Paola Kudacki for TIME

As part of their annual tribute to Oscar-nominated actors and actresses and the performances that got them such a major accolade, TIME took portraits and video footage of 11 of the nominees being themselves–not their popular characters. In between seasoned actors and legends is Quvenzhané Wallis, the youngest best actress nominee ever. With her curly hair in a halo around her head and a bowtie on, the 9-year-old sat down to discuss her time working on Beasts of the Southern Wild, helping to pick her co-star, Dwight Henry (who would go on to play her father), probably because he brought her some of his famous bakery sweets, dealing with mosquitoes and more. Outside of the camera, Wallis was asked how she felt about her nomination, and in response, she says, “I wasn’t surprised on the outside, but I was on the inside.” We get it girl, always play it cool for the fans, but I’m sure she went bananas when she had a moment to herself. Check out the indelibly cute star and let us know below what you thought of her interview. Enjoy!

JLN Photography/WENN

Producer and “rapper” Timbaland has had enough and he’s not taking it anymore.

According to TMZ, Tim filed a lawsuit last month against American Home Assurance Company for $1.8 million dollars because they have refused to cover the claim of a watch that went missing in 2010.

Timbaland says he paid more than $50,000 in May 2010 to take out an insurance policy that would cover quite a bit of expensive items, including a watch from Jacob the Jeweler. The watch was 18k white gold and draped in over 30 carats of diamonds.

Some kind of way, the watch went missing in August 2010.  At that time, Tim was allegedly so upset about it being gone he got his family worked up and they called the police saying they thought he might commit suicide.  While Tim told police once they arrived that he was never going to do that, he did tell them that he thought someone he knew stole the watch.

The police started an investigation but it never went anywhere.

But now in the lawsuit against AHA, Timbaland says he thinks his young daughter picked it up and “played with it until she got bored and discarded it somewhere.”

While the value of the watch has not been revealed, the $1.8 million covers the cost of the watch, interest  and Tim’s lawyer fees.

There’s been no word from the insurance company as to why they won’t cover the claim.

Oh, the problems of the one percent nation.  All I have is a little Michael Kors watch and I guard it as though the plans to change the world are sitting under the face.

Hopefully, all of this will be settled soon.

Who doesn’t know that controversy sells? Controversial videos get clicks (Ciara’s “Ride,” and Nicki Minaj’s “Stupid H*e” get banned from BET, but were big hits online), controversial movies sell tickets (Passion of the Christ anyone?), and controversial music can’t be turned away from. And yes, even magazines that do the most sell many copies, and if that’s not enough, they remain in people’s memories a lot longer than a tame cover (Who remembers a Rolling Stone cover with Usher versus the iconic cover with Janet Jackson’s husband holding her boobs??). Some controversial covers are made infamous because of overreactions by a few, but sometimes, they’re made infamous because they honestly weren’t the best idea in the first place. This slideshow is a mix of both. Check out these covers and tell us if these publications had the game all wrong, or if people were just tripping as usual. And of course, be prepared to click!

Source: shutterstock

I try to be loyal to one hair salon. I really do. But that loyalty is sometimes usurped by my need to save money or save time. As a result, sometimes I just have to get my hair done somewhere. Anywhere.

Have you ever been in that situation before? You agreed to a date in a few hours, but your stylist doesn’t take walk-ins? Or you’re over your budget for the month, so you only have a few dollars to spare to get your hair straightened?  Or you can’t imagine leaving the office before six and really need a stylist who will fit you in at 7pm?

I’ve been in these situations and more, so though I have my stylist that is my go-to-girl, I also have a few seemingly unorthodox places I hit in cases of emergency.

