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Your Online Shopping Addiction is Actually Ingenious

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On a lazy weekend day or a relaxing night after work, we often find ourselves hitting the internet for some casual web browsing. Next thing we know, we've spent over three hours searching store websites in an online shopping frenzy. What's wrong with us?

But what some may label a shopping addiction may actually be productive, money-saving and smart. So the next time your boyfriend mocks you for your seemingly obsessive online shopping, reply with a ha! and some facts from the new data that suggests an online shopping "addiction" isn't making millennials broke—it's actually reducing spending.

Based on data found in a report released by retail marketing platform Monetate, many (including the Washington Post) are concluding that young spenders aren't just wasting time meticulously searching store websites and leaving endless items to sit in online shopping carts—they're actually employing some savvy research skills!

Online shopping

Mic.com refers to this super smart research strategy as "webrooming," which translates to extensively researching a product online before committing to a purchase. So basically, we're making careful and informed decisions before buying those to-die-for wedges, madly comparing prices and qualities of similar items to make sure we're getting the best of the best at the lowest of costs. As far as we're concerned, this isn't an addiction—it's ingenious.

And all of those stereotypes about millennials being lazy and splurge-crazy? Totally false if our shopping habits have anything to say about it! Younger shoppers are not only spending dedicated time finding the perfect items, they're also more conservative spenders, only pulling the trigger on 57 percent of shopping endeavors according to data from Time.  

We have a few speculations about the cause of this data. Maybe it's because we're totally committed to sales, storing desired clothes in our cart so we don't forget them and only following through when the next web sale pops up. Or, because we're so invested in our favorite online stores that we know when items are overpriced or not worth the money. Either way, we're happily ready to excuse our online shopping habits with science.

All in all, your silly little "shopping addiction" is actually incredibly empowering and beautifully stingy. So, the next time you realize you really, really need something and then spend a ridiculous amount of time trying to find one of those somethings that fulfills you and your wallet's wildest dreams? Don't be ashamed—be proud


16 Reasons Why Being Single in the Summer is the Best

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Summer is by far one of the best seasons to be single. It seems like everyone is concerned with having a Nicholas Sparks-worthy romance to compliment their summer adventures. But, there are so many reasons why being single in the summer is the absolute best. After all, you are single and ready to mingle!

1.You can flirt with that cute guy or girl at the bar.

This summer you are going to perfect that pick-up line.

2. You don’t have anyone that you need to shave your legs for. 

You can let your hair be as free and flowing as you want. You have no one to tell you otherwise.

3.You don’t have to argue about which movie to watch.

In other words, you can watch as many episodes of Sex and the City as you want.

4.You have more time to spend with friends. 

You probably don’t even realize how much time a significant other takes up. This summer, you can focus on creating lasting memories with your besties. 

5.You have more money to spend on you. 

There’s no need to budget for fancy dinners or over-the-top date nights. This summer, treat yo' self! 

6.You don’t have to worry about someone else’s scheduling conflicts. 

You can come and go as you please.

7.You don’t need to explain yourself to a jealous lover.

There is no need for a play-by-play of what went down at that beach party last night.

8.You can have a summer fling or two. 

You can hook-up with as many people as you want, no strings attached.   

9.…Or you can reignite your love affair with Netflix. 

Jack Dawson was your first love and you can re-watch Titanic as much as you want to this summer.  

10.You can meet new people.

 You can go to the beach with that new group of friends without worrying how awkward it may be if your significant other comes along.

11.You won’t have to deal with anything long distance.

If you’re doing any traveling this summer, the last thing you want to worry about is keeping the flame alive when you’re 3,000 miles away.

12.You can dance with anyone you want.

Everyone could be a potential dance partner at that beach party. You have a whole sea of options.

13.You have MUCH less drama to deal with.

You won’t have to deal with decoding cryptic text messages, arguing about where to eat or wondering who that girl is that keeps showing up on your lover’s Snapchat.

14.You can download dating apps and laugh at all the terrible profiles.

You won’t need to explain to anyone why you have Tinder. So, go ahead and count how many matches ask if it hurt when you fell from heaven.

15.You don’t need to worry about sharing a bed with someone in 86 degree weather.

Why can’t people understand you just don’t want to spoon when it's that warm?

16.You can focus on becoming the best version of you.

You have all the time to focus on figuring out what makes you happy and growing as an independent individual. Embrace it!

Being single during the summer means you have the freedom to do (practically) whatever you want. Don’t let a relationship status (or lack of one) bum you out. Get out there and start creating the memories you want to have. This summer is going to be all about you! 

Girls Are Literally Defying Stereotypes in the New #LikeAGirl Video

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Last year, Always launched its #LikeAGirl campaign, an initiative to help girls build their self-confidence and change “like a girl” from an insult to a compliment. The first video went viral after showing as a Super Bowl commercial, causing some people to criticize the campaign. To silence all the haters out there, Always just launched a second video, aptly titled “Unstoppable.”

In the video, girls write down insults they’ve gotten or names they’ve been called on cardboard boxes. Each box represents a limitation that society creates for girls, so instead of feeling limited, the girls destroy the boxes instead. Check out this powerful video below!

Always, thanks for reminding us that we’re unstoppable.

These 7 Outfits Prove Leopard is a Neutral

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Fashion fads come and go, but there's always been one print that's consistently driven the industry wild. That print? Leopard.

An infamous choice of celebrity style icons and runway designers alike, leopard's versatility can add edge or prep to an outfit, depending on how it's worn—impressive, if you ask us. Coming in a variety of textures, hues, and spot sizes, this unbreakable trend has always held a hint of glamor—so why is it that so many of us are still scared to wear it? Whether it's a fear of looking flashy, or even worse, trashy, you can fear no more, collegiettes. We've taken out the guesswork to help you master the print of all prints with sass and class. The key? Treat leopard as a neutral.

1. Go Gingham


Leopard as Neutral #5
 

Most of us are terrified to combine prints for fear of looking overdone, but when you treat leopard as a neutral, those issues disappear. Leopard's favorite preppy playdate? Gingham. A great way to mix the two is by wearing gingham basics and adding leopard as an accent. The look is extremely put-together and definitely business causal appropriate, especially if you swap out jeans for some navy chinos.

2. Get Spotted


Leopard as Neutral #4
 

J Crew long sleeve top
$130 - jcrew.com

 

 

Mela Loves London leopard coat
$31 - houseoffraser.co.uk

 

 

 

 

Ray-Ban ray ban sunglasses
lordandtaylor.com

 

 

If you're ready to go full out, try animal print outerwear. It's incredibly trendy and coats and jackets are the perfect way to add flare to an otherwise bland outfit. In the winter, go for a faux fur, long-line leopard coat. In the summer, swap it out for a lightweight leopard blazer. Either way, pair your outerwear with an all-denim outfit. The final look will be unreal, making it look like you just left a street style shoot.

3. Fear No Floral


Leopard as Neutral #7
 

Jolie Moi fit flare dress
dorothyperkins.com

 

 

Vince leather boots
$435 - shopbop.com

 

 

Status Anxiety brown bag
$44 - surfstitch.com

 

 

BCBGeneration sunglasses
bcbgeneration.com

 

 

If you're ready to give everyone around you a serious case of jungle fever, slip into a floral fit and flare and open-toed nude booties and accessorize with a cheetah clutch and tortoise shades. That's right, floral and leopard go. So embrace those natural patterns and be prepared for envious stares.

4. Tight and Tartan


Leopard as Neutral #6
 

 

 

Asos shoes
asos.com

 

 

If you weren't convinced that leopard is the ultimate bae of prints, check out another print relationship that's got us fawning. When mixed with leopard, tartans and plaids are oh-so-edgy and irresistibly sultry. If you're heading out for a night on the town, there is no better look to stand out in. And when fall rolls around, you can swap that skirt for a leopard-printed pant and the tank for a red and green plaid flannel.

5. Cool Cat


Leopard as Neutral #2
 

Madewell v neck top
madewell.com

 

 

 

J.Crew slip on shoes
factory.jcrew.com

 

 

Liz Claiborne clutch
jcpenney.com

 

 

Want a look that's easy-breezy? Grab some leopard slip-ons, white boyfriend jeans, and a ruby red top. These sneaks will go with absolutely anything, but deep colors compliment them especially well. 

6. Modernize


Leopard as Neutral #3
 

 

 

 

BeckSöndergaard leopard purse
$91 - the-dressingroom.com

 

 

 

Kate Spade tech accessory
saksfifthavenue.com

 

 

Leopard doesn't just go with any color—it goes in any color. Get mod with an emerald print, which is both unexpected and absolutely darling. We're officially obsessed. Also, a mod spotted phone case is so, so chic.

