By Temisha Palmer

When the weather starts to hit below the belt and not play fair with negative degree temperatures, a winter coat alone can’t tackle the immense job of keeping you warm. The need for layers will start to present itself and the daunting task of bundling up may take precedence over maintaining a cohesive and stylish look. But there’s no need for wardrobe dissension. Strategically incorporating a few carefully selected layers into your daily look will not only keep you from freezing, but will also keep you in the stylish realm of winter dressing. With the following easy-to-wear pieces, you’ll be able to layer for the winter season with ease.

2012 is rumored to be the year that we remember who we really are. The year that we come face to face with the divine and really see each other. In order to do so, we must shift through the filters that we have created throughout our lives that now show up as judgments:

“I can’t believe that he would cheat on her,” “I would never drink and drive,” “They are not good enough to be a part of the family.”

Any statement that promotes separatism rather than inclusion, has a judgment embedded in it. There is a quote from the Bible that states, “For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged.”

This seems to be the energy of the time. We are facing our judgments. Can we show ourselves the compassion that we failed to show others? Many times we are harder on ourselves. Now is the time that we must incorporate love and understanding in our everyday lives. We have all made it this far, if we walk the way of compassion and forgiveness, we will uplift each other and feel the bliss of remembering our true purpose.

In honor of remembering who we really are, click here to view our Well-Life maintenance Goals for January.

Welcome to Uplift at UPTOWN. If you are just joining us this week, my name is Anita Kopacz. I am an author and spiritual adviser with a passion to see people thrive! Collective energy possesses a divine power that can remove stubborn obstacles and open locked doors. My intention is to join our UPTOWN family in spirit and forge our return to healthy living. With the Well-Life Maintenance Program, together we will take small steps in four areas of our lives to improve our quality of living. The four areas include Spiritual, Mental, Emotional, and Physical. You can find more in my new book, Finding Your Way: Alphabetical Keys to the Divine. 

Much like Google, it’s hard to remember a life before the ease and assistance of the free online encyclopedia, Wikipedia. But in light of the recent U.S. anti-piracy laws– Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) and Protect IP Act (PIPA — users will have to find other ways to get their tidbits of information. At least for a day.

Tomorrow (Jan. 18) the English version of Wikipedia will shut down for 24 hours to protest the laws that are intened to hinder the illegal download of copyrighted materials from foreign “rogue” sites like the Pirate Bay. CBS News reports there is already legislation that provides some protection for copyrighted material which requires companies to remove copyrighted content “in good faith.”

Wikipedia will be joined by other sites including WordPress, MoveOn, Reddit, BoingBoing, Mozilla, TwitPic and the ICanHasCheezBurger network. Google, Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr have all expressed their support against the bill but will not be participating in the protest.

Wikipedia said in a press release:

“Over the course of the past 72 hours, over 1,800 Wikipedians have joined together to discuss proposed actions that the community might wish to take against SOPA and PIPA. This is by far the largest level of participation in a community discussion ever seen on Wikipedia, which illustrates the level of concern that Wikipedians feel about this proposed legislation.”

MoveOn’s Executive Director Justin Ruben released this statement backing their involvement:

“Congress is playing fast and loose with Internet censorship legislation that would have people like Justin Bieber thrown in jail for uploading a video to YouTube. The Internet censorship legislation could severely restrict free speech, and put a stranglehold on one of the most innovative, job-creating industries of our time.

It is estimated that Wikipedia’s English version has 3.8 million pages alone and receives 25 million average daily visitors globally.

Courtesy of Loop21

Not too late into the night of New Hampshire’s Republican primary, an ecstatic Mitt Romney took to a campaign rally stage to acknowledge his sound victory in the Granite State.

Romney’s five adult sons, each sporting slightly varied chisel-faced grins, and his glowing wife Anne joined him there, as he delivered a pre-written rebuke of the nation’s first African American president. When he finished, a crew of bright-eyed grandchildren and daughters-in-law joined the Romneys on stage.

