There are so many songs written about California, a person can’t help but grow up dreaming about going going back back to a place they’ve never been. A place filled with golden sunshine, vineyards, and people getting stoned in the hills.

One year, I had the opportunity to move to the Pacific Coast. I had a lemon, orange, and peach tree IN MY FRONT YARD. Where I’m from, that doesn’t happen. I’m telling you, there’s nothing but fruits and nuts out there, growing in everyone’s yard.  And the babies are always smiling.

Unfortunately, my romance with the golden coast didn’t last. The distance from family was too much. But at the dawn of every summer, without fail, I immediately start reminiscing about those long drives down I-5 over the Grapevine, and the mornings I’d spend with my back in the warm sand in Santa Monica, admiring the gaggle of surfers as they caught the morning waves, with the sun just creeping up.

For everyone planning a summer vacay, here’s a list of what’s great about CA.  If you’ve ever been, or if you ever go, you’ll wind up missing them too.

1. Driving

A strange way to start off the list. Most people in California hate that they have to drive everywhere, that traffic sucks in the city, and everything is at least 30 minutes away. But I loved driving in Cali. There was the 30 minutes to and from work every day – pure Zen. Then, there were the weekend trips. Coasting up and down mountain roads and witnessing some of the most majestic scenery I never knew existed. Living in the city and being able to walk everywhere is a certain kind of luxury. But man, there was something to the California drive.

2. In-N-Out Burger

Obviously. It’s nothing like McDonald’s. Because it’s in California, it doesn’t even really seem like “fast food.” It’s In-N-Out burger. It’s real beef. It’s milkshakes, the old fashioned way (strawberry!) Once you’ve had it, you can’t ever do another drive-thru again. Ever.

3. When it Rained

Another wrench in the works. But seriously. California rain was something different than an east coast thunderstorm. It was rare, it was clean. The cleanest rain you ever smelled. It was like Demeter washed the rain water in a hidden spring where dogwood and magnolia trees grew all around and angels bathed. The cleanest rain. And because it didn’t happen too much, you could really appreciate it. You could stay inside and put your chunky socks on, and listen to it, and find it lovely.

4. The Hollywood Farmer’s Market

Never was there a more amazing, enjoyable, entertaining food party in the middle of a dirty old downtown street. Ok, maybe there have been parties like that. But the Hollywood Farmer’s Market was one of those things that told me the California Dream was real. See for yourself.

5. How Californians Freak

When there’s even a drop of snow, when there’s ice on the sidewalk, when there’s fog, school is canceled. You gotta love the fear of Mother Nature. California does not think they’re too big for their britches when it comes to her wrath.

6. The Houses

Craftsman Bungalows and Spanish Colonials, there are so many of them everywhere. White stucco, wrought-iron gates, wrapped in bougainvillea. These houses are celebrity dreams that you just don’t find on the east coast.

Let’s face it: we were probably not all sunshine and butterflies with our mothers growing up. And if we thought we were pleasant teens, we know the behavior wasn’t for long. Our moms are strong, patient, and giving. This Mother’s Day we want to give a shout out to 8 celebrity moms that rock– because if raising an ordinary kid isn’t enough then raising one in the limelight must be even tougher. Plus, these women are not only rocking the Mom role, but aren’t giving up their own careers. -Meryl Lumba

1. Adele

So Adele has only been a mom for a few months, but she’s certainly doing a great job of keeping her privacy. This 24-year-old has won trophies at the Golden Globes, Grammys, and Oscars. We bet that if she can tackle major wins in the music industry, she’ll be just as great at motherhood. We can only imagine how her emotion-filled songs will be compounded with feeling by being a mum.

2. Amy Adams

Award-winner Amy Adams is known for the variety of films she’s starred in– ranging from Disney’s Enchanted to the dark Doubt to the light-hearted Julie & Julia. Even with Amy’s daughter turning 3 this month, it seems that Amy continues to make time for her career. Fans can anticipate Amy on screen for the highly-anticipated Man of Steel on June 14th.