7. Bold and Blue


Leopard as Neutral #1
 

Abercrombie Fitch romper
abercrombie.com

 

 

Office Viscount Slipper
$70 - office.co.uk

 

 

 

 

Gravitate towards gemstone tones whenever you're unsure what to pair with this perfect print. Cobalt, turquoise, coral, garnet—you name it, it goes. We're drooling over this mix of blue, black, and leopard. This outfit is the ultimate trendsetting look—you're welcome for the inspo!

Leopard is wearable in anything—including shoes, tops, bottoms, and accessories—as long as you wear it deliberately and with these tips in mind. As a trend that's obviously here to stay, say hello to your newest neutral. 

Sleep in Style with a Free Bedding Set from Décor 2 Ur Door!

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Decorating your room—whether it’s in a dorm, a sorority house or an apartment—gives you a chance to express yourself.  Your style is constantly changing, though, and it can be expensive to update your space.  You want to show off your originality, but you’re also on a college budget.  That’s where we come in!

We’ve teamed up with Décor 2 Ur Door to give you the stylish room you’ve been dreaming of.  One lucky winner will score a designer created Bed in a Bag set from Décor 2 Ur Door, fit for a Twin/Twin XL bed. 

Décor 2 Ur Door creates custom dorm, sorority, teen and apartment bedding and décor.  You can even design your own room, which is perfect if you want to mix and match fabrics to coordinate with your roomie.  Be sure to check out Décor 2 Ur Door on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram for more decorating inspiration.  The bedding set includes a Twin/Twin XL solid duvet cover and sham, a custom sham, and two custom pillows.  Enter to win the Bed in a Bag set here!

Decor 2 Ur Door Giveaway

21 Movie Lines College Girls Always Quote

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If there's one thing collegiettes know inside and out, it's pop culture. From Justin Bieber's latest antics (going after Orlando Bloom, really?) to the blockbuster of the summer, we know it all. With great knowledge comes great responsibility, and we can't be expected to just contain our wealth of knowledge about our favorite films and all of their unforgettable quotes - it's our duty to share them! With those expectations in mind, we now present you with the 21 movie lines we collegiettes love to quote.

1. "Hakuna matata."(Simba, Timon and Pumba in The Lion King)

This was one of the very first movies we remember seeing, and of course we're going to remember a quote with such a catchy tune behind it! Plus, it's a great way to justify endless movie marathons and perpetual laziness.

Who says it: Your friends, during finals week when they're trying to convince you to go out even though you have a huge final tomorrow.

2. "Are you not entertained?"(Maximus in Gladiator)

Such an epic movie calls for an equally epic quote, and you'll definitely get points from all your guy friends for quoting this badass line. 

Who says it: You, when you've been dominating at beer pong all night and sink yet another cup.

3. "He's so fluffy, I'm gonna die!"(Agnes in Despicable Me)

We've said this line way too many times since we saw this movie, probably because, deep down, we still act like a little kid every time we see a puppy or a kitten.

Who says it: You, whenever you come within 10 feet of anything with fur.

4. "I sometimes have a feeling I can do crystal meth, but then I think, 'Mmm, better not.'"(Fat Amy in Pitch Perfect)

Collegiettes love Rebel Wilson in general, but this has to be her most LOL-inducing quote to date. With a sequel to Pitch Perfect in the works, we're crossing our fingers that there will be more quotable lines where this one came from.

Who says it: You, when your friend says she thinks she can pull off wearing those six-inch stilettos on a night out.

5. "On Wednesdays, we wear pink."(Karen in Mean Girls)

To be honest, we could have filled this entire article with only Mean Girls quotes, as a collegiette's vocabulary is chock-full of "You go Glen Coco!"s and "She doesn't even go here!"s, but we narrowed it down to just this one quote by everyone's favorite blonde bimbo. 

Who says it: Absolutely everyone, anytime it's even remotely appropriate to quote Mean Girls. Seriously.

6. "Help me; I'm poor." (Annie in Bridesmaids)

We're pretty sure Kristen Wiig is our spirit animal, and Bridesmaids just confirmed that for us. This line is particularly relatable, at least for any girl who's ever gone to college or had a serious shopping addiction.

Who says it: You, when you linger awkwardly in the doorway before heading back to school after Thanksgiving, hoping your parents will take pity on you and give you gas money. 

7. "I'm in a glass case of emotion!" (Ron Burgundy in Anchorman)

So. Many. Quotes. This movie is an absolute gold mine when it comes to quotable lines, but this one by Ron Burgundy hits the nail on the head when it comes to those days when you just can't even.

Who says it: You, when it's that time of the month and everyone and everything is out to get you.

8. "This is Sparta!"(King Leonidas in 300)

Most often quoted by bros and frat guys, this quote can be appropriate in many scenarios for collegiettes, most notably at sporting events and in the later stages of beer Olympics.

Who says it: You and your friends, when you get a little too into your big rivalry football game and start antagonizing the opposing team's fans.

9. "Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming."(Dory in Finding Nemo)

Another Disney classic, this cheerful line plays in our heads and reminds us to keep on keepin' on whenever our legs threaten to give out on the elliptical.

Who says it: Your sober friend, when she's trying to guide you back to your dorm room after one (or five) too many games of flip cup.

10. "How dare you, she's a nice lady!"(Alan in The Hangover)

Another incredibly quotable film, The Hangover plays like a video scrapbook of every drunk night you've ever had, choice quotations and questionable decisions included. 

Who says it: You (defensively), when your friend says something critical about your favorite professor in your department.

11. "You stay alive!"(Hawkeye in The Last of the Mohicans)

There's something hilariously ironic about how serious and dramatic the delivery of this quote is and the situations in which it gets used by collegiettes.

Who says it: You, when your roomie is getting ready to leave and has to brave the mid-February blizzard to get to class.

12. "Waiting for you is like waiting for rain in this drought: useless and disappointing."(Sam in A Cinderella Story)

What happened to Chad Michael Murray? Where has he been? We miss him, even if he did string Sam along for a little while in A Cinderella Story. Hey, he came around in the end! 

Who says it: You and your girlfriends, when you're waiting for your Chinese food delivery to arrive.

13. "As you wish."(Westley in The Princess Bride)

This is what we wish our parents would say to us every time we ask if we can use their credit card. Alas, we typically hear this iconic line quoted in slightly different circumstances, but it's a classic nonetheless.

Who says it: You, when your bestie is having a horrible day and she asks you to take notes for her in class so she can stay in bed and watch Netflix.

14. "Always."(Severus Snape in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2)

Who knew that one word could become such a famous line? The majority of collegiettes grew up with Harry, Ron and Hermione, so this quote has been part of our repertoire since the seventh book came out.

Who says it: You, every single time your friends ask if you want to order late-night pizza.

15. "If you're a bird, I'm a bird."(Noah in The Notebook)

This scene right here is when all of our unrealistic expectations about boyfriends and young love started. That's right, we blame The Notebook for us getting upset when we don't get a daily letter from our hook-up buddy who's studying abroad. 

Who says it: You, when you finally agree to try rock climbing with your bestie, even though you're terrified of heights.

16. "It's not your fault."(Sean in Good Will Hunting)

Ugh, the feels. This moment in Good Will Hunting when cocky but brilliant (and devastatingly handsome) Will Hunting finally stops blaming himself for his troubled past is a cinematic gem.

Who says it: You, when you're trying to comfort a friend who just failed her calculus midterm by insisting that the professor is out to get her.

17. "Ugh, as if!"(Cher Horowitz in Clueless)

One of the original "it" girls, Cher coined some of the most quotable catchphrases in the English language and has remained one of the most beloved characters in film history (hey, we still love a good Clueless Halloween costume!).

Who says it: You, when that creepy frat guy asks you to dance and you say no. For the third time that night.

18. "Our love is like the wind. I can't see it, but I can feel it."(Landon in A Walk to Remember)

This is the movie that really tested our boyfriend's devotion when we made him watch it with us. We're convinced he must not have fully understood the plot, because we were the only ones sniffling at this line...

Who says it: You, when you get emotional talking about your pets from home.

19. "I'm brilliant, shhh."(Viola as Sebastian in She's the Man)

We're glad to see that Amanda Bynes is back on the right track, because the girl is hilarious. She's the Man is still one of our go-to girls' night movies, especially since there are so many amazing quotes to add to our arsenal of cinematic vocabulary.

Who says it: You, when you tell your college friends what you got on the SAT and they can't believe it, given how often you skip class in favor of a leisurely brunch.

20. "The sky's awake, so I'm awake!"(Anna in Frozen)

We absolutely adore Frozen (as most collegiettes do), and young Princess Anna might just be the cutest thing we've ever seen. We would definitely build a snowman with her, and she'd only have to ask us once. 

Who says it: Your three-sport-athlete roomie, when she's trying to convince you to go for a 6 a.m. run on a Saturday.

21. "One does not simply walk into Mordor." (Boromir in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring)

We end with the line that launched a thousand memes. Boromir's exasperation with the Council of Elrond is perfectly encapsulated with this quote that echoes the frustration we all experience during trying times, particularly accepted student days.

