The next fun dates on the calendar for math lovers. [Smithsonian Magazine]

The secret to a long life? Having awesome friends! [YourTango]

What got added to the dictionary this year? [Newser]

12 ‘WTF’ moments of 2014. [PopSugar]

What happens to your body during a cleanse or detox. [Lifehacker]

Lessons in love from sassy grandmothers. [Bustle]

How Mindy Lahiri are you? [BuzzFeed]

What not to do during a job interview. [The Huffington Post]

Like stand-up comedy? Here are the best comedy specials of 2014. [New York Magazine]

Kate Middleton gives side eye like only a princess can. [Jezebel]

There's nothing like going to holiday parties. We get to don our fanciest dresses, do our makeup extra special and wear those sparkly heels we don't have an opportunity to show off any other time of the year. Getting ready from head to to also means making sure we have a perfect manicure—but don't just stop there! Make your entire look completely cohesive by paying attention to the details, and matching your mani to your night-out clutch. Check out our favorite combinations below!

1. Nailed it

A grey envelope clutch creates an air of sophistication with faux leather and metallic trim. Paint your nails with a silver polish for a metallic mani to match. This combo will look good with any dress in your closet!

• Forever 21 Side-Zip Envelop Clutch ($19.90)
• OPI Unfrost My Heart ($6.25)
• Sinful Colors Queen of Beauty ($4.39)

2. Blissfully beaded

Add some texture to your outfit with a beautiful beaded box clutch. Swipe on a frosted pink polish for an effortlessly stylish mani that creates a sweet and elegant combination.

• Zara Beaded Box Clutch ($79.90)
• Essie Curtain Call ($8.50)

3. Mermaid tail

For a pop of color while wearing that LBD, carry a fun sequin clutch that also doubles as a crossbody bag. To give your nails some shimmer too, use a black base with iridescent glitter on top.

• Deux Lux Ariel Convertible Sequin Clutch ($68)
• Revlon Moon Dust ($4.79)

4. Modern metallics

Metallics are always big around the holidays, and a bronze and silver snakeskin-inspired clutch only amps up the trend. Add some bronze polish to your nails for a magnificently matching mani!

• Luxor Convertible Dome Clutch ($25)
• Revlon Copper Penny ($4.99)

5. Glitzy neutrals

It sounds like an anomaly—how can neutral colors possibly be glitzy? Well a color-blocked, studded clutch does the trick! Pair it with sleek grey or nude polish and you're ready for a glamorous night with friends.

• Aldo Luvian ($35)
• Essie Chinchilly ($8.50)
• OPI No Bees Please ($9.25)

With these gorgeous combinations, you'll be ready for every holiday party on your busy social calendar this season!

Dorm décor can be tricky. With the restrictions that many dorms enforce and the often bland color palettes, it’s difficult to find ways to make your room pop. And if you’re like us, the haul of clothes you bring with you each semester makes those tiny closets seem even smaller. So, when you head back to your dorm after winter break, why not display your chicest threads to dress up your room? We’ve compiled some of our favorite ideas below for you to try out!

1. Make more room for your clothes

Ever think about extending your closet space into your bedroom? You don’t even need to put nails in the walls for this one. Just get a cute rod and two Command hooks to attach to the wall. Voilà! Your very own DIY clothing rack. This saves floor space that a rolling rack would take up, and you can add details like twinkle lights to make it look absolutely whimsical.

2. Repurpose photo frames

Your well-meaning aunts and high school friends will no doubt be gifting an abundance of picture frames this holiday season. Why not use them to display your favorite jewelry? Take out the glass and replace it with wire mesh to keep your earrings in, stick small hooks to the face of the frame to hang necklaces and bracelets from or if you want to keep photos in the frame, hang your baubles from the corners.

3. Display your scarves

Since you'll definitely be needing plenty of cozy scarves during these chilly months, keep them easily accessible while showing off your impeccable style. Hang a wire hanger from your wall and loop your scarves around it—you can even switch up the order of the colors to keep the décor in your room looking fresh! 

4. Hang your heels up

Who knew that a ladder could easily display your accessories in a fashionable and fun way? Prop it up against an empty wall, and it becomes the perfect place to hang everything from scarves to heels!

5. Use chic hangers

Not all hangers are created equal! If you have blank wall space in your room, you can buy adorable hangers, like these cloud ones (find similarly cute ones from Dormify for just $20!) and hang them on hooks or knobs. Organize your outfits for the upcoming week on these hangers so you don’t have to think about what to wear when you get up late and only have minutes to get ready for class.

6. Show off your favorite shoes

An empty bookcase + a standout shoe collection = a great way to display your favorite kicks! This one is pretty self-explanatory. Instead of just throwing all your shoes in the floor of your likely already-cluttered closet, this will have all your roomies begging to borrow them!

7. Take inspiration from top designers

You may think only clothing designers need dressmaker busts, but you can invest in one to show off your favorite party dress—you know, the one you love but don't have enough of an opportunity to wear. Simple and decorative!

8. Do some DIY

This DIY display was meant for jewelry, but we love the idea of hanging purses from it, too. You’ll need a wood panel that you can attach hooks to. Paint it in your favorite color and stand it up against the wall so your purses will be organized and easy to find!

What fun ways have you decorated your dorm rooms, collegiettes? 

When you and your boyfriend are facing an issue, it can be tough to figure out what's fixable and what's an ongoing problem that won't improve. After all, you're so wrapped up in the situation, how can you see it clearly? For times when you're not sure what to do, read these 9 reasons it's time to dump him.

1. He doesn't support your goals

What did Aretha Franklin teach you? R-E-S-P-E-C-T! If your boyfriend doesn't respect or support your goals or values, it's time to kick him to the curb. “When I was with my ex-boyfriend, I was so excited to cover my first fashion show for my blog,” says Kelsey Mulvey, a collegiette from Boston University. “Instead of supporting me and cheering me on, he barely cared. How are you supposed to be happy with someone if they aren't a part of your fan club?”

A truly supportive boyfriend should act as your own professional cheer squad – that means everything from coming to watch your volleyball championship game to sending you a good luck text before your orgo final, even if he hates sports and is equally as swamped with studying.

Stephanie Welling, a student at Chatham University, hits the nail on the head: “If the person I'm dating has no apparent respect for me, then I have no time for them.”

2. He doesn't make an effort to get along with your friends

In a perfect world, your best friend and your boyfriend would love each other just as much as you love them. While that's not always the case, your boyfriend should at least make an effort to get along. Kelsey says, “My ex-boyfriend (the same ex... what a winner, right?) had a really hard time getting along with some of my friends. He tried to pit me against my friends and, as a person who puts her friends first, I'll never tolerate that behavior again.”

Even if they aren't best buds, your boyfriend should be willing to hang out with your crew from time to time – and at least as often as you hang out with his friends! If he can't manage to do that, well, you know what's coming next: chicks before d*cks, remember?

