Proposition 8 was overturned, and now we have to see that lesbian comedienne Ellen Degeneres as the new face of JCPenney? Where on EARTH will I shop now? Ladies, we’ve got to do something about this. Let’s protest that crazy talk show host so that her homosexuality doesn’t taint all our kids’ back-to-school clothes and our Christmas shopping.

Okay, so maybe I’m exaggerating the thought process of a member of One Million Moms, a conservative group that’s got their high-leg briefs in a twisted bunch because out and proud Ellen Degeneres is the new JCPenney spokesperson. The group issued a statement following the company’s announcement:

“Funny that JC Penney thinks hiring an open homosexual spokesperson will help their business when most of their customers are traditional families. More sales will be lost than gained unless they replace their spokesperson quickly. Unless JC Penney decides to be neutral in the culture war then their brand transformation will be unsuccessful…By jumping on the pro-gay bandwagon, JCPenney is attempting to gain a new target market and in the process will lose customers with traditional values that have been faithful to them over all these years.”

Fox News contributor Sandy Rios, who supports the One Million Moms perspective, summed up this week’s Hot Button Issue while on The O’Reilly Factor: ”The problem is that Ellen DeGeneres has chosen to act out her lesbian lifestyle and marry her partner, it’s what that represents,” she said. “And the fact that JCPenney is supposed to be middle America, the place where families shop…and people who believe that marriage is between a man and woman and children should not be exposed and propagandized in homosexuality have a moral problem with that.”

Well I’m sorry, Sandy, and the members of One Million Moms, but America—the land of opportunity, the land of the free and the home of the brave—is changing. And for the better. Thank goodness it’s been allowed to change, or else women would never be able to proudly make a buck in any workplace and we’d still stupidly have slaves everywhere who each only count as three-fifths of a person. Though the country has managed to acknowledge the basic human right of being considered an entire person to these minority groups, why can’t such a given be also applied to those who aren’t perfectly heterosexual? Those who choose to be both free AND brave?

If you’re protesting Ellen’s employment with JCPenney, you’re asking that the company discriminates based on her sexual orientation. Hm, discrimination definitely sounds like one of “the negative influences our children are forced to contend with”—you know, the part of society’s “filth” that you should be working to fight, rather than avoiding the hilarious and kindhearted Ellen Degeneres and every product she’s ever endorsed. I’m guessing you’re missing out on the greatness that is CoverGirl LashBlast Mascara and the daily dose of awesome on The Ellen Degeneres Show. Oh man, your kids must have never even seen the movie Finding Nemo! Do you tell them that they can’t go on the Submarine Voyage ride at Disneyland because that funny blue fish is the voice of an evil lesbian?!

Oh, and by pushing Ellen down and calling her names, you’re being a bully. That’s right, One Million Moms, all 40,000 of you are guilty of anti-gay bullying.

Thankfully, the group’s protests and cries were no matter for the department store, as the company stood behind their decision. And yesterday, the free and brave Ellen Degeneres addressed her haters and, therefore, her motivators, on her talk show. ”I’m proud and happy to say that JCPenney stuck by their decision to make me their spokesperson. Which is great news for me because I also need some new crew socks.”

On a more serious notes, she continued, “I really want to thank everyone who is supporting me…Here are the values I stand for. I stand for honesty, equality, kindness, compassion, treating people the way you’d want to be treated and helping those in need. To me, those are traditional values. That’s what I stand for.“

To be honest, I’m surprised that One Million Moms even had the time to jumpstart a JCPenney protest. The group has also requested action against Macy’s, ABC’s Modern Family and Mattel. Don’t shop at Target for promoting the destructive program that is Degrassi, don’t watch Dancing With The Stars because the show “aired a definition of ‘transgender’” and don’t support Ben & Jerry’s because of their “tasteless” ice cream flavor names. Thank goodness—that means there’s more Schweddy Balls for me!

Watch Ellen’s full speech now. It’s hilarious, it’s heartwarming, it’s all things Ellen Degeneres.

Should JCPenney be concerned about losing conservative customers? Or will they gain more respect for taking a stand?