Who says it: The ringleader of the group, when you and your underage girlfriends are discussing your game plan for sneaking into the bar and that one friend doesn't understand the gravity of the situation.  

Office Romance: What to Do When You Like Someone At Work

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You finally landed your dream internship or first real job, and you’re ecstatic to jump into your career. When you walk into the office, you’re ready to tackle everything from spreadsheets to press releases, until you set eyes on your extremely attractive coworker and your brain goes to mush.

We see it on TV all the time: the office crush that blossoms into a beautiful romance. But unfortunately for us, we’re not Jim and Pam from The Office, so falling for someone at work doesn't always end in happily ever after. We’ve asked two love experts for the lowdown on office romances and how to deal if you find yourself crushing on a co-worker.

Is it ever okay?

While pursuing an office crush is generally not the best idea, it can bepermissibleto start a relationship with a coworker under certain circumstances.

The best-case scenario is if you’re both temporary interns and work in different departments. Again, you have to check the company's policy about office relationships, but if you're not breaking any rules, wait a little bit and then you can pursue something. "If you're both summer interns, [toward the end] of your internship, you can start to hang out on the side," Smith says. "Get to know them outside of work. Do you really like them? Then you can pursue something more serious after your internship ends."

But if you work in the same department, and it's a full-time job, then it gets a little trickier. Smith suggests you stay away from situation entirely, but if you truly feel strongly about the person, you may have to make some sacrifices to make it work.

"If you feel like this person is your destiny, become work friends with him or her first," Smith says. "After six months to a year and you’re still enamored with them, [one of you] should look for another job within the company. For most larger companies, if you're in different divisions, you can date or get married. Then have a serious conversation about it and talk to HR."

So yes, you may be able to have a Jim and Pam romance after all, but generally speaking, office romances tend to be more complicated than fun. Really think about your goals, professionally and personally, give it some time and then decide how serious you are about your crush. Don’t risk ruining a great career opportunity for a relationship that may not last.

Consider the consequences

While you might have daydreams of flirting at meetings, hanging out at office parties and giggling over how you two first met, pursuing an office romance often has negative consequences for your future career.

"The big thing here is to be cautious," says Jodi RR Smith, etiquette consultant and president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting."Some companies have explicit rules for inter-office dating, especially if you're an intern. It could cost you your job!"

Even if your company doesn’t have set rules about coworkers dating, you still need to think about all the possible outcomes "[Some downsides of an office romance are] uncomfortable situations if it doesn't work out and awkward next days,” says Adam LoDolce, dating expert and founder of Sexy Confidence.  "And of course office gossip."

You may be stepping into the real world, but that doesn’t mean that adults don’t gossip like high schoolers. Even if there's a hint of romance between you and another co-worker, people will definitely talk about it. "You could become the star of office gossip!" Smith says. "It's extremely unprofessional. You want people to be talking about your career, not your love life."

The bottom line is that office romances have a negative connotation, particularly if you’re an intern or new hire. It’s hard when you can’t control your feelings, but take a step back to consider all the consequences of acting on an office crush.

How to get over it

Just because you’ve decided that you shouldn’t pursue you feelings doesn’t mean they just go away. Obviously it’s hard to ignore the butterflies in your stomach when he looks your way or how you get giddy when she says hi in the morning. But the best way to deal with an office crush is to remember why you’re there: your job.

“It all comes down to discipline,” LoDolce says. “Remember why it’s a bad idea. On top of that, avoid situations you’re alone with your crush and don’t break the touch barrier with him or her. Focus your energy in meeting people in other situations that are less risky to your career.”

If you find yourself day dreaming about your crush or figuring out what to say to him or her next, just remind yourself that it’s not a good idea and then focus your energy on whatever task you’re doing. Ask your supervisor a lot of questions. Shadow another coworker and see what they do in a day. The more you immerse yourself in your internship or job, the less you’ll think about your crush.

Beyond that, Smith says the best way to get over an office crush is to meet new people outside of work. “Find a love interest somewhere else!” she says. “Go to happy hours after work, join an alumni organization in your city or join a co-ed intramural league sports team. [When you] meet other people your age, you might find a more appropriate love interest.”

While it may be tempting to flirt with your coworker, just keep it cordial and professional. Treating your crush as a friend rather than a love interest will help you stay focused on your job. And then putting yourself out there after you leave the office will distract you enough to get over your crush and move on.

Sometimes, we can't help who we like, which makes falling for someone at work really tricky. But if you consider the consequences, focus on your job and meet people outside of work, you'll be able to get over your office crush. If it’s someone you’re truly serious about, you might be able to make it work, but generally speaking, save the romance for outside the office.

Summer Beauty Tips: How to Stay Fresh on Your Way to Work

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You've got the heat-proof clothes, melt-proof makeup, and sweat-proof supplies to guarantee a fresh, summer-ready internship experience. You feel totally prepared—that is, until the sweat starts beading anyway, and as soon as you walk out the door! If the summertime heat is putting up a fight, you'll have to go deeper than sturdy primers and waterproof mascara to ensure a clean and cool appearance by the time you enter the office. These tips and products will help you stay refreshed no matter what the thermometer reads, so you can say goodbye to sweat stains and not-so-lovely smells!

Try a facial antiperspirant

These little guys are too good to be true. Nothing's worse than the embarrassment of a noticeably wet upper lip. Facial antiperspirants, such as Neat's 3B Face Saver Gel ($12.99, Walgreens), keep the beading at bay, slide on smoothly under makeup, and won't stain. Never fear the sweat 'stache again!

Put a temporary ban on body hair

We know that shaving is a complete pain and that women everywhere are so over it. But excess hair means excess heat—it's there to keep you warm! Cleanly shaven underarms will prevent excessive sweating, and staying bare "down there" will prevent odors and sweat from getting trapped and becoming noticeable. Once winter's back, we promise you can embrace that natural look once more.

Pick a light, cooling deodorant

It goes without saying that deodorant is a must-have. But while you can get away with forgetting it during your rush to class on a brisk fall morning, summertime sweat will be unbearable without it! Dove's Go Fresh Anti-Perspirant Deodorant in Cool Essentials ($4.79, Walgreens) literally is a cooling essential, using cucumber and green tea scents to keep you totally refreshed and lightly fragranced. Apply before you head out the door, and you'll stay fresh long enough to get to the office!

Hot showers are actually beneficial

You might think a hot shower is counterintuitive, but cold showers can actually cause you to overheat faster! Cold showers cause your body temperature to rise to compensate for the chill, meaning that once you get out of the water in the morning, you may heat up quickly. Hot showers are extra-cleansing, removing residue and build-up that may be clogging pores and weighing down your skin. Just be sure to moisturize head-to-toe once you get out of the shower—hot water can also be drying.

Cool off on the go

Once you're out and about for the day, away from pools, showers, and ice-cold water, you may think there's no way to cool off. But luckily, there are a few options out there that let you stay cool on the fly. Ban's Total Refresh Cooling Body Cloths ($3.59, Walgreens) instantly hydrate and chill your parched, sweating skin, lowering your skin's temperature. Even better, the powder finish in these cooling pads sticks to skin and combats sweat after application! You'll feel like you just hopped through an icy sprinkler, without the obvious hassle of arriving at work dripping wet.

Research some new up-dos

Similar to our shaving tip, keeping your hair up and off of your neck will allow your skin some air to breathe. When a cool breeze blows by, you'll feel it way better, and hair that's up won't get stuck to your face in a sweaty mess. It's worth the extra time of finding a hair tie, we promise!

Blot excess oil goodbye

While your new cooling pads and refreshing antiperspirants will try their hardest to keep you clean and dry, the sun doesn't back down easily, and chances are you'll still need a quick wipe down before heading to your desk. Blotting sheets such as Sephora's Cooling Mint Blotting Papers ($8, Sephora) will remove any sweat that's escaped your barriers, and can be used over makeup without the risk of smudging or removal.

While summer heat can be a complete nuisance, rest assured that with the right products and tactics in your beauty tool belt, you can begin any internship workday with a fresh start. 


5 Signs It's Time to End a Friendship

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You rely on your friends for a lot—they're there to cheer you on and celebrate your successes, and bring you chocolate when you're going through a rough time. They never judge you, and you guys have each other's backs. That's why it's difficult when friendships end—and it's even harder to end them. But whether your previously strong friendship begins to sour, or you realize it was never a good one in the first place, sometimes, letting go of someone you call a friend is the best thing you can do for both of you.

So what are the signs? We're here to show you what to look for, and how to deal with the situation.

You're too dependent on one another

There's a fine line between enjoying one another's company and being way, way too dependent on each other. The latter is a sign of a toxic relationship. What to look out for? Your friend always has to know where you are, what you're doing, and who you're doing it with; or maybe, you feel left out and hurt if your friend hangs out with anybody aside from yourself. That kind of emotional dependence can get pretty volatile, and ends up making the relationship way too delicate.

