According to Great Affordable Colleges, they ranked the 50 most affordable college towns and Tennessee has 5 towns in the top 15!  At the top of the list is one we are very familiar with in the Upper Cumberland.  Cookeville was the number 1 college town!  They bragged on the value of TTU and how great the cost of living is in Cookeville.  Memphis, Murfreesboro, Nashville and Knoxville also came in high on the list of most affordable college towns.

Did you know? … The reason you get garlic breath is because garlic contains the compound allyl methyl sulphide (AMS), which can’t be broken down during digestion. That means it has to be released from the body in your breath and sweat. Quick Tip: If you have garlic breath … eat an apple. According to researchers at Ohio State University, apples worked best, but lemon juice and mint are also effective. Green tea, parsley and spinach may also help.

I’ve wondered if rumors were true about Jennifer Lopez using a thousand dollar moisturizer. I mean, she has the money and her skin is breath taking. She told her secret to Bravo’s Andy Cohen last night on Watch What Happens live. She buys it from  Whole Foods. It’s Dr. Hauschka’s Day Rose Cream. It claims to maintain proper moisture content of the skin, strengthens and replenishes, helps skin with broken capillaries & offers protection from pollutants. The best thing?? It’s far les than a thousand bucks. But will it make US look like JLO?

(Amazon)

Ben & Jerry’s ice cream is launching new flavors based on Saturday Night Live sketches. SNL has a 40 year history, so they have plenty to choose from.  They have the first two flavors.  One revolves around the Kristen Wiig character, Gilly, as in: Gilly’s Catastrophic Crunch. It has a marshmallow swirl, loads of caramel clusters and fudge covered almonds. The other flavor is based on a SNL digital short called Lazy Sunday. It is vanilla cake batter ice cream mixed with yellow and chocolate cupcake pieces and a swirl of chocolate frosting. 

You may just want to take your chances at ordering a brand new lipstick than trying one of those samples at the store, even if you aren’t sure it’s the right color for you.  One out of every five samples at makeup counters and stores is infected with mold, yeast and FECAL matter.  They also contain strains of bacteria that can make you sick. The biggest culprits you need to avoid at all costs are brushes, foundations, and eye makeup – but to be on the safe side, never test anything on your face, lips or eyes directly and always use a disposable applicator.  I think I feel sick just finding out about this new research.  YUCK!

According to a new study, babies who are exposed to pet hair, household germs, and dirt are less likely to develop allergies, asthma, or other breathing problems as they get older.

Researchers found that babies who were raised in houses with mouse hair, cat hair, and cockroach droppings in the first year of their lives have lower rates of wheezing by three years old.

On the other hand, babies who are not exposed to these allergens end up having higher rates of wheezing.

Who would have thought mouse droppings would be good for a kid?? I still say wash those little hands before you eat!

Most of the time when someone is Knighted or named Dame by the Queen, it’s someone from England. This time one of our American celebs has been awarded, but not for her acting skills.  Angelina Jolie has received one of England’s highest honors.  She was named an honorary Dame by Queen Elizabeth. She was recognized for raising global awareness of violence against women. “To receive an honor related to foreign policy means a great deal to me, as it is what I wish to dedicate my working life to,” Jolie said. “Working on PVSI and with survivors of rape is an honor in itself. I know that succeeding in our goals will take a lifetime, and I am dedicated to it for all of mine.”  

Are you superstitious? If you are, you probably hate this day because Friday the 13th is one of the most widespread superstitions. Now, I’m not going to go and walk under a ladder or anything.  I mean, that’s just dangerous. My feelings on the 13th…..It’s one of my favorite numbers. Heck, I even have a black cat named Chaz.  I’ve had this boy 14 years.  I defy bad luck.  Make this day what you want it to be.  Bring on Friday the 13th. Have a good one, peeps!