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J.K. Rowling Has at Least One 'Harry Potter' Regret

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If you're anything like us, reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was the most gut-wrenching, soul-crushing experience of your life, for several reasons. Chiefly among them is probably the plethora of tragic character deaths that occurred during the horrific battles against Voldemort and his Death Eaters. Among those we mourned most: a certain plucky ginger trickster twin who, over seven novels, we had come to accept as part of our own families. For all of you who felt that his untimely demise was an abominable and unforgivable plot choice, you might find solace in this latest news. Author J.K. Rowling tweeted an apology to her many fans for the anguish she caused by killing off character Fred Weasley (best known as one half of the formidable Weasley twins) in the final novel of the Harry Potter series. 


You might be wondering why she chose to issue this formal writ of contrition so many years after the fact (8 years since the release of the last novel, and 17 years to date from the canon battle against Voldemort). You might also be curious as to why she picked Fred in particular, rather than just a blanket apology for the numerous casualties her pen induced over the course of that 700 page epic. While we don't have an answer for that first question, we do know now that Fred was "the worst for [her]" to write, according to a follow up tweet she posted in answer to a fan.


At least we now have confirmation that it hurt as much for her as it did for us. We mean:

Now, we kind of have a list of other characters we need her to apologize for as well, for example...


5 Beauty DIYs That Are Perfect For Summer

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Summer is quickly approaching and we couldn’t be more excited about it. We’re more than ready for mango body butters and coconut-scented body spray. Summer also inspires tons of great beauty DIYs that are guaranteed to make your bathroom feel like a beach party all season long. So even if you can’t hit the pool with a snow cone in hand, at least your body scrub will smell like one. Here are five DIY projects that you must try now:

1. Mango Pina Colada Lip Balm

Even if your summer plans don’t involve sipping pina coladas in Mexico, this homemade lip balm is the next best thing. Don’t let the idea of making your own lip balm intimidate you. This recipe is super easy to follow, and all of the ingredients can be found at a local health foods store. All you have to do is combine the ingredients, melt them over the stove and pour into lip balm containers (any craft or beauty supply store should have these!) and you’re good to go.

2. Coconut Milk Facial

Most of us want a healthy complexion all year round, but gorgeous and glowing skin is especially great in the summer. Coconut milk is moisturizing and loaded with vitamins essential for healthy skin. This recipe for a coconut milk facial gives you a two-step facial for healthy, glowing skin. First comes a coconut milk face scrub, made with coconut milk and a little bit of baking soda. This is a great way to get rid of any dead skin cells and blackheads. The next step is a coconut milk mask, made with (you guessed it) coconut milk and honey. The honey is antibacterial, so it’s a little added boost for those of us fighting breakouts.

3. Citrus Body Butter

A citrus-scented body butter is great for summer, because it’s light and refreshing—like a cold glass of lemonade. This recipe uses only three ingredients: honey, coconut oil and the peel of whatever citrus fruit you like. Simply combine the ingredients in a mixer and whip until the coconut oil reaches a light and whipped texture.

4. Snow Cone Sugar Scrub

Nothing says summer like snow cones, and now you can have the classic summer treat in your shower. This scrub smells delicious, gives you super soft skin and is probably one of the prettiest DIY beauty products we’ve ever seen. First, create a mixture of coconut oil, almond oil and granulated sugar, then divide the mixture into three separate bowls. Next, add in your food coloring and your cherry, lime and watermelon essential oils. With that, you’ve got a scrub that will make every shower feel like a summer BBQ.

5. Homemade Sunscreen

A good, all-natural sunscreen can be hard to find, so why not make your own? DIY-ing sunscreen sounds really intimidating, but this how-to breaks it down nicely. You’ll have to hunt down carrot oil and zinc oxide powder, but the end result is totally worth it. All you do is combine your ingredients and you’ll be protected from the sun, without any harsh chemicals!

Why It’s Okay to Not Have a Job After Graduation

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You know the feeling: That nerve-racking moment when you realize graduation is slowly creeping up and you can’t seem to get a call back from any of the companies you’ve applied to. All of your friends are constantly talking about interviews and offers they’ve received, your extended family keeps nagging you regarding what you’re doing after graduation, and no matter how many jobs you apply to, you can’t even land an interview.

While professors, friends and family may make you feel pressured to have a job lined up right after you graduate, there are many ways you can take something perceived as negative and turn it into something positive.

1. Take time to unwind

For starters, take a moment to stop and breathe. Even better, go look at yourself in the mirror and give yourself a compliment. Next, make a list of all the things you’d rather do than sit at a desk in a stuffy office in the middle of July.

Having “me” time is essential to every woman, especially after an undoubtedly busy college career. If you don’t have a job after graduation, take this time to relax and focus on you. Yes, it might be a little disheartening knowing you aren’t employed, but it could also be your last summer to have fun with your friends and family before you have to work a 9-to-5 job, five days a week, for the rest of your life. Start checking things off of your bucket list, and be sure to take risks and enjoy yourself. Maybe treat yourself to a spa day; a mani/pedi or massage may help relieve the stress that built up during your job search. You could also go on vacation. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy or expensive; take a drive with a few friends or family members to a beach nearby for a few days or visit a place you’ve always wanted to see. Also, appreciate the fact that you won’t be setting your alarm for 6 a.m. every morning… yet. That, alone, seems like a vacation to us!

2. Set goals

Just because you aren’t working a full-time job by June doesn’t mean you have to give up! Keep looking, but don’t feel bad if you don’t hear back right away.

