Jennifer Hudson’s life is a modern day Cinderella story. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Hudson lived your typical life. That is, until she was cast in her first play in college. That small role got her uber successful career on track and took Jennifer from “girl with awesome voice” to Academy Award winning actress and recording artist. Jennifer Hudson is at the tippy top of her game, but no matter who she has worked with (Um…SJP? Ne-Yo? Beyonce?), she is still a hometown girl at heart.

CollegeCandy got to speak to Jennifer about her fame, her fashion and her future (her debut album drops on September 30th!). It is nothing short of inspiring.

CC: (Internal Dialogue: I can’t believe I am talking to Jennifer Hudson. Ohmygod. Ok, let me start this.)Everyone is always talking about your style; you always look flawless. What are your secrets?
JH: I refuse to leave the house unless I am comfortable in what I’m wearing. If I’m not comfortable, I’m not wearing it.

CC: Yeah. I agree, but my comfort clothes – sweats – won’t get me on any best dressed lists.
JH: I have to love what I’m in. To me, what I wear is an expression. I’m just expressing myself through my clothes. It’s how I feel that day.

CC: Being a movie and music star must keep you quite busy. How are you spending your summer?
JH: One day I’m doing music the next day I’m doing film. I’m preparing for my next film that is coming out, which is The Secret Life of Bees. I’m also starting to prepare for my album that is getting ready to drop, so I’m doing the promotions for that, as well. And when I can, I just hang out at home. Read More »

Sometimes we all need a little pick-me-up. Sometimes we want to know that rockstars are also experiencing excessive amounts of stress. Sometimes we feel like our head might expload, but we find comfort in the thought of Dolly Parton working “9-5!”

So here are some tunes, work related, lamenting about said work, fueling your fire and giving you that extra boost to make it through the day. You can do it! God speed!

1. 9 to 5- Dolly Parton

2. Workin’ Day and Night- Michael Jackson

3. Work It- Missy Elliott

4. If Work Permits- The Format

5. A Hard Day’s Night- The Beatles

6. She Works Hard for the Money- Donna Summer

7. Work is a 4 letter Word- The Smiths

8. Workingman’s Blues #2- Bob Dylan

9. I Can’t Get No Satisfaction- The Rolling Stones

10. The Distance- Cake

11. Manic Monday- The Bangles

12. Everybody wants to rule the world- Tears For Fears

13. Light&Day- The Polyphonic Spree

14. Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go- Wham!

That’s right, I included George Michael…what about it?!

[Got any work inspired tunes?? Let us know!]

I used to be a PM gym-goer. Considering I spent about 99% of my college mornings in a state of hung-over, getting to the gym before class was not an option.

Instead, I would roll out of bed, drag my pajama’d ass to class and take a nice long nap before heading to the rec building for my pre-drinking workout.

But now that college is over (and no, I am still not over it), I spend ten hours a day behind a desk and can’t muster the energy to get out of my car after work to pick up my take out, let alone make it through an hour long kickboxing class.

I have been left with no choice but to do the AM thang. 5:30 in the AM to be exact.

And let me tell you, it is not fun. It is still quite dark outside when my alarm starts screaming at 5:30. I stumble around my house looking for my workout apparel and don’t even open my eyes until my feet hit the treadmill.

The only thing that gets me through this early morning hell is music. And I have finally perfected the art of the motivating playlist. These mixes put some pep in my ellipticizing step.

I may even be found boogying on the gym ball. Read More »