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7 Easy & Delicious Fall Recipes to Try

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The moment fall hits, the only thing that seems to matter is staying cozy, whether it’s by curling up by the fireplace or baking a warm treat. There’s no better feeling than the one you get when you decide to try that delicious-looking apple tart recipe you found on Pinterest. As you begin to skim the ingredients list, you stumble upon “butter churn” —butter churn?! You realize you definitely don’t know what that is, and you definitely don’t have one, so that’s the end of that recipe attempt.

Don’t let complex recipes and cooking utensils spook you out of the kitchen this season, though, because there are plenty of manageable and almost effortless recipes out there! We’ve rounded up seven simple fall recipes that don’t require strange utensils you don’t have or ingredients you’ve never heard of, so check them out!

1. Cinnamon and Spice Sweet Potato Bread

Recipe courtesy of Taste of Home

Fall can also be known as the pumpkin-craze season, so if you want to try making something that doesn’t involve pumpkin for once, this is it! Plus, the added spices will give it an extra kick.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups cold mashed sweet potatoes
  • 3 cups sugar
  • 3 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Directions:

  1. In a bowl, combine sugar, eggs, sweet potatoes and vanilla; mix well.
  2. Combine flour, baking powder, nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon, salt and baking soda; stir into potato mixture.
  3. Pour into two greased 8-inch-by-4-inch loaf pans.
  4. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 1 hour or until bread tests done.
  5. Cool in pans for 10 minutes before removing to wire rack to cool completely.

2. Apple Chips

Recipe courtesy of Whole Living

Picking a snack to munch on when you get back from class is often a dilemma because you want a healthy option, but also one that tastes good! With apple chips, you get the best of both worlds. Also, how much easier can a recipe with one ingredient get? Jackpot!

Ingredients:

  • 2 apples, sliced

Directions:

  1. Slice apples crosswise 1/8 inch thick; remove seeds.
  2. Heat oven to 225 degrees Fahrenheit and arrange slices on two parchment-lined baking sheets.
  3. Bake for 1 1/2 hours.
  4. Flip slices, then continue to bake until crisp, approximately 1 hour more.
  5. Remove and let cool completely.

3. Chopped Salad with Cranberries

Recipe courtesy of Espresso & Cream

If you eat a simple salad with your main meal every day, try changing it up by adding some seasonal ingredients with this recipe, which will add a pop of texture and flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 6-8 cups chopped romaine lettuce or baby greens
  • 2 medium pears, chopped
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 8 slices thick-cut bacon, crisp-cooked and crumbled (optional)
  • 4 to 6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
  • Balsamic vinaigrette

Directions:

  1. Combine the lettuce, pears, cranberries, pecans, bacon and feta cheese.
  2. Drizzle with dressing.

4. Pumpkin Pie French Toast

Recipe courtesy of Closet Cooking

Fall desserts always taste better with pumpkin. Pumpkin French toast is a great idea to try on a Sunday morning while you’re still in your pajamas!

Ingredients:

  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup mashed pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ginger
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 8 slices of bread

Directions:

  1. Mix the eggs, milk, pumpkin puree, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and brown sugar in a low, flat bowl for easy dipping.
  2. Heat a pan over medium heat.
  3. Dip bread into egg mixture on both sides and grill in pan until lightly golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.

5. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Recipe courtesy of life/style 365

As kids, most of us probably despised Brussels sprouts, but now, vegetables are our friend. This roasted vegetable dish is perfect to bring to a potluck dinner with your friends or just to have as a side dish to a main course.

Ingredients:

  • 20 Brussels sprouts cut into wedges
  • Canola oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • 6 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Place Brussels sprouts on a baking sheet and drizzle with oil.
  3. Add salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Mix Brussels sprouts on the pan to ensure they’re evenly coated in the oil.
  5. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
  6. Mix mayonnaise, garlic, parsley and lemon juice to be served alongside finished Brussels sprouts.

6. Butternut Squash Fries

Recipe courtesy of Eating Bird Food

Ever since we discovered sweet potato fries, it’s been our mission to make fries with other vegetables! Butternut squash is also a great source of vitamin A, according to WebMD, so this is a super-healthy choice.

Ingredients:

  • 1 butternut squash
  • Salt

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Peel the squash (optional).
  3. Cut the squash in half and remove the seeds.
  4. Cut it up into French fry shapes. Aim to cut pieces that are equal in size so they will finish cooking at the same time.
  5. Place on a cookie sheet and sprinkle with salt.
  6. Bake for approximately 40 minutes, flipping the fries halfway through.
  7. Fries are done when they start to brown on the edges.

7. Cream of Cauliflower Soup

Recipe courtesy of Eat at Home

If you want to get toasty after spending the day outside in the cold or you just want a rich meal that tastes like your grandma made it, be sure to pick cream of cauliflower soup!

Ingredients:

  • 1 head of cauliflower, cut into small pieces and steamed until tender
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 onion or small onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups milk, warmed
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

  1. Melt the butter in a large pot.
  2. Cook the onion in the butter until tender.
  3. Whisk in flour and cook for a few minutes.
  4. Whisk in the chicken broth until smooth.
  5. Stir in the milk and Worcestershire sauce.
  6. Add the steamed cauliflower and cheese.
  7. Heat through without boiling.
  8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Simple recipes like these will save you a trip to the store and a lot of frustration!


11 Burning Questions from 'Bachelor in Paradise' that We NEED Answered

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Leading into next week’s season finale, Bachelor in Paradise delivered plenty of drama, backstabbing, and all around weirdness in its penultimate episode. But we were left with these 11 burning questions that we need answered before we say adios to Paradise.

1. Was Samantha the master manipulator all along?

All the evidence clearly points to Samantha orchestrating the drama that she so vehemently claimed she wanted no part of. We don’t know what her endgame was—and maybe she didn’t know either—but she definitely made a name for herself in Paradise.

2. Are we really sad that Joe is gone?

We kind of felt for Joe when Samantha blindsided him by giving her rose to Dan. There’s no doubt that Joe played his part in Samantha’s games, but he sure took the heat for it. We’re just sorry he had to go before we could see his oddball friendship with Ashley I. play out.

3. Why are these one-on-one dates such a snore?

Can’t say we care if you’re on a yacht, salsa dancing, or roaming around town eating cheese. The one-on-one dates this season have been so lackluster that the fast forward button on our remote is almost worn out. Bring back the romantic caves from last season! We’re begging you.