3. He doesn't make time for you

Does this texting conversation look familiar?

You (1:09 PM): hey, want to get dinner tonight?
Him (2:37 PM): not sure if i'm free
You (2:39 PM): oh, well if you are, i was planning on going to the dining hall at 6
You (5:50 PM): just letting you know i'm leaving my dorm now! hope to see you there
Him (10:20 PM): sorry, something came up

Even Prince Charming might occasionally forget to reply to a text or be forced to cancel plans when something school-related pops up. But if you're never able to pin down your guy to hang out, that doesn't give you much time to develop an actual relationship. This kind of guy typically isn't looking for anything more than a booty call. If you're looking for more than that, it's time to pass.

Katrina Margolis from the University of Virginia used to be in this frustrating situation. “He would only come over when it was convenient for him, and even if he did stay the night, he would leave at 5 AM,” she says. “If a guy can't make time for you, he's definitely not worth your time.”

4. He's constantly clingy

Is your Stage Five Clinger suffocating you? A clingy boyfriend might be awesome at first (I mean, who doesn't like to be showered with attention? But before long, the Stage Five Clinger will pout every time you're with your friends instead of him or you need a night to yourself. If you're finding it hard to breathe, sit down and let your guy know (nicely, of course). Try initiating the conversation with, “I love spending time with you, but I also need time for myself, too. Don't take it personally if I can't hang out all the time.” If he still isn't getting the message, it may be time to move on. If you only hang out with your boyfriend day after day, that ultimately takes a toll on other parts of your life: you might start to neglect your friends or become co-dependent on him. 

5. One of you will be studying abroad

Imagine this scenario: you're at a bar in Madrid with a very attractive Spanish boy with an adorable accent and... oh, wait, your boyfriend is at home? Oh, never mind, hot Spanish boy. Adios.

Some couples split up prior to studying abroad for this very reason. When you're thousands of miles apart for months at a time, it can be tough to maintain a long-distance relationship. Once you or your boyfriend finalizes the decision to go abroad, sit down to have a serious conversation about whether or not to stay together. Going abroad isn't necessarily the death knell of a relationship, but unless both people involved are fully committed to making it work, it's likely to fizzle out. It's possible to survive a semester abroad with your relationship intact, but talk over all sides of the issue together before making a final decision.

6. He isn't enthusiastic about starting a relationship

If you're in the middle of an awkward “defining the relationship” talk, it can be easy to overlook potential red flags. Unless his answer to, “Do you want to be official?” is an enthusiastic, resounding, “Yes!” it's time to reconsider your budding relationship. You should both be excited to date each other; starting off on a less-than-thrilled foot means your relationship is only going to go downhill from here. We hate to dish out tough love, but he might just not be that into you. After all, you're young and there will be plenty of other suitors to bang down your door. Why limit yourself to a guy who doesn't share your feelings?

7. You can't trust him

No one likes a liar. If he gives off a sketchy vibe when explaining that he and his new friend Alyssa are just friends (“Really, I swear!”) or, worse, is caught red-handed in a lie, it's time to dump him. Kathryn*, a collegiette at NYU, points out, “If you can't trust him, then there really isn't a relationship in the first place, because relationships should be built on trust.”

Red flags for this kind of guy include a history of cheating or lying. It's definitely worth talking to your guy to see if you can get the story straight. If not, consider carefully whether you would still be able to trust him in the future.

8. You're stuck in an on-again, off-again relationship

On-again, off-again relationships are so appealing because they work like a safety net: when you need him, he'll be there again. But if seeing each other isn't as much fun as it used to be, or worse, you can't stop bickering all the time, it might be time to break up. The trouble with revolving door relationships is that you can't ever truly move on from your guy until the break-up is final. If you're having trouble saying goodbye, consider cutting off communication for a certain period of time – a semester or a year, maybe – until you've both fully moved on.

This can be especially scary when you're feeling comfortable in your relationship and are afraid to lose him. Moving on is bittersweet. You'll miss him at first, but then you get to experience something or someone totally new and exciting again.

9. You don't see a future together

When Her Campus surveyed more than 2,500 college girls across the country about sex, love, and dating in 2012, we found that 46.5 percent of you want to get married between the ages of 25 and 27. That might feel light-years away... or it might feel alarmingly close! “I date to eventually (way eventually!) find the person I want to marry. I feel like staying in a relationship you know is going nowhere is just wasting your and his time,” says Sydney*, a student at the University of North Alabama.

Even if you don't want to get married any time soon, it's worth considering if you two have a future together. Disagreements over small issues, like whether your kids will be raised as diehard Red Sox fans or devout Yankee fans, will eventually blow over. But if his idea of heaven is moving to a rural farm out west immediately after graduation and your heart belongs in New York City, you might want to consider separating at some point down the road.

Breaking up isn't fun in the moment, but it might be right for you in the long run. When one door closes, another door opens. Who knows what will happen next?

*Names have been changed

Traveling soon? Whether you plan on hopping on a plane or hitting the road with the family, if there's one thing you need to have in tow, it's your beauty routine. Instead of chucking your compacts and bottles into a ziplock bag, try some of these cute and useful travel beauty cases. They'll keep your luggage tidy—and you'll be traveling in style this winter!

1. French-girl beauty

izak Cosmetic Case - Je Suis Belle, $44, bloomingdales.com 

This train case is beyond chic. The PVC material is ideal for beauty products because any mess can easily be wiped off. There are three interior pockets to help organize your trip, and the artsy picture on the bag will remind you to pack that va-va-voom red lipstick!

2. Eco-friendly

Apple & Bee "NM is for Neiman Marcus" Cosmetic Bag, $18, neimanmarcus.com

This cute travel bag is perfect for the eco-conscious collegiette. Made of biodegradable materials with cotton lining, this is perfect to chuck into any large tote or weekender bag. There is just enough room to fit all your essentials!

3. Classic chic

Sephora Collection The Artful Traveler, $26, sephora.com

Is there anything worse than opening your suitcase to find your favorite brush smushed and ruined? This quilted pleather brush roll from Sephora easily solves your problems. There's a slot for every brush and even a zippered compartment for small things like your eyelash curler or eyeliner.

4. Expandable

Basics Medium Expandable Train Case, $10.50, ulta.com

Zip up the bottom level to downsize for a weekend getaway or unzip to accomodate for a long holiday abroad. This fun, brightly-colored makeup case can work in any situation to either squeeze into your already-full carry-on or expand to fit in those large but necessary eyeshadow palettes.

5. TSA-approved

Basics Black 3 Pc Travel Pouch, $15, ulta.com

Stay super organized with this 3-piece travel kit. You can designate pink to be eye makeup and black to be skincare, or just take one of the three pieces if you pack super light! The durable material is perfect for tossing into a duffle bag while the large clear pouch is perfect for airport security.