Daisy, a student at Marymount University, says when she and her best friend moved in together, her friend started to become too reliant on her for everything, to the point that Daisy says she felt like she was being taken advantange of.

“I began to have panic attacks whenever I had to go into my room,” she admits. “I became a doormat and I couldn't let myself let go because I was kind of afraid of her. It sounds pathetic but I didn't want to lose her even though she was hurting me.”

How to handle it

Of course, the first step is to try to maintain a healthy distance; but that doesn't always happen right away. Kathryn Williams, author of Roomies: Sharing Your Home with Friends, Strangers, and Total Freaks, suggests discussing it in as non-confrontational of a way as possible.

“If trying to get and maintain your own space is not working, sit down and talk with him/her about it—always privately, sober, and in as non-confrontational way as possible, so your [friend] or roomie doesn't feel judged, attacked, or embarrassed,” she suggests. She also adds that you should be “prepared for a chilly period”—however if it's a real friendship, both parties will recognize the change is a positive one and it won't be long before you're able to strengthen that bond again.

Even though it was hard, Daisy finally ended the friendship while she and her best friend were apart during a semester abroad. “Toxic friendships can drain the life out of you. Sometimes you can't really see the damage until you force yourself out of the situation,” she says, adding that she knew the friendship wasn't worth saving when she confronted her friend, and her friend wasn't receptive to her concerns.

The friendship is one-sided

As we've already established, balance is key in any relationship. So what if your problem is the opposite of the one above—and the issue isn't that you and your friend are too reliant on one another, but that there's one side that isn't putting in any effort? Key signs to look out for: your friend is never the one to text you or initiate plans; she only reaches out when she needs something from you; she often claims to be too busy to hang out, or will cut your time together short because she has somewhere else to be; and when the two of you do get together, the focus is always on her and she doesn't seem to have much interest in what's going on in your life.

Allison*, a junior who found herself in a one-sided friendship, says that she caught herself giving up a lot to maintain that relationship.

“I started sacrificing a lot of things—time with my friends, schoolwork, going to class—to try to make myself available whenever he was free,” Allison says. She added that her other friends tried to point out how the relationship was one-sided, but she didn’t notice at the time. “I couldn't even clearly see what was going on—I had become so used to making him a priority and putting myself second even though he never made me a priority,” she says.

How to handle it

As you would in any relationship, it's important to discuss your feelings before making any final decisions on where to take that friendship. It's possible that your friend doesn't even realize he or she is treating you in that way; or perhaps, there's something going on in his or her life that is a legitimate priority that they need your full support for.

“Evaluate the friendship up until this point and decide if it's worth talking to her and/or maybe taking a little breather to see what happens,” suggests Nicole Zangara, author of Surviving Female Friendships: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly. “If you talk to her and nothing changes, then it's definitely time to decide whether to keep this person in your life.”

Allison adds that sometimes, you'll have a gut feeling about the relationship—and as hard as it may be, now might be the time to stick with it: “My advice to other people who are thinking they deserve better, you probably do.”

Your friend isn't supportive

Part of what makes a best friend great is that she's someone you can go to for anything without judgement, whether it's to celebrate a big win, cry over a heartbreak or rant about a difficult day at work. Whether you're dealing with a situation that's positive or negative, your friend should always be there for you.

Anna*, a junior at Denison University, had a friend who didn't ever stand up for her—but it wasn't until something serious happened that she really recognized it.

“I was sexually assaulted by a mutual friend and she told me that she didn't believe me and stayed friends with the boy who raped me,” Anna explains. “Her reaction when I told her made me feel like ... it was all my fault that I had been assaulted.”

To avoid letting the friendship carry out until that point, look out for the smaller signs. Is your friend genuinely proud of you when you succeed, or does she constantly try to upstage you? Is she willing to talk about anything, at any time? Jenna*, a senior at Emory University, said that a former roommate of hers seemed like a good friend—until she really needed a friend. “I had just gotten out of a long-term relationship, and the fall-out was rough,” she says. “For a while, it was all I could think or talk about—and a true friend would have been okay with that. But one night, she got up and told me to suck it up—that she was sick of hearing about the breakup. I knew then that I wouldn't be able to count on her for support.”

How to handle it

Zangara reiterates that it's so important to pay attention to the little signs that people give off. “They are people who don't take your feelings into consideration and do not care how their actions impact you,” Zangara says. Maybe it's someone who always wants to be the center of attention; maybe they've always got to one-up you. These actions indicate where their priorities lie. 

If you're seeing minor red flags in a friend, discuss your concerns with her; call her out when she does something that feels hurtful to you in any way. But if it's clear that she could care less, like in Anna's case, there's really no need to give her a second chance—it's time to end that relationship.

You're being emotionally or physically abused

Whether you're dealing with backhanded compliments or straight up insults, a friend who doesn't treat you well isn't someone you want to keep in your life. “I had to end a friendship because she kept putting me down,” says Monica*, a Her Campus contributor at Hofstra University. It wasn't always clear what was happening, though: “Her actions were very minimal and sly,” Monica explains. She says she started to catch on when she always felt self-conscious about herself after hanging out with that particular friend. 

How to handle it

If the relationship is physically abusive—end it, immediately, with the help of the authorities if you don't feel safe doing so on your own. There is never a reason that anybody should be in a relationship that's physically abusive.

The same could be said for a relationship that's emotionally abusive, but Zangara says that it could be possible that your friend doesn't even realize what she's doing—so that's where communication comes in. “Use ‘I feel’ statements—I felt hurt when you x, y, z,” Zangara says. “Don't attack the friend but let her know that because you care about her and the friendship, you want her to know how's she's hurting you and to bring that to her awareness.”

Williams says that if the relationship is especially on edge, or you don't feel comfortable or safe comfronting this person face to face just yet, to consider writing a letter. “Sometimes communicating by letters...is a good way to give everyone space and time to process,” Williams explains.

You're going down different roads

Just because you and your bestie aren't majoring in the same class, or have the same views on politics, doesn't mean you shouldn't be friends—it's beneficial to everybody to have as diverse a friend group as possible. But sometimes, differences will cause friends to drift apart—and that's okay.

“The lesson I learned is that friends will grow apart and it's not always a bad thing because you become aware of your self worth and really realize the type of people that you want and find are most deserving of being in your life,” says Erica*, a senior at American University.

Maybe your life goals are different; you want to get ahead in your career, and your friend wants to start a family. Or maybe, your separate interests bring you to build closer bonds with other people. Whatever the reason, growing apart from friends can happen as you experience major changes in your life, such as starting college, or graduating.

How to handle it

This isn't a friendship that necessarily needs to be cut off; but it might not be one that's worth actively trying to save, either. “Talk about these changes and prepare for these changes. For example, talk about how you'll keep in touch and stay connected,” Zangara suggests. Ultimately, Zangara adds, “The goal is to be grateful for those you had in your life at that point in time as they were special and provided a wonderful connection and comfort.”

As your life changes, it's natural for the people in your life to change with it. “It's not a failure on anyone's part; it's life,” Zangara reaffirms.

Ending a friendship is never easy, and it’s often the last step you want to take when you’re going through a rough patch with someone you care about. When considering ending a friendship, it’s important to always remember not to end it in anger, and to think about what you want to say before you communicate with the person. Ultimately however, if a friendship is hurting you in any way, it's in everybody's best interest for the relationship to come to a close—so whether it's a toxic friendship, a one-sided one or even a downright abusive one, it might be time to move on.

South Sudanese Model Addresses Discrimination in Instagram Post

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South Sudanese model Nykhor Paul, who has modeled for Vivienne Westwood, Louis Vuitton and Rick Owens, has some words for makeup artists in the fashion industry. Apparently Paul still has to bring her own makeup to shows, while her lighter-colored counterparts "...don't have to do anything but show up," Paul posted a lenghty paragraph on her Instagram:


 

Dear white people in the fashion world! Please don't take this the wrong way but it's time you people get your shit right when it comes to our complexion! Why do I have to bring my own makeup to a professional show when all the other white girls don't have to do anything but show up wtf! Don't try to make me feel bad because I am blue black its 2015 go to Mac, Bobbi Brown, Makeup forever, Iman cosmetic, black opal, even Lancôme and Clinique carried them plus so much more. there's so much options our there for dark skin tones today. A good makeup artist would come prepare and do there research before coming to work because often time you know what to expect especially at a show! Stop apologizing it's insulting and disrespectful to me and my race it doesn't help, seriously! Make an effort at least! That goes for NYC, London, Milan, Paris and Cape Town plus everywhere else that have issues with black skin tones. Just because you only book a few of us doesn't mean you have the right to make us look ratchet. I'm tired of complaining about not getting book as a black model and I'm definitely super tired of apologizing for my blackness!!!! Fashion is art, art is never racist it should be inclusive of all not only white people, shit we started fashion in Africa and you modernize and copy it! Why can't we be part of fashion fully and equally?

