As far as celebrity hair is concerned, 2013 was shear (LOL) perfection. From precious pixies to bold bobs, here are the celebrity haircuts that inspired us to hit the hair salon this year.

1. Julianne Hough

Though we loved Julianne’s long locks, we totally dug her new choppy look as well.

2. Jennifer Hudson

We adored this Dreamgirl’s short, sophisticated ‘do.

3. Michelle Obama

Nobody brought bangs back in 2013 quite like the First Lady.

4. Beyonce

Was anyone surprised that Queen Bey looked stunning with a pixie? 

5. Coco Rocha

Only Coco could pull off this bold, Bieber-inspired look. 

6. Jennifer Aniston

Leave it to Jen to always set a new hair trend.  

7. Dianna Agron

Who knew a bob could look so stylish? 

8. Brittany Snow

We loved the edge that Brittany's cool, asymmetrical cut gave her. 

9. Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence, can you do no wrong?

Your relationship just ended and the only thing you feel up for is a sob fest, watching a chick flick and stuffing your face. Sadly, there’s no magic way to get over an ex instantly, but we all have some pretty great friends to get us on the road back to singlehood. Here are a few friends you need after a breakup!

1. The Friend Who Has Been There  

All of your friends feel for you and care about you, but sometimes you just need the reassurance that someone else has been there and knows exactly what you’re going through.  This friend has had a bad breakup, has made the recovery and even has some experience in recognizing what helped her get back on her feet. You saw her when she wore sweats for a couple of weeks, but you also know that she’s looking better than ever now.  She’ll empathize with all the sad details and exchange relationship horror stories to soothe your pain.  After a good chat with her, it’ll be easier to see that you aren’t alone!

2. The Best-Case-Scenario Friend

There is a 90 percent chance that this girl is called ditzy on a semi-regular basis, but who has ever heard of a better support system than a hypothetical bad fortuneteller for an ex-boyfriend?

“He’s probably sitting there regretting everything he did wrong,” she reassures you enthusiastically. “He probably hasn’t even looked at another girl.”

So maybe she doesn’t have a clue about the whereabouts of your ex, but her intricate storytelling skills are leading you to believe that she’s pretty damn sure of what she’s talking about. You can’t help but believe her, and you find yourself enthusiastically agreeing and picturing him being miserable without you. But that’s not all! This friend is also the psychic for your life, and according to her, something great is going to happen to you… soon!

3. The “Tells-it-Like-it-is” Friend  

Remember when the women of Sex and The City went through breakups (hard to miss—there were so many!)? Well, everyone needs a friend like Samantha.

She’s a bit over the top and she pulls off the most impractical outfits when you go out. It’s likely that she has never not had the upper hand in a relationship, and her confidence is unwavering, but that’s what makes her so believable. Sometimes she’s a bit too honest when it comes to giving you advice in these situations, but she’s like your big sister, and she tells it like it is. She’ll be the one to tell you point blank that you need to stop moping and move on with your life. In the end, her witty remarks about your ex and how you don’t need him will have you laughing and considering career options away from Professional Couch Potato.

4. The Life Coach

A couple of days have passed since your breakup, and you’re starting to show the carb overload on your newly single body. That’s when you know it’s time to enlist The Life Coach friend.

She’s the closest thing to a hippie on your college campus, and all her life mottos revolve around a healthy lifestyle and inner peace.  She’s always asking you to accompany her to the gym or a newly discovered thrift store.

When you’re going through a crisis, she kindly suggests some ways to get your life back on track, and somehow you listen to her, because, truthfully, she has always been the most put-together one of your friends.

Whether she’s offering an unpaid therapy session, suggesting that you skip the Big Mac and fries for a healthier option or even attempting to get you off the couch to go for a hike or a walk around campus, she’s determined that you start the healing process in stride.

5. The Partier Friend

This friend is always ready for a party. After your breakup, she probably didn’t waste any time trying to set you up or take you so you can meet guys.  Her solution to everything is to let loose and have fun, and it’s about time you tried that again.  Besides, your Life Coach has just gotten you back in the health game, and once you’ve gotten off the couch a couple times, this friend will really get you to start appreciating the single life.

She has the best style and loves lending her clothes to you for a night out. Don’t worry about planning anything, because she will get the gang together, find you the perfect outfit and the hottest party and even point out some hotties there who are definitely better than what’s-his-name.  If you’re at the beginning stages of your breakup, you may not see the light at the end of the tunnel, but dating will seem appealing again eventually.  When you do see the light, this friend will be waiting to set you up, double date with you and scope out new prospects.

Exes may be a thing of the past, but your girl friends are forever. Hang out with these five friends instead of Ben & Jerry and you’ll feel better in no time!

There is never a dull year in Hollywood! Let’s take a look at 2013’s best, worst and favorite Hollywood moments.

Best Album: Beyoncé’s Beyoncé

Without a single bit of promotion, Beyoncé’s new self-titled (and completely visual) album debuted at #1, making her the first woman in the world to have all five of her studio albums take the No.1 spot on the charts. Who runs the world? Queen Bey. 

Runner-Up: Justin Timberlake’s The 20/20 Experience

JT’s third studio album was the best-selling album on iTunes in 2013. The album also received a Grammy nomination for Best Vocal Pop Album. Eleven years later and he’s still got it!

Best Song:"Get Lucky" by Daft Punk feat. Pharrell Williams

Daft Punk fell off the radar for a while but made a definitive comeback with their undeniably catchy hit. The single was the first song to sell 1 million copies in 2013, and it earned the group two Grammy nominations for Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.

Runner-Up:"Thrift Shop" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Wanz

This famous single sold 7 million copies and was nominated for Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song for the Grammys. What what, what, what?

Best TV Show:Breaking Bad

Walter White was the king of television in 2013, with the series finale drawing in a record-breaking 10.3 million viewers. The show earned a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records as the Highest-Rated TV Series, and earned 131 award nominations and 48 wins, including an Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series. All hail the king.

Runner-Up:Orange Is the New Black

The Netflix original series has blown many major shows on television out of the park. It has been the center of conversation all over Hollywood, covering major taboo topics like incarceration, sexuality and race.

You may even remember a few of our favorite celebs dressing up as some of the characters, such as Julianne Hough’s brow-raising Crazy Eyes costume.

Favorite Female Celebrity: Jennifer Lawrence

Jennifer Lawrence has taken over Hollywood in 2013. Between The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,American Hustle, her hilarious confessions about butt plugs and bowel movements and her crusade to be an A+ role model for young girls, how can you not love J. Law? She’s hysterical, canny, beautiful and, of course, a total bad*ss.

Runner-Up: Miley Cyrus

Whether you hate to love her or love to hate her, you can’t deny that Miley is hard to overlook. Miley has practically owned Hollywood after her racy makeover. All backlash set aside, she has made a statement for girls around the world…. “forget the haters, cause somebody loves ya.” So wise, Miley.

Favorite Male Celebrity: Justin Timberlake

JT’s new album tossed him back on our radar, and he’s coming back hotter than ever. Gone are the days of silver jumpsuits and greasy, bleach-blonde curls. He’s got it all: the voice of an angel, knockout performances, super sexy style, a smokin’ hot wife, the gentleman mystique and a number-one single with Jay-Z. Who would have thought that the corkscrew-curly-headed boy-band heartthrob would still own Hollywood to this very day?

Runner-Up: Chris Hemsworth

Liam’s big brother is stealing the show! After his, um…. chiseled enactment as Thor, Chris has since been making millions of women all hot and bothered. In 2013, he was in two major action movies, Star Trek Into Darkness and Thor: The Dark World, and he has four more coming out in the next two years.

 What makes him even sexier? His adoring fixation with his wife and daughter.

Fiercest Hairdo: Pixie Cuts

We have seen some of our favorite celebs chop their locks off to go for the short pixie look: Jennifer Lawrence, Jennifer Hudson, Beyonce, Miley Cyrus, Alicia Keys, Pamela Anderson, Anne Hathaway, Charlize Theron, Michelle Williams, Emma Watson, Kristin Chenoweth... need we say more?

Runner-Up: Sock Buns

We’re bringing Audrey Hepburn’s famous hairdo back.

