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Kristin Cavallari Is Returning To Reality TV & OH. MY. GOD.

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Kristin Cavallari, who rose to fame playing villain to Lauren Conrad's good girl on MTV's Laguna Beach, has taken a step back from that world to be a, you know, normal person.

The former Hills star went off and created a successful subsidiary of the shoe company Chinese Laundry, wed football player Jay Cutler, had three children, and became a published author. I mean, that's success, marriage and a family so she's doing a great job at life!

But, it would seem, something was missing from Kristin Cavallari's life, and that something was a camera. Yes, E! reports that the former reality TV star will be taking her talents from California to Nashville, letting the world in on all of the new adventures in her life. Very Cavallari will follow the entrepreneur as she deals with the drama between her staff, the launch of her lifestyle brand and, of course, her marriage and children.

Who else is ready for all of the drama Kristin is sure to bring to this new show?! 

Very Cavallari premieres this summer on E!


Post-Grad Wardrobe Guide: What to Buy & What to Toss

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This article has been syndicated from Eyeliner Wings and Pretty Things, an InfluenceHer Collective Contributor. Read the full post here.

Lately, I’ve been really reflecting on my wardrobe. I do this often, but now as I am nearing graduation I’ve gone over it with an extra scrutiny. I’ve pulled items I haven’t worn in a long time to the top of the piles, and I started to really decide whether or not I want them.

I’ve also been on the prowl for some post-grad wardrobe essentials, including searching for new tops that are casual enough to wear every day but nice enough to potentially wear to work (should I be lucky enough to get a job!). And so, this post-grad wardrobe guide was born.

What to Buy

1. Cocktail dress

This is always good to have, just in case. I recommend TJ Maxx or Marshall's for finding a good one at a fair price. Pick a color that looks great on you and a style that is classy and gives you confidence. My go-to is a form-fitting dress with a high neckline. It strikes that sexy and classy balance very well.

2. Blazer

If you, like me, wear a lot of black, I suggest getting one that can be a pop of color. These don’t need to be overly expensive, but they can also be a splurge. I have one that was $40 and one that was $18, and I get a decent wear out of both.

3. Comfortable pair of heels

I’ve yet to find a pair of heels that are genuinely comfortable, but I’ve found a pair that is comfortable enough. It’s all about being able to walk a decent amount without crying.

4. Wedding or bridal shower dress

Right after college is generally prime time for engagements and weddings. This isn’t super urgent, but if you ever come across a well-priced, gorgeous dress that you’d wear to a wedding or bridal shower, consider adding it to your wardrobe. The worst thing is having to go last-minute dress shopping and eventually settling on something you don’t really love. Chances are there will be a few of these in the near future, so it’s good to be prepared.

5. The perfect jeans

It’s good to have a black pair and a blue pair. Hopefully, you have these in your wardrobe already. I recommend Old Navy’s rockstar jeans. They’re affordable, flattering and cozy!

Read the full post here

'Gossip Girl'&'Pretty Little Liars' Collide As Penn Badgley & Shay Mitchell Star in Lifetime's 'You'—Watch The Ominous Trailer

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Pretty Little Liars. Gossip Girl. Two beautifully melodramatic TV series based on bestselling book series that leave their viewers in suspense. Now that both shows have been off the air for a few years, fans are craving a new plot to wrap them up in a sexy mystery. Well, leave it to Lifetime.

The network released the first trailer for a new original series called You, which stars Gossip Girl’s Penn Badgley, Pretty Little Liars’ Shay Mitchell and Dead of Summer's Elizabeth Lail. It looks CREEPY AF, so I’m already intrigued.

You, based on the bestselling book of the same name by Caroline Kepnes, follows Badgley’s character trying to make a girl (Elizabeth Lail) fall in love with him using “the hyper-connectivity of today’s world,” says Variety. It looks like he’s getting a lot of other people in her life involved, too. (It also includes a cameo by John Stamos! Have mercy!)

I’m honestly really curious about what Badgley’s character is capable of. The trailer’s got Penn Badgley kissing Elizabeth Lail, Penn Badgley kissing Shay Mitchell, and Shay Mitchell kissing Elizabeth Lail? What kind of complicated, intertwined, manipulative moves are these people making?

The project is produced by Sera Gamble, who is a writer for Supernatural, and Greg Berlanti, who produced Dawson’s Creek and now works on The CW’s lineup of DC Comics shows like The Flash and Arrow.

It looks like this Lifetime original is different from what we’re used to from the network, with reality shows like Dance Moms and Project Runway. It's definitely more along the lines of the network's cutting-edge, critically acclaimed original UnREAL.

You premieres on September 9th at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Lifetime.

A Fraternity at Cal Poly Has Been Suspended After Photos Surfaced Online of Its Members in Blackface

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The chapter of Lambda Chi Alpha at California Polytechnic State University has been suspended and sanctioned by its national organization after photos surfaced online of its members standing in front of their fraternity house dressed as gang members and wearing blackface.

As the New York Times reports, one photo, which was posted to Instagram Sunday, shows Lambda Chi Alpha members wearing baggy jeans, gold chains, bandanas and fake tattoos. As if that weren't questionable enough already, a separate photo shows one member wearing blackface — and both photos were taken the same weekend that Cal Poly hosted its annual multicultural event.

For obvious reasons, it didn't take long for students and university officials to find the photos, which resulted in immediate outrage across campus. Especially considering the fact that only 1% of the school's 22,000 students are black, diversity has already historically been an issue on the Cal Poly campus, the Times says. Back in 2015, death threats were made against the leader of an advocacy group on campus, and a "free speech wall" set up by Cal Poly's college Republicans group featured hateful, anti-Muslim comments.

For its part, Cal Poly has suspended Lambda Chi Alpha while it investigated the matter and released a statement saying it did not condone the fraternity's actions. "Cal Poly is focused on enhancing the diversity of our campus and providing an environment that is welcoming to all who would study, work or visit here," Kathleen McMahon, Cal Poly's dean of students said Monday. "Racism and hate are unwelcome here, in any form."

The chapter was also sanctioned by Lambda Chi Alpha's national organization by being placed on "limited operations"through April of next year. The brothers will also reportedly be required to attend diversity and inclusion training sessions.

"We are extremely sorry and embarrassed for failing to recognize the racial impacts this brought forth," a statement from the chapter reads. "Although it was not our intention to stir up racial tension, we understand the negative impact this picture had on our peers."

Cal Poly, like many universities in the country, clearly has some work to do when it comes to making sure all students feel safe and welcome on campus — and the way they handle diversity and inclusion in the coming months following this incident will be very telling as to whether they're serious about improving. 

Why You Shouldn't Date Someone Who Claims All Their Exes are 'Crazy’

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It’s happened to all of us – you’re talking to a love interest or going on a first date or even just chatting with your partner when they start calling their ex ‘crazy’ for things that took place while they were together. It might seem normal at first; we all have some wild stories from our past relationships or exes who maybe weren’t the best for us. But maybe the word ‘crazy’ is coming up a bit too often when they bring her up or maybe the things that made her ‘crazy’ seem… pretty normal? Maybe the situations your partner describe seem like they were actually more their fault than hers? What does all of this mean, and is it a red flag for you? If you’re dating someone who calls their exes ‘crazy,’ put yourself in her shoes before you jump to conclusions.