A photo posted by nykhor (@nykhor) on

What is your take, collegiettes? It's about time equality made its way to the fashion industry, no?

11 Wearable Ways to Celebrate Shark Week

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It's Shark Week—only the best week of the year! Here are some wearable ways to mark the occasion.

1. Show off your dedication

This sweater ($30) does all the talking for you.

2. Snuggle up and turn on the Discovery Channel

Party in your shark PJs ($12.90).

3. Let this shark watch your back

Bring a piece of Shark Week with you wherever you go with this backpack ($81).

4. Go swimming with the sharks... sort of

The pictures on this one-piece ($16.99) are as close as we'll get, thank you.

5. Bring out the hipster in you

The shark tooth print on this fierce muscle tee ($30) was designed by artist Ben Horton, making it extra edgy.

6. Beat your fear

Don't let Jaws get under your skin with these skin-tight leggings ($23.99).

7. Stacks on stacks...

Of shark fin rings ($19.50), of course.

8. Stay fashion-forward

Who says sharks can't be stylish? Silence the haters in this gorgeous cami dress ($108).

9. Find some earrings that don't bite

This pair ($79.50) is particularly shark-tastic.

10. Live vicariously through this scuba diver

Don't live near sharks? This tote ($11.95) will have to do.

11. Throw a pizza party

This shirt combines two of your favorite things—Shark Week and pizza. Because every week is pizza week.

How are you celebrating Shark Week, collegiettes?

17 LGBTQ+ Friendly Places to Work

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Some companies like the now infamous Chik-Fil-A aren’t exactly the best places for the queer among us to work. But every person deserves equality in the workplace despite his or her sexual orientation or gender identity. In order to help out our LGBTQ+ friends and supporters, we’ve put together a list of the most LGBTQ+ friendly places to work. These companies are known for inclusivity and ensuring the safety of LGBTQ+ individuals.

1. Apple

Apple has proven its support of LGBTQ+ rights on multiple occasions. After the Defense of Marriage Act repeal in 2013, Apple released a statement saying, “Apple strongly supports marriage equality and we consider it a civil rights issue. We applaud the Supreme Court for its decisions today.”

In addition, Apple was among the 85 companies in 2011 whose insurance plans for employees covered gender reassignment surgery. We know the company’s employees are treated equally because CEO Tim Cook came out as gay in 2014.

2. Target

In 2012, Target revealed that 100 percent of the purchase price of any of its Pride merchandise would be donated to the pro-LGBT Family Equality Council. They also use gay pride in their advertisements like the one above and a commercial they released in 2014, featuring a gay couple painting with a child, to reiterate their support of the LGBTQ+ community.

3. Cosmopolitan

According to our team member Madison Fraser, a junior at New York University, Cosmopolitan can be added to the list. “I worked at Cosmopolitan.com, and it was extremely LGBTQ+ friendly!” she says. “There are a few editors there who are gay, bi, etc.” LGBTQ+ employees help create a safe and positive environment. The company also posts a lot of LGBTQ+ content, including this piece about the legalization of gay marriage nation-wide.

4. Amazon

In 2012, Amazon donated $2.5 million to help pass a same-sex marriage referendum in Washington State, which made the company one of the largest financial backers of gay marriage rights in the U.S. In 2013, Amazon continued their support by releasing a touching ad for the Kindle Paperwhite, which includes a gay couple. By using homosexuality in their marketing, Amazon further demonstrated its support for the LGBTQ+ community.

5. Ben & Jerry’s

Ben & Jerry’s is a long-time supporter of human rights, including marriage equality. They even have flavors named in support of gay marriage including “Apple-y Ever After,” “Hubby Hubby” and the most recent in honor of the nation-wide gay marriage legalization, “I Dough, I Dough.”

6. Ford

Ford is a huge supporter of LGBTQ+ rights. The company offered to give up to $1,000 to the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation for every Jaguar and Land Rover it sold to a member of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, has sponsored Pride celebrations and has advertised in gay-oriented publications. Go Ford!

7. Expedia

Expedia is another company that has used LGBTQ+ support in advertising. In 2012, they released a commercial that includes a father attending his lesbian daughter’s wedding. The advertisement not only voices Expedia’s support of the LGBTQ+ community, but also encourages other parents to support their children, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

8. Banana Republic

The picture above alone should help you understand that Banana Republic is a very LGBTQ+ friendly place to work. They used their clothes and the Human Rights equality logo to show their support of the DOMA repeal. We approve!

9. General Mills

General Mills is a long-time supporter of LGBTQ+ rights. This video released in 2013 goes to show how much Betty Crocker (and General Mills) care about the support and pride of LGBTQ+ individuals and families. The company’s insurance also covers gender reassignment surgery.

10. Absolut

Absolut is definitely an LGBTQ+ friendly place to work. The advertisement above, in addition to others, shows the company’s support of the LGBTQ+ community. We love their recent Twitter reaction to gay marriage legalization across the U.S.



11. Budweiser

Budweiser produced this image for Bud Light in support of the Human Rights Campaign’s equality logo. They have also had floats in various Gay Pride parades and posted a celebratory tweet after the recent legalization of gay marriage throughout the country.



12. Nike

Not only did Nike release a statement sharing their support of the DOMA repeal, but they also launched a pro-LGBTQ+ line of shoes and clothes called the #BETRUE collection. Now that’s support.

13. Google

Google is a huge supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, and has no problem showing it. The company has participated in multiple Pride parades, put rainbow Os on its Google signs, and changed its search bar to a rainbow whenever an LGBTQ+ term is searched.

14. Starbucks

If you haven’t already recognized Starbucks’ LGBTQ+ friendliness, the fact that they flew the Pride Flag over their headquarters should do it. Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz has also spoken out about the company’s support of LGBTQ+ rights.

15. MasterCard

MasterCard has shown its LGBTQ+ friendliness through advertising and the #AcceptanceMatters campaign. They also tweeted this heart-warming video after the legalization of gay marriage in the U.S. Your credit card isn’t the only thing that will be accepted here!

16. Microsoft

Microsoft is also among the companies that supported the DOMA repeal, and released a statement solidifying its support of diversity and equality in its offices. “Today’s decision turns the page on a law that made it more difficult for us to treat all of our employees, regardless of sexual orientation, equally,” the statement said. “Microsoft joined dozens of corporations, organizations and governments in support of the challenge to DOMA because of the significant costs and administrative burdens it imposed on employers and because it interfered with our efforts to promote diversity and equal opportunity in the workplace.” Keep these statements coming! Microsoft also used their colorful Lumia smartphones to show ther approval of the recent Supreme Court decision to legalize gay marriage.



17. Your school!

Colleges are full of young people, and are usually great places to start if you’re looking for somewhere LGBTQ+ friendly. Kaitlyn Tissington-Turner, a senior at the University of British Columbia, shares, “Speaking as a student at my university who has been a representative of UBC in many positions, I would argue that my, as well as many other, university(ies) are great places for working with people who are thinking about and engaging with and working to better the experiences of LGBTQ+ folks who attend their institutions.” If your college isn’t LGBTQ+ friendly yet, be the change! Why not start a club or organization for members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community to spread awareness?

Don’t stress about finding somewhere to work that is LGBTQ+ friendly. These companies among so many others (including Her Campus!) are extremely supportive and accepting, no matter your sexual orientation or gender identity. Don’t work anywhere you don’t feel comfortable, and if someone is treating you unfairly, speak up! We all deserve respect, safety and acceptance in the workplace—and in our lives.

A New Tattoo Brings Awareness to Mental Health

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Mental health is always difficult to address, whether you or someone close to you is experiencing it. But, there is a new campaign to help those cope with mental health called Project Semicolon.

Created by Amy Bleuel in April 2013, Project Semicolon is a movement where people draw or get tattoos of semicolons on themselves to raise awareness and to represent that their story has not finished. As per Project Semicolon’s website: “A semicolon is used when an author could've chosen to end their sentence, but chose not to. The author is you and the sentence is your life.” Mashable reports that Bleuel created the campaign, having dealt with mental health issues herself before, as well as her father, who took his own life in 2003. Bleuel tells Mashable her personal life served as the motivation for the campaign: “The purpose of the project and me founding it [was that] I wanted to tell my dad's story. I wanted to honor him."

Bleuel started Project Semicolon when she posted a flyer online on April 16, telling people to draw semicolons on their wrists to showcase mental issues they or loved ones experienced. The flyer hit home for many, as the first Semicolon Day had an estimated 500, 000 members. With that, the campaign has had a steady following since, gaining more participants throughout the past years and last few weeks, especially. And with the fluid movement of social media, participants can connect with each other using hashtag #ProjectSemicolon. Also, described as a “faith-based movement,”,Bleuel tells Mashable: "I chose to call it 'faith-based' because I wanted to be open about it," she explains. “Christ was accepting of everybody and he wanted to help everybody."