Try setting a more realistic goal for yourself. Maybe you want to be employed by September, or even January. Strive to reach your goals, because let’s face it, nothing feels better than meeting a deadline!

Next, try following up with a few companies you truly have your eye on, or go on LinkedIn and see if any of your connections might know someone from the company. Finding a job through your existing network makes the search a lot easier. So reach out to your network, and then reach out to their network!

3. Take on new opportunities

While waiting for a good job opportunity to come your way, you could take an internship position to help expand your skill set, even if it’s unpaid. This will bring you one step closer to your dream job. Diana DiNapoli, a 2014 university graduate, decided to take on an internship when she didn’t immediately land a full-time job at the end of her time in college. “As frustrated as was I when I didn't land a full-time job after graduation, I decided to work as an intern. This allowed me to add another experience to my resume and gave me an edge when I went on interviews,” she says. “In my interview for my current job, it showed how dedicated I was to the field by sacrificing my ‘last’ summer and using it to build my resume. I didn't have to tell my current company how dedicated I was; my resume spoke for itself. Currently, I work full time at a company I love and I firmly believe my summer internship helped me get there.” Even if your dream job is in NYC and you live miles away, you can always apply for a remote internship. Such an opportunity will allow you to gain the skills you need, while also being extremely flexible.  

Though not necessarily a part of your original plan, it’s nevertheless important to be willing to start at the bottom and work your way up. If you’re a PR major, for example, your first position doesn’t need to be as an account coordinator at a PR firm. You could get a job as an administrative assistant just to get your foot in the door. Then, once you’re there, do your best to go above and beyond what is expected of you. Your supervisor will notice, and you’ll start rising up that ladder.

Finally, be open to any job prospects that may come your way. Rowan University Professor Cristin Farney recommends saying yes to all opportunities and to keep your mind open in order to get your supervisor to notice you. “Don’t be afraid to try new things, professionally or personally,” she says. “It is the only way you’ll grow.”

4. Learn something new

Most importantly, keep learning, no matter what. Even if you aren’t working, keep your brain busy by taking an online course in something that you’ve always wanted to learn more about, whether it’s directly related to your career path or not. Maybe you’ve always wanted to learn how to build a website or improve your cooking skills. Well, now is the time!

Just remember, you have the rest of your life to work. This isn’t to say you should push off working until you’re 40 years old, but remember, being unemployed in your twenties is totally okay.

University of California Davis

4 Bra Brands Every Small-Chested Girl Should Shop

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It’s all fun and games until the super cute bra doesn’t come in your size. Oh, your cup size is a triple A? Sorry, out of luck—until now. With these brands below, you don’t have to sacrifice a cute design for a well-fitting bra. Check out these great finds:

1. Lula Lu

Small-chested girls everywhere have come to a consensus—Lula Lu has the best array of options for girls without ample assets. Not only does the brand offer cup sizes as small as AAA, they do it in style. Additionally, the site offers a great comprehensive guide of how to fit a bra correctly to help you figure out which size will work for you.

2. The Little Bra Company

Well, this brand is certainly direct. The mission of the brand is right in the title: to offer an amazing array of bras in smaller sizes. Also, they are committed to finding you the perfect fit; the 30-day exchange/refund policy allows you to really try before you commit.

3. Itty Bitty Bra

This brand strives to offer only the best selection for those of us who are proud members of the itty bitty committee. The website offers sizes from AA to B that they promise will not “gap, pucker, or slip.”

4. Wacoal

Although not specifically a brand for only small sizes, Wacoal offers an incredibly wide range of bra sizes, in some styles as small as AA. Check out their petite section for the smaller sizes!

How Much Did Rihanna's Met Gala Gown Weigh?

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Although a social media ban was enacted (and broken) at the Met Gala this year, that didn't stop us folks at home from having our fun. Within a few minutes of the red carpet arrivals, the Internet started doing its magic: From SJP to Anne Hathaway, no one was safe from the many hilarious memes that flowed freely. But no one was more of a target than Rihanna in her gorgeous golden gown, which was crafted by Chinese Courturier Guo Pei, a perfect choice to represent the Gala's 2015 theme: "China: Through the Looking Glass."

Regardless of all of the fun poked at RiRi's gown, she definitely earned the unoffical honors of being the Gala's best dressed.

The gown's designer, originally from Beijing, has been designing couture since the early '00s, but hasn't yet made the transition to bring her designs to America until now. Just last week, MAC announced a makeup collaboration with Pei, showing that she is here to stay.

In a recent interview, Pei revealed that she did not know Rihanna was wearing her gown until about a week before the event. Rihanna told Vanity Fair that she found the gown online and that it had taken Pei two years to make. Pei openly admits that she actually didn't know much about Rihanna before the pop star requested to wear the gown.

The gown comes from Pei's 2010 collection, and is constructed of gold thread and fox fur. In total, it weighs a whopping 55 pounds! A definite workout for RiRi.

In the words of Rihanna, the gown was most certainly fit for the queen of China.  

14 Things to Be Grateful for in College

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Zayn Throws Serious Shade at Louis

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We were all shocked (not to mention a little heartbroken) when our favorite boy band became a quartet. After Zayn's abrupt departure from the band, all the remaining members seemed to support his decision and wished him the best—until Zayn dropped his first solo single. Louis started the war by tweeting at producer Naughty Boy, who Zayn has been working with since he left the group. Louis taunted him, claiming he was "riding on the back of someone else's career." Ouch, that's harsh... but Zayn's response was even more shocking.