They were the picture of health, a PSA for moneyed success, and or something you might see in a pamphlet for the Citizens Council of America.

Optics aside, several haunting lines from Romney’s sermonette struck at the core of America’s ever-existing cultural divide:

“Our campaign is more than about replacing the president,” Romney proclaimed. “It’s about saving the soul of America. We want to restore America to the founding principles that made this country great.”

That “restore America” rhetoric isn’t unique to Romney, but its populist appeal relies on a distortion of American history. It’s a lie that depicts America as always good to and equal for everyone who has called her home.

Restore, for Willard Mitt Romney, conjures up memories of a charmed existence. A prep school Mitt, of about 11- or 12-years-old, may have enjoyed an ice cream cone in the town square of an affluent Detroit suburb where he grew up. His father, an incredibly successful automobile executive, was likely close by and having his shoes shined by a man of color.

In that very real world, Mitt’s father was a god. George Romney wielded the power to give his children anything, educate them in the finest institutions and set Mitt along a path that would lead him to the Republican nomination for president.

For Mitt, restoring even a bit of his father’s storied success, and his own seemingly carefree adolescence, could mean the brightest future for the grandchildren nipping at his heels. An accurate appraisal of history suggests a less than charmed path for George’s shoe shiners.

Continue reading at Loop21

Courtesy of Hello Beautiful

Loyal and fabulous, HelloBeautiful readers already know that there has been a longer than usual “flaunt my new boo” parade over the past few weeks from the likes of J.Lo and Marc Anthony, Zoë Saldana, and now even Miss Halle Berry. New love is exhilarating indeed, however these folks all have something in common, they may have recently separated, divorced or are going through the motions to seal the deal. I do wish their crazy beautiful behinds well, but I couldn’t help but think that perhaps some of these new relationships probably surfaced a little too soon — I know I’m not alone!

I recall going through a few breakups in the past (who hasn’t) and whether or not I was the one given the boot, I needed time to lay low. Some downtime lasted longer than others ranging from a few weeks up to  a year. I used this time to pick up slack, regain parts of my self-esteem that may have been lost during the breakup, slowly but surely getting my heart & mind back into the game.

Now, I don’t believe that one should avoid a rebound relationship, but I do believe this is the perfect opportunity to re-establish personal boundaries. Let’s be real, it doesn’t matter how long your downtime is, when you begin dating again the first relationship will most likely be the rebound or transitional in some aspects.

Here are some tips to remember when in a rebound relationship:

• Keep it light and easy: You just emerged from a tsunami, try your best to take it slow. Plan public and fun-filled dates with gaps in between the time you spend together.

Continue reading at Hello Beautiful

Despite being considered one of Hollywood’s most handsome men, Taye Diggs didn’t always see himself  as the desirable heartthrob fans make him out to be. In a recent interview with MyBrownBaby, the Private Practice star reveals that a magazine article featuring model Tyson Beckford gave him the confidence to be proud of his deep brown complexion.

“When I saw Tyson Beckford hailed as this beautiful man by all people, that caused a shift in my being,” Diggs said. “I remember literally waking up and walking the streets the next day and, because I had a bald head as well, feeling a little bit more proud.”

In reflection of his insecure past, Diggs wrote “Chocolate Me!,” a children’s book that encourages kids to feel comfortable in their skin. He shares with MyBrownBaby:

On why he wrote “Chocolate Me!”…
“The idea to write this book came far before I was a father. I knew that I wanted to be a father, but that had no influence on the actual writing of the book. The inspiration came straight from more of an experience of being a son… my mother’s son. That being said, once we got pregnant, my perspective completely transformed and though the words didn’t change, though the message didn’t change, how I felt about what I was writing changed and I just started to get really excited for the day that I could read my book to my son. And every time I continue to read the book to my son—now he can say the words along with me—words can’t explain how it makes me feel.”