While Project Semicolon is not a mental health organization, it is a way for those experiencing mental illness to cope, relate and realize there is always someone out there like them. "[For those who participate,] it's almost like knowing they're not alone, knowing that others are out there," Bleuel said. "They aren't just another person in the crowd feeling alone anymore. They feel they have found someone to relate, regardless of the direct conversation."

9 Amazing 3-Ingredient Cocktails for Summer

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It’s finally summer and you get to relax poolside, but there’s just one thing missing—a refreshing cocktail. But making the perfect mixed drink doesn’t have to be rocket science! Here are nine impressive cocktails that you can make with just three ingredients and are perfect for the summer—with a few special cocktails mixed just for Her Campus by Ticos Burgos of Punch Bowl Social!

1. Orange Cream Pop

Nothing says summer like a popsicle, so why not make your childhood favorite into a grown-up drink? Now you can, with this recipe from Punch Bowl Social. Best served during your tanning sesh!

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. Ketel One Oranje
  • 3 oz. freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 3 oz. Boylan's Creme Soda

Directions:

Pour the orange juice and the vodka at the same time into a 12 oz. glass. Add ice to your glass and top your cocktail with the creme soda.

2. Tequila Sunrise

This classic (but fun!) cocktail is perfect for your beach party needs. Make this colorful drink with some help from the Anthropologie blog.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ oz. tequila
  • 4 oz. fresh orange juice
  • Dash of grenadine syrup

Directions:

In a tall glass, stir the tequila and orange juice with ice. Slowly pour in the grenadine and allow it to settle at the bottom of the glass.

3. Gin Buck

Embrace your inner Daisy Buchanan with this old-fashioned cocktail. Try this simple recipe from Liquor.com and you’ll be the classiest girl at the party.

Ingredients:

  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Ginger ale
  • 1.5 oz. gin

Directions:

Fill a tall glass with ice, then add the gin and lemon juice. Fill with ginger ale and stir.

4. Double Grapefruit

If you like your drinks on the bitter side, you’ll love this cocktail from Punch Bowl Social. This will impress your friends at your next Pinterest-inspired cocktail party!

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz Deep Eddy Ruby Red Vodka
  • 3 oz. freshly squeezed juice from Ruby Red grapefruits
  • Splash of Sprite

Directions:

Pour the grapefruit juice and the vodka at the same time into a 12 oz. glass. Add ice to your glass and top your cocktail with the Sprite for a touch of sweet.

5. Iced Coffee Cocktail

Every year, you wait for that fateful moment when you can transition from hot coffee to iced. Take it one step further with this *special* brew from Jelly Toast. Why not try it for brunch, instead of your usual mimosa?

Ingredients:

  • 4 oz. cold brew coffee
  • 1 ½ oz. flavored vodka (vanilla or caramel)
  • Tablespoon of heavy cream

Directions:

Fill a glass with ice. Add coffee, vodka and cream. Stir, and you’re done!

6. Margarita

Margaritas are not just for spring break! Relive your Cancun days this summer with this yummy recipe from Averie Cooks.

Ingredients:

  • 1-1 ½ shots lime juice
  • 1-2 shots tequila
  • Agave nectar to taste

Directions:

Squeeze about 2 medium/large limes into a large cup. Add 2 shots of water, the tequila and the agave. Stir and taste. Adjust sweetness as needed. Add lots of ice, and stir.

7. Mint Julep

Whether you’re a true Southern Belle or you’re just obsessed with Hart of Dixie, mint juleps are the ultimate summer drink for those scorching hot days. And they’re so easy to make, thanks to POPSUGAR!

Ingredients:

  • 4 mint leaves, plus more for garnish
  • 1-2 teaspoons sugar to taste
  • 2 oz. bourbon

Directions:

In a cocktail tumbler or mint julep cup, tear up mint. Add the sugar and a splash of bourbon and mix well until the mint leaves are pulpy. Add bourbon and stir until the sugar dissolves. Top with crushed ice and garnish with a mint sprig.

8. Tico’s Hard Lemonade

This concoction from Punch Bowl Social is the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, and is so refreshing. Just picture yourself sitting at a café terrace sipping one of these!

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. Nantucket Nectar's Lemonade
  • 2 oz. Campari
  • 4 oz. Gosling’s Ginger Beer

Directions:

Pour the lemonade and the Campari at the same time into a 12 oz. glass. Add ice to your glass and top your cocktail with the ginger beer.

9. Daiquiri

There’s nothing wrong with a tried-and-true cocktail like this daiquiri from Serious Eats! Make this for you and your girls before you head out to enjoy your night.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. light rum
  • Juice from half a lime
  • Teaspoon of sugar

Directions:

Pour sugar and lime juice into a cocktail shaker and stir until sugar is dissolved. Add the rum and fill the shaker with ice. Shake well for 10 seconds and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a wedge of lime.

Whether you have a sweet tooth or you like a touch of bitter, one of these cocktails is sure to liven up your summer. And they’re all so easy to make! Happy summer, collegiettes!

5 Ways to Turn a Negative Internship Around

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You're supposed to love your summer internship, but why are you finding yourself with your head in the clouds all the time, dreaming of what you would be doing if you were at your actual dream internship? Maybe you weren't lucky enough this year to land your number one internship. Maybe your internship isn't turning out to be what you thought it would be. Or maybe you just didn't start your internship off on the best foot and are seriously struggling with your assignments.

If the first half of your summer internship didn't go too well, Her Campus is here to help! Check out these five tips for turning your internship experience around and ending on a fabulous note.

1. Put it in perspective

Before you decide to spill all your troubles to your supervisor, take a step back and look at things objectively. Ask yourself why the internship isn't going that well. Why aren't you liking the work? Is the internship different than what you expected? Is your supervisor hard to work for?

Also, be aware of the things you’re doing at the internship. Maybe there are improvements you could make that will help you leave a better impression at work. Should you come in a little earlier every day so you seem more eager? Maybe you're a little bit too quiet and you need to take more initiative. It's helpful to pinpoint the causes of your negative internship experience and to see what you can do to change your situation before going to others for help.

Better yet, jot down these questions and answers in a journal, since research shows that writing can be therapeutic. Try to work through your problems on paper. A helpful first step to turning any bad internship experience around is identifying the problems and their sources. Then, write down possible ways to work through these issues on your own. Maybe you need to do more research to better complete the tasks at hand, or maybe you need to work on your Excel skills in order to finish your assignments. Whatever it is, it can be figured out on paper!

2. Take Initiative

Tired of making batches of coffee every day or organizing folders until your head hurts? That would make even the most patient of interns frustrated! Spice up your internship by taking initiative and finding meaningful work for yourself. Ask your manager or other people around the office for more work and experience, offering to help with tasks that no one else has time for.

"Ask around; maybe someone in another department has more interesting work for you to do," says Amanda Lee, a peer career advisor at Ithaca College. "Staying busy helps the time pass, and you might gain some new connections or knowledge along the way."

If you're having a hard time with your assignments, there's no need to pull your hair out in frustration. Actively seek out help from mentors and supervisors. Ask for critiques and ways to improve. More often than not, they'll be more than happy to help you do better, and they'll be impressed by your determination to succeed!

Taking initiative doesn't even have to be confined to your workplace. There are plenty of ways to improve your internship experience outside of the nine-to-five trudge. "You could try to fill whatever time you’re not spending at the internship with more enjoyable experiences," says Leonie Cohen, a career peer advisor at Swarthmore College. "If you’re not learning what you had hoped to learn from the internship, buy some books and read them in your free time. You can really learn a lot from the leaders of your field."

How did Barbara Corcoran turn $1,000 into a billion-dollar real estate company? For the entrepreneurs at heart, check out her autobiography, Shark Tales. Curious about how Banana Republic was created? Give Wild Company by Mel and Patricia Ziegler a try. Wonder how Apple became so wildly successful? Try Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson. These leaders would never let a bad internship experience get in the way of their goals, so why should you? You can create opportunities for yourself to learn and grow, even if you're currently buried in mountains of papers to copy and folders to file.

3. Bond with your coworkers

Liking the people you work with contributes so much to a positive internship experience, so if you're finding yourself not really clicking with the people with whom you work closely, take the time to get to know your other coworkers better. Reach out to fellow interns and suggest grabbing lunch. Maybe even throw an intern party on a Friday night and keep things casual with pizza and some movies.

To get to know other employees beside your fellow interns, consider participating in professional activities outside of the office, like going to after-work meals, joining an office-organized sports team or even participating in that office scavenger hunt HR keeps bugging people to join.

"Develop and manage relationships with colleagues that may end up being advocates and/or serve as references for you in future internship and job searches," says Kimberly Gustafson, an assistant director and career counselor at Bates College. "Aspire to identify a mentor that can offer helpful guidance in the future."