Word choice is key

‘Crazy,’ ‘psycho,’ ‘trash,’ ‘slutty,’ ‘childish,’ ‘annoying,’ ‘shrill,’ ‘bitchy…’ Look closely at the words your partner is using to describe their ex-girlfriend. Are these words you like to be called? Is this how you’d want them to describe you if you broke up? We’re all flawed, and people break up for a reason, but impulsively calling your ex every derogatory or sexist word in the book instead of talking honestly about your relationship? That’s not a good look.

“Once I was talking to this guy and he kept telling me about how his ex is ‘trash,’” says an anonymous junior. “Now he has a new girlfriend, and when I found that out, the FIRST thing I thought about is how he probably told her that I'm ‘trash.’” If your partner is quick to use sexist words, generalizing slurs, or empty attacks to describe someone they spent meaningful time dating, take a few steps back and think about who’s more unhinged here.

Don’t think of the ex as competition

Calling an ex ‘crazy’ in front of a new partner may be deeper than average new relationship chit-chat. If your date starts immediately calling their exes every name under the sun, it may feel as if they’re trying to flatter you.Our anonymous HC collegiette recalls, “At first I (stupidly) was like 'Wow, he's implying that I'm not trash, that's so sweet!' However, this may actually be a subtle way to manipulate your loyalty and trust. If your date is eager to trash talk their exes with you, consider that they may be baiting you to trash talk a girl you’ve never met, or vow to be better for them than she ever was. “It's tempting to want to talk crap about his ex with him (it's only natural to see her as ‘the competition’) but we girls have to stick together!” Their ex is not your competition and you should not have to prove to anyone that you’re better than another woman. If your partner thinks that bad-mouthing other women is a way to compliment you or expects you to bad-mouth other women to prove yourself, run for the hills.

Question their honesty

All couples fight, and you can totally talk about your past relationship roadblocks with new partners, but this kind of discussion is not healthy when entire fights, arguments, and disagreements are chocked up to an ex being “crazy.” This kind of rationalization does not take into account one’s own responsibility in the disagreement and instead places all blame on the other partner’s personhood, and not even their opinion. Consider the stories that they’re telling you — is the ex “crazy” for speaking her mind, asking for respect, or disagreeing with your partner? Is your partner avoiding telling the full story at all, simply calling her a “bitch” as an end-all? Do you find yourself taking her side in the stories being told? Our anonymous collegiate knows these feelings all too well. “As time went on and I realized that he wasn't the greatest guy, I really started to feel for his ex. I wanted to reach out to her and say ‘Dang, this guy is really a jerk — I'm starting to take your side in all those stories he told me about the fights you had.’" These are all definitely red flags which show that they never really respected her opinion in the first place, and they might not be ready to respect yours in the long run.

Remember — ladies first

Exes should never, ever feel like your competition. No partner should ever make you feel like you have to be better than another woman. You should never feel like you have to put down another woman for a partner’s interest. In a world where women are called “crazy,” “shrill,” “crabby,” “naggy,” “bitchy,” and “bossy” just for speaking up for themselves, you should definitely air on the side of caution when you hear these words used to describe other ladies. Think of how often women are expected to perform extraneous emotional labor for their partners in fear of being called “needy,” “clingy,” or “desperate.” Think of how often women are expected to thanklessly take care of their fully-grown partners in fear of being called “cold,” “selfish,” or “vain.” Think of how often you’ve been called this things for just being a woman in the world.

Ladies — be careful out there, hold each others’ hands, and put yourself in her shoes before you take your partner’s side.

'Broad City' Is Ending After Its Fifth Season — But Don't Worry, Because It's Not the Last We'll Be Seeing of Abbi & Ilana

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After five years of cracking us up with their hilarious antics, Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer have announced that season five of Broad City will be the show's last — and if you aren't sure how to handle that (because, same), don't freak just yet, because this isn't the last we'll be seeing of them.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, season 5, which is set to air sometime early in 2019, will be the last one in the series — and though we'll be bummed to say goodbye to two of TV's most ~relatable~ females, it's for a good reason.

"Broad City has been our baby and first love for almost 10 years, since we started as a web series," Glazer and Jacobson said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. "It’s been a phenomenal experience, and we’ve put ourselves into it completely. Broad City’s always had a spontaneous pace and feeling, and ending after season five honors that spirit. We are very excited to bring new voices and points of view to Comedy Central and continue our collaboration together in new ways."

It totally makes sense — after all, Abbi and Ilana will eventually outgrow their Broad City characters as they enter new chapters in their IRL lives. Besides, it sounds like they still have plenty of projects up their sleeves: the duo has signed a first-look television deal with Comedy Central, and they already have three shows in the pipeline. While neither will star in any of them, two of them, Mall Town USA and Young Professionals, will be executive produced by both Glazer and Jacobson, and another, called Platinum Status, is written by and stars none other than Elliott Glazer, Ilana's brother — and she'll have a hand in producing it too.

Of course, we'll be missing them on our screens, but also know anything they touch will turn into ~comedic gold~, so we'll just keep saying "YAS KWEEN!" as they enter their next chapter.

A Fan Questioned Demi Lovato's Sobriety & She Was Not Here for It

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Almost one month ago, Demi Lovato celebrated six years of sobriety— and it wasn't an easy path for her to get there. Lovato has suffered from an eating disorder, has diagnosed bipolar disorder and has dealt with substance addiction.

As a super vocal mental health advocate, she hasn't been afraid to publicly discuss her past — but don't think that means its okay to make assumptions about whether she's broken her sobriety.

As BuzzFeed first noticed, fans were speculating over a photo from Hayley Kiyoko's album release party last week in which Demi can be seen holding a glass of some kind of liquid — which should be NBD, except for the fact that fans were noticing that, as multiple celebs in the photo posted it, Demi's glass could be seen in some photos like the one posted to a Hayley Kiyoko fan account, and had appeared to be filtered out in others, like in her former Disney co-star Matthew Scott Montgomery's version.

It didn't take long for some commenters to think that they were onto something, and that Demi's friends had potentially purposefully altered the photo to hide her glass — but Demi made it clear they were overreacting and was quick to set the record straight.

"I don't have to defend anything, but it was red bull," she responded. And she doesn't — because while its great that she's been so public about something that plenty of people are forced to struggle with on their own, it doesn't entitle us to know anything about whether she has or hasn't stayed sober.

8 Ways to Save Money on Prom

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Prom is one of those days that you look forward to from your childhood. You dream of having the perfect date, the perfect dress and the perfect night. Unfortunately, the reality of perfect prom can be a little bit harder than it seems in the movies. When you go to choose out your perfect dress, you may realize they are all ridiculously priced, especially for something you are only going to have for a night. So much of the night is focused on having the prettiest dress, hair and accessories that it’s easy to go crazy budget wise while forgetting that the night is really about having fun with your friends before you graduate. A few tips for keeping your night affordable so you can spend your time having fun: 

1. Borrow from a friend

There’s no reason you need to buy anything for prom. Odds are you have friends and family who have been to prom before, or other similarly fancy events and will be more than willing to loan you shoes, accessories or even a dress if you just ask. Abby Piper from Notre Dame ‘18 tried this option out at her homecoming. She wore a borrowed dress and says, “Some people recognized it, but I didn’t really care because obviously if I cared about it that much I would’ve spent the money on a new one. A lot of people try and sell their dresses, but honestly any good friend will lend you a dress free of charge, so just ask around -- your friends, their older sisters, cousins, etc.”