Most Memorable Selfie: Kim Kardashian

It’s big, and it’s back. As if her butt wasn’t already famous enough, Kim posted this selfie on her Instagram for the entire world to see. Just four months after giving birth to her daughter, Kim used this picture as her middle finger to all of the people who gave her hell for her pregnancy weight gain. Message received, Kim. You look hot.

Runner-Up: Nick Jonas

Our jaws practically dropped when we saw Nick Jonas’s selfie of his new-and-improved rock-hard abs. Let’s just say the youngest JoBro has grown up… and we aren’t complaining. Hopefully there's plenty more where this came from.

Worst Celebrity Fallout: Lance Armstrong

In January 2013, Lance Armstrong admitted he was a cheater, and a good one at that. In an intimate interview with Oprah, the Olympic cyclist confessed to using banned performance-enhancing drugs throughout his career, which helped him earn all seven of his Tour de France wins. To top it off, he also admitted to doping his blood samples and falsifying official documents to help him pass his drug tests. As the face of The Livestrong Foundation, Armstrong was stripped of all of his medals, his titles, his sponsors and millions of dollars. What did we learn from Armstrong this year? Cheaters never prosper. 

Runner-Up: Paula Deen

Our favorite butter-cooking, Crisco covered, fried-chicken queen met her social demise when she was accused of making racist comments to some of her employees at her restaurant. She lost her contract with Food Network, as well as her publishing contract for her best-selling cookbook. Let’s just say Paula’s Walmart cookware line went on the bottom of the dusty and lonely clearance shelf after the disaster surfaced.

Most Talked-About Book: 50 Shades of Grey by E.L. James

The X-rated book has everyone talking, especially since E.L. James announced that it would be hitting the big screen in 2015. There was also a heated debate over the chosen celebrity to play the role of Christian Grey. Sons of Anarchy star Charlie Hunnman was originally set to play the sex-obsessed character until die-hard fans went far enough to petition him out of the role.

After the whole mess, Calvin Klein model Jamie Dornan was picked as the new lead role, and we’re not complaining… have you seen the guy?

Runner-Up:The Cuckoo’s Calling by J.K. Rowling

J.K. Rowling wrote the detective novel under the fake name of Robert Galbraith. Critics were shocked when they discovered that the beloved Harry Potter author was, in fact, the author of this amazingly well-written novel. After her cover was busted, the book became a best seller. We guess one thing is clear: the woman knows a thing or two about writing a best-selling novel.

Most Notorious Music Video: Miley Cyrus’s "Wrecking Ball"

Miley made music video history when she was featured naked, swinging around on a giant wrecking ball and licking a sledgehammer in her eyebrow-raising music video for "Wrecking Ball." While she claims the video has an artistic meaning, some of us aren’t very convinced. But hey, do your thing, girl - with more than 430 million views on YouTube, we guess you don’t need any explanation.

Runner Up: Kanye West’s “Bound 2”

Yes, it is the weirdest thing we’ve ever seen, but it’s Kanye, and he can pull off just about anything in Hollywood. Throw in Kim Kardashian naked on a motorcycle riding off into the sunset and you get a YouTube sensation. The music video has more than 20 million views and has even inspired a few remakes.

Our favorites? Ellen Degeneres's and Portia de Rossi's Christmas card.

And of course, Seth Rogen's and James Franco’s version, "Bound 3."

Favorite Celebrity Couple: Beyoncé and Jay-Z

They can’t be stopped. The most prominent hip-hop couple of our time is BFFs with the Obamas and nearly starts a revolution every time they release new music. Between Beyonce’s new visual album and her $50 million deal with Pepsi and Jay-Z’s sold-out summer tour and his $20 million deal with Samsung, Blue Ivy will never be living a hard-knock life. As of April, the couple and their daughter have an estimated combined net worth of more than $1 billion. Um… can you say Magna Carta, holy crap?

Runner-Up: Kim Kardashian and Kanye West

Love them or hate them, you can’t ignore them. 2013 was a huge year for Kimye: they had a baby, an album and an engagement. With a combined worth of $140 million and one of the most famous children in the world, the couple won’t be going away anytime soon.

Biggest Celebrity Break-Up: Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom

Even though they got married after only a month of knowing each other, we had great hopes for Khloe and Lamar. That being said, our hearts broke when we caught wind of the divorce news. After four years of marriage, Khloe filed for divorce on December 13, 2013, among rumors of Lamar’s drug abuse. RIP Khlomar.

Runner-Up: Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth

For a quick second, these two were the Romeo and Juliet of our generation. Their performance in The Last Song had us thinking they would be together forever, so there wasn’t a dry millennial eye when Miley and Liam announced their split. Some of us still have a glimmer of hope that the two will reunite, but after Miley’s image makeover, we think it’s safe to say that the chances are slim to none.

Most Notorious Celebrity Baby: Prince George

This little ham is the cutest thing that has happened to royalty since the Queen’s beloved corgis. He is the third in line to succeed his grandmother’s throne. His birth marked the first time since 1894 that three generations of direct heirs to the throne are alive at the same time. Look at him: he will be charming the knickers off of England for years and years to come.

Runner-Up: North West

North has her mother’s eyes and her father’s cheeks - Kimye sure knows how to make beautiful babies. Even before she was born, all of Hollywood was talking about North West. When she finally arrived, her chosen name was the topic of every tabloid and morning talk show. Not even a year old and the girl is arguably one of the most famous children in the world.

Most Shocking Celebrity Death: Cory Monteith

Glee fans were shook to the core when Cory Monteith suddenly passed away of a drug overdose on July 13, 2013. There wasn’t a dry eye in Hollywood when the show’s tribute episode aired, featuring his castmates singing songs like "Seasons of Love,""I’ll Stand by You,""Fire and Rain,""If I Die Young,""No Surrender" and Lea Michele’s beautiful rendition of "Make You Feel My Love."

Runner-Up: Paul Walker

With the filming of Fast & Furious 7 in full swing, Paul Walker tragically passed away in a fiery car crash on November 30, 2013. The irony of the way he died chilled Hollywood and left people wondering how the newest movie from the franchise would continue. On December 23, 2013, directors announced that the movie will continue filming and will be released in April 2015.

Favorite Dynamic Duo: Tina Fey and Amy Poehler

These two gave hosting the Golden Globes a whole new meaning. What’s even better news is that they are coming back to host the next two, starting with the first in January 2014. With their history of performances together on SNL and the big screen, these two are always guaranteed to make you wheeze with laughter.   

Runner-Up: Sandra Bullock and Melissa McCarthy

Because their performance in The Heat was almost too hilariously perfect for words.

Hottest Model: Kate Upton

The (ahem) busty model has gained a lot of attention this year. Only 21 years old, Kate Upton is America’s favorite bombshell since Marilyn Monroe. The curvy model has been flooding the tabloids, big screen and magazine covers, sparking new conversation; Vogue even called it "The Kate Upton Effect." She has graced the cover of Sports Illustrated twice, as well as other major magazines, including Vogue and Vanity Fair. There’s no denying that she's the new face of the model world. 

Runner-Up: Miranda Kerr

On April 16, 2013, the Victoria Secret Angel announced that she would be retiring and that her three-year, $1 million contract Victoria’s Secret would not be renewed. Her career only skyrocketed from there - with her growing skin care line, KORA Organics, she built her way to number two on Forbes's list of highest-paid models of 2013.

Best Movie Sequel:Hunger Games: Catching Fire

The second movie was even better than the first, and you get to see a whole lot of Liam Hemsworth. The movie broke November records, making $110.2 million worldwide after its first weekend. Who wouldn’t pay to see JLaw and Liam on one screen?

Runner-Up:Anchorman 2

Sure, it took nine years, but the legend continues. The much-anticipated sequel made $8.1 million in its first full day, which only goes to prove that Will Ferrell and his crew never fail to disappoint.

Celebrity Body Makeover: Christina Aguilera

2002’s Stripped Christina is seriously back in action. Five years after having her son, Max, she is looking even better than she did in the beginning of her career. Remake of “Dirrty” somewhere in the near future? We can only hope so.

Runner-Up: Jessica Simpson

After taking some serious heat during and after her back-to-back pregnancies, the Weight Watchers spokesperson is making a comeback.

The only question left is: what will 2014 bring to the land of the stars? We can only wait and see!

Merry Christmas, collegiettes!  Add some extra cheer to your holiday by taking a look at these ridiculously over-the-top, eye-popping decorations on these houses!  