Of course, coworkers are not for gossiping or complaining to, even if they are your friends. No matter how much you need to vent about your work troubles, remember to always stay professional. Words seem to have a way of getting around in the office—even to your boss! Instead, talk about the things you're learning at work, interesting projects and common interests. "Do not vent [about] work to colleagues; confidentiality is often not upheld," Gustafson says. "Confide in and seek advice from trusted mentors, your career adviser, family members, friends."

By networking, you'll gain learning opportunities from professionals, stay active at your internship and connect with your coworkers. You'll also feel like you're in a more supportive environment. Bonding with people makes any experience better, and having a few more friendly faces at work can do wonders!

4. Speak with your supervisor

Of course, if nothing you're doing is really helping, don't hesitate to talk with your internship supervisor. Often a negative internship experience has very little to do with the intern herself and more to do with the working environment. It's important to be on the same page as your supervisor in regards to your responsibilities and expectations, and if you feel like there might be some kind of miscommunication between the two of you, take the time to reconnect. 

"If [your supervisors] are not staying true to what they had promised when they offered you the position, remind them of their promises," Leonie says. "Talk to your mentor and see if you can reach a compromise. You want to find a balance between representing yourself and remaining respectful."

Be honest with your supervisor about your concerns and do what you can without overstepping your boundaries. Sometimes a small reminder is all your supervisor needs to make some changes to your work description. If your internship doesn't meet your expectations, ask to meet with your supervisor to go over any learning contracts or position descriptions that were made at the beginning of the internship and your progress in following them.

If you're looking for more challenging tasks, maybe say, "I noticed X area could really benefit from Y; would you like me to look into it?"

If you're not doing too well with your assignments, ask your supervisor for critique and suggestions for improvement. "Communicate openly but diplomatically with your supervisor and colleagues," Gustafson says.

If you're really unhappy with your work, however, you could suggest spending half of the week interning with another part of the company or ask your supervisor if there is another job they could have you do. Try something along the lines of, "I'm having a really hard time with my current position because of X, Y and Z, but I would definitely like to work something out and maybe try something different and continue working at this company. What would you suggest I do?"

No matter what, remember to always be diplomatic, positive and professional.

5. View your internship as a learning experience

It's pretty hard to plaster on a smile when you feel like you're just being used for manual labor, but it's all about attitude and professional behavior. Staying positive and demonstrating professionalism, even if you're having trouble doing well on assignments or staying awake through the never-ending barrage of menial tasks, is so important for turning your internship around.

"Demonstrate professionalism at all times, even as you are struggling to keep smiling," Gustafson says. "Showcase your impeccable work ethic and unwavering dedication by cheerfully taking on any task that comes your way, menial or otherwise."

Instead of getting frustrated at the difficulty or the pointlessness of it all, try to view your internship as a learning experience, and you can't go wrong. "Maybe you didn’t land your dream internship this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t try hard now," Amanda says. "The experience itself may provide for some new adventures; you might learn about a new field that interests you or find someone new to network with. Stay curious and ask questions, which shows initiative, and remember that there’s always more to learn."

To stay positive and upbeat, try exercising during your lunch breaks to release endorphins in your brain. Maybe pack some of your favorite healthy snacks to keep you going through the day. Or, put in some headphones and crank up some happy tunes as you go about your tasks ("Happy" by Pharrell Williams was made for this!). Do whatever you need to do to focus on the positive aspects of your internship experience.

"Stay positive and look for opportunities to both contribute and learn; it is possible to spin a positive story to tell in future networking conversations and interviews," Gustafson says. "Exercise tolerance and do not let your challenges affect your attitude and productivity."

Learning what you don't like to do is also a great takeaway from a negative internship experience. Use that newfound knowledge to avoid similar work situations in the future and narrow down your list of potential careers.

"Inside, you may be thinking, ‘I never want to do this again’; use that as motivation," Amanda says. "If you’re stuck at a boring summer internship, recognize and reflect on your own interests and use that to figure out some things you might want to do next summer."

Hang in there! The beauty of summer internships is that they only last a couple of months, so you're already in the final stretch. "No matter what, there are always more opportunities for you to have in summers and years to come, and there is something you can take away from any experience," Leonie says. Stay positive and keep these tips in mind, and you'll be turning your drab internship into a fab internship in no time!


Could Your Bad Mood Be Affecting Your Health?

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Science has found for years that stress has serious health impacts. But recent studies around the U.S. have shown that a bad mood or a negative outlook on life can put you at risk for severe diseases and conditions later in life.

In a TIME article, Emiliana Simon-Thomas, Ph.D., a science director at UC Berkeley said, “Many negative emotions such as anger, fear and frustration become problematic when those emotions turn into a more permanent disposition or a habitual outlook on the world.”

One example of this is hostility. A 2014 study in Stroke showed that unfriendly people had a higher risk of stroke than other kinder, friendlier participants.

Negative thinking in the form of cynicism can also cause some serious diseases down the line. One study in Neurologyshowed that cynical or distrustful people have a greater risk of dementia as compared to those who were more trusting. Another 2009 study found that cynical participants were more likely to have heart disease. In addition, pessimistic women had a higher chance of dying over the study period than the optimistic women participants.

Lastly, there is depression, which is a serious and dangerous diagnosis. Most people know the usual effects of depression: loss of appetite, mood swings, no motivation. However, it has also been connected with an increased risk for type 2 diabetes and heart attacks. 

One explanation for this could be that feeling bad leads many people to skip workouts, drink alcohol or smoke heavily—which could all affect one’s health. Another idea is that stress and sadness increase cortisol levels. An increase in cortisol levels weakens the immune system, making it less able to control inflammation over time. According to Simon-Thomas, our thoughts and emotions have considerable effects on many of the everyday bodily processes.

One easy fix could be simply changing your perspective, or seeking out professional health. Cynical or hostile people can try to see the world as a friendlier, more trusting place, if only for the sake of health. As if there weren’t enough reasons to seek out help for depression, it could protect you against other severe diseases, as well. As Simon-Thomas said, “We can be deliberate about shifting our habits of feeling and thinking in the world.”

4 Ad Campaigns that Defy Beauty Conventions

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Like it or not, the images we see in advertisements shape the way we form ideals. What we look like, how we should live, and what we should buy. Usually, we’re presented with a very narrow range of images, but many companies are expanding the types of people--particularly women--that they display in their advertisements. Though young, white, stick-thin models still dominate the billboards, some companies are exploring other options that fall outside the boundaries of traditional notions of beauty. Here are some of our favorites:

1. Nordstrom

While most companies use non-traditional models in part to gain publicity, Nordstrom has been quietly using models with (perceived) disabilities in ads since the late '90s. The fact that they treat these models the same as any other is important step towards achieving a society that regards people with different physical appearances the same as they would anybody else.

2. Dove


 

Who decides how beautiful you feel? YOU DO. Read our #ChooseBeautiful Manifesto by Belissa Escobedo, Rhiannon McGavin, and Zariya Allen of @GetLitPoet. Take a picture of yourself, cut it out, and paste it next to the definition of beautiful. Because there is more than one-way to say it. Your skin is dark like graphite, shining under hot tropical suns Hers is freckled like gold in turquoise. We don’t look for similarities. Her skin is pale like opal. We unite over differences. We are not pretty flowers. And close up in the dark We don’t wilt when the sun goes down. We do not wait to be plucked. We do not need to be watered. We write our own dictionaries. You have never been “just you”, do yourself justice. Our reflections defining our own meaning So harness the solar in your step; Of beautiful. Find three nice facts to tell yourself before breakfast. We are beautiful because we choose to be. Celebrate skinned knees, and how you pick yourself back up every time- Work towards a world where every hurt can be fixed with a glitter bandaid. Thank goodness for helmets, and braids, and head scarfs, Give yourself laugh lines deep enough to bury all of your sorrows. And collect the ways to love yourself like pebbles from a melted spring. Let them weigh down your pockets when you walk home, Smile wide and often. Arrange them on your bookshelf, Rub them smooth when you’re worried. We create our own definition of beauty. So go on and choose beautiful. Imagine, dream up, and invent. And remember your own version of beautiful.

A photo posted by dove (@dove) on

The Campaign for Real Beauty was one of the largest and earliest expressions of inclusion put out by a major brand. Started all the way back in 2004, the campaign aims to challenge the idea that only some bodies are beautiful. In 2005, Dove featured “normal” women in its ads.

3. Kate Spade


By their mid-late twenties, most models are considered over the hill. Fashion is traditionally something for young people, and what’s “fashionable” is defined by what the young people are wearing. Kate Spade decided to shake things up earlier this year, and ran ads featuring supermodel Karlie Kloss alongside 93-year-old Iris Apfel (who looked fabulous, by the way.) They aren’t the only ones—many retailers are featuring older generations in their ads, proving that fashion is for all ages.

4. Debenhams

We'll never forget the campaign that British high-street brand Debenhams released in 2013 that featured models of all ages, genders, races and physical appearances. The brand isn't a stranger to being inclusive—they were one of the first stores in Britain to use plus-size mannequins in its stores. What we love most about this campaign is that it doesn't glamorize or hide the models' differences in any way—instead, they celebrate them in an absolutely beautiful way.

