10. Sandra Bullock. Recently Bullock has begun to present herself as a truly empowering woman in my mind. She handled the whole Jesse James thing with such grace and elegance that you can’t help but love her. Plus, she actually left her cheating husband, which is more than you can say for some people.

9. Queen Latifah. An actor. A singer. A producer. A model. And also, a writer. I bet you didn’t know about her autobiography, Ladies First: Revelations of a Strong Woman. She tells her life story openly and honestly, without apology, reminding girls to “keep your roots.” Where we come from helps to shape who we are, after all.

8. Ellen DeGeneres. She’s never been afraid to be anything other than who she is, but she also has the good sense to be able to laugh about it. And just about everything else too. She’s done everything from starring in her own TV show to starting her own talk show, and judging on American Idol. Now she’s even starting her own record label. She takes life seriously without, taking life seriously.

7. Michelle Obama. A first lady that doesn’t fade into the background. A smart, accomplished, vibrant, woman who doesn’t lose her luster when with her very charismatic husband. She’s been complimented and criticized and handled both the way only a first lady could, but her clothes are just so much better.

6. Audrey Hepburn. Classic. Elegant. Stylish. She played complex characters while wearing Givenchy! She rocked the skinny jean way before we did. She brought us that “I believe in pink” speech that everyone always quotes but no one ever knows who said it first. Well, she did. And if that’s not enough to convince you, she’s also a favorite of one Blair Waldorf.

5. Meryl Streep. This woman has played more characters than I could ever hope to name, reinventing herself time and time again. She’s allowed herself to age. In Hollywood. And she’s still working. She’s well respected, gorgeous, and a real woman. One day, she’ll be one of the classics.

4. Tina Fey. In 2008 the Associated Press named her the performer who had the greatest impact on American culture and entertainment. And for once, that’s a stat that doesn’t make me shudder. This woman is funny and talented, and holds her own, whether she’s acting or impersonating.

3. Katharine Hepburn. The blonde Hepburn liked to wear pants in an age where most women just didn’t. While on the set of Bringing Up Baby her producers asked her to wear dresses and skirts instead of pants, and when she didn’t her pants disappeared. So Hepburn simply walked around set in her underwear until they returned. She was a woman who always spoke her mind, when most didn’t know they could yet.

2. Abigail Adams. Think back, way back, to the very beginning of the creation of our country. Abigail Adams was the wife of John Adams, the second president of the United States, but the reason I remember this particular first lady is because of the letters she often wrote to her husband. In 1776, two centuries before women would have the right to vote, before women’s rights were even a thought, Adams was writing to her husband asking him to “remember the ladies.”

1. You. And you. And you. And me. We are empowering women.  Or at least we can be, if we want to. Webster defines empowering as “to make (someone) stronger and more confident, esp. in controlling their life and claiming their rights.” We all have the ability to do that, this week, and every week. So take a cue from one of these lovely ladies and live your life the way you want, not the way someone else tells you to.

And while you’re at it, let’s take a moment to honor the empowering female figures in our lives the best way we know how: by taking it to Facebook. Change your profile picture to that of a woman who empowers you, then tell all the other ladies out there to do the same by copying the following message into your status:

“It’s Women’s Empowerment Week and CollegeCandy.com is asking women everywhere to celebrate empowering women by changing their profile pic this week to a woman that empowers and inspires them! Change your pic and copy this into your status to honor these women and get everyone else to do the same!”

Keep that photo up all week and hopefully we can start a women’s empowerment revolution that reminds everyone that women can be empowered for more than 7 days a year!

Most exciting jewelry of 2010

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Queen Latifah continues to be awesome

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Katy Perry’s ego is outta control

Every day we’re bombarded with a million different messages about what we are supposed to look like. And tell you what, our not-so-scientific-yet-totally-accurate visual research proves that 99% of girls out there don’t fit the mold. So instead of telling you how to wear your hair, or how much weight to lose, or which one of Heidi Montag’s many surgeries to get (because, really, look where that got her), we’re going to celebrate these so-called beauty flaws with beautiful women every single week.