6. All-in-one

Flight 001 'To Go' Flight Friendly Bottles and Jars, $18, nordstrom.com

Speaking of airport security, frequent fliers should definitely pick up this must-have travel bag. With two snap-top bottles, two plastic jars, a dropper bottle, a mister spray, a circle tube bottle and handy ID labels, what more could you need? Everything is under 3 oz, which is really all you need for a quick holiday anyways. This will make traveling beyond easy. 

7. Stay classic

Trish McEvoy Petite Double Zip Planner, $65, saksfifthavenue.com

Remember those large binders you had for middle school that would hold everything you needed? This is the makeup version but with a sleek, black quilted design. You'll find room for brushes, compacts, pencils—whatever your essentials are. It's a bit on the pricey side—early Christmas present, anyone?

With these travel must-haves, you'll keep all your beloved beauty products all in one place—in the chicest way!

The word “normal” never sat well with me when I was growing up. Whether it was with sports, homework, or even family game night, I always wanted to stand out from the crowd. For the longest time I fought to be anything but normal—but now, normal is all I crave to be.

I can still remember when it was time to start thinking about college. It was the year I had to miss over forty days of school. For most high school students, junior year is the time when your GPA matters that much more, when teachers start grilling you with questions about college and when you’re stressing about applications. Like any other high school student, I was dealing with all of that—but this was also the year I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease.

Crohn’s disease is a form of inflammatory bowel disease. The way that I always describe it to my friends is that on most days, I have significant stomachaches that just don’t go away. It seems silly to describe it in such simple terms, and it can be hard for others to understand just how much the stomachaches can affect my day-to-day life—in my case, I also get daily flair-ups of intense nausea that can last for days.

When I was first diagnosed, I was in constant denial. I was healthy, right? This couldn’t be right. But doctors soon insisted on new medications, multiple tests and strict changes to my diet. I was frustrated, though, and fought any decision that had to be made in the process, even though I knew in the back of my mind they could probably help. With few answers from my doctors and as my constant pain went nowhere, my frustration grew.

I went away to college for my fall semester in 2011, and I couldn’t have been more excited. This was a place where nobody knew me as the girl who was sick all the time.  I had a clean slate with an entirely new community. I craved the entire college experience, and I wanted it in every way possible. At first I joined multiple clubs and I started going out with large groups of friends. What I was choosing to ignore in all of my excitement, however, was just how ill I was starting to feel.

As the year continued most college students started to worry about gaining that dreaded “freshman fifteen.” Meanwhile, I was starting to feel the effects of a deteriorating body. My body was unable to retain sustenance due to the blockages that had formed in my small intestine. I was losing weight quickly, and it became noticeable in my appearance. The more I pushed myself, the worse I felt. But slowing down in school was something I would have though of as failure; and because failure has never been an option in my eyes, I pushed on through the nagging pain.

Eventually, though I wanted nothing more than to feel strong enough to go socialize or join a new club, all I could focus on was making it through the bare minimum each day. I felt weak and needed to rest in bed most days. Even making it out of dorms and all the way to classes felt like a physical struggle—but I still managed to maintain high grades in all of my courses.

I ignored the pain, and for a while, that worked. But I learned the hard way that when it comes to Crohn’s, it’s important to address the illness right away as soon as you’re not feeling well—otherwise, the pain will come back and hit you even harder.

I made it through my first year, but going into my sophomore year, I was at my worst both physically and mentally. My illness was dragging me down—it affected me so much that even my personality changed. I went from being that sarcastic-yet-kind girl to a totally negative version of myself. I realized I had let my Crohn’s take over—I had resigned to thinking there was nothing I could do but stay in constant pain.

That year, my doctors decided to do surgery on my small intestine to help relieve some of the damage and scar tissue that was in my intestine after the years of distress it had been in. Unfortunately, the surgery had to take place two weeks before my final exams that fall semester—but that turned out to be a blessing in disguise. I was confident that I could take my final exams early and get them out of the way before my surgery, but when I went to speak to the assistant dean about my plan, she had a different idea, suggesting that I take a medical leave of absence instead—which I knew would set me back on my goals of graduating on time. The administration had never dealt with a case like mine before, and much to my disappointment, they didn’t feel I could perform well on exams if I ended my semester two weeks early. It made me feel like they associated my illness with weakness.

This frustration fueled my fire—I like to think of myself as a strong, confident young woman, and I was even more determined to show that I could do this without setting my education back. I went ahead and spoke with each of my professors individually, and set up dates with them to take my finals ahead of time and turn in any last assignments with earlier deadlines. Fortunately, they responded well and were both accommodating and grateful that I was taking care of this ahead of time. Despite my consistently progressing disease and the worsening of my health, I pushed ahead, maintaining my high GPA and finishing my semester successfully.

Winter break is a time for family, friends and of course, rest and relaxation—but my rest was for a whole different reason. I’d had two and a half feet of my small intestine removed at the beginning of break, and recovery was no simply task—in fact, it was one of the hardest things I’d ever faced. What I thought would take around six weeks took closer to six months for me to really get back to my true self. Even though I was back up and walking and able to leave the hospital days earlier than anticipated, the weight loss I had experienced earlier on had reached a frightening low, I was at only ninety-eight pounds when I left the hospital, so frail I didn’t think I could even walk from class to class, and it took a long time for my body to get back to a weight that could be considered healthy.  

But no matter what, I only used this as motivation to make changes in my life. I decided to leave my old school, which didn’t have the tools to support me, and found a new one that could. Not only does my school now help me overcome some of my daily struggles, it’s also encouraging of what I am able to accomplish. Not only that, I’ve met amazing people who make an effort to understand my illness. I feel like I can finally show who I really am, rather than the person that my Crohn’s was projecting.

This new environment gave me the chance to grow further—and I took every opportunity to become more involved on campus. Even as transfer student, I was named the Advertising Club’s president for the upcoming year and I also landed my dream internship with a prestigious, emerging travel company.

Each day is still a struggle, but I have found better ways to manage my Crohn’s and a university with the tools to help. Transferring after surgery gave me the hope I needed for the normalcy I am always seeking. I can finally see my future without the goggles of my chronic illness. I see who I want to be, and I see where I want to go. I may not know the details exactly, but one thing I do know is that I no longer live with my Crohn’s; my Crohn’s now has to live with me.

Do you have a story to share? Submit your story to Her Story!

When it comes to the business world, we ladies have to work twice as hard. Leave it up to three business school students to highlight the gender bias through one of the best parodies we’ve seen all year. The trio is part of a student-run club called CBS Follies at the Columbia Business School, and they transformed Meghan Trainor’s hit single, “All About that Bass,” into a power anthem that shows women doing what they do best: Being a boss. Here are the top 5 reasons we love their feminist version!

