Good morning, beautiful people!
C.O.R.E had such a wonderful time with the AMAZING 8th graders of the Harlem Educational Activities Fund last Thursday! We got to chat it up with them on the topic of Media Literacy. Of course, we just couldn’t talk their ears off so we dove into skits and open discussion. Each and every student showed their creative skills and shared their beautiful thoughts which ended up in lots of smiles & laughs!
Take a peek!
Great times!
Good morning!
Get into our Tuesday Tunes vid pick! J.Cole – She Knows
Hailing from New Jersey, Bianaca Bethune is a rising actress on her way to the top and not looking back! This talented actress is currently featured on the ABC Family smash-hit, “Switched at Birth.”
The fan-favorite drama tells the story of two families struggling to learn how to join together for the sake of their teenage girls who were accidentally switched at birth. Introduced during the Season 3 premiere, Bethune can be seen in on-going story arc as Sharee Gifford, a misfit teen, who is one of the hearing students forced to enroll at Carlton when her previous high school closes down. After Sharee goes up against Daphne (Katie Leclerc) in a series of incidents, she faces a few unforeseen consequences and ultimately realizes that things may not be so bad after all.
Bethune was raised in Keyport and attended Rutgers Preparatory School. This ambitious beauty landed her big break in the blockbuster sequel, “Bad Boys II,” appearing opposite Will Smith and Martin Lawrence. Since then, Bethune made her way to Hollywood and has added several network television shows to her resume, including “Criminal Minds,” “Everybody Hates Chris” and “Zoey 101.”
Let’s get to know Bianca a little better!
SWITCHED AT BIRTH – “Fountain” – A false accusation tests Daphne’s already tenuous relationship with Sharee in an all new episode of “Switched at Birth,” airing Monday, January 27, 2014, at 8:00PM ET/PT on ABC Family. (ABC FAMILY/Kelsey McNeal)
BIANCA BETHUNE
You’ve recently joined the hit ABC Family drama “Switched At Birth” and have appeared in “Bad Boys II,” “Criminal Minds,” “Everybody Hates Chris” and “Zoey 101! What made you want to step into the acting world?
I wanted to step into the acting world mainly because of my first passion which was dance. I used to dance for the New York Knicks, New York Liberty and New Jersey Nets. I loved the audiences’ energy when dancing during half time and I thought, “Hey if I could do this with movement, maybe I can do the same with my voice.” I started doing print and commercials, which then landed me my first movie audition “Bad Boys II.” As soon as I was done filming, I came back to New York and started taking acting classes with Susan Batson at Black Nexxus. She is a beautiful soul and has helped me over the years to really find my voice.
You’ve already accomplished so much at an young age! If you had to choose, what would be the biggest highlight in your blossoming career so far?
The biggest highlight of my career so far would have to be “Switched at Birth.” I’ve never had a recurring role on a one hour drama. The creator of the show Lizzy Weiss allows me to explore this character thoroughly and trusts my decisions as the character arc develops. I love the story and the message we are trying to portray to someone of a young age: you aren’t alone and you can always ask for help.
Being young and having responsibilities can sometimes get to be a bit overwhelming, how do you regroup and motivate yourself when you’re feeling a little defeated?
It’s true, sometimes I do feel overwhelmed. But to motivate myself, I read my daily scriptures. It keeps me aligned to my overall purpose and that these hard times are only temporary. I also take yoga and hike, it keeps my body toned while clearing my mind of the negative so that throughout the day I only attract the positive.
We tend to pull characteristics from others in our lives or from people we admire, who inspires you and why?
My inspiration comes from my family. I moved to California from New Jersey with my mother when I was 15 and it was hard to leave the life that I knew so well. I love to get calls from my cousins who are aspiring in their careers and hear all the great things that are happening in their lives. I’m so grateful for social media, it keeps us up to date and close when we live so far.
What advice would you give girls who want to follow their dreams and passions?
A dream is a thought, a thought if manifested long enough becomes an action. An action is the first step, so don’t be afraid to walk in purpose because no one can live your dream like you.
We are all about empowerment, What does EMPOWERMENT mean to you?
Empowerment to me means, the power of oneself to strengthen another which helps strengthen the world.
Time for the Faves! Celeb Crush? Artist? Food? Movie?