Studying abroad is an exciting time full of travel, friends and new experiences. Unfortunately, the stress and excitement from traveling can also take a toll on your immune system. Being sick can put a serious damper on your trip abroad, so make sure you take the proper precautions to protect yourself before you go! Here are eight ways to ensure that you’ll have a healthy and safe study abroad experience.

1. Get the proper health insurance

One of the first steps you should take when you know you are definitely studying abroad is making sure you have the proper health insurance. Many schools offer special health insurance as part of the study abroad program, but you should also contact your health care provider and make sure that you are covered. If not, there are programs such as HTH Worldwide that offer health insurance to students who are studying abroad.

Lisa Chieffo, associate director of student programs at the Institute for Global Studies at the University of Delaware, says that students should carry their health insurance card with them throughout their travels. “Health insurance is included in all program fees [at the University of Delaware],” Chieffo says. “Students should take with them the health insurance card that we provide them.”

It’s always important to carry valid, up-to-date insurance while traveling. Sophie van Bastelear, a sophomore at McGill University, learned the hard way that it’s important to keep insurance up to date when she fell ill at school.

“At the beginning of this year I was feeling really, really crappy consistently for a couple weeks, so I tried to go to the student health center but realized I hadn't renewed my health insurance card,” says Sophie. “So I had to leave and go do that before I could even go back to the health center and deal with the sickness.”

If you’re unsure about your insurance, call the number on your card or visit your insurance’s website to get the details!

2. Inform your program supervisor about any dietary restrictions you have

One of the great parts about studying abroad is sampling all of the local cuisine, but dietary restrictions can make this difficult. Whether you’re avoiding certain foods for health reasons or just prefer to eat a vegetarian diet, let your program supervisor know about any dietary restrictions you have before you travel.

Kate Theroux, a senior at the University of Delaware, studied abroad in Italy during her junior year. She says that she informed her professor about her vegetarian diet before the trip, so the restaurants her group went to were able to accommodate her.

“My supervisor told the restaurants before we would go, so they gave me different food,” Kate says. “It made it easier because I didn’t have to explain it myself, because I didn’t speak any Italian.”

Collegiettes doing a homestay for their time abroad should also inform their host family as far in advance as possible. Your program supervisor should be able to contact the host family beforehand, which will ensure that they have plenty of time to be prepared for any dietary needs you have.

3. Make sure you have the proper vaccinations

Many study abroad trips require vaccinations prior to traveling. Although your program should inform you about any of these preparations you need to make, it’s up to you to make the appointments and make sure you’re prepared.

Different trips have different vaccination requirements, so make sure that you know exactly which ones you need. Go to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website to find out which vaccinations you’ll need for your trip abroad. Some vaccinations must be administered a certain number of weeks in advance of your trip, so the sooner you look this info up and take care of it, the better. Don’t put it off until the last minute; if you need any immunizations before your trip, contact your school’s health center ASAP!

4. Inform your program supervisor and group about any medical issues you have

Pre-existing medical conditions, such as diabetes or a severe food allergy, can get serious pretty quickly if not treated properly.

Chieffo says it is important for students to inform their university of any serious medical conditions before the trip. “They should disclose all such conditions on their application and discuss with their faculty director,” she says.

Let your supervisor and friends know if you have a medical condition that may act up while you’re abroad, such as allergies, diabetes or epilepsy. This way, they’ll know what do if anything goes wrong!

5. Get all of your prescriptions before you go

Make sure to stock up on any prescription medications before you leave.  Foreign pharmacies can be difficult to navigate, and the regulations on certain medications may be different overseas.

Some over-the-counter drugs are illegal in other countries, or may require a prescription. If you have any doubts, call the foreign embassy or consulate of the country you’ll be traveling to. They should be able to provide you with any information you need on the legality of certain drugs.

Allie Sutherland, a junior at Syracuse University, made sure to fill all of her prescriptions before she studied abroad in London. “I also got a prescription from my doctor for four months’ worth of birth control that I picked up all at once before I left so I wouldn't have to worry about it,” she says.

It’s also important to keep prescriptions in their original packaging. “All medication should be carried abroad in their original containers,” says Chieffo.

Traveling is hectic enough without worrying about pills getting mixed up, and you never know what will happen going through customs. Streamline the process by keeping your medication up to date, organized and properly labeled in the original containers!

6. Know the generic names of common medications

Medications you may be familiar with, such as Advil and Tylenol, have different names in foreign countries. Know the generic names in that country so you can ask for the proper medication at the pharmacy!

If you get sick and need a specific medication or antibiotic, consider having someone in your program who speaks the local language help you out by writing down the name of the medication you need so you can give it to the pharmacist. That way, there won’t be any misunderstandings!

“I had my professor write down the name of the medicine I needed, so when I went to the pharmacy I just handed them the paper,” says Kate.

7. Bring the proper first aid precautions

Getting ready for your trip abroad can be hectic, but make sure your packing list includes some basic first aid supplies! Basics such as ibuprofen, Band-Aids and Neosporin can be extremely helpful to have if you get a headache or minor cut so you don’t have to rely on foreign pharmacies to carry these medications. Just make sure that all medications you may bring are allowed in foreign countries!

“I brought a lot of Advil in case I got minorly sick,” Kate says. “I was very glad I brought it, because I had it on hand when I got headaches and things like that.”

While you should always let your program supervisor know if you think you have anything serious, having the essentials on hand to combat a minor cut, scrape or cold can make things a lot easier.

8. Know what to do if you get sick

Despite all your preparation, you still might fall ill during your study abroad experience. It’s important not to panic and to know whom to contact if you think you might have more than a slight cold. Students who fall ill should “immediately inform their faculty director or resident director,” Chieffo says.

If you’re studying abroad at a university, going to the university’s health center is a good first step. If you’re staying with a host family, talk to the family and your program supervisor to find a doctor. Your program should be aware of the best medical facilities in the area, so do not hesitate to ask your supervisor. 

Going to the doctor in a foreign country can be scary, especially if you don’t speak the language. Considering carrying the phone number of your director or supervisor with you at all times along with your insurance card. This way, in case of an emergency, you’ll know exactly whom to contact and how to reach them!

Studying abroad is an experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life—don’t let being sick ruin your memories! Take a few simple steps before you go to make sure you’re adequately prepared to face any situation that may come your way.

With winter break in full swing, parties and family gatherings are over and being productive becomes the last thing on our brains. Winter break is a great time to catch up on sleep or watch Dexter reruns, but you definitely shouldn’t waste it lounging in your PJ’s all day! Take advantage of this break from school and stress and get some things done that you usually have no time for. Use some of these ideas to make sure this winter break is the best you’ve had.

1. Read a Book

Your classes this semester may have gotten you burned out on reading for a while, but reading for fun is a lot different than reading for fear of failing the next pop quiz. Check out the bestsellers list in the paper each week, or see what book-turned-movie is coming out this year and read away! Borrowing books from your local library or downloading them on your e-reader will save you cash. Reading something new may give you a new outlook on life, and it will at least give you something to talk about at your next social gathering!  Why not read The Hunger Games, the hit book and now movie franchise!

2. Have a New Friend Visit

You know all those friends you’ve made at college and are now missing? Well stop missing them and pick up the phone! Having friends from college visit you at home allows them to get to know your family and see where you call home. It’s a great time to form a stronger bond with that friend, and a great time to catch up with a friend you’ve been missing.  Just make sure to clear it with your family first!

3. Make a scrapbook

You may have hundreds of pictures from your years of high school and college, and while Facebook is a great place to show off your pics, having a scrapbook filled with those memories will last much longer than the tagged photos. “Scrapbooks are time consuming, but so much fun. Winter break is the perfect time to make one, since college students are so busy during the school year,” said Elizabeth Wagmeister, HC’s UCSB Campus Correspondent. Take a trip to a craft store, gather some supplies and get creative. Grab a sibling or your mom and have them join in on the fun! Printing out pictures is super easy with photo services at stores like CVS and Walgreens. You simply upload your pictures to the site, pick and edit the ones you want and pick them up at the store a few hours later.

4. Take a class

Class may be the last thing on your mind during winter break, but learning a new skill like cake decorating or painting may be just the thing you need to get your brain ready for spring semester. Check at local craft stores or studios to see what classes they offer, get some pals together and become the next Cake Boss (or Picasso!).

