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Snapchat Selfie Leads to a Murder Charge

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Snapchat is every teen's beloved medium for selfies, group pictures and quick snapshots into one’s life, but what happens when it's used to document something illegal?

Maxwell Marion Morton, a 16-year-old from Pennsylvania, sent a Snapchat on February 8th of himself with the body of a classmate, 16-year-old Ryan Mangan, who had been shot in the face. The “snap” was a selfie of a black male, with the victim situated behind him. Text on the snap read “Maxwell,” the accused’s first name.

A recipient of the snap took a screenshot of the image and showed his mother the photo, leading the recipient’s mother to contact 911.

Mangan's mother found Mangan dead on Wednesday.

After searching Morton's bedroom, police found a handgun and casing. They are using the photo to charge Morton with murder, in addition to the weapon that Morton had access to. They are also citing text messages like, “Ryan was not the last one,” and “Told you I cleaned up the shells,” that were found on Morton’s phone. After his home was searched, Morton confessed to killing Mangan.

This is a landmark case in that it is one of the first times that a selfie is being used as a piece of prime evidence.

Morton is being charged as an adult with first degree murder, homicide and possession of a firearm by a minor and is being held in the Westmoreland County juvenile detention centre until his preliminary hearing on February 19th.


9 Drugstore Buys for Your Last-Minute Valentine's Day Look

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There's nothing better than revamping your makeup inventory. Taking off plastic wrappers and popping open the lids of fresh palettes of eye shadow, lipstick, or eyeliner is just so satisfying. But when you're in a bind and suddenly you hate everything you own (which seems to happen at the worst times, like right before we're going out), a trip to Sephora is impossible... not to mention it hurts your wallet. Thankfully, the aisles of your go-to drugstore are filled with perfect products to upgrade your makeup bag just in time for that Valentine's Day showing of Fifty Shades of Grey, girl's night, or your hot date.

1. Essie Nail Color ($8.50)

Essie is a tried-and true-classic. Pick one of the many Valentine's Day-friendly shades to match your outfit or to add a pop of color.

2. Maybelline Baby Lips Crystal Moisturizing Balm, ($4.49)

This tinted, shimmery lip balm is perfect for V-Day especially if you're lookin' to plant one on your SO without sharing your lip color as well. With shimmer and moisture for up to 8 hours this will last you through dinner, a movie, dessert and more.

3. Almay Intense i-Color Smoky-i Eyeshadow, ($4.99)

These are the perfect palettes for a last minute look because they're designed to compliment your eye color and show you exactly where to put each shade. Find the one meant for your dazzling eyes, or dare to be different and mix 'n match!

4. John Frieda Beach Blonde Sea Waves Sea Salt Spray ($8.99)

Beachy waves in the middle of February? We think yes! Work this into your hair when you get out of the shower and you'll have effortles Blake Lively-esque waves.

5. L'Oréal Infallible Smokissime Eyeliner ($7.97)

 

Line your eyes with this smoky powder pencil liner with ease. That's right, collegiettes, the smooth precision tip on this baby will actually allow you to line your eyes evenly and easily!

6. CoverGirl Full Lash Bloom Mascara ($8.99)

Get those "Are they real or are they false?" lashes with this wonderfully clump-free mascara.

7. Coty Vanilla Fields Perfume ($13.98)

 

No look is complete without the perfect fragrance! This refreshing, natural scent is a great subtle touch!

8. NYX Cosmetics Stick Blush ($5.99)

Valentine's Day calls for bashfully blushing rosy cheeks, so pick up your favorite shade of this smooth, creamy blush stick.

9. Revlon Photoready Eye Primer + Brightener ($9.99)

This double-duty product will make your eyes pop!

What will you be picking up last-minute from the beauty aisle for Valentine's Day?

7 Bathroom Sins You’re Probably Committing

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You probably have your bathroom routine down pat. You could even go through all the steps in your sleep—in fact, you probably have on the occasional sluggish morning. But sometimes we’re so fixated on our regimens that we don’t realize we could be making some serious mistakes when it comes to our health and hygiene. Luckily, we’ve got the scoop on the habits you need to shake, so take note!

1. Your showers are too hot

A long, steaming, hot shower may seem like heaven, especially on a cold winter morning, but you want to make sure you’re not scalding yourself with the water because that can have a serious impact on your skin. Dr. Jessica Krant, a board-certified dermatologist and associate at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York, says that the hotter the water temperature, the more it will strip away your natural skin oils, which are meant to protect you.

While a cold shower has its benefits, like improving your circulation and easing muscle soreness, we get it if you aren’t exactly eager to start trying them. Instead, Dr. Krant advises (more so in the winter since our skin is already prone to dryness) taking showers that are short and lukewarm. Plus, by taking shorter showers you’ll be helping the environment!

2. Youre drying off too vigorously

Toweling dry is probably something you never thought you needed advising on, but if you’ve been one to constantly experience extreme skin irritation immediately after shower, you might want to rethink how you dry off. Dr. Krant says the best rule of thumb is to always be gentle. “Patting dry [will leave you] less prone to irritation or itchiness later,” she says.

If you find that the same parts of your body are always itchy after showering, or you notice a flaky look to any of your limbs, those are signs that you could be taking it too far with your towel. Initial dryness is not abnormal though, since that’s the effect water has on our skin (especially in winter), so don’t skip out on the moisturizer, even if you’re gently patting dry!

3. Youre not replacing your towels frequently enough

It’s easy to assume that the towels you dry off with right after you wash your hands or body are always clean, but after too many uses, they can quickly get clogged with mildew, or worse, bacteria. That means if one of your suitemates is sick and didn’t properly wash her hands, her germs can linger on the towel and be spread to you (whether you’re sharing a hand towel or hers hangs next to yours). Additionally, if your towel is constantly damp, that’s a sign that mildew and bacteria could be lingering, so your best bet would be to toss it in the laundry and grab a fresh one.

When it comes to your bath towels, you can worry less about spreading other people’s germs, but that doesn’t mean you should keep using them for weeks on end. If they don’t dry properly (because, ahem, they’re sitting in a pile in your room!), they’ll stay damp, which makes them a breeding ground for bacteria. To increase their lifespan, make sure they dry fully. Hang them in your bedroom, which lacks the moisture of the bathroom, and try to keep them on a bar instead of a hook so the towel can dry fully and more quickly. Ideally, you want to wash a towel you use daily at least once a week. And while changing them regularly is important, Dr. Krant says that taking a new towel every day is overkill!

4. You’re using an old razor

Aside from becoming dull and thus increasing your risk of getting nicked, old razors can pose a health risk thanks to the bacteria they collect over time. For starters, they can spread viruses and infections as serious as hepatitis through open cuts, according to the New England Journal of Medicine.

Even if you’re the sole user of your trusty Gillette Venus, you can still be prone to ingrown hairs or a staph infection if the razor is past its prime. Though Dr. Krant says that the lifespan of a razor depends on the quality, your best bet is to toss it when it shows signs of becoming dull (the blade will tug, rather than glide). So the next time you hop in the shower, examine your razor. If you can’t remember the last time you replaced it, if you see any signs of rust, or it’s not shaving well, toss it.

Dr. Krant also says that storing your razor in the shower isn’t exactly ideal. “The increased constant moisture will add to the bacterial growth,” she explains. “If you want to protect your blades for longer, take them out of the bathroom altogether.” For extra precaution, you can purchase a clip-on anti-microbial pod that completely covers the head of the razor and protects it from odor-causing germs. At $5.99, a Steripod is super affordable, plus they’re sold at Bed Bath & Beyond, which makes it easy for anyone to get their hands on!

