Sick of Vampires? So is Stephenie

by Brittany Geragotelis

photo credit:
Stephanie Meyer

I don't know about you, but I've been sick of The Twilight phenomenon pretty much since it started. It's not that I don't like vampires...Hello? My favorite show of all-time is "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." I just like a little creativity and substance with my fang-friendly creatures. Despite their popularity, I just never felt like I got that with Twilight or shows like True Blood.

photo credit: The CW/
The Vampire Diaries

And honestly, I always thought it was a bit of a cop-out that after Twilight became the "It" book series, that everyone jumped on the vamp bandwagon. Come on, everyone...is it impossible to come up with the next big thing, without riding on the coattails of the current obsession?

photo credit: Showtime/
True Blood

Okay, rant over now. Apparently Twilight author, Stephenie Meyer, is officially sick of the pale characters herself. So much in fact that she's balking on writing the much-anticipated companion book to the series called Midnight Sun. Midnight Sun is supposed to be Twilight told from the perspective of Edward Cullen. As much as her fans are itching for another book, Stephenie is feeling a bit vamped-out.

photo credit: Summit Entertainment/Twilight

“I know that’s what everyone cares about,” the New York Times quoted Meyer as telling bloggers who met her personally. “I also know that the right answer would be for me to say, ‘Oh yeah, it’s done! And it’ll be out next month!’ But that’s not true. What’s true is that I’m really burned out on vampires. And I don’t want to write it badly,” she said.
“I want to wait until I’m excited about the material again, and I’m excited about Edward, and that it’s something that’s motivating. You know, when a story is keeping me up at night, and I’m waking up at four in the morning and thinking ‘Yes! That is what is what should happen in this moment!’

“So right now it feels like homework, it really does. And when things feel like homework they go very, very slowly for me. You know, I have my share of human stubbornness and I have to tell you, it’s a little bit hard when people are like, ‘This is the only thing you can do, and it’s the only thing we care about!’ And, you’re kind of like a 3-year-old, you want to be like ‘I’m gonna do what I wanna do!’ Yeah. ‘You’re not the boss of me!’” she added.

photo credit: Scholastic

Waiting until people aren't sick of vampires again? Hey, that's fine with me. In the meantime, what do you think will be the next big obsession? Witches? Werewolves? Zombies? Leave your guesses in the comments below!

5x5,
B.

Ways to survive (and enjoy) a family vacation.

by Brittany Geragotelis

There was a point growing up when I went from loving my summer vacations with my family to resenting them. I hated the fact that I was being pulled away from my friends for a week and being forced to hang out with my parents and sisters. I was convinced that my BFF's were all having so much more fun than I was and I was going to be missing out on something big back home while I was away. Because of this, I insisted on complaining and scowling the whole beginning of the trip, trying to make everyone around me just as miserable as I was.
What ended up happening was that I eventually got over myself and actually had fun--although I never would've admitted it to my parents (Check out the pic here for proof...can you find me?). So, if you're headed away for your family vaca, why not cut out the teen angst and get right to having fun? Here are a few ways to have a good time right from the start and maximize your enjoyment while you're away...because the truth is, whether you complain or not, you're stuck going. Might as well enjoy it.

1. Be pleasant and get what you want. Like I said, you're stuck on this vacation, so arguing about it is pretty much pointless. If you have a good attitude from the beginning, your parents are more likely to say "yes" when you ask whether you can have desert for breakfast, go play mini-golf with your siblings or stay up an extra hour to finish the movie you've been dying to watch.
2. Go on an adventure. Whether you're at the beach, in the woods camping, at an amusement park or visiting family in another state, there are always opportunities for adventure. Look for buried treasure, search for the perfect pair of sunglasses, find your summer crush, or simply seek out your secret hideaway. Whatever you choose to do, will get your adrenaline pumping and leave you feeling excited and happy.
3. Try something new. Make it a point every day to try something you haven't before. Whether it's a new food (chocolate banana cake, anyone?) or waking up at sunrise to watch the view, venturing into the unknown will keep you on your toes and open your eyes to fun and exciting experiences.

photo credit: MTV/Laguna Beach

4. Make new friends. No matter where you end up, chances are there are other kids your age bored and looking for something to do. This is the perfect time to get to know your neighbors and possibly make a new friend. Not only does this mean more fun for you while you're away, but it allows you to go home with a new Facebook friend.
5. Enjoy the food. Vacation has a way of making people indulge. And this can be great for you, because you'll end up reaping the rewards. Desert every night? Yes, please. Steak instead of burgers? Mmmm! Cool watermelon, smooth ice cream and heaps of french fries...Vacation's not a time to diet and since you're away from home, your regular meals don't apply. Enjoy the food free-for-all before heading back to more healthy fare.
6. Sit back and relax. You can do this on the beach while you're getting a tan, or on the porch in a hammock while reading a book. Whatever you choose, make sure to schedule in some down-time in between all the fun activities you've set to do. It's never fun heading back home feeling like you need a vacation from your vacation.
7. Leave your cell in your room. I know this one's hard to do, and you're probably thinking, "Is this girl crazy?!?!" But trust me...the world's not going to end if you give yourself a few hours sans phone and computer. Truly allow yourself to unwind and enjoy the carefree atmosphere--free from drama, responsibility and stress--by turning all your electronics to "Off" for a few hours each day. Chances are, when you power back on later, you'll realize that no one but you knew that you were even gone.
5x5,
B.