3. Angelina Jolie

We all have a love-hate relationship with her, but how can we hate when she’s done so much? Raising 6 children, a few entirely on her own before Brad came into the picture, Angelina has also made time to advance in her career as well as serve as the co-chair of many philanthropies– in addition to creating her own foundations! If naming a foundation after one of your kids isn’t love, then what is?

4. Jada Pinkett Smith

Another celeb that values her family’s privacy, Jada once told a journalist that she would throw away her career before she let it break her marriage. While raising three children, Jada has also opened a music company called 100% Womon Productions, helped created a television series, published a children’s book about the different sides of femininity, became a spokeswoman for a makeup line, and partially owns the 76ers– in addition to creating non-profit organizations and foundations and helping her children rise to fame in the entertainment industry. Talk about a super mom!

5. Tina Fey

Loveable Tina Fey has two daughters, one of which was born at the height of Tina’s career in 30 Rock. A few months ago in Rolling Stone, she revealed that motherhood had started to drain her. Though she admitted this, she still manages to raise her daughters while supporting a couple charities and continuing her career after the series finale of 30 Rock. We hope that she makes her daughters laugh just as much as we have with her great works.

6. Maya Rudolph

This hilarious mom of 3 (rumors say she’s expecting a 4th!) is most famous for being part of Saturday Night Life for 7 years. Currently on Up All Night, Maya gets her own laughs from her co-star’s struggle with motherhood. Close to her own mom who has since passed ( famous singer Minnie Riperton), Maya was in the studio for a special recording of a song, in which her mom actually sings her name in the track. Perhaps fame runs in their genes: with the combination of Maya’s comedy and Paul Thomas Anderson’s (her partner) film work, the kids will certainly have an interesting growing-up experience!

7. Suzanne Collins

What better mom than one who writes a trilogy for children, forewarning them about society and their potential future? Author of the Hunger Games trilogy, among other books, Suzanne Collins is a mother of two and was named one of the most influential people by Time magazine. She is also the best-selling Kindle author of all time. We hope that Suzanne brings her creativity both in her career and in raising her children!

8. Beyoncé

Last but not least, Mrs. Carter. What hasn’t she done for her 1-year-old? Aside from spending a ridiculous amount of money on her daughter’s first birthday, her husband released a song dedicated to their daughter, crediting her, and making her the youngest person to appear on the Billboard charts. She is also trying to trademark her daughter’s name to start a line of merchandise. The ever-ambitious Beyoncé continues to stay busy outside of her personal life by participating in many environmental causes and supporting the fight for marriage equality.

Even though I am a big advocate on saving money, I love to shop and indulge in a bit of retail therapy from time to time. I shop wisely to avoid overspending, but there’s nothing like bringing home a new pair of strappy sandals just when the weather starts warming up. With that said, there are also some things I dread having to shop for. After chatting with some friends, I discovered I’m not the only one who hates to spend a good portion of their paycheck on toothpaste, paper towels and razors, so I’ve come up with some cost effective ways to shop for the things we all hate to buy.  -Andrea Woroch

1. Batteries

2. Printer Ink

3. Razors

Razors are something that I should buy more often but don’t. That doesn’t mean I forgo shaving, it just means I use my razors well beyond their lifespan, or opt for pants in even the most blazing heat waves. Paying $25 for four replacement heads is highway robbery, especially since I could use that money for something cuter, like a top or new pair of sunglasses. Happily, we’re not the only ones to find this purchase irritating. DollarShaveClub.com is marketed at men but totally useful for the ladies, providing simply razor styles and replacement heads for as little as $1 a month.

4. Replaceable Toothbrush Heads

5. Feminine Products

Ever wait until the cute guy is out of the toiletry aisle to grab your monthly essentials? In addition to being a somewhat embarrassing purchase, feminine products cost more than we’d like them to. The best way to save on these necessities is not to fall for the latest hype. For example, products with “pearl technology” or “360 protection” are nothing more than advertising gimmicks created to squeeze an extra dollar out of women’s pocketbooks. Search online or in Sunday circulars for manufacturer’s coupons, or simply buy them in bulk for per-unit savings. If I see a sale advertised at my local drugstore, I often stock up for several months so I don’t have to worry about buying them for some time either.