The first place I tell anyone to go when they need their hair washed and straightened, at the last minute, in a timely fashion?  Walmart. I know it sounds crazy, but the Smart Styles salons located in Walmart are clutch. The Walmart near my house is staffed by mostly white women and I only allow black women to do my hair, but one day I was in a pinch. I had just taken out my sew-in and my hair was inexcusable. I couldn’t find a comb to fit my blow-dryer so I stopped by the Walmart hoping the black stylist was working that day. No such luck, but a white hairstylist convinced me she could do my hair. She washed, deep conditioned, dried and got my half-natural/half-relaxed hair bone straight in 60 minutes flat. The cost? Twenty-four dollars.

The second place I recommend is the hair salon in a local mall. Most malls have them and if you go to a mall in a black area, it’s likely the salon is staffed with black stylists. This is the case in my city. I don’t go to this particular mall very often because it’s not in a great part of town, but the hair salon inside is excellent. They take walk-ins and they’re open when the mall is open — seven days a week. Their prices are affordable and consistent (none of that arbitrary charging for length). Granted, some malls don’t have salons, but an attached department store might, such as JCPenney.

Another new option that has been popping up in cities everywhere is Salon Lofts – individual suites where professional hair stylists, massage therapists, skin care & nail specialists run their own unique beauty salons. I’ve only been to one once when my stylist was transitioning to a new salon, but basically you’re free to come in the Lofts and walk around until you find the stylist you’re looking for. When I was looking for my stylist, several other beauticians offered to do my hair. The prices are all over the place depending on who the stylist is, but there is a big variety and many of the stylists have been doing hair for years.

Finally, when you’re short on cash and just want someone to straighten your hair so you don’t have to, I recommend a local hair school. I normally ask for someone who is about to graduate and I’ve never had a bad experience. Because it’s a school, the students are heavily supervised by the teachers and they make sure you’re satisfied with the service. They don’t offer hair services every day, so I recommend calling or looking online before going. Some people balk at the thought of letting a student do their hair, but it beats letting someone’s unlicensed cousin KeKe do you hair in her kitchen without a mirror in sight as she argues on the phone with her boyfriend and her pets or children run through your legs.

These are just a few of the options I’ve explored when needing my hair styled at the last minute. I only let my regular beautician trim my hair or apply chemicals (when I was still getting relaxers), but I’ve definitely had a good experience when just needing to get my hair “salon straight” or curled in a hurry.

One of these days, I’ll learn how to get the same results at home.

Where are some places you’ve gotten your hair done at the last minute? Are you loyal to one beautician/salon or do you go to wherever/whoever is open?

*Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.com

Alissa is a freelance writer living in Columbus, OH. Follow her on Twitter @AlissaInPink or check out her blog: This Cannot Be My Life

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I am rarely ever opposed to being vocal about how selfish I believe my younger brother to be. His attitude is self-preservation above all else. Don’t get me wrong, he’ll do the occasional favor or two, but at the end of the day it is all about his wants, his needs, his pleasure, his car, and his girlfriend. But can you really blame him? That seems to be all most guys care about at 19 years old. I on the other hand am the exact opposite. I am always putting others before myself. I live, eat, and breathe with a favor or two, or three on my to-do list. People call on me for all kinds of favors from babysitting to borrowing money and somehow no matter how hectic my life may be at the moment I find it in me to muster up a yes.

But, lately I’ve been pondering why my response is always yes when the majority of the time the person inside of me is screaming “HELL NO!”  While I believe my little brother’s selfishness to be a tad obnoxious, I can’t help but to admit that I secretly admire his ability to say no.  On any given week, I can list at least three to five things that I’ve agreed to do, which I have absolutely no desire to carry out. I often find myself walking away after agreeing to do something asking myself, “Why in the world did I just agree to that?” I mean is it really that difficult to utter one of the shortest words in the English language? It has gotten to the point where I am starting to believe that people have learned to play on my inability to say no. While some would say that I need to just get a backbone and learn to pass on some things, I can’t help but to believe that there’s more to it than that. As time progresses, I am slowly realizing that my inability to say no is unhealthy. It’s very stressful, and of course, enough stress can make you ill. How productive can I actually be to the commitments of my own life when I am constantly carrying out tasks and doing favors assigned (not even “asked” mind you) by others?