2. Do your own hair and makeup

There’s no reason you need to pay to go to a salon or makeup bar to spiff up for prom. If you feel confident enough in your hair and makeup abilities, getting ready at home is a totally viable option. The internet is filled with tutorials with all the hair and makeup styles you can imagine. Spend some time browsing YouTube, try out some of your favorite tutorials and pick one for prom. You might even end up having more control over how your hair and makeup looks than if you went to a salon. Bethany Mota and Zoella are two great youtubers to get you started with some ideas. If you have a friend who’s a beauty guru, or just great at doing hair and makeup, you could also have them try whatever style you decide on for you.

Related: 5 Cute & Easy Hairstyles For Spring Break

3. Check out a thrift shop

Vie for something vintage by finding a dress at the thrift shop. You might have to do some digging, but there are often some good finds in thrift shops or fashion-oriented second hand stores. Emily Schmidt from Stanford ‘20 tried this out: “For my prom many girls buy super expensive dresses, but I didn’t have the money to spend on it, so I decided to visit nearby thrift shops for something cheap that could be spruced up. Both my junior and senior proms ended up spending less than $100 combined for my dresses,” If you want to get creative, you can even use the dress as a base for an original design. If you aren’t quite comfortable with a thrift shop purchase, TJ Maxx is also an option for getting a reasonably priced dress you can spiff up however you fancy.

4. Go to a training salon

If you don’t feel comfortable doing your own hair and makeup, but do want to keep the price low, going to a training salon is a great way to save some cash. Beauty salon students need people to practice on, but are usually already incredibly talented as well as being supervised by professionals. Students often appreciate the chance to be creative, so if you don’t know quite what you want this is a great way to find some ideas. Lookup your local beauty school and see what kinds of services and discounts they offer. This is an especially sound option if you are just getting a style as you can always undo it if it doesn’t work out.  

5. Research your options

If buying anything for prom really isn’t in your budget, this still doesn’t mean that you can’t afford to go. Kayla Düngee of Georgia State University ‘19 explained “I got both of my prom dresses from Cinderella’s Closet. It’s a nationwide organization that gives away prom dresses, shoes, and accessories to girls experiencing financial hardship. So my dresses were beautiful and didn’t cost me a penny,” If you want  a picture perfect prom, but really don’t know how to afford it chances are someone will be willing to help.

6. Get costume jewelry

If you’re looking for some sparkle to go with your dress, there’s no reason to go to an actual jewelers. While prom may seem really important now, it probably won’t matter to you looking back if your earrings were real pearls. Most people won’t know the difference and it will save you a lot of money. Get the jewelry you want, just opt for the cheaper option. Costume jewelry, which is often used in theater productions is realistic looking and sometimes rentable, so you will still shine without having to spend ridiculous amounts.

7. Rent a dress

Men have been renting tuxes forever and there’s no reason women can’t do the same. After all, you only need your prom dress for one night. Services like Rent the Runway allow you to borrow dresses for special occasions without the financial obligation of buying one. Often, you can even get designer dresses for much cheaper than you’d buy off the rack. This option works especially well if you’re planning on attending more than one prom; you can get a different dress every time.

8. Don’t worry about what you’re wearing

When it really comes down to it, having fun at prom has nothing to do with what you’re wearing. Be confident and comfortable in whatever you choose to wear. How much money you spend on prom doesn’t need to relate to how good you look or feel. However you choose to get ready for prom, enjoy the process and you’ll have an amazing night.

There are a lot of pretty simple ways you can create your dream prom look without paying the price on the tags of your original options. It might take a little bit of extra time to figure out a creative alternative to hitting up your local prom dress shop, but you will probably end up with something more original and specific to what you want. When it comes down to it, you’ll probably think whatever you wear to prom is ridiculous when trends have changed in 20 years. What you’ll really value is the memories, so have fun and don’t sweat about what outfit you’re going to rock on prom night.


7 Things You Should Know Before Going Vegan

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By now you probably know at least one person who has made the commitment to avoid all animal products and go vegan. A vegan diet has become popular among millennials, partially due to increased education surrounding healthy eating and also more awareness about animal cruelty. You may even know some vegans who just think it’s the latest diet fad and wanted to join in because it's trendy. Whatever the reason, you should be putting in some serious thought before taking the plunge. If done carelessly, a vegan diet can have serious long-term health consequences. When done healthfully and thoughtfully though, veganism can be an entirely rewarding experience.

If veganism is something you are considering, educate yourself and keep these six important things in mind. Your body and your brain will thank you! 

1. You may need to take supplements

Vegans may be lacking essential nutrients like B12 and iodine if their diet is not varied enough. Ginger Hultin, the incoming chair of the Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group says that not all vegans will require supplements, but every body reacts differently to dramatic change in diet. She recommends everyone consult a Registered Dietitian or doctor before going vegan.

B12 is the most common nutrient that vegans lack in their diet, but you will also need to consider if you are getting enough calcium, vitamin D, iron, zinc and essential fatty acids. Many of these nutrients can be found in soy products, green vegetables, fruit, beans and nuts. Josephine, a student at Pace University and six year vegetarian-turned-vegan, says she maintains a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, grains and carbs, only taking a daily B12 supplement.

A vegan diet lacking balance can easily go awry. Kate Axelsson, a student at St. Edwards University and former vegan says she struggled with maintaining the proper nutrients in her diet. “I felt drained of energy most of the time,” she says. “And no matter how much I slept, by body was still deprived of rest.”

2. You'll need new sources of protein

Protein can be one of the trickiest aspects of a meat-free diet, but luckily there are plenty of options. Soy products, beans, nuts, seeds and many types of vegetables are good options and you should try to include protein at each meal. Make sure you consult a doctor or dietitian to find out exactly how much protein you need, but you may need to up your levels of protein once you go vegan. “There is some conflicting research here but a basic rule of thumb is that vegans likely have very slightly increased needs; likely about 10% more than the general population recommended daily intake (RDA) which is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight.” 

“If anyone ever tells me that they're feeling hungry or missing meat when transitioning to vegan then we can discuss the importance of getting enough calories, protein and fiber,” Hultin says. She recommends finding satisfying meat replacements so that you don’t miss the “savory” flavor of your favorite meaty dishes. She suggests tofu, tempeh, beans and grains. Keep a variety of these on hand at all times so that you’ll never get bored.

3. Your friends and family will ask a lot of questions

Hultin says that most people will “encounter a lot of questions from friends or family members wanting to learn more about their choices so having some resources to share are helpful.” She recommends the Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group, Meatless Monday and the Vegetarian Resource Group for information. These sites provide articles on current research, recipes, book reviews, etc. The more you can educate yourself and your family, the easier the transition will be.

However, you should be prepared to answer a lot of questions about your diet, what you are allowed to eat and why you’re doing it. If you are a private person or feel uncomfortable answering these sort of questions, make sure you are prepared with some more general responses. You could direct the inquirer to a helpful vegan resource or explain general health benefits or animal advocacy objectives.

“Whenever somebody asks about my vegan diet I inform them why I chose this lifestyle,” says Josephine. “I chose a vegan lifestyle because not only am I helping stop the exploitation of animals, but I feel a lot healthier and I am more aware of what I am putting into my body. It does not bother me if others do not support my choice.”

4. You'll need to include as much variety as possible in your diet

“A varied vegan diet that includes fruits, veggies, leafy greens, whole grains, nuts, seeds and beans/legumes can be an extremely healthful way to eat, packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants,” says Hultin. If you don’t enjoy eating one or more of these types of food—say you’re not very fond of whole fruits for instance—think of other ways to incorporate these nutrients into your diet. You could up your intake of dried fruits and 100 percent fruit juice or try sweetening your breakfasts and desserts with fruit instead of sugar.