4. WHY, Chris Bukowski? Just why?

Did anyone think five-time Bachelor Nation veteran Chris was here to find love? It’s amazing how pathetic he made himself look in one day’s worth of footage.

5. Why does Dan insist on playing the field?

Dan needs to give it up. You’re not going to someone here, dude. First Ashley, then Amber, now Samantha. Despite how it’s been advertised, this is not televised speed dating, and we absolutely do not think your lobster is here.

6. Will Ashley S. ever find love?

Not so long ago, everyone was going on and on about how Juelia deserved to find love. At this point, we feel much worse for Ashley S., though. We’ve watched quite a few guys dump her, but we’re still holding out hope that a guy who embraces her quirks will come along.

7. Does anyone even care about these new people showing up?

Listen closely, Paradise producers! We’re super invested in the stable couples who have been around since the beginning. So we’re pretty much over any new people that you bring in to mix things up. 

8. Why is everyone so interested in Samantha?

All we can guess is that Samantha must be much hotter in person because we still don’t get it.

9. Did Justin and Mackenzie actually get married?

Please say yes. Mackenzie seems to think so, and we shouldn’t crush her spirit. Plus, two weddings in one season has to be some kind of record.

10. Is Ashley I. actually going to let Jared take her V card?

This is a tough one. It’s hard to fathom, but we’re definitely going to need a definitive answer next week.

11. Will our favorite couples survive the finale bloodbath?

Kirkley. Janner. If one or—Chris Harrison, forbid—both of these couples break up, we’re going to lose it. We know somebody’s getting engaged, but we don’t think it’s too much to ask for two couples to outlast the inevitably high split numbers.

What burning questions do you have about Bachelor in Paradise, collegiettes? 

The 11 Stages of Shopping for Beauty Products at the Drugstore

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We’ve all been there: You walk into the drugstore to buy mascara and end up leaving with nail polish, shampoo, red lipstick (in two shades) and glitter eye shadow that you don’t need but reaaaallly want. It happens so often, but we just can’t help it that we get sucked in every time we spot the beauty section. Here are the 11 stages of shopping for beauty products at a drugstore.

Stage 1: Focus

I’m here for mascara and mascara only. Eyes on the prize.

Stage 2: Distraction

Oh, Essie just came out with new colors… I guess it couldn’t hurt to look…

Stage 3: Refocus

No, I just bought nail polish last week. Mascara. I’m here for mascara.

Stage 4: Temptation

But that new shade of pink is sooooo cute. It would look great on my toes. Plus it’s named “Peachy Keen,” which is adorable.

Stage 5: Bargaining

Well, an $8 bottle of nail polish is way cheaper than a manicure. I’m just being money savvy.

Stage 6: Giving in

It’s decided; I’m getting the nail polish. I feel good about this. Might as well stock up while I’m here! *Puts 3 more colors in basket*

Stage 7: Free for all

I’ve been dying to try that new leave-in conditioner. And that morning face wash would really do wonders for my skin! Oh, is that red lip stain? I’ve GOT to have this navy blue waterproof eyeliner!

Stage 8: Satisfaction

Look at all my new beauty goodies! I can’t wait to try them all out. This has been such a successful trip.

Stage 9: Shock

Wait, all this costs HOW much?

Stage 10: Acceptance

You know what, no one ever said looking good was cheap. Plus I NEED all these things. Really, I do.

Stage 11: Denial

Shoot, I never picked up mascara. Guess I have to go back! This time I’ll only get what I need. 

13 Feelings We Have on the First Day of School

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As excited as we are to get back to school, all of us still get those first-day jitters. Between worrying about what to wear to seeing your crush for the first time since spring semester, the first day is a bit of an emotional roller coaster. Here are just a few things you might be feeling as you head back to class.

1. “I literally have NOTHING to wear.”

Seven outfit changes later, you inevitably settle on the first one.

2. “Oops! I didn’t buy the right school supplies…”

Because taking notes requires an actual notebook. Get something super sturdy (and vibrantly colored!) so your notebooks will last through the semester. 

3. “OMG, there’s my crush at Starbucks! I wonder if we like the same drink.”

Maybe you’ll find love in a caffeinated place this year.

4. “Ugh, I always forget how annoyingly heavy books can be.”

Avoid back problems with a sturdy, yet functional and stylish backpack at Office Depot and OfficeMax stores. This Kenneth Cole backpack has padded straps and a cushioned mesh back so your calculus textbook won’t weigh you down.

5. “Cool, I already have five major assignments and a quiz next week and this is only my second class.”

According to your planner, you’re not free until November.

6. “YAY for best friend reunions!”

You may or may not have made a scene in the middle of the quad, but who cares!

7. “Um, sorry, what was the question again, professor?”

Is it too late to fake an emergency and run out of here? Avoid being called on with nothing to say by taking copious notes with TUL pens: serious ink that makes a statement and can be purchased at Office Depot and OfficeMax stores. 

8. “Wow, I sort of missed Taco Tuesday.”

You hate to admit it, but sometimes the questionable dining hall food hits the spot.

9. “And, I’m extremely broke again.”

Between tuition and your latte habit, college isn’t cheap. Save money by using to-go containers like these spill-proof cups at Office Depot and OfficeMax stores so you’re not buying food on campus all day long. 

10. “I cannot wait to take a nap later.”

Afternoon naps > everything

11. “Should I go out tonight? Everyone’s going out. I should go out.”

You’ll probably regret it in the morning, but YOLO.  

12. “I can’t believe how busy I am! I already miss summer vacation.”

#TBT to just lounging at the pool all day. 

13. “But I’m really happy to be back.”

Because let’s be real, college rocks. Get ready for your best year EVER, collegiettes! (Just remember to get school supplies…)

 

Kickstart Your Career by Winning this Amazing Externship

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Her Campus is passionate about giving our readers every chance to succeed in any field – we believe there are no limitations to what our Collegiettes can do. That’s why we’re so proud to join forces with General Assembly, a company that provides in-depth training in skills like web design, digital marketing and more, to give 3 lucky students an amazing opportunity to kickstart their tech careers at the nation’s most cutting-edge companies.

 

This January, GA is flying one lucky student to Buzzfeed’s headquarters in NYC to work on a week-long special project for the VP of International. GA is also sending two lucky students to San Francisco to tour top companies including Google, Twitter and Square, and explore the tech sector in depth. If that’s not enough, we are also giving away 5 runner up prizes ranging from gift cards to swag bags to help propel your career aspirations forward. Talk about opportunity!