5. Make some money

Being a broke college student gets a little old, and while you may have your parents’ fridge full of food now, that comfort won’t be there once you head back to school. See if you can get hired back on at your summer job or ask around about neighbors who need a babysitter. This HC article gives some great tips on ways to make money before heading back to school. There is bound to be a hidden opportunity for cash if you just go look for it!

6. Have a spa day with mom

Or grandma, sister, aunt, whoever! Getting to chill with a strong woman in your life over a mani/pedi is not only good for your cuticles, but it’s also good for your soul. Not to sound corny, but getting advice from, venting to and laughing with a woman who influences you is something you don’t get to do every day. So take advantage of your time off to spend some time with your favorite leading lady.

7. Volunteer

Though the holiday season is almost over, local charities need help year-round. Seek out a charity that does work you’re passionate about, and look into volunteering for them. Just a few hours will not only be rewarding for you, but it can also make a huge difference for that charity. As always, there’s strength in numbers, so make a bigger difference by gathering up some friends or neighbors to help the cause, too!

8. Learn to cook

If you haven’t already figured this out, cooking is a life skill that everyone needs, unless you want to stick to Lean Cuisines for the rest of your life. Take advantage of your parents’ well-stocked kitchen and get the cook in your family to show you a few things. Learn to make something you love, and learn how to make a new dish that you can try out on your friends back at school. Knowing how to cook will not only make your tummy happier, but it’ll also save you money by buying groceries instead of fast food.

9. Get a head start on summer

Whether you’re planning to intern in the summer or hope to find a summer job, looking ahead while you have some free time can be a great advantage when the time to apply rolls around. Get your cover letters in order, make sure your resume is up-to-date, and do some research on companies you’d like to work for! Also check out internship websites like Intern Queen and HC’s own Careerette Pages to find some listings you can already apply for. Also, check out this HC article for more ways to get a head start on summer internships during winter break.

10. Give your room a makeover

Maybe spending countless hours on Pinterest during finals will finally pay off! Get some ideas together for how to arrange your furniture, paint over that wallpaper that’s been around since you were 7, and make full use of the space you have. Completely making over a room can be time-consuming, so make sure you have the time to commit before you head back to school! If you don’t have time for a complete makeover, try just getting (or creating) new art for the walls or turning your bed into the canopy bed you’ve always wanted!

Whatever you decide to do over winter break, make sure you spend some time making yourself happy. Through stress from school, work and life in general, you can get worn down. Use winter break to recharge and get ready for the semester ahead!

1. The friend proximity. All of your closest friends are no more than a five-minute walk away, which means plenty of impromptu hangouts, late-night shenanigans and separation anxiety issues when you graduate.

2. Office hours. This is literally a time set aside for your professor to give you personalized help when you’re struggling with homework. There are no office hours with your boss in the real world, just a lot of struggling on your own (think about that the next time you claim to “hate” a professor or TA).

3. The drinking culture. For some reason, it’s more acceptable to binge drink in college, so embrace your short time of living below societal expectations. Because once you graduate, what was once called a “crazy weekend” will be classified as alcoholism.

4. The lower standard of cleanliness.“I haven’t showered because it’s finals week” and “I haven’t done laundry in three weeks because I hate doing laundry” are not legitimate excuses in the real world.

5. Late-night snacking. Feel free to order food at 3 a.m. in college without fear of judgment. Not only are local restaurants expecting your call, your friends are totally down to split that king-sized pizza with you (they even have the delivery number on speed dial).

6. Opportunities to experiment. College is the perfect time to pick up a new skill or hobby because you’re surrounded by a ton of resources and people who are adventurous as you are. We’re invincible in our late teens and early 20s for a reason, right?

7. Dining halls. Food seems so much cheaper when you swipe your ID instead of a credit card.

8. College classes. Screwed up big time on a quiz? You can drop it. Screwed up big time on a final exam? You can retake the class. Screwed up big time at your job? Hello, unemployment.

9. School spirit. You don’t need to justify why you painted your whole body in 30-degree weather—this is the biggest game of the season and you’ll be darned if you let something as insignificant as frostbite stop you from showing a little skin and a lot of pride.

10. The acquaintance bubble. Though you don’t know your entire student body, you’re still reassured by the unfamiliar faces since you share dozens of mutual friends with them on Facebook. In the real world, the new faces you meet will be complete strangers (creepy, right?).

11. Constant entertainment. You don’t know what bored means until you sit at home after a nine-to-five job, hours away from all your friends. College campuses are always hosting shows and events and are often located in the heart of bustling cities with plenty to do.

12. Student discounts. Clothes, food, attractions and everything else good in life are more expensive as an “adult.” As if you have tons of money to spare after graduating (what are student loans?).

13. Your education. As stressful as finals may be, remember that you're incredibly lucky to be able to go to college. A small percentage of the world has the honor of being a college graduate, so study hard and make the most of your time in school.

14. The perfect mix of “adult” and “kid” life. In college, you're old enough to enjoy the perks of being an adult, such as independence and actively pursuing your goals. Yet you're still young enough that you don’t have to worry about the boring stuff like health insurance and home ownership. Enjoy it while it lasts, collegiettes!

Tired of having to sort out the “nice guys” from the “bad boys”? Want to move up from one-night stand to full-time girlfriend, but unsure of how to do so? Stop worrying, because Real Live College Guy Dale is finally here to help with all of your collegiette love kerfuffles and help steer you clear of any unnecessary drama during your brief but ever-important time in college.

This guy invited my good girl friend to a party and she brought me along as a friend. Next thing I know, there's drinking going on and she had to go upstairs for a few minutes, leaving me alone on the dance floor. The guy that invited her starts dancing and flirting with me (granted, he had been drinking) and complimenting me, trying to ask me to stay over, etc. I told him repeatedly that he didn't really know me and reminded him that he invited my friend to the party, but he said "there is an attraction" that he couldn't help between us. I think my friend is really upset and I explained that I didn't do anything, but still—why do guys do things like this? ––Unwanted Attraction at Alabama

Alabama,

Well, first things first, good on you for not giving into this guy’s game. I’ve known a few people who have been in similar situations and decided to go the other route, and not only did they lose friends, they lost respect.

With this guy, you flat-out told him that you weren’t going to fool around with him. Not only that, you reminded him that he invited your friend over… not you! The fact that he persisted in trying to pick you up tells me that he didn’t respect your wishes or your friend as a person.

College-frat-guy stereotypes don’t sprout up from nothing, you know? I don’t know if this particular guy is part of a fraternity, but his behavior is textbook frat. His behavior, I might add, is also textbook d-bag.

College d-bags exist. It’s not something I like to admit, but it’s also not a huge secret. Too many women go into college expecting the modern “boy next door” trope, and when the closest they get is some buff, drunk player hitting on them, they settle. This allows the worst kind of guys to take advantage of your hopes.

Unfortunately there’s no one single reason as to why guys act this way. The best way I can sum it up is this: some guys––and I won’t call them men––act this way out of sheer desperation. It’s sad, of course, but it’s true. The common stereotype is that guys only want one thing.

Well, Alabama, I want you to know that these guys don’t make up the majority. They exist in the most common collegiate realms: shady house parties and sticky dive bars. If you can avoid the guys in these places, you should be okay. Good guys exist, but some of the worse guys tend to use the “nice-guy” façade to get some action.

You’re too smart to fall for that.

Chances are college decisions are to blame for all of your anxiety right now. After all, it probably feels like your entire life up to this moment has lead you to this decision, and the rest of your life will be determined by it. There's the pressure to pick the right school and have your entire future figured out. Then there's the idea that your entire world is going to crumble to pieces if you don't make the right choice. What's a girl to do?!

Take a breather, for one. Sure, choosing a college is most likely the biggest decision that you've ever had to make so far. But trust us when we say that it isn't the biggest decision of your life. Check out these five reasons why you'll be content wherever you decide to go to college!

1. College decisions impact the immediate future, but not necessarily the long-term future.

It’s easy to think that your college decision will entirely determine the course of the rest of your life. However, Judi Robinovitz, certified educational planner and founder of Score At The Top learning centers and schools, believes that this isn’t necessarily the case. "I would say... that the decision of which college to attend is a milestone decision, and the biggest one a senior would have made so far in her short life," Robinovitz says. "However, it’s a decision that impacts the immediate future, not necessarily the long-term future."