Being vegan also gives you an opportunity to be creative with your diet. “It's an amazing thing because you will discover so many veggies and plant-based goods that you would have never eaten had you not had to give up parts of your diet,” says Lindy Olive, a student at Auburn University.

Kate says that finding variety in her diet was also one of the hardest parts of being vegan. Before going vegan, educate yourself on all the different possible substitutions for your favorite non-vegan foods so that you don’t feel deprived. "I subtracted food groups without really adding anything back in to make up for those lost nutrients and vitamins, and I suffered because of that," says Kate. Not only can this make for a really boring, frustrating diet, but your body will lack the diversity it craves. 

Consulting vegan cookbooks or blogs like Oh She Glows, Minimalist Baker or Dolly and Oatmeal is also a great way to gather ideas for your vegan meals. With a little inspiration, you're more likely to maintain a varied and appealing diet. 

5. You'll feel different—in a good way

When done properly, a vegan diet can have a big impact on the way you feel. “After going vegan I noticed a plethora of positive changes,” says Josephine. “I overall felt better about myself and what I was putting into my body. My energy increased drastically and my skin is extremely clear and I don’t get acne as often as I did before. I mentally felt better about myself because I knew I wasn’t supporting industries that contribute to the exploitation of animals.”

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition affirms that a plant-based diet tends to be higher in dietary fiber, magnesium, folic acid, vitamin E, iron and phytochemicals. This means vegetarians and vegans are at a lower risk for cardiovascular disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes and even cancer.

Going vegan can do great things for more than just your body. “There are also many environmental, ethical and ecological reasons to consider going vegan as well,” says Hultin. For instance, eating less meat can help reduce water and energy consumption. 

6. You don't have to go vegan all at once

If you think a totally vegan diet may be a difficult change, Hultin notes that “you can start by eating less meat than you currently are or cutting back on dairy or eggs." She also suggests starting to eat vegetarian or vegan once a week and then gradually decreasing the amount of animal products in each meal. If you are struggling, you shouldn’t be too hard on yourself. A vegan diet is difficult and definitely not for everyone.  Kate learned an important lesson from her vegan experience, and that is to always do what is best for you. “Don’t adhere to a lifestyle that doesn’t benefit you, or that you are only sticking to for bragging rights,” she says.

Including a little more flexibility in your vegan lifestyle is totally okay too. “Do not make yourself feel guilty if you can't go completely vegan,” Lindy says. “Sometimes time constraints or just your location make it extremely difficult to be vegan. For example, when I go home I know butter, meat and dairy are my mother's main food groups. I accept eating meat and butter as a part of my culture, so eating them when I go home or at special occasions is more than okay with me.”

7. You'll have to be honest with yourself

Consider all the possible consequences and obstacles and talk it out with family, friends or a doctor. “It requires dedication,” says Kate, “so [you] must be willing to put the time into planning and knowing what’s best for the body.” Josephine recommends consulting resources like vegan YouTubers Hot For Food, Mr. and Mrs. Vegan and Fablunch for information on how other vegans maintain a healthy lifestyle.

You should also be honest with yourself about why you are going vegan. If it’s really just because your friends are doing it or it seems to be the popular things, you may want to rethink your plan. “I maintained my vegan diet largely because I liked being able to tell people I was vegan,” Kate says. “It made me feel special, but I sacrificed my health in exchange for feeling different.”

You should also understand that going vegan isn’t a guaranteed way to lose weight. If you just replace animal products with junk foods and empty calories, you may not only gain weight, but deprive your body of important nutrition. If weight loss is your goal, talk to a doctor about how to incorporate more plant-based foods into your meals and how to achieve the right balance of nutrients.

Nearly anyone can adopt a vegan diet with the proper balance of nutrition and the right attitude. If veganism is something you’ve considered, make sure you’re educated and know both the advantages and risks of living animal product free. Going vegan can be a rewarding experience with great health benefits, but it’s critical to first understand what it will take to keep your body nourished and strong!

How She Got There: Hannah Payne, Designer & Owner of Luba

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Name: Hannah Payne
Age: 28
Job Title and Description: Designer and Owner
College Name/Major: The University of San Diego/Communications major, Business minor, and Parsons School of Design, Fashion Design Associate’s Degree
Website:shopluba.com
Twitter Handle:@shopluba
Instagram Handle:@shopluba

What does your current job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day?

My current job entails designing, and the most interesting thing about designing is I don’t think a lot of people realize what goes into just designing one garment. I pick out the fabrics and the trims, and then I do all the drawing of the entire collection. From there, I make flats – which are computer drawings as if the clothes were laying flat – and what they would look like with detailed information for the pattern maker. Then I do all the fitting of the samples when they’re in the raw copies and go over everything with the pattern maker. From there, I oversee all the samples being made and make sure that those details that happen in the sewing actually happen.

The samples then go into production, which includes multiple sizes, so I oversee all the marking and grading, and make sure all the fabrics and trims are ordered for that. Then, I just make sure that we’re all on time with all of the production, so that’s my main job. But I also do all of our Instagram posts and social media, which is a new thing for me. It’s very different having a business social media versus a personal, so kind of exploring that and thinking of some things to share with people on what they would want to see a fashion designer and company doing on the day-to-day.

There is really no such thing as a typical day, especially in the fashion industry. I feel like things change all the time and I try and create an agenda for myself every day of things I need to get done, but it always seems like there are these little fires that happen. All of our fabrics are from Italy and France and Korea as well, and so I’ll get an email from a French fabric mill that says our fabrics are two weeks delayed, which is a huge problem because then it delays everything else – so kind of trying to put out that small fire. Or, I’ll have my factory call me and they need zippers immediately, so it’s always interesting finding the things that take the most priority and then putting those up there, and then it’s definitely nice having those days where there are no fires and I can focus on designing a new collection, and have my sole energy focused on one thing at a time.

What is the best part of your job?

Ever since I was little, I could always envision clothes and I would dream about clothes – and so dreaming about a dress, then finding the perfect fabric, buttons and zippers, really watching this idea really become a reality. I love the way that my clothes make people feel. This last collection we were doing a fitting in New York at the factory, and we had this coat made just in a raw cotton material. The fit model put it on and we all gasped because it just turned out so perfectly. And the pattern maker had this huge grin on her face and she said, “I love making your patterns because it makes me so happy.” That was such a great moment, because I also love when I have a customer put on a dress or a coat and they feel so beautiful in it. That is truly the best part of my job and I love making people feel really good and happy. I think that sometimes a killer outfit can do that, it just makes you feel better.

What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?

My first entry-level job in my field was actually a fashion internship at Vogue. I had the opportunity to apply when I was studying abroad in Italy and I, of course, jumped on it. I flew out there for an interview, I had my interview and then I just continued to follow up, and I finally heard that I got the internship, which was so exciting.

It was an amazing experience, but it’s definitely a tough environment because everybody works so hard. I also think that’s what makes it amazing, because it teaches you the crazy work ethic that now I’m so thankful I have.

What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?

Before I got the internship at Vogue, I had a meeting with Virginia Smith (Vogue’s fashion market/accessories director) during my interview. She gave me the best piece of advice that I’ll ever receive from someone in the fashion industry. She said that I should always work really hard and be nice to everybody no matter how big I get, and I love that because she has such a big job at Vogue. Now, in my work life, I am hiring for factories, people who are sewing my clothes, and I will bring them cookies when they work really hard. I’ll always bring them a treat, and it’s really showing them that you’re a human, and you really appreciate them as a human. I’m just showing that more human side of things, that it’s not all tough business all the time and to really be nice because you never know where you’re going to end up or where they’re going to end up. You always want to have that impression of, “That person was so nice and she worked real hard.”