 

Ready to take your career in tech to the next level? Enter now!

Get Faster With This Interval Track Workout

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Chances are that your school’s campus has either an indoor or outdoor track (or both!). Most campus tracks measure in at 400 meters—which is absolutely perfect for this interval running workout!

 

If you’re looking to get faster and stronger, you should warm up with two easy laps, which comes to about half of a mile. For the interval workout, run just below your maximum sprint effort for the full 400 meters (so for one lap around the track), then jog or walk for two minutes and thirty seconds. Repeat this process up to eight times for maximum results, then cool down with two more easy laps. After a few days of this interval workout, you’ll beat your personal record in no time! 

 

5 Genius Ways to Organize Your Closet

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De-cluttering and organizing your closet can be one of the most daunting tasks to complete. Your shopping addiction has finally caught up with you and your closet is now one shirt away from completely caving in. So, now what?

We’re all too familiar with the struggle—that’s why we’ve shared these amazing organization ideas that will make your life (and finding your favorite pair of jeans) a whole lot easier.

1. Add a garment rack if your room is big enough


Summer is finally here, meaning we’ve bombarded our closets with countless maxi dresses and lightweight cardigans for layered perfection. The problem? A tiny space we call our closet.  A garment rack, like this one from Target, ($18.99) is a great way to create extra room. You can even organize and hang outfits to wear for the week, nixing the use of your closet even for a small amount of time.

2. Hang multiple garments in one spot with soda can tabs

Create even more space for hangers by using the tabs from empty soda cans. Slide the tabs down the hangers, and voila! You can even use the tabs as an organization tool; if you have clothing of a similar style or color, keep them in one place with the help of these nifty tabs.

3. Organize shoes by creating a shelf on the bottom of your closet


Ms. Carrie Bradshaw had it easy when Big surprised her with the shoe closet of her (and our!) dreams. Our tip, while a little more down-to-earth, can create instant space in your closet and keep your prized possessions right where you can see them.

If you’re in a dorm and you can’t install a shelf directly into your wall, this shoe organizer ($29.99 from The Container Store) can be easily assembled to fit inside a small closet space. You can also use these stackable shoe bins ($9.99 from The Container Store) if spacing calls for it.

4. Use shower curtain hooks to organize your scarves on a hanger

With fall coming sooner than we might think, we need a little help organizing our favorite scarves. A quick and easy way to keep your favorites organized is by taking a few shower curtain hooks ($2.99 from Bed Bath & Beyond) and clipping them to your clothes hangers, as pictured above. Then, loop your scarves through the hooks, and you’re all set.

5. Hang wire baskets inside your closet to store clutches and small purses

Our accessories need love, too! Use a wire basket to store any small purses or accessories that you wouldn’t normally hang. If you’re on campus and are unable to drill holes into a wall, use an adhesive wall strip ($4.99 at The Container Store) with a hook to hang the basket.

Sometimes a mini-makeover is all a closet needs. Make even more room for your new, fabulous summer wardrobe with these lifesaving ideas. Have any tips on how you keep your closet organized? Let us know in the comments below! 

Women in Male-Dominated Workplaces Are More Stressed Out

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More than ever, it seems like society is more open to going against the gender-stereotyped grain when it comes to pursuing a career. Even so, we still tend to associate certain professions with certain genders, and there are statistics that back up these associations--in 2012, 14% of engineers were female, and in 2013, only 19% of elementary and middle school teachers were male. Still, this hasn’t stopped women from pursuing STEM and other fields traditionally dominated my men. But a recent study at Indiana University Bloomington has found that these women may be suffering negative effects to their brains as a result of these male-dominated work environments.

"We find that such women are more likely to experience exposure to high levels of interpersonal, workplace stressors," said researcher Bianca Manago. The study was conducted by measuring levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, throughout the day in women in male-dominated (85% or more) fields. People who experience higher levels of stress experience greater fluctuation of cortisol levels throughout the day, which was found to be the case for many women in the study. Chronic high levels of stress can lead to other health problems, and even decrease life expectancy.

These high levels of stress are likely a result of the negative environments these women must work in. Many have their talents or capabilities questioned, are talked down to, or even experience sexual harassment at work. As the number of women who defy gender stereotypes about career choice continues to grow, we wonder how much longer it will take for these workplaces to be a safe, positive environment for all those who work in them.


The 8 Most Memorable TV Wedding Dresses

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Wedding episodes are some of the best—and most memorable!—parts of our favorite TV shows. Aside from the touching dialogue, the inevitable funny mishaps, and the (hopefully!) happily ever after endings, we can’t get enough of the outfits. From traditional white to handmade, here are the 8 TV wedding dresses we love the most.

1. Blair Waldorf (Gossip Girl)

Though this is the second wedding dress Blair dons in the course of the show, this time we actually want her to go through with the marriage. She looks stunning in an unconventional light blue gown, and her trademark headband really ties the look together.

2. Pam Beesly (The Office)

Jim and Pam are the definition of #relationshipgoals. When they tie the knot, Pam is gorgeous in a simple white dress and short veil.

3. Leslie Knope (Parks and Recreation)

We love Leslie and Ben, and we like Leslie and Ben. In the episode, Leslie’s wedding dress is hand crafted by BFF Anne Perkins. The top is elegant and classic, and the skirt is made up of literal documentation of Leslie’s career. The result is so Leslie Knope it hurts. Plus, she kills it in those red heels.

4. Monica Gellar (Friends)

*Cue the tears* The two-parter, “The One with Monica and Chandler’s Wedding,” is definitely on our short list of all-time favorite episodes. Could she be a more beautiful bride?

5. Meredith Grey (Grey’s Anatomy)

This. Dress. The show’s producer and costume designer chose it because they wanted a gown that they thought would be every girl’s fantasy. We have to say, they did well. Just look at that beaded tulle!

6. Robin Scherbatsky (How I Met Your Mother)

The marriage might not have lasted very long, but we could look at this dress forever. Robin rocks the slim cut, and the skirt is amazing. Plus, we’re totally into the sleeves.

7. Charlotte York (Sex and the City)

For her second wedding, Charlotte chose this sophisticated white silk get-up. The veil with the beaded edge is our favorite part. Could we really expect anything less from SATC?

