Contribute to JAYE: We're on the Hunt for Correspondents!

JAYE seeks passionate, self-motivated, organized and enthusiastic contributors to join the team as JAYE correspondents. If you’re obsessed with writing about style, beauty, culture, personal development, men/relationships, health, current affairs or careers and have a distinct, striking and and concise writing voice, we’d love to provide you with the platform to share it.

Each of our correspondents will have the opportunity to pen features and columns for the magazine and partner with our team of editors to shape and polish their pieces before production. The magazine is online, so as long as you have access to a computer and the Internet, you can contribute! All positions are unpaid and compensation is through bylines and clips.

If you're interested, send an e-mail with the topic(s) you'd like to cover, along with your resume, any applicable writing samples and a brief note about why you'd make the perfect JAYE correspondent in the body of the message to JAYE Editor-in-Chief Michael Jones at jayemagmike@gmail.com.

Memo From Mike: Welcome to the New JAYE!

The older we become, the more we realize how valuable of an asset time is. You know the routine: Attempt to squeeze as many pursuits as possible in a 24-hour window, hoping to have checked off all the tasks on the relentless agenda by nightfall, only to flip the page and start a new list for a new day. 

It’s the unremitting reality that inspired a conference call with my senior editors a few months ago to discuss how to put together a magazine that yielded a worthwhile reading experience in exchange for your limited time. And during the nearly two-hour chat, we threw a lot of ideas on the table, but the biggest, and perhaps boldest, suggestion offered up was to publish the magazine weekly instead of once a month. 

The dominant reason for the change is to align with the busy, on-the-go lifestyles that most of you lead. After talking with many of our core readers, we realized that what you need from a magazine like JAYE is a smart and sophisticated collection of ideas and perspectives packaged in a fun, but practical way that allows you to get in and get out each week. 

The mission of the magazine remains unaltered—to reinforce the reality that college is more than the classroom and dispense a deluge of solutions to navigating the sometimes-tricky terrain that awaits outside your lecture halls. What lies ahead on the following pages is more news, more exploration into subjects that matter to you and more advice. And we’ve also broken down every page and smartly reconstructed it in a clean, bold and modern way to make JAYE an essential part of your life and give you more content for your time. 

My editors and I think you’ll appreciate the way we’ve organized the magazine to make finding what you’re looking for an effortless proposition. Hot Topic, which opens each issue and delves into a story picking up traction in the cultural conversation, is followed a set of new sections: The Front, Style, Culture and Buzz. For those instances when you have a little more time on your hand, the middle of the magazine houses a few in-depth features that explore college life from all angles. And Extra Credit, your guide to “life beyond the lecture hall” closes each issue. 

Over the next few weeks, we’ll continue make a few minor tweaks and we’re hopeful that you’ll lend an assist through your response to the new JAYE—email your rants, raves and suggestions to jayemagmike@gmail.com. And soon, we’ll be launching a refreshed website to help you interact with us outside of the pages of the magazine, so stay tuned, and tell a friend. Oh, and since time is of the essence, I’ve gotta run: another deadline’s looming—see you next week!

--Michael Jones, JAYE Editor-in-Chief

The Wait is Over! JAYE Relaunchees with a New Weekly Format: New Sections, Redesigned Pages, the Same Focus on College Life Outside the Classroom

DALLAS—(January 23, 2012)—JAYE, the online magazine that realizes college is more than that classroom, is set to launch the first issue in its new weekly format tomorrow. This shift in frequency will allow JAYE to focus on delivering the news, service and journalism its readers have come to expect, while offering an immediate sophisticated, smart and engaging alternative to the daily sites that have become commonplace in the lives of consumers.

The change may come as a shock for JAYE’s committed readers but after intense brainstorming sessions and dialogue with core readers, “We realized that what you need from a magazine like JAYE is a smart and sophisticated collection of ideas and perspectives packaged in a fun, but practical way that allowed you to get in and get out each week.”

Bright points from the new weekly design include: 

• A retooled front of the book: The Front, features newsy tidbits and listicles that capture the pulse of the week’s cultural conversation; the Style pages extract the hottest runway and beauty trends from the runway, street and celebrity worlds; Culture details the new releases of the week and spotlights the A-listers and industry insiders in the entertainment world; and Buzz delves deeper in the subjects that matter to college-aged women, including relationships, health, careers and more.
  