What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?

When you start a new company there are lots of little mistakes you make along the way. I think especially for an emerging designer in a smaller company, a lot of opportunities are presented to the young designer to kind of help them break in. They’re not always good opportunities, and that’s a thing that I continue to be aware of.

I think a big mistake that happened to me occured when I did an event with a fellow emerging designer, and their company was hosting the event. We all took a pretty big chunk of participating, and when the event actually happened, the brand had really promoted just itself and had not promoted the other brand. It just felt like a scheme, and I think the biggest thing I learned from that was to do a lot of homework – and this kind of sounds opposite to the advice I just gave – but, to not be so trusting and to realize that not everyone has that motto of working really hard and being nice. I would say that’s the biggest thing I've learned: Don’t believe that everybody has the same motto that you have.

It’s hard, because especially as an emerging designer, I feel like I want to help other emerging designers any way I can and vice versa. So it’s always interesting when it doesn’t happen like that. Then you realize, OK, this is life. I just need to be more careful, and I need to do my research more, and I need to be a little bit more cautious.

What has been the most surreal moment of your career thus far?

HP: One of the most surreal moments happened last July 4 weekend. I was at a small parade, and I saw this woman wearing an outfit of mine—I had no idea who she was. I was so excited because people kept on coming up to her and commenting on her cool shorts that she was wearing, and I could tell that she felt so good. It was just such a cool moment to see one of my pieces of clothing in the real world just having its own moment. A really close second is one of our dresses was in Vogue Italia, and that was so exciting.

What do you look for when considering hiring someone?

HP: I look for someone that has a lot of passion and that believes in the brand and appreciates it as much as I do. I feel like Luba is my baby, and I want the same excitement that I have for it to be shared with the people that I’m working with.

A fun story: I was leaving the office [one day] and my sales person squealed and said, “We just got an order from a store in Poland!” which was super cool because it’s one of our first international stores. And I loved how excited she was about it because I felt that same reaction. It was cool to share that moment and have her love the brand as much as I do. When I have passionate people working with me it makes me feel uplifted, and it’s hard to work with someone who is not necessarily on the same page with it.

What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?

HP: I think the best advice that I can give to someone is to keep an open mind and take advantage of doors that open for you. After I graduated from Parsons, my fiancé got into law school in Colorado, and that was obviously a very tough decision because there’s not a lot of fashion in Colorado. I was basically leaving the Mecca of fashion to a smaller town, and would not really have a job opportunity. But what’s amazing is if I had stayed in New York, I never would have created Luba. I would have worked for another company and I would never have pursued this dream of mine of starting my own company. I think that living in Colorado has opened so many doors because I have the opportunity to create exactly what I want. I would never have been able to do that elsewhere.

My second piece of advice would be to jump in (and obviously, you need to do your homework and be prepared), but don’t think about it too much because if you just keep waiting for everything to be perfect, you’re never going to do it. And looking back, if I had known how hard it was going to be to start a line, I would never have done it because it’s very hard. I just jumped in and learned a lot on the way, but I wouldn’t take anything back.

What's the one thing that's stood out to you the most in a resume?

HP: I love seeing when someone has an internship or job in a large city within the field that they’re applying for, because working in New York, there’s a huge sense of urgency placed on everything all the time. It makes you work really hard. I love hiring someone that has even a six-week internship because they understand that they need to work really hard. They understand things that maybe they wouldn’t understand if they hadn’t worked in that environment before. 

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HC Wake-Up Call: Trump's Ex-Doorman Was Paid $30K for a Story That the President Had a Child With an Employee, Many Americans Don't Know Basic Facts About the Holocaust & Homeless-Shelter Based Girl Scout Troop Hosts Its First Cookie Sale

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Good morning Her Campus! With a break-neck news cycle, there is no possible way for you to stay on top of every story that comes across your feeds—we’re all only human, after all.

But, life comes at you fast. So grab a cup of coffee and settle in for this quick and dirty guide to stories you might’ve been sleeping on (like, literally. It’s early.)

Former Trump Doorman Was Paid $30K for a Story That Trump Had a Child With an Employee

According to investigation by both the Associated Press and The New Yorker, Dino Sajudin, President Trump's former doorman at one of his New York buildings, was paid $30,000 by the National Enquirer for a story that alleged that the president had fathered a child with one of his former employees. When he brought his story to the Enquirer, Sajudin signed a $30,000 contract that prevented him from going public with his story or leaking it to any other publications, the AP reports.

It just so happens that American Media Inc, the parent company of the Enquirer, is the same company that came under fire in 2016 after a Wall Street Journal story revealed that it had paid a former Playboy Playmate $150,000 for her story of her affair with Trump, and used an elaborate coverup system to prevent the story from ever actually being published — all while claiming they didn't run it because they "didn't find it credible." 

It is unclear whether Michael Cohen, Trump's longtime lawyer, may have been involved in any of these payoffs.

Survey Shows Many Americans Don't Know Basic Facts About the Holocaust

According to a survey to coincide with Holocaust Remembrance Day, many Americans don't know basic facts about the Holocaust — in fact, two-thirds of millennials could not define what Auschwitz was, along with 41 percent of Americans as a whole. As the Huffington Post reports, 11 percent of Americans aren't sure if they've heard of the Holocaust at all, and many greatly underestimated the number of Jewish people that were killed. A majority of Americans also believe something like the Holocaust could happen again.

A Homeless Shelter-Based Girl Scouts Troop Hosted Their First Cookie Sale

Girl Scout troop 6000 is like any other Girl Scout troop in a lot of ways — it has 297 members between the ages of 5 to 17, and it just recently hosted its first cookie sale. However, the troop's members come from 14 different homeless shelters across New York state. As BuzzFeed News reports, the troop was started in February 2017 by Giselle Burgess who, along with her five children, was homeless at the time. Burgess was already working for Girl Scouts of Greater New York, and wanted a way for her daughters to feel less alone in what they were going through.

"Traditionally, Girl Scouts builds community and consistency, it gives girls skills they’ll need in their future, and it empowers young women," Burgess told BuzzFeed. "But the difference I’ve noticed in the Troop 6000 girls is there’s a stronger sisterhood that’s in there that the girls are taking back from this. They don’t feel alone."

This week, Troop 6000 is hosting its first cookie sale in the Kellogg's Cafe in Union Square, New York City, which will continue today from 4–6 p.m, and Saturday from 2–4 p.m.

What to look out for...

Coachella begins today! Can't make it to the desert? Live stream all your favorite bands and artists here.

What Happened When I Did a 30-Day Self-Care Challenge

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This article has been syndicated from Ampersand, an InfluenceHer Collective Contributor. Read the full post here.

At the end of January, I was in a little bit of a funk. Probably because I haaaaate winter and January felt like three years of grey-dreariness. So, to get out of my funk and to honor February, I decided to do a 30-day self-care challenge. 

Of course, self-care is all about what makes you feel good, so take this as a starting guide and use it to shape your self-care challenge as your own!

Getting Started

While it’s nice to think you’ll just magically do a self-care activity every day for 30 days, it’s not super realistic without a plan. Here’s how to get started:

  • Pick a start date. Sounds obvious! But, start on the first of the month, your birthday, a random Wednesday, whatever – just pick it and WRITE IT DOWN. Put it in your planner or Google calendar. Just like you schedule doctor appointments, work obligations, social events, etc., schedule your self-care.
  • Figure out your daily self-care activities. Feel free to use this handy self-care calendar I created (download here!) or make a list of all the simple joys that make you feel good so you can complete one each day. They don’t have to be time-consuming or expensive–it can be as simple as grabbing your favorite coffee or making a gratitude list.
  • Tell people! If you tell people you’re doing it 1) It may inspire them to do it too & everything is more fun with friends, and 2) It’s an accountability thing. The more people you tell, the more likely you’ll be able to complete all 30 days.

