind, glare, and dry air by donning a pair of sunglasses (yes, in the winter!). Use eyedrops for bloodshot eyes.


**Protect your tresses by using a leave-in conditioner before applying any hot tools, like a blow dryer or curling iron


Now that you're winter-proofed, enjoy the season! ;)

National Kindness Week: November 8-14

BFF'ers,
I didn't even know something like this existed until recently. And it got me thinking, why is there a week of kindness? Does kindness not show up during other weeks of the year? Where does it go? M.I.A.? Then, I realized that having an official week of it gets people thinking about it. To make it official is to have it permeate our thoughts, enter our daily lives. Let's face it, sometimes we get to caught up in our own life bubbles that we overlook what's happening around us. Little things have a big impact. Imagine all those times when a stranger helped you out with heavy groceries, or gave you a dime when you were short on change at a store. They meant a lot even though it was such a small gesture. Let's step back, and when the right moment arrives, pass along a bit of kindness...

Bring desserts in to class or the office

UK artist Heidi Burton suggests giving out (or hiding in secret places) compliment cards to friends, family, 
and acquaintances

Put an extra coin in someone's parking meter

Help a neighbor rake leaves or some other odd chore

Give an anonymous card to brighten someone's day

We may not see the positive impact our small acts of kindness will have, but somewhere, people are thinking the same thing about how great these little things have made their days.

Visit the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation: inspires people
to practice kindness and to “pass it on” to others 

;)

NaNoWriMo What?

NaNoWriMo, or also known as National Novel Writing Month, is a month-long challenge to write 50,000 words in 30 days! For professionals and those who just like to write for fun, NaNo provides the push to get people started on writing projects that otherwise would have taken a backseat. I know the thought of writing a novel can sound intimidating or too time-consuming. But with NaNo, it's all about taking risks, writing on the fly, and leaving room for mistakes! So Biffles, take November to put your thoughts onto paper and enter the NaNo challenge. For more information, check out NaNoWriMo.

Happy writing. ;)

Beauty Rescue Tips

As your #1 BFF, you know you can always come to us for your Beauty needs. This past weekend, one of our biffles brought up a very good question: How can I save my Flat strands? After much research, we decided to take some tips from Teen Vogue. Check them out and tell us what you think!

"Breakage is a common concern for women with fine hair," says Rojas, who has given a boost to everyone from Natasha Bedingfield to Kate Moss. And it should be—weak hair not only looks lifeless, but constant breakage naturally results in hair loss. For proper strength straining, Rojas recommends bulking up with regular deep conditioning treatments and says to lay off the straightening irons and tight buns and ponytails. "These can easily compromise the integrity of hair," he adds. A flattering cut, on the other hand, is an easy way to get a lift: "Long or short, an angled cut is a must," he says. And while you're already in the salon, a dose of color might do you some good. According to Rojas, while one-dimensional color will only call attention to the fact that your hair is indeed flat on your head—"Natural-looking highlights and lowlights help give the illusion of depth."

To find out more, read the original article here.

;)

Celebrity News Roundup

Here are the latest headlines about your favorite celebrities!

Justin Bieber Photoshop Mess: Did They Add Make-Up...?

Lady Gaga Dresses Up as Cruella De Vil for Halloween!

...While Heidi Klum and Seal Dress Up As...? Anybody?

Emma Watson Looking Chic on the Cover of British Vogue (and she JUST found out she's worth $32 million?)

Demi Lovato Quits Her Tour and Twitter!

Taylor Swift is Launching Her Own Fragrance (set to debut in Fall 2011)

Our other favorite country gal is hitting the big screen this April in Soul Surfer

Penn Badgley and Blake Lively Call It Quits