5. You’re going overboard with the face wash

Between the colorful packaging and lovely scents, there’s something addictive about buying face wash, so if you have more than one type in your shower caddy, you’re not alone! But just because you own five variants of what’s essentially the same thing doesn’t mean you should use them all in one go. As with hot showers, cleansing with facial soaps can remove the healthy, protective oils your face needs, Dr. Krant says. So if your nightly cleansing routine involves a foaming wash, exfoliating gel and a facial scrub, you may be overdoing it.

Because our skin exfoliates itself everyday by shedding dead skin cells, Dr. Krant says that expediting that process can actually create “a cycle of inflammation, dryness and increased flaking, leading you to believe you have to exfoliate even more.” And all of those fancy brushes, sponges and electronic devices many are hyped about? They may not be making that much of a difference after all, according to Dr. Krant. “I believe it’s healthier for skin to use only the hands to wash,” she says. “This allows dirt to be gently removed without irritating the skin, which leads to breakouts and more drying than necessary.”

So the next time your face feels like it’s about to crack and fall apart after a cleansing routine, ask yourself how many products you used. If there were too many for you to remember, you were definitely using too many! To maintain healthy skin without irritating it, Dr. Krant recommends using a scrub at night and a more gentle cleanser, like a gel or foam wash, in the morning.

6. Youre wiping too hard after using the bathroom

If you thought your face was the part of your body that’s most sensitive to abrasion, think again! According to Dr. Krant, our genital areas are very delicate. So when it comes to cleaning up down south, you don’t want to go to town with the wiping. “The skin of our groin is very delicate and prone to microscopic tears, she says. “So it’s important not to wipe too roughly there.”

Toilet paper softness may play a role with irritation, but upgrading to the most expensive toilet paper of the thickest ply doesn’t mean you should be any less gentle. Minimizing the number of wipes is important, says Dr. Krant, so she advises jumping in the shower for a quick rinse if you don’t feel you’re clean enough. While she says there isn’t a set number of wipes we should stick to, Dr. Krant explains that more than a few reaches for more toilet paper may be cause for irritation. As an alternative, using baby wipes after a bowel movement can help prevent irritation while keeping your behind clean!

7. Your hand towels and toothbrush are too close to the toilet

Unless you use a communal bathroom with stalls or your bathroom sink is on the opposite end of the bathroom, any objects within close proximity to the toilet are going to get sprayed with remnants of its contents any time it’s flushed. This fact is pretty gross, but thankfully easy to fix. For starters, put the seat cover down before you flush, if you have one. While microscopic debris can still spread (from those tiny openings along the sides of the seat), a closed toilet is always better.

But just to be completely safe, remove any baskets of toilet paper, tissues, towels, etc. that sit on the tank. If your sink is right next to the toilet and your toothbrush sits on the counter space, consider it to be in a danger zone! Instead, store your toothbrush in the medicine cabinet, or at least cover it with a sterilizing pod, which can be found at Bed Bath and Beyond or on Amazon for as low as $3.99.

Despite its association with getting clean, the bathroom is still a pretty icky place that can wreak havoc on things like your skin, immunity and overall health. Luckily, many of these mistakes can be easily corrected and avoided to begin with—so it’s time to stop committing these bathroom sins!

Break Into the Fashion Industry at 'Teen Vogue''s Fashion U!

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Ever dreamed of making a splash in the fashion industry? How about of seeing your byline in Teen Vogue, Vogue or any other national brand magazine? As collegiettes, we like to dream big - and make those dreams a reality! The best place to get started? Teen Vogue's Fashion U!

This year, Teen Vogue is celebrating 10 years of Fashion University, the only educational program of its kind where the business of fashion is taught by its stars. On March 13-15, more than 500 students like you from around the world will come to Teen Vogue Headquarters in NYC to participate in seminars and workshops hosted by the top talents in the industry! The program brings together designers, models, entrepreneurs and insiders for a once-in-a-lifetime experience for students dreaming of breaking into the fashion industry. This year's speakers include Rebecca Minkoff, Zac Posen, Jessica Simpson, Erika Bearman and more, so don't miss out! Apply now!

This year, Fashion University invites students to "Choose Your Major!" All applicants will be able to choose one of three majors to apply for as their focus at the event: Fashion Design & Styling, Editorial, PR & Social and the Business of Fashion. Why choose just one, you ask? The program is designed so that each attendee has the chance to delve deeply into specific career paths he or she is interested in, so you'll learn all the must-know insider info for your field.

Want to be the next student to rock Fashion U? Applications are still open! To apply and see a list of this year's confirmed speakers so far, visit teenvoguefashionuniversity.com.

If you have any Fashion U-related questions at all, don't be afraid to ask! Email teenvoguefu@gmail.com to learn more.

Bring the Party Anywhere with These (Free!) Speakers!

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Whatever your weekend plans are, there’s only one thing that can make them even better than they already are: your favorite jams. Whether you’re lip-syncing “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” with all your single girl friends on Galentine’s Day, playing Sam Smith in the dorms while you’re catching up on your studying or rocking out to Beyoncé at your Saturday night pre-game, what you really need is a set of portable speakers so you can take your tunes with you, anywhere you go.

To help amp up any event, we’re giving away three Thumbs Up Boom Box Speakers! This handy little device is pretty much as good as it gets—all you have to do is touch your phone to the speaker to amplify the sound… no cords or wires required! It’ll work with anything that has an external speaker. With 10 hours of battery life, you can take your music with you all day without interruption.

With these speakers, the party really won’t stop ‘til you walk in… so enter below now for your chance to win!

Fill out my online form.

How to Decorate Your First Grown-Up Apartment

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You’ve scoured Zillow, visited “roomy” (for Thumbelina) studios with a “view” (of a dingy alleyway) and finally signed the lease. Congrats! Now comes the really hard part: decorating. If you’re fresh out of college, you no doubt have remnants of your dorm room lying around, and it can be tempting to simply pin up your old Audrey Hepburn poster and call it a day. While you might not be ready to clean out West Elm, moving into your first adult apartment gives you a chance to revamp your home décor. Life completely changes after graduation, which means you need a mature living space to match your new grown-up existence. We’re going to walk you through how to make it happen!

Choose a color scheme

Your college dorm was likely a mish-mash of colors and patterns—especially if you didn’t coordinate décor with your roommate—but moving into your own place gives you the opportunity to create a cohesive design and color scheme. First step: find matching furniture. While this can be tricky when you’re putting together your first apartment, especially since you’re likely to buy used furniture or collect pieces from home, it’s best to aim for neutrals when it comes to larger pieces, like your couch and bed. If you’re worried that doing so makes your living space look too drab, you can always brighten it up with colorful accent pieces.

“You can still use most of your college things if you use them the right way!” says Charlotte Lehman, a Union College 2014 graduate who lives in Rochester, NY with a roommate. “It’s all about accenting—it’s easier to get away with loud prints and colors in a dorm room, but in a bigger apartment, if you mix those floral pillows and striped comforters with some new neutral grown-up furniture, they make a nice focal point to the room and aren’t overbearing or too ‘college.’”