Book Review: The Carrie Diaries

by Brittany Geragotelis

photo credit: Grove Press

I don't know about you, but I was a fan of Sex and the City by Candace Bushnell without even reading it...and this was mostly because I was already such a huge fan of the show. And if the show was based on the book, then how could I not like it? (I have to admit here that I still haven't read the book...I know, what kind of book nerd am I, choosing a TV show over the original creation?)

photo credit: Hyperion

But I have read One Fifth Avenue, rich with its multiple plots and interesting, well thought out characters. So, I was beyond psyched when I heard that not only was Candace making a prequel to SATC, but it was going to be YA! I really love the idea of when authors either do prequels to famous books or decide to create new books based on secondary characters in their already popular books. It's so interesting to see how deeply they delve into the lives of these creations.

Needless to say, I was so excited to read The Carrie Diaries by the time it came out. And I wasn't disappointed. The book itself was a fun tale of teen angst, and although a YA novel, it was ripe with sex and love and friendship. I loved how Candace showed the origin of Carrie and her little quirks and passions: Her foray into smoking, trouble in relationships, her love for writing and deciding she wants to be a writer, her "Carrie" purse and her draw toward New York City. The only complaint I had was that I had a tough time picturing the character as the Carrie we know and love. She just didn't seem the same to me. But in a way, this is almost OK, since we're hoping that by the time the character gets to the grown-up Carrie, that she's done just that: grown up. Her experiences as a teen and young woman should all lend to who she becomes...and through The Carrie Diaries, we're getting the unique opportunity to watch her be shaped as a person. So, in the end, the differences in character didn't bother me all that much.

And as a die-hard SATC fan, I especially loved how Candace had Carrie and Samantha meet at the end of this first book. It was like watching stars collide: totally meant to be. I for one, can't wait for the next book (which I hear she's officially set to write!).

Here's a synopsis of The Carrie Diaries:

photo credit: Poppy

Before Sex and the City, Carrie Bradshaw was a small-town girl who knew she wanted more. She's ready for real life to start, but first she must navigate her senior year of high school. Up until now, Carrie and her friends have been inseperable. Then, Sebastian Kydd comes into the picture, and a friends betrayal makes her question everything.

With an unforgettable cast of characters, The Carrie Diaries is the story of how a regular girl learns to think for herself and evolves into a sharp, insightful writer. Readers will learn about her family background, how she found her writing voice, and the indelible impressions her early friendships and relationships left on her. Through adventures both audacious and poignant, we'll see what brings Carrie to her beloved New York City, where her new life begins.

If you haven't already, head to Barnes & Noble and pick up a copy today!

5x5,

B.

Is MTV the new Cupid?

by Brittany Geragotelis

When have you ever heard of a couple meeting on a reality show and actually staying together? Neither had I...until I discovered something truly shocking about my newest co-worker, Jess.

Now, I've known Jess for several months now, but we've never really sat down and had a serious girl talk. You know, about her hopes and dreams, her most embarrassing moments, her biggest secrets and fears or even about her relationships. I knew that Jess was dating someone and had been for over a year and a half. That was about the extent to my knowledge about him, though. Until we were at a diner the other day brainstorming for our annual edit calendar, and Jess dropped the bomb that she met her boyfriend on a reality show!

I know! I was as shocked as you are!

But it's true. Jess's sorority sponsored an event one night and MTV was there, looking to cast a bunch of their reality shows. On a whim, Jess signed up...and they called her in! She went through a few rounds of meetings with MTV and interviewing with them, and they liked her so much (I mean, come on, how could you not like Jess? She's seriously the cutest, sweetest, coolest girl around!) that they showed up at her house one day and basically kidnapped her for the show, "Room Raiders: 2.0."

If you're like me and don't watch reality TV (or MTV's reality TV, that is), "Room Raiders" takes one guy (or one girl) and lets him/her raid the rooms of three elegible bachelorettes (or bachelors), and then choose between the three based on what he finds in their rooms. In the end, Jess' room won, and she won the guy!

But the surprising thing is that they're still together today. In a way, the fact that they met on TV means that they have a video record of the first time they met. How many of the rest of us can say the same thing?

Anyway, take a look at the episode and you can watch love bloom...now that's reality!

Beach Boogie Boogaloo

by Brittany Geragotelis

Tonight after work, I'm leaving NYC behind and heading to Ocean City, MD for a week+ of fun in the sun. And to be honest, this getaway couldn't have come at a better time...I am in serious need of a week off to refresh, reboot...and get my tan on!