Ashley is a UC San Diego grad who is holding on way too tightly to a potential career in magazines and goes to Vegas all too often. She’s fascinated with celebrities and strawberry beer and doubles as a pathological texter/emailer/blogger. Feed the addiction with tweets @cashleelee. Thanks in advance.

Well, that’s it, ladies. My last week. I did it. I budgeted. And I learned a lot about myself and my spending habits in the process. It was sometimes difficult, but definitely worth it. Looking back at the experience as a whole I can definitely say that. So instead of recapping this last week for you (which was actually kind of boring) I thought I’d take some time to just go over the finer points and the important things I picked up this month.

1. My online shopping is often a result of boredom. You know how some people Facebook stalk when they’re online with nothing to do? Well I visit online shopping sites. I tell myself its just to check out the latest trends, and maybe it is, but then I want to buy the latest trends and that becomes a problem.

2. I AM A STRESS SHOPPER. Big paper due?  Boy problems? Fight with my BFF? Do I pull out the chocolate? No — well, yes actually, that too — but I first pull up piperlime.com. But I need to find a new way to channel this energy. Like exercising. To work off that chocolate I’m not eating.

3. Those cappuccinos really add up. For years my father has been telling me that I’m overspending by buying my coffee at Starbucks and I just nodded my head and continued on. I always knew he was right, but I didn’t realize how quickly that added up until I actually started adding it up. I won’t be handing in my Starbucks card anytime soon but maybe I’ll switch from a venti to a grande.

4. The Kindle lending library is my friend…something I discovered when I was desperate to buy the sequel to The Hunger Games, but didn’t want to shell out the money for it. Apparently Amazon prime members are allowed to “borrow” books form Amazon’s Kindle Lending Library. That’s right, free books, people. Free books! (Not nearly as exciting an idea for some of you, I know.)

5. Going off the map every once in a while is okay. It’s not so much about not shopping or spending as it is about shopping and spending smartly. At the right time. With the right sales or coupons or price. Because giving up shopping all together would be impossible. 
Okay. That’s it. That is all I have. Go forth and spend smartly!

Jenn is a communications grad student and social media fanatic who spends her free time reading, writing, watching too much tv, and shopping for shoes she can’t afford. You can follow her on twitter @jenninzetta. 

Okay, okay! I admit it! I went off budget this week! I shopped! I bought an item of clothing that I did not need and probably will not use for quite some time! But it’s useful! I swear! And I will use it…just probably not until next winter.

I bought a winter coat, which was on sale. Which really isn’t all that big of a deal if you don’t know the fact that I have a lot of coats. Leather. Wool. Down. Denim. You name it, I have it. But what do you want from me? I live in New York City, the coat capital of the world! With every season represented and plenty of excuses to buy lots and lots of coats. And so I do.

It was just a slight slip up. I was on my way to CVS when I passed one of my favorite stores with a big, huge, sale sign in the window. I had some time to kill, so I figured, why not? I’ll just browse. And then I got to the coat section. There it was: a belted, black, mid length coat. On sale.  And it was just my size. I tried it on, and yes, I bought it. But the damage wasn’t that bad. The coat which was original $200+ was on sale for $50. And although I probably won’t be wearing it this season, I will be able to wear it next winter, and the one after that, and after that, because it is, in fact, a timeless piece. And it’s better I buy the coat now then next November when it’s at its original price, isn’t it? You see how good at rationalizing, I am?

But no, seriously, while I didn’t stick to my original goal, I do not think this week was a complete failure. I bought an item that I will most definitely use time and time again. And I bought it on sale. It was a smart purchase. And at the end of the day, that’s really what I want to begin doing: making smart purchases. Assessing the value of what I’m spending my money on before I spend it, and making sure that I can control and keep track of my spending habits.

So for now, I’ll just chalk this week up to a learning experience.

Jenn is a communications grad student and social media fanatic who spends her free time reading, writing, watching too much tv, and shopping for shoes she can’t afford. You can follow her on twitter @jenninzetta.

So after this week, I’m actually feeling a little bit guilty.