Ahahaha !! I love it. Celebrity crush would have to be Idris Elba. He is a chameleon with his work and I hope to one day work with him so I can learn a thing or two! My favorite artist would have to Mali Music. He is an amazing musician who speaks of trials that we can all relate to but being able to overcome and thrive. My favorite food would have to be sushi, I love the display and all the amazing flavors in just one bite. I don’t have a favorite movie but I love a movie
that will make me laugh.
So you have a sickness. You haven’t admit it to anyone and the doctor says no matter how much antibiotics you take or sleep you get, they can’t patch you up. Ok here it goes, for some reason every time money touches your hand it disappears in less than 5 seconds! As soon as you reach out to receive it you already know that it’s going to vanish within the next 24 hours. So you need to find a cure asap! Because trying to save for the prom dress you spotted 2 weeks ago, your allowance and part time gig are just not cutting it like it used to. Here are a few key ways to stretch that dollar bill!
Food– Yes, every type of fast food joint is just “oh so conveniently” placed right around your school. So picking up a breakfast sandwich or smashing a Whopper is as easy as 1, 2, 3! But as quick as you are to pull out your wallet to pick up the addictive but unhealthy foods, have you been just as quick to add how much you spend in a week or even a month on food?? I know you love running away from the truth… but it will set you free! You already know what I’m going to say. Instead of constantly swiping your card try carrying snacks you can throw in your bag. Munch on healthy snacks throughout the day so not only you save money but then you’re not scarfing down the closest big mac in hands reach when you get a chance. So you can’t cut cold turkey?? Ok so make it a treat! Maybe just treat your self on Fridays until you ween yourself off completely.
Clothing– Clothes are a slice piece of heaven for you. You love everything about fashion and style so you feel like that’s where should your money go, right?? Wrong! You can still scream “style icon” on a budget! You can give yourself mini shopping sprees and not come up broke. So thrifting is one of our faves ways to get unique clothing on a budget. But even if “thrifting” is not your thing all your fave boutiques and stores have great sales atleast a couple of times a year! So I know that getting tons of emails can some what be annoying but they may be you ticket to saving you a good amount of money a month. The next time you shop make sure you receive their email blasts so you can hold out your shopping spree until it hits.
Entertainment– Give yourself a weekend budget in order to not over spend. Headed to the movies?? Have a ‘pitch in’ meal before you go! The money you guys spend on individual snacks you could have a hefty feast between the 4 of you guys! Instead of spending 20 bucks you guys can have taco night for the whole night. Also as a new driver you’re just realizing why your mom would silently curse to herself each time she passes a gas station…because it is nowhere near cheap to drive! So instead of driving aimlessly around the city have a set map of your stops so you can cut down on gas money also.
Well it’s better to learn it now then being old and unfabulous, right??
-Natasha
Hello again C.O.R.E readers! In this contribution, I’d like to discuss a few aspects of beauty that are often overlooked: Good hygiene, getting plenty of rest, cutting down on stress, and (of course) exercise!
CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN! -Hygiene plays a CRUCIAL role in achieving and/or maintain beautiful skin and hair. Good hygiene consists of doing things like washing your hands before touching your face, making sure that you remove your makeup before bed, and not going too long between wash days for your hair! (Too long being more than 2 weeks!)
CATCH THOSE Z’s -Most of us fail to realize the importance of a good night’s rest. Beauty sleep DOES exist, and 8 hours a night is the 
recommended amount! If you’re experiencing bags or puffiness under your eyes, or even lacking your youthful “glow,” a lack of sleep could definitely be the culprit!
R-E-L-A-X– Balancing school, work, fun, and relationships can be stressful to say the least. While a certain level of stress is unavoidable, it is important that we’re careful not to overdo it. Make time to relax and unwind. Pamper yourself with a bubble bath; lay back and dive into a good book or magazine; try whipping up your favorite meal or dessert! Spend at least 15-20 minutes a day doing whatever it is that is relaxing to YOU*
WORK IT OUT! -Nowadays, exercise doesn’t necessarily mean you have to hit the gym. Dancing around your room to your favorite song, walking the dog, and taking the stairs ALL qualify as “physical activities” …make sure that you’re getting at least 30 minutes of activity a day!
When it comes to the lifestyle-beauty link, time management is a major factor. It may seem a bit intimidating at first, but you’d be surprised to see how easy (and enjoyable) it can be once you get into your own routine! 🙂
-Ashleigh Thornton
Hey beautiful people!
Time for your to get into the #ThrowabackThursday vid pick—> TLC-No Scrubs
TLC—–>Baby
Tuesday Tunes vid pick—–> Childish Gambino-3005
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