On his self-esteem at a young age…
“When I got into high school I started to hear, just from the black community, everybody is more attracted to the light skin girls and the light skin dudes with the light eyes. And from within the race the light skin black people and lighter brown people would make fun of the darker people. So then it was a completely different kind of struggle. And then funnily enough it was when dark skinned men, and this was just from my perspective, there seemed to be a shift where all of a sudden we saw Denzel Washington, Wesley Snipes, Tyson Beckford. I’m still trying to figure out how this came to be. For me, when I saw Tyson Beckford hailed as this beautiful man by all people, that caused a shift in my being. And I remember literally waking up and walking the streets feeling a little bit more proud. And then after the movie “How Stella Got Her Groove Back,” when I had my own personal moments of weakness, I just had to remind myself of all the people that really enjoyed that movie and just kind of lean on that. “

Check out the full interview at MyBrownBaby!

Let’s face it, we are obsessed with celebrity couples! Brangelina, Jayonce, even Nick Carey and his wife Mariah, we just can’t get enough! Well, not really. There are a few “celebrity” couples that we couldn’t care less about. *Shrugs* It takes a lot to keep our attention and some either try to hard or we just…don’t care.

Here are five celebrity couples that need to HAVE A SEAT!

Courtesy of Essence.com

It looks like life may be imitating art when it comes to “The Game” star Hosea Chanchez’s love life.

On Tuesdays’ premiere, his character Malik revealed that he’s head over heels in love with Jenna (played by Tika Sumpter) and it seems Hosea’s been struck by cupid’s arrow in real life too.

Hosea showed up to the ESSENCE offices for a visit this week with a huge smile on his face. When we asked if he was seeing anyone special these days his grin widened, and he enthusiastically replied, “Yes. Yes I am. It’s big news.”

Who’s the lucky lady? Apparently it’s a woman from his past, whom he now sees a very bright future with. “It’s a relationship that’s come back around full circle,” Chanchez said. “She lives in New York City. We’re just in a really good place right now. I’ve known her about nine years.”

Continue reading at Essence.com

For the first time in nearly seven years the Grammy Awards will get an official host and the responsibility is being handed over to none other than LL Cool J.

The show’s official website announced LL’s title Wednesday, stating the two-time Grammy award winner has hosted the live nominations concert show each year since 2008.

“I’m thrilled to be part of Music’s Biggest Night,” he said in a statement. “I will always have fond memories of my first Grammy Awards and to now be hosting the Grammy show, in the company of so many other incredible artists, is a dream come true.”

Related: Chris Brown To Return To Grammys, Rihanna Expected

Queen Latifah was the most recent Grammy host back in 2005. Other hosts have included Ellen DeGeneres, Jon Stewart and others.

This year’s performers include “Super Bass” star Nicki Minaj, Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson, Foo Fighters, Bruno Mars and Taylor Swift.

Kanye West leads the pack with seven nominations, including Song of the Year for “All of the Lights”, followed by Adele with six nominations (Album of the Year, Record of the Year, etc.)

The 54th Annual Grammy Awards airs live Feb. 12 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on CBS.

The always witty and vivacious Ne-Yo made his way to “Jimmy Kimmel Live” Tuesday to discuss what it was like meeting legendary director George Lucas and the importance of ‘Red Tails’ to our country’s history.

Related: All Eyes On: Nate Parker [Exclusive]

“They did something incredible for America,” he said. “So it’s a part of ‘Black history’ but it’s a part of American history.”

Distance can work if you want it to.

No matter what anybody tells you, long distance relationships can work. Yes, it sucks to only be able to see someone once a month or once every few. But if you’re committed to going the long haul and know that you have something worth fighting for, you have the power to increase the odds of a happy ending — though I’d suggest fellas not get the “Chinatown massages special” without expressed written consent from their out of town boo.

If you’re in a long distance relationship or considering one in the future, keep these three reminders at the forefront and you’ll be able to build a relationship based on miles of love.