But probably not for the reasons you’re thinking. No, I didn’t go on a major shopping spree. And yes, I did actually manage to balance my checkbook. I’ve even been keeping track of my purchases, but the thing is, since it’s winter break post-holidays and high school reunions, I’ve spent pretty much this entire week watching Netflix, reading The Hunger Games, and sleeping until noon. So I haven’t actually been spending all that much. And it’s made for a pretty easy week. I didn’t even have to buy the sequel to The Hunger Games because Amazon prime members can now borrow digital editions for the Kindle for free. (Have I mentioned how much I love Amazon lately?)

So tracking my expenses hasn’t been all that difficult. But something tells me that next week, when classes start up again, and I’m doubling my caffeine, going out with friends who are back in town, and walking by stores on my way to and from class, my tracking of expenses will become a bit more strenuous.

But for now, I just seem to have to resist the temptation to not go online shopping binges. This week has made me realize that it’s more of a habit than I thought it was.

Bored? Let me check out piperlime.com. Oh look, zappos.com sent me a promotional coupon. What’s that? A LOFT ad in the magazine? That top is cute! I wonder if it’s on sale. Oh, I wonder if there is a cheaper version somewhere else. What? They’re having a sale…like they have every week. Well, it’s smarter to buy during sales isn’t it? But wait — is that a preview of their new spring collection. Oh stripes! I like stripes! And floral prints. And hey, those wedges they suggest to go with it really do work perfectly….

And one hour later I’ve filled up three separate carts with hundreds of dollars worth of merchandise. Now, normally this would be the time where I would sift through it, get rid of the doubles, and the extravagant pieces, and the one-time-wears and buy a few items I’d actually use. But this week, after doing that, I went back and actually looked at the purchases I had left. And no, I didn’t need any of them. So I emptied the cart and logged off, largely because I thought about how I would explain that purchase to you, my dear readers.

Not a monumental moment, but at least a step in the right direction, right? Right.

Jenn is a communications grad student and social media fanatic who spends her free time reading, writing, watching too much tv, and shopping for shoes she can’t afford. You can follow her on twitter @jenninzetta. 

Most of the time, I’d like to think I am a pretty diligent person. I know how to take control of a situation, to figure out the problem and fix it. And I know how to do all that in a neat, orderly, color coded and filed sort of way. I don’t ignore things and I don’t have other people handle my problems for me. I take control and I get things done…with one notable exception.

My finances.

Maybe it’s because I’m the daughter of an investment banker. Maybe it’s because I had a job that paid well throughout my college career. Maybe it’s because I’m more of a words person than a numbers person. Or maybe it’s because I just can’t resist the urge to splurge on a new pair of boots, but financial matters have never been my thing.

Now, I’m not in any crazy sort of debt (unless you count looming post-grad school loans). And it’s not that I spend my money that irresponsibility. I just spend without thinking. And I spend without needing. So I don’t always know where my money goes. I know I have it, and then I don’t, and I have a rough idea of where and when it disappeared, but I’d like to change that. I’d like to keep track of my money and my spending habits and also take control of them. I want to figure out which ones are good, and which ones are…not so good, which ones I should keep, and which ones I should cut out. And I’d like to do so before I move onto a job that doesn’t pay by the hour.

So I’m starting now. Right this moment. I made my last overpriced purchase a few days ago. I made my post-Christmas returns at the mall this morning. I’ve double-checked my online banking statement. I’ve downloaded the Mint app. I know exactly what money I have and where I have it. And I intend to keep it that way, keeping track of how much money I am spending each week, and what I’m spending it on.

This month I am taking control of my finances.

And if you’re up for it, I want you to join me. Because whether you’re in a position that requires you to keep track of your finances or not, it won’t hurt to know how and why you’re spending your money. Who knows? You might even learn a little bit about yourself in the process.

I’m going to start by balancing my checkbook.

Wish me luck.

Jenn is a communications grad student and social media fanatic who spends her free time reading, writing, watching too much tv, and shopping for shoes she can’t afford. You can follow her on twitter @jenninzetta. 

I love giving presents. I love the face people make when opening up the specifically picked gift, hearing the sounds of the wrapping paper tearing. I love the hugs and thank yous, the ‘Oh my god! You totally shouldn’t have (but I’m secretly really really glad you did)’s.