8. Temperance Brennan (Bones)

We’ve been rooting for Booth and Bones since the very beginning, and their wedding episode does not disappoint. In fact, it was more than we could have ever hoped for. This includes Temperance’s dress. The top is intricate and shows just the right amount of skin, while the bottom is simple but perfect. And we love her hair!

Which one is your favorite, collegiettes?

Attention: Chipotle is Starting to Deliver to College Campuses

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Yup, you read that right. Chipotle is teaming up with Tapingo, an online and mobile food delivery service, to bring you Chipotle on your college campus. While only six schools (Lousiana State University, the University of Southern California, California State University Chico, Nothern Arizona University and Arizona State University) are currently lucky enough to be a part of this beautiful service, they will be expanding to 40 schools this fall. This is pretty much the best thing to ever happen.

 

Worried about the cost? Don't be. Tapingo only charges $2.99 for deliveries as opposed to the $20 some other companies charge. If you have a Club Tapingo subscription, a membership where you will receive discounts, invitations to special events and exclusive offers, the average delivery time is only 25 minutes. Not bad, right?

Next time you're craving a burrito bowl (which is likely all the time), check out Tapingo and eat it on the quad, in the library or anywhere on campus. Ultimate noms.

You're Invited: Her Campus Book Signing and Back-to-School Party at Barnes & Noble @ the Pru!

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Join the Her Campus co-founders at Barnes & Noble @ The Prudential Center for a book signing and talk on everything you need to know about college this fall! Invite your friends on Facebook and RSVP below!

 

If you RSVP, you will automatically be entered to win a PRIZE PACK including a brand new HC Mason Jar, and HCXO teeshirt! Winner will be announced at the event!

 

From bonding with your roommates, to adjusting to college academics, to picking your extracurriculars, navigating the party scene safely, and much more, we've got you covered. All attendees will receive a goody bag! For more information about Her Campus's book, The Her Campus Guide to College Life: How to Manage Relationships, Stay Safe and Healthy, Handle Stress, and Have the Best Years of Your Life, visit www.hercampus.com/book.

This College is the First to Get Rid of Textbooks

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The future is here: The University of Maryland University College of Upper Marlboro, Maryland has announced that starting this semester, physical copies of textbooks will be officially obsolete. UMUC is the first college in the United States to make the switch to exclusively online course materials--which are all free of charge. The school says this will save the student body literally millions of dollars.

Tuition, room and board and other miscellaneous fees to attend school are already astronomical without the added expense of textbooks, which sometimes end up being hardly utilized (if at all) during class, and can only be sold back for a fraction of what students initially paid for them. Textbooks can often run students several hundred dollars per semester. UMUC dean Aric Krause told CBS that the university has conducted research and found that students learn just as well from online materials as they do from hard copies.

It’s heartening to see a school taking steps to be considerate of the financial strain higher education puts on students. UMUC students seem thrilled with the school’s decision, and it seems like this can only be a positive thing--and, hopefully, a growing trend. Saving money, paper and time we’d otherwise spend trying to hunt down the best deals? We can only hope other universities start to follow suit ASAP!

The Lack of Diversity in 'Harry Potter' is Depressing

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Because the Harry Potter books and movies played such a central role in so many of our childhoods, it’s hard to believe there might be anything problematic about them. But even J.K. Rowling herself has admitted that the story didn’t turn out exactly the way it should have (Harry should have ended up with Hermione? Wait, what?!). A recent analysis done by Every Single Word, which edits movies down to only the speaking parts of people of color, discovered something much more upsetting about the beloved franchise. Across all eight films, POC speak for only a total of 5 minutes and 40 seconds (that’s 0.47% of the 1,207 minutes there are in total).

According to Every Single Word, there are only a total of 12 minority characters in all the films, and each one speaks for an average of a little more than 28 seconds. Although this lack of diversity is hardly unique to the Harry Potter series (it’s a rampant problem all across the film and television industries), it just seems particularly ironic here, considering the story’s main themes of love and acceptance. The central conflict of pureblood wizards versus Muggle-born wizards (and those who see them as equals) is a metaphor for acceptance of others, regardless of race, creed, sexuality, social class or physical form. It’s an excellent metaphor, but why couldn’t these lessons of acceptance also be taught by representing different types of people we actually see in our real-life Muggle world?

The series has often been praised for depicting Hermione—who is outspoken, clever and unapologetic about her intelligence—as a heroine, when these types of female characters are typically caricatured as insufferable know-it-alls. It’s important for girls like Hermione to see themselves depicted onscreen. But what about people of different races and cultures? Shouldn’t they have been able to see reflections of themselves in the Wizarding World as well?

Once a Cheater, Always a Cheater? Here’s the Truth

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You’ve just started seeing someone awesome who meets all of your qualifications (smart, hilarious, good looking, willing to sing One Direction songs with you… you get the gist). Everything is going smoothly, and why shouldn’t it? You’re the exception.

What do we mean, the “exception”? Well, it turns out your new fling has some skeletons in his closet. He cheated on his last girlfriend; maybe he even cheated on her with you. Even if he cheated once, though, he’d never cheat on you, right? Right?

“Once a cheater, always a cheater”—is that really true?

These are the questions that keep you up at night as you try to figure out whether your new guy or girl is worth trusting. We can’t tell you for sure that he or she won’t cheat again, but we can definitely give you some advice about how to avoid it ahead of time. We spoke with Carole Lieberman, M.D., a Beverly Hills psychiatrist and author, to figure out what being with a cheater really means for your relationship and whether it’s worth it or not to stick it out.

Can you trust him or her?

Any good relationship is built on trust. If you’re serious about pursuing a meaningful relationship with your partner, sit down with him or her and discuss past behavior, what your expectations are for your relationship and how you’ll deal with any issues that arise.

“If someone has a history of cheating, you need to tread very carefully before committing to a relationship with them,” Dr. Lieberman says. “It's not always true that, ‘once a cheater, always a cheater,’ but once someone has cheated, it is easier for him to rationalize why it's okay to cheat again.”

Basically, once someone has cheated, you should be on alert. It’s not a given that he’ll cheat again, but it’s probably more likely that he will.

“Some cheaters grow up and come to the realization that they want to commit to a deeper relationship, but you can't assume that this will happen,” Dr. Lieberman says.

How can you know he or she won’t cheat on you?