1. “Getting called b*tch means I’m doing something right”

The b-word is often used as a way to tear women down. If you’re a b*tch you’re too bossy. Transforming the word b*tch into a positive statement is a powerful thing. Instead of letting mean words get to you, always remember that you are just as important as your male co-workers. B*tches get stuff done.

2.  “I’m told acting like [a dude] is not what ladies do”

As in the case with the "cool girl," females are given a hard time for liking "guy stuff." On the other hand, a girly-girl has a hard time being taken seriously. Being ladylike has nothing to do with your ability to be in charge. Business b*tches can be girly, chill and professional. You do you.

3. “Overqualified but I don’t get respected”

Look around at your classmates. Most likely, a majority of them are females. More and more women are graduating college and seeking higher-level education. And yet, women aren’t treated the same as their male co-workers. All we want is equality and a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

4. “When we pitch a business, get a fraction of the cash”

Females who have the same education as men earn less. And we don’t see how that’s fair. The wage gap can be discouraging for females entering the workplace. But, there are strategies you can learn to help negotiate higher pay. Because you’re worth it.

5. “But I’ll launch half the start-ups and kick all the a**”

Female entrepreneurs have been having an awesome year. Arianna Huffington, Tory Burch and Sara Blakely have proven that women have the power to shape the future. And so can you.

Fashion partnerships always excite me, especially when they make high-end fashion affordable. Miss Me’s partnership with high-end jewelry designer Dominique Cohen is just that: high-end fashion at a price-point we can afford.

What really excited me about this project is that not only did Dominique Cohen design jewelry inspired by Miss Me, but she also designed four pairs of premium denim, including the Dominique Cohen for Miss Me Moto Babe Skinny Jeans which I was immediately drawn to. Initially it had everything I always want in jeans: some elastic, skinny style and dark. And on top of that it had Dominique’s flair, with layers of grommets and crystals along the thigh (in a flattering way!) complete with a Swarovski crystal button at the fly.

While I paired this outfit with the Double or Nothing Zip Hoodie from Miss Me, which dressed it down a bit, I actually think these jeans would pair best with the sparkly “Peasantly Surprised” top seen here. The sparkle on the top of that Miss Me top with the embellishments along the thighs of the Dominique Cohen jeans would be perfect for a holiday party.

Now, what is a holiday party outfit without the perfect accessories? I paired the Moto Babe Skinny Jeans and Double or Nothing Zip Hoodie with the Dominique Cohen for Miss Me Bangle Bracelet Set in this gorgeous rose gold. Perfection! I love mixed style bangles and I’m a sucker for anything in rose gold. There is clearly a reason why Dominique Cohen is such a revered jewelry designer!

For more on Miss Me, make sure to follow them on Google+, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram! 

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Miss Me for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

So you just got into this fantastic college that makes your parents sigh with relief. There's just one catch—you're an out-of-state student, and the tuition that you have to pay makes you cringe every time you look at the long line of digits. If you cry a little inside just thinking about what could've been if your parents had just picked a different state to live in, you've come to the right place. Check out these four ways to get in-state tuition even when you're from out of state!

1. Ask colleges in neighboring states for reduced tuition

Neighbors help neighbors out, even when it comes to college tuition. If you've been accepted to a college in a neighboring state, it's worth a try to call the college's financial aid office and see if the college provides lower tuition costs for students who live in neighboring states or who live close to the state border.

If you're lucky, your neighbor might really know how to lend a helping hand! According to Mark Kantrowitz, student financial aid expert and senior vice president of financial aid help website Edvisors, in-state tuition can be as little as a third of out-of-state tuition. That's a lot of savings!

2. Look for a regional exchange program

Regional exchange programs also act like friendly neighbors, but on a much larger scale. They're financial aid programs that reduce out-of-state tuition for students attending school in a certain region.

"Sometimes a group of nearby states enter into agreements where students in adjacent states can get in-state tuition rates," Kantrowitz says. "Sometimes this is restricted to academic programs and majors that are not available in the student's home state."

Programs that waive the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition for students who qualify include the National Student Exchange, Academic Common Market, Midwest Student Exchange Program, the New England Board of Higher Education and Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education.

Pay close attention to the programs' deadlines, guidelines about eligible major choices, academic requirements and capacity limits, because they can differ for each program! With a little research, you'll be saving big bucks in no time.

3. Establish residency

If you want to get in-state tuition for a certain college, why not just become a resident? While it's notoriously difficult to establish residency for tuition reduction purposes, it's certainly possible. If you are fully dedicated and play your cards right, you could end up qualifying as an in-state student through establishing residency. Just make sure that it truly makes sense for you, especially when it comes to saving money, because moving can be a huge expense and commitment.

"In-state tuition isn't for just anybody who wants it," says Jake Wells, founder of In-State Angels, which offers articles, resources, products and services related to learning about and earning in-state tuition. "After all, who wouldn't prefer paying 60 percent less or so for the same education by earning in-state tuition? If a person simply moves to a new state just to attend college, that doesn't cut it." 

In order to not seem like the person who's obviously moving to get in-state tuition, there are basics to consider: According to Kantrowitz, most states require an in-state student to be a state resident for at least 12 continuous months prior to enrollment, and for others, it’s 24 months. In addition, if you're a dependent student, your custodial parent also has to reside in the state.

But then things can get a bit more complicated. In-state residency requires first and foremost a true intent to become a permanent resident of a new state, according to Wells. This entails establishing ties to the new state, like opening a local bank account, severing ties to the former state and establishing a varying degree of financial independence (demonstrated through tax independence from parents who live in the state, employment, loans, etc.) depending on the state and university in question.  

"The college will want to see a preponderance of evidence that the student is indeed a state resident, and for purposes other than just qualifying for in-state tuition," Kantrowitz says. "A student is more likely to qualify for in-state tuition if the student (or parent, if the student is a dependent student) moved to the state for a job; has strong ties to family living in the state; pays taxes as a state resident; gets a library card in the state; gets a state driver's license in the state; registers his/her cars in the state; votes in the state; graduated from a high school in the state [and], if the student/parent has hunting and fishing licenses, gets them in the state, etc."

Remember that every state has its own rules and regulations, and every college within each state has its own interpretations, so it's necessary to do research—and tons of it.

"The College Board has a good list of each state’s residency requirements," says Ryan Luse, an independent education consultant at Suzanne Luse and Associates. "FinAid.org is also a good resource to find out about a specific state’s methods. I also recommend always checking the college’s website, although sometimes information about the cost and residency for tuition purposes can be a bit of a scavenger hunt, as colleges tend to sometimes hide the financial details."

This FinAid webpage has the links to individual state residency requirements for every state. Make sure you know exactly what to do to establish residency and you have ample proof along the way. Even then, there can be a lot of pitfalls. According to Wells, common mistakes include misunderstanding fundamental requirements, failing to adhere to deadlines, trivializing certain parts of the process that seem non-essential and failing to officially document things like employment, loans, savings and income. At some schools, the petition including all evidence and documentation of your in-state status can be upwards of 300 pages.