Although it's important to make your college decisions wisely, choosing the right college is just a first step. Sure, your college is going to determine how your next four years are going to pan out, who you'll become friends with, who you'll network with, what skills you'll gain and which internships you'll get. But in the long run, college is just the tip of the iceberg: imagine the many more lifelong friends and acquaintances you'll meet, the career that you'll choose and the job decisions that you'll make in your life.

"Choosing a major is probably a much bigger decision as that will determine [students'] future careers," Robinovitz says. "Choosing an internship or job is also a bigger decision as it has not only financial implications, but has the potential to impact many years of work experience and all the skills the student will gain in her career to impact the non-career aspects of her life, such as her social life, self-esteem, social consciousness, etc."

The college that you attend will influence these experiences, but they won't define them. College just lays down the foundation for many more decisions you'll be making in the future.

2. No matter where you go, you'll be able to gain real-world experience.

There will be plenty of resources at any school that will prepare you for life after college and help you make even bigger decisions, like which career path to take. According to Reyna Gobel, a student loan expert and author of CliffsNotes Graduation Debt: How to Manage Student Loans and Live Your Life, students can reach career goals no matter which colleges they attend.

"The biggest and smartest decision a high school student really makes is to put full effort into career exploration," Gobel says. "Whatever school they choose, they need to be in touch with career services and always think about internships. Getting some real-world experience and cementing career goals isn't just important, it's vital."

At most colleges, career centers offer opportunities for students to participate in mock interviews, network with alumni, meet with potential employers, attend resume-building workshops, learn about potential careers and jobs and engage in other activities that prepare them for their dive into the real world, no matter where their starting points are.

3. There are academic and social opportunities at every college.

Every school has its own unique student body and opportunities. No matter which college you end up at, you'll have the chance to explore so many new choices and find your own niche on campus.

"There isn't a school in the world without opportunities," Gobel says. "I would be a different person if I decided to go to the prestigious school I originally planned on attending. It ended up that at the schools I chose, my ambition and experience stood out. I had professors that mentored me."

Gobel believes that you can better create good experiences for yourself by getting to know your professors and the activities offered at your school. Often, more important than your college decision itself is what you decide to do once you’re at college—the clubs you're in, the major you pursue, the friends you make, the classes you take, the activities you're involved in, etc. The important thing is to try new things and find out what you’re passionate about.

4. You'll learn more about yourself no matter which college you attend.

College is a place for self-discovery and self-understanding. Once you step foot on your college campus, you'll be forced to make choices on your own.

"One of the most important lessons a student can learn is independence," Williams says. "While being in college, you are the keeper of your own fate. You are responsible for your education, studies, laundry and health, so you must change your focus to that of an independent person."

The friends you make will tell you more about the kind of person you are. The classes you take will inform you about what you find intellectually engaging. The major you choose will give you an idea of where you can see yourself in life. The activities you participate in will help you discover what you're passionate about. The challenges you tackle will reveal your potential. Living on your own, making your own decisions, discovering who you are and finding out what you want to do with your life are all part of the college experience, no matter which school you attend.

5. It's not the end of the world if your college decision didn't go as planned.

Things will work out in the end even if you didn't get into your dream college. You've probably heard this a million times, but it's worth repeating.

"A student who falls in love with one college to the exclusion of all the other colleges on her list and doesn’t get in will likely have a very hard time accepting the reality of what has happened and may make herself miserable at whatever college she attends," Robinovitz says. "But if she proceeds with an open mind (and open heart) as she’s going through the college-application 'rite of passage,' she’ll be able to adapt to another wonderful college that just may not have been her first choice."

So if you think things didn't work out for you where college decisions were concerned, don't fret; you were accepted into your college because the admissions officers thought you would thrive on campus. Once you get settled in your college environment, make friends, engage in extracurricular activities and immerse yourself in academics, you'll most likely find that those admissions officers were right and your school is actually a really great fit for you, even if it wasn't your top choice.  

Gobel agrees that you should take full advantage of whatever opportunities are available at your school and make the best of it. "I think students sometimes think because they didn't get in or couldn't afford their dream school, their life will be subpar. Wrong," she says. "But it will be if you don't take advantage of what's offered at the school you actually attend."

And even if you end up really regretting your college decision, there’s always the possibility of transferring; nothing is set in stone. Gobel transferred her senior year of college and considers it the best decision she's ever made.

"Don't think once you decide to go to college as a first-year student, you're stuck there forever," Gobel says. "However, don't change schools on a whim. Consider joining different clubs or meeting with an adviser about different majors or coursework. Sometimes it's not the college that's the problem, it's your major or what activities you're pursuing."

As you're mulling over your own college decision, keep in mind that deciding which college to attend is not the most important decision of your life, though it may seem like it is now. More important than the decision itself is what you do at the college you choose to attend. So when you've finally made the best decision that you can make, go celebrate and get excited for life as a collegiette!

We don’t need to tell you that the internship or job hunt is scary.  And with so many qualified collegiettes (and collegents) applying for the same positions, you’ll want to include as much information in your resume as possible to make you stand out from the crowd… right?  Not so fast—not everything should be on your resume!  In fact, some information could actually hurt your chances, not help them.  Get ahead of the curve; check out HC’s tips on what NOT to include on your resume and you’ll get that call back for an interview in no time.

Everything you’ve ever done, ever.

We know, we know—you worked so hard nannying that one summer, and you were employee of the month at your local grocery store two months in a row.  But if you’re applying for an entry-level marketing position, the hiring manager doesn’t need to know all of that.  “Do not add other jobs just to fill the page; go for related experiences,” says Carol Spector, director of career services at Emerson College.  Tailor your resume for each internship or job you apply to so that only experience relevant to that position is listed—a resume from a college student or recent grad should never be longer than one page.  Although it’s tempting to include every part-time job you’ve ever held, every award you’ve ever gotten, and every club you’ve ever been a part of, put only the highlights of your experience on your resume.  After all, as Christy Walker, assistant director of University Career Services at UNC-Chapel Hill, points out, you’ll want to have something left to talk about at an interview!  “The resume is only supposed to be… something to entice the person’s interest so that they can interview you and find out more,” she says.

After you’ve decided what experience is relevant to the position you’re applying for, make sure your descriptions are concise. Use bulletpoints rather than paragraphs to describe your experience.  Tom Dezell, a certified professional resume writer and author of the book Networking for the Novice, Nervous, or Naïve Job Seeker, advises: “Don't make your résumé too long by listing the full details from all of these jobs that have no bearing on the skills required for jobs or internships.  Most employers would view a multi-page résumé from a college student or grad as filled with fluff.” Dezell says that a concise one-page resume will be much more impressive than a two-page resume full of descriptions that may not be relevant. “What will help you is to focus what you list for these jobs on skills learned at these positions that MAY be relevant to a particular job. This shows the employer you've done some research on what a particular job requires, and doing so will make a positive impression,” he says.

Things you did in high school.

If you’re a freshman or sophomore in college, you can still get away with including experience you had in high school on your resume.  However, make sure that the high school experience you include is worthwhile. “(Being the) editor of (your) high school newspaper is worth listing.  Smaller membership in (a) club—not so much,” Spector says. If you’re a freshman or sophomore who received a prestigious award or accolade in high school, such as being a national merit scholar, you can still put those awards on your resume (however, Walker advises against listing SAT scores, even if they were high).

On the other hand, Walker says for juniors, seniors, and recent grads, if “you have things that you’ve done in high school, it’s time to let that go.”  While you may have received impressive awards or accolades in high school, employers want to see what experience you’ve gained in college instead. If you’re a senior whose most important item on her resume is her high school student council position, your resume won’t impress employers.  But if you’re an upperclassman whose college experience isn’t chock full of internships and job experience, don’t worry—and don’t fall back on those high school experiences.  “Instead of putting high school activities, I would put a relevant coursework section,” Walker says. “You can elaborate more on the projects that you’ve done in classes, and that can kind of help pick up the slack a bit.”

Non-action verbs and personal pronouns.