Last week we celebrated the natural nose. Today, let’s talk about curves.

It’s no secret that Hollywood likes their actresses to look anorexic-chic. But that doesn’t mean that all the women in Hollywood are conforming to that reasonable ridiculous standard. This week we’re putting on a spotlight on the curvy and voluptuous celebrities who haven’t let their bigger bodies stop them from having even bigger careers.

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There’s something about the Oscars that brings out the awkwardness in our favorite Hollywood stars and starlets.  On the red carpet, we get to hear the awkward comments celebs make when they aren’t scripted.  On stage, we get to hear the awkward comments the presenters make when they are scripted and given the corniest jokes to deliver.  Best of all, are the awkward pauses after those corny jokes when no one laughs. And when asked how they “feel” to be here, most nominees will respond with variations of “amazing” “speechless” and “honored.”

These are the expected/accepted answers, but even though these are the elitist of the Hollywood elite, the Oscar guests are humans after all, and they have to be thinking SOMETHING else.  So… what were they really thinking?

Let’s find out….

“These darts could poke an eye out”- Elisabetta Canalis
“Forget that. Am I still a hot older man with my grey comb over?”- George Clooney

“Gabourey, girl, you look good, but I’m still the most fabulous large-and-in-charge girl”- Queen Latifah

“I think this is how to look sexy but not slutty now that I’m married.”- Mariah Carey

“Does this dress make my shoulders look slumped?”- Miley Cirus

“It’s fine that I’m glowing orange, every guy wears make up on the red carpet.” – Taylor Lautner

“I’m glad I have these large rosettes in case people forget where my boobs are.” – Charlize Theron

“God I wish I hadn’t thrown the Heart of the Ocean overboard. I guess this giant necklace will do.” – Kate Winslet

“Make the sexy face. Maybe then no one will notice I’m too short for my dress.” – Jennifer Lopez

“I can’t wait to get married in Cinderella’s castle.”- Amanda Seyfried

“Who says you can’t do a DIY Oscar gown with an old tube top and some leftover gift wrap?” – Zoe Saldana

….But most of all, “I’d like to thank the fans.”

Let’s be serious: everyone and their mother (literally) watches the Super Bowl. Whether it’s for phenomenal commercials, gorgeous athletes, a scandalous halftime show, or for the actual sport, the entire country stops what they’re doing on Super Bowl Sunday and tunes in.

Personally, I watch for a combination of all four of these reasons (plus 4 hours of dipping delicious crispy things into delicious mushy stuff), and revel in every second of it. Sure, I’m used to being a little more involved in the actual outcome of the game (I’m a Steelers fan, so I’m used to winning these type things….), but this time I really am excited, because its going to be a battle of two great powerhouses this season.

The Teams:

The Colts (14-2), an unstoppable force from Indianapolis, bring with them a strong team lineup as well as one of the greatest quarterbacks in the league. A four-time MVP, and first round draft pick his rookie year, Peyton Manning has done much more than just show up to play the game. The older and more successful brother of the Giant’s current quarterback Eli Manning, Peyton has shown his prowess on the field with his laser rocket arm and perfect sight on the field.

As for the Saints (13-3), they’ve got some hidden talent hiding among their ranks as well. Drew Brees, a highly underestimated quarterback from Purdue, has shown his worth; not only in his multiple pro-bowl appearances but his uncanny ability to lead his team to multiple early season victories (did anyone else watch the first few weeks of this season??). Though you don’t usually hear his name in many “best of the league” talks, you can be sure that he will do his job and do it well in the upcoming game.

As for the three most vital parts of any Super Bowl…

Halftime:

Experts say: No nip-slips this year. Be this good or bad, the TV moguls of the world are making sure that the Halftime Show is as clean as ever. The Who has been confirmed as the official halftime entertainment. Don’t worry, though; as always, those same moguls are trying to make everyone happy. Carrie Underwood will sing the Star Spangled Banner and Queen Latifah will sing America the Beautiful.