If your relationship is a new one, it’s a good idea to take things slow — especially if you know your SO has a history of cheating. Keeping your heart guarded a little isn’t totally crazy. If anything, protecting yourself is your smartest move.

You can’t know for sure that your SO won’t cheat. What you can do, however, is be open and honest about your expectations for your relationship.

“Talk openly to him about how you are aware that he has cheated in the past, and you want to know if he thinks he still needs time to date around,” Dr. Lieberman says. “There is no point in trying to make a guy commit to an exclusive relationship if he still wants or needs to sow his wild oats.”

In some cases, a second chance is worth it. Other times, however, a past cheater isn’t willing to put in the work to gain back your trust, or ultimately he’ll cheat again.

Lauren, a senior at Boston College, had a long-term boyfriend who had cheated on girlfriends before.

“I assumed that he had matured and that our relationship was more solid than his previous ones,” Lauren says. “In the end I was wrong. He cheated on me throughout our entire relationship. I didn’t even know about it until later.”

Successful relationships are built on mutual trust and honesty. If you feel that you can’t trust your partner based on his or her history, looking out for yourself isn’t selfish — it’s necessary. If you’ve been burned or know for a fact that your SO has done something shady, cutting ties may be the best thing for your sanity.

How can you prevent your partner from cheating?

There’s no foolproof formula to keep your partner from straying.

“Some girls think that if they simply do everything their guy wants — from having sex whenever he wants to doing his homework — they will keep him from cheating,” Dr. Lieberman says. Others will play hard to get; they feel that giving their SO some space will be enough to convince him or her to stay.

These tactics will eventually alienate your partner, however, Dr. Lieberman warns. The best way to keep your partner from cheating, she says, is to “keep yourself looking hot and being interesting. Don't wrap your world around him. And keep your options open.”

Whom can you really rely on?

If you get the feeling that your new guy or girl is genuinely a good person who made a mistake, then chances are you’re right. If, however, you get weird vibes or are inclined to distrust what your SO says, listen to what your heart is telling you! More often than not, what your gut instinct is telling you is true.

What’s more, it’s important to be honest with yourself about why you want to be in a relationship with someone who has cheated in the past. Summer, a collegiette at Boston University, says, “Under no circumstance should you stay in a relationship where there’s a lack of trust, just for the sake of holding on and having a significant other. I’ve done that in the past, and it’s no fun!”

Staying real with yourself and remembering to keep your own best interests at heart will keep you out of toxic relationships (and away from your own temptation to cheat).

So, is a cheater always a cheater? It works on a case-by-case basis. As long as you build a foundation of trust and honesty, maybe a second chance is worth it. If a guy or girl gives you reason to think he or she will cheat again, odds are that they probably will. Release people from your life who haven’t proven themselves worthy to be there — you deserve to have someone who can commit for real.

14 Things That Don't Change After College

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People are always telling us how different our lives will be once we’re done with college. But as certified members of the real world, we’re here to tell you that’s not always the truth. Here are 14 things we’ve noticed that don’t change after college.

1. There will be times when “pajamas all day” will become your mantra.

2. You’ll still find an excuse to cancel plans.

3. Netflix will continue to ask if you’re still watching.

4. You won’t be able to cook any better than you did before. 

Because no one ever said a diploma would guarantee a full-on Julia Child transformation.

5. Your relationships will never match up to Chuck and Blair’s.

6. That pile of dirty laundry keeps getting bigger.

7. You might be broke for a while, and that will be pretty sad.

8. Annoying people are everywhere.

9. Procrastination isn’t just for homework.

10. You probably won’t know what you’re doing with your life.

11. Friendships will come and go.

12. Exercise will be even less appealing at a gym you have to pay to use.

13. A 401K, taxes and insurance are still just lofty adult concepts you’ll pretend to know about.

14. Your twenties will be nothing like Friends.


How to Live With Any Roommate

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It’s the start of the semester, and you and your new roommate are all settled in to your new double (it may be the smallest one on your floor, but the two of you can make it work), or you’ve finally found someone who can cover half the rent on your off-campus apartment.

At first, everything is great! You’re both super cautious about keeping the space clean, being quiet during sleeping hours and asking before you invite a campus cutie back to your place. But after a few weeks of stellar conduct, you may find yourself kicking your shoes off in the doorway or sneaking your boyfriend or girlfriend back to your room without telling your roomie first. It’s no big deal, right?

Unfortunately, your roommate probably doesn’t appreciate stumbling over your gym shoes, and you may not like listening to her clack away at her keyboard at ungodly hours of the night. So how do you deal? Here are a few lifestyle differences you might run into and how to cope with them.

1. She’s super messy.

You’ve been taught to make your bed first thing every morning and to fold your clothes straight out of the laundry and put them away neatly. Your roommate, on the other hand, leaves clothes strewn on her bed, which remains perpetually unmade. There’s trash everywhere, but thankfully only on her side of the room.

This is perhaps the most iconic example of roommate clashes. An unmade bed can be unsightly to someone who loves cleanliness, but it can be equally difficult for a girl who’s oblivious to messes to suddenly get the urge to clean.

How to deal

If you have a need for clean, try to keep it to your side of the room. Your roommate is not under your control, and you cannot expect her to conform to your standards.

“Everyone has the right to maintain personal items and space as she chooses,” says Susan Fee, a licensed professional counselor and author of My Roommate’s Driving Me Crazy!“The only time it becomes an issue is if the mess moves into common area [or] your space, or is smelly or unsanitary.”

So while her messy bed may be unsightly, as long as she’s not throwing trash on your desk, it may be best to let this one slide. See if she’ll agree to clean up a bit when parents or friends come over, but otherwise, let it go.

2. She’s up when you’re sleeping.

One of you likes to get up with the sun, while the other loves burning the midnight oil. We all have our own circadian rhythms that are hard to reprogram. It’s equally as frustrating trying to sleep with the lights on as it is for her to hear your alarm blaring hours before she’s slated to wake up.

How to deal

If you’re finding your sleep habits are causing tension, there may be a way to get back in sync! Get a sleep mask to keep the light out of your eyes and earplugs to block the sound of the alarm. Try to be as quiet as possible in the early mornings, and do your late-night studying in your dorm’s common room. Try to be respectful of your roomie’s sleeping times. After all, being woken up in the middle of a good dream is perhaps the worst thing ever.