Fans are upset, and they have every right to be! The five guys were once best friends but it seems there is some drama that's been hidden from their "directioners." Hopefully the two of them can work it out, but in the meantime you can read all the reaction tweets on Twitter to help ease the pain.





Looks like Zayn chose the wrong direction. #StayStrongDirectioners!


Sorry to Crush Your Dreams, But a ‘Friends’ Reunion is NOT Happening

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It’s been exactly 11 years since the Friends series finale aired on TV, and we’re STILL not over it. But can you blame us? No other character understands us as well as Chandler Bing does:

On the bright side, we can watch all 236 hilarious episodes on Netflix. Unfortunately, there’s still an empty void in our hearts that no amount of reruns or pizza can fix (sorry, Joey).

Since the iconic TV show ended, cast members have constantly faced the same question from fans: Will there ever be a Friends reunion?  In previous interviews, Courtney Cox (aka Monica Geller) has hinted at the struggle to rally all the cast members together. With the recent news of the Full House revival, it was inevitable that the question would come up again.

In a recent interview, series co-creator Marta Kauffman completely shut down any possibilities of a Friends reunion. At a promotional event for her new Netflix show, Kauffman decided to end the rumors once and for all, saying, “Yeah, it'll never happen. Not happening.” And just like that, our hopes and dreams for the return of Rachel, Ross, Monica, Chandler, Joey and Phoebe have been completely crushed. 

Alright, we get it. A Friends reunion isn't in our futures, but we just have one more question:

Why You Shouldn’t Worry if You’ve Never Dated Anyone

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Dancing to “Single Ladies” might make you feel better about your current relationship status, but that doesn’t mean seeing happy couples all over campus doesn’t make you feel bad sometimes. Sure, there’s the freedom that comes with being single, but it can also take a toll on your self-esteem. However, there is so much more in life than just being in a relationship!

We had Carole Lieberman, M.D., Beverly Hills psychiatrist and author, weigh in on why never having dated anyone is no big deal.

You don’t have to feel like an outcast

It’s normal to feel like a bit of an outsider if all your friends have had relationships while you’re still single, but don’t let it get you down! You don’t need a relationship just because your friends have one.

“Sometimes it may seem as though the world is built for pairs – from the animals walking onto Noah's Ark to the couples waiting in line at the movies,” Dr. Lieberman says. “As frustrating as this may be, you shouldn't feel like an outcast if you've never been in a relationship. Your time will come.”

Erum Salam, a junior at Texas A&M University, says, “Even though I used to feel like a single loser around some of my girlfriends and their boyfriends, I now know that I'm just someone who thinks carefully about who I let into my life.”

There’s no need to feel different for not having a significant other in your life right now. Just because you’ve never been in a relationship doesn’t mean you never will be.

It’s okay to wait for “the one”

When it comes to your love life, patience is key. You don’t want to rush into anything if you’re not ready. “Although romance seems easy on TV shows and in movies, the path to true love is often filled with land mines in real life,” Dr. Lieberman says. “It is better to be patient until you find a guy who is worthy of your love.”  Waiting for the right person doesn’t mean you’re too picky; it just means you know what’s right for you.

“I have yet to meet a guy with the same ambition and a shared outlook on life,” Erum says. “I’m confident I will meet him someday, and I'm in no rush to find him.” If you’ve set your own personal standards, stick with them! You’ll meet that person who fulfills every quality you’re looking for.

Having other priorities is important

Focusing on your future is not a lame reason for being single; in fact, it’s totally legit. Just look at Elle Woods! Not only did she become successful without a significant other, she found someone after she had a better sense of what direction her life was going in.

“Instead of spending your days and nights worrying about why Mr. Seemingly Right isn't asking you out or whether you will ever find true love, focus on making the most of other opportunities, such as doing well in school, planning for your career, volunteering, making friends and indulging in fun sports or hobbies,” Dr. Lieberman says.

Kathryne Davis, a recent graduate of SUNY Oswego, says her priority is her future. “I wasn't ready in high school and during college; I was trying to handle living on my own, plus trying to work hard in school,” she says. “I'm more focused on trying to figure out a career at this point in my life.” When you have a better idea of who you are and what you want from life, you tend to attract the right people.

Remember that there’s nothing wrong with you

It’s important not to blame yourself for never having dated anyone before.  “I used to think something was wrong with me, but now I realize I have standards and priorities,” Erum says.

Remember that you’re not doing anything wrong. In fact, you probably have a long list of qualities someone is looking for; you just haven’t met that person yet.

As Dr. Lieberman explains, “It is not your fault that dating and finding love has become harder than it used to be. Just make yourself the best you can be, from your appearance to creating a successful and exciting life. When you are happiest with yourself, you will attract others to you.” 

So, you’re single—who cares? You’re living your life for you, and there’s nothing more important than that. Don’t let people tell you that you’re too picky or bitter, or that you’re destined to become a crazy cat lady. Love yourself first, and the right person will drop into your life when you least expect it. In the meantime, enjoy being independent!

R

12 Questions to Never Ask a College Student

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As college students, we're asked the same questions so often that the answers become almost routine. Whether we're visiting relatives, starting a new job or getting readjusted to campus life when fall semester starts, we're bound to be asked these same annoying questions. Every time college students are asked any of these seemingly basic questions, it causes us to reevaluate our life decisions and probably have a small breakdown as we're reminded that we have absolutely no idea what we're doing. Although we college students don’t have it all figured out yet, we're pretty certain about one thing: These questions must be stopped.

