Meredith Bragg

More by Meredith Bragg

Not Dead Yet: 6 Reasons the Blackberry is Still Around

4/30/2012

Sitting in the atrium on a typical Wednesday morning, staring out into the abyss of academia, I made a pivotal observation…an observation I was shocked I hadn't made before. Every single table (and I mean every single table) had an iPhone on it. The distinct sporadic buzzing of the phones’ vibrations filled the cavernous room like Wait Chapel's 5pm bells. I looked at my tattered plastic Blackberry Curve next to me and thought, am I really in the technological minority? In a world where faster, sleeker, lighter and newer is better, is it really possible that the Blackberry has lost the cell phone duel? From personal experience, I like to joke around with my multitude of iPhone-dependent friends, that I'm a “peasant” with my beaten-up blackberry. Now, however, I have changed my mind a bit. Blackberrys have a multitude of advantages that the iPhones just can't seem to surpass:

1. Keys

This is huge. The Blackberry has raised and separate keys for typing which helps avoid those sloppy nights of gibberish texting to the posse (or the ex?).

2. Autocorrect

Blackberry has the option of turning off autocorrect. Halleluiah! No longer will you send text messages with random inserted words that make you look like a technological degenerate. Awkward!

3. Professional

Sure the iPhone is in vogue, and it looks neat with its bright white color option; however, does a female CEO of a fortune 500 corporation look as professional carrying a white iPhone as she does with a sleek Blackberry Bold? There's just something about the ability to whip out a Blackberry at a meeting that says “I'm important”, as opposed to whipping out an iPhone which says “Let’s play Temple Run”.
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4. Updates

Divine Design: Inspired by Our Very Own Collegiettes!

4/12/2012

Ever find yourself on Pinterest in the ZSR, or in between classes? Zombie-like, you click through the sea of pictures…. There's that backyard with the sparkling topaz infinity pool, the shabby-chic kitchen in your dream Hamptons beach house…
 
 You snap back to reality and realize, “oh right, I'm a college girl with a college budget...in a tiny house”.

But fear not! Your pad may not resemble a clipping from Architectural Digest, but with some savvy shopping skills and decorating know-how, even a piece from Target can look like a suave Restoration Hardware gem!
 
First off, you need some inspiration. So, I got to thinking...I wonder what the homes of some of Wakes' most stylish gals look like? This first featured home certainly quenched my thirst for divine design...
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As I step into the family room of Ali Carlino and Bailey Jennings' quaint abode, I am engulfed by a comfortable and serene feeling. Their soothing wall color is a key ingredient to my relaxed demeanor. The buttery tan is easy on the eyes, and blends into any design scheme, notably Bailey and Ali’s cozy country sofa and chaise, a hand-me-down from Bailey's parents. Note to Collegiettes: Pillaging mom and dad’s furniture left overs is good idea when decorating your home on a budget. The burgundy plaid is quite inviting, and patterns on furniture mean you need fewer pieces to make the room feel full! (Once again, always great for a college budget...less is more!)