3. She always has people over.

You see your room as a safe space to get away from the outside world. Unfortunately, your roomie seems to enjoy bringing the outside world into your room. Sometimes she doesn’t even ask!

“My freshman-year roommate and I definitely had some interesting differences,” says Shira, a senior at Franklin & Marshall College. “She would frequently bring people over without any forewarning for me and just have them stay the night or stay late when I would want to go to sleep.”

How to deal

It’s always polite to ask! If someone’s going to be in your room other than you, let your roomie know in advance.

If your roommate seems to have people over all the time without telling you, however, talk to her about it. Shira found this was a great way to solve her problem. “Eventually I talked to my roommate about it and told her that she should at least give me some sort of warning,” she says. “She agreed and said she wouldn’t do it again, and just talking to her cleared the air a bit.”

4. She’s passive-aggressive.

Your roommate may not be the best at confrontation. While open communication is ideal, some girls may not be used to voicing their opinions directly. However, when you or your roomie is leaving Post-it notes on the fridge or giving the other the silent treatment, it’ll be difficult to adequately solve any conflict.

How to deal

When it comes to roommate troubles, shutting down and suffering in silence will certainly not fix the problem. Fee suggests avoiding behaviors like complaining to floor mates or leaving messes to make a point. “You don’t solve a problem by joining it,” she says.

Passive-aggressive behavior only serves to breed resentment and contempt—not an ideal atmosphere! Talking with your roommate openly gives you the chance to reach a solution that will work for both of you. (Plus, those negotiation skills will come in handy when it’s time to ask your future boss for a raise!)

If your roommate is displaying these behaviors, she may have trouble with confrontation, so let her know it’s alright to shoot you a text or talk to you about it openly if there’s an issue.

5. She uses your stuff all the time.

Some of us might be very open to sharing, while others don’t want to share our personal belongings. Alex, a senior at the Savannah College of Art and Design, had trouble with a roommate who took sharing too far.

“She was constantly using kitchen things from other roommates without permission, even after being asked not to,” she says. “I had learned not to share my kitchen supplies because in the past, my stuff would get ruined a lot faster than if it was just me taking care of my things.”

How to deal

You may have discussed sharing large appliances like the fridge and the microwave, but if your roomie assumes that sharing everything comes with the territory of living together, it may be good to talk about it.

“Start by asking what she thinks is reasonable,” like marking things with your names so you both know what can and cannot be borrowed or shared, Fee suggests. “Ask for changes when her habits impact your own space.”

6. She doesn’t share your beliefs.

Ideally, you discussed these sorts of lifestyle differences before you chose your roommate. But if you have a random roomie or the conversation never got as far as beliefs, you may be in for an uncomfortable surprise.

Shira recalls that, while she and her roommate were both Jewish, her roommate was making an effort to break away from that lifestyle. “When I was observing Passover, she would eat a cup of noodles on her bed in front of me,” Shira says. “Totally not kosher for Passover.”

How to deal

As always, talk to your roommate to see if you can find a solution. For example, perhaps one of you tries to utilize the worship spaces on campus while the other agrees to be more mindful during religious holidays.

Shira found that this sort of compromise worked for her and her roommate. “We ultimately worked it out as I went to a religious group on campus, Chabad, for more Passover meals,” she explains. “I didn't have to feel uncomfortable, and she was able to eat whatever she wanted.”

7. She puts her sex life on display.

It can be pretty awkward trying to study while your roommate is spending some quality time with her significant other.

Kathryne Davis, a recent graduate of SUNY Oswego, dealt with this firsthand. “My roommate had a girlfriend who went to a different school, so when she came over, she'd spend the night,” she says. “They would make out while I was sitting and watching TV and doing homework, which I think is a little awkward, no matter who the couple is. Once, I was trying to sleep, and they came in the room and [started] having sex. I didn't know what to do, so I got up and slept in the common room while they were in the middle of doing stuff. My roommate and I never discussed the issue.”

How to deal

Discussion is definitely the way to go for situations like this. In fact, Fee stresses the importance of discussion before issues even occur.

“You should always talk about expectations of having people over or how your habits might impact your roommate,” she says.

Talk to your roommate to find a solution that works for you. See if she’ll shoot you a text when someone is coming over so that you have time to make other arrangements if necessary, or if you can agree to certain times or days of the week when overnight visitors are allowed (such as no one staying the night on weeknights).

It sucks when you feel like you can’t be yourself in your own room, but for the time being, you have to share a space with someone who might be nothing like you. While you don’t have to agree with someone’s actions, Fee encourages us to always be respectful of others.

“Learning from each other is part of the real life classroom,” she says.

As always, keep the lines of communication wide open so that you and your roomie can have a relaxed and happy dorm life!

Order our Book, The Her Campus Guide to College Life, NOW!

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Hey collegiettes!

We know you love reading HC on your laptops, your smartphones, and your tablets... but now you can truly curl up with HC because our first-ever book, The Her Campus Guide to College Life, just hit stores!

Order your copy online here or head to your local Barnes & Noble! And be sure to check out our upcoming schedule of book signing events and see if we're coming to your area!

The Her Campus Guide to College Life: How to Manage Relationships, Stay Safe and Healthy, Handle Stress, and Have the Best Years of Your Life covers everything you need to know to rock college, from how to get along with your roommates to how to avoid the 'freshman 15', deal with tough professors, snag internships, decide whether to study abroad, and much, much more.

Whether you're already an upperclassman or are just getting ready to go off to college next fall, this book has everything you need to survive and thrive on campus when it comes to all aspects of your life. Our book also includes handy resources like a template roommate contract, dorm room grocery list, and more.

Want a sneak preview? Read an excerpt from our book here then order your copy!

I can't wait to hear what you think!

HC Love,
Stephanie Kaplan Lewis, Co-founder, CEO & Editor-in-Chief of Her Campus

 

 

Is Rihanna Launching Her Own Beauty Line?

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We have long admired Rihanna's daring beauty choices—is there a look she hasn't tried? We've seen her rock everything from green lipstick to cotton candy pink hair, and somehow, it all looks good on her. If you've ever wondered what her secret to slaying is, you might be in luck... because rumor has it Rihanna has plans to launch her own beauty collection.