1. "What’s your major?"

We were asked this question before starting college, we're asked it a million times during college and we will be asked it after we leave college. We are tired of answering it. And we might not even know the answer, reminding us that we’re spending lots of money to learn about subjects that might not even matter to us in the future. Asking about our majors is like asking, “What career field have you chosen to fund the next 50 years of your life and your children’s lives?” Save us the stress.

2. "What are you planning to do with that degree?"

Most of us chose our majors because we're passionate about that subject and we're hoping to get a job within that field. Self-explanatory. You can skip this question. 

3. "What are your plans for after graduation?"

Before asking a college student this question, think: What are the likely answers? A) Get a job or B) go back to school. There are of course many other answers, such C) travel or D) move to a new city or E) move back in with your parents. But no one wants to talk about the price of travel or the embarrassment of living with your parents because you couldn’t get a job in the field you paid thousands of dollars to study. Let’s just assume the answer is A or B and forget this question.

4. "Aren’t you worried about finding a job?"

Yes. Yes, we are. Next.

5. "How are you planning to pay for school?"

Talking about money is always an awkward topic, and it’s even worse for college students beginning their independent lives with debt reaching five or six figures. This horrible question either reminds college students that they'll be broke for a long time or creates a status of superiority for whomever is better off financially.

6. "How was your break?"

Returning from a holiday break and running into old friends on campus can be really fun, but does anyone really care about the hours we spent binge watching Netflix and eating pasta? No! My break was probably fine; Your break was probably fine. But they’re both over. Skip this question.

7. "Where are you living?"

Like the boroughs of New York City, there is a reputation that comes with each territory of college campuses. Whether you're in the dorms or in an apartment, telling someone where you live gives him or her more information than just an address—it allows people to assume your budget, your lifestyle and your aesthetic. By simply telling someone the name of a building, he or she has probably crafted an idea of you in his or her mind, when in reality, you just picked your apartment building because it was close enough to campus for you to take naps in between classes.

8. "Do you like living in the dorms?"

Dorm life is pretty similar for most people, so this question doesn’t really need to be asked. The food isn’t amazing, random roommates are hit or miss and communal bathrooms are never fun. The answer will just be along the lines of, “I had a fun time, but I’m glad it’s over (or soon to be over).”

9. "Do you get along with your roommate?"

If the answer to this question is yes, it’s probably fine. But most roommates don't have flawless relationships, and it becomes awkward to answer this question because you have to explain why you don't get along. This just turns into bashing on every thing your roommate has ever done wrong, getting on a personal level really fast. No one wants to get into that. Just don’t ask this question.

10. "How often do you study?"

No matter how often we study, having to answer this question only makes college students think of all the studying we should be doing at that moment but aren’t. Don't remind us!

11. "Do you go out a lot?"

We don't like to answer this question because we'll either be seen as a Goody Two-shoes or a party animal. Once we answer this question, a reputation begins to form. We all like to have fun. Some people do this in different ways than others. We only get a few years to live the college lifestyle, and we don't want to be judged for it. Next question!

12. "So, what do you do in your free time?"

This question is the worst. If you choose to be honest, people will know you spend your free time watching Gossip Girl reruns, eating too much dining-hall ice cream and trying to find cute Tinder matches. For most of us, there’s simply no way to make our lives sound exciting when any free time we have is spent scrolling for hours on Tumblr.

You're probably wondering what questions are even left to ask college students now that the basic ones are off-limits. Well, here’s one to start you off: “Wanna go to Chipotle?” Works every time.
 

25 Signs You're So Over This Semester

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Has anyone seen our motivation? We can't seem to find it. It must've gotten lost somewhere in the end of this semester. If found, please return ASAP.

1. Your bank account is practically nonexistent.  

2. Your naps get longer and more frequent.

3. Your number of days between showers increases and your containers of dry shampoo run out quicker.

4. Taking notes has turned into this:

5. Your meals are either takeout or 100 percent microwaveable.

6. Cleaning isn’t really a thing for you anymore.

7. You no longer feel the need to go grocery shopping, so you just throw together whatever you have around the house.

8. You have so much to do, yet you spend every second of your precious free time doing absolutely nothing.

9. Your outfits have become a smorgasbord of random things pulled from every corner of your apartment - usually a combination of going-out clothes, leggings and sweatshirts.

10. Your incredible Facebook-stalking skills have gone to a whole new level, enlightening you with amazing information, like that Casey’s brother’s friend’s sister’s fiancé’s cousin went to jail for stealing a car. Oh, and that girl in your biology class has a super hot brother who goes to Yale. 

11. You've calculated every single one of your semester grades in case you bomb the final exams.

12. You begin to think Satan himself created group projects.

13. The phrase “assigned reading” is the funniest joke you’ve ever heard.


14. You begin making collaborative group decisions with your friends about skipping class.

15. And then when your roommate decides at the last minute to go to class, you're like:

16. You start running out of everything, but you continue to violently shake bottles and scrape remains from caps because you don’t want to have to buy any more of anything until you get home.

17. You begin to tire of every food option on campus.

18. Not even coffee is doing the trick anymore.

19. You start throwing sporadic temper tantrums about the simplest of tasks…

20. …and then you reward yourself for accomplishing those basic, everyday tasks you should be doing.