I say: I’m excited! There’s really not much else to say, except I’m pretty sure that nobody wants to see any wardrobe malfunctions that The Who will have…

Commercials:

Experts say: GoDaddy.com will be the very first commercial aired for the Super Bowl. And there’s a 99% chance it will involve a hot girl and her boobs. However, in even more controversial news, there won’t be any Pepsi commercials. At all. Despite the past 23 years where Pepsi commercials have been a mainstay during the Big Game, the company has decided to pull itself out. (Editor’s Note: probably because that stuff tastes like crap.) As for some other contenders in the commercial line-up, you can expect all of the regulars: Audi, Honda, Volkswagen, Dove, Disney, Coke, and more as well as a few surprises like…. The US Census Bureau? WTF?

I say: Fingers crossed for talking babies.

The GAME:

Experts say: Last, but certainly not least, it’s game time. According to ESPN, regular visitors to the site have voted the Colts at a significant advantage (nearly 20% when I casted my own vote!). Football experts and the people over in Vegas agree. On paper, the Saints actually come out with a higher likelihood of a win, but everyone (and their mother) believes that the Colts will come out on top.

I say: The Saints. Hands down. I think they’re a great team, and they deserve this win. They had a phenomenal start to their season and have shown dominance in this sport all year. Additionally, it’s their very first Super Bowl. Though this may make some skeptical, they’re a highly skilled team who knowwhat they’re doing and have proven to react well under pressure. After all, the Steelers won their first Super Bowl appearance (and then went on to win four of the next six ), so I have confidence that another team could certainly do the same. (Sorry, had to throw my boys in there at least once….)

And that, my friends, is all you need to know before Super Bowl Sunday. Now go grab a beer, some wings and a giant bowl of guac (everyone else can get their own) and enjoy the game.

A pizza vending machine? Mama likey.

How cool are these insulated Hopside Down beer glasses?

Queen Latifah is being sued by her former make up artists.

Stage Fright? Check out how to sail through your next presentation.

Re-create America Ferrera’s  Kid’s Choice glam.

Are clear leggings going to be the next big trend?

Whitney Port reveals that she hated the Twilight movie. And we care, why?

Bagel receipts are the new cocktail napkins.

Ladies, remember, don’t drink and drive your bar stools.

90210 spoiler alert!

The only way Mattew McConaughey could look any cuter is if his shirt was off.

HOWEVA! I was slightly disappointed with the quality of these live performances. Take the Pussycat Dolls, for example. Yea, they’re hot and they had polls and some seriously sexy dance moves…but somewhere in the beginning of “When I Grow Up” Nicole Scherzinger’s voice did something funky and she sounded like a little boy goin’ through puberty. You know, like the Jonas Brothers, who were also unimpressive.

And, yes, I’m a huge Annie Lennox fan — how can you not rock out to “Walking on Broken Glass”? — and she totally deserved the Award of Merit. But something about her live performance of “Why” last night just didn’t hit the spot. (I’ll tell you who did tho… Justin Timberlake when he introduced her! Sweet Jesus.)

Despite those misses, though, there were some seriously memorable performances last night. So here are (in my opinion and in no particular order) the Top 5:

1. Christina Aguilera – Even though I’m pretty sure she lip-synced part of “Genie In a Bottle,” homegirl can sing! And more than that, she can put on an amazing show! Her medley of her greatest hits brought me back to middle school…loved it!

2. New Kids on the Block – Talk about flashback…these guys are still hot! I don’t care what you say! Little Joey is still adorable, Donnie is still a badass (with a nice ass), Jordan is still sexy…and no one remembers the other two…who were also awesome! OH OH OOOOH OH!!

3) Beyonce- Ah, Beyonce, only you could pull off wearing a leotard at the AMAs and look sexy. Normally, I find Beyonce’s voice whiney and annoying, but last night she really rocked it with her latest single, “Single Ladies”! And that girl can move…

4) Sarah McLachlan and Pink- Unlikely duo, yes. Bad duet, no. Despite the fact that they performed “Angel” which I now permanently associate with battered animals, the girls sounded amazing! They sound just as good live as they do on their records, and that’s saying a lot these days.