After much deliberation, research, and a close analysis of my personal interactions, I have come to realize that my struggle with the word no comes from my desire to not deal with the consequences that could arise after I release my “no” into the atmosphere. I’d much rather inconvenience myself than to disappoint, hurt someone’s feelings, or cause confrontation. Let’s just call it what it is: I’m a people pleaser.

For example, at this very moment that I’m writing this piece, I’m facing the struggle of trying to meet several deadlines for school, six to be exact. At the same time that I am juggling multiple homework assignments from six different classes, I am also babysitting my four-year-old godson. I have an aunt on one line asking if I can babysit my little cousin for a few hours this weekend, a sister on the other line asking if I can keep my niece overnight, another family member asking if I will accompany them to the Department of Motor Vehicles, a few requests from several members of my church, and a cooky cousin clogging my voicemail box asking if I can help her create a Facebook page for the family reunion that she’s planning. *Sighs*

In the midst of my frustrations, I can’t help but to think that my brother would never have this problem. That carefree individual would’ve simply declined and been on his merry way. Actually, people would have known not to ask him for a favor in the first place. I can’t even place the blame on those around me for the millions of favors that I am asked to do on a daily basis. It is my own fault for not being stern enough to say no, and while I don’t believe they’d love me any less if I declined, it still doesn’t take away my desire to refrain from disappointing them.

I find it ironic that as I am facing my demons with the word “no” by writing this article, I am also being brought to a crossroads in my personal life. I can either go left or I can go right. I can appease all of the people around me by granting the requests they’ve made and possibly lose my mind AND miss my school deadlines at the same time, or I can find a no from deep within and put myself first as I should have done a long time ago.

Are you someone who is always doing for others and doesn’t know when and how to say no?

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Everyone has a playlist that gets them through the long workday. Well, that is, if you’re lucky enough to have a job where you can listen to whatever you want, when you want, by your lonesome (sorry folks in customer service who have to stay attentive). We all know that the slower the song, the longer it feels the day is passing by, but the more crunk it is, the better we feel. And hey, if the song applies to our feelings or life at the moment, then that’s awesome too. Here are just a few songs that we think you should add to your playlist. Feel free to include some of your favorite recommendations way down below…

Workin’ Day and Night/Michael Jackson

In all honesty, the whole Off the Wall album should be in heavy rotation on your playlist, but if I had to pick one that probably fits your workday mood, it’s clearly “Workin’ Day and Night.” You might not be working crazy hours (sun up to midnight) for an ungrateful spouse, but I’m sure you can still relate. Plus, the production on this track is bananas enough to get and keep your feet a-tappin’!

Party Up/DMX

Okay, so I might be the only one who thinks this, but I find it very necessary to always have at least one DMX track on hand to spaz out to. What? Like I said, the more crunk the track, the better. And nobody is more crunk than DMX. For me, it’s usually “What’s My Name,” but I think everyone knows and can appreciate “Party Up.” Also known as, “Ya’ll gon’ make me lose my mind, up in here, up in here!” That’s probably what you will be saying around 3 p.m., so why not have a theme song?

Night to Remember/Shalamar

Are you kidding me? Everybody loves this jam! It’s the perfect song for those last few hours of work when you know you’re anticipating a date or quality time with your favorite guy. This song requires just a little shimmy at your desk, and I’m sure when you head out to meet up with ‘ol boy, you’ll be humming this joint. It’s almost like Lay’s potato chips, when you listen to “Night to Remember,”  you can’t listen to it just once.

Keep Ya Head Up/2Pac

If you need to slow it down just a little in the early morning or after lunch, hows about a little bit of positivity in between all the booty popping dance songs? Pac was pretty good for that, and that’s why everyone does a hard head nod to the beat of “Keep Ya Head Up” when it comes on. It’s smooth, but not too slow to put you in itis mode (ready to fall asleep). Plus, Pac is great eye candy to keep you in good spirits.