  
• Ample features that touch on various aspects of college life: The cover story offers up an in-depth overview of the secrets, facts, and myths about college students studying abroad. Other features include special report on the apparent uptick in bullying at all education levels, a piece investigating the notion that college majors don’t matter anymore; and a fashion portfolio featuring the hottest looks from the 2012 spring collections.
  
  
• Extra Credit, a new lifestyle section, focused on “life beyond the lecture hall”: A primer on keeping your study space organized, the best juicers under $100 and a 12-step guide to success in 2012 are just a few of the fun, service-driven stories that complete each issue.

“We’re confident that the magazine’s new frequency will resonate with our readers and their active lifestyles and supply an immediate roundup of not only what folks are buzzing about, but most importantly, why it matters to her,” Michael Jones, JAYE’s founding editor-in-chief, explained. JAYE will continue to “to reinforce the reality that college is more than the classroom and dispense a deluge of solutions to navigating the sometimes-tricky terrain that awaits outside your lecture halls.”

About JAYE:

JAYE is the weekly digital magazine for smart, curious and fashionable women seeking information and revelations on style, culture, news and self-improvement. Filled with thorough reporting, sophisticated storytelling and practical solutions, it serves as a guide to navigating the experiences outside of the classroom while preparing its readers for post-graduate prosperity. Thousands have read JAYE domestically and internationally in locations across the world, including London, Australia, South Africa, Lithuania, and France.

Contact:

Michael Jones (jayemagmike@gmail.com), JAYE Editor-in-Chief

Exciting News! JAYE to Release Issues Each Week Starting This Month

Beginning this month, JAYE, the magazine that realizes college is more than the classroom, will publish issues each week, rather than monthly. “We’re confident that the magazine’s new frequency will resonate with our readers and their active lifestyles and supply an immediate roundup of not only what folks are buzzing about, but most importantly, why it matters to her,” Michael Jones, JAYE’s founding editor-in-chief, explained. “Each issue will frame the week’s need-to-know news and serve as the ideal companion to our timely and in-depth features in the center of the book, an indispensable component of the magazine’s DNA.” The first issue under weekly format hits the web January 24.

For additional information or to schedule an interview with Michael Jones, please contact Andreana Thomas at andreana.jayemag@gmail.com.

About JAYE magazine

JAYE is the weekly digital magazine for smart, curious and fashionable women seeking information and revelations on style, culture, news and self-improvement. Filled with thorough reporting, sophisticated storytelling and practical solutions, it serves as a guide to navigating the experiences outside of the classroom while preparing its readers for post-graduate prosperity.

Be sure to follow JAYE or Twitter and “Like” us on Facebook.

Healthy Eating: Dinner-Table Decisions

Thanksgiving is around the corner, which means football, family and tons of food. It’s easy to get carried away with stuffing, mashed potatoes and grandma’s apple pie. But when you indulge in moderation and substitute healthier ingredients in your favorite dishes, you’ll find yourself dodging post-meal regret. Reference our guide to the healthy and not-so-beneficial Turkey Day faves to keep your taste buds satisfied and your waistline in tact.

These Choices are Equal Parts Tasty and Healthy!

• White meat (4 ounces, 180 calories): White meat is lean and contains less fat than dark meat. If you’re not willing to give up dark meat, try to not eat the skin, which composes most of the fat. 
• Sweet potatoes (1 cup, 100 calories): You can still have a potato, but this alternative doesn’t add the extra fat from butter, milk and cheese that accompany mashed potatoes. The sweetness of these bad boys will also allow you to leave the sugar-filled marshmallows. 
• Stuffing (1/2 cup, 150 calories): A healthier version of stuffing could be made with whole wheat bread and celery, onions, nuts, raisins and herbs as a filler. Leave the butter out!
• Green Bean Casserole (1/2 cup, 75 calories): Green beans are the healthy portion of this dish; swapping out fried onions for sautéed onions will also create a healthier option. 
• Pumpkin Pudding (1 cup, 180-65 (fat or fat free) calories), Vanilla Pudding (1 cup, 104 calories): If you make your own pudding, use fat free or low fat milk to reduce caloric intake. 

Eek! Steer Clear of These Unhealthy Options!