Last year, the pop star went under the radar to trademark Fenty Beauty, and this week, Refinery29 asked the singer about it. Rihanna was apparently surprised; "Oh wow, that's crazy, how did you know about that?" she asked, but went on to say that it's something she would "love to do." That wasn't it, though. She as good as confirmed it when she added, "It’s something that I’ve always wanted to do, but I’ve always had so much on my hands. But, this time, I’m going to make sure it happens. I'm going to find some time between albums and fragrance to do that. I promise." We're holding you to that promise, RiRi!

We've already seen a glimpse of what a Rihanna-inspired beauty line might look like; she's partnered with MAC on campaigns and collections that are bold, feature highly pigmented products and all-around incredible.

Rihanna didn't leave us wondering about too much though; she revealed a little sneak peek on what we might be able to expect from her future collection. "Lashes that could just put themselves on... lipstick that doesn’t move, but doesn’t dry your lips out, that you don’t need a liner for. I mean, it sounds so unreal," she said. But honestly, if anybody could make all that (and probably more) happen, it's definitely Rihanna. We can't wait!

I Tried the Whole30 Challenge & Here's What Happened

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Today is Monday, July 27.  It’s the day after Her Conference, it’s exactly one month from the day I'll leave for a trip to Hawaii for my best friend’s wedding, and it’s day one of my first-ever Whole30 challenge.

What is the Whole30 challenge?

In case you’ve been living under a rock, here’s a brief overview of the Whole30:

For 30 days, you only eat food that is good for you. No added sugar of any kind, no alcohol, no grains, no dairy, no legumes and no MSG/carrageenan/sulfites/other chemicals. As the Whole30 authors put it, you just eat meat, seafood, eggs, vegetables, fruit and “good” fats from fruits, oils, nuts and seeds. The idea is that by cutting out these negative food groups and only allowing yourself to eat natural food, you’re better able to listen to your body and figure out the kinds of foods that have been affecting your health and quality of life.

I heard about the Whole30 from my boyfriend’s aunt. She lost a ton of weight through the program, which is how we got on the topic—she just looked amazing, and I wanted to know her secret. But for her, the Whole30 was about so much more than just losing weight. Once she cut those food groups out of her diet, she not only looked better, she felt so much better. Even now that she has stopped sticking strictly to the program, she continues to leave dairy and non-organic gluten out of her diet, and she feels significantly healthier for it.

I’ve had stomach issues myself pretty much since college started. And, of course, I haven’t had the healthiest diet since my freshman year. I just graduated, and I knew that it was time to press ‘reset’ after four years of pizza and Franzia. I wanted to get back in touch with my body and remember what it actually felt like to be healthy. So I decided I’d take on the Whole30 challenge.

My Experience

Preparing for the Whole30

I convinced my boyfriend, Andrew, that we should both complete this challenge leading up to the wedding that we are going to in Hawaii in late August. We both read the book It Starts With Food to get a better understanding of why certain foods were excluded from the program and how our bodies react to the foods we consume. I spent hours on Pinterest looking up Whole30-compliant meals and constructing a meal plan for our 30 days, because I knew that without one, we would definitely fall off the wagon.

Once I had the meal plan set up for all 30 days, I created a grocery list for each week of the program (so that our produce and meat wouldn’t go bad before we could use it).

And that was it! We were ready… we hoped.

Week 1

Here goes! We are both so excited to get started with this challenge and to feel healthy again. From our point of view, this should be easy. We both love meat and veggies, and if that’s the basis of this challenge, it can’t be too hard. Right?

Here’s our Week 1 meal plan and grocery list, in case you’re interested in trying the plan out for yourself.

This first week was rough. Between the sugar detox and the “carb flu” (the fatigued, headache-y feeling you get when you eliminate grains from your diet) I felt sleepy and grumpy for the first few days. But toward the end of the week, preparing Whole30 meals didn’t feel so abnormal anymore, and I started to feel a bit perkier.

Also worth noting: wow, this challenge is expensive! Our grocery bill for the week was easily twice what it usually is. I guess we’re investing in our health right now. Plus we won’t be spending any money out at bars and restaurants like we typically would throughout the month. Maybe it evens out... maybe.

We did end up getting Chipotle for lunch on Day 4, since we found out that if you order a salad with carnitas, pico de gallo, extra lettuce and guac, it totally fits within the Whole30 guidelines. Score! At least that was one meal that I didn’t have to cook this week.

On Day 6, we faced a MAJOR challenge: we were going to a wedding with an open bar, an ice cream bar, a drool-worthy cake and all sorts of other delicious treats that we couldn’t have. But we talked to the kitchen staff to make sure the steak and vegetables we had asked to eat for dinner were being cooked in olive oil, and we still held strong! While everyone else ate cake and ice cream and drank cocktails, we ate raw veggies and fruit and drank sparkling water with orange slices. What a testament to our willpower! High fives all around.

Hopefully this next week will bring less grumpiness and more rewards!

Week 2

We went grocery shopping again on Sunday and even printed out our meal plan so we’d be 100 percent sure to stay on track. If we made it through that treat-laden wedding full of free, delicious, non-Whole30-compliant foods, we can definitely make it through this next week!

This week wasn’t as bad as Week 1, for sure. We got into a rhythm of preparing Whole30 meals and snacks for ourselves, and by the middle of the week, it was almost starting to feel normal.

Disaster nearly struck on Sunday, however, when my boyfriend’s older brother stopped by. We had babysat his pug for the weekend and to repay us, he came to our apartment with a case of beer and a bottle of wine. We smiled and accepted these gifts—then as soon as he left, we found hiding places for them so we wouldn’t be tempted.

For the rest of the day, it felt like all we could talk about were the things we missed eating. Andrew wanted a box of donut holes and a case of beer (he’s basically Homer Simpson when he’s hungry). I wanted wine and cheese with a baguette and maybe some gelato (apparently I was feeling European). We sucked it up and made ourselves a healthy dinner, and the cravings subsided—but man, it felt like we were goners for a bit there.

At this point, I can tell I’ve lost some weight (though we aren’t supposed to weigh ourselves during the challenge). Aside from that, though, I’m not feeling any of the other benefits that the book talked about. My sleep cycle hasn’t improved, my skin doesn’t look much clearer than usual… but I guess we’re only halfway there. It’s not called the Whole14, right?

Week 3

We headed to a local farmer's market this time to get all of our supplies for Week 3. Then, we stopped by the grocery store to pick up a few extra things that we had read about on other Whole30 blogs—Lara Bars, Aidell’s chicken sausage and tea. It’s always good to have a few extras on hand in case hunger strikes!