Turn the shoebox into a palace

Chances are, you don’t live in Monica and Rachel’s apartment. It’s tough to find a spacious place when you’re first living on your own, but simple décor hacks can make your new digs look bigger. Try adding mirrors to the walls of your common area or in your bedroom to keep them from feeling too closed-in. This has the added bonus of making a room look brighter and more expensive than it actually is. Curtains can help with this as well; if you opt for longer ones to frame your windows, you can make the room feel taller.

Let there be light

The lighting in your college dorm room likely consisted of fluorescent lights, which does nobody any favors. Your new place gives you a tad more flexibility.

“Lamps make good mood lighting, more so that overhead lights,” says Clara Boesch, who lives in The Bard Graduate Center’s student housing in Manhattan.

Keep a floor lamp in your living space, and a table lamp next to your bed—they don’t take up much space, but brighten up your home so much more. And since your apartment isn’t policed by RAs, you can do cool grown-up things like use matches.

“I'm a huge fan of candles. It's amazing to me how much more cozy—not to mention great-smelling—a room can feel with even just a few candles lit,” says Elise DiMeo, a Union College 2014 graduate who moved to Sevilla, Spain last fall. “I don't think I'm ever in my bedroom without having at least one burning nearby. Plus, we're not in college anymore, so they're no longer illegal contraband!”

Candles look even fancier in clusters, so try grouping a few together—matching or not—on your coffee table, fireplace mantle or on your windowsill (your neighbors will appreciate the last one).

Dress it all up

Once you’ve nailed the basics, you can express your creativity through smaller decorative pieces. In organizing your desk, for example, opt for lacquered trays in lieu of plastic magazine holders and cute jars or cups to contain your pens.

In your living room, lay out coffee table books that speak to your taste and coasters to keep your surfaces safe. These can make for a fun DIY craft as well; find colors or prints that complement your space make your own out of cork squares.

As anyone who has ever given Pinterest a cursory glance could tell you, wine, champagne and liquor bottles make for great vases or other decorative piece, too. You can also drill a hole in the bottle and stuff it with Christmas lights, which you most certainly were not allowed to have in college, giving you a cute DIY lamp.

Revamp your furniture

An entry-level salary probably won’t buy you a high-end bedroom set, and the furniture that lives in your first apartment might not seem that different from the old wood frame that campus housing called a “bed.”

“I bought cheap IKEA furniture that I dressed up,” says Arielle Siniapkin, a New York University College of Nursing student and member of the class of 2015. “I went to Anthropologie and purchased these drawer pulls. I'm obsessed with.”

Now, fortunately, you have the freedom to spruce up the pieces in your new place and add a personal touch. If you go the IKEA route like Arielle did, you have the option of staining or painting your furniture to match the pieces you already own, since a lot of IKEA furniture comes with naked wood that is easy to work with.

Frame your favorite wall pieces

Nothing says “freshman” like a Sex and the City poster surrounded by photos of you and your best friends. Such décor doesn’t exactly scream “grown-up graduette.”

“Instead of just plastering posters and pictures with tape on the wall, put them in frames you can get at Urban Outfitters and Anthropologie,” suggests Meghan Kupiec, a Georgia Southern University graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in Sport and Exercise Psychology.

You don’t have to toss your treasured senior spring pictures or artsy posters since you can instantly class them up with inexpensive store-bought frames, or even ones you decorate yourself. Try arranging a montage of different-sized frames featuring a variety of images—some old photos, some simple posters, some postcards from places you or your friends have visited, some new pieces of art—in your living room to create a personal, artsy vibe. Mixing the old with the new will allow you to cherish your college memories while giving your new space an updated feel.

Think inside the box

So many of your college trinkets don’t have an obvious home—where are you supposed to keep your deflated boom sticks from the championship hockey game?—but you can’t bring yourself to part with them. These, too, can come to your new place without being scattered aimlessly around your apartment.

Pick up a small chest or storage ottoman and use it to house little odds and ends. You’ll be left with a cute, decorative piece that keeps your place clean.

Know where to save and where to spend

While it’s obviously best to save as much as you can while you’re starting out, that doesn’t mean you should fill your apartment with shoddy furniture. Items like shelves, dressers and coffee tables can certainly be purchased for cheap and be fixed up or decorated, but consider investing in nicer couches, chairs and bed sets. Nothing distracts from an otherwise well-designed room more than dingy cushions—to say nothing of how uncomfortable these can be—so it’s worth focusing your spendings here. This way, you’ll have a few durable pieces of furniture that you can bring with you as you move from place to place.

Ultimately, transitioning from dorm life to adult housing doesn’t have to be an overwhelming—or expensive—task. Moving into your first apartment gives you a great opportunity to blend your old life with your new one. You can revamp the pieces you loved in college and start fresh, cherishing your memories while creating a more mature living space.

The 5 'Fifty Shades' Spoofs You NEED to See

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Like it or not, Fifty Shades of Grey has already secured itself a spot as one of the most talked about movies of 2015. No one has been able to stop discussing the trailer (or Beyoncé’s “Crazy in Love” remix) since way back in July, but in the week before the premiere, trailer parodies are everywhere. Here are the ones you can’t miss. 

1. Fifty Shades Lego-fied

This two-minute video reportedly took a month to make, and it was a month well spent. The animation is amazing and Lego Anastasia and Lego Christrian Grey’s facial expressions are priceless. Any chance on selling this to the creators of The Lego Movie?

2. Ellen Plays Anastasia

One of Ellen’s best recurring segments is when she edits herself into films under the premise that her hilarious scenes were left on the cutting room floor. In this remake of the Fifty Shades trailer, Ellen breathes new life into the role of Anastasia. Check out those crazy eyes at 2:08.

3. Fifty Shades of Pink

Barbie has had over 130 careers, and now she takes her turn at Christian Grey’s job. Replacing Anastasia with an innocent Ken, this trailer is a must-watch for any Barbie girl. This trailer leaves viewers with one question though: how did the animators get Barbie to blink at 1:00?

4. Trapped in the Elevator

Everyone loves Vanessa Bayer on Saturday Night Live and in her web series “Sound Advice.” Now Bayer brings her talents to a series of incredibly uncomfortable elevator rides. This spoof is actually an ad for Audi, but you might not even see the logo through your tears of laughter.

5. Fifty Shades of Buscemi

Jamie Dornan may have a nice accent, but no one screams sex symbol quite the way Steve Buscemi does. This video cuts together scenes from the real Fifty Shades trailer with clips from some of Buscemi’s most iconic roles. No comment is necessary; this one is simply a masterpiece.

Fifty Shades of Grey comes out this Friday, February 13. Anticipation is rising as the first round of reviews rolls in, but what we're really dying to see is for one of these five spoofs to go feature-length. 

Here's How Designers are Ending the Knockoff Industry

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In between the eight—count them, eight!—runway seasons, the fashion world is moving and changing faster than ever. However, there is one thing that moves faster than the industry itself: knockoff vendors. With the high interest in designer goods, these cheaper alternatives are being sold by vendors before the designers even place their items in stores. Some even come out mere days after a runway show. This has been causing a great loss for designers that thrive on exclusivity. 

So, how can the big name labels beat the underground copy cats? According to Refinery 29, designers are beginning to fight back. To keep their labels less attainable, popular knockoff targets, such as Mary Katrantzou and Proenza Schouler, are adding obstacles to their design process. Both labels, known for their printed designs, have decided to spend more time individually creating one-of-a-kind pieces—think unique embroidery or complex beaded items. In making the design process more unique and labor intensive, designers hope that it will make it nearly impossible to mass-produce quality knockoffs. After all, their customers pay for exclusive items, and the luxury brands say they hope to keep it that way. 