However, I hate the process you need to take to get there. I guess you could say I hate being thrown into a crowd of about 5,376.5 people all on the same mission. It’s like survival of the fittest except the contestants are fatter and will kill you to get the prize.

So, to help every other last-minute shopper out there, here are ten gift ideas that are sure to warm the hearts of the loved ones in your life. Or at least make them wince with an unappreciative ”Yeah, totally love it.”

initiating the gallery...

‘Tis the season for giving, so go and give some love.

Lady Gaga has closed down the fifth floor of the Barneys New York Men’s Shop on Madison Avenue and, in EIGHT days, those doors will reopen to Gaga’s Workshop. She’s reported to sell “jewelry made entirely of rock candy; lipsticks in special Gaga red or pink hues; lip-shaped, hand-painted dark chocolate, and a Rubik’s Cube.” I’m guessing it’s not a normal Rubik’s Cube though—maybe it’s made out of latex or it sings “The Edge of Glory” once you’re super close to solving it. Something awesome like that, of course.

Part of the collection has already been released as part of a “12 Days of Gaga” teaser online: a light up yo-yo, a fashion magnet set, acrylic rings and a hand-decorated cookie of Gaga’s face from her “Telephone” music video. Yes, I DO need all of these things this year, and I need them stuffed in a stiletto stocking. Especially if it costs sixty-five dollars.

…okay, so the trinkets released so far are a little overpriced (a fifteen dollar cookie?!), but the fact that twenty-five percent of proceeds are being donated to Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation does supplement the shock to my wallet. The new charity was established with her mother and will focus on “youth empowerment and equality by addressing issues like self-confidence, well-being, anti-bullying, mentoring and career development and will utilize digital mobilization as one of the means to create positive change,” according to Barneys New York.

Plus, the fact that you’re shopping at Gaga’s Workshop is probably included somewhere in the prices, since it’s supposed to be a complete experience—it’s the biggest holiday project Barneys has ever had. The Workshop entrance will be an oversized Monster mouth that shoppers will all walk through. Inside, the store will be divided into eight mini-shops: Candy Shop, Toy Shop, Closet, Library, Gallery, Jewelry, Boudoir and Holiday. Each is set to be ornate, such as “a jewelry shop created out of an oversized Lady Gaga-turned-spider and a boudoir in the shape of a giant wig.” And once you buy me my stiletto stocking, all gifts will be bagged in special shopping bags and boxes that feature signature artwork from the Workshop.

I’m all for this. And I wish I were in NYC on November 21^st, when the store opens at 11:59pm. Shop to your heart’s desire until January 2nd…and if you won’t send me a stiletto stocking, at least take pictures and tweet them to me @cashleelee. Seriously. To the point that I feel I’m on a 360-degree tour. It’d be the best virtual Christmas gift ever—thanks in advance!

It seems like new social shopping sites (like Groupon) are popping up every day. Some of them are even specifically focused on one thing, such as vacations, wine, shoes, and more. One of the newest sites I’ve come across is Bookperk, a Groupon-like site geared towards readers.

Bookperk pairs new bestselling books with exclusive merchandise and/or experiences that are only available to members of the site. Some of the current offers available right now are copy of Emily Post’s Ettiquitte along with a package of thank you cards and the Cowboys and Aliens graphic novel and movie poster. And like other shopping sites, the deals change daily, so if you find something you love, don’t wait too long or it might be gone!

Once you sign up for Bookperk (it’s totally free), you’ll start getting newsletters with all the daily perks. The deals are great and they offer a lot of different genres, so there’s something for everyone. You may even be able to cross a few Christmas presents off your list early!

As a total book lover, I think this site is pretty cool. I can’t wait to purchase my first perk!

[Last week one of our writers told you why she thought sweatpants should never be worn in public. A lot of you had some heated opinions, most of which disagreed and supported the argument for sweatpants -- wearing them from your bed to class...and everywhere in between. Turns out a few of the CC writers agreed with you, so we invited one of our lovely ladies to state her case for the other sweatpants lovin' side.]