21. When people brag about not having finals, you want to hurt them.

22. You validate every class you skip, quiz you fail, project you half-ass and meeting you miss.

23. Every time you get back from any daunting errand (like going to class or the bathroom) you go right back to where you belong.

24. The only thing you get excited for anymore is the pizza-delivery man knocking on your door.

25.  Every time you start to worry about something, you're like:

 

How Does Your Personality Influence Your Style?

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Warning: if you already have summer fever, this video will make it SO much worse. boohoo.com, one of the UK's largest e-boutiques, is invading the USA in a stylish way. boohoo's first stop in the United States? Muscle Beach in Venice, California with actress Bella Thorne, rapper Angel Haze, DJ Hannah Bronfman and model Chloe Norgaard. Watching the video inspires some serious West Coast envy—yes, there are llamas! Each girl in the campaign, titled #WeAreUSA, represents one part of the WeAre tagline: WeAreNow, WeAreBold, WeAreFit and WeAreFree. The campaign video features a never-ending supply of afforable summery fashions—plus, with your student discount, you'll be able to score tons of ultra-chic summer finds that'll seriously upgrade your wardrobe. Check out the video below and get ready to fill your closets with the perfect summer pieces—straight from across the pond!

Bullying: Surviving It, Overcoming It & Changing It

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Have you ever been put down by someone you thought was a friend, or maybe even a stranger? Have you ever been bullied because of your sexuality?

 According to 2010 statistics from the National Youth Association, nine out of 10 LGBTQ+ students have experienced harassment at school. That may have been four years ago, but collegiettes across the country still face problems today because of their sexualities.

But what can we do? We explored the problem of bullying within the LGBTQ+ community deeper by talking to a lesbian collegiette who has survived bullying and Sue Scheff, author, parent advocate and Internet safety advocate.

Surviving it

Surviving bullying can be extremely difficult for LGBTQ+ students, especially considering it’s usually part of the coming-out process, which isn’t always a goodexperience.

Natasha*, a student from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, says that in high school, she feared being expelled for being a lesbian because of the many anti-gay talks that were given in chapel lessons at her private high school. She recalls getting called into the office of her dean, who asked her about a friend whom teachers suspected was a lesbian.

“I remember sitting in the dean’s office, hearing him talk about how evil and dark she was,” Natasha says. “It wasn’t even the case that she was a lesbian! It was really scary sitting there... and for a minute, it made me question if I was evil and dark because I liked females.”

The bullying and prejudice Natasha faced at her high school forced her to keep her sexuality a secret. At her school, she remembered that tormentors would accuse girls of being lesbians or “being butch” if they didn’t wear makeup, or accuse male students of being gay if they had high-pitched voices.

For Natasha and many other LGBTQ+ students, college was the first step to overcoming the sturggles she had faced in high school, though there weredifferent challenges ahead.

Overcoming it

“Being in college was my first step to finding a new normal,” Natasha says.

Natasha remembers coming out to a guy she used to date to keep up appearances, saying he went from being respectful of her to being a bully, suggesting lewd and inappropriate things that sexualized lesbian relationships.

“I remember that he texted all of his coworkers saying that I came out, and I just cried and cried,” she says. “It’s hard to be honest in relationships, which is something I’m overcoming in college, too.”

Natasha discovered new freedoms in college. She found an LGBTQA group on campus at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh called HOPE whose members have been supportive of her. She highly recommends that other collegiettes who are facing similar difficulties about their sexuality seek out campus support, too.

“My close friends and the people I choose to associate with are accepting of me, and I’m a more honest person because of their acceptance,” Natasha says. “The more self-worth and self-confidence I have, the less worried I am about the bullies’ stereotypes and rumors.”

Part of the process of overcoming bullying is overcoming your own personal fears, which Natasha is doing in the college setting. Thankfully, she’s felt more accepted at college than she did in high school.

“Even now, I am careful about who I come out to,” Natasha says. “If I don’t stay careful, I may run the risk of my family finding out, and if they do, I would be kicked out of the house. I’ve been comfortable at Oshkosh, though.”

Everyone overcomes bullying differently. Sometimes there’s no way to completely get over it, but there are ways to get better.

Changing it

Inspiring change in your campus community may be the first step to making a better world for yourself and the people around you.

Scheff also says bullying usually starts for children when they mirror authority figures, such as their parents, or maybe their older siblings. “Adults need to be in check with their own behavior, to start educating youth on peer cruelty,” she says.

Here are a few tips for how to create a better environment for the LGBTQ+ community on your campus and how to take those crucial steps to becoming bully-free:

1. Listen up

Listen to your friends’ problems and offer your support and encouragement. Whatever situation they’re going through, whether it’s overcoming a rough day at work or a bully in class, it’s important that you listen attentively and earnestly.

2. Live your attitude

Don’t be the girl who says you accept anyone, no matter their differences, and then make mean comments about someone’s behavior or personality later. Mean what you say! Being accepting isn’t that hard if you give it an honest try. Attitude changes don’t happen overnight, sure, but they’ll never happen if you don’t try to make them happen.

3. Advocate

If you feel strongly about an issue, do something about it! In this case, we hope it’s advocating against bullying against LGBTQ+ students on your campus. Check out your campus’s LGBTQ+ support group, or hey, maybe even create your own. Make Pride Week or Anti-Bullying Week “a thing” on your campus and get people involved.

Whatever you do, collegiettes, make your attitudes strong and your actions stronger. Speak out against bullying and stand up for the LGBTQ+ community!

* Name has been changed.


This is the Main Reason We Want the New Apple Watch

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There are probably some of you out there who could frankly care less about Apple's newest gadget, the Apple Watch. After all, we all have Macbooks, iPhones, iPods, iPads—where does it end? But when we tell you about a certain app available for the Apple Watch, you might just change your mind about it. 

As it turns out, you can now relive your childhood with Tamagotchi for the Apple Watch: the app "Tamagotchi Classic" allows you to have a Tamagotchi on your iPhone and take care of it using your Apple Watch. And for those of you reading this who are asking yourselves what on earth a Tamagotchi is, three words: '90s wonder toy. A small little device which featured a little creature you were expected to love, nurture, feed and play with from the moment it hatched up until it joined that Tamagotchi pie in the sky (a tragic day that we confess occurred all too often for our Tamagotchis).

We're sure that close to 99 percent of you owned one as kids (or at least helped babysit them for your friends). We all had that friend who owned roughly 15 of them, all alive, all desperately needing attention—it was a miracle she didn't crack under the pressure! Our own Tamagotchis were our prized possessions, probably featuring some sort of colorful design, and of course wildly entertaining—that is, until they started waking us up in the middle of the night needing to be fed or played with. You might say the toy was a good way to get kids to understand what real parenting is like—a 24/7 job with no off-switch or silent mode. 

As you can see, the iPhone app closely resembles the '90s gadget, pixelated screen and all. The images below depict the interface on the Apple Watch, allowing for double the Tamagotchi fun.

And if Tamagotchis weren't really your thing as a kid, there are also apps for Oregon Trail, Furby, American Girl, Sonic the Hedgehog, and even a device that turns your phone into a classic style Gameboy. Just another way Apple is helping to distract you from adult responsibility (as if Candy Crush and 2048 weren't enough).

Who says the '90s are over? 

Why You Should Quit Caffeine (& How to Do It)

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We all need a little boost from time to time to get us through our busy college days. For some, a sweet treat or a yoga class does the trick, but many of us collegiettes turn to caffeine for a daily pick-me-up. You’ve probably heard a lot of contradicting rumors about your go-to beverage, but how bad is your caffeine habit actually? We got the lowdown on caffeinated drinks and how to ditch them.

Here’s the thing: Caffeine is not always that bad. According to online nutritionist Mary Hartley, RD, only high doses of caffeine will have a negative impact on your health, and black coffee itself actually contains beneficial antioxidants. The main problem with other caffeinated beverages like mixed coffee drinks is their high sugar and/or fat content.

On the other hand, excessive caffeine intake is very harmful, and we’re not always aware of how much of it we’re actually consuming.

The problem with caffeine

1. Caffeine causes dependence

Many of us are dependent on coffee. “Being a full-time student, life would be impossible without caffeine,” says Hana Ah You, a senior at the University of Hawaii. “I am not a morning person, but once I have a coffee in hand, I genuinely enjoy waking up.”

If this sounds familiar, you don’t need to worry too much. “Caffeine can cause a dependence, but it is not chemically addictive per se,” Hartley explains. “It doesn’t meet the criteria [for addiction](as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)).”

Addictive behavior is maladaptive – meaning it hurts your everyday life – whereas your caffeine habit tends to help you get through your day. So yes, you can miss your morning coffee or your lunchtime Coke if you don’t have it, but this does not constitute an addiction in and of itself. “You don’t get a high from coffee and soda, just pleasure,” Hartley says.

With that in mind, being dependent on anything is never a good idea, and excessive caffeine consumption can be extremely harmful.

2. Excessive caffeine intake can cause intoxication

Caffeine intoxication is a serious consequence of consuming more caffeine than your body can tolerate. According to Hartley, the human tolerance to caffeine is between 400 and 1,200 milligrams per day and varies from person to person. “For example, a 5-hour ENERGY shot contains 100 mg of caffeine per fluid ounce. At Starbucks, the caffeine content of a brewed coffee is 180 mg in a Short (8 ounces), 260 mg in a Tall (12 ounces), 330 mg in a Grande (16 ounces) and 415 mg in a Venti (20 ounces),” Hartley says.

There are many symptoms of caffeine intoxication, including restlessness, insomnia, excitement, urinating more than usual, digestion problems, muscle twitching, sweating, diarrhea and increased heart rate. These symptoms are unpleasant, potentially dangerous and a sure sign that you need to reduce your caffeine intake.

3. Excessive caffeine intake can cause anxiety and sleep disorders

You might know from experience that caffeine affects your sleep and gives you the jitters. “Anxiety and insomnia are the most common short-term side effects of excessive caffeine consumption,” Hartley says.

In medical terms, “caffeine blocks the brain chemical adenosine, which plays an important role in the body's sleep system,” says Michael A. Grandner, an instructor of psychiatry and member of the Center for Sleep and Circadian Neurobiology at the University of Pennsylvania. “By blocking adenosine, it makes it more difficult for the body to feel sleepy.”

It’s hard enough as it is to get the rest you need in college, but caffeine disrupts your sleep schedule even more. “Caffeine can stay in your system for several hours,” Dr. Grandner says. “You definitely want to avoid caffeine within four to six hours of when you intend to sleep. And for some people who are sensitive, this can be more like 10-12 hours.”

Don’t let your favorite caffeinated beverage keep you from falling asleep; listen to your body and don’t exceed your limit.

4. Excessive caffeine intake could play a role in miscarriages

Excessive caffeine consumption is likely to hurt you a lot more in the long run. According to Hartley, “the long-term side effects of caffeine have not been confirmed, but excessive caffeine intake might play a role in miscarriages.” The threat of losing a baby alone might incite you to reconsider that third cup of coffee.