If you've already noticed recent aesthetic changes in some of your favorite designers, you’re probably right. Katrantzou started this process last season when she focused her time on constructing inimitable silhouettes. While it does take more effort to create the rare looks, in the end, it makes for a beautifully unique collection. As for the knockoff industry, their fast-paced retail sub-industry may begin to move a whole lot slower. 


Valentine’s Day Quotes: 27 Cute Things to Write to Your Valentine

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If you’ve ever tried to Google “Valentine’s Day quotes” to find something heartfelt to write inside of a card, then you know that most of the cheesy lines a search engine spits at you about “true love” are gag-worthy. Here are a few sweet nothings you can scribble in a love letter to your valentine that won’t make him or her feel incredibly awkward.

If you're "just talking"

You’re not dating yet, so you don’t want to come on too strong—use one of these cheesy pick-up lines to make your valentine smile.

1. “If you were a Transformer, you’d be Optimus FINE.”

2. “On a scale of one to 10, I’d give you a nine—and I’m the one you need!”

3. “Are you a banana? Because I find you a-peel-ing.”

4. “If I could rearrange the alphabet, I’d put U and I together.”

5. “Are you a kleptomaniac? Because you just stole my heart.”

6. “Good thing I brought my library card, because I’m checkin’ you out.”

7. “If you were on paper, you’d be what they call ‘fine print!’”

8. “Do you have a Band-Aid? Because I skinned my knee when I fell for you.” 

If you’re dating

You're together, and you're not seeing other people. You’re having a great time together, and you care about each other a lot—but you haven’t said the “L” word yet. Stick to these lines to show him or her how you feel without saying more than you mean to.

9. “You should be kissed, and often, by someone who knows how.” –Gone with the Wind

10. “A kiss is a lovely trick designed by nature to stop speech when words become superfluous.” –Ingrid Bergman (Put this on the front of a card, then on the inside write, “Writing anything in here would be superfluous.”)

11. “You have bewitched me, body and soul.” –Mr. Darcy, Pride & Prejudice

12. “Your lips are like wine, and I want to get drunk.”  –William Shakespeare

13. “i carry your heart with me (i carry it in my heart)”  –E.E. Cummings

14. “The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.”  –Audrey Hepburn

15. “Yours are the sweetest eyes I’ve ever seen.”  –Sir Elton John

16. “I belong with you and you belong with me—you’re my sweetheart.” –The Lumineers

17. “Maybe I think you’re cute and funny. Maybe I wanna do what bunnies do with you, if you know what I mean.”  –Ingrid Michaelson

18. “You are a work of art.” –Morrissey

19. “You, just like heaven.” –The Cure

If you're in love

Your relationship is solid, and you’ve exchanged "I love you's." Here’s how to tell your sweetie just how in love with him or her you are!

20. “Love me tender; love me sweet. Never let me go.”  –Elvis

21. “I love you more than I could ever promise because you take me the way I am.” –Ingrid Michaelson

22. “I never knew that I could love someone the way that I love you.” –Ben Rector

23. “Your love is better than chocolate. Better than anything else that I’ve tried.” –Sarah McLachlan

24. “You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” –Pride and Prejudice

25. “Home is wherever I’m with you.” –Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros

26. “There are not enough days in forever to allow me to fully express the depth of my love for you.” –Steve Maraboli

27. “Love is a many splendored thing. Love lifts us up where we belong. All you need is love!” –Moulin Rouge

Survey Shows Surge in Harassment of Abortion Clinic Workers

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If you’ve noticed lately that you can’t walk past your local abortion clinic or Planned Parenthood branch without being approached by protesters who have perched themselves just beyond the legal buffer zone, it’s not just you. Results of the National Clinic Violence survey conducted last year by The Feminist Majority Foundation found that clinic doctors and nurses have been increasingly experiencing instances of intimidation and stalking since 2010.

According to the survey, harassment and intimidation has increased from 26.6 percent to 51.9 percent over the past four years. Though severe violence, which includes invasions, gunfire and bomb threats, has subsided since 2010, protestors seem to be resorting to other tactics that are less violent by nature, but no less disturbing.

In an effort to intimidate, protestors have tried everything from posting staff members’ pictures and personal information online to printing pamphlets that directly target specific people. And it’s not just clinic staff members who are affected. Women who visit these clinics for a number of reasons, which may not even involve an abortion, also have to endure some degree of harassment.

So while there may seem to be a fine line between verbal intimidation tactics and actual violence, it’s still just as alarming—and concerning—to hear that staff and visitors of these clinics have to face non-violent harassment on a daily basis. 

3 Muslim Students Killed in North Carolina Shooting

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A 46-year-old North Carolina man has been charged with three counts of first-degree murder following the shooting deaths of three Muslim students near the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 

Deah Barakat, 23, Barakat's wife, Yusor Abu-Salha, 23, and Yusor's sister, Razan Abu-Salha, 21, were shot dead in their apartment near the campus on Tuesday afternoon as a result of what the police believe to be a dispute that was triggered over a parking space.

"Our preliminary investigation indicates that the crime was motivated by an ongoing neighbor dispute over parking,"Chapel Hill police said in a statement after the shooter, Craig Stephen Hicks, turned himself in shortly after the murders. 

Dr. Mohammed Abu-Salha, Yusor and Razan's father, told police that the murder was "execution style" and that "this was a hate crime."

"Our investigators are exploring what could have motivated Mr. Hicks to commit such a senseless and tragic act," said Police Chief Chris Blue. "We understand the concerns about the possibility that this was hate-motivated and we will exhaust every lead to determine if that is the case."

The police, who have Hicks' cooperation, are investigating whether or not the murders should be considered a hate crime but social media users, particularly those familiar with Hicks' Facebook page, have come to the conclusion that the motive behind the shootings has mostly to do with the students' faith. A Facebook page, allegedly belonging to Hicks, was dug up on Tuesday night and many of the posts include anti-religious rants and photographs that denounce Christianity, Mormonism, and Islam. A recent post of his claimed that "religious scripture is ignorant of reality."

Razan, who was a student at North Carolina State University, was studying architecture and environmental design. Barakat was a second-year student in the UNC School of Dentistry and had been married to Yusor, also a student at NCSU, for one month before the shooting. The couple wed in December and Yusor was planning on continuing her studies at UNC Dental School in the fall.

Hicks is currently being held without bond in the Durham County Jail.

After news of the murders, Twitter and Facebook lit up with thousands of users sending prayers and support to the families of the victims and others who also identify as Muslim. The hashtag #MuslimLivesMatter has been trending since.

One user tweeted a photo of the couple on their wedding day with the caption, "Remember them like this. Deah and Yusor had names, dreams and families. #MuslimLivesMatter."

UNC Chapel Hill has since issued a brief statement: "We are sensitive to the impact an incident of this nature has on campus and in the community," the statement reads. "We understand you want to know the facts as quickly as possible. At the same time, we must respect the job our Chapel Hill police have as they investigate this crime."

How to Stay Warm When You're Working Out Outdoors

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Let’s be honest. Some days it’s tough to get motivated to walk to the gym, much less get pumped for a chilly outdoor run. Counteract your winter funk with some cute workout clothes specifically designed for those cold winter days. Here are some great pieces that will keep you warm and dry on your daily run:

1. Feelin’ Frosty Softshell, lululemon, $248

This insulated, high-neck jacket (with a detachable hood!) keeps you toasty throughout your run! Plus, the reflective accents on this stylish piece will keep you safe even when dreary winter days keep it dark outdoors.