Soon As I Get Home/Babyface

You’ve got to have at least one smooth slow jam to throw into your mix. Babyface’s “Soon As I Get Home” is perfect for that. It’s one of those, put one finger in the air and snap type of jams, and the lyrics are pretty awesome too: “I give good love, I’ll buy your clothes, I’ll cook your dinner too, soon as I get home from work.” Now that’s a man I think we can all say we would love to have waiting on us after work! THE jam.

Don’t You Worry ‘Bout a Thing/Stevie Wonder

I bet you thought if I was going to pick a Stevie jam it would have been “Living For the City.” Too easy. Instead, how about a fun song that sends good vibes and reminds you how much you need to take a vacation? Any Stevie song will do, but this one always makes me want to get up from my chair and start salsa dancing. Or at least a bootleg version of the salsa. Okay, maybe just a two-step…

If I Ruled the World (imagine that)/ Nas feat. Lauryn Hill

I know what you’re thinking: If I ruled the world, my a** wouldn’t be working. I’m sure that’s true, but until then, a sista is just going to have to dream. And this is one of those songs you can both dream and rock to. You’ve got to love Nas and Lauryn in their prime!

These are clearly just a few of many songs that are great to jam to while working, so we would love to hear some of your picks! Proceed below…

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By Guest Hair Blogger Trissha Taylor

If there’s one thing most women have in common, it’s that we’ve all had our good and bad moments when it comes to our hair while sitting in the chair of a stylist. Sometimes you’re lucky enough to find a perfect one–a stylist that won’t overcharge you, helps you keep your hair healthy, gets you started on time, and doesn’t have your hair sounding like you’re lighting fireworks with her overheated flat iron. But sometimes, you get a really ratchet stylist. Here are a few signs to watch out for so you don’t lose all your hair, your money and your mind in the hands of one.

By Taylor Lea Thomas

Question:

I just got engaged and I’m trying to plan my wedding. Help!

Taylor:

Dear Miss Newly-Engaged,

Congratulations on your engagement! You are about to embark upon one of the most important milestones in your life – planning your wedding. Right now, you may be feeling overwhelmed with everything that has to be taken care of, but take your time. Once you’re engaged, it’s easy to get inundated by the excitement of everyone around you. That’s to be expected – encouraged and enjoyed. After all, a wedding is not an everyday event! Soak in the moment.

Allow yourself plenty of planning time though. I suggest a solid year from proposal to wedding day. In those 12 months, you’ll be making many, many decisions about seemingly everything. You’ll need to scout for the ideal location, pick the perfect date, decide on a dress for yourself, your bridesmaids and help coordinate the menswear as well. You’ll be deciding on the myriad of beautiful invitations that are now available, not to mention having the dreaded task of working on the guest list – arguably one of the hardest and most stressful parts of planning a wedding.

Then of course there’s the interviewing and hiring of vendors for everything from the food to the flowers. You’ll also have to organize the menu, go for cake tastings, arrange for transportation and accommodations for out of town guests, choose the music so no one’s bored at your reception, plan the honeymoon (if you want to take one right after the ceremony), and many more details you never anticipated. This is why it’s important to give yourself a lot of time to plan. Over the course of planning your wedding, you’ll undoubtedly change your mind about this and that, and that’s okay. It is, after all, your day. Just make sure time is on your side.

As you begin planning, have a frank discussion with your fiancé and determine what you both want as you envision your wedding day and how much you both can afford. It’s very important that you set a realistic budget to avoid getting into debt in planning your wedding. Ask yourselves what you can realistically afford, and stick to it! Many couples end up spending more than twice their initial estimate and that’s not a good idea if you can’t afford to go overboard.

Once you decide on a maximum guest count based on what your budget will allow, do not be tempted to exceed it. (If you need help in cutting the guest list, take a look at my previous article on how to reduce the guest list without being rude.)