• Dark meat (4 ounces, 323 calories): Dark meat contains more fat than white meat and contains most of the skin from the turkey.
• Mashed Potatoes (1 cup, 200 calories): Loaded with fat from butter, milk, and cheese (gravy as well) mashed potatoes add a lot of the calories to your Thanksgiving meal.
• Stuffing (1/2 cup, 190 calories): Stuffing made with white bread, croutons and butter composes the less health version. 
• Green Beans Almandine (1/2 cup, 220 calories): The butter added to this dish accounts for most of the calories. Although almonds are “good fat,” they are unfortunate culprits in the high fat count. 
• Pumpkin Pie (1 slice, 315 calories), Apple Pie (1 slice, 411 calories), Pecan Pie (1 slice, 503 calories): Pie makes up the bulk of your Thanksgiving calorie intake. Even one slice, excluding ice cream on top, can cost you up to 500 calories.
  
  --Liyana Abdul Kadir

Thanksgiving By the Numbers (Source: businessinsider.com)

242 million: The number of turkeys raised in 2010, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.

736,680 tons: The 2010 contracted production of snap (green) beans in major snap (green) bean-producing states.

735 million: The forecasted U.S. cranberry production in 2010, according to the 

U.S. Census Bureau.

This article was originally published in the November 2011 issue of JAYE.

Relationship Bulletin: The Attack of the Monster-in-Law

The Best Gift You Can Give Your Boyfriend is a Cease-Fire With the Other Most Important Woman in His Life: His mom. Thankfully, It’s Easy to Achieve With a Few Simple Tips By Jamie Harrison 

Most women know how moms about their sons: overprotective, overbearing, and a borderline pain in the butt. Though extreme, the perfect example of this is the Jennifer Lopez and Jane Fonda movie, “Monster-in-Law.” Duking it out through hilarious pranks, Fonda and Lopez represent what many women often must get through to find true love: the mother. Up until this point in his life, she has been the dominant female figure in his life. No matter how much of a wholesome girl you may be, his mother might see you as competition for her son’s heart, when in reality it’s probably the fact that another woman actually has her son going crazy. But, you all can coexist in peaceful harmony. Here are five ways to convince his mom that you are much more than a roadblock. 

Remain On Your Best Behavior. As hard as it may be, always try to be on your best behavior. Stay polite and treat her with respect at all times. Don’t curse in front of and certainly not at her, and dress respectfully and maturely (e.g. no low-cut shirts and sexy-butt jeans! Save the sexy stuff for a date night with your boyfriend.) Show his mother that you’re there to stay and sooner or later she’ll get the picture. When having dinner at your boyfriend’s house, offer to bring a dish and always offer to help with dishes.

Kill Her with Kindness. Compliment his mom on her decorations, cooking, etc. Show genuine interest in her by just having a regular conversation. Try asking her how she is doing or ask her how her day went. Ask her what she likes to do for fun and try to find something in common with her. Try doing some bonding activities, like shopping or watching her favorite TV show. That way she can get to know the true you. 

Don’t Give In. She’s going to try to push you, but don’t stoop down to her level, no matter how immature she may act. Don’t give her a legitimate reason to dislike you as this will only add fuel to the fire and she will probably try to use this against you. Never be afraid or intimidated by her. Don’t let her take advantage of you, just because she knows that you are trying to get on her good side. Be real, but not too real. Don’t change yourself just to become the girl you think your BF’s mom might like. Some people, especially women, have x-ray vision and can see right through you. If she asks you to do something that you don’t feel comfortable, don’t do it. After all, she should be happy that her son has such great taste. 

Never Ask Your Boyfriend to Get in the Middle of It. If you have been nothing but respectful towards her and she makes it known that she still doesn’t like you at least your beau will know that it wasn’t your fault. If you decide to talk to him about it, avoid direct confrontation. If he’s aware that his mother doesn’t like you, then he may decide take it up with her on his own time, but don’t push him to do it. You never want to force his to choose between the two of you. 

If all else fails, distance yourself. Things getting worse, not better? Wash your hands of the situation. Don’t let her drive you crazy. Just try to put distance in between you and his mother. After all, you’re not married to him and you don’t have to be around her at every family function. Remember that you’re dating him and not his mom. If it’s something superficial such as race or the way you look, it’s best to just leave the situation alone. 

When your man’s mother’s doesn’t like you, it can really put a damper on the relationship, even tempting you to wonder if the relationship is truly worth it. But, once she sees that you’re not going anywhere, she’s bound to come around. However, if after these steps you find that your man is a Certified Momma’s Boy, then we give you permission slide your sexy skinny jeans and to run for the hills!