I'm already making a mental list of everything I plan on doing on my vacation. Here it is (in no particular order.):

1. Work on my tan—After the longest winter known to man (okay, so maybe just known to me), I am desperately needing to exchange my pasty white skin for a hue a few shades darker. With that sun-kissed look that only a week on the beach can bring, I can look forward to clearer skin, a leaner look and not having to wear much makeup. Oh, and the feeling of heat on my skin? Is there anything better?

courtesy of SELF Magazine

2. Read my magazines—I have no less than 15 magazines that I've managed to let pile up over the past couple of months and they're all currently sitting in the bottom of one of my bags. Actually, all that bag holds is magazines. It's my plan to sit on the beach, day after day, hour after hour and catch up on everything I've missed. Can't wait!

3. Stuff my face—For the last three weeks, I've been on a healthy-eating diet. It's consisted mostly of chicken, brown rice and vegetables and I've even given up deserts and junk food, too, so that I'll look like Giselle in my swimsuit (or at least feel like I look like her). So, in Ocean City, I will be eating Boardwalk fries, ice cream, sandwiches, waffles, bagles, cookies, etc. And if I come back 5 pounds heavier? Well, at least I'll come back happy...

4. Relax—I'm hoping that the above things will help me to do this. We don't have any concrete plans set for while we're down there, so we'll be able to really achieve relaxation. I'll get lots of sleep, lazy around in the sun and take mid-afternoon cat naps. And most importantly, leave the stress of the real world behind.

5. Walk on the beach—In the morning. Maybe in the afternoon. Even nighttime is a fine time for a walk on the beach. Whether I'm quietly reflecting, hand-in-hand with Matt or gabbing with Matt's mom or cousin, I'll be happy and barefoot.

So, that's what I'll be doing. What will you all be doing this next week?

5x5,

B.

Hell, yeah!

by Brittany Geragotelis

Take a look at who I'm interviewing today!!! Yep....that's miss Ashley Tisdale! I'm so excited and nervous at the same time to be talking to her again. I hope the call goes well and I'm able to get all my questions in...she's filming a movie in Vancouver and she's taking some time out of her busy shooting schedule to talk to me. Woo hoo!

Just took a look at the extended show trailer for "Hellcats" and I've gotta say, besides a few cheesy parts, it looks absolutely delicious. Take a peek here!

Wish me luck!

5x5,

B.

EDIT NOTE: Just talked to Ashley and she is SOOO sweet. A perfect interview, so friendly and had great things to say about cheerleading. She even talked to me briefly about dating. Love her! You're going to have to stay tuned to our next issue to read the whole thing! So giddy right now!

Is a woman's power in her hair?

by Brittany Geragotelis

The other day, I was looking at myself in the mirror (this is easy to do when one of your walls is floor to ceiling mirrors) and got the idea that it might be time to cut off all my hair again. I asked my boyfriend, Matt, what he thought about it and he said, "I think that would be a great idea, babe." I looked at him, a bit surprised by his response. "You do?" I asked. "Sure," he said. "I think it's a great idea...if you don't want to have a boyfriend anymore."

Of course he was kidding, but I started to think about the power of hair. I've had my hair all different lengths over the years: really short (think pixie flip), chin-length bob, shoulder-length with layers, long and blunt. Right now, it's long with layers. Now, I love the idea of my long hair...I like what other women do with their long hair and wish I could do the same. However, my hair tends to end up up in a bun, ponytail or claw clip about 90% of the time. And that makes me wonder why I even have it long if I'm just going to pull it up every day. In fact, I tend to style my hair a lot more often when it's short than when it's down to my butt.

I'm in the middle of watching the series, "Ally McBeal" on DVD (side note: is there anything better than watching a show 10 years after the first time you watched it? It's incredible. You already know from the first time you watched it that you like it, but you've forgotten all the specifics, so it's like watching it again for the first time!) and Portia DeRossi's character, Nell, is this ice-queen, uber smart, hard-assed lawyer. And every time she lets down her long, luscious locks, people around her become tongue-tied, brain-dead, incompetant idiots. It's like her secret weapon.

And if the past is any indication, guys tend to vote on the side of long hair. I remember, when I first started talking to Matt, I'd recently gone through a break-up and told him I was going to cut off all my hair and donate it to Locks of Love. He was very against this idea and tried to convince me not to do it. Of course, feeling the need to cut my past off at the roots, I cut it anyway and sent it off to benefit someone else. The next time Matt saw me, he shook his head at me and gave me a "what did you do?!?!" look.

Despite the fact that my hair was short (but totally cute), Matt was able to see past his preference for long hair and asked for my number anyway. And now, two and a half years later, we're still going strong. So, the question is, is all our power really in our hair or is it in what's underneath the coif? I'm still not sure what the answer is, so for now, the hair remains long. But you never know...I always have the power to change my mind.

5x5,

B.