During Your 30 Days

Alright, you’ve got it all planned out, now here are some tips for your month of self-care.

  • Be flexible. This should be a fun activity! If you can’t make it to the liquor store to pick up your favorite bottle of wine today, do it tomorrow and swap it with tomorrow’s activity. Life happens. The point is to do a little something each day, but if your 30 days don’t go exactly according to your calendar, it’s all good.
  • Don’t feel guilty. If you miss a day, you miss a day. It’s okay. Again, life gets crazy. As long as you have the intention of completing an activity every day, you’re practicing self-care. You can always tack on an extra day at the end of your 30 days to do another activity.
  • Reflect. Take time to reflect on how you feel throughout your 30 days. Jot down some notes or take a moment to think about it. Are you having fun? Is it making you happy? Do you feel less stressed? By doing a little check-in with yourself, you can make any adjustments to make your 30 days the most enjoyable they can be.

Read the full post here

Instagram's New Focus Feature On Stories Lets Everyone Have Portrait Mode — So Your Selfies Just Got Ten Times Better

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Instagram released a new portrait mode-like feature for the app called Focus. Focus has been described as similar to Apple’s portrait mode because of it’s ability to blur the background and focus on the person in the shot.

In a statement obtained by The Verge, Instagram said “As soon as there’s someone in the shot, you’ll notice the person stays in focus while the background softly blurs. Simply tap to take a photo or tap and hold to record a video.”

Lifehacker explained how to use Focus. Simply open the camera in Instagram like you’re about snap a shot for your story, then scroll through the options along the bottom of the screen. Focus will be between Boomerang and Superzoom. Then, you just point the camera at someone’s face, take a photo or video and watch as the background blurs automatically. 

TechCrunch compared Focus to Apple’s portrait mode in order to find out if the quality compares. They found that Focus leaves the edges of the face slightly hazy, but overall, it’s a pretty good dupe for portrait mode.

Krispy Kreme Is Introducing New Cookie Inspired Doughnuts & Literally Nothing Else Matters

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I didn’t think this Summer could get any better after hearing that Whole Foods was having a two month sale on Rosé but I’ve been proven wrong and am officially saying goodbye to my Summer bod. As reported by Spoon University and on Instagram by @thejunkfoodaisle, Krispy Kreme is releasing two new cookie inspired doughnut creations.

The first is a nutter butter twist on the classic glazed twist. This is for my peanut butter addicts: It’s dipped in peanut butter icing, topped with pieces of nutter butter cookie, and drizzled with — wait for it — MORE peanut butter icing. Excuse me while I go into a peanut butter, nutter butter doughnut coma.

There’s more though! The second cookie doughnut creation is inspired by Chips Ahoy! This one is an unglazed shell doughnut and (you may want to hold onto your seat for this next bit of information) it’s filled with cookie dough kreme...YEAH, I just said cookie dough kreme! It’s topped with dark chocolate, Chips Ahoy cookie pieces and a mini Chips Ahoy cookie. I wasn’t even ready for that one.

If you need me I’ll be at Krispy Kreme stuffing myself with nutter butter and cookie dough kreme!

Here's How You Can Watch Beyoncé's Coachella Performance Right From Your Dorm

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Festival season is finally here, but with the cheapest Coachella tickets costing over $400, not everyone can make it out to Indio, California for the weekend. However, I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to sit back and accept the FOMO that might be nagging at you right now. If you want to see Beyoncé’s first performance since she gave birth to twins Sir and Rumi in 2017, there’s a way to watch the whole thing go down right from the comfort of your dorm room.

Rolling Stone reports that YouTube will be livestreaming the sets of Coachella headliners Beyoncé and The Weeknd, along with other artists like Post Malone, Tyler, the Creator, and alt-J, to name a few.

 

 

This is perfect for my fellow introverts, and also for anyone who couldn’t get away for the weekend. And Beyoncé’s set is something you don't want to miss: since she had to withdraw from Coachella in 2017 because of her pregnancy, I’m sure this time around she’s planned twice the amount of theatrics and jaw-dropping moments that come with any Bey concert.

 

A post shared by Beyoncé (@beyonce) on

 

Beyoncé goes onstage at 11:05 p.m. PST on Saturday, April 14, and people have already begun speculating about her performance. Vibe.com said that she’s apparently bringing guests, maybe even getting Destiny’s Child back together again for the night. Either way, I know I’ll be tuning in on YouTube to see Bey stop the world again.


Chris Evans Shares Video Of The Moment He Became A Dog Dad & I Can't Stop Crying

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Chris Evans is cute. Puppies are cute. Together, they're really cute. And in honor of National Pet Day on April 11, Chris Evans blessed us with that when he shared a video on his Twitter of the first time he met his rescue dog at a shelter.

“This is the moment we met. He was trying so hard to stay seated even though he desperately wanted to get out,” Evans wrote. “I knew right away that he was coming home with me, so I took this video to always remember our first hello. Rescue dogs are the best dogs!! #NationalPetDay.”

The dog is literally so hype, licking and pawing at Evans through the opening in the gate. We can only imagine how excited he was when they finally let him out to meet his new dog dad. We're guessing it looked something like this...

The Captain America star and his dog, Dodger, are v close, as evidenced in his numerous social media posts about him.



At one point last year, he was counting down the days until he reunited with his best friend.

Brb, literally sobbing.

5 Trend Conscious Outfits You Can Still Wear After the Festival Is Over

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People tend to go all out for festival season, planning street style looks embellished with everything from glitter to fringe to metal. While making a statement and rocking your garb for Instagram is obviously a huge part of the weekend, wouldn’t it be nice to find some festival outfits you can actually still wear after the concert ends?

It’s a brilliant idea! And that’s why we’ve curated a selection of timeless, versatile pieces from XOXO that will carry you to the mainstage and beyond – because the best styles are ones you can wear on campus after festival weekend is over.

1. Drawstring Jumpsuit, $69

The first essential pretty piece to start your festival shopping off right is a class drawstring jumpsuit. This one with embellished pearls and beads has serious festival goddess vibes, and the caviar color makes it super easy to pair with a leather or embroidered jacket and heeled wedges (because the shoes are always the icing on the cake).

After the concert ends, wear this jumpsuit during a day trip into the city with your girl gang or at the next big family gathering to make an impression. Ultra-chic – and sure to serve looks at every event!

2. Wrap Dress, $59

Trend watch: Wrap dresses are still survivin’ and thrivin’, and this embroidered piece from XOXO is a spring festival must-have. The open shoulder is super breezy for when you’re trying to stay cool in the dessert, and the ruffle trim adds a bit of high-fashion flair that’ll set you apart. When the weekend ends, just wear this little beauty to Sunday brunch or to a casual daytime event with your sorority!  

3. Peplum Top, $39

We’re gawking at this corset-inspired lace-up design – can this be on my body, like, now? Peplum signals that spring has officially sprung, so pair this top with straight-leg pants and you’ve got a flirty look that’s front row-worthy.

What’s the best way to wear this home from the festival? Pair it with summery sandals for a straight-off-the-runway look that totally slays your usual street style game for long days on campus. Your wardrobe needs this glow up rn.

