Bachelor in Paradise makes its season three return to ABC on Tuesday, August 2, but just who can we expect to see in the line-up? Some of the most recognizable faces in Bachelor history, of course!

While we wait for more additions from JoJo Fletcher's current season of The Bachelorette, we can enjoy the first batch of unveiled cast members. From memorable veterans of Bachelor in Paradise to fresh faces from Ben Higgins' and Kaitlyn Bristowe's seasons, these fan favorites will not dissapoint. Check out who they are below.

1. Chad Johnson

You didn't expect Paradise to happen without the Chad in attendance, did you?

2. Emily and Haley Ferguson

The twins may not have had much luck with Ben, but maybe they can find another man who will want to date both of them.

3. Carly Waddell

We were devastated by Kirk and Carly's breakup on last season of Bachelor in Paradise. Here's hoping she finds someone worthy of her this time around.

4. Jared Haibon

Please bring Ashley I. Please bring Ashley I.

5. Lace Morris

Lace is giving the franchise another try after being labeled the token "crazy" girl of Ben's season. (She's ~not~ crazy.)

6. Leah Block

Remember when Leah told Ben that awful lie about Lauren B.? Even if you don't, Leah is heading to this tropical destination with a target on her back.

7. Amanda Stanton

We guarantee ALL the guys will be fighting over this gorgeous mom of two.

8. Sarah Herron

A fan favorite on the first season of Paradise, we can't wait to see Sarah return and give us someone to root for.

9. Izzy Goodkind

We know what you're thinking: who?! SAME.

10. Jubilee Sharpe

Jubilee will bring her real, tell-it-like-it-is attitude to this crazy environment, and we will love every second of it.

I scrolled through my Facebook feed Saturday afternoon, and smiled at all the LGBTQ+ pride parade posts in my hometown of Boston. I saw happy faces, declarations of pride and the iconic rainbow balloon arch in the background. I remember thinking how far the LGBTQ+ community has come in recent years. Then I woke up Sunday morning to news of the Orlando shooting, and I remembered that the fight is far from over.

It wasn’t until recently that I learned the club was hosting a Latin night and that most of the victims were Hispanic. I went to the web page the city of Orlando has created for the victims and saw many surnames such as Martinez, Velazquez and Fernandez. This information caught my breath because I am a member of both the LGBTQ+ and Hispanic community. For many cultural reasons it can be especially difficult to come out in a Hispanic family, and while LGBTQ+ representation in the media is improving, much of it is still whitewashed.

Growing up I knew people who were gay or Hispanic, but never both. My grandmother, or Abuelita, asks me if I've found a man yet, and I haven’t had the heart to tell her no—but that I've found a wonderful woman. My father was accepting when I told him, but I had read countless articles telling me it would turn out differently. Coming out can be a difficult experience for everyone, especially if it means a life riddled with fear and discrimination—something people of color and other marginalized groups are all too aware of.

Though it isn’t known if the shooter was targeting the Hispanic community specifically, he has a history of voicing hatred for gays and other minorities, and most of his victims were gay, Latino or both. Whether the victims of this crime were out of the closet, an ally, or simply someone looking forward to a fun night out, one thing is for sure—Each one went to that nightclub knowing they were among friends and an accepting community. That safety and security was robbed from them.

Now is the time to stand up and fight for laws that protect marginalized people. In most states it is still okay to fire someone based on their sexual orientation. Hispanics are stereotyped in the media as undocumented and unintelligent. I endured slurs in high school when classmates learned what my father’s last name was.

I have seen plenty of posts on social media declaring racism and homophobia are no longer problems. I have even read the tweets of those condoning the Orlando shooting and declaring him a hero for massacring a bunch of gays. This mindset sickens me, and unfortunately reminds me that there are people out there who don’t consider me a human being. We are far from the world of complete peace and acceptance that so many think we're living in. That isn’t to say that progress hasn’t been made, but no individual should be murdered for the color of their skin or the person they love. That seems like simple common sense to me.

A few weeks back, I read an open letter to college crybabies from a CEO about how college students expect the real world to coddle us.

As a hard working college student, with realistic expectations of safe spaces and future job prospects, I have written this response. I followed a similar format to address points specifically. Since the author addresses college students as a collective unit, I respond with plural nouns such as we and us.