2. Power Stretch Tight, Athleta, $59.99

These cozy running tights feature expedition-weight Polartec fabric to keep you warm during your winter workouts. The cute purple color is just an added bonus!

3. Run With Me Ear Warmer, lululemon, $32

On extra-cold days, this fleece-lined ear warmer will protect your ears from the blistering winds.

4. Zoom Wildhorse GTX Running Shoe, Nike, $130

The high-tech waterproof protection on these stylish kicks will keep your feet dry and warm even during rainy days and frosty snowstorms.

5. Funnel-Neck Pullover, Victoria’s Secret, $59.50

This cozy pullover features a high neckline to keep you feeling warm (and looking totally chic) during inclement weather.

6. Vapor Flash Running Gloves, Nike, $65

These sleek gloves use patented technology to retain heat, keeping your hands toasty warm. Added bonus: touch-screen fingertips make it easy to change your playlist mid-workout.

7. Evolution Leg Warmers, lululemon, $48

Leg warmers aren’t just for '80s theme parties! Slide them over your leggings to stay cozy during chilly runs.

What’s your secret for staying warm during a chilly winter workout?

Real Live College Guy: Can We Go From FWB to Something More?

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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’ve been hooking up casually with a really good guy friend for three years now. It’s kind of been talked about that at one point we had feelings for each other, but now we are both away at school in different cities. We still hook up when we see each other (sometimes drunk and sometimes sober). We have a lot in common and always have a blast together. We have been friends since high school and we are in the same friend group, so we never want to ruin our friendship by jumping into a relationship. We are both completely drama-free, but sometimes it feels like he is just using me to hook up. I have been reserved about my feelings because I don't want to ruin our friendship, and if he just wants to be friends, that would be okay with me. But he is the kind of guy that ultimately I would date. How can I tell if he is the right guy at the wrong time or just the wrong guy at the right time?–Friend or Foe at Fordham

Fordham,

It sounds like you’re both just using each other to hook up, at least for right now. As a guy, it seems unfair to me that you would willingly be in a casual sex “relationship” and then say it feels like he’s using you. Let’s not kid ourselves: You’re using him, too.

But now there are feelings involved. You think you can just be friends with him, but far too often I’ve seen “friendships” (casual hookups) fall apart when feelings aren’t reciprocated. If he doesn’t want to date you, things are going to get awkward. He may not want to have sex with you anymore, you may not want to have sex with him and now you guys can’t hang out anymore because – ugh – where’s the fun in that?

If he’s the guy you ultimately see yourself dating, you need to ‘fess up. You two apparently have a great physical connection already, and you have the benefit of already being friends. This all comes down to communication. How do you find out if he just wants to be friends? How can you tell if he likes you? You ask him.

Don’t play cat and mouse, and do your best to not be nervous. The next time you two are about to hook up, put the brakes on and have that talk. To your surprise, he may have actually been waiting to see how you felt about getting into a relationship because he wants the same thing. I could understand his reluctance to ask, though, given the distance. Distance isn’t an easy thing to cope with, regardless of the level of your relationship (friendship, hook-up, significant other, etc.).

On the flipside, there’s the chance that he might not want a relationship with you. If that’s the case, you have to decide if you’re willing to continue hooking up with him. Is the physical benefit worth the emotional distress? These are things you need to consider. I don’t feel as though this is the bridge you’ll have to cross, but I want you to be prepared either way.

Right guy, wrong time? Wrong guy, right time? Why does it have to be one or the other? Maybe he’s the right guy at the right time and one of you just needs to grab the reins and take charge. 

Fill out my online form.

13 Valentine’s Day Hashtags for Single Girls

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Valentine’s Day (or like some like to call it, Singles Awareness Day) is right around the corner, and needless to say, us single ladies are less than thrilled. While it’s bad enough to see happy couples hand-in-hand around campus, we also get bombarded with cheesy romance all over social media. So instead of rolling your eyes at every #bestboyfriendever and heart emoji, Instagram and Tweet away with these single girl-approved V-day hashtags. You're welcome.

1. “Who needs a fancy Valentine’s Day dress? Sweatpants all night. #blessed”

2. “Party full of single people = my box of V-Day candies. #singleandreadytomingle”

3. “Box of chocolates for one? Don’t mind if I do. #nomnom #foodporn”

4. “Ryan Gosling will always be better than your boyfriend. #mancrushalways #marryme #butreally”

5. “Drinking wine alone tonight. #sorrynotsorry”

6. “Nutella is basically my soul mate. #truelove #bestieverhad”

7. “#tbt to last year when my BF forgot a V-day gift… #bye #betteroff”

8. “Ben & Jerry’s > your Valencia-ed 5-course meal. #nofilter”

9. “If T-Swift doesn’t need a man, neither do I. #shakeitoff”

10. “I’d rather watch chick flicks and have a dance party with my girls anyways. #whoruntheworld #singleladies”

 

11. “Netflix is my true #bae. #letsbereal”  

12. “Would you rather have flowers or pizza delivered? #onerightanswer #pizzaforever”

13. “Good thing this is all a marketing campaign for Hallmark. #truestory #fakeholiday”

The Women of 'SNL' Dish on their Favorite Characters to Play

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The women of SNL have played some of the funniest characters on TV. It doesn't get much better than Molly Shannon's Mary Catherine Gallagh, the ladies of Bronx Beat Maya Rudolph and Amy Poehler, and Ana Gasteyer as the middle school teacher with alongside Will Ferrell. Just like the fans of the show, the women of SNL have their favorite characters, too. Glamour Magazine interviewed some of our favorite ladies from the SNL cast, both past and present, and asked them which characters they enjoyed playing the most. Of course Rachel Dratch's favorite character is the hilarious Debbie Downer, but we're surprised to find out that Amy Poehler especially loved playing men because "the clothes were more comfortable."

You can catch all these funny women on the SNL 40 live special airing Sunday night from 8 to 11 p.m. on NBC. Check out the rest of the cast's answers below!


Write About An African-American Who Inspires You – You Could Win a Scholarship!

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Whether it's a popular musician or a historical figure, everyone has someone she looks up to. You may have a quote by this person written in your planner or even a poster of him or her up on your dorm wall. It doesn't really matter if this person has won three major music awards or a Nobel Peace Prize; what's important is that they light a fire under you to live fully and well. So the question is, who inspires you?

In honor of Black History Month, Regions Bank is hosting its fourth annual Regions Riding Forward® Scholarship Essay Contest where students can write a 500-word essay describing an African-American who has inspired them for an opportunity to win a $3,500 or $5,000 scholarship. The deadline to submit your essay is February 26th, so don’t miss out!

If writing is one of your passions, consider this a sign that you should apply! There are no specific guidelines as to which African-American you should write about —it’s all up to you! Perhaps a song has inspired you to live each day with nothing but gratitude. Or maybe an actress’s acceptance speech helped you realize that your dreams of being an actress are attainable. Whoever it may be, Regions wants to hear how you’ve been inspired and why this person should be celebrated!