"If it were a piece of cake, then there wouldn't be around 2 million out-of-state college students," Wells says. "In general, it's an intensive and paperwork-heavy process commonly spanning over a year or more. It's a process that you either take seriously and do 100 percent, or you might as well not even try—doing a halfway job is a waste of time."

Nevertheless, if you're fully dedicated and have researched, strategized and documented like crazy, you might just be able to make this all work and finally gain that hard-to-obtain status of in-state student.

 4. You or your parents work for the college, state or government

It would be a miracle if your parents had the power to suddenly change jobs on a whim, but if your parents just so happen to work as state employees, faculty or staff at a college, members of the military, law enforcement or firefighters, you may be able to receive a tuition waiver or tuition remission.

"Most states have exceptions in their state residency rules for veterans," Kantrowitz says. "There are also exceptions, depending on the state, for children of first responders (police, fire, EMT), especially those who died in the line of duty."

So while a lot of the programs are based on geography, there are others that are linked to employment as well. It wouldn't hurt to do some research, and who knows? Maybe your parent might just be the answer to your tuition headaches.

With a lot of research and determination, you'll be on your way to lowering your tuition! It won't be easy, but if you put the hard work into it, it’ll be worth it.

Family gatherings during the holidays are always a little weird, but at least the discomfort is over when the last guest leaves. The poor people in these family portraits get to relive that awkwardness every day thanks to the Internet and whoever's bright idea it was to capture these unbearable moments on camera.

1. "You say you've been a good boy this year? Liar, liar, pants on--well, this is awkward."

2. We think this could double as a family Valentine's Day card (but it'd be even better if Mom could find a matching Cupid's outfit... that wasn't topless, preferably).

3. This family portrait is an innovative take on country-club-meets-Indiana-Jones (in the best way possible). The kid even throws in a jazz hand for extra pizzazz!

4. The most awkward thing about this photo is that the cat is more photogenic than its owner (even with the Santa hat).

5. This family believes Christmas celebrates many things, including joy, giving and, apparently, the circle of life.

6. The photographer suggested a "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" theme, and this family took it literally.

7. Nothing says, "we wish you the best this holiday season" like a card that really says, "my kids are better athletes than yours."

8. We give this family a 10 out of 10 for creativity, but only 9 out of 10 for execution--what is the point of using candles if they aren't even lit?

9. At least three-fourths of the family made the "Nice" list this year.

10. This couple's beloved pet is opposed to giving up his cozy bed for a manger.

11. Big brother is following in Rudolph's footsteps in more ways than one--his friends are definitely going to "laugh and call him names" after seeing this gem.

Finals will soon be over and everyone will be headed home for the holidays, so it's time for a holiday-inspired manicure! Using NCLA's holiday duo kits, I created a fun twist to traditional holiday nails by using purple instead of green. Keep reading to find out how to create nails perfect for all of those Christmas parties and get-togethers!

For this manicure I used NCLA's Satin Sheets, Velvet Ropes and This Is Hollywood from the Hollywood Heartbreaker Kit ($29) and She Will Rock You from the Rock N' Royalty Kit ($29). You'll also need scotch tape on hand for this look!

Begin by painting your nails with the red polish. Allow the polish to dry completely before moving on!

Next, paint your ring finger and thumb with the gold glitter polish; make sure the glitter is evenly distributed.

Triangles will be painted at the base of the other three nails. Start by getting two pieces of tape, sticking them to your skin (its lessens the stickiness) before placing them in an upside down "V" on the nail, like I've done below.

Fill in the triangle with the purple polish and apply at least two coats to be sure the red polish doesn't show through. Let it dry for a minute or two, then remove the tape.

Do this on all three remaining nails, and finish off your manicure with a topcoat to seal the look in and prevent chipping!

And there you have it—gorgeous, festive nails!

What are your favorite holiday nail colors, collegiettes?

New England is incredible for a number of reasons. Whether it’s our crazy number of amazing sports teams or the Dunkin’ Donuts you can find on pretty much on every main street in Massachusetts, New Englanders have a lot to be proud of.

But the best time to be in New England is Christmastime. If you’re a New Englander, get ready to be excited about everything on this list. And if you’re not, get ready to be pretty jealous, because Christmas in New England is the absolute best.

1. You’ll (almost) always have a white Christmas.

And if you don’t have a white Christmas, you’ll probably have a white Thanksgiving or a white New Year!

2. You’ll likely see a reindeer, deer or moose in its natural habitat.

Rudolph, is that you?!

3. Santa’s Village is right in Jefferson, New Hampshire.

Bonus: It’s open during the summer, too. Christmas in July, anyone?

4. And the Trapp Family Lodge is in Vermont.

There’s nothing like watching The Sound of Music and then visiting the lodge all in the same day.

5. The Boston Common has a fabulous Christmas tree.

Get ready for a skate on the awesome Frog Pond.

6. You always have a great Pats season to go along with your festivities.

Not to mention it’s the start of a great Bs season.

7. New Hampshire has no sales tax, which helps all of us broke college students with our gift shopping.

When you’re getting gifts for your mom, dad, brother, sister, dog, aunt, uncle, grandmother, grandfather, little and roommate, every cent you save counts.

8. L.L. Bean is based out of New England, so you feel super festive and local while wearing the Bean Boots you got as a gift.

Not to mention they come in handy when you’re buried in several feet of snow.

9. You can pick out your Christmas tree right there on the tree farm. And when you find the perfect one, it’s like…

Some might call it rustic and quaint, but we New Englanders call it normal.

10. You have more options for holiday events than Santa has reindeer.

The Festival of Trees in Methuen, Massachusetts? Vintage Christmas in Portsmouth, New Hampshire? Country Christmas in Bethel, Maine? Between Santa and the perfectly Instagrammable scenery, the holidays in New England are top-notch.

11. The maple syrup you love on your Christmas-morning pancakes is real, fresh and so, so good.

After all, according to Buddy the Elf, syrup is one of the four main food groups.

12. The skiing isn’t too shabby, either.

With places like Mad River Glen in Waitsfield, Vermont, and Sunday River in Newry, Maine, both of which look like sets from a holiday movie, your post-finals-week ski trip will have a purely New England rustic air about it.

Between the natural beauty and the rustic traditions, New England is the place to be this Christmas season.

When it comes to style, accessories are just as—if not more—important than the outfit itself. This means that our daily jewelry staples need to be both classic and personal; versatile enough to wear with just about anything, but also special enough to be noticed.

We’ve partnered up with Brooklyn-based jewelry line Nava NY to bring you just that! Known for its custom sorority jewelry, the brand carries necklaces, rings, bracelets and more, all of which show off your letters. There’s even the option to customize your own with pretty charms! We got a first look at Nava NY’s brand new monogram collection, which launches in Spring 2015—and three lucky readers will win a monogram sterling silver necklace and freshwater pearl stud earrings! Every piece is made in New York City, and $2 from each purchase goes to the charity of your choice.