You were the most hardworking, active worker at your past internships and jobs (right?), so use language that shows that!  “You don’t want to say ‘I did this’ or ‘responsible for this and this and this,’” advises Walker.  Instead, use action verbs like “managed” and “led”—it’s surprising how big of an impact a little diction change can have on your resume.  Also, “you’ll always want to get rid of any kind of personal pronouns,” Walker adds. “‘I was in charge of doing such and such and such,’ ‘in our department we did blah blah blah’—you don’t want to use that.”  For example, instead of saying “I was in charge of running the company’s Twitter account,” say “Managed the company’s Twitter account”—the action verb will give your sentence more oomph.

Typos.

It sounds obvious, but always make sure that your resume is free of typos and grammatical errors.  And don’t trust your word processor’s spellchecker—have a friend or career counselor read over your resume to look out for typos that Word might not have found, such as “form” instead of “from,” and the scientific term “activites” instead of “activities.”  And with just an “L” missing, your major in public policy can instantly be transformed into something you’d never want a future employer to see (unless you want to be a gynecologist).

General statements.

“But I really do have good communication skills!”  Of course you do, but instead of listing general statements like “good communication skills” or “good organizational skills” under your “Skills” section, write in your “Experience” section what exactly you did that shows the employer you have those skills. Walker says writing general statements is “kind of putting in your resume: ‘I’m awesome.’  Well, show me how you’re awesome.  Show me what you did that makes you so awesome. If you can demonstrate how you show that you have good communication skills or good organizational skills within the body of the resume, you don’t have to put that.”  A concise list of tasks at your former job or internship that shows how you were organized is a lot more impressive than just saying “I’m organized.”

The same idea goes for the “Objective” section of your resume, if you choose to use one.  Dezell says having an objective on your resume is optional, but can be helpful if used effectively. “‘Seeking an entry-level opportunity in the Accounting Field’ is perfect for a newly degreed accounting major. But don't make a general statement like ‘Seeking an interesting position with a growing company.’ Show me someone who isn't?” he says.

Photos or personal information.

Girl, that’s for Facebook—NOT your resume.  Don’t include a photo if you’re applying for a job in the United States. “(Your) resume is a summary of what you have done and not what you look like,” Spector says. “(It) might be used subjectively before they even meet you.”  However, photos are often used in resumes in Europe, so if you’re applying to a job overseas, you may want to include one.

Don’t include other personal information aside from your contact information, either; as Spector points out, employers could make assumptions about you based on the information you include.  Dezell agrees: “The only time to list hobbies or interests would be if one had a direct correlation with a job applied to.” For example, Dezell says that if you are applying for a job with a sports apparel company such as Under Armour, “indicating a hobby in sports would be helpful on a resume to them. Similarly, if trying to break into performing arts, you would include that you love participating in community theater.” 

Information that was already on the job application.

If you haven’t guessed it by now, your goal should be to make your resume as concise as possible, so don’t be repetitive by using information the employer will already have. If there was a separate application for the position, there’s “no need to include reason(s) for leaving jobs, full addresses, supervisor names and salary information. Employers can get this from you on the application,” Dezell says.

Potentially negative information.

It sounds obvious, but don’t offer any information to an employer that could make you look bad.  We definitely don’t advise lying—or lying by omission—but if there’s something optional for a resume and including that information would hurt you, don’t include it.  Dezell says that listing your GPA is usually optional, so if yours isn’t exactly stellar, don’t put it on your resume unless the employer asks for it.  “In the same vein, even though many students take longer than four years to complete degrees, avoid including dates that reflect this, like high school graduation dates. Once you have a degree, you don't need high school and its graduation date,” he advises.

Crazy formatting and graphics.

It can be hard to stand out from the crowd when everyone and their mother has a black-and-white resume in 12-point Times New Roman font, but trust us—simpler is better when it comes to resume formatting.  “Many resumes will be processed by Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) programs. Excessive formatting like borders and graphics can be a problem for ATS, so keep the formatting simple and basic,” Dezell says.  Even though your resume design may look beautiful and innovative on your computer, it could end up looking like a hot mess after it has been processed.

When it comes to resumes, less is often more—less fluff, less creative formatting, and no irrelevant experience.  Be concise with your resume, avoid the mistakes above, and go shopping for some professional clothes—soon enough you’ll have an interview to prepare for!

New Year’s Eve is right around the corner! So whether you’re gearing up for a girls’ night out, a party with the fam or something in between, these outfit ideas will stop your what-to-wear freak out and get you excited for the biggest party night of the year. Bring out the glitz and the glam and start the New Year off right by showing off your fabulous style!

1. Date Night

Top:Topshop, $72

Skirt:Topshop, $30

Purse:Monsoon, $50

Tights:Daily Look, $16.99

So what if you ate a lot of cookies at your family Christmas party? This outfit is extremely flattering!  Try a skater skirt and sequin top to look festive and fun.

Another great way to add something unique to your New Year’s Eve outfit look is to try different patterned tights.  Of course, classic black ones always look great, but a pattern like this can take your look to the next level. Don’t forget to grab a bag before you head out, like this embellished clutch that matches the outfit perfectly!

2. Girls’ Night Out

Top:American Eagle, $22.48

Shorts:Nasty Gal, $37.20

Necklace:Sole Society, $34.95

Ponytail Holder:Nordstrom, $12

Shoes:Mango, $69.99

Tights: Zara, $15.99

This outfit is perfect for a night downtown with your girlfriends. A bunch of sequins on a pair of shorts never hurt anybody! This isn’t your average winter outfit, but shorts in the winter are fine as long as you have some tights to go with it.

This look is a spin on your classic all-black dressy attire. The gold embellishments make your outfit New-Year’s-Eve-ready. Throw your hair up into a ponytail after you add some curls and the attention will be all on you and your accessories. A gold spiked necklace, a gold ponytail holder and gold embellished heels make this look stand out!

If you’re going to be outside and tights just won’t shield you from the winter chill, don’t think pants are too casual for parties! It’s all about how you dress up your look.

3. Family New Year

Dress:Mango, $39.99

Jacket:Forever 21, $39.80

Tights:Anthropologie, $15

Shoes:Kenneth Cole, $59

Leather jackets are perfect for completing a look and keeping you warm, and let’s face it: unless you’re lucky enough to live on the beach, most of us are subject to the freezing temperatures of December and January.  This black sequined dress is flattering and makes a bold New Year’s Eve statement!  Throw your hair up in a sock bun and try a subtle smoky eye to make a dramatic look. You can even experiment with brightly colored accessories. Most everything goes with silver and gold!

4. Bold New You

Jumpsuit:Dorothy Perkins, $39

Necklace:Zara, $25.99

Shoes:Zara, $49.99

Jacket:Boohoo, $70

If you love being the talk of the party, you’ll adore this look. A jumpsuit is an adventurous and stylish statement piece. To keep warm, complete the look with a sequin jacket or blazer. This outfit definitely speaks for itself, so avoid going overboard with accessories, hair and makeup. A bold statement necklace would be perfect for adding color or glitz and glam.

5. Celebrating with Friends

Top:Boohoo, $36

Pants:Swell, $39.50

Purse:Free People, $68

Wearing an embellished top is a great way to be creative while avoiding ostentation when going to a small get-together with friends or family. Try a sequined purse if you aren’t into pieces with all-over sequins.

There’s no reason to limit yourself to jeans if you’re going with pants! These faux leather pants will make your legs look great and give your outfit more edge.

Don’t forget to paint your nails this New Year’s Eve, either! Lastly, put on some bold and beautiful lipstick to bring color into your black-on-black ensemble.

There are so many ways to show your style and start the New Year off right.  Take advantage of the opportunity to add some glitz and glamour to your outfit, whether it’s at a family get together or a girls’ night out.  Try these awesome looks and you’ll be sure to impress everyone!

Sick of eating cereal and ramen for lunch and dinner? Want to spend less money eating out and finally start cooking for yourself? Put down that frozen pizza, because HC’s Health Editor, Sammie Levin, is here to share her daily eats so you can get ideas for healthy, satisfying meals that are easy enough for any time-strapped collegiette to make. After you read Collegiette Eats, your taste buds, wallet and waistline will thank you.

Breakfast

For breakfast yesterday, I made a baked apple and ate it with a container of vanilla Greek yogurt on the side. It tasted like dessert! It was like a crustless apple pie. 