In order to enter, you must be either a high school senior or college freshman, sophomore or junior and be a legal resident in select states. Any eligible student of any gender or race can apply to win! Sixteen high school seniors will be awarded a $5,000 scholarship and 16 college freshmen, sophomores and juniors will be awarded a $3,500 scholarship. Check out the Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Essay Contest website for all the details, including eligibility requirements, prize information and the Contest Official Rules.

Though the clock is ticking, you still have plenty of time left until the Feb. 26 deadline! We hope you seize the opportunity to write about someone you’re truly passionate about—we sure will!

Sponsored by Regions Bank.

Valentine’s Day Recipes: 8 Yummy Ways to Show Your Love

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If you’re looking for a festive way to cook up some Valentine’s Day fun, look no further! We came up with a list of easy recipes for the sweet people in your life. Whether you’re spending the night with the girls or looking to surprise that special someone, we’ve got the yummiest ways to show your love.  

1. Valentine Heart Kebabs

Recipe from Parents

Ingredients

  • 1 cantaloupe
  • 1 honeydew melon
  • 1/2 watermelon
  • 1 6-ounce container plain low-fat yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Heart-shaped cookie cutter

Directions

  1. Cut fruit into 1-inch-thick slices. Using a small, heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut hearts from melon slices. Poke a hole in each heart with a toothpick, going from top to bottom. Then, thread popsicle sticks.
  2. Stir together yogurt, orange juice concentrate and honey until well combined. Serve with hearts.

2. Heart in a Basket: Egg and Toast

Recipe from Martha Stewart

Ingredients

  • Slice of bread
  • 3 teaspoons butter
  • 1 egg
  • 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter

Directions

  1. Using a 3-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter, remove the center of a thick slice of bread and toast it. Melt 1 ½ teaspoons butter in a small skillet over medium heat.
  2. Place bread slice in skillet and cook until underside if lightly browned. Add another 1 ½ teaspoon butter and flip bread. Fit cookie cutter, coated with cooking spray, in bread’s cutout heart, and crack an egg into cutter.
  3. Cover skillet and cook until egg is set, 2-3 minutes. Use tongs to remove cutter. Serve with toasted heart for dipping into yolk.

3. Rasmopolitan

Recipe from Martha Stewart

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) citrus-flavored vodka
  • 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) raspberry-flavored vodka
  • 1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) Chambord
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon simple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons cranberry juice
  • Raspberries for decoration

Directions

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add vodkas, Chambord, lime juice, simple syrup and cranberry juice. Shake or stir until well chilled. Strain into a martini glass.
  2. Garnish with raspberries; serve.

4. Chicken Noodle and Heart Soup

Recipe from Sophistimom

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 large carrots, cut into hearts (see instructions below)
  • 1 medium onion
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced into 1/4 inch pieces
  • 2 stalks fresh thyme (optional)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 large sage leaves (optional)
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
  • 2-3 cups water
  • 1/2 teaspoon vinegar
  • Pinch cayenne pepper (use your own discretion)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 large chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
  • 1/2 pound small pasta, such as farfalle or rotini, cooked for about 1 minute less than the recommended cooking time
  • Fresh parsley

Directions

  1. Peel the carrots. Then, use a paring knife to cut out a notch all the way down the length of a carrot. Remove the little wedge.
  2. Use a potato peeler to gently round off the pointed edges.
  3. Flip the carrot over, and shave off wide peels on each side of the bottom of the heart. Keep peeling until the two sides meet in a point.
  4. Cut it into slices. Repeat with the rest of the carrots.

Directions

  1. In a large pot set over medium-low heat, combine olive oil, carrot hearts, diced onion, celery, thyme (both kinds), bay leaf and sage. Sprinkle with a pinch of kosher salt. Cook until tender, stirring occasionally (about 10 minutes).
  2. Add in stock, 1 cup of water and vinegar. Add in cayenne pepper, and bring to a boil. After about 20 minutes, check the soup for flavor, and add more water, salt and pepper as necessary.
  3. In each individual bowl, place the desired amount of chicken and pasta, cover with a ladle of the soup and top with parsley.

5. Homemade Vanilla Bean Marshmallows

Recipe from Baked Bree

Ingredients

  • 3 packets unflavored gelatin
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 vanilla bean (seeded)

Directions

  1. Pour 1/2 cup of water into a small bowl. Sprinkle the packages of gelatin over the water. Give it a whisk. Let the mixture sit while you make the sugar syrup.
  2. Combine the sugar, corn syrup, salt and 1/2 cup water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat; do not stir this mixture.
  3. Once the sugar dissolves, raise the heat to medium-high and cook until a candy thermometer reaches 240 degrees Fahrenheit.
  4. Put the gelatin mixture and the scraped vanilla seeds into the bowl of a stand mixer using the whisk attachment.
  5. Slowly pour the sugar mixture into the mixer while on low speed.
  6. Whip on high speed for 10 to 15 minutes. It will have gained volume and turned bright white. Add the vanilla.
  7. Dust the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch pan with powdered sugar. Be very generous with the sugar, or you will never get the marshmallow out of the pan.
  8. Pour the marshmallow out and smooth.
  9. Let the pan sit out, uncovered, overnight.
  10. The next day, cut out using a sharp knife, or cookie cutters.
  11. Dip the cookie cutters into powdered sugar so that you can get them out. Also, dust the marshmallows again (especially the sides) so they do not stick together.

6. Pizza Made With Love

Recipe from Yummy Mummy Kitchen

Ingredients

  • 1 prepared pizza dough
  • Your favorite sauce
  • Fresh mozzarella cheese, drained and sliced
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Your favorite toppings

Directions

  1. Preheat oven and a pizza stone to 550 degrees Fahrenheit for at least one hour. Have dough in a lightly greased bowl covered with a towel while oven is preheating.
  2. Place pizza dough on a lightly floured piece of parchment paper.
  3. Stretch dough into a heart shape. Trim with a knife as needed.
  4. Spread sauce over dough and top with favorite cheese and toppings.
  5. Use a cookie cutter to punch a heart shape out of a red bell pepper.
  6. Transfer pizza and parchment (will help keep the heart shape) to the hot pizza stone.
  7. Cook 8-10 minutes or until crust is brown and cheese is bubbly.

7. Conversation Heart Cookies

Recipe from Martha Stewart

Note: You’ll need to make the icing before the hearts.

Royal icing ingredients

  • 2 pounds confectioner's sugar, sifted
  • 10 tablespoons meringue powder
  • 1 cup water

Royal icing directions

  1. Combine confectioner's sugar and meringue powder in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment.
  2. Mix on low speed until combined, about 1 minute.  With mixer on low, gradually add water. 
  3. Mix on low until smooth and the consistency of thick honey, about 5 minutes. Do not overbeat.
  4. If icing is too thick, add more water, a little at a time, beating to desired consistency. If icing is too thin, continue mixing for 2 to 3 minutes more.
  5. Icing will keep, covered and refrigerated, for up to 1 week. Stir with a rubber spatula before using.