Dear CEOs with similar sentiments,

Thank you for (seemingly) understanding the stress of college. Yes, we have numerous papers to write and ample assignments due on a daily basis. But we deal with much more than daily homework stress or a fight with our best friends or significant other.

It’s tough, indeed.

Our professors challenge our notions of right and wrong, too. We have to read books we may not agree with, engage in discussion about topics that hit close to home, and talk to people with different values and ideals. This isn’t necessarily a challenge, but a necessity in becoming a well-rounded, conscious person. Not all of us are intolerant of opposing opinions; we are only intolerant when those opinions threaten our safety.

Learning is exciting. With so many new innovations and advances in technology, we have access to valuable resources our parents didn’t. We are inventing. We are progressing. We are striving. But we are also not going to stay quiet about the injustices we experience. We are grateful for this costly education we are receiving. When we are paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for an education, it is fair to expect certain accommodations.

I am actually not offended by anything you’ve said thus far, Mr. CEO. Everyone is entitled to his or her opinions. However, I must contend that there is nothing wrong with running to a safe space or safe place. I will refer to it as a safe place, as you have, but it is commonly known as a safe space. Many college students struggle with mental health issues, and although those issues may not impact me personally, I will not shun my fellow peers for needing more resources to make them feel safe. You gave “safe place” a negative connation, and I do not believe that to be a fair assumption to make.

A safe place is an environment created where people can be 100 percent open about the problems they have in their lives without fear of judgment or retaliation. Not every place is meant to be a safe place. My home is a safe place (it isn’t for everyone, however), but my job is not.

If my best friend is suffering from a crippling anxiety attack or a bout of manic depression, I want him or her to feel comfortable running to a safe place. If your offensive comment is triggering, I want the person offended to get help from the proper sources.

We don’t cite urbandictionary.com in our papers or senior theses, but thanks for the reference.

I don’t think "wussification" is the problem. Rather, liberal college students do not stand for injustices and our fight is misconstrued as us being offended or us turning into wussies. Some students—like myself—with strong opinions will immediately get critical of somebody like Donald Trump or Milo. Does that make me a wussy? No. It makes me a person with a moral compass that does not stand for injustices. Just as they can speak up, so can I.

Don’t apologize, Mr. CEO. We do not need to be told how wonderful we are. Believe me, we know that we are not all shining stars deserving of recognition. The assumption is that we need to be coddled, when in reality we just want to be treated equally. I do not need a pat on the back every time I do something right, nor do I want that. We understand that great success comes from hard work and we put in that work daily.

College is our first step into the real world. Most of have jobs or internships during college, and/or have had a taste of the real world from other experiences. Me personally: I have my own apartment, I pay my own bills, and I have two jobs and two internships. Believe me, I know something about life and responsibilities. If I were to leave my safety net, as you claim I have in college, I would be just fine in the real world. I am doing it now this summer as a working adult.

I can tell you are a white man just by your tone. “So-called” marginalized students? The students at the University of Arizona who demanded a more inclusive diversity plan and more money to enact this plan, among other things, ARE marginalized. The definition of marginalized, according to Merriam-Webster, is “to put or keep (someone) in a powerless or unimportant position within a society or group.” How, as a white male who has always had power in society, can you tell students from minority and LGBTQ+ communities that they are not marginalized? You can’t.

There are extremes in every case. Should I feel threatened by someone writing “Trump 2016” on the ground? No. What I am threatened by is the hateful rhetoric of Trump supporters who threaten to hurt black people. Hate speech is illegal, and if my classmates threaten my safety in that regard, they should be reprimanded. A few letters on the sidewalk mean nothing to me, but threats to hurt me do mean something.

I do not look for a safe place, because my campus does not have one. I know people craving a safe place where they can be open and honest about the issues they are facing and problems they are experiencing. Does that mean they are victims of wussification? No. It means they are human. Humans face issues and it is okay to need help sometimes. People like you make it difficult for others to accept the fact that is okay to not be okay.

I walk out of my apartment with my head held high ready to conquer what the world throws at me. I am ready for almost anything and I attribute my successes to that characteristic of mine. Here are some lessons you should learn about compassion and humanity.

1. I don’t need the business world to give a damn about me

No, really—I don’t. My personal life does not affect my job, except for in extreme cases such as the death of a loved one. I hope if your wife or mother or sibling died, you would want a day off work for the funeral. I was in an emotionally and physically abusive relationship, and managed to miss one day of work because of it