Category Archives: Entertainment

Let’s face it – what you wore in middle school mattered. You just weren’t considered cool if your clothes weren’t from an acceptably cool store. Stores that you are now embarrassed to admit you ever shopped at. Here’s a throwback Thursday shout-out to the clothing stores of our awkward youth.

5. Club Libby Lu

Club Libby Lu was like Disney Land inside our nearest mall. As a little girl, nothing was more exciting than the days when our moms would splurge and let us get our hair and makeup done up like a princess. Making the sparkly perfumes and body washes let us bring the magic home, allowing us to feel royal for weeks.

4. Limited Too

Limited Too was the hottest place to shop as a tween. The graphic tee basically originated there— I used to live for the new snowflake shirts at the beginning of each winter season. Limited Too also provided all of us with our first training bras. Very exciting, we know.

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As I sat down to write this article, I was instantly shocked that I hadn’t thought of it earlier. Not only was Friends one of the longest running sitcoms, but it was also a personal favorite show of mine. Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey and Phoebe had such a way of making us feel like we were right in there with them- whether it be in Monica’s living room, in the Central Perk coffee shop or in Ugly Naked Guy’s apartment. This TBT goes out to our six best friends… could they be any more deserving?

What We Loved

Aside from making us laugh for 90% of each episode, these six friends actually taught us a lot about life, love and of course, friendship. We watched as Rachel, a rich girl living off her father’s income, cut herself off from that income and made her own way in the world. We watched Monica and Chandler fall in love and eventually start a family together after several seasons of being just friends – proving the age old notion that the best relationships are built on friendship. Each friend was a role model by themselves, but they were never alone.  Continue reading →

Their (beautiful, gorgeous, dreamy, angelic) faces were the first to grace our bedroom walls. They were our first television crushes. They convinced us that cooties were nothing more than speechlessness at their perfection. They gave us hope that boys could be mature and have the qualities of a good man. Though it’s possible we love these characters even more in the present as we did then – here is our list of the top 10 men of our past.

10. Shawn Hunter (Boy Meets World)

Shawn Hunter was the original bad boy, wooing our television screens with his best friend Cory. Shawn taught us that it was okay to goof off from time to time, as long as we were funny and loyal to our friends.

9. AC Slater (Saved By the Bell)

Slater was the perfect addition to Saved By the Bell. He had such an air of confidence about him, and his perfect face and chiseled muscles just added to his dreaminess.

8. Jack Dawson (Titanic)

Jack is an obvious pick. He met Rose, convinced her not to (literally) jump ship, and then gave up his life for her. Jack showed us all what true love was, even if it only lasted for a few days. He will seriously never let go.

7. Ryan Atwood (The OC)

Ryan was irresistible in his black tank top and choker necklace. He came to Newport Beach, Calif. from a broken family and a life of crime, and still managed to land the most beautiful and popular girl in school. Props, Ryan.

6. Uncle Jesse (Full House)

Anyone who tries to say they didn’t think Uncle Jesse was dreamy is lying. Jesse’s little quirks such as his obsession with hair perfectly complimented his musical talent and leather jackets.

5. Zack Morris (Saved By the Bell)

Zack was the smoothest boy in the game. He could get away with just about anything, and did so with such style and grace. Zack’s blinding blonde hair and killer smile gave him such an air of innocence, but he made sure to let us know what he was capable of.

4. Cliff Pantone (Bring It On)

Missy’s brother in Bring It On was the outcast. He was the rock star funny boy who came to a town full of male cheerleaders (so underrated, by the way) and managed to get “Your caption Torrance!” to fall for him. His messy hair and band t-shirts were irresistible.

3. Nathan Scott (One Tree Hill)

Nathan Scott, star of the Ravens basketball team transformed from the cocky athlete to the oh-so-sweet-athlete/high-school-husband. Nathan was a star attraction from the start, but our hearts grew so much for him as his love grew for Haley.

2. Lucas Scott (One Tree Hill)

Lucas was Nathan’s estranged brother for a while until the two became close. Though the two were solidly equal looks wise, Lucas brought something else to the table. He was an intellectual, emotional and highly attractive author who made our hearts melt with every quote he recited.

1. Seth Cohen (The O.C.)

Our number one spot goes to Seth Cohen, the most lovable nerd we have ever known. Seth went from being totally off the radar to dating and eventually marrying the girl of his dreams. His curly head of hair and extensive list of quirks made us laugh every episode and certainly made us look twice at the boys who remained quiet in the back corner of our classes.

Photo credits: 
wikia.com
theocismyhome.tumblr.com
weheart-tv.com
en.wikipedia.org

For many of us, AOL Instant Messenger was the first way we were able to really communicate with our friends outside of school. When obtaining a cell phone was still just a dream, our desktop computers were there to fill the void.

What We Loved

The AIM profile and away messages were works of art. It is easy to remember spending excessive amounts of time searching for the perfect font, crafting the perfect message and carefully selecting the people to mention in our profiles (as if it were some great honor to be included). An AIM profile would usually include some long, deep quote, a few inside jokes with besties and of course, a section dedicated to the boyfriend.

<3 9.13.06 Josh <3

Away messages were equally as artful. It was important to let people know what you were doing, who you’d be with and again that you totally loved your boyfriend. Continue reading →

Our throwback this week is dedicated to the glammest gal we’ve ever known: Barbie. Along with her shiny blonde hair, long tan legs and super hot boyfriend, she had a dreamy house, her own private jet and multiple sports cars. Barbie was rich, famous and beautiful. Not to mention she had the coolest clothes ever. It’s no surprise to us at Valley that Barbie is still killing the toys game.

What We Loved

Barbie gave us a chance to live our dreams vicariously through her. Honestly, with all her achievements, how could she be considered a bad role model? Throughout her life so far, she’s been a policewoman, student, teacher, veterinarian, mother, doctor…the list goes on and on. Barbie is more than just a pretty face. She’s clearly motivated enough to hold down several jobs, all while maintaining a healthy relationship. What’s not to admire?

Admit It…

No matter how much Barbie gear we had, we needed more. My obsession started with her pink sports car, grew to the RV camper and landed on the Holy Grail: The Barbie Dream House (which, sadly, I never got). It was impossible to obtain too many clothes, too many accessories or too many shoes. It was our responsibility to make Barbie look fabulous at all times, and that was not something we took lightly. Don’t worry Barbie, we got your back.

Photo credit: Wikipedia.com