Courtesy of The Grio

This focus on Paula Deen and the health risks of “old school”-style Southern cooking is not new. Deen is making news for revealing that she has had Type 2 diabetes for three years, while continuing to cook in the fat-laden style that has made her famous. As part of her revelation, the celebrity chef announced an endorsement deal with the Novo Nordisk company, which creates diabetes treatments. Yet Deen has stated that she will not alter the way she cooks, despite the connection between her cooking and her development of diabetes.

Many chefs who specialize in Southern cuisine have already altered their cooking styles to include low-fat ingredients and unusual substitutions — like applesauce for fats and butter — without losing that down home taste.

After collapsing onstage 17 years ago and subsequently being diagnosed with diabetes, Patti LaBelle traded in her infamous deep fryer for sautéing, egg whites and turkey products. Her two most recent cookbooks feature healthy recipes, and her first, not-so-healthy cookbook isn’t even featured on her website.

And, then there’s Paula Deen.

Continue at The Grio!

Stop the presses! The heavily circulated story of “That’s My B*tch” rapper Jay-Z stopping his usage of the b-word is false, according to the New York Daily News.

Related: Jay-Z Records “Glory” Ft. Blue Ivy Carter, Reveals Miscarriage

With the birth of  Blue Ivy Carter, a poem surfaced last week rumored to be penned by the new father vowing to drop the word from his vocabulary. He “says”:

 ”Before I got in the game, made a change, and got rich I didn’t think hard about using the word bitch. I rapped, I flipped it, I sold it, I lived it. Now with my daughter in this world I curse those that give it. No man will degrade her, or call her name. I’m so focused on your future, the degradation has passed. I wish you wealth, health and insight. Forever young you may pass. Blue Ivy Carter, my angel.”

But when asked about the matter, he said, “That poem and story are fake.”

It wouldn’t be the first time this week a story was made up about the Knowles. A rep for Beyonce said Tuesday that Star UK’s first post-baby interview is “absolutely not” legitimate. 

Jay-Z is currently preparing for the re-opening of his 40/40 Club Wednesday night. Sources close to the couple say that Beyonce will make her first post-baby appearance at the event. Swizz Beatz, Alex Rodriguez, Baron Davis and others are expected to attend.

The club closed this past summer for $10 million renovations that include “state-of-the-art 165-inch video screens and golden bats lining the walls of banquettes” and private rooms for VIPs.

 ”I wanted to retain the feel of a clubhouse, a relaxed place to interact with friends,” Jay-Z  said.

Welcome to the drama-filled world of the Mitchems!

Created by Anita Kopacz and Yvonna Kopacz-Wright, Uptown Girls is a brand new series based on the lives of five real sisters. In the series’ first episode, two sisters, of course, come to blows; one attempts to balance career and family, and another struggles with being a single mom, a recording artist a while trying to pay the rent.

Check out the first episode below and be sure to tune in every Wednesday at 3pm for new episodes from the Uptown Girls!

Courtesy of Vibe Vixen

When was that last time you came across a person who actually loved what they do for a living? It’s probably been a minute. It’s easy to get stuck in a job you hate because the pay is good, you’re scared to take a risk or you’re just not finding anything that interests you, but it’s important to keep going at it and create your own opportunities when you think there are none. We spend too much time working to be miserable while we’re at it. If you already know you’re not on the right career path, here are some tips to get on it.

Figure Out What You Really Want To Do

There’s a reason people tell you to decide what you would do for free then figure out a way to make money at it. Actually liking what you do for a living puts you halfway to happiness. Instead of feeling like you’re working just to earn a paycheck, you’ll “work” because it’s what you enjoy doing.

You can go the sophisticated route and take a personality test to figure out the path that’s best for you, or simply spend time thinking about what it is that you really enjoy. Can you turn a hobby into a career, or volunteering into a full-time gig? Really examine what you spend time on, what brings you most joy, and what aspect of those activities you enjoy most. More than likely, you’ll have your aha moment while you’re fully absorbed in what you’re doing “for fun.” That’s when you need to hit the net and start researching ways to monetize it.

Continue reading at Vibe Vixen

by Tomika L. Anderson

Your guide to the shops and services for planning the perfect wedding!