Because our first go at deciphering the (ugly) language of sweatpants created such a stir, we’ve decided to give our readers what they want: a rebuttal argument in defense of our beloved, timeless sweatpants.

Clap your hands say yeah!

First, lets take a short stroll down memory lane. It is 8:54 on Monday morning in Burlington, VT and I have class at 9:10; the bus (UVM has five separate campuses all linked together by a bus system) comes at 9. Since I’m just rolling out of bed, I’m reaching for my sweatpants (if I’m changing pants at all).

Yup, that’s right, I’m grabbin’ my sweats. I’ll be the first to say it: I love ‘em!

So, for all of you that fled so quickly to the defense of my favorite sleepwear, lets dive right into the nitty gritty. Sweatpants, while they are definitely neither fashion forward nor even fashionable, are a definite YES for college girls. Here’s why:

1. Early Morning Classes

At some point in your college career you’re going to find yourself dealt the unfortunate hand of early morning classes. For some of us that might mean 8 or 9am and for our more grizzly bear-like friends, early morning classes might mean 10 or 11 (noon is pushing it, guys). Chances are after class you’re just going to roll right back into bed and take a killer nap. So why get dressed to just take it all back off again? Personally, I don’t like to actually get dressed until I’m showered and clean; there’s something about putting a pair of jeans on an unwashed and unloved body that just rubs me the wrong way. Sorry, but I’m not bending over backwards to put on a pair of jeans at 8am when the cutest boy in the room is still wearing his outfit from last night.  While the rest of the girls in the room might judge, be my guest. If you’re more interested in the condition of my clothing than of lecture going on up front, I think we know who’s going to walk away with a higher GPA.

2. Late Night Drunk Bites

The first thing that goes through my mind when they announce last call is snacks. Drunk eating is seriously important to me. Laugh all you want, but I’m sure it’s something you feel strongly about when you’re wasted too. In my mind, the late night drunk bite is as important as the drinks themselves. So now that you all know how much I like to eat, you’ll understand how much I don’t want to put jeans on in the morning. It doesn’t matter if I had a grape or half of a deep dish pizza, when I wake up the morning after and I’m hung-over and miserable, I’m not trying to put on anything tight or form-fitting until at least after 2pm (unless my parents are in town because then I have to suck it up and in). So what if I gain a couple of college pounds? I’ll go to the gym a lot this week. Or maybe I won’t. Maybe I’ll just enjoy the fact that I’m 22 and in a few short years I’m going to spend the rest of my life wishing for my 22 year old metabolism. So ladies, scarf down your chicken-bacon-ranch slices with pride and be proud of your sweats!

3. Cozy, Comfy Reminders of Home

Someone mentioned in a comment that they loved their sweatpants because they reminded them of their high school sports teams and I couldn’t agree more. I played sports all throughout middle and high school and I love to throw on a pair of my faded, perfectly comfy lived-in sweats and lounge around. I’m sure a lot of you agree with this, too. Sometimes when you’re homesick or having a rough day, it only takes something small and simple to bring you closer to home: a smell, a show, a blanket, cookies or an article of clothing.

4. Up All Night Studying

Let me ask this first: who pulls an all-nighter in jeans and a blouse? Thought so. So now let me ask what you’re wearing if you’re not wearing jeans and a blouse? Right. Sweatpants. College is like a breeding ground for round the clock studying with big coffees in hand. Now, after you spend the entire night cramming for your linguistics exam what are you going to wear to take the exam? When you’re preoccupied with stuffing your brain full of phonological lingo, things like “showers” and “meals” become luxuries that you probably just don’t have time for. Chances are you’re going straight from your uncomfortable dorm room floor to your uncomfortable classroom seat, note-cards in hand, muttering to yourself. Who wants to be uncomfortable in their exam clothes? No thanks; I’d rather not tug at the back of my jeans all test long hoping my undies aren’t exposed to the nerd behind me. Instead, I’d rather being focusing on remembering where the hell that /g/ sound is formed in the mouth. And again, if you’re too busy studying the horrors of my sweatpants than answering question 63, guess who’s walkin’ away the sweatpants smarty-pants!?