To make a baked apple, wash and core an apple, being careful not to punch all the way through the apple bottom. Put the apple into an oven safe bowl.  Add ¼ cup apple juice, a handful of old-fashioned oats, some raisins and dried cherries. Dot the top of apple with a pat of butter or margarine. Bake in oven at 375 degrees for 40 minutes or until the apple appears done. If you were eating this for dessert instead of breakfast, I would go for some whipped cream on top or a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fro-yo.

Lunch

For lunch, I made a panini. In high school, I used the panini press all the time to make grilled sandwiches for myself and my friends. I need to get one for my kitchen at school! I mashed ¼ avocado onto two slices of Ezekiel bread and topped with tomato, arugula, turkey and turkey bacon. I then sprayed the outsides of the bread with a little PAM cooking spray and let the sandwich sit on the press until it was grilled.

Dinner

Last night, I was running some errands with my mom at the mall and we ended up getting a quick dinner at the bar of the Cheesecake Factory. The Cheesecake Factory is known for their huge, not-so-low-calorie options, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that they had a very expansive under-500-calorie menu. I was even more pleasantly surprised to find that they served eggs all day—when I saw that, I immediately decided I wanted an omelet. I’m big into breakfast for dinner (brinner). 

I created my own, filled with mushrooms, asparagus, spinach and avocado with grilled tomatoes on the side. I also had some sweet potato fries that came with my mom’s turkey burger. All I need in this life of sin is an order of sweet potato fries every now and then.   

After four tabloid-filled years of marriage, the reality TV star and her NBA husband are officially calling it quits. Amidst the rumors of adultery and drug abuse, Khloé Kardashian Odom filed for divorce from Lamar Odom on Friday, December 13^th.

While many fans predicted this outcome based on the couple’s brief thirty-day courtship prior to getting married, the couple seemed to be happy and in love for the majority of their marriage. On the heels of Kris and Bruce Jenner’s separation after twenty-two years of marriage, this must be an emotional time for the Kardashians. As much as the public enjoys poking fun at this famous family, our hearts go out to Khloé who is rumored to have been struggling with Lamar’s erratic behavior in secret. Who would have thought that Kourtney Kardashian and partner Scott Disick would be the last relationship standing?

What’s not to love about the holidays? From the delicious foods and cheery movie marathons, to belting out Christmas songs and celebrating with family and friends you haven’t seen in weeks, it’s no wonder it’s called the most wonderful time of the year.

But one too many latkes, gingerbread cookies, or mugs of hot cocoa topped with marshmallows and mounds of whipped cream later, your holiday love suddenly turned into love handles. It’s no surprise that we add on a little extra cushion during winter break—on top of all the delicious holiday treats and drinks, the gym becomes less of a priority when we have so many people to see and so many hours of sleep and TV to catch up on (thank you finals). So instead of beating yourself up about it, commit to trying these five fun ways to shed those few unwanted pounds. With spring break looming and the prospect of being in a bikini getting all too real, there’s no better time than right now to get started!

1. Make it a resolution

The only good thing about gaining weight over the holidays is that it comes right around the beginning of the New Year, a perfect time to have a mental fresh start. By making your weight loss a New Year’s resolution, it’ll give you a sense of purpose that will keep you more committed.

The best ways to make a resolution that you’ll actually stick to are to put it in writing and make a set plan. In your resolution, write what you want to achieve and why. That way, you can look back on it and remind yourself of your goal and its payoff when the going gets tough. Rather than make overly strict, unreasonable “rules” to follow, make general guidelines that give you room to make—yet recover from—slip-ups. For example, instead of “no dessert” you could commit to an occasional small dessert and extra cardio in your next workout for whenever you overindulge. Set dates for when you want to accomplish mini-goals—whether that be losing 1 pound or being able to run for 10 minutes longer—so that you can feel accomplished and keep your motivation high. For more ideas for healthy New Year’s resolutions you can actually keep, check out this HC article.

2. Sign up for classes at your campus gym

Gyms on campus often offer weekly classes every semester. Exercise classes are a great way to get back in shape because they offer a high-energy atmosphere and give you set moves so you know exactly what to do. Look into what classes will be offered at your school this semester and sign up for one or a few! Pick something that you’ll actually enjoy doing, whether it’s Zumba or Pilates or Kickboxing, so that you’ll look forward to it every week as a study break. Signing up with a friend or two will make it even more fun and keep you accountable for actually showing up.

If your campus gym doesn't offer any classes, see if there are any classes offered at gyms or studios in the surrounding area. Rachel, a collegiette at Boston College, says she loves taking barre classes at Pure Barre whenever she has a break in her schedule. Barre and yoga studios are popping up everywhere, and some offer student discounts so check ‘em out!

3. Try a workout video

If you don’t like classes because you’re not a fan of working out around lots of people, trekking to the gym, or cramping your budget, then a workout video can get you the same effects! There are plenty of different workout videos offered for free on YouTube, Netflix, or On Demand, or there are video programs you can buy online such as Insanity or P90X. 

Taylor, a sophomore at the University of Michigan, recently started doing Insanity with a friend. Insanity is a 60-day total body-conditioning workout featuring 10 workout DVDs that combine cardio with strength intervals. “It’s a great workout that allows everyone to do cardio at their own level, which makes it really easy to do with friends,” Taylor says. She also adds that it’s really convenient because she can do it in her room or the basement of her house, making it easier to fit into her schedule and better for the cold winter months. “I do it in the winter because I don’t like running in the cold, and it’s a better workout than a treadmill or elliptical,” she says.

4. Sign up for a local race

Signing up for an active event that’s offered through your school or the local community is a fun way to ensure that you get moving. Added bonus: lots of active events combine calorie burning with community service! If your school offers Relay For Life or Dance Marathon, for example, you can raise money for charity while you walk or dance. Many clubs on campus will also sponsor 5k races to raise money, so check out your school’s student activities site to see if anything cool is going on in the next few weeks.

Signing up for a race that will require you to train can be a great motivator—it’ll be harder to make excuses and skip a workout when you know you’ll need it to be able to complete the race. I’m practicing what I preach on this one—my friend and I just signed up for a half marathon in April near our school so that we will be more determined to run several times a week throughout second semester! Never trained for a race before? Check out this HC article on how to train for half and full marathons and this one on how to train for a mud run!

5. Freshen up your diet

With a few extra pounds hanging around in places you don’t want them to be, you may feel bloated and lethargic—or literally weighed down. So in the few weeks that follow your holiday food coma, you’re going to want to eat foods that take away from that feeling, not add to it! It’s important to pay close attention to what you’re eating when you want to lose weight because a healthier diet will not only help you shed pounds, but it’ll also help you feel better in the process. Focus on eating lots of veggies, fruits, lean proteins (like tofu, fish, chicken breast), and whole grains (brown rice, whole wheat bread, oatmeal, quinoa). Try to limit fatty, salty, and sugary foods, as well as packaged foods and refined carbs like white bread and pasta. Small adjustments can make a big difference, so efforts like starting every day with a healthy breakfast or skipping that late-night slice of pizza can go a long way!

So while you may not feel your best upon returning to school after weeks of eating cookies while watching Love Actually for the hundredth time, just know that you can lose that holiday weight in a matter of weeks. Want more tips? Check out this list of 10 weight loss tips that actually work! 

From health care to race relations to gun control, 2013 was an eventful year in the news. Here are some of the top cultural and political stories of the year, as told by the always current and event-savvy Kardashian family.

1. Paula Deen lawsuit

After a former employee filed a racial discrimination and sexual harassment lawsuit against her, celebrity chef Paula Deen was dropped by Food Network.

2. Aaron Hernandez’s arrest

In June, the New England Patriots' tight end Aaron Hernandez was charged with the first-degree murder of his friend Odin Lloyd.

3. Papal transition

In a surprise move, Pope Benedict XVI opted to resign (he was the first pope to do so since 1415), leading to the election of Pope Francis as the new head of the Catholic church. Pope Francis has earned acclaim for his progressive thoughts on contraceptive rights and gay marriage.  

4. North Korea missile threats

Under Kim Jong Un, North Korea defied sanctions to launch nuclear tests, missiles and threats of war.

5. Syria's civil war

Syrian protests evolved into brutal civil war with more than 2 million refugees and more than 100,000 others killed.