Originally published in the December 2011 issue

Answers: Solutions to Life's Quandaries

My ex has begun texting me that he misses me and wants to be with me again. I’ve moved on and have no interest in starting things up again, but I don’t want to hurt him. How can I get him to back off? 

It’s important to be direct with a nagging ex. If you beat around the bush, he might see only what he wants to see—a possible reconnection. Not saying things outright won’t end the texts, but being too harsh could make things get nasty. Say something like “What we had was great, but it’s in the past. I’m ready for what’s next in my life and I hope you can move forward like I have.” Make it clear that you have moved on and you wish him the best—without you.

My boyfriend and I have been together for a little over a year and I’ve already met his parents, but anytime he has a family get-together, he never asks me to join. What’s the deal?

Bringing your significant other to a family function is a big step—even if you’ve been serious for a while. He might be embarrassed of his wacky aunt, or he may be avoiding 21 questions about his love life. He might not even think you’re interested in attending. There are a million different reasons, but you’ll never know until you ask him. Next time a family event comes up, ask him about it and let him know that you would be glad to be his plus one and keep him entertained.

I recently scored a really great job opportunity! The only problem is that it is requires me to move across the country—without my boyfriend. Should I take it?

There are a lot of important things to look at when making such a big, life-changing decision like this. In your case, you have to choose between your career and your boyfriend. Ask yourself some serious questions: Is this the man you plan on spending the rest of your life with? Would you resent him if it meant giving up your dream job? You shouldn’t be the only one making sacrifices.

My BFF always wants to go clubbing, and throws a hissy fit if I don’t go. I need to save my sanity (and my grades)! How can I let her down easy and save our friendship?

As your BFF, she should know and respect that you need to make your own decisions—even if they’re not in her favor. If a friend is constantly pressuring you to go out, sit her down and let her know that you love partying with her, but your grades are starting to suffer. Tell her that you’d be more than happy to spend time with her on the weekends, but the week needs to be reserved for school and daytime activities. Suggest a coffee and shopping day to make up for the fact that you can’t stay out all night on the week days. 

My little sister just started college and she has begun partying and getting drunk every weekend. I understand she’s young and having fun, but I’m worried this is getting out of hand. How can I approach her without her shutting down?

Older siblings have that protective nature and dealing with alcohol is difficult since it can lead to such extreme consequences. Approach her at a neutral time when the two of you are alone, make some coffee, put on your N’Sync playlist, and reminisce about innocent fun. Remind her that you partied too, but there are repercussions when alcohol is abused. Share stories of mutual friends’ regrettable experiences and share some of your own. Sometimes putting things in perspective can make a big impact.

Originally published in the December 2011 issue; edited by Megan Elliott

Fashion Was Here’s Taliah Ferguson Covers JAYE’s Stress-Free Issue

It’s no denying the influence style bloggers are having on the fashion industry and in pop culture, and Taliah Ferguson, founder of FashionWasHere.net and November cover girl, thinks that they’re here to stay. She shared her thoughts on style (“You will never find me doing anything uber trendy, that's just not me”), the most challenging aspect of maintaining a blog (“updating it on a regular basis”) and how she does enjoys life of blogging (“Eating yummy food and listening to music”) in our new issue, which hits the web Tuesday, October 11.

Also inside the issue:

• A practical A-Z Guide to Living Stress-Free;
• The hottest trends from the resort 2012 season;
• More than 30 of the most stylish coats (plus the pieces to wear with them);
• Beauty tips from knowledgeable industry experts including, hair colorist Rebecca Friedman (who counts Kim Kardashian as a client) and manicurists Lisa Logan (who’s worked with Madonna, Katy Perry, Beyoncé and Solange Knowles, to name a few) and Terry Terrance (the guy stars like Jennifer Hudson, Taraji P. Henson and Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi turn to);
• A special report on for-profit colleges and how they’re crippling the value of the college degrees you’re working so hard to earn.

Answers: Solutions to Life's Quandaries

I scheduled an early morning class this semester, I'm always running late. Any style ideas to keep me from looking like I woke up on the wrong side of the bed?
We know all to well the plight of the crazy-early classes and no matter how many cups of coffee you guzzle, there’s nothing like putting together a look that's effortless, comfortable and on trend. The fashion team found this recent photo of Charlize Theron (below) out and about in London to serve as inspiration for your fall uniform. Start with a pair of your favorite skinny jeans, and add a comfy knit, pointy pumps, and a bottomless bag to stow your notes in—all in  classic black. Top the ensemble with a khaki trench, throw your hair up, grab one of those  aforementioned cups of coffee, and you’re good to go.