While I’m sure there are tons and tons of other reasons we could think of that make sweatpants socially acceptable (like laundry day, last minute supermarket runs, cold weather) there are a few things left to discuss. Whoever said wearing anything “sweat” in public is just wrong, obviously never felt the warm, cozy, comfy bliss of a sweatshirt before.

Shout-out to all those sweatshirt virgins out there! Think hoodies are the fashion industry’s gift to (wo)mankind? Wait ‘til you wrap yourself around a pair of sweatpants. Talk about comfortable!

And as my final stand in defense of our comfy sweats, the iconic, ever-stylish Coco Chanel once said, “luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.”

So bring on the luxury and bring out the sweats!

Houston, we might have a problem: this is one big step for mankind everywhere! But, uh, what about the girls?

Since obdurate feminists the world over will be screaming sexism before the day is through, we at CollegeCandy hope to add some fuel to the fire. With a list of five more safe houses for the men in our lives, lets explore the reasons why men often need to duck and cover when it comes to women.

1. We Like to Shop for Clothes

Pretend you’re a man. What’s worse? Clothes or furniture shopping? Before you answer, no, I’m not talking lingerie shopping. That’s a whole ‘nother topic entirely. If you thought furniture shopping was downright awful, wait until you’re forced to hold bag after bag and sit through 45435345 dressing room try-ons.  And if you hesitate for even a moment, men, we know you think we’re ugly and we’re fat. Or that you’re picturing the girl in the next fitting room naked. If nothing looks good or fits right, our moods will be ruined for the rest of the afternoon. The solution? A “man-cave” similar to the kind you’ll find in IKEA Sydney. Told you the Swedes are ahead of the ball.

2. We Get Pre- and Post-PMS

What, did you think PMS only lasted a week? Sorry to bust your bubble babe, but lets get real. The salty, sweet, repeat cravings start well before nature takes its toll on our uteri. Be prepared to run with any type of mood swing we’re experiencing, we guarantee it’ll change again within the next hour or so. Then, there’s the week after. Yup, still bitchy. If you want to be ready, play like Clooney and gear up to ride out the Perfect Storm.

3.  We Always Love Chick-Flicks

And that will never, ever change. So quick, before I keep going, go ahead and schedule poker night for the same night as the premiere of Crazy, Stupid, Love. Even though we may already have an outstanding collection of chick-flicks to view at home whenever we want, nothing quite beats getting dressed up and spending a night at the movies, head resting on your shoulder, bawling our eyes out as Ryan Gosling professes his love at the end of the film. The solution? 3D glasses that actually play another movie. Case closed, enjoy a night out with your honey without ever having to shed a fake tear.

4.  It Will Take Us Longer to Get Ready than You

A word to the wise: please, please, please let us get ready in peace. We know you can hop out of the shower and into your clothes in a matter of moments but it takes us way, way longer than that. We have to do our hair, and then we have to stare at our hair in the mirror and fix it. Again. Then when it’s time to get dressed, we have to try on several different outfits. And fix our hair again. Next we have to find shoes. Get where I’m going with this? So here is one proposed cure: locate the remote, then secure yourself in front of the TV. Once you’ve gotten that far, find ESPN and do not, do not, ask us again when we’re going to be ready. If you want to avoid taking a stiletto to the face, just be patient. Trust me.

5. Our PMS is Real

If pre- and post-PMS were not enough to drive you crazy, welcome to the must awful time of the year that happens every month. Due to the fact that PMS is completely different and crazy for every woman on this planet, let me just say this: build yourself a bunker. Stock it full of junk food, pillows  and earplugs. For the safety of men everywhere, stay inside the walls of said bunker and do not leave. Conditions may be worse than any earthquake, hurricane or other natural disaster you may have experienced before. Proceed with caution and heed our very emotional warnings.

Okay, so while the Swedes one-upped the world in Sydney this week, there is still more cave excavation to be done. Men of the world, rejoice, there is relief waiting for you.

Women, stay classy and when the time is right, stay crazy. It’s our natural right as descendants from the craziest bitch herself, Mother Earth.