4. Tropical Dress, coming to Macys.com in May 2018

Tropical prints are a festival scene fave, and this dress is no exception. It’s sleeveless to stay cool while you dance mainstage during the day, but just edgy enough to keep the celebration lasting well into the night. Wear it for a Friday night out with friends or pair it with a smart blazer for a totally passable outfit at your internship. NEED.

5. Bodycon Dress, $59

The fashion game is strong with this one. To stand out among typical festival ensembles, pair this dress with ankle boots or sandals and straw hat to finish. The V-neck and shoulder cut-outs are super classy, so overall this dress can easily transition into a formal staple to wear during an interview, career fair, or even during your summer internship!

In love with these XOXO OOTDs? Join the craze and shop these festival looks now before it’s time to head to the dessert!

Echosmith's Sydney Sierota Talks New Tour & If She'd Ever Go Solo (Exclusive Q&A)

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You’d be lying if you said you didn’t listen to Echosmith’s “Cool Kids” on repeat for months during high school. It was the song played at every school dance, the song that you sang in front of the mirror, the song you blasted in your car while your friends sang along. After waiting several years to release a second album, Echosmith is back and better than ever with Inside a Dream, with tracks including “Future Me” and “Get Into My Car.” They recently released “Over My Head,” and we’re already obsessed.

Her Campus spoke with the band’s lead singer, Sydney Sierota, about her favorite parts of touring, her experience performing with her brothers and whether she’d ever consider a solo career.

Her Campus: Over the past few months you’ve released several singles from your Inside a Dream album. How has your sound changed since 2013?

Sydney Sierota: I've definitely changed a lot because in our first album we were five years younger. Naturally, you're going to change a bit with time, especially at the age I am. I was 14 or 15 when we were writing and recording our first album, and now I'm about to be 21. My experience at that age was totally different, so naturally we just changed a little bit in our music influences—staying mostly the same—but there are other artists that we discovered along the way. But we really wanted to be intentional about the core of who we were to remain the same. It's also important that if you grew up with our music to let ourselves experiment.

You're supposed to be slightly different on your second album, and every album, to make sure you're being innovative and evolving as a band. I feel like that's just naturally happened for us because of the time, but there's also the fact that Jamie left. He was a big part of the band. He played the guitar and sang, and was a big band leader. It changed a lot of dynamics not having him there, so essentially there was that transition as well. What we had to try to figure out was how to fill the hole. Of course, there's still guitar music, but it doesn't have the same charge as before.

HC: You’re currently on the Inside a Dream Tour until the middle of May, what are you looking forward to most about this experience? Is there anything you dislike about touring?

SS: I'm just excited to be on the road again and be with the band. I mean, we haven't toured in like two years, so this is a big deal to be out here again getting to play new music and a lot from the first album. I'm excited to share those experiences with people again finally, and I feel like when you put new music out, it's important to play it live. It gives those songs a whole new life when you get to hear other humans singing it with you. I'm also really excited for the fact that we get to see everyone again and see fans that have been to so many shows already—and all the music, of course. It's fun exploring different cities and to see the different sights even if I've been here already. I'm like, "Oh, what coffee shops haven't I been to yet?" These little things make your day different in a kind of way. My least favorite part of touring is just a lack of sleep. I really value my sleep, and it's just very tiring because you do a promo and then a show and then meet and greets. You just get tired, you know? I drink lots of coffee on the road.

HC: How do you get yourself pumped up for a performance? Do you have any rituals to help with nerves or stress?

SS: I mean, I suck at doing this, but I try to do vocal warm ups every day before a show. Also, I try to stretch, which really does help when you're performing. I used to think all that was minor until I started stretching before shows, and I realized my body literally felt better as opposed to just hanging out, sitting and watching Netflix. I just felt more energized if I was intentionally doing something before. Those are little things that I've tried to make sure that I do every day. I also have a specific tea that I drink. It's just Throat Coat tea, and then I put hot water and lemon and honey and all these different things that are really good for your voice. Other people told me about it, so I drink it all the time. I don't know if it's mental that it makes me feel better, but it does. We always pray as a band before the show that it all goes well and that we can do our best, because you're going to mess up, but as long as you're doing your best and giving your all, I think that's really all that matters.

HC: What has it been like performing with your brothers? Has being in a band together helped you all grow closer?

SS: It actually has because it forces us to be more intentional with each other. We might be working together all day, but we still have to be intentional with hanging out. That's one struggle I guess we have working together, especially because we're like, "We work together so much. Do we have to hang out?" Working together isn't the same thing as spending quality time together. It's something that's not as easy but has allowed for more opportunities to hang out. I walked with my brother Noah (bass player) to get coffee this morning, and then I walked with Graham (drummer) to get breakfast. There's little things that we do that we wouldn't have the opportunity to do if we weren't touring together.

 

fam

A post shared by echosmith (@echosmith) on

HC: If you hadn’t broken into the entertainment industry at such a young age, where would you see yourself now? Would you be in college or pursuing a different career path?

SS: Honestly, I don't know because I've always told myself that I'd be doing music forever. I got so lucky that I'm able to do it and that it worked out. But I think if I didn't do this or it ended up not working out that I'd probably be in college because I'm a very social person. I think it's so cool that you can live in your own dorm with friends, like that's so awesome that you can hang out all the time. I always thought that it sounded so fun, and even now I'll talk to friends that are in college and almost get jealous. Then I remember what I'm doing is awesome in a different kind of way. I feel like I wanted to go to college at one point if this didn't work out. I mean learning is fun, but I don't love writing essays.

HC: What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given as a performer?

SS: The best advice that I've been given is probably from Seal. I became friends with him a while ago, and I remember that our first album was about to come out. We were talking and I was telling him how nervous I felt. He just reminded me, "Do you feel proud of it?" I was like, "Yeah of course!" He's like, "Do you love it?" I'm like, "Yeah!" I feel those are some simple questions and he told me that they are all that matter. As long as you feel proud of it, then that's all that matters. People will respond. I keep that with me now, and we've been working on this second album and even with the EP and all of our new music, I just keep reminding myself that what matters most is that I'm proud of it and that I love the music. It's a message that I love, and someone else is going to relate to it no matter what. It's important to make music for that reason than to just please other people.  

HC: Would you ever consider a career as a solo artist in the future?

SS: People have asked me that before, and I just have no interest. Maybe I'll feel different one day, but I just love doing this with my brothers so much because I like having partners with me. I don't want to go and walk red carpets alone. I don't want to be on stage with all the focus on me. I like having my brothers there for merely just comfort, and it's more fun that way. Again, maybe one day I'll feel differently, but so far this whole time whenever I think about that, I always remind myself, "Man, I do not want to do this without them." It's also just so much fun having my family there, and I wouldn't want to have a bunch of random people playing on stage with me instead of the people I love, so it's definitely not in the plan.

'Roseanne' Star Emma Kenney Is Seeking Treatment, Says 'It's OK To Admit That You Need Help'

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Roseanne actress Emma Kenney, who appears in the revival as Roseanne’s granddaughter Harris, announced that she is seeking treatment for her “battles."

In her statement, she said, “I was running with a really fast crowd. … I was doing things I should not be doing because it was illegal and I’m not 21. It wasn’t healthy, and it was making me feel even worse—anxious and depressed. It was just a slippery slope that I did not want to go down. And I knew that I needed to stop it.”

However, Kenney hasn't allowed these battles stop her from remaining positive and looking out for her fans. “I just want to send a message to my fans saying that it’s OK to admit that you need help," she said, "and it doesn’t make you weak. I’m going to come out on the other side, the True Emma that I’ve always been.”