5) Alicia Keys- I absolutely adore Alica Keys! She closed the show with “Superwoman” and brought out Queen Latifah (where the hell has she been?) who gave a shout out to our new pres, and some opera singer no one knows (to show her appreciation for all kinds of music, I’m guessing?) Whatever the reason, it was great and Miss Keys sounded phenom!

It doesn’t matter who you supported in the VP debate, the SNL cast pretty much nailed both candidates in this hilarious spoof on Thursday night’s spectacle. Including Joe Biden’s teeth; Sarah Palin’s bf, Joe Six Pack; and that crazy moderator.

Yet another reason why we totally heart Tina Fey. And want to be her. And sometimes dream about auditioning for SNL just to be near her. And maybe finding out where she lives so we can hug her.

What? Too far?

[For even more fun and CollegeCandy hilarity, join our Facebook group!]

“I’m straight. Very straight, and even I would seriously consider batting for her team.”

Really? Jackie is obviously fit and she’s far from unattractive, but should the opportunity/inclination arise, she would not top my list. Which stars would? I’m glad you asked.

Top 5 Middle Aged Lesbian Celebrities I Would Go Gay For Before Jackie Warner

5. Jodie Foster

She’s still got it after 40+ years in the business. Biggest turn-off? Panic Room.

4. Batwoman

DC Comics outed the nocturnal heroine in 2006 to diversify its roster. Robin would have been a more likely choice but Batwoman looks a lot better in the leather jumpsuit.

3. Ellen Degeneres

I envy her dance skills. Plus I have this feeling we’d kick ass at Pictionary. Why do I have the feeling she just gets me?

2. Cynthia Nixon

She plays my favorite character on Sex And The City but my relationship with her would all be in an effort to get closer to her fancy shoes.

1. Queen Latifah

While it’s not confirmed, Queen has done everything but march in the Pride Parade with long-time companion Jeanette. Why does she land at the top spot? Take a cue from her character in Chicago, “When you’re good to Mama, Mama’s good to you.”

Who did I leave out? Feel like making a case for Jackie Warner? Spill in the comments!

I always assumed, however, from everything I saw on TV and in Hollywood, that in order to be considered beautiful as a female, I had be half the size I am.

Now I’m not going to give you some bull about how I’m perfectly happy with my body, I’m not. I’d definitely like to tone up and lose that tummy flab, but on my own terms, and in the meantime is it too much to ask to at least feel comfortable in the not even overweight body I’m in? But I have to face the facts; I am an average sized girl living in a skinny mini world, and the days when my weight would be considered acceptable and even hot (i.e. Marilyn’s day) are long gone.

Or so I thought. All my life I’ve been told that the thinner you are, the happier you are, the richer you are, and the prettier you are. Well if that’s the case, then why is it, in iVillage’s 10 Stars Over Size 2, every single one of those women are grinning their phat faces off? Umm, maybe it’s because they’re all rolling in the big bucks, and not starving or cutting themselves up with surgery to do it.

Men have had their weight revolution in Hollywood with Jack Black, Vince Vaughn, Will Ferrell and their whole gang. Well maybe it’s finally time for the ladies! As I breezed though the 10 lovely faces and bods of iVillage’s article, which ranges from Scarlett Johansson, to Sara Ramirez, to Queen Latifah, I felt as though I finally found the validation I had been looking for.

These women may want to be thinner, and if not they definitely feel the pressure to be, but they’re not obese, and they’re not anorexic. They are healthy, beautiful women. Regardless of whatever Meme Ross says about Jordin Sparks, these chikies are slammin’ hot and all have smoking careers. I know that it’s a relief to me to see stars who look like me, wearing clothes I wear, (well, and just wearing clothes at all), and are on fire in Hollywood without compromising their well-being or self esteem.

America Ferrera (one of the beautiful 10) definitely has something to smile about in this picture with her Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants co-stars. She’s going to go eat after the premiere, while Amber Tamblyn and Alexis Bledel look on in envy; they can only dream.

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