6. Baking Products

7. Paper Products

There’s no purchase less glamorous than toilet paper. Most disposable items like face tissue, cotton pads and paper towels seem like ideal bulk buys but in fact, you can save more when purchasing these items at the grocery store. Timing is key, however, so make sure you stock up at the beginning of the month when store and manufacturer’s coupons become available. “Stacking” these offers will give you better savings.

8. Cleaning Supplies

Angelina Jolie is no longer the only recent example of powerful women in film. But let’s be frank: the film industry casts too many protagonists as men– and the amount of times the man “saves” the woman or “wins” her over in recent movies is enough to make us cringe. Thankfully, summer brings a few hidden gems. Here’s our list of new ultimate chick flicks, featuring some of our favorite leading ladies. -Meryl Lumba

1. Star Trek into Darkness

While most believe this film is Kirk-centric, with Kirk leading the war, Nyota Uhura plays a role that is just as crucial to the plot. She works alongside Kirk as a communications officer and helps translate dialects. Lastly, she is the only female in the core crew of the USS Enterprise and the crew (and the safety of Earth, to be honest) is completely dependent on her help. This film is released May 17th.

2. Violet & Daisy

Two female assassins in NYC- need we say more? Audiences watch this dynamic duo and their violent deeds until their latest assignment makes them question the intent of murder. A terminally ill man’s life is in the hands of these women. Will they “save” him from his misery? Find out on July 30th.

3. Malavita

Based on the book Badfellas, this French film shares the story of the Manzoni mafia family, who is under the witness protection program. Though Robert de Niro appears to be the protagonist who cannot seem to break old habits, it’s his wife, played by Michelle Pfeiffer, who will come to the aid of her volatile husband by protecting their appearance through her charitable acts. Gleeks can also be excited to see Dianna Agron play their daughter. Check this drama out sometime in October 2013.

4. Catching Fire

This is a no-brainer. J-Law is not some helpless, teenaged girl waiting to be rescued. In fact, her influence and actions spark a nationwide revolution. The world watches and waits on her command. But before audiences can find out the outcome, our heroine fights in another Hunger Game- with double the participants. Join Katniss in the fight on November 22nd.

5. Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues

Annoyingly lovable Ron Burgundy and his news crew are back, but not without co-anchor Veronica Corningston, played by Christina Applegate. And if you watched the first one, you know that Veronica fights for her position as co-anchor despite the sexism of her workplace. Kristen Wiig will also star. Watch two of comedy’s leading women share a screen on December 20th.

There are only a few days left to enjoy it, but here are the movies in the Tribeca Film Festival we’re most excited to see before it wraps up. For more info on times, tickets and venues, see the full schedule. -Cass Daubenspeck

1. Life Doesn’t Frighten Me

Esther Weary has only her clueless grandfather and his pet pug to rely on when it comes to growing up. So she’s pretty much on her own to discover the realities of becoming a woman. A comedy about a young woman’s exploration of ugliness and beauty. Playing 4/24 and 4/28.

2. Almost Christmas

Charming Paul Rudd and Paul Giarnatti are a pair of French Canadians who come to New York City and try to get rich selling Christmas Trees. Critics are calling this a “buddy comedy” which means it’s probably fun and funny; a perfect movie for a date! And Paul Rudd’s in it. Did we mention that already? Plays 4/24 and 4/28.

3. A Case of You

Justin Long (He’s Just Not That Into You) plays a young writer who woos a barista (Sienna Miller) with his slightly exaggerated online profile. Thing is, once they meet, he has to keep up the act or risk losing her. Vince Vaughn and Brendan Fraser also make an appearance. Plays 4/23, 4/25 and 4/28.