Kenney, 18, is best known for playing Debbie Gallagher on the Showtime series Shameless since 2011, and it looks like growing up in the industry took its toll on her. In a recent social media post, the young star said she “decided to take a break from social media and LA for a minute.”

I’m proud of Emma for getting the help that she needs and for being so open, because often conversations surrounding mental health can be riddled with stigmas or ignorance. I have no doubt that she’ll be able to find the “True Emma” she's seeking.

6 Common Anxieties About College You'll Have Before You Go

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At last… (cue the dramatic ballad “At Last” by Etta James), the college chapter of your life is on the horizon. The next four years are a blank slate, and it’s hella exciting to toss your grade school life behind you and set off on your own to paint a brand new future. Your next four years are going to be full of quirky, crazy, invaluable experiences that you’ll hold dear for the rest of your life–and they’ll even reveal new sides of yourself you didn’t even know existed.

However, there’s probably a little voice in your head that’s trying to tell you that college is everything but sunshine and rainbows. One minute you’re fantasizing about living the quintessential college life, full of rocking a 4.0 GPA and collecting quality friends, and the next, your mind is running a mile a minute, worrying about how to stay organized and how to even make a friend.

But, have no fears, pre-collegiettes! We promise that they won’t play out nearly as bad as you’re thinking. In fact, college is actually pretty darn amazing, so squash out those annoying worries and replace them with these six kernels of wisdom.

1. “How will I make friends?”

Making friends in college is a piece of cake–simply because everyone is so eager to meet new people! Pretty much all college freshmen are in the same boat of knowing hardly anyone and wanting to make friends. And luckily, this makes people willing and open to talk to each other pretty much anywhere: during class, while waiting in line at Starbucks, and even in college dorm bathrooms.

Another tried-and-true method we've used was to get to class early, sit down next to someone and then just start making small talk about the weather or the class.

Chelsea Jackson, a junior at Iowa State University, has a recommendation of her own. “Immerse yourself in any welcome week activities and prop your door open so you can meet people on your floor or ask students in your classes to start study groups,” she says.

A good rule of thumb is to take advantage of opportunities that are right in front of you. If you see someone who looks like a pleasant person, don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and ask questions like “Where are you from?” or “What year are you?” You can even just give out a compliment like “I love your backpack!” These may sound cheesy, but we promise, they work. We also really recommend allowing yourself to be a little vulnerable and tell people you’re nervous about starting college–opening up to someone new can instantly put them at ease and start a bond!

People really aren’t scary, and at the end of the day, it feels great just to be acknowledged and approached in a friendly way. So never be afraid to say hello! You could be meeting your new best friend for the next four years.

2. “Will my workload be super stressful?”

If you’re thinking, “How in the world am I going to make it through college classes while also having a social life and getting involved and feeding myself and doing laundry and staying sane?!”, then look no further.

The secret is balance.

Don’t feel like you have to overwhelm yourself–that’s the wrong approach. Do try things out, since college has so much to offer, but don’t spread yourself thin. Find what you’re passionate about, in terms of picking classes for your major and clubs/organizations to get involved with, and then put your energy into those things.

When you’re putting your energy into what brings you joy, the feeling will spill into other aspects of your life, and you’ll find yourself not only being productive (which frees up time to hang out with friends and have fun) and doing great work, but you’ll also be less stressed.

Rachel Reiss, a graduate student at the University of Florida, agrees. “I learned freshman and sophomore year to not put too much on my plate, a mistake I had made in high school,” she says. “Since then, I’ve been able to invest more energy in a few meaningful things.”

There is also a ton of apps out there to help you stay organized and tackle whatever college throws at you.

3. “Do I have to party and drink all the time?”

There’s a misconception that all college students love going out and getting drunk each weekend, but that is not true, and it definitely isn’t expected. The best thing about college is that there’s no such thing as “fitting in” or being “cool.” As long as you’re spending time in ways that make you happy, then you’re golden.

Don’t feel like you need to be going out because “everyone else is.” There are so many other college kids who could care less. All you have to do is listen to yourself. If you want to give yourself a challenge and step out of your comfort zone to go to a party, then go for it! But if you want to take it slow and maybe try it out another time, then that’s cool too.

Casey Johnson*, a junior at the University of Florida, reiterates the importance of this point. “I told myself in high school that I would never go to a college party,” she says. “But, I realized how limiting that was. I only get to be in college once, so I tried it out. I didn’t fall in love with the party scene, but I was proud of myself for being more open about it.”

Don’t completely limit yourself, but if you’re positive that you would hate a college party and want to leave immediately, then by all means stay back and have a Netflix and chill session.

4. “Will I be a small fish in a big pond?”

Being suddenly thrown into an environment with a ton of students of your same caliber might seem intimidating. It can lead you down two not-so-great paths if you let it: you might become overly competitive and forget about what you’re at college for in the first place, or you might want to give up.

However, you can avoid both of these paths if you find your niche. Join clubs that interest you and hang out with people who like doing the things you like to do, who make you feel good and confident and who build you up. This will make college feel more geared toward what you’re all about, and it will make it seem way smaller.

Erin Smith, a law student at Charleston School of Law, notes the importance of asking questions. “So much at college is new and scary, especially at a big school, and it’s really easy to feel like you’re left to figure out everything on your own,” she says. “But I promise you aren’t alone, and other students and instructors are always more than willing to help you out. You don’t have to figure out college alone.” There’s always a listening ear out there, and remember that someone is always there to pick you back up when things get difficult.

Related: 10 Ways to Calm Pre-College Nerves

5. “Is the Freshman 15 real?”

Luckily, this is just a myth, which means it doesn’t sneak up on you if you don’t let it.

Here are some little habits you can adopt to prevent the annoying weight gain:

1. Instead of taking the bus or driving to a class that’s fifteen minutes away, leave a little bit early and walk.

2. Before you rush over to start snacking, ask yourself, “Am I eating because I’m actually hungry, or am I just bored or stressed?”

3. Drink water throughout the day. You’ll find that this will prevent overeating.

4. Only keep healthy snacks, like bananas, carrots and hummus, apples and granola at your place. This makes it easier to avoid the accidental “Oh no, how did I just eat half a bag of chips in one sitting?!” situation.

5. Take advantage of a gym on or near campus, and try to go for at least 30 minutes a few times a week. And if you can’t make it, then pull up YouTube and do some routines right in your room. Don’t be afraid to improvise!

6. “What if I don’t get along with my roommate whom I've never met?”

If you’ve never lived in the same room with another human for a whole school year, living with a complete stranger can seem daunting. But good news: It’s usually a positive experience.

Erin roomed with someone whom she had never met before move-in day, and she was pleasantly surprised by how the year went. “Everything turned out fine!" She says. "Just remember to be considerate and nine times out 10 you’ll have nothing to worry about. If you’re that unlucky one out of 10, definitely talk to your resident assistant. That’s why they’re there—to help!”

You also don't have to be best friends but just be friendly roommates. A “roommateship” can be as simple as asking how each other’s days went, or it can be as involved as having deep talks until 2 a.m. Whether you’re acquaintances or close friends, as long as you stay tidy, use headphones when your roommate is studying, and check in with your roommate before you have other people over, then the year should be smooth sailing.

We know you’ve got this, ladies! Keep your head up and enjoy every moment that college brings. Don’t be scared to try things you’ve never done, when you get a gut feeling that they might be exactly what you need.

*Name have been changed

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