Conversation hearts ingredients

  • 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour, plus more for surface                                                                                
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder                                                                                                          
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt                                                                                                                        
  • 4 ounces (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened                                                                                    
  • 1 cup sugar                                                                                                                                    
  • 1 large egg                                                                                                                                     
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Royal icing                                                                                                                                
  • Gel-paste food coloring (such as leaf green, lemon yellow, peach, red, rose and violet)

Conversation hearts directions

  1. Whisk together flour, baking powder and salt in a large bowl.
  2. Cream butter and sugar with a mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy.
  3. With mixer running, add egg and vanilla. Reduce speed to low.
  4. Add flour mixture gradually, beating until just incorporated.
  5. Divide dough in half; flatten each half into a disk and wrap each in plastic.
  6. Refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour (or overnight).
  7. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit with racks in top third and lower third.
  8. Let 1 disk of dough stand at room temperature just until soft enough to roll, about 10 minutes.
  9. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out dough to just under 1/4-inch thickness, adding more flour as needed to keep dough from sticking.
  10. Cut out cookies with a 2-inch heart cutter, and place them 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  11. Roll out scraps once and repeat.
  12. Repeat with remaining disk of dough.
  13. Freeze cookies until very firm, about 15 minutes.
  14. Bake cookies, rotating sheets halfway through and switching from top to bottom, until edges turn golden brown, 14 to 16 minutes.
  15. Let cool on sheets on wire racks. Cookies will keep, covered, for up to 1 week.
  16. Divide royal icing into 1/2-cup portions in small bowls.
  17. Tint each with a different gel paste food coloring, starting with just a drop, mixing well, and adding more, drop by drop, to reach desired shade.
  18. Transfer 1 bowl of icing to a pastry bag fitted with a 1/8-inch round plain tip. Pipe the outline around edge of each cookie, then fill in with frosting. Poke air bubbles with a toothpick.
  19. Transfer decorated cookies to a parchment-lined baking sheet, and let stand uncovered overnight until dry.
  20. Arrange stamp letters to create desired phrases. Fold a paper towel into quarters.
  21. Squeeze a small amount of red gel-paste food coloring onto a paper towel, and press stamp in coloring. (You may need to blot stamp a few times on a clean paper towel if coloring is too thick.)
  22. Lightly press stamp on top of icing in center of each cookie.
  23. Let stand until dry, about 30 minutes.
  24. Stamped cookies will keep, covered, for up to 3 days.

8. Champagne Fondue

Recipe from Examiner.com

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups champagne or sparkling wine
  • 1 large shallot, minced
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
  • 2 1/2 cups grated Gruyere cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
  • Pinch ground white pepper

Directions

  1. Toss the grated gruyere cheese with the flour and set aside.  In a large saucepan, heat the champagne and the shallots until the mixture boils.
  2. Reduce heat to medium and add the cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is almost completely melted.
  3. Add approximately 1/2 cup of the Gruyere cheese and continue to stir until the Gruyere is almost melted. Continue adding the gruyere in 1/2 cup portions until all the gruyere has been added. The fondue may look lumpy, but it will become smooth as the cheeses melt.
  4. Add the Parmesan and the nutmeg and continue to stir. Increase the heat to high and continue to stir until the mixture slowly bubbles.
  5. Continue to cook until the fondue is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3 to 4 minutes. Season to taste with the pepper and serve.

8 Crazy Kelsey Moments from 'The Bachelor'

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Oh, Kelsey. We had such high hopes for you, coming in on the first night with your short haircut. You seemed mature and extension-free, and we liked that about you. We have a feeling Chris did, too. But then you had to go and mess it all up by opening your mouth…repeatedly. As soon as our Bachelor ditched Ashley S., you were a prime target to become the next crazy. You gave producers just the right amount of partially insane statements to craft you into a villain. And while we do think Kelsey was pretty heavily edited to sound cuckoo, we can’t help but relive some of her boldest and most prolific thoughts below.

8. The laughing

Chris might not have caught on to it, but Kelsey's pained laugh tells us how she really feels about staying at the campsite all night. What's even better, though, are the other girls' impressions of her laugh.

7. Falling for love

In this gem of a deleted scene, we saw Kelsey describing her panic attack to the only ears that would listen. You guessed it: Britt! Our favorite part? She definitely kept her eye on that one-on-one prize after, according to her, experiencing an unbelievable amount of tragedy! Stick around; we have a lot more to say about her “medical emergency.”

6. Immeasurably blessed

In Kelsey’s exit interview, she once again put herself on a pedestal all while uttering her famously faux speech of gratitude in the same breath. Did we forget to mention that she held her hand up in the air again ranking herself above everyone else? Yes, that happened.

5. Good ole’ denial

First of all, how amazing was it that Kelsey entered every room by cooing, “Knock, knock?” It’s like she knew she was being talked about. If the ladies were so convinced that Kelsey was a master manipulator, then they had to see this denial approach coming—or maybe not! A little lamb during confrontation, Kelsey just couldn’t help but pat herself on the back during her confessional: “I get it. I am blessed with eloquence and I’m articulate and I use a lot of big words because I’m smart.”

4. Panic at the rose ceremony

First, we demand to know why the initial moments of this supposed fainting/panic attack weren’t caught on camera. From laughing about store-bought brownies to being overly confident about getting a rose, we couldn’t even handle Kelsey in this moment. And we had to know she would ask to speak with Chris because he’s too nice to do anything but hug and reassure her. 

3. Darling, that is life

First of all, Kelsey couldn’t even remember the name of her late husband’s cause of death. As if that wasn’t bad enough, she turned this into an opportunity to compliment herself excessively. Her nonchalance throughout the conversation had even Ashley I. questioning Kelsey’s motives. That’s when we knew things were serious!

2. Like a black widow, baby

Meet crazy Kelsey. This was the moment when America turned on her. We didn’t want to bring Sanderson Poe into this, but her reaction after telling Chris her tragic tale made us cringe: “Isn’t my story amazing? It’s tragic, but it’s amazing. I love my story… I know this is a story about Chris, but this is my love story, too.” Though we think this moment was extremely edited, we can’t help but hate Kelsey for trying to hijack Chris’s journey to find love.

1. Eye daggers

We all saw this moment coming, right? Chris loves to call these women by name when he’s playing the blame game, and Ashley I. was simply his latest victim. But it was more Kelsey’s blatant staredown of Ashley on a peculiarly-placed bed that made this moment worth taking a second look at.

So long, Kelsey! We hope you find a man who looks up to you as much as you do.

Who would you like to nominate for the next woman to stir up some major trouble, collegiettes? 

6 Experiences You NEED to Mention When Applying for Any Job

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As a collegiette applying for your first job or internship, the question, “What qualifies you for this position?” can be the most intimidating one you’ll hear during an interview. After all, when you’re still in school and haven’t exactly had tons of time in the “real world” to feel qualified, how can you demonstrate your skills to potential employers and show what a standout applicant you are? Even if you don’t have tons of experience working or interning already, there are plenty of activities you’re already participating in on campus that you’ve probably never even thought to bring up in an interview or cover letter! From your sorority to playing on the women’s soccer team, we rounded up a list of activities and experiences that you’re not mentioning on your cover letter or during an interview—but totally should be!

1. Acting and theatre

Did you spend the majority of your free time in college on stage? Tom Dezell, author of Networking for the Novice, Nervous, or Naïve Job-Seeker says that acting is a great skill to mention no matter what the job you’re applying for is.  

“An individual who acted in plays would be comfortable making presentations to groups, which can be important in just about any field,” Dezell says. “Plus, most surveys of common human fears show this is quite prominent, so employers value it.”

Especially in a workplace where you’ll be giving frequent presentations or doing lots of speaking, the ability to be comfortable presenting to a large amount of people is extremely valuable. To mention this skill during an interview or cover letter, try connecting it to your ability to be comfortable speaking in public and confidently presenting your ideas. Dezell recommends looking out for an open-ended question in the interview and taking this opportunity to show the way your acting experience translates to the workplace.