This week, I started to notice that once I was awake and moving, I didn’t feel like I was drifting through my usual groggy morning haze. I was alert and didn’t feel my usual first-thing-in-the-morning coffee craving. Also, my skin looks great! I haven’t worn makeup this week at all and Andrew has still complimented my complexion a few times. Score!

On a more negative note, as sad as this sounds, it’s really hard to socialize with our other adult friends on the Whole30. We can’t meet up for a drink or grab a bite to eat at our usual places. And it’s not exactly like people will be jumping for joy if we invite them over for salads and sparkling water. We’re definitely missing our pals right about now.

Week 4

This week, we picked our own produce at a local orchard. We got peaches, blueberries, strawberries and more for way cheaper than we would have at the grocery store—plus, it was a fun experience!

We’ve been less structured with our meals this week. After three weeks of planning every meal, we’ve figured out the basic components of the average Whole30 meal: protein, vegetables, spices and a little healthy fat. We bought meats that we know we’ve enjoyed cooking and eating (Aidell’s Chicken and Apple Sausage, grass-fed ground beef, and organic chicken breast) and vegetables we don’t mind preparing (microwaveable steamed organic broccoli, sweet potatoes, mixed greens and bell peppers), along with flavorful additions (onions, garlic, red pepper flakes and whole grain brown mustard), and just sort of threw them together in varying pleasing combinations.

We also love eating fresh fruit between meals to keep our energy up. A handful of blueberries or a peach can really kill a sugar craving, I’ve noticed. I also keep cashews and almonds on my desk at work in case I start getting #hangry.

Final Days

I’ve got to say, by this point I really thought we wouldn’t miss non-Whole30 food anymore. The Whole30 community talks about this “Tiger Blood” feeling you’re supposed to get toward the end of the Whole30, where you feel like a superhero… and we don’t have it.

I’m really proud to say that we were able to stick to the Whole30 this long, but I’m not sure how much I feel I’ve gotten out of the experience. My stomach hasn’t hurt throughout the past 30 days, and my skin has been clearer than usual. I don't feel quite as dependent on coffee as I once did. But was it all worth it? I’m not so sure. 

Major Takeaways

This challenge is tough to stick to, and I didn’t get as much out of it as the Whole30 community (and the book) made me hope for. I didn’t discover any food allergies that could be negatively impacting my digestive process. My quality of life didn’t really improve. And I am fairly confident that as soon as I start eating normally again, I’m going to gain back all of the weight that I’ve lost in this process.

If you just want to do the Whole30 to lose weight, I can promise you that you will. I lost 15 pounds, and my boyfriend lost around the same. But will your digestive issues be magically fixed? Will you sleep better? Will you feel like a superhero for the second half of the challenge? Will you stop craving the foods that you’ve loved your entire life? Based on my experience, no, you won’t. And you'll spend a LOT of money to figure that out. 

However, I did learn a few things. I learned that I can say no to foods that are bad for me and can handle food cravings without succumbing to them. I learned to be more critical of the ingredients in foods that I typically assume (or am told) are healthy. I learned how to cook—and I learned that I can actually make time to make healthy meals for myself on a regular basis.

That said, this challenge was hard. We couldn’t really go out to eat, because restaurants often use oils or spices that aren’t Whole30-approved. We couldn’t go out for drinks with friends, since alcohol is prohibited on the challenge. We had to pack Whole30-approved foods with us when we were invited places for parties or events. Every meal had to be planned and prepared, for the most part. It’s a lot of work. And I’m not totally convinced that the work was worth it.

I do plan to try to stick to a healthier diet during the work week from this point forward, and I hope to only allow myself to splurge on unhealthy (but delicious) foods on the weekends. But I don’t think the healthy part of my future diet will be Whole30-approved, you know? I like Greek yogurt and quinoa. I don’t feel like I need to cut cheese completely out of my diet to live a mostly healthy lifestyle.

Personally, I don’t think I’ll do the Whole30 again, because I don’t feel like the pros outweigh the cons. Maybe it will work for you—maybe you’ll learn that you were allergic to gluten this whole time and your quality of life will be forever improved. I certainly can’t say for sure that this challenge doesn’t work, since it has helped so many other people out there. But for me, it didn’t live up to the hype.

Whole30 Lifesavers

If you do decide to take on the Whole30, you don't ever want to be unprepared when hunger strikes! You'll definitely want to keep these easy (and delicious) foods in your arsenal to make the experience as stress-free as possible for yourself: 

  • Aidell's Chicken and Apple Sausage
  • Microwaveable veggies (be sure to check the ingredients list—make sure the vegetable is the only ingredient!)
  • Unsweetened tea (I liked Tazo's passion tea, which you can get on ice at Starbucks!) 
  • Carrot sticks with Wholly Guacamole (sold in most grocery stores) 
  • Lara Bars (we LOVED the Apple Pie flavor—other Whole30-compliant flavors include Banana Bread, Coconut Cream Pie and Cashew Cookie) 
  • Breakfast egg muffins
  • Black coffee with cinnamon 
  • Homemade baked sweet potato chips 
  • Apples with almond butter (make sure roasted almonds are the only ingredients in the almond butter!) 
  • Frank's Red Hot Sauce (the original flavor—we added this to EVERYTHING) 
  • A salad with carnitas, pico de gallo, guacamole and extra lettuce from Chipotle 

Basically, it's important to make sure that you've got some simple options on hand at all times that you actually like, otherwise you'll end up wanting to quit. These snacks, drinks and meals pretty much got us through the challenge—hopefully they'll help you if you decide to try the Whole30 challenge, too! 

7 Ways Taylor Swift's 'Wildest Dreams' is Like a Nicholas Sparks Movie

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If you haven't already seen Taylor Swift's music video for "Wildest Dreams," stop everything right now and watch it here:

It's everything we love, rolled into one—a healthy dose of heartwrenching romance, stunning animals, and obviously, runway-worthy fashion. But something about these captivating 4 minutes has us wondering if there's something more to this formula... we did a little digging, and realized that "Wildest Dreams" is basically a Nicholas Sparks movie. Here's the proof:

1. Flirting isn't awkward, it's adorable

2. Couples frequently jump into one another's arms in joy

3. The presence of steamy guys is NOT lacking

4. No great love comes without pain

5. Apparently there is nothing more romantic than kissing in the rain

6. You never forget a great love

7. Breakups tend to end with someone driving away

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