4. Atlantic Avenue

Seventeen-year-old male prostitute Jeremiah helps Celeste when she gets her scarf stuck in her wheelchair and blocks traffic. It’s love at first sight for her, but he’s too invested in his career. Things turn around, though, in this French romance. Plays 4/25 and 4/28.

5. Before Midnight

The third chapter of the love affair Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy started in 1995. This time, the passionate relationship continues on the streets of Greece. We wouldn’t miss it. Plays 4/24 at 6:45 pm

Another potential risk writers and directors of the film industry partake in is the film adaptation of popularized novels. Most of us wish that this industry would stop making terrible movie versions of Nicholas Sparks books (was anything good after The Notebook anyway?) and put tween-geared works like Beautiful Creatures to rest.

But we’ve found 5 book-turned-flicks that are definitely worth considering. Sit back with your overpriced bag of popcorn or sneak some candy in–2013 films are making a comeback. -Meryl Lumba

The Company You Keep

This political film is based on Neil Gordon’s 2003 novel whose two leading characters involve a fugitive-in-hiding for 30 years and an ethically conflicted journalist. Robert Redford and Shia LaBeouf make for an interesting duo. Both plots collide while both men’s loved ones stay in limbo. The Company You Keep debuted in limited theaters on April 5th!

The Great Gatsby

Most of us have read this classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald. And Leo is still getting major screen time as this work’s sad and mysterious protagonist, Gatsby. Though the release date of this extravagant looking film has been pushed back almost an entire year, The Great Gatsby officially hits theaters May 10th (and in 3D too!). Let’s hope this film’s long-awaited debut is not too far from our expectations, unlike Gatsby’s green light.

World War Z

Even though The Walking Dead just had its season three finale, zombies are not too far away from our future. Readers of Max Brooks’ World War Z has argued that this work covers all of the apocalyptic things The Walking Dead hasn’t yet. Having Brad Pitt as the lead doesn’t hurt either! This novel’s historical account of the zombie apocalypse will definitely shake up jaded zombie viewers. World War Z raids theaters June 21st.

Catching Fire

Our girl crush J-Law is back and fiercer than ever. Catching Fire, the second novel of Suzanne Collins’ trilogy, will be packed with two different plots. First, the aftermath of the games. Second, the consequence of this year’s games. Viewers’ heart-strings will be pulled as Katniss’ affections toward two men get more diluted and conflict with life and death, leading the audience to the action-packed, final book of the series. Catching Fire’s trailer will be released April 14th, and the film itself will be out November 22nd.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty

This short story written by James Thurber will be adapted by Ben Stiller, who will have the lead role of Walter himself. Heavy-hitters Sean Penn (rumored) and Kristen Wiig will probably transform this short-story into something worthwhile. Based on a true-life adventure, Stiller will play a timid and daydreaming magazine photo manager until an important negative is lost. Though it looks like this film adaption will lean on the comedic side of things, let’s hope that its late release of December 25th promises lots of laughs.

Whether you decide to read the novels before the movie releases, it looks like the entertainment industry has some visually and intellectually compelling works for us to look forward to this year. So, laugh with Walter, cry with Katniss, or grab the green light (in 3D) with Gatsby–your film-filled future awaits.

Though the critically acclaimed NBC hit 30 Rock came to a close with its 7th season in late January, we haven’t gotten over the end. Creator Tina Fey’s lovable and quirky character, Liz Lemon, has soldiered on in our hearts… and in our habits. So whether someone is giving you a hard-time, coaching you through your life, or making fun of your clothes, know that you’re not alone. -Meryl Lumba

Here’s 8 ways Liz Lemon will live forever through her Lizbians (biggest fans).

1. Her Sense of Style

“You’re dressed for Burger King.”- Jack Donaghy

Yes, Lemon’s billionaire colleague, Jack Donaghy has called her out on her outfits. Other than the over-sized TGS logo sweater (what’s wrong with a comfy sweater after a long day?), Liz did have her fair share of cute (and common!) outfits. From cute tops and blazers to plaid shirts and sweaters, Liz sported a timeless business-casual look.