Wear your letters in style—enter now for one of three chances to win! Don't forget to like Nava New York on Facebook, too!

The holidays are one of the most exciting times of the year. The twinkling lights, classic movies and endless holiday parties are enough to make you feel giddy for months.

However, as amazing as the holidays are, they can also be stressful, especially if you’re living on a recent graduette’s budget. Between gifts for your family, best friends and significant other, your bank account can really take a hit if you’re not careful!

Don’t start stressing just yet, though. We’re here to help make Christmas shopping affordable with easy money-saving tips so you won’t break the bank this season.

1. Make your own coffee

We know you love coffee runs and you can’t imagine starting your mornings any other way. Especially now that your favorite coffee shops are serving delicious holiday flavors, it’s hard to drive by without stopping in to get your caffeine fix. But that $3 a cup adds up, so in the weeks leading up to Christmas, do a little DIY and make your own coffee! To have a cheaper cup of coffee that still tastes like the holidays, use peppermint-flavored creamer (or create your own flavored add-ins!) and you could save $15 a week.

2. Keep a money-spending log

Keeping track of how much money you’re spending month to month is a great way to determine if you’re overspending in areas where you could be saving. Though you should be doing this regularly anyway, if you haven’t started, the holidays are a perfect time to be logging your expenses, especially because it’s easy to lose track of what and whom you’re spending money on during this season. Download a money-management app for your phone and update it regularly to see where you stand financially.

iSpending is a simple app that allows you to see your monthly, weekly, or annual income and expenditures all on the homepage. Just input your income and expenses manually and categorize them as you see fit. Unlike other apps, iSpending allows you to make your own categories (you’re not restricted to categories already set up in the app) and generates helpful pie charts so that you can see exactly where your money is going.

If you’re looking for an app with more features, CashTrails is the way to go. It offers passcode protection, photo attachments (if you like to keep track of receipts, products you bought or paychecks that you’re inputting) and allows you to create groups to separate your business expenses from your personal expenses.

Having your expenses laid out like this is a great way to visualize how much money you have left over after all of your mandatory expenses (such as rent, car insurance or student loans) have been paid. It can also help you decide which costs you can briefly put on hold for the holiday season, such as dining out, ordering fast food and doling out money for cab fare.

3. Open a holiday spending account

Many banks offer Christmas Club programs, which are special accounts you can set up to safeguard your money strictly to use for the holidays. Setting this money aside not only ensures you have a holiday budget, but it also gives you a realistic look at what you can afford to spend. Not to mention, depending on when you open the account, your savings may grow with interest, too!

Ashley Oliveira, who works at Provident Bank, talked with HC about these holiday saving accounts. “Provident Bank doesn't require a minimum balance, and you can start at any time without having to pay back previous months,” she says. “Anyone who is interested can set the amount they want to save and how often to have the money transfer from their checking account into a Holiday Club Savings Account.”

Oliveira also explained why this special account comes equipped with a fee. “The purpose of the fee is to discourage the individual from withdrawing money, which in turn, will allow the person to save the money for Christmas,” she says.

4. Do a Secret Santa gift exchange among your friends

Your network of friends has only grown since graduation, so the list of people you need to buy gifts for can feel never-ending. Chances are most of your friends are feeling the same way, so gather your friends together in groups and hold a Secret Santa gift exchange, which means you can still all get into the holiday spirit without having to buy 20 individual presents.

“Last year my friends and I, who are all recent grads, participated in a Secret Santa gift exchange,” says Kimberly Horner, a 2013 graduate of The College of New Jersey. “Since we each only had to buy one gift, we saved a ton of money; plus, it was really fun!”

5. Make a do-it-yourself gift

When all else fails, DIY, DIY, DIY! A homemade gift shows the recipient how much time you put into the gift and can range from sentimental to silly—plus, you can also personalize the gift specifically to someone’s preferences so he or she gets exactly what he or she wants. Check out our DIY gift guide for ideas!

6. Hold a potluck instead of a dinner party

As you’re planning your holiday events this season, you might be thinking of having a sophisticated dinner party (since that’s what we do now that we’re in the real world, right?). But the work and money that goes into throwing an event for 20 of your besties adds up: From festive decorations to holiday-appropriate plates for the five-course meal you’d love to serve, what started as a budget-friendly night (hey, you decided to stay in rather than go out!) might end up being the equivalent to renting out a private room in a restaurant. Yikes.

Instead of bearing all the responsibility, loop your friends in and do the dinner potluck-style! Once everybody RSVPs, set up a Google Doc to determine who will be bringing what—and for those who aren’t top chefs, offer the option of bringing over silverware or decorations, too. Saving money on your holiday event means you’ll have more money to spend on gifts, which we’re sure your guests won’t complain about.

7. Take advantage of store offers and coupons

There’s no shame in sifting through sale racks or taking advantage of discounts when shopping for Christmas gifts! And though we don’t recommend procrastination, many places will offer blowout deals on festive merchandise the closer you get to the holidays, so if you do end up doing last-minute shopping, take advantage of these sales.

To be the first to learn about these deals, sign up to receive emails from your favorite stores. If you don’t want an inbox full of retailer emails, check sites like Racked, which posts exclusive sales and codes usually only found in brands’ emails (so you don’t have to subscribe to them). If you’re shopping online, be sure to check RetailMeNot before hitting the checkout button, or even download their app to be alerted when your favorite stores are running promotions.

8. Make a list and stick to it

It’s easy to spend too much during the holidays, even if you have good intentions—you might be walking through a local boutique and happen upon something you think is just perfect for your friend back home, or you’re at the mall to grab one item and end up picking up 10 because you thought of that many more people you want to get gifts. In other words, you might find yourself impulse shopping, even if it is for others.

Instead, make a list of all the people you need to buy gifts for so you can budget out a realistic amount of money to spend on each person on your list. Think ahead of time what you want to get for everybody so you don’t splurge on a luxe beauty collection for your former college roommate and then realize you don’t have enough money to buy your sister the pair of shoes she’s been wishing for all year.

Whether you decide to make your own gift, set up a special account to save money or cut down on spending temporarily to save up for holiday gift shopping, there are tons of small things you can do to stretch your dollar this season. Just remember, the holidays are a wonderful way to remind your family and friends that you appreciate them, so try not to stress out, and make sure that you enjoy this time of year!

Name: Sonia Kashuk
Job Title and Description: Founder and President of Sonia Kashuk, Inc.
Website: www.soniakashuk.com
Twitter Handle: @soniakashuk

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

Sonia Kashuk: My days are so varied, and the thing that I love about my job is that it’s so varied! I work on everything from the creative process of product innovation to PR for the brand to the overall creative aspect of the branding, like advertising and digital marketing.