From the very start, be organized. Get a calendar for only wedding related things, get everything in writing, make copies of everything and create files to keep track of payments, deposits, contracts, etc. As you browse through magazines for inspiration, tear out pages or print out pictures to create your inspiration board. Planning a wedding requires a lot of organization, of course. As long as you and your fiancé have a clear and set budget, firm guest count, and you’re organized, try your best to not let the pressure of planning your wedding create unnecessary stress between the both of you. Remember that this day is a celebration of your love together as a couple. It’s only one day. A loving marriage is the end result. Again, congratulations on your engagement. Happy planning.

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If you ran into Target on Wednesday to pick up your usual products, depending on where you were, you might have been surprised to run into woman after woman breastfeeding around the store in areas around the country. It all started when Houston-area mom, Michelle Hickman, was repeatedly asked to relocate her feeding to a fitting room after she was found sitting in a clothing aisle trying to discreetly breastfeed her child. According to Time.com, when she reported the incident, guest relations told her, “just because it’s a woman’s legal right to nurse a baby in public doesn’t mean she should walk around the store flaunting it.”

Not a good move. Girlfriend rallied up friends, set up a Facebook account to organize a “nurse-in,” and yesterday, women showed up at Targets all over the country ready to feed in public–no matter who was looking. From one participant to more than 50, different stores attracted different groups of women to take part in the nurse-in. However, the reaction seemed to be similar all over: a few funny looks, some support, and for the most part, a lot of indifferent people too busy trying to get some post-Christmas deals. They came, they saw, they breastfed, and they’re hoping their small but courageous movement will change some attitudes about the very natural and healthy action.

The breastfeeding debate is and has been a tough one for a long time. While most mothers (I won’t go as far to assume all) just want to freely breastfeed their children with no fuss or muss, a lot of people still seem to be uncomfortable with boobs going free in public, even if they’re only out for a minute for a child’s sake.

If you ask me (which I know you didn’t), I think a woman should be able to breastfeed her child when she needs to, even if it’s in public, without feeling like people are giving her the death stare. It definitely is a very natural thing and while it definitely was something I had to get used to/comfortable with when I was younger, I’m not phased by it anymore (maybe just surprised though when I turn around and see a boob I wasn’t expecting). A child has to eat, and a mother has to do what she has to do. I understand that.

However, my only issue is with why the recommendation of covering yourself with a small towel or even going into a fitting room to breastfeed for others who might be uncomfortable with it gets met with such a strong disapproving reaction from mothers? I feel the idea that what your child needs is more important than what a grown a** person who should get over themselves already thinks. But for those who might not want to take their older children into an aisle and encounter an unexposed boob, I just want to understand why having an area for women to breastfeed without being bothered, just as there is an area to change young children in public places, gets met with such ferocious opposition? Especially when some mothers don’t even try to play discreet and literally just have their boob out to see, even when the child isn’t feeding on it. Maybe making a mother move and somewhat “hide” gives the idea that breastfeeding is somehow shameful, even though it isn’t, making some want to combat that feeling. But still…

While the struggle of the breastfeeding mother is very real, and the grown men who Tweet and make stupid or sexual comments about it should cease, we all know you can’t force people to be comfortable with something they’re not comfortable with. You can tell people that they need to look at it as something as simple as feeding a baby with a bottle, but if they still don’t see it that way, they’re going to feel a way about–and therein lies the problem. Therefore, I’m wondering, is compromising by moving to a breastfeeding-friendly area really all that demeaning and bad for a mom? Feel free to school inquiring minds like mine below (but BE NICE).

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When we take the “Great Plunge,” when we commit to “for better or worse,” it is with the understanding that we are becoming one. And, some of us mistake that for spending every waking moment together when that’s not the case at all.

Successful marriages are comprised of two whole individuals who complement one another. Rather than attempting to make each other complete, one enriches the other’s life and vice versa. For that reason, it is important that we put forth the energy to maintain ourselves individually. The intent of marriage is not to entirely expunge independence. After all, he married you as an independent woman. Therefore, it is important to preserve a certain sense of self.

These are a few ways to do so: