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How to Find a Roommate After College

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After four exciting years of college, you’ll have to part ways with your awesome college roommates. As if your mind isn’t already busy enough day-dreaming all about your post-graduation life, the last thing you want to worry about is how to find a new roomie for after graduation. Here are some of our best suggestions for finding a roommate after college so you can have one less thing to stress about!

Use social media

You’ve probably become an expert at procrastinating on Facebook, which makes it an easy place to start with your roommate search. Since your graduating class most likely has a Facebook group, use it to your advantage by writing a post about needing a roommate after graduation and see what comments might appear. You can also skim through the group members to remind yourself of who is in your class whom you could reach out to about living together after graduation.

If you go to a big school, you can use Facebook to keep an eye out for friends who might post status updates about needing a roommate after graduation. You can also ask other friends to keep an eye out for you, too, since they might know people you don’t know and can introduce you to potential roommates.

Once you’ve narrowed down some options, reach out to anyone who might be a good candidate. This process works well if you’re not quite ready to dive into the roommate world without a somewhat familiar face by your side.

Additionally, try using Twitter by tweeting, “Looking for a #roommate in [city] starting on [date].” Use caution when putting this method into practice, since you may receive irrelevant tweets in return, but it can help to get the ball rolling. The most essential part of your tweet will be utilizing the “roommate” hashtag, but you can also add a hashtag to the city that you’re hoping to live in as well. Adding the hashtag will help you because people searching for information about a certain city can easily search the hashtag to get more information. Once you receive legitimate responses, reach out to them via direct message to try and get to know the person better before deciding if you would like to live together.

Use a roommate matchmaker tool

An awesome tool that can help you to find a roommate is Roomidex. This website allows you to search for a roommate based on who is in your network, or Facebook friends list, so it’s another way that social media can play a part in your roommate search.

To use the website, you pick a city you’re moving to and then select the month in which you plan on moving. From there, Roomidex will connect with your Facebook account to show you other people in your network who need a roommate as well. You can also customize your search based on rent, moving date, neighborhood, gender and school, which are all super important factors to consider.

Currently, the application only serves those looking to live with a roommate in New York City or San Francisco, but more cities will be added soon!

Another option to try is Roommates.com, which claims to be the top roommate matchmaker service with more than 50,000 visits a day. It gives you roommate options based on the city you choose. You’re able to write a small bio about yourself to give potential roommates a feel for what type of roommate you’re searching for, and from there you can search through potential matches.

Look on Craigslist

Craiglist is a valid place to find a possible roommate, just use your best judgment when searching. Be aware of possible scams; to avoid them, always meet up with possible roommates in person to make sure they aren’t lying about who they say they are.

“I found a great short-term living arrangement on Craigslist once,” says Andi Haskins, a recent graduate of Messiah College. “I didn’t know any of the people ahead of time and we didn’t become great friends, but it was only a three-month agreement, so I could move on quickly. I didn’t risk any friendships by moving in with friends and finding out that we weren’t compatible roommates, which has happened to a few friends of mine.”

If you’re a Craigslist newbie, visit the website and click on the city where you plan on living. After that, it will take to you a list of all available offers in the city that you’re looking for. Look under the housing section and click on whichever type of housing you are in need of renting. From there, you’re able to reach out to possible roommates, as some of the offers will include people looking to share space with a roommate. You can also post that you’re looking for a roommate, and from there people can reach out to you.

Reach out to extended family

If you’re not looking to live with your parents after graduation but still hope to be close to your family, you can always reach out to some of your extended family members. You might have a cousin who’s also graduating or who has recently graduated from college who doesn’t want to live at home after graduation either. A benefit of moving in with a family member is that you already know the person well enough to decide whether or not you’ll work well together as roommates. You both have the same crazy interesting family, so you’ll be able to relate to each other and you’ll have similar connections. If you’re both close in age, you’ll also be able to bond over what it’s like to be a young twenty-something.

“I moved in with my sister after graduation,” Andi says. “It’s great to move in with family if possible so that you can have time to settle into a job and find friends who you can live happily with before signing a rental agreement. That way, you can avoid getting stuck with a long commute or incompatible roommates because you rushed to move into a new place immediately after graduation.”

If you don’t have a family member living in the city that you’re hoping to stay in, reach out to your family members and ask them if they have any friends or connections living in your future city. This broadens your network beyond your immediate connections and opens you up to potential roommates who are close to your family members.

Talk to members of your church or community group

You never know if someone in your church or community group is also looking for a roommate if you never ask!

“Whether you will be living inside or outside of your hometown, it helps to ask around your local community,” says Kristal Smith, a recent grad of Messiah College. “My friends who found housing after graduation found that very helpful.”

If you volunteer around your city or if you’re involved with extracurricular activities on campus, you can also discuss roommates with those people as well.  If they personally aren’t in need of a roommate, they also might be able to recommend people they know who are in need of roommates.

Ask for help from your new employer

Employers know that not every new employee has lived in the city where the company is located before. If you talk to your future employer, he or she might be able to help you figure out a housing situation. Your new job might also offer a housing plan as part of your commitment.

Kelsey Lightfoot, a senior at Wheelock College, will be working with fifth-grade students in Korea after she graduates. Even though she’ll be working internationally, she was still able to figure out a housing plan ahead of time. “I have been set up with an apartment through the Korea International School and will be living alone,” she says.

Get assistance from your graduate school

If you’re heading directly to graduate school, you’ll have enough on your mind, so don’t let housing arrangements become an issue. Just like new employers want to help you to get housing, the staff at your graduate school wants to help you succeed as well. They usually have tools or certain sites that will help you find somewhere to live.

“I used the University of Pittsburgh off-campus housing site,” says Kristyn Brier, a senior at Messiah College who will be attending graduate school in the fall. “People looking for roommates post listings, and I picked people with similar studies, cleaning habits and personal qualities.”

At the end of the day, remember that you’re not alone in your roommate search, post-collegiette! Soon enough, you’ll be enjoying your new lifestyle with a new roommate who could turn into a good friend.


What Your Favorite Disney Song Says About You

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We’re not ashamed to admit that Disney songs are a huge guilty pleasure. We sing along to the movies, hum the tunes in the shower, and belt the lyrics on road trips. But have you ever wondered what your music choice says about your personality? Here are our thoughts on what your favorite Disney medley says about you.

1. I’ll Make a Man Out of You

You’re determined to reach your goals. You value hard work, but you’re also not afraid to have fun. You are extremely loyal to your family and friends.

2. Part of Your World

You long for adventure, and you are very curious about the world around you. You love to travel and explore new places. Also, you might be a mermaid.

3. Let It Go

You’re independent and strong-willed. You have a commanding presence. When you make a decision, you stick to it and always follow through.

4. Hakuna Matata

You’re carefree and fun-loving. You live a laid-back lifestyle and spend most of your time chilling with your best friends. It means no worries!

5. Colors of the Wind

You are passionate about the environment. You advocate for animal rights and believe in equality for all. You are free-spirited and you love to spend time outside in nature.

6. Beauty and the Beast

You are a romantic at heart. You are kind to everyone you meet, though you can be shy at first. You believe true love comes in many forms.

7. A Whole New World

You’re spontaneous and daring. You’re willing to take risks for what you believe in. You want to see the world with someone you love.

8. You’ve Got A Friend In Me

You are always there for your friends. You love and support them, and give advice when needed. Your friendship goes to infinity… and beyond!

9. Go the Distance

You have a big heart and even bigger dreams. You are adventurous and brave. You believe there is something more out there for you, and you would do anything to find it.     

10. You’ll Be In My Heart

Your family means everything to you. You are caring, helpful, and you value people’s differences. You protect the ones you love.

So, collegiettes—which Disney song represents you the most?

Festive 4th of July Makeup That's Totally Wearable

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What are your plans for the 4th of July? No matter what you'll be doing, donning red, white and blue and staying super festive is a must. Figuring out what to wear is difficult enough as it is—deciding how to do your makeup is even harder. And this is one situation where Pinterest isn't helping at all—is anybody really going to draw an American flag on their lips?! The key is to add pops of red, white and blue to your look. Check out our tutorial below!

1. Start with your own blank canvas

This is a must no matter what makeup look you're going for. Cleanse and moisturize with your everyday skincare routine, and prep skin with a BB or CC cream (we love Peter Thomas Roth's CC Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $48 at Sephora); they're less heavy than foundation, so are less likely to melt off your face in the midst of the July heat.

2. Contour 

Contouring makes all the difference! The best way to contour, especially in hot weather, is to apply a concealer that's 2 to 3 shades darker than your foundation to the hollows of your face. Make sure you blend well so that you can create natural-looking definition!

3. Highlight with blush

When your focal shades are red and blue, it's best to opt for a light pink blush that has cooler undertones. To apply, smile slightly and dust over the cheeks. 

4. Add a perfect red lip 

Since Independence Day is filled with many traditions, celebrate them with a traditionally beautiful red lip. Make sure to line the lips first, and then fill them in with your favorite lipstick, like MAC Lipstick in Lady Danger ($16 a Nordstrom). 

5. Line with blue

For girls who love subtlety, wearing a bit of blue liner at the lower lash line is a great way to have fun with out wearing anything too dramatic. Make sure to line slowly for accuracy. The Artist Liner from Make Up For Ever ($19 at Sephora) will stay on all day and night!

Will you try this look this weekend, collegiettes?

9 Inspiring Quotes for Long-Distance Couples

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The distance between you and your SO in a long-distance relationship, or LDR, is really difficult to deal with. Not being able to see the person you care about every day can put a strain on your relationship and make it hard to continue. However, choosing to stay with someone when you live far apart can be totally worth it for the right person. Here are some inspiring love quotes to remind you of why!

1. 

2. 

3. 

4.

5. 

6. 

7. 

8. 

9

Being in an LDR is difficult, but you can do it! We hope these quotes inspire you and help your relationship go the distance.

The 17 Stages of a Bad Blind Date

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Blind dates are scary. At best, you could meet your soulmate and be able to say for the rest of your life that you met on a blind date. At worst, though, you could get stuck in hell for one or two hours, swearing that you'd rather pull off every hair on your body than stay on the date for another minute. Unfortunately, we feel like there are so many more negative blind date experiences than there are positive ones. Here's our take on the stages of the oh-so-common miserable blind date.

1. Before the date starts, you've got major butterflies in your stomach.

You're nervous, but excited. Nervcited. Totally.

2. As you're getting ready, you check with the friend that set you up that your date is right for you.

Not like you haven't already asked her three (seven) times.

3. You tell yourself repeatedly that this was a good idea.

New dude = New possibility for love. Let's be real, it's overdue.

4. You decide to meet him there rather than have him pick you up, becaue you're still a tiny bit paranoid that he's secretly a serial killer who will then know where you live.

(Sign #9385 that you've been watching way too much Law and Order: SVU.)

5. When you finally meet him, you realize how frightening it is that you're going to have to make conversation with a complete stranger for the next hour or two.

Do people still bring notecards on dates? If not, can we bring that back???

6. Five minutes in, you're already regretting it.

It hurts the worst when you realize you could be watching Netflix right now.

7. You two just aren't clicking, and everything that comes out of his mouth is worst than the last thing he said.

You're sure it can't get worse, but then...

8. He makes some offhand comment about how he's not a feminist because of [insert dumbest reason you have ever heard].

Aaaaand, you're officially done.

9. Your first move is to begin plotting a hundred different ways to kill the friend that set you up.

Seriously, what was she thinking?!

10. You don't waste time in ordering a second glass of wine.

*cough* Or a third.

11. Despite your efforts at changing the conversation to something less torturous, you two don't see eye-to-eye on anything.

You wonder if he feels as miserable as you do. And you hope he does, so that he'll eat fast.

12. Psych! He's the slowest eater alive.

Bonus points when he takes something off your plate without asking. Because that is so, so attractive. *rolls eyes*

13. By the time you've drained your third glass of wine, you contemplate just telling him how terrible of a time you're having.

Seriously, he deserves it.

14. You reconsider when he reaches to pay for the check...

At least you're not spending any money on this waste of a night.

15. ...But immediately want to tell him off when he reminds you that he's paying because he's "not a feminist."

Even the alcohol in your system doesn't prevent that comment from annoying you.

16. When he asks if you're doing anything later tonight, your eyes go wide and you rack your brain for the best excuse possible.

Hmm, what's better? Major test tomorrow or sudden flu symptoms?

17. You manage to get out alive - barely - and vow to never go on another blind date again.

Your biggest regret is that you didn't live tweet it.

Next time! Oh, wait.

7 Ways to Spice Up Your 4th of July This Year

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One of the best holidays to look forward to, besides Christmas in July, is the always patriotic Fourth of July aka Independence Day. Well, besides watching the Will Smith film, we are giving you seven activities that will surely make this July 4th one to be remembered!

1. Make Posters for Your Concert

Now we all go crazy for an amazing concert, but what can always make us stand out from the crowd is our posters that draw the attention of the star performing on stage. However, what often makes July 4th concerts different is that there is usually a camera crew there, so this may be your opportunity to get noticed and be on TV, all while showing off your best smile.

2. DIY Your Own Flag

Of course the image and symbol of Independence Day is the American Flag, well instead of just printing one out from the Internet, draw or make your own. Sometimes the little extra spark or flair that you add can make the flag stand out and truly reinforce the whole meaning of independence.

3. Dress from Head to Toe in Red, White & Blue

In addition to making your own posters for the concert, it is also important to dress the part for Independence Day. While you don’t have to dress like the Statue of Liberty, and be all in one color, you can mix and match your red, white and blue to make sure all your color bases are covered.

4. Make Fourth of July Day Cupcakes

You can never go wrong with sweets and pastries, and the July 4th cupcake, with either the US flag or a patriotic saying on it, gives the best excuse to be hyped on sugar so much throughout the day, that before you know it, you will be saying “Give me liberty or give me cupcakes!”

5. Post Historical Facts on All Social Media

We understand that the Fourth of July is all about fun and games, but history can be fun, too! Besides, it can also make the holiday way more enjoyable if you know exactly why and how Independence Day came to be—you might even make a trend! #FourthFacts anyone?

6. Barbecue, Barbecue, Barbecue!

One of the staples of the Fourth of July is barbecuing burgers and hot dogs, as well as making sure there is enough barbecue left over for the next day. But, this is also a great holiday to try out different foods on the grill, such as the veggie burger for your vegetarian friends! 

7. Marathon of Your Choice 

When the holidays arrive that usually means that there is an abundance of marathons on TV from the Twilight Zone or the HarryPotter film series. Well, for those of you who choose to stay at home and watch the fireworks on TV, watching a film/series marathon can pass the time. Once you have your barbecue, settle in for hours of non-stop (insert your favorite movie/TV choice here).

So, collegiettes, how will you spice up your Independence Day?

15 Signs You're in a Relationship With Your Bed

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We’ve let you in on this secret before: some things are way better than boys. Maybe you feel like your most important romantic relationship is the one you have with pizza, wine or Netflix, but we’re willing to suggest that your most important relationship is actually the one you have with your bed. Here's why.

1. Your bed will neither leave you nor forsake you. (It literally can’t move.)

2. Even if you and your bed go through a rough patch (insomnia), you always find your way back to each other.

3. When you think of your bed during the daylight hours, you're immediately filled with intense longing.

4. If your bed is your boyfriend, your alarm clock is probably that annoying girl who you’re convinced is always trying to take him away from you.

5. Sharing your bed with anyone else is something that you just aren’t willing to do.

6. Instead of curling up on the couch after school or work, you slip into your bed and tell it your day’s woes.

7. Your pillow has seen more tears than your mom, sister or dog.

8. The outside world is frigid, but the comfort of your sleepy haven fills you with warmth and security.

9. Literally nothing can get you to part from your bed in the mornings. Or during afternoon naps. Or when you’re just lying there, reading Cosmo and wishing the rest of the world would leave you in peace.

10. Your bed encourages you to participate in your favorite activity, and it never scoffs at your love of sleeping.

11. You will probably name your firstborn child Clinomania.

12. You have a pet name for your bed.

13. Date night for you is basically like date night for anyone else. You cuddle with your SO, watch movies and eat a romantic meal. Except your SO is your bed, so you’re cuddling with blankets, watching Fargo by yourself and eating a king-size bag of Swedish Fish. And it’s awesome.

14. “Work from home” = “Work from bed”

15. You aren't afraid to be yourself around your bed — no makeup, no problem!

What a wonderful place to lay our heads. 

19 Things You Need to Know About Misty Copeland

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On Tuesday, June 30, 2015, Misty Copeland made history when she was promoted to the rank of Principal Dancer with American Ballet Theater, which is the highest position a ballet dancer can achieve. Her promotion is made all the more remarkable by the fact that she is the first African-American woman to reach this rank in the 75-year history of the company.


This season marks the 32-year-old ballerina’s fifteenth year with the company. The announcement of her promotion came just days after her stunning debut as Odette/Odile in ABT’s Swan Lake at the Metropolitan Opera House. Misty nearly broke the Internet herself with all of the congratulations and accolades flowing in from the long overdue honor.

Aside from being one of the most iconic ballerinas of all time, Misty is absolutely stunning inside and out. If you hadn’t heard of her before now, we are here to fill you in because although Misty has achieved the highest rank possible, the sky is truly the limit for Miss Copeland.

Here are 19 things you need to know about this dynamic dancer!

1. Misty did not start dancing until she was 13 years old which is considered very late for a ballet dancer.

She began taking classes at the Boys & Girls club in San Pedro, California.

2. She was nearly homeless as a child.

Seeing her single mother struggle to raise her and her five siblings instilled within her the need to succeed and rise above her situation.

3. Just one year after she began dancing, Misty won a national ballet competition.

A year later, she would win first place at the Los Angeles Music Center Spotlight Awards which secured her place as the best dancer in the Greater Los Angeles Area.

4.  She was told that she had the wrong body for ballet.

Um bye haters, obviously she is totally #bodygoals.

5. Misty joined the American Ballet Theater Studio Company 15 years ago in 2000.

The studio company is ABT’s second company.

6. She became a member of the Corps de ballet in 2001.

The Corps de ballet consists of the lowest ranked dancers in a company.

7. She spent a majority of her first year in the company sidelined due to a back injury.

In her early years in the company, she felt out of place due to her body structure and ethnicity.

8.  Misty is only 5’2”.

Her gorgeous extension and to-die-for muscles would have you believe otherwise, but the powerhouse ballerina is actually very petite.

9. She was named to the 2003 class of Dance Magazine's "25 to Watch."

It was in 2003 that she also began dancing featured roles in the company’s ballets.

10. She was promoted to soloist in 2007.

At the age of 24, she was one of the youngest ABT dancers to be promoted to soloist.

11. In 2009, Copeland filmed a music video with Prince.

In 2010, he asked her to perform with him with him during the New Jersey/New York portion of his Welcome 2 America tour.

12. By 2012, she was dancing numerous leading roles, although she was still just a soloist.

She was first cast as the lead in The Firebird which she performed at the Metropolitan Opera House in June of 2012. Little did she know that three years later she would make her debut in the same theater as another famous bird.

13. In March 2014 Copeland's autobiography, Life in Motion: An Unlikely Ballerina, was released.

Her inspiring story was an instant success and further solidified her place as not only a famous ballerina, but also a role model.

14. Misty became a sponsored athlete of Under Armour in 2014.

She taught us the empowering phrase: I Will What I Want.

15. She was featured as a guest judge on Season 11 of So You Think You Can Dance.

And let’s face it, we wanted Misty’s approval more than we wanted to be on the Hot Tamale Train (sorry, Mary!)

16. Misty was selected for the 2015 Time 100.

She was the first dancer to appear since Bill T. Jones was on the cover in 1994.

17. She made her debut as Juliet in Romeo and Juliet at the Metropolitan Opera House on June 16, 2015.

Copeland actually danced this role a few days before her intended debut.

18. Misty made her debut in ABT’s Swan Lake on June 24, 2015.

This performance was just days before her promotion to principal dancer.

19. June 30, 2015, Misty Copeland made history as American Ballet Theater’s first African-American, female Principal Dancer.


History in the making.

Congratulations, Misty!


How to Celebrate Independence Day Around the Country

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This article has been syndicated to Her Campus from The College Tourist by Alison Tatham, a Her Campus Blogger Network member. Read the full post here.

No matter where you are, it's time to celebrate Independence day! Here's how collegiettes around the country are showing their pride:

Cape Cod, MA: Zoe Radner, Vanderbilt University

Any Northeast native will agree that Cape Cod is the ideal destination for Fourth of July activities. Sand, seafood, stars and stripes… what more could you need?

(Above) New York: Marilyn La Jeunesse, New York University

There’s nothing like watching the Fourth of July fireworks from the sky. That’s right! Taking a night flight across country or upstate garners you a front row seat to clouds bursting with vibrant colors once the time comes. It’s a beautiful (and safe!) experience.

St. Augustine, Florida: Jamie Coulson, Flagler College

While many are used to watching fireworks from a blanket on a field, switch out your bug bites and picnics on the grass for a water view of fireworks and history! Every year, St. Augustine attracts thousands of people from around Florida for one of the largest firework shows on the East Coast. The bridge of lions, the main entrance to downtown St. Augustine, gets closed down for pedestrians to watch the show. There’s nothing like watching the town and the water light up with American spirit!

Washington, D.C.: Ben Rissler, American University

Spending the Fourth of July in the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., is truly an unforgettable experience! Lounging out on the National Mall with your friends watching red, white, and blue fireworks shoot across the sky overtop of the Washington Monument and memorials should not be missed by the overly patriotic. I love seeing my city lit up at night and filled with proud Americans to celebrate Independence Day!

New York City, New York: Angela Serednicki, Ryerson University

There’s no place in America quite like New York City. Celebrate the Fourth of July in the Big Apple with a late lunch and a few cocktails atop one of Brooklyn’s many rooftop bars. Head out to Brooklyn Heights Promenade by 5:00 pm in order to grab a great spot for Macy’s fireworks show. The views of the Statue of Liberty and the sparkling city lights of the Manhattan skyline paired with a dazzling firework display will be a summer night you won’t ever forget.

Read the full post on The College Tourist.

7 Closet Staples America Invented

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The fashion world is always buzzing with news about the latest European trends, but with Independence Day just around the corner, we're more than ready to hear about what America's contributed to the fashion scene. Here at Her Campus, we did some digging to uncover the U.S.'s trendsetting persona that our American history courses have been hiding. We're sure you already have the perfect patriotic outfit planned for the 4th, and now you can wear it with even more pride—especially if it includes one of these American-made style staples the world couldn't live without.

1. Jeans

Chances are you've heard of Levi Strauss, the the infamous inventor of modern blue jeans who holds a special place in our hearts. What would life be like without our Levi's cut-offs? Terrible, that's what.

2. T-Shirts

We can't even imagine what the world would be without T-shirts. What would we sleep in? How would we flaunt our Greek letters? We are forever grateful to the U.S. Navy for inventing T-shirts in 1913 (and, of course, for everything else they do!). After all, lounging just wouldn't be the same in anything but an oversized tee.

3. Spandex

Spandex, nylon, neoprene. What do all of these loungewear, swimwear, and sportswear materials have in common? They were all invented in America, which means you can wear those swimsuits, jerseys and leggings with extra pride this 4th. 

4. Baseball Hats

The only thing better than the American invention of baseball (the best of summertime sports)? The accompanying invention of baseball hats. While we're way past the awkward backwards cap fashion phase, America's not ready to give up on this classic wardrobe accessory and neither are we. You can catch us wearing our favorite logos at the beach or slipping on a monochrome cap for some incredible street style chic—either way, we'll never be embarassed to flaunt this American-born gem.

5. Shift Dresses

We'd basically have to show up naked to interviews if it weren't for the popularization of shift dresses. The first was seen on Audrey Hepburn in the American film Breakfast at Tiffany's, and not long after our idol Lilly Pulitzer unleashed her own perfectly patterned shifts.

6. Moto Jackets

Thank you, America, for adding the perfect edge to any outfit with the creation of the leather motercycle jacket. First released by American brand Schott NYC in 1928, the moto style hasn't dissappeared since. Now made in a huge range of colors and crops, these jackets go with literally anything and we can't even fathom our closet without one.

7. Pantyhose

In 1953, American garmet-maker Allen Grant made this legendary morph of undies and stockings, which have never failed to keep our legs toasty and our work outfits office appropriate. Thanks, Allen. 

So next time someone says Americans aren't fashionable, make a point of explaining the history behind the classic tee-and-jeans look they're wearing. The U.S. has been a global trendsetter, and you've got the closet staples to prove it.

5 Romantic Movie Scenes that Make Us Believe in True Love

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While we've all long ago resigned ourselves to the fact that movies are in fact fictitious, and the breathtaking adventures we are whisked away to during those two hours are nothing more than the musings of talented screenwriters, we nonetheless feel a certain sense of attachment to the epic storylines of cinematic masterpieces. If it is truly a great film, you'll walk away with a slight suspicion in the back of your mind that in an alternate realm, maybe something this wondrous could really happen—especially when it comes to romantic movies. It's so easy to get swept up in the heartwrenching (and admittedly, outlandish) plots! Oh, if only these movies were more than imagination at play... still, we can't help but be encouraged and enlightened by these five film scenes, which help to foster a notion that perhaps true love really does exist!

1. "Love is all you need" - Across the Universe

To truly understand the magnitude of emotion this scene invokes (notwithstanding the excellent musical choice), you have to watch the entire film to experience it. Jude and Lucy's love saga is one for the ages, a romance that blossoms in the face of personal tragedy, changing times, and a country in the midst of a war nobody supported. While extraordinary circumstances threatened to tear apart these star-crossed lovers, in the end all they needed to reunite was a rooftop concert and the belief that all you really need is love. Ten extra brownie points for the fact that it's a musical and features an all-Beatles soundtrack!

2. "I wish I knew how to quit you" - Brokeback Mountain

Not your average romantic soiree—but then again, that's why this film won three Oscars and was nominated for five more. The tale of a forbidden love unlike any other—a budding gay romance amidst a society which not only disapproved of homosexuality, but would actively seek out violence against it. The film is a must see, not because of the steamy love scenes between Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger, but because of its cinematography, poignant scenes and raw emotion. Get a Kleenex ready because this one is intense.

3. "I'm just as scared as you are" - Hitch

Okay, while this film isn't exactly Oscar-worthy, we have to admit it's quite a gesture when a guy literally jumps on top of your moving car just to make you understand how serious he is. Will Smith is in his comedic element in this film (just think of that dance scene with Kevin James) but it's his turn to the tender side when he falls in love with Eva Mendes that has us ranking this bizarre yet oddly touching scene as one of the greats. Cheesy? Definitely. Clichéd? Probably. Worth the watch? Absolutely.

4. "It was like magic" - Sleepless in Seattle

This Nora Ephron classic is the quintessential romantic comedy, one you have to see at least once in your life (and probably a lot more than that). Rather than being a movie about love, it's instead a comical satire of romantic films (in other words, a movie about love in the movies). The entire film circles around two people who live an entire country apart, who each have love interests of their own, and yet are somehow destined to fall in love. It is a film that simultaneously mocks the unrealistic expectations we have about finding "the one," while it champions the idea in a climactic ending scene that will have you clutching your heart. Plus, you really cannot top Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan.

5. "To me you are perfect" - Love Actually

The reason this one ends our list is because it's the only one on this list where the guy actually doesn't get the girl in the end... and that's okay. This scene serves to show that sometimes, the most beautiful displays of affection come from the most unexpected circumstances. A very young and clean-shaven Andrew Lincoln and equally inexperienced Keira Knightley take the cake for the most heartwrenching scene of a movie made up entirely of heartwrenching scenes. In a way, it's beautiful because he doesn't expect to win her heart—he knows she's taken, he's come to accept that and this is just his way of letting her know how he feels. There's nothing more selfless than that, which is why we can't help but melt into mush after watching this. Because true love doesn't always mean happily ever after.

We'll understand if you've just been converted to a sobbing mess on the floor.

8 Things You Should Never Do at Work

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Transitioning from the back of your lecture hall to your new cubicle isn’t easy! Now that you’re spending most of your day in the same work space, it can be tempting to make yourself comfortable and let some of your professional habits slide. Keep in mind, though, that everything you do is associated with your professional competency. Your new boss will hold you to standards you may not be used to, and adjusting to what’s appropriate could prove to be tricky. As you navigate your new workplace, keep in mind these eight things you should avoid doing at your desk so you can make a good impression!

1. Sending unprofessional emails

Just as you would take the time to proofread a resume before sending it in, make sure your emails are spell-checked and free of any emojis or text abbreviations. Fix any grammar mistakes before hitting send!

Tamara Peters, a career development specialist at Rutgers University Career Services, emphasizes paying attention to your office’s culture and how the employees communicate.

“Watch how other staff members are addressing each other, signing off, and when they usually send emails to each other,” Peters says. “If they’re getting up from their desks and calling or talking to their colleagues, do the same.”

In terms of email structure, keep in mind that being concise is key. You don’t want your boss reading through a long introduction before getting to your real question! The subject line of the email should be as specific as possible so that your boss knows what the issue is as she scrolls through her messages. Include “Urgent:” or “Important:” in the subject if there’s an emergency you need your supervisor to address, but make sure to use it sparingly!

2. Accidentally copying and pasting something embarrassing    

Multitasking online can be difficult! One wrong click can lead to embarrassing mistakes like putting personal information into a work document or clicking send before you’ve finished writing an email. Emily Miethner, founder of FindSpark, a career community for college students and grads, suggests creating different dashboards on Google Chrome. This will allow you to separate bookmarks, tabs and login information between work and personal accounts. If you have a Google account, it’s simple: Sign into Chrome, go to “Settings” on the toolbar and underneath “Users,” click “Add new user.”

“That way, there's less of a chance that you'll even go on a site that you shouldn't be on or log onto a personal profile,” Miethner says. “And seeing the different icons and bookmarks reminds you that you're at work.”

Preventing these problems is also as simple as not multitasking as much, which will result in better quality and proofreading.

3. Not keeping private information confidential   

You’re usually expected to keep company projects confidential, so be careful of whom you share information with, especially online! Keep work emails separate from personal emails and organize them in folders so you always have written word to back you up in case there’s a miscommunication. While it’s unlikely that you’ll run into any serious trouble, you’ll still look professional and show that you take your job seriously.

Miethner recommends bringing up questions about confidentiality when you first get your job contract so you know exactly what is and isn’t appropriate to share with others.

“A lot of interns will have paperwork that includes an NDA, or non-disclosure agreement, but usually they’ll be very broad,” she says. “It’s good to have a conversation early on about exactly what’s confidential and what’s not.” Even if bringing up such a serious topic seems intimidating, Miethner says your boss will likely be impressed that you’re smart and responsible enough to be careful.

If information does get leaked, Miethner suggests going to your boss immediately and being completely honest about everything that was leaked, even if it’s a difficult mistake to admit. That way, those with the power to fix the situation can take the necessary steps as soon as possible so there’s less trouble for you down the road.

4. Being too casual with your boss

Having an easygoing boss is definitely better than dealing with a horrible one, but you can run the same risk of making a bad impression.

“Halfway through my internship, I was on a friendly basis with the editors I reported to and developed a relationship where we joked a lot,” says Lindsey, a formal editorial intern. “However, because I had fallen into that habit, when I later reported to a new editor for an assignment, I accidentally acted buddy-buddy with her before judging her communication style. She reported to my supervisor that I had been unprofessional, and I was so embarrassed that I had acted disrespectful.”

Never forget that you're at work, so make sure you address your boss by her preferred title. Pay special attention if she asks you to call her by her first name since it will show that you’re aware and good at adapting to what’s appropriate. If your boss likes to ask about your weekend, always have an interesting but appropriate story prepared so that you’re not caught off-guard. Miethner says everyone wants to connect, and finding good topics to talk about is a matter of being an active listener.

“It’s important to do more listening than talking at the beginning,” Miethner says. “Take a step back and listen to other people’s conversations to get an idea of what’s appropriate.”

5. Checking your social media accounts 

Diana Martinez, a career coach in the tri-state area, says you should never be signed into a personal social media account when you’re on the job. While some marketing, media and entertainment companies are more lenient with their rules, Martinez recommends sticking by a personal rule to simply put away your phone and log out of your social media accounts unless there’s an emergency.

“It is important not to abuse these liberties,” Martinez says. “Focus on the task that is given to you, and if it includes social media, make sure that you are using departmental accounts, not your own.”

Martinez points out that if you’re focusing on work and looking for new opportunities to shine at your job, you shouldn’t have much time for leisure anyways. In this case, creating separate Google Chrome dashboards, as Miethner suggested, can go a long way in reducing the temptation to give yourself access to any social media accounts, since they won’t be in your tabs or bookmarks.

6. Leaving your documents disorganized

While digital technology has made it much easier to store information, the downside is that interns don’t always take the time to organize their Word documents as they would paper files. Heather R. Huhman, an experienced hiring manager and founder of Come Recommended, a public relations agency for job-seekers, suggests using Google Drive.

“Try to use different folders for your projects, meeting documents and information your boss gives you,” Huhman says. “It’s also a good idea to make sure you keep your documents organized on your desktop in folders that can be easily accessed by you or your supervisor.”

Google Drive is unique because its documents can be shared with other users who can all edit them at the same time. After logging in with your Google account, start by creating a folder labeled “Internship” to keep all your work documents in one place and separate from personal files. For subfolders, it’s best to experiment as you go. Try putting all your projects in one folder at first and then creating separate folders for the ones that require more tasks. If you work closely with other interns, it’s a good idea to start a document where everyone contributes notes about what they’re learning on the job to give one another tips. Huhman says it’s also crucial to keep in mind that you’re organizing for your boss, so use simple and specific labels that everyone can understand.

7. Sitting with bad posture  

It might seem like a minute detail, but slouching in your chair can give the impression that you came to work tired, unfocused and careless. Miethner suggests being more conscious of particular body language signals, such as putting your elbows on your desk or cupping your chin with your hand when you’re talking to someone, since doing so might suggest that you’re not interested in what the other person is saying. Using your hands more when you talk can help you get out of these habits of leaning on your hands and will also make you appear more animated and energetic.

“Changing your body language will help you bring positive energy to work, and it will also make you feel better,” Miethner says. Improving your self-awareness at work in general can also help reduce the number of filler words such as “like” and “um” in your work conversations, which Miethner says will make you seem more mature and professional.

8. Always sticking to your desk  

If you’ve followed all these rules about good behavior at your desk, then the last tip to keep in mind is that it’s also important to not be sitting at your desk the entire time! While your boss will certainly appreciate your quality work, Huhman says an intern should be aware of the opportunities that a company provides.

“If you’re given the opportunity to take a class or attend a company event as an intern, it’s absolutely necessary you take advantage of this chance,” she says.

Seek opportunities for growth whenever possible. For example, when Mary Garis, a freelance writer at ELLE.com, took a break to get a cupcake at a Cupcake ATM, she asked her boss if she could write about it. Mary’s article got published on ELLE.com, and she impressed her boss in the process.

Getting up from your desk and interacting with your boss and coworkers can be as simple as bringing up an idea or offering to do someone a favor, like getting coffee, because your enthusiasm will be remembered and rewarded down the road.

Many of these tips aren’t obvious to interns at first, so if you’ve made any of these mistakes, remember that it’s not the end of the world! Employers understand that you’re still learning, so it’s best to just own up to your actions and improve next time. Explain why you made the mistake without apologizing excessively, and show how you plan to fix the problem. If you take the right steps, you can turn every bad situation into a learning opportunity. 

Hate Everything in Your Closet? We Know Why!

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We all have that one piece of clothing that's followed us through the ages. Even though we've had it for forever, we simply can't let go. It's been through everything with us and somehow has never lost its allure—which we all know is a serious feat.  

But wait—has it really been with us through everything? Apparently, our attachment to those "forever" pieces may depend on the answer.

Common sense might assume that the more use you get out of a product, the better. After all, when we're toying with the idea of buying that versatile black shift dress we've been eyeing for twenty minutes, we're probably going to come up with all of the ways we can use it to convince ourselves that the purchase will be worthwhile (we've all been there).

In tragic news, the implementation of such arguments has actually been sabotaging us—how could you betray us, shopping?! According to a new study by Eureka Alert, if you actually wind up using that shift all day, every day, it will quickly join the ranks of despised clothing mocking you from your closet racks when you feel like you have nothing to wear.

Cher Horowitz Closet

But how could something so usable be bad? The study's main finding is that your appreciation for a product depends on when you use it. The wider the range of situations in which you slip into that shift, the worse you feel about it. But what qualifies as "high variety" use?

Wearing your favorite shift to work, cocktails, parties, and the grocery store is going to depreciate its perceived value fast, because you're using the dress in a huge range of unrelated activities. But let's say you only wear it when you're aiming to look professional and sleek—like at networking events and interviews. If that's the case, you'll probably reach for it with pleasure whenever the occasion arises! 

The secret here is using your closet staples for specific things. You should have a go-to set of clothes for lounging, a go-to set of clothes for work, and a go-to set of clothes for play. Cosmopolitan suggests organizing your closet based on usage, so that you aren't tempted to reach for your work blazer when heading out for a night on the town. And while it may seem economically counterintuitive to use all of your clothing less, you'll actually wind up holding onto each piece longer if you keep it isolated to specific events, meaning you won't keep having to replace it—hello, savings!

The study also suggests that it may be all about sentimental value. After all, that hot pink weekender bag is what you pack on every weekend trip you take to visit your long-distance boyfriend over the summer, and therefore, it's special. If you used it to lug around your wallet and keys every time you went out, it just wouldn't be the same.

Real Live College Guy Dale: He Never Says ‘Thank You’

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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.

How do I get my boyfriend to appreciate me? I cook for him, clean up after him and do so many other things for him, but he very rarely says “thank you” and continuously asks me to do more. – Feeling Unappreciated at Furman

Furman,

From my point of view, you’ve got one way of handling this situation:

Just stop doing things for him. Let the dishes pile up and the dust accumulate. Don’t take the trash out, don’t do his laundry and don’t even bother cooking dinner for anyone but yourself. He will eventually take notice and he will eventually say something. When he brings up how dirty everything is, just lay it out for him: You got tired of working so hard and receiving no appreciation. Tell him you feel unappreciated because you do all these things and he can’t even be bothered to say “thank you.”

Basically, you just communicate your issues. While I feel like I should tell you not to launch a verbal assault (because if he feels attacked then the issue’s going to blow up into a huge argument), I think you do need to be straight with him. Don’t let him jerk your around by saying stuff like, “Oh, I thought you liked doing it!” He won’t learn unless you really spell things out for him. You need to put your foot down.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Guys aren’t mind readers. We kind of know when something’s wrong, but we can’t always pinpoint what it is. Your boyfriend may very well think that you just enjoy cleaning up after him (as idiotic as his assumption might seem). If you don’t tell him how you’re feeling, he won’t know. If he never finds out, nothing is ever going to change, and you’re going to get stuck with always cleaning up after him.

Fill out my online form.

What Your Favorite Ice Cream Flavor Says About You

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Whether it’s Ben & Jerry’s (who are better than actual SOs, let’s be real) or a scoop from your local creamery, ice cream has a special place in our hearts. With endless combinations, toppings and flavors, it never ceases to amaze us. Even if we’re willing to try any variation of our beloved frozen treat, our favorite flavors can tell us a lot about our personalities. 

Vanilla

While some might view this as the boring choice, vanilla lovers prefer “classic.” You appreciate a sophisticated LBD and consistently rock red lipstick. You may opt for pale pink nails over neon purple polish, but you rather be true to yourself than pretend to be anybody else. Sure, you might be a little cautious, but you’re also extremely loyal. You’ll let the haters hate hate hate because at the end of the day, you know what you like.

Chocolate

It’s hard for people to dislike you because you’re charming, extroverted and extremely passionate. Plus, chocolate lovers are generally fun and flirty. You love a good party and have been called a overly dramatic more times than you care to admit. But you don't mind being the center of attention because you absolutely love it. 

Strawberry

You’re such a sweetheart! If you prefer strawberry ice cream, you’re a really good friend, full of kindness. You tend to look on the bright side of things and make everyone smile whereve you go. It might take a while for you to open up, but once people see your sweet side, they love you even more. 

Coffee

Whether you like the hot, caffeinated version or not, preferring coffee ice cream means you're laid back and totally chill. You don’t mind spending time alone either, especially if you’re curled up with a good book. Your sarcasm might take some people off guard, but your intelligence and sophisticated flair make up for it.

Black Raspberry

Blame it on your edgy style, but one thing’s for sure: you play by your own rules. It might come off as a little bit rebellious, but it also makes you incredibly interesting. You’re a great judge of character, which means you only have a few close friends that you share your adventures with. Everything you do seems artsy or cool because you’re always on the cutting edge.

Rocky Road

Let's be real, you’re probably going to be a CEO someday. You wake up ***flawless, and you’re basically a boss in every way. You get want you want because you’re extremely goal oriented and ambitious. Plus, it’s hard not to be envious of your killer confidence. 

Mint Chocolate Chip

Everyone can appreciate mint chocolate chip ice cream…and you! You’re super nice and a great listener. Friends always talk to you about their drama because they know you’ll give great advice. You’re the definition of calm, cool and collected, always staying rational and levelheaded no matter what life throws at you.  

Cookie Dough

To put it simply, you’re the life of the party. Your sense of humor and happy-go-lucky attitude makes people want to be around you all the time, which you don’t mind because you love to make people laugh. The simple things in life make you happy, and you don’t take yourself too seriously. 

Whether you feel like your favorite flavor embodies your personality or not, we can all agree on one thing: ice cream is the best. 


Links We Love 7.5.15

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20 ways to fall in love with your looks. [YourTango]

How to cut costs while shopping at Whole Foods. [Spoon University]

Iconic living rooms from your favorite television shows. [Terry's Fabrics]

Is this the best burger in the country? [Newser]

The secret to getting rid of your hangover. [BuzzFeed]

Which state is cutting tuition costs? [The Huffington Post]

It is absolutely disrespectful to break up with someone via text. [EliteDaily]

These edible shot glasses are amazing. [Refinery29]

We want Hilary Duff to be our BFF after stalking her Instagram. [PopSugar]

Would you wear a dress made of fake plastic fingernails? [Bustle]

25 Things Every New Jersey Native Knows to Be True

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When you’re from New Jersey, you’re a breed of your own. No one else can understand us. What other state has so much pride that its residents get tattoos of the state outline? Below is a list of the top 25 things only NJ natives understand - and trust us, you'll only get it if you're a part of the club.

1. Going “down the shore” isn’t actually a thing

Despite popular belief, only people from northern New Jersey use this phrase, and everyone else in the state considers them tourists. If you are from any place in NJ near a beach, you say you’re “going to the beach,” and when you say “down the shore,” us beach natives know you’re a benny (sorry, Northerners!).

2. Yes, “Benny” is a nickname.

Or more like a code name locals use for tourists, including people from northern NJ. Benny = Bayonne, Elizabeth, Newark, New York. But, in reality, Benny is a code name used for anyone who doesn’t live within a 20-mile radius of his or her own beach.

3. NJ is the only state that is split into two

There is definitely a divide when it comes to North and South Jersey. Southerners have to put up with Northerners coming to our beaches and Northerners have to put up with being tourists in their own state.

4. Or, split into three?

Whether or not there is a “Central Jersey” is a debate people from Jersey will have forever. Middlesex, Monmouth, Mercer and Somerset counties make up “central Jersey” (Hunterdon, Union and Ocean counties are contenders as well).

5. No one says “Joisey”

We know we have accents and speak rather fast, which can make us hard to understand. And we may butcher words like “water” and “dog,” but “Joisey” is just not in our vocabulary.

6. Pork roll/ Taylor Ham is the greatest invention ever

Apparently, no one else in the country is graced with the gift of pork roll/Taylor ham. One piece of this meat on a breakfast sandwich is the greatest thing you will ever have. And depending on where you’re from in Jersey, you call it Taylor Ham or pork roll - just another thing to divide us. 

7. We know the real way to make bagels

What better to put that pork roll, egg and cheese on then a fresh, NJ bagel? They say there is something in the water here that gives us the best dough for our bagels, but whatever it is, eating a Jersey-made bagel will be the best moment of your life.

8. Italians DO rule

Back when The Sopranos was big, everyone thought NJ natives were all connected to the mob. While most of us do not have mob connections, the Italian population is huge. And they talk with their hands.

9. Life is better with gas attendants

People from other states can call us lazy, but when it’s zero degrees out and the wind is blowing so strongly you have to lean against your car and unscrew your own gas cap, us NJ natives hand our credit cards to the gas attendants and call it a day.

10. No one calls them “jughandles,” but they make driving easier

Turning around in the middle of a busy highway is almost as foreign of a concept as pumping our own gas. In Jersey, we have jughandles, or U-turns. Everyone says U-turns. They can’t even be explained, you just know what they are and they’re much safer than turning around in the middle of the road.

11. A lot of New Jersey natives think they live in West Virginia

For some reason, rural NJ areas are filled with kids who swear they’re country. Big tires, lifted trucks and Jason Aldean blaring from the speakers... We've seen it all. They are their own people. You’re either out there off-roading with them, or you're busy questioning why they think they’re real country folk.

12. We are actually always in a hurry

The stereotype that we’re fast drivers and fast walkers is spot on. If you aren’t doing at least 10 over the speed limit, get out of our way.

13. Wawas rule the world.

You know you’re from NJ when there are at least five Wawas within a 10-mile radius of your house. And even though Wawa is an overpriced convenience store, NJ natives will always swear by it.

14. Doing “Weird New Jerseys” is every high-schoolers favorite hobby

Lambertville High School, Marlboro Insane Asylum, The Devil’s Tomb and Jacob’s Ladder, The Devil’s Tree, etc. are some of the many Weird NJs from the book Weird NJ. Every state has a Weird book, but when you’re 17 and from Jersey, the cool thing to do is go into the woods at 2 a.m. and try to find these strange landmarks.

15. It's called Great Adventure

Not Six Flags. It’s just not.

16. Seaside isn’t all it’s cracked up to be

Seaside Heights is one of the biggest tourist attractions in NJ. After MTV’s show Jersey Shore brought more attention to it (but before the historic picture of the Jet Star rollercoaster in the ocean after Hurricane Sandy made waves), Seaside Heights didn’t have the best reputation. This boardwalk become ideal for the younger crowd while families went looking for boardwalks more like Point Pleasant and Wildwood.

17. But a Seaside Tony is heaven on Earth

If you ever find yourself in Seaside Heights, however, stop by Steaks Unlimited and get a Seaside Tony. They say Philly has the best cheesesteaks, but Steaks Unlimited threw some cheese balls into their delicious cheese steaks and called it a Seaside Tony. The world will never be the same.

18. No one actually looks like Snooki circa 2010.

We think we made a big enough deal about this while Jersey Shore was on, but we'll reiterate: we do not all look like Snooki or The Situation. The gym/tan/laundry look is purely tourist-related. 

19. You define yourself by your parkway exit

When you get asked where you’re from, it’s “Exit 124,” not “Sayreville,” and even if you haven’t heard of a town where someone is from, you can easily figure out how far away they live because you can calculate how far their exit is. And if you don’t understand this, you aren’t from NJ.

20. We all root for out-of-state teams (What choice do we have?)

Besides hockey, New Jersey has no sports teams of its own, even though the Giants' and Jets' stadiums are in Northern NJ. While the state is filled up with Philly and New York fans, there are a surprising number of people who are fans of random teams that are far away, like the Cowboys and Redskins.

21. We do, in fact, have the best tomatoes

NJ is “The Garden State,” so it's only right that we have the best tomatoes around.

22. When we go to other states and see how nice people are, we can’t figure out why

NJ natives keep to themselves. We do not wave to strangers and we cut off other drivers without thinking twice. So when we visit other states and a cashier asks us how our day is going (and genuinely cares about the answer), we can’t help but wonder if we stepped onto another planet.

23. The Jersey Devil is an actual thing

Many Weird NJ books are made up of Jersey Devil-related locations. He’s a real thing from the Pine Barrens, and every person was afraid of the woods as a kid from hearing the stories about this creature lurking in the dark. It’s a Jersey thing.

24. You know “The Oranges” aren't fruit

South Orange, West Orange and East Orange make up Northern NJ, and natives just bunch them together and call them “The Oranges.” We’re The Garden State, not The Fruit State.

25. Diners are forever

Where can you find half the Jersey population at 3 a.m.? At one of the many diners that line the highways of the state, enjoying their unhealthy, late-night snacks.  

When it comes to Jersey, its residents have pride like no other. Don’t think you can out-drive us, out-talk us or make a better breakfast sandwich than we can, and everything will be fine. 
 

This Summer's Must-Have Nail Colors & Trends

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Summer's officially in full swing, which means it's time for your deep polishes to hibernate. But with millions of shades out there, how can you possibly know what to swap your trusty burgundy out for? We've made it easy, highlighting this season's hottest hues and providing the perfect Pinspiration for your next nail look. 

Nail Colors

Orange

If you're trying to look tan without exposing yourself to harmful rays, orange should be your go-to color this summer. In tons of brilliantly bright shades, from coral to the trending papaya, you'll be sure to find a shade that's right for you. And if you're struggling to choose, Essie's Clambake ($8.50, Macy's) is hard to beat and named oh-so-appropriately for summer! Just steer clear of duskier oranges, which are more fitted for Fall.

Anything Sheer

Sheer is extremely on-trend this summer; they also look great coated on top of another color. Red and orange sheers are in, and look stunning as an overcoat to another summery shade—especially if you're looking to achieve a personalized nail color or an ombré effect. They also work great for nail art, as you can overlap sheer shades to your heart's content. The best pick this summer? Dior's Tie Dye Top Coat ($28, Lord & Taylor), which looks amazing paired with Dior's newest colors this season, Sunkissed and Sunwashed ($27 each, Lord & Taylor). Both are part of the the newest generation of Dior Vernis polishes, which belong to the 2015 Tie Dye Summer Collection

Green

We see minty greens year after year, and we're definitely not surprised. They're impossibly chic and practically a summer neutral, working incredibly well with your glowing tan. This summer, go greener, picking shades that aren't as modest or soft for an update on the classic color. Essie's First Timer ($8.50, Nordstrom) paints on bright for a seamfoamy shade that is sure to become your newest summer nail staple.

Purple

We're talking purples that are nearly neon. Your winter plums and eggplants should be stored away in favor of a pop of electric and energized color. Try Dance Baby, Sweet Hook, or Rich and Famous, all by China Glaze ($6.99 at Sally Beauty Supply).

Nail Art

Fruity

Fresh fruit is the highlight of our summer—who can pass up a slice of lime in their drink or an amazing fruit salad for dessert? Wear your love on your nails with this citrus-inspired nail art.

Tribal

Summer is nicknamed festival season for a reason. While there's tons of festival-inspired nail trends to look out for, you can never go wrong with the classic tribal print.

Pineapple-Inspired

We're noticing a trend here—fruit is lovable and adorable. Pineapples are an international symbol of hospitality, incorporated into resort designs and thus totally reminiscent of beachside relaxation. This yellow fruit is on the rise, now one of the season's hottest prints. 

Undersea 

What else is summer known for? Shark Week. If you're terrified of actually swimming with sharks or watching them devour seals on TV, we've got a safer way to hop on this summer trend. These shark-inspired nails are far from scary—the little guys are actually kind of cute!

Metallic

We are obsessed with these unique and chic nails. The shiny, whimsical color resembles the underside of a shell and will totally help you channel your inner mermaid. 

Tropical

Say aloha to some floral nail art. And if you aren't ready to dedicate hours to perfecting those petals, paint just a few nails tropical and leave the rest a bright white—a shade reserved solely for summer.

Turquoise

We've never seen these before, which means you should sport them stat for a trendsetting look! This marbled pattern looks exactly like the gemstone. Even better, the shade matches your pool and pairs perfectly with summer's top color, coral.

Tipped

French tips are a nail polish classic, but that doesn't mean you can't revamp the style for summer. Instead of a white tip, opt for neons or other summery colors (yellows, magentas, and teals work great) and make the strip wider for a more pronounced and modern look.

Geometric

Another festival classic, geometric patterns are a total "do" this summer. Not sure how to achieve those incredibly straight lines? Work layer by layer, and use tape to make shapes.

Summer is the perfect time to try something bold and new, as the season permits crazy colors and bright patterns that other seasons don't endorse. Grab some new polish, scan Pinterest for how-tos, and prepare to nail the trendiest styles (pun intended!)—you'll have the perfect manicure to match your margarita in no time.