My day can include anything, like a business meeting on new concepts or opportunities to deliver new things to the brand. We work about a little over a year in advance with our products (right now we’re working on Fall 2015), so you have to do a deep dive into trending and forecasting to ensure you’re relevant and new for each season. But because we’re working so far in advance, you have to go off of your instinct as well. I have to work off of trends and reports but also my gut.

This job requires me to analyze women’s needs and create products that are easy to use. Being that we’re sold at Target, we’ve got to create products that are easy to understand. I look at it, when I’m developing products, from the perspective of real women as well as makeup artists.

So there’s a lot that goes into every product, and as founder of the brand, I also have to do a lot of publicity for the brand and also philanthropic causes and industry events. I need to make sure that a huge part of my day is giving back. It’s not about working for hire but also what I can do for somebody else.

What is the best part of your job?

SK: I love being able to help real women. People ask me all the time what it’s like to work on this celebrity or that celebrity, and my response is that it’s so much more inspiring and stimulating to be able to work with a woman or a young girl in college who’s trying to find ways to make herself look better and feel better. Those are the individuals who don’t have access to makeup artists and stylists like celebrities do.

Touching the lives of people who aren’t in that world of celebrity, and who maybe don’t know how something as small as makeup can make a huge change, is the best part of what I do.

What is one thing you wish you knew about your industry when you first started out that you know now?

SK: I actually entered the beauty industry by working my way in through the art side, and then I later added the commerce side. I think coming in through the art world also makes it a little more interesting and keeps me on the creative side, so there’s not necessarily something I wish I’d known back then since I was coming from somewhere so different.

I think you always want to make your mark creatively in this industry, but realistically, all industries are competitive. I think one thing I’ve learned is that, because of all the competition, you just have to put yourself in a bubble and go after your passion and whatever it is you really want to stay focused on. With so much of a competitive edge, you can get lost.

I think for me it’s been important to stay focused and true to the beginning of this brand I started over 15 years ago and to our mission. So there isn’t one thing that surprised me [at first], but rather I learned you need to keep your focus as you go on.

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

SK: I think there’s quite a few, because more often than not, something surreal happens. For me, it’s even still hard to believe that I even have name recognition on my brand. It always takes me by complete surprise, because there are so many big brands out there.

For example, one time I was boarding an airplane and I heard two of the stewardesses talking about how, “Oh, Sonia Kashuk is going to be on the flight!” and they were discussing using the makeup and how much they liked it. I of course went up and introduced myself and thanked them! It put a smile on my face.

But also, through the years, I’ve had incredible support from the beauty industry itself and women that I so respect and from presidents of brands who were honoring me. I think that every day is a day to be grateful for surviving in this competitive world and being a recognized brand amongst international brands.

Overall, I’m just so grateful to have the support of the industry and the consumer as well. To me, that’s surreal.

What do you look for when considering hiring someone?

SK: It’s changed a lot now! For me, it’s first and foremost someone who has a passion for beauty, because that’s what we do all day long. I think a person has to be relevant and knowledgeable on digital, because digital is such a huge aspect of our brand now. It’s not just beauty brands but the world in general, so to be aware and knowledgeable is crucial.

Mastering the ability to understand marketing and creation of a product but also how it can be transferred and played out digital is someone we’re really looking for. I’m also looking for interest and passion. Even if somebody hasn’t had a lot of opportunity for experience but has a passion for this industry, that’s so helpful.

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

SK: Figure out what it is you want to do and go after it. If there’s a brand you want to work for, identify that brand and go there. Do your homework and surround yourself with extracurriculars and experience.

For example, are you talking to people in the beauty world? Are you reading Women’s Wear Daily? Are you involved with professional beauty industry circles? Be aware of every beauty blog out there and think about where you can innovate and differentiate.

It’s about just paying attention and figuring out where you can have impact.

Collegiettes, let's be honest: You've got two or three pairs of jeans that you wear all the time, while the rest sit in your drawer, taking up space and filling you with buyer's remorse. Well, all that is about to change, because the solution to your denim despair is here. Meet Denim Refinery, the website that allows you to shop for vintage denim—or customize your once-forgotten denim jeans and jackets into something you'll actually want to wear. 

Denim Refinery specializes in customizing your denim pieces and adding a unique touch. "The aesthetic is classic and cool," says founder and creative director (and ultimate denim-ista) Janet Sung. The website features a section full of vintage, one-of-a-kind denim you can order right off the website. "Pieces with natural wear always find their way into the shop," Sung says, citing "heavy whiskers, decade old stitch repairs, natural distressing and dirty washes" as the things she looks for most when curating the shop's selection.

If you're looking to upgrade rather than replace the denim in your wardrobe, Denim Refinery can also give your denim shorts, jeans, overalls or jackets a fashion-forward facelift. All you have to do is send in your denim and choose from a variety of crazy-cool refinements. Whether you're looking to soften or distress your jeans or add a wax or foil effect, Denim Refinery has you covered. Looking for something a little more on the wild side? Denim Refinery even offers a laser treatment that leaves your denim covered in a signature leopard print design (seriously). "Every pair of jeans has its own character," Sung says. "I like to revolve around that—preserving the garment's existing aesthetic while enhancing it through a refinement."

This preservation of character and personality is evident in Sung's own approach to style, which she says is influenced by "a random mix of things: my mother, R&B culture, the '60s, and always wanting to feel good in what I wear." And just when you though she couldn't get any cooler, Sung says she is most excited about rocking "baggier boyfriend jeans" this winter—the kind that are "a bit larger and wider" in the legs. Basically, they're the perfect cool-girl alternative to your traditional boyfriend jeans.

With such a creative vision and a unique personal style, we were itching to know what Sung's go-to style pieces are, and her classic-with-an-edge selections didn't let us down! Check out her five style must-haves for some winter inspiration of your own.

1. Vintage jeans

"A worn-in wash always gives your outfit an elevated look."

2. Black blazer

"[A black blazer] provides structure and an element of maturity."

3. White crewneck tee

"Layered or alone, it's a classic staple that goes with everything."

4. Black or white sneakers

"When you're on the go, comfortable shoes are a must -- being monochrome in color keeps things sophisticated."

5. Button-up shirt

"[A button-up shirt] can easily go from day to night, with a simple change of shoes."

Sung's style is the ultimate definition of cool, and we'll definitely be taking some inspiration for our own winter outfits this season. Plus, with all the possibilities Denim Refinery offers, you can guarantee we're making some last-minute holiday wish list additions (and rifling through our abandoned denim for the perfect pair to refine!). Oh—and be sure to follow DR on Instagram for cool behind-the-scenes snaps, before and after photos and more!

According to the Islamist extremist group ISIS, it is now okay to take non-Muslim women and girls as slaves.