“Any open-ended question regarding what interests them or qualifies them for the job provides the opportunity,” Dezell explains.

What to say:

“My experience as a performer in plays and musicals throughout my time as a student has allowed me to gain valuable public speaking skills, and has prepared me to effectively present my ideas within the workplace.”

2. Leadership positions

You probably already know to mention your experience as student body president or the leader of a major organization on campus; but no matter how big or small the organization you’re a part of is, a leadership position is worth mentioning, as it’ll give you a major leg up. Whether you were president of your sorority or the animal rights club, mentioning leadership experience not only shows that you are capable of organizing and managing an organization, but that you are trusted and respected by those who voted you into the position in the first place.

“No matter what the activity, assuming or rising to leadership positions can provide some of the few opportunities students have to demonstrate leadership,” Dezell says.

It’s a great idea to mention current or past leadership positions if an interviewer asks about what qualifies you for a job, since it shows you’ve worked hard and were dedicated enough to an organization to move up and take on that leadership role.

What to say:

“As president of my school’s chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma, I have learned valuable leadership and interpersonal skills, and as a result, I am extremely comfortable leading a team and interacting with others effectively.”

3. Playing a sport

Few activities can teach teamwork and collaboration like team sports do—if you participated in a team sport during college, it’s great to mention it!

“Playing sports obviously often involves teamwork,” Dezell says. “Plus, the winning and losing aspect of sports can build skills in perseverance, which translates well into occupations like sales, account management and customer service.”

In almost any workplace, you’ll have to work with others to reach a common goal, so mentioning the teamwork you learned is always a good idea. Even if your sport isn’t a team sport, it’s still great to point out the way endless hours of practicing to be ready to compete has taught you the skills of dedication, hard work and perseverance.

What to say:

“Playing for the women’s soccer team has taught me how to work effectively with a team of others to work toward a common goal.”

4. School newspaper

Even if you’re not applying to work in a communications-based field, the writing and communication skills you’ve gained from working on the staff of a school publication will make you a standout applicant.

“Working on the school paper not only provides ways to showcase writing and editing skills, but also can document ability to meet deadlines,” Dezell says.

Aja Frost, a California Polytechnic State senior, says she includes her previous journalism experience in cover letters to demonstrate her ability to be creative and think on her feet within time constraints.

“Although I'm not interested in being a journalist, I've done a lot of reporting,” she says. “I use this to show potential employers my excellent written communication skills. For example, I might write in a cover letter, ‘Working for USA TODAY College shaped my abilities to write clearly and concisely on a deadline. These skills would serve me well in a role on your marketing team, where I'd be required to create compelling content within time constraints.’”

Meryl Weinsaft Cooper and Jessica Kleiman, co-authors of Be Your Own Best Publicist: How To Use PR Techniques to Get Noticed, Hired and Rewarded at Work, agree that good communication skills and the ability to meet a deadline are great skills to bring up when mentioning your experience working for a college publication.

School newspaper experience means you are a good writer or editor, can tell a story, and you meet deadlines well,” Cooper and Kleiman say.

Good communication skills will always be a major asset in any workplace. Something as simple as connecting the way your writing experience has improved your ability to effectively and concisely communicate a message will make employers take notice.

What to say:

“Working on the staff of my university’s newspaper has enhanced my ability to communicate and write concisely, and this skill has positively shaped my marketing and public relations proficiencies.”

5. Part-time jobs

At first, it may seem insignificant compared to the job you’re applying for, but mentioning any part-time work experience is a great way to show your ability to work well with other people and to be both professional and dependable. Sarah Beth Kaye, a senior at Rutgers University, always makes sure to include the value of her experience working as front desk personnel in a university building.

“While I am not applying for front desk personnel jobs, it shows that I have great people skills and am well practiced in working with people,” Kaye says. “Almost any job in which you talk to people on a professional level, whether or not it fits your future career path, is good to mention because it shows that you are able to communicate professionally and properly with people.”

Cooper and Kleiman agree that, ultimately, any work experience and the skills you’ve learned from it can easily be made applicable to whatever job you are applying for.

“Drill down to what elements could translate to an office or more traditional job,” Cooper and Kleiman say. “Be creative but honest and you’ll have a treasure trove of experience and skills from which to pull.”

Other jobs, like waitressing or working retail, translate well to people skills and customer service as well! Even if your choice of part-time employment isn’t one that involves constantly working with people, mentioning the work ethic it has taught you is a great way to show employers that you’re prepared for the challenge of a full-time job or internship

What to say:

“My summer job as a waitress has allowed me to develop the ability to manage competing priorities and hone my interpersonal skills.”

6. Participating in Greek life

Ever thought about mentioning your sorority at an interview? Next time, you totally should. Kleiman and Cooper say that few activities provide you with such great people skills as participation in Greek life does, and if you’ve ever worked on your sorority’s recruitment tasks, you’ve definitely gained some valuable marketing skills too!

“On the rush committee for your sorority? You probably have had to develop your interpersonal skills and even garnered a little marketing experience,” Kleiman and Cooper say.

No matter what job you’re applying for, the interpersonal skills participating in a sorority provides you with will be valuable to any employer. It’s also a great idea to mention the way sororities teach leadership, and oftentimes, conflict management when necessary.

What to say:

“My participation in Greek life on campus has developed my interpersonal skills, and working specifically on our rush committee to attract new recruits has cultivated my marketing and public relations skills.”

Even if you haven’t had a ton of time to hone your skills in the real world, showing employers the ways your experiences in college translate to the workplace is a great way to make yourself a standout applicant. Get ready for those offers to start rolling in!

Shades of Grey You Can Wear on Valentine's Day

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Roses are red, violets are blue, we're wearing grey on V-Day and you should, too! Ditch the safe red and pink options for your date this Valentine's Day and opt for something a little edgier. Surprise your love or your friends by stepping out in these chic grey pieces. We'd venture to guess that Christian Grey himself would approve.

1. An up-to-there slit

So your guy is a bit ambiguous about your V-Day plans, but you want to make sure you're dressy enough. Try the Classy and Sassy Maxi Dress ($72, Tobi) with this to-die-for open back and sexy slit. The steely grey is beyond edgy and sophisticated.

2. A little bit wild

What's sexier than snakeskin? This chic Animal Print Pencil Skirt ($19.94, Joe Fresh) combines a classic silhouette with a crazy pattern, making this piece a win-win. Wear it with a strappy top for your date and then repurpose it later for your internship with a more modest button-down.

3. Laid-back embellishments

If your plans include Chinese food and Netflix for the holiday of love (ME!!), slip into this Boxy Beaded Sweatshirt ($24.90, Forever 21) to stay comfy but put together. The jewel accents dress up the relaxed sweatshirt without compromising the kind of comfort required for movie-watching.

4. Classy, classic and perfect for date night

If you're in the small percentage of the population whose boyfriend actually made plans for Valentine's Day then reward him by slipping into this little number. Modest enough to woo the parents but sexy enough to get in the mood, the Nadia Dress in Silk Chiffon ($200, J.Crew) is a timeless piece that will last in your closet for years.

5. Cute and casual

This simple Max & Mia Front Zip Collarless Jacket ($46.80, Nordstrom) in heather grey tweed is the perfect accessory for any outfit this Valentine's Day. The classic tweed will perfectly compliment whatever color you choose for your plans.   

Which shade of grey will you be wearing?

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