CAKES

Cake Alchemy
How’s this for credentials: Shop owner and past Food Network Challenge participate Lauri Ditunno was featured on the third season of WeTV’s Amazing Wedding Cakes.
43 Park Pl.
212.255.0584
cakealchemy.com

Cake Bliss
Couture cake designer Margo Lewis is celebrated for her clean textile and floral creations, but her appropriately named desserts may be her biggest draw. Try the Valentino Red Velvet Cake Snatched in the Jaws of Chocolate Bliss.
96 Fort Greene Pl., Brooklyn
718.522.4436
cakebliss.com

While Republican candidates were duking it out at the South Carolina debate, President Obama was showcasing his vocal abilities at the Apollo Theater.

Related: Alica Keys, John Legend Make Obama’s ‘Wish List’

Obama visited the historic Harlem theater Thursday for a fundraiser featuring neo-soul artist India.Arie and Al Green to benefit his re-election campaign. The day began with an appearance at Daniel Restaurant on Manhattan’s upper east side, followed by a $35,800 per-ticket dinner at Spike Lee’s house and ended with a song.

“Don’t worry Rev., I cannot sing like you,” he joked. “But I just wanted to show my appreciation.”

In today’s link round-up: Brandy sings to the high heavens, a sneak peek at Common’s latest role and much more!

Necole Bitchie
Swizz Beatz’ Megaupload Site Shut Down By The Fed
Swizzy is accused of costing the film, music and television industry more than $500 million in revenue. Yikes!

TMZ
Kobe Bryant’s Wife Vanessa Scores Big In Divorce
Vanessa: 1, Kobe: 0

The YBF
Brandy Belts Out “His Eye Is On The Sparrow” A Capella [VIDEO]
The woman is talented.

Loop 21
Deion Sanders Claims Pilar Wants To Extort Him
The divorce between Deion and Pilar is getting nastier.

HuffPost BlackVoices
Sanaa Lands Major Beauty Campaign [PHOTOS]
Sanna Lathan has been named the new face of…

Rap-Up
Common Stars In ‘Luv’ [VIDEO]
The rapper turned actor seems to get better with every role he takes!

EURweb
Aretha’s Wish List Of Stars For Her Biopic Doesn’t Include J-Hud
Did the Queen of Soul snub Jennifer Hudson?

Another week, another day and another round of outrageous celebrity phrases! This week, the celebrity sound bites making headlines include everything from the POTUS’ demands of a Golden Girl to the supermodel of the world’s love of all things tranny to an Emmy Award-winning actor’s love for nudity. Plus, guess which “Love & Hip Hop” cast mates are feuding and which RHOA credits God for her designer clothes. And I quote…

Aaron McGruder is known for his laugh-out-loud, yet very much controversial, take on Black culture in The Boondocks.  But his writing talents don’t stop at the formerly syndicated comic strip or NAACP nominated series– they’re hitting the big screen.

In an interview with The Daily Beast, McGruder reveals he was called on by famed director George Lucas to co-write the Tuskegee Airmen story, Red Tails. 

“About two years ago I got a call from my agent asking if I wanted to meet with Lucas to talk about the script,’’ he said. “I was like, ‘Yes I would!’ I’m a Stars Wars guy and also the son of a military pilot, so it was the best of both worlds for me to do a project like this.”

The 37-year-old cartoonist says his biggest contribution to the project was making it more of an action-hero type film and that he wants teenage boys to leave in awe.

“That was my biggest contribution to the project, making it more of an action-hero type film. I used my comic strip experience to make the script have a faster pace. There have been other movies on the Tuskegee Airmen, so I wanted to make sure the audience had a different view of these men and some give them a different story. I think George wanted to strike a balance between the history of their story and action. We did both, which means this film has something for older people who know the story, and younger people who aren’t so familiar with the story and like action. [...] I want teenage boys to come to this movie and see real heroes they can relate to,’’ said Lucas. “I want them to leave this film inspired.’’

Red Tails opens in theaters nationwide today.