5. Caffeine and alcohol are a dangerous mix

We all know that too much alcohol is a bad idea, but what about mixing caffeine with alcohol? When we go out after a long school day, we’re often tempted to down a latte or an energy drink to get us pumped up without considering the consequences.

“This combination can lead to more risky and dangerous behavior,” Dr. Grandner says. “The alcohol leads to a lack of inhibitions and poor judgment, and the caffeine gives you more energy to actually do those things.”

6. There are withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting caffeine

Because caffeine causes dependence, there are consequences for quitting. “The withdrawal syndrome is comprised of headache, fatigue, dysphoric mood, difficulty concentrating and flu-like somatic symptoms,” Hartley says.

Rachel Petty, a sophomore at James Madison University, regularly experiences caffeine withdrawals. “If I don’t have coffee in the morning or soda throughout the day, I get headaches,” Rachel says. “I’ve stopped drinking coffee for a little while but I always go back to it, and I don’t think I’d ever be able to give up diet soda!”

How to kick your caffeine habit

1. Cut down gradually

If you try to quit caffeine all at once, you’ll likely experience withdrawals and soon pick up the habit again. This happened to Sarah Khalid, a sophomore at the University of Ottawa.

“I tried to cut iced coffee and soda cold turkey and got the worst withdrawal headaches,” Sarah says. “I ended up just going back to it. Caffeine makes me feel alert and makes me more productive. However, I should probably slowly cut down instead of going cold turkey, because cutting caffeine is painful!”

Sarah has the right idea. “If you’re getting too jumpy, just drink fewer cups or stop at noon,” Hartley advises. “To lessen symptom severity, cut down on caffeine gradually over several weeks. Watch out for hidden sources of caffeine in soda, tea and medicines, because they prolong the withdrawal process.”

Another way to cut down your caffeine intake if you’re a coffee drinker is to switch to a weaker brew or make your favorite beverage decaf instead.

2. Don’t drink caffeinated drinks when you have a quiet day

Since a lot of us use caffeine to get through busy days, it makes sense to avoid it when you’re just staying home or kicking back. “Drop your intake to zero at a time when you don’t have to be especially alert,” Hartley says.

Allison Chen, a sophomore at the University of California, Santa Barbara, only drinks iced coffee when she really feels the need to. “The other day, I drank an iced coffee that got me through my morning classes, my usual food coma during my post-lunch afternoon classes, biking around campus twice to get from place to place and run errands, go to the gym AND visit a friend on the other side of town,” Allison says.

On that day, Allison most probably needed extra energy, so she turned to her favorite caffeinated drink. On days when she doesn’t have such a busy schedule, Allison stays away from caffeine.

3. Know how much is too much

As long as you stick to recommended doses of caffeine – roughly two to three 10-ounce cups of coffee per day—you shouldn’t experience any significant problems. “The issue with caffeine is the dose,” Dr. Grandner says. “Everybody is different. Regarding dose, about 1 mg per pound of body weight should be enough to get most or all of the benefit you are likely to see, though you may require much less to get a noticeable effect.”

Be aware of how much caffeine you are actually taking in, including from soda, chocolate and medication. Always stop if you start to experience any of the symptoms of caffeine intoxication.

4. Replace caffeine with other healthier habits

Although Hartley does not discourage moderate caffeine consumption, she sees caffeinated beverages as “a missed opportunity, nutrition-wise.” The way she sees it, “Whenever caffeinated soda or a cup of coffee displaces a glass of milk, the body is deprived of calcium, vitamin D, phosphorus, potassium, B-vitamins and other nutrients.” So whenever possible, turn to a glass of milk or a pressed juice. This will give your body proper nutrition besides the antioxidants found in coffee and will reduce your chances of caffeine intoxication.

If you drink coffee or soda because you find water boring, try chamomile tea or fruit-infused water instead.

If you find yourself needing the boost you get from coffee, there are plenty of things you can do to feel more energized. Try going for a run, for instance, like Gülnaz Kiper, a junior at the University of California, Los Angeles. “It wakes me up and it makes me feel ready to go,” Gülnaz says. This is a great alternative to caffeine, but there are many more, such as taking a power nap.

5. Replace caffeine with sleep

Another common use for caffeine in college is to carry us through long nights of studying. “Sometimes, pulling an all-nighter is unavoidable and caffeine helps me through the night and makes the next day bearable,” Hana says.

Try to avoid all-nighters at all cost because they are really harmful to your body. One of the best ways to do this is to organize your schedule so that you have time to get everything done and get the rest your body needs.

“You're better off getting a little extra sleep,” Dr. Grandner says. “There are many studies that show that not only is sleep a critical component in learning and memory, but also that students who trade a little time for a little more sleep get better grades, feel better and do better overall.”

You may think that drinking coffee or soda is worth it if gets you to write that final paper, but it may well not be. “The problem with using caffeine at night to study is that once you are done studying, you still have that caffeine in your system,” Dr. Grandner says. “You may be so exhausted that you fall asleep, but that sleep will be less restful and less effective.” So whenever possible, trade in that cup of joe for a good night’s sleep. You’ll feel better, we promise.

Granted, your morning coffee is not the worst thing you could do to your body. Caffeine only becomes a problem if you consume it excessively and develop a dependence to it. Luckily, there are many ways to cut back on coffee drinks or soda. Consuming caffeine in moderation will improve your long- and short-term health, as well as your performance in school and extracurriculars. And let’s be honest – the jitters we get after inhaling four shots of espresso are never worth it.
 