6. George Zimmerman trial

On July 13, neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman, who was charged with second-degree murder in the death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, was acquitted of all charges, bringing about acquisitions of racial discrimination.

7. Royal baby birth

With the whole world eagerly awaiting, Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton finally gave birth on July 22 to a healthy baby boy, his Royal Highness Prince George Alexander Louis of Cambridge.

8. Boston Marathon bombing

On April 15, as more than 23,000 runners ran through Boston, two brothers allegedly set off a homemade bomb near the finish line, killing three people and injuring 264 more. Boston fought back, however, as police tracked down the Tsarnaev brothers within days in a massive manhunt, rallying behind its motto, “Boston Strong.”

9. Government shutdown

In the first government shutdown since the mid-1990s, much of the federal bureaucracy came to a grinding halt for more than two weeks in October.

10. Obamacare

Though the Affordable Care Act survived a Supreme Court challenge, the website to sign up for healthcare ended up buckling due to technical glitches.

11. Jodi Arias trial

In a live-streamed, five-month media circus that cost Arizona taxpayers nearly $1.7 million, millions followed the case against Jodi Arias, who was convicted in May of the first-degree murder of her boyfriend Travis Alexander back in 2008. Though she gave several different testimonies, Arias claimed she had been a victim of domestic abuse.

12. The Defense of Marriage Act is ruled unconstitutional

 On June 26, the Supreme Court struck down the federal law defining marriage as between a man and a woman, clearing the way for gay marriage throughout the U.S.

As New Year’s Eve approaches, it’s the first thought that pops into every girl’s head: “Who will I kiss when the clock strikes midnight?” The age-old tradition of a New Year’s kiss brings couples closer together or allows single people everywhere to escape loneliness for the New Year. Whether you’re ringing in 2014 with a longtime boyfriend or hitting up a party with your single friends, New Year’s Eve is the perfect opportunity for spontaneous romance! Here are a few reasons why it’s fun to have a New Year’s kiss.

1. You can set a positive (and romantic!) tone for 2014.

2. You can score a cute picture for Instagram.

3. You can finally make a move on the guy you like.

4. You can feel like the star of your own personal rom-com.

5. You can forget about the hard year you’ve had.

6. You can have a great story to tell later.

7. You can strengthen the bond between you and your significant other.

8. You can escape the superstition of loneliness for the New Year.

9. You can put your new lipstick to use.

10. You can feel like your cute outfit is being appreciated.

11. You can stop complaining about being forever alone.

12. You can get away from the snack table.

13. You can have someone to warm you up in the cold.

14. You can tune out the blaring television and music playing.

15. You can forget that you weren’t kissed under the mistletoe this Christmas.

16. You can feel spontaneous.

17. You can pretend to be Gabriella and Troy from High School Musical.

18. You can pretend to be Marissa and Ryan from The O.C.

19. You can burn calories.

20. You can try to break the world’s longest kiss record of 58 hours, 35 minutes and 58 seconds (but don’t blame us if your host gets annoyed).

21. You can boost your self-esteem.

22. You can end a boring conversation.

23. You can reassure yourself that you are a good kisser.

24. You can make your friends jealous.

25. You can make your ex-boyfriend jealous.

26. You can say goodbye to 2013.

Why are you excited to get a New Year’s kiss this year, collegiettes? Let us know in the comments below!

Rejection sucks. Whether it’s a guy, friend, or college telling you “no,” it’s bound to sting at least a little bit. College rejections in particular can be especially painful, especially if you’ve just gotten turned down from your dream university or college. While you can’t control a school’s decision, you can control how you handle it in four easy steps.  

Step one: Give yourself time to wallow.

Remember that episode of Gilmore Girls where Rory refuses to spend the day wallowing after her first break-up with Dean, but breaks down anyways at a point? The same will happen if you refuse to acknowledge or accept the reality of the admissions office’s decision.

“Give yourself a day or two to mourn, then be ready to move on,” advises Susan Sykes, owner of SS Advising, a private college counseling service. Spend a day or two trying to move on or focusing on other things, while still allowing yourself to feel a little sad or regretful about the decision. If you’re having a hard time getting over a particular rejection, think about talking it over with a close friend or parent, writing or blogging about it, or trying one of these other ways to deal.

It’s a bit clichéd, but always remember that an admissions decision shouldn’t be taken personally. Whoever reviewed your application only got to know a little sliver of who you actually are, so their thoughts on whether or not you’re a good fit for their school aren’t a direct personal reflection of your talents and abilities. “It’s as much about what the college needs as well as what the student wants,” says Sykes. “Always bear in mind that this process isn’t directly about you.”

Step two: Decide how you’ll respond to people who ask about acceptances.

It’s totally up to you how much you want to share about your college admissions experience so far with anyone who asks, whether it’s a friend, relative, teacher, or anyone else who might ask where you’ve heard back from and whether or not you’ve been accepted.

If you want to completely defer the question, simply make a graceful exit by saying you need to get to your next class if you’re at school, need a food or drink refill at a holiday gathering, or another convenient excuse. If you’re super worried about dodging the question, it wouldn’t hurt to have an excuse at the ready before you even walk in the door. Be polite, be gracious, and hopefully no one will push you to respond to something you’re not comfortable discussing just yet.

If someone is relentlessly asking you about a decision, you can always give a quick, “I didn’t get into that school, but I applied at these other places/am applying regular decision/am looking for other options. Shifting the conversation towards the next steps you’re taking will hopefully steer the conversation in a direction you’re more comfortable with.

You can also answer by focusing on your successes. Talk about where you’ve gotten in already, and some of the merits at those particular universities, if you've already gotten into other schools. If you haven’t heard back from any schools yet, you can always share how excited you are to hear back from a few you’ve applied at and talk about that instead.

Another option is to remain vague about your future plans. If you’re not comfortable talking about a certain school’s decision, you can always shift the conversation and focus on how you’re excited to study a particular subject, join a certain club or activity, or something else related to college in general instead of a specific college or university. This might even prove to be a more exciting conversation.

Finally, you can always talk about your senior year or what you’re currently up to if you absolutely don’t want to talk about college at all. Mention how you’re enjoying senior classes, what’s going on with different clubs or teams you’re a part of, or ask the other person what’s happening in their life. It never hurts to focus on the “now” instead of worrying about the future!

Step three: Start thinking about other options.

If you’re not ready to give up on the idea of X College or Y University just yet, there are a few things you can think about, especially if it’s related to an early decision or early action application or if you’ve been waitlisted.

Consider petitioning your admissions decision. Sykes advises pursing this path only if you have new information to include with your petition though, like higher ACT or SAT scores, a huge improvement in grades from one quarter to another with an explanation of why this happened, or a big achievement that could tip a decision in your favor. “It’s best to [petition] only with your counselor’s backing,” Sykes recommends. Turn to them for help if this is the path you want to pursue to contest an admissions decision and give your dream school another shot. New information could be beneficial if you’re stuck on a waitlist as well.

Step four: Find a new school to get excited about, and move on.

Ultimately, most collegiettes will have to deal with rejection. “It’s important to know it’s going to happen and be ready for it,” says Sykes. That doesn’t make it any easier, but after you’ve sulked about it for a bit, it’s best to toss those brochures and admissions packets in the recycling and start looking at other places you’ve applied. After all, there are tons of places out there dying to invite bright, brilliant students into their incoming class. “It’s important for students to remember that there’s more than one good fit college,” adds Sykes.

If you only applied to a few places or get rejected from the only schools you’re interested in, you can always think about transferring after a semester or year at a different university, or taking a gap year and applying again. Experiences as a result from both of these processes could also tip a decision in your favor later down the road. Both of these decisions have significant pros and cons though and aren’t decisions that can or should be made on a whim, so don’t make this your go-to option when thinking about how to deal with rejection.

Hopefully, you’ve got several other options to consider. The best thing you can do once you’ve been rejected and have had a few days to process the decision is to start moving onto other possibilities. Says Sykes, “It’s important to be in a position to take charge of the process.” Have any other last-minute applications ready to go, and be ready and willing to pursue other options. Keep a positive attitude, and be ready and willing to move on.

While you probably won’t get over a less-than-awesome decision from any school you applied to in a day, the sting will eventually disappear. Keep your head up, and keep looking for other awesome options. Remember, there’s always a school that would love to have you!