Most fans of The Wendy Williams Show may have noticed the exciting changes afoot in Season 4, as Wendy and her crew added new features like a larger, luxe studio in New York, the Tweet and Greet segment at the end of the hour, and more attention paid to viewer questions.

Shecky’s sat down for an exclusive interview with the ultimate working woman and asked a few questions of our own, ranging from how today’s college graduates should tackle their growing loan payments, to advise on how women in their 30s and 40s can jumpstart a brand new career. Read on for Wendy’s words of wisdom!

Shecky’s: One of our readers submitted this question for you: “You always seem to be in such a great mood. What are your best tips on maintaining that positive energy throughout everything that you do?”

Wendy Williams: Well, I’m not always in a great mood, but I try not to have displaced anger on situations, like if something is bothering me at home I don’t bring that to work. What people see is one hour out of my day. It’s just one hour. We’re a live show and, since the show started, no matter how I feel when I get here, or tired or if I’m flu-ish or whatever, as soon as the doors open and everybody jumps up and they clap for me, how can you not smile and be happy just for a moment? And it’s just a moment. If we taped our talk show you’d probably see a different Wendy. Like, Why was she so nice that segment but so mean the next one? Because I’m tired.

The show, this is a dream that I never dreamt about until it happened. I was doing my dream — radio — and I was good at it and I was making a nice living at it and I had recognition from my peers. I wasn’t just a DJ on the radio, I was one of the premier DJs in the country, and that was a wonderful career. I got a chance to be syndicated as far as Germany and Japan, so I was fine doing radio until this came along. And I didn’t even have a chance to really dream about this because I wasn’t finished with radio, you know. I was having fun. Then the opportunity came and I was just like Holy crap, alright well now I guess I have to leave radio because I can’t do both. I mean I could do both but it wouldn’t be fair to me or my family to leave here and then do my shift on radio from 2 to 6. Realistically, I could fit that into my day and be home by 8 o’clock at night and still wake up at 6 o’clock in the morning and do this, but my son would be wayward, my husband wouldn’t know me. And I wouldn’t have time to moisturize.

When the opportunity comes along, it’s very difficult to maintain past a few weeks on the air with [TV] or over a year whether it’s a talk show or a sitcom. So much stuff gets cancelled, people are just so fickle these days and the economy is so bad and studios don’t have money to just be throwing at projects waiting for them to get good. So I’m here 4 years. I’ve got a great staff, a very supportive family and a really supportive Wendy Watcher, that would be [the fans], thank you.

What advice do you have for women who want to begin a whole new career, some for the first time, in their 30s and 40s? You switched from radio to TV. It’s entertainment but it’s still a switch. What advice would you give to someone making that change?

Make sure your money’s up. In other words, make sure that you’re saving whatever it is that you can save. And I would turn that career into a hobby before I’d make it a career. Don’t let go of what you have until you’re reasonably sure of how this new thing is going to fly. Know as much about it as possible. When you switch careers as a grown woman in your 30s and 40s you really do need to do a little bit of a different research project on that career than you did when you were in your 20s. You need to research lifestyle. I no longer want to work at midnight. When I was 21 years old, I worked the midnight to 5am shift and I loved it, but now I no longer want to work at midnight. I no longer want to be dragging in the house around dinner time. I have to be home before dinner or something. My requirements are different. Just do as much research as you possibly can. Save as much money as you possibly can before you make that move just in case it doesn’t work out. And don’t leave your old career on bad terms in case you have to go back.

For me, I left when we found out we had the first season of this show. Well, you know, we could have been cancelled after the first season and I’d have to go back to radio, which is not a bad thing, but radio certainly isn’t TV.

As a college graduate, what advice do you have for students graduating this year when it comes to student loans and finding a job?