15 Celebs You Had No Idea Were On ‘Law & Order: SVU’

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Law & Order: SVU first aired in 1999, and it is going into its 17th season this fall. Even if you consider yourself a hardcore fan, it can be difficult to keep track of the show’s countless guest stars. Many actors who had one-time roles on SVU went on to become huge stars. Here are 15 celebrities you probably didn’t know were once on Law & Order: SVU.

1. Natasha Lyonne

Season 13, Episode 8

Natasha Lyonne is one of many Orange is the New Black cast members to appear on SVU.

2. Amanda Seyfried

Season 6, Episode 5

Shortly after the release of Mean Girls, Amanda Seyfried was on SVU as a teenage girl who couldn’t keep her story straight.

3. Jesse McCartney

Season 10, Episode 6

Who knew that our favorite middle-school heartthrob had a one-time role on SVU?

4. Hilary Duff

Season 10, Episode 19

Speaking of throwbacks, Hilary Duff graced SVU with her presence in 2009.

5. Kate Mara

Season 2, Episode 9

You know her from House of Cards, but more than 10 years earlier, Kate Mara played a competitive gymnast on SVU.

6. Sarah Hyland

Season 3, Episode 1

Season 10, Episode 12

The Modern Family starlet was actually in two different SVU episodes.

7. Hayden Panettiere

Season 2, Episode 11

Season 6, Episode 15

Before Nashville or even Heroes, you could find Hayden Panettiere on SVU.

8. Elizabeth Banks

Season 3, Episode 7

You probably know her as Effie Trinket from The Hunger Games films, but back in 2001, Elizabeth Banks added SVU to her long list of acting credits.

9. Bradley Cooper

Season 6, Episode 20

Even People’s 2011 “Sexiest Man Alive” had his time on SVU.

10. Ty Burrell

Season 3, Episode 15

Another Modern Family cast member, Ty Burrell can be seen in an early SVU episode.

11. Emily Deschanel

Season 3, Episode 17

Bones star Emily Deschanel played a concert cellist in her episode of SVU.

12. Abigail Breslin

Season 6, Episode 1

Abigail Breslin may be all grown up, but she was only 8 years old when she guest-starred on SVU.

13. Brittany Snow

Season 7, Episode 22

Before playing a collegiette in Pitch Perfect, Brittany Snow portrayed a pre-collegiette who suffered from bipolar disorder.

14. Elle Fanning

Season 8, Episode 8

You’ll most likely recognize her now from Maleficent, but Elle Fanning has been acting since she was almost 3 years old. At age 8, she was in a super creepy SVU episode.

15. Ian Somerhalder

Season 4, Episode 20

The Vampire Diaries hottie Ian Somerhalder was one of SVU’s most disturbing guest stars of all time.

Now that you're in the mood to binge-watch SVU, see if you can find your favorite actors and actresses before they were famous!

5 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Internship

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Between working on big projects, asking thoughtful questions and, yes, making that clichéd coffee run, it’s easy to forget you should be getting more than just experience and a line on your resume from your summer internship. Along with your everyday tasks, you should also be focused on the bigger picture: how this position can build your reputation in the industry, earn you connections and further your career. Here’s what to do so your internship will keep working for you long after you’ve written all of your thank-you notes and had your last feedback session

1. Ask questions

For unpaid internships, your “salary” is your in-office education. Ensure that you’re learning as much as possible by asking questions! Requesting advice or information from your supervisor doesn’t make you annoying; on the contrary, it shows that you’re invested in the internship. Ask about concepts, terminology, the roles different employees play, what technology and software the company uses, etc. However, there is such a thing as a bad question, so be strategic.

“Do your research first,” says Lisa Chau, the founder of marketing and PR consulting firm Alpha Vert. “Don't ask anything that can be easily answered by searching online.”

You should also be careful about when and where you quiz your boss. If he or she is stressed or crunched for time, you probably won’t receive the most detailed or complete response. Unless your question is extremely time-sensitive or context-relevant, write it down for when your boss has an uninterrupted, calm period of time to answer it.

2. Take notes

Always have a pen and paper on hand—you never know when you’ll need it!

“This sounds so basic, but I can’t tell you how frequently my twentysomething clients come to meet with me and have nothing to take notes with,” says Allison Cheston, author of the blogCareer Connector. “Not only is it impossible to keep everything in your head, but writing down important points shows you’re interested and focused.”

You should definitely show up to your first day with a notebook and a pen ready, but don’t get lazy and start leaving them at home as your internship progresses! Write things down all summer long whenever you learn a new procedure, task or requirement. Not only will this seriously improve your learning curve, increase your credibility and help you avoid asking how to do the same task twice, but at the end of the summer, you can organize your notes into a handy booklet for your replacement. Ding-ding-ding: that’s the sound of intern points racking up.

3. Ask people to lunch or coffee

We’ve all heard that networking is essential, but how exactly do you do it? After all, it’s not like playing tag — you can’t walk up to someone, introduce yourself and bam! Call him or her a connection. 

Lauren Berger, aka The Intern Queen, suggests making a list of people both inside and outside your department whom you’re interested in meeting. You can even include people who don’t work at the company but work in the same city. After you’ve compiled a list, send personalized emails to each person asking for an informational interview.

“Maintaining a sense of professionalism, introduce yourself in one to two sentences and explain the purpose of the meeting,” Berger says. “For example, ‘I’d love to sit down with you and hear about how you got started and get your advice.’”

Berger suggests keeping the entire email to eight sentences or less. She also recommends reaching out early in your internship so that you can schedule appointments with even the busiest employees.  “If you don’t hear back in one week, send a follow-up email,” Berger says.

However, it’s probably not possible for you to meet with every single professional you’d like to talk to — but that doesn’t mean you can’t still build useful relationships.

“People have really busy schedules, so I relied on talking to people in the halls and at their desks and then sending follow-up emails with little details like, ‘Good luck on your presentation!’” says Tansu Phillips, a sophomore at Chapman University who just finished interning for Ryan Seacrest.

If you want even more advice for networking at your job, this article has some great tips.

4. Maintain the connections you’ve made

While it’s fantastic to get face time with people who can help you in your career, that face time won’t mean anything if you don’t keep in touch with those resources.

“Definitely keep a comprehensive LinkedIn profile to stay involved with the company,” Chau says. “That will allow you to maintain your connections.”

These connections can “recommend” you for various skills they saw you use during your internship, such as social media, blogging, editing and so on. This dramatically increases your credibility and will be super helpful during the job hunt! LinkedIn is also a great way for the people you met during your internship to stay current on your career without any effort on their part. When you accomplish something cool or start searching for a position, they’ll automatically see it on their newsfeeds.

Even if you don’t use LinkedIn, make an effort to keep in contact with the people you meet during your internship. Once again, email is your best friend. Send the people you worked closely with messages once a semester, taking the time to make the messages personal. You should comment on some sort of growth, change or achievement in their professional lives (“I saw that the company was mentioned in a Huffington Post article, congratulations!”) and include an update on you (“I just finished up my first semester of sophomore year and have been freelancing for two design websites.”). Staying in touch ensures that if you need their help or advice, it won’t seem like you’re just using them.

5. Build a portfolio

At the beginning of your internship, ask your supervisor for his or her permission to keep or make copies of the work you have completed, such as papers, projects, presentations or reports. You may also want to include records of positive feedback or any other proof you have showing that you did a great job.

“For example, a PR intern could include press releases they wrote, press materials they created for a client, media hits they secured and a letter of recommendation,” Berger says.

An internship portfolio is incredibly helpful in demonstrating to potential employers your growth, the skills you learned, the personal and career goals you achieved and your work ethic.

The next time you’re powering through a 10-page report or helping with your company’s social media accounts, don’t forget that an internship is about more than just the day-to-day experience. Use these five tips to make your internship the experience that keeps on working for you!

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