Fashion-lovers come in all shapes, sizes, ages, and levels of physical ability, and we all deserve to feel represented by the advertisements that surround us. There’s a lot of work to be done, but things seem to be headed in the right direction.

11 Friendship Lessons You Can Learn From Taylor Swift

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Ed Sheeran, Karlie Kloss, Selena Gomez, Lena Dunham... Taylor Swift is basically friends with the entire world. But how does she do it? Here are some tips for being the best friend EVER, from the squad queen herself.

1. Have only good things to say about your friends

Best. Friendship. Ever.

2. Be their biggest fan

Taylor was happier than Lorde was when the "Royals" singer won a VMA.

3. Grab a cold one

Friends who cheers together stay together.

4. Find friends who will do silly things with you...

...and who make you feel comfortable.

If you can't be yourself around your friends, when can you just be you?

5. Be there for your friends every step of the way

Believe in them and hold their hand when they're scared.

6. Don't underestimate the power of a hug...

...or two...

...or three.

Look: It works!

7. When your friends set you up... trust them

If it weren't for Ellie Goulding, Taylor and Calvin would probably never have met. *shudder*

8. Immortalize all of your memories

Selfie or it didn't happen.

9. Throw killer house parties

Swans optional.

10. Twin with your bestie

Even if it means wearing matching turtlenecks. (Let's be real, Taylor and Karlie can pull anything off.)

11. Remember to tell your friends how much you care

Sometimes all they need is a little reminder.

9 Questions You Hope You're Not Asked at This Summer's Family Reunion

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Being home for the summer means one thing: awkward encounters with inquisitive family members. We know you've experienced the intrusive questions, and we're here to tell you: You're not alone. Keep reading to see if any of these annoying questions sound familiar.

1. "Do you have a boyfriend?"

"Yeah! Want to see a picture?" *shows phone background of Harry Styles*

2. "What do you want to do after you graduate?"

"Become Instagram famous."

3. "Have you decided on your major?"

"It's funny that you mention that because..." *runs away, falls, gets back up and keeps running* 

4. "Isn't that a dying industry?" 

"Thanks, I wasn't concerned about my major enough, that's exactly the reassurance I needed to hear. You always know what to say, Grandma!"

5. "Are you working anywhere this summer?"

A quick "nah" or "yup" before doing the stop, drop and roll out of there will suffice.

6. "What do you do at your internship?"

"I pretend to do work while actually taking BuzzFeed quizzes. Do we really have to get into this, Aunt Becky?"

7. "Are you involved in any extracurricular activities?"

"Yes, I am in Netflix Club as the Director of Binge Watching Episodes of PLL That I've Already Seen."

8. "How were your grades this semester?"

BTW, getting asked this in front of your parents, who had completely forgotten that final grades were posted, is CRUEL.

9. "Do you remember when you were younger and you used to [insert verb] all the time?

"No, I don't remember that I always used to somersault around the house when I was two, so I'm just going to give you an awkward laugh and nonchalant shrug in response."

7 Summer Adventures You Need to Go On With Your Friends

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Are you a victim of the couch-inertia epidemic running rampant in collegiette summers? Are you and your friends glued to the couch like zombies, ordering the same Domino’s pizza and watching the same Netflix shows every weekend? Break the cycle! Let Her Campus help you concoct some easy yet memorable summer adventures that you’ll never have time for during the school year and that you’d never think of while watching the last episode of Friends for the 10th time.

1. Try all the new food trucks in your area

Best to do with: the friend who always complains that you’re always eating at the same places

If you’re tired of the same old restaurants in your town or you don’t have the money to pay for an expensive fine-dining experience, switch up your usual pizza-and-Netflix routine to go chase down some delicious food trucks! Eat outside and sample a bunch of food. Food trucks are awesome because they’re usually not quite as expensive as a restaurant would be, and they’re fun to visit because the people who run them tend to be super friendly. The Great Food Truck Race, anyone?

If you live somewhere like Boston or San Francisco, there may be food truck schedules for you to peruse before you head into the city. Before you go, be sure to see where the trucks are, which ones you want to go to and how much they cost. Try taking public transportation instead of a car so you don’t have trouble parking in the city.

2. Visit the farmers market and have a picnic

Best to do with: the friend who always asks if the apples are organic

Check out a farmers market and tailor your Sunday brunch to exactly what you and your friends want! Look online to find a farmers market near you—you can use websites like LocalHarvest to find one. If it’s in a remote place, it may even be worth a longer drive! You can bring a blanket and disposable plates and silverware, find a sunny spot to sit at and have an Instagram-worthy picnic. Definitely get a baguette, fresh cheese, lots of berries and some fresh veggies.

Sophie Dodd, a senior at Middlebury College, had a great experience going to a farmers market. “We picked up some amazing fresh avocados and [I made] homemade guacamole, which we enjoyed with chips on my deck,” she says. “It was so nice to catch up with an old friend and try out my skills in the kitchen, and there's something about getting your produce from a farmers market that makes it even better!”

Farmers markets are a great place to meet local vendors, support sustainable farming and enjoy the undeniably fresh environment. Don’t forget to ask for free samples and bring back some fresh flowers for your room!

3. Take a roundabout road trip

Best to do with: the group of friends who never has enough time to catch up

Now that you have the guide to the perfect road trip and these road-trip apps you won’t want to leave home without, spice up your traditional there-and-back road trip with this idea: pick four destinations in a doable distance from your home—one to the north, south, east and west. Next, hop in the car, pick the perfect Songza playlist and have a circular road trip that’s more interesting than just a there-and-back ordeal. Use Urbanspoon to find some new, interesting places to eat and check out if there are any beaches or bodies of water nearby to swim or tan. Don’t be afraid to go a little farther than usual or to get lost—the point is not the destination!

4. Go on a hike and pack your own trail mix

Best to do with: the active friend who feels trapped at her desk job this summer

Hiking doesn’t have to be as hard as a 10-day trek through the wilderness or as commonplace as a walk around the reservoir; make it short, intense and not without pictures of you and your friends overlooking the gorgeous view at the top of the hill. Pile your friends in the car early in the morning and use the day to its full potential.

“Early on in the summer, my sister and I decided to go for a hike/jog on the local trails by my house,” says Kasia Jaworski, a senior at Villanova University. “It was really fun to explore some of the trails that I hadn't been to before. We took fun pictures of us doing yoga poses in nature (Instagram-worthy of course... I did ‘tree pose’ on a fallen tree trunk). It was really fun to just catch up with my sister, put away our phones and enjoy the nice weather!”

You can find trails (and reviews of trails) on websites like AllTrails. Try looking for a trail with a waterfall, a gorgeous overlook or a beach at the end. Make sure you wear hiking boots or sturdy sneakers, and get plenty of sleep the night before—a day hike can be exhausting!

Before you set off on this adventure, pack up some homemade trail mix: Try a mixture with nuts, sunflower seeds, dried fruit and, of course, a few M&M’s for sweetness! Before you leave, be sure to eat well with snacks like these. A hike is the perfect way to get that glute workout you’ve been wanting during bikini season and enjoy the weather you crave during fall, winter and spring!

5. Go rock climbing

Best to do with: the friend who’s always willing to ride the roller coaster

Nothing gets your blood flowing like the thrill of touching the highest point of the rock and looking down to see the ground far below you. Indoors or outdoors, rock climbing is a great workout and an awesome skill to learn for an active, healthy lifestyle! It builds full-body strength and gives you a rush when you finally reach the top of the wall. You and your friends can learn to belay one another together—your friends will save your life. Literally. Check out this website for places to climb. Who knows—if you really love it, you could join a climbing gym or start climbing at your college when you go back in the fall!

6. Learn a new skill and volunteer for a good cause

Best to do with: the one always trying to do good

What’s more adventurous than volunteering to build someone’s house? A free, rewarding adventure for you and your friends could be learning the ins and outs of building houses and knowing that you’re dong good for a family in need. You can even do a Women Build with Habitat for Humanity, where you can build with other women. If there aren’t any Habitat for Humanity projects near you, look into volunteering at an animal shelter or making dinner for a local homeless shelter. There’s no adventure like learning a new skill and helping others in the process!

7. Try a totally new activity on the cheap

Best to do with: the friend always hunting for the best sales of the season

Try something totally new—whether it’s painting, sailing, skydiving, kickboxing, fishing or paintball! Look on Groupon to find deals for fun activities and adventures to do near you with your friends. The new experience could be worth the amount of (already discounted) money you have to pay! Who knows what new passions you’ll find, people you’ll meet or experiences you’ll have?

Collegiettes, summer can get a little boring if you run out of things to do. Make the most out of your summer by taking advantage of everything around you and keeping an open mind to new experiences. You might be surprised by how much you can do in one place this summer without traveling anywhere exotic or spending lots of hard-earned pocket money. 

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