Today Cosmopolitan Magazine is written to “help women achieve their personal and professional goals”, but (according to Wikipedia) the original 1886 publication had a family focus, transformed into a literary periodical and eventually became a women’s magazine in the late 1960s.

In the late 1800s, Paul Schlicht purportedly told his readers that the publication was a “first-class family magazine”. When owenership changed hands in the 1890s, Cosmo became a leader in the market for fiction, eventually offering a free correspondence school:

“No charge of any kind will be made to the student. All expenses for the present will be borne by the Cosmopolitan. No conditions, except a pledge of a given number of hours of study.”

Over 20,000 students signed up immediately! With such high demand Cosmo started asking students to contribute $20 a year.

In the 1950s Cosmo ran less fiction and circulation dropped as paperbacks and television became more popular. The magazine evolved into a special interest publication targeting a specialized audience – young women.

Today featured topics include: sex, relationships, beauty, fashion and health and for a limited time students can get a one-year subscription for only $15 at StudentMags.com (a discount provider on the Student Advantage program).

Mother’s Day is May 9th, which is just around the corner. Trying to find the perfect gift for the person who has loved you your entire life and holds you dearly to her heart can be difficult. If you’re a last minute gifter or you’re dealing with a serious budget, check out the 1800Flowers.com Spot A Mom Contest or send a FREE gift to the moms you know using Facebook.

Want to send your Mom to Hawaii? Here’s how:

• Tell 1800Flowers.com about your mother (or ANY mom you know and love). Share the imaginative, passionate and thoughtful lessons that she taught you.
• Daily prizes will awarded through May 2nd.
• Top 10 Lessons to be chosen by a panel of judges. Your votes will determine the Grand Prize winner.
• Grand Prize winning Mom receives a Hawaii vacation getaway and a year of flowers, plus a year of flowers for the story teller.
• Each lesson submitted will also have a chance to be featured in a future book by the 1800Flowers.com founder, Jim McCann.

See contest details at 1800Flowers.com. Cardholders also save up to 20% on Mother’s Day gifts this year!

A few weeks ago my computer crashed and I lost everything: my music, pictures, reports, and special programs I had downloaded. At one point or another, you or someone you know has probably lost important information from a computer breakdown; maybe because of a virus or perhaps a glass of spilled water. Most companies and computer specialists cannot do anything to save a computer from spilled water except hope that it dries out and works again.

**Dramatization of REAL events. This could happen to YOU…

Here are a few ways you can use your Student Advantage Card to help save you time, money and tons of frustration by protecting your computer in advance:

Back up your hard drive. By saving all of your files on an external hard drive, you can rest assured knowing that all of your important files will be safe not matter what happens to your computer. For a limited time, Cardholders can save up to 40% on select Lenovo accessories. Trust me, it’s worth the investment and peace of mind.

Update your files regularly. Keep your computer protected and up to date with all of the latest software and virus protection. JourneyEd.com offers great deals on new software, plus Cardholders save $10 on every purchase of $99 or more. Cardholders can also get Microsoft Office Ultimate 2007 for only $59.95!

Download files only from trusted sites. When you download a file from a web site, be sure you know the source. This comment may seem like common sense, but when ignored can have disastrous impacts on your computer.

And last, but not least, avoid spillage when possible!

Recent disasters in Haiti, Chile and elsewhere around the world have shown that the entire world can rally together to help others during a time of desperation (regardless of the economy, unemployment or any other personal setbacks we’ve all experienced in the last few years). Individuals and groups have donated money, sent supplies and volunteered around the globe even while facing their own financial crisis.

Many companies have also supported causes by donating resources and portions of profits to disaster relief funds.

Rugby Ralph Lauren, along with printing “To Haiti with Love” t-shirts that benefited the Clinton-Bush Haiti fund, is currently hosting the Give in Style event from now until April 12th , offering a 25% savings on all purchases (some items excluded). Ten percent (10%) of their total sales will benefit the United Way Disaster Relief Fund to support recovery efforts in Haiti and Chile.

So, if you feel like you haven’t done your part, here is your opportunity to help out… save money and look good doing it! Check out the sale at Rugby.com or at any US Ralph Lauren and Rugby store locations.

Spring is finally arriving and brings some fun fashion trends your everyone! Here are some of this seasons hottest styles and easy ways to incorporate them in your wardrobe without spending a fortune!

Neutral Tones:
Looking for a clean look this spring? Add some neutral colors to your current collection. They will play off existing prints or bright colors you probably already own. For men a sleek modern look is always great to layer. For women, grabbing a sweater that has some versatility like rolling up the sleeves can be like adding more than one look to your collection.

Metallics:
A great way to add some pop to your fashion this season! Add some metallic. A little trim on a shirt adds a trendy accent. Another easy way to add a punch of metallic, make your shoes shine!

Feathers:
There is something extra fun about adding feathers to your outfit. Accessorize, add them to your hair and be creative for a subtle look. Want something more “over the top”? Step it up by incorporating feathers into your actual garment. (Even a play on fabric can give the appearance of feathers.) Popular feather placements this season: skirts, around the neckline and shoulders. Think you can pull off the Brandon Flowers look?

Leisure suits:
We first saw the leisure suit in fashion during the 1970s. It’s back and with an updated twist! Check out this seasons shirt-like jacket and matching trousers. What better way for guys to go from day to night?!

Utilitarian:
The utilitarian look is designed as simplistic, but still fashionable. This style tends to be loose fitting (but not baggy!) and single colored. Adding a jacket to your look is a great way add lines and a fresh take on this style. Both women and men can find some sleek jackets to accessorize.

Still looking for some seasonal styles that wont break the bank? Check out our Spring Fashion Discounts for EVERYone!

For a limited time only, EVERYone can take an additional 20% OFF already reduced women’s and men’s styles online, plus free shipping for all orders with a total of $100 or more. This discount even applies to some Online Exclusive styles! For more details visit armaniexchange.com.

This promotional offer cannot be combined with the Student Advantage^® discount. If you are a Cardholder, do not enter your Student Advantage Card number unless you want to access 10% OFF all items at armaniexchange.com.

Starting March 26, 2010, you can also take 20% OFF select styles in-store.