On Friday, armed men passed out “Question and Answers on Female Slaves and their Freedom” pamphlets to Mosul residents in Iraq. The document, which was retrieved and translated by the Middle East Media Research Institute, instructs Islamic State fighters that non-believing women and girls can be taken captive and even sold or traded to other Muslims. The document then goes into extensive detail on ISIS’ policy on having sexual intercourse with a female slave.

“If she is a virgin, he [her master] can have intercourse with her immediately after taking possession of her,” the pamphlet reads. “However, is she isn't, her uterus must be purified [first]…”—as in, one must wait for her period to ensure she is not already pregnant.

Other rules include that a man can only have intercourse with a girl who has not yet reached puberty if she is “fit” for intercourse (though there is no clarification as to what this means, exactly). Female slaves cannot be beaten for pleasure, only punishment. Also, a man cannot engage in any activity with a slave he does not own.

On the bright side (which really isn’t bright at all), women cannot be separated from her prepubescent children or be sold if she is pregnant. Freedom is possible, too—the document does say an owner can free female slaves as a way to have a sin forgiven. When it comes to female slaves running away however, ISIS declares that action among the “gravest of sins.” 

In the last month alone, it's reported that more than 2,500 women from Syria and Iraq have been kidnapped, with several thousands more still missing. 

While the contents of the new handbook are shocking and horrifying, sadly, they don’t come as a surprise. In the past, the Islamist extremist group has released videos of beheadings of non-Muslims, taken hostages around the world and threatened great acts of terror.

There are few things collegiettes look forward to more than winter break.

After all your final exams are done, you can’t wait to spend a whole month doing whatever you please.

Before your break even starts, you make a list of all the things you want to accomplish while you’re home.

You plan on being productive,

being active,

and spending some time catching up with old friends.

You also can’t wait for some home-cooked meals.

Nothing could be better than a little break from school.

At first, you have a great time at home.

However, only a few days into break, your parents start to get on your nerves.

They ask you why you have yet to leave the house…

…and bug you about leaving your stuff everywhere.

You’re thrilled when one of your friends finally calls you to hang out,

as you start to realize you can’t keep watching TV all day. 

But when you go out in town with your friends, you feel as though you’re surrounded by high school kids.

You retreat back to your bedroom.

When your friends ask you to go out, you make up excuses.

You try and find ways to entertain yourself…

…but mostly you just end up eating.

And then you wonder:

Just when you’re about to lose it…

…the end of winter break comes out of nowhere.

Though you’re sad to leave home again…

…more than anything you’re glad to be back at college (and back to normalcy!).

While we spent the weekend studying for finals (and binge-watching Netflix) in our jammies, our favorite celebrities were living it up at birthday parties, on gorgeous vacays and preparing for the holidays! How do we know this? They posted lots of proof on Instagram, so we’ve rounded up some of the best shots from this weekend to share with you below.

1. Kourtney Kardashian

We wonder if the expectant Kardashian knew she would give birth to her newest addition on the same day as her son Mason’s birthday when she posted this adorable shot.

2. Taylor Swift

Speaking of birthdays…it’s the image that’s been all over the internet this weekend. We all knew it was Tay’s 25^th, but who could have anticipated the star power that would turn out to help her celebrate?

3. Lauren Conrad

Looks like LC is trimming the tree! The fashion designer and lifestyle blogger shared this festive pic of a darling ornament that would get anyone in the holiday spirit.

4. Stephen Amell

After delivering a shocking mid-season finale—no spoilers, we promise!—the Arrow star somehow had to cheer up his adoring fans. How about with this teaser shot straight from the set with his handsome cousin/possible guest star Robbie Amell? Okay. We kind of forgive you for the agonizing cliffhanger.

5. Ariana Grande

Ariana Grande has been quite busy lately, but she did make time to see her guy, Big Sean, and post this sweet snap.

6. Allison Williams

Fresh off her stint as Peter Pan, we think the Girls star deserves a vacation! And while we love seeing her beautiful pics, she is making us a bit jealous while we’re stuck in colder weather.

7. Patrick J. Adams

Pretty Little Liars fans may recognize Patrick’s fiancée as smarty-pants Spencer Hastings a.k.a. actress Troian Bellisario. The duo regularly shows off cute photos of each other on their accounts, and this one is no exception.

8. Mindy Kaling

Mindy never disappoints when it comes to behind-the-scenes shots from the set of The Mindy Project, but with this snap simply captioned “Saturday,” we’re totally freaking out. Is JLG visiting the show? Are he and the ever-so-suave Danny Castellano having a dance-off? Only time—or maybe Mindy?—will tell.

9. Drew Barrymore

These two super-moms teamed up to celebrate the holidays with Jessica’s The Honest Company. Of course, their adorable mini-me daughters tagged along!

Are these celebs giving you Instagram envy, collegiettes? 

We all need a little guidance now and then, so whether you’re stressed about a fling gone wrong, a recently wrecked relationship or how to handle a stage-five clinger, Real Live College Guy Dale is here to help you navigate the college dating scene.

I can't tell if I've been friend-zoned or not! I know what it's like when someone's trying to get with me, but I never get that vibe from this guy. The problem is, he's a REALLY nice guy, so half the time I think, "Maybe he wants to know me more before trying to get in my pants because he’s so nice," but other times I think, "He's only being nice, NOT flirty!" He has complimented me a couple times, and we talk every time we see each other and often eat meals together, but he has never asked me to hang out. But he also never eats alone with other girls besides me. Sometimes it's awkward, but I can't tell if it's because he wants me to go away or if he's just nervous. How can I get more of a reaction out of him? Should I give up, or should I initiate the next step and ask him to hang out? –Nice Guy at NYU

NYU,

I’m glad that you suggested the option of initiating the next step rather than simply asking why he hasn’t done anything. Communication goes both ways. It’s hardly ever a one-person deal, and you’ve already taken a step in the right direction by even considering making the next move.

It’s also nice to see that women also suffer from the “is he/she being friendly or flirty” conundrum – not just guys. Personally, I know I experience this on a daily basis. It really is difficult to tell sometimes, and there are moments when you just have to give in to the possibility of something. It’s like bungee jumping: You’re taking a step off a ledge, and you’re not exactly sure what’s going to happen. Worst-case scenario, the cord snaps and you fall to your death (he’s not interested in you like that). Best case? The cord does its job and you live through the ordeal. While this metaphor isn’t perfect for your situation, it demonstrates a similar feeling – the thrill of taking a step into the unknown.

No, you shouldn’t give up. Yes, it’s entirely likely — probable, even — that he likes you and is just a little nervous about where to go next. Moreover, the fact that you’re willing to take matters into your own hands tells me that you think he’s worth the possibility of being shot down. That’s a rare quality these days, and you’ve got my full support.

There’s a thin line between friendliness and flirtation, and sometimes you just have to take a chance at crossing that line. You want more of a reaction? Ask him out. Take that shot. I’d almost guarantee that after his initial shock, you’d get a big smile out of him.