Charlize Theron sports a simple, yet chic look that can be translated for your early-morning classes.
Photo credit: InStyle

I'm trying to lay off the sweets and junk food. What fruits are in season right now?

Rejoice, because some of the best fruits are ripe for the picking this month. Plan a weekend trip with your friends to the local Farmer's Market and stock up on apples, grapes and oranges to snack on while cramming for midterms; or hoard bundles of berries to munch on during class (blackberries and cranberries are our top picks!), which will keep you full and away from those no-good vending machines in between meals.

I know my friend's boyfriend is cheating on her, but i dont know what to do! I'm afraid of alienating myself with my BFF.

If she's truly your BFF and you are for certain that her man is sleeping around, then you either tell her or don't tell anyone at all. If you run your mouth to other friends and she finds out that you knew, not only is she going to be devastated by her guy's infidelity, but she'll probably be angry that you divulged the info to someone else and your loyalty will be called into question. Tell your girl the truth and be ready to support her as she deals with the fallout.

I've been stealing my sister's birth control. Help!

First and foremost, what you're doing is dangerous (there are many differences in every woman's prescription, specific dosages are authorized for each patient and you could be affected adversely if you continue to purloin your sis's meds. What's more, your behavior could be jeopardizing your own period and ovulation schedule, which may result in irregular menstruation. Fess up to your sister, offer to replace the poached pills and if you want to continue taking birth control, do it the right way: Consult a doctor and obtain your own prescription.

I love the school that I attend, but my parents don't because I didn't pick their alma mater and it's really affecting our relationship. Any advice?

At the end of the day, while continuing the family tradition is important to your folks, it's also essential to let them know that you didn't come to your decision hastily. Choosing colleges is one of the first big decisions we make--and it's sometimes tough to pick the best situation for you with so many people (many who probably have great intentions, like your mom and dad) offering their two cents. Now that we're a few weeks into the semester, accumulate some graded papers to show how well you're doing in class, snap a few pictures of you and your friends at football games and give your 'rents the scoop on your role in your on-campus orgs. Once they see how well adjusted you are, perhaps they'll take a step back and everything's okay.

Health Bulletin: The Great Depression

College creates an atmosphere that can be fun but also very stressful. effects. Although these symptoms can be common at times, it is easy to ignore the signs of what could be seasonal depression. Read on for the symptoms By Liyana Abdul Kadir

Have you ever felt an extreme or unusual change of mood, lack of energy, disinterest in socializing or lack of interest in things you usually enjoy doing? Do these symptoms usually appear around the same time every year? If you answered yes, you may have seasonal depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

According to the Mayo Clinic, SAD is a mood disorder associated with depression. When a season changes our “biological clocks” shift according to sunlight patterns. These shifts in daylight affect brain chemicals and mood differently. Additionally, melatonin, which is a sleep related hormone and also known to cause depression symptoms, is suspected to secrete elevated levels when the hours of daylight decrease.

Melatonin, asleep-related hormoneand also known to cause depression symptoms, is suspected to secrete elevated levels when the hours of daylight decrease.

SAD is more common in women, people between the ages of 18-30 years old, people who live further from the equator and those that have a history of depression in their family. According to a study done by the Journal of American College Health, students who moved from southern locations to the New England area were more likely to experience depression in the winter months. Seasonal depression symptoms emerge around the same time every year, typically during the late fall and early winter. These symptoms include: Hopelessness, oversleeping, depression, anxiety, social withdrawal, loss of energy, weight gain, appetite changes, and difficulty processing information.

The beginning of a new semester along with all the other stresses that come within a college environment can sometimes make these symptoms harder to distinguish. It is normal to experience these symptoms from time to time, but if you begin to feel the indicators for an extend period of time, thoughts of suicide and a dependence on alcohol you may be experiencing seasonal affective disorder and should see your doctor.

According to Mental Health America, if you are diagnosed, SAD can be treated with medication such as anti depressants. Another form of treatment is light therapy or phototherapy, which exposes your body to light which mimics outdoor light, which can affect brain chemicals that improve mood. Other suggestions to improve mood include, exercising outdoors, eating right, spending time with friends and family and developing a regular sleep schedule.

If you feel like you are experiencing extreme symptoms do not hesitate to seek treatment. Just remember, college can be stressful at times but know how to tell when that stress begins to negatively affect your life.