A Multitude of Techniques

This was quite difficult as I had to do a lot of trial and error with selections however in the process I learned about "Refine Edges".  This is a feature found as an option after using the quick select tool.  Once selected I changed the background to black and was able to "color" over the edges and get rid of the choppy edges that tend to exist when you are attempting to place a selection on a different background.

Another great trick I discovered after you have finished refining edges was to look at your photo for those unwanted edges that transferred from the original photo.  You can actually get rid of these much easier by creating a layer mask, selecting that layer mask, choosing the brush tool (with black selected) you are able to create the transparency!!!  This came in handy as you will see because my subject's glasses held a background that I couldn't get rid of from her original background.  It was by using this tool that I was able to get rid of this.

Now while my creation isn't perfect by any means, I learned so much from this.  I was able to give her a more interesting background, retouch the photo and played with the lighting to see which would look more realistic.  

Believe it or not.. I think this one looks the most realistic.  What do you think?