Oh god. Defer paying your loans for as long as you possibly can. At this point, institutions and the government, if you get a government loan, people understand there are no jobs out here for you all. There are no jobs out here for us all, I’m talking about, you know, adults. I listened to the President and his State of the Union speech [on February 12] and I was just appalled at some of the hooey that the government is trying to sell us regarding housing prices being higher than they have been. I think that’s a bunch of BS. There are no jobs out here for you all. People are still doing bad. I don’t know what world they’re trying to sell us, but people are still doing bad. And the world owes you nothing because you went to college, I know, because I used to feel the same way. I got my 4 year degree from a large university [sarcastically] They’re going to roll out the red carpet, the world.

I ended up getting my first job on my own, though, when I had my job in radio in March of my senior year so I had to wait until June to leave to start my job. But I knew that I had to get a job. I wasn’t going to go back to my parents and live in my bedroom in Jersey, and I did not have an inheritance, and I know that [a lot of my fans] don’t either. But don’t turn your nose up to McDonald’s, or the pizza shop, or ALDO shoes. Jobs like that aren’t permanent because you do have your degree. And for students who run from being adults by going on to get Masters for no reason, every career does not require a Masters. What that does is that delays you getting out and being a real adult. And I know half of you need the Masters and the other half of you are scared to grow up, so you go get your degrees. And I have news for you, we see through you. I have a friend like that. She’s 42 years old, she’s got 4 masters and a doctorate. I wouldn’t hire her. Are you serious? I’m on to you. You’ve got all this stuff and no work experience. I know people like you. You’re scared to grow up. And another thing, why go on and get these layers of degrees after you graduate from a university when you’re just running up the tab to pay it later?

But I guess the biggest thing that I would say to you kids graduating is stay on your grind. There are jobs out here, there’s not a lot of jobs out here. Don’t turn your nose up to doing menial work because it’s still money until you can get the job in your designated career.

How has Season 4 been different from any other season so far?

There’s more room for everybody. We fit about 25 more people in the studio audience. The floor is a lot bigger so there’s a run-up to Hot Topics as opposed to right there where I come out and I talk. The stage was a lot smaller, the performance area. And we’ve extended Hot Topics, which is a fan favorite on the show. People love Hot Topics, and now instead of it being 8 or 12 minutes it’s almost 20 minutes, sometimes 21! And it’s all before the first commercial, which I love.

Tell us about the new Hot Topics Round Table segment.

That’s one of the new things this season. And I think that the most important thing for guests to have is an opinion, preferably a strong opinion, about whatever the topics are that we’re talking about. What I also like about it is that we’re able to get together an eclectic mix of people. This week it’s Suze Orman, the money lady, Joe Budden, the rapper, and a relationship expert. Very eclectic. Very randomly picked. But everybody will be passionate about what we talk about.

- Reporting by Ashley Pierce

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York or a wide-eyed newbie, the list of must-pack essentials remain the same. Anyone attending more than a show or two needs to make sure they not only look the part, but can actually manage to get some work doneamidst the clouds of hair spray, sprinting publicists in stilettos, flashbulbs around every corner, and, oh, right — the shows. Here’s what you need!

- Molly Friedman

1 ) Wolford Individual 20 Hosiery ($46 at wolfordshop.com). Just because it’s snowing in New York, and yeah, there might be a blizzard on February 9, doesn’t mean you can’t wear your to-die-for winter shift dresses. You’ll need these — they’re practically immune to snags and rips.

-Christina Izzo

She’s Super Down To Earth

What other critically acclaimed young starlet would compare her own award show excitement to a peeing chihuahua? Or would be caught dead spazzing out in shiny pajama pants on the day she gets nominated for an Oscar? Or would get into a car accident not because she was under the influence but because she was searching for Honey Boo Boo? In a sea of sour puss KStews and goody two-shoes TaySwifts, Lawrence is refreshingly self-deprecating, sharp-tongued and straightforward, definitely the type of gal we’d love to chat about old boyfriends with over Bloody Marys at brunch!

Image credit: thedailybeast.com