Amy Schumer's 'Ask Your Doctor If Birth Control Is Right For You' Exposes A Sad Reality

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Following the success of her sketch “Girl You Don’t Need Makeup,” Amy Schumer once again uses humor to expose yet another flaw in our society. In her own funny version of a prescription drug advertisement, “Ask If Birth Control Is Right For You,” Amy uncovers the difficulties women face when obtaining birth control. The video starts out as all prescription commercials usually do, with a soothing voiceover persuading women everywhere that they need birth control. The familiar anonymous voice then introduces the, “Ask your doctor if birth control is right for you...” pitch—except it doesn’t stop there. Not only are women required to ask their doctor, but they are also urged to ask a boy scout, the mail man, their mom’s new boyfriend and basically every other man they come across in their day.


 

SPOT. ON.

Posted by NARAL Pro-Choice America on Monday, May 4, 2015

While the video may come off as humorous, Amy efficiently illustrates the painfully real obstacles women face when trying to acquire birth control. She points out that every barrier women encounter is associated with a male figure, which as a result, brings out the irony in the dilemma. In the video, Amy is subjected to having to ask everyone except herself if birth control is right for her. She effectively portrays the unfair predicament women have been placed in in which it seems as if we have no control over what happens to our own bodies. For example, the 2014 Hobby Lobby Supreme Court case ruled that certain employers were not required to provide birth control coverage to their female employees. Even under the Affordable Care Act, the insurance companies are the ones that decide "how they provide coverage for their members." Amy's video is a step in the right direction for spreading awareness of an often silenced issue that affects all women across the United States. 

The 5 Emotions We Felt When 'The Mindy Project' Was Canceled

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Sadly, we all saw this coming, but it doesn’t make the news any easier to swallow. Our beloved Mindy Project has been canceled by Fox. There has been speculation swirling for a while that Fox would pass on their option to renew the show, given its continued low ratings. Even though we were warned, though, we couldn’t help but experience a swell of emotions when we heard the official announcement. Below, we’re letting Mindy herself guide us through the five stages of grief.

1. Denial

We went through the usual fact-checking process with this one. Is the source credible? Is the word “reportedly” found anywhere in the article? Is there a chance this is a cruel joke? What is Mindy’s response?

2. Anger

Once we realized this was the real deal, we lost it. How could Fox do this? Mindy was the only person who truly got us.

3. Bargaining

If only we had watched the show live more often, the ratings would’ve reflected Mindy’s fan base.

4. Depression

We couldn’t even summon our inner Beyoncé Pad Thai to feel better about this.

5. Acceptance

We were dead set on never letting this go or moving on…until we heard that Hulu, like a knight in shining armor, might be sweeping in to save the day. The show is widely viewed on the streaming platform already, and sources say that should the deal go through it would likely be picked up for multiple seasons. Here’s hoping!

Are you devastated by the news of The Mindy Project’s cancellation or happy to hear Hulu might step in?

17 Little Things to Make Your SO Smile

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There’s nothing worse than having your schedule get in the way of spending time with your significant other. When life becomes stressful, it may be hard to find the time to show your partner how important he or she really is. You don’t always have to plan a big, elaborate date night; sometimes it’s the little things that mean the most.

Don’t let your relationship suffer due to a hectic semester! The next time you find yourself caught up in everyday stress, try these simple tricks to show your partner how much you value him or her.

1. Send a handwritten letter. When was the last time you received one of those?

2. Put together a care package full of his or her favorite treats. Don’t forget the cookies, brownies and carry-to-class snacks!

3. Send goodnight and good-morning texts. It’s always nice to start or end the day with your significant other on your mind.

4. Order takeout from your sweetie’s favorite restaurant. You can’t go wrong with pizza or Chinese.

5. Buy your SO a coffee for studying. This is the perfect pick-me-up, and it won’t cost you much.

6. Make a playlist with your SO’s favorite songs. Remember those old-school mix CDs you used to share in middle school? Share your Spotify playlist of tunes that express how you feel.

7. Share a funny photo that reminds you of one of your inside jokes. This is guaranteed to make your SO smile.

8. Leave little notes in your SO’s textbooks or backpack. For a nice surprise, you can hide sticky-note messages where they’re likely to be found.

9. Surprise your SO with a DVD. If you can’t find the time for a night out at the movies, bring the movie to your SO.

10. Pick up the latest issue of your SO’s favorite magazine. Making the effort to remember little details like this is important and will let your partner know you were thinking of him or her.

11. Create a DIY coupon book. This is a fun and easy way to make up for any lost time while your schedules don’t exactly match up. Make a little book of things you want to do together (such as ice cream dates, breakfast in bed, etc.), and give it to him or her!

12. Make a mason jar craft. Write down your favorite memories together or what you love about your SO on strips of paper and put them in the jar.

13.Buy a box of your SO’s favorite candy. This is a simple (and sweet) way to show you care.

14. Write encouraging messages in your SO’s calendar. This is great for the days when classes get overwhelming.

15. Plan a study date at library. This way you can see each other while also getting your own work out of the way.

16.Frame your favorite picture of the two of you. Bonus points if the frame is hand-decorated!

17. Join your SO on daily errands. Have a jam-packed day with lots of places to go? Ask your significant other to tag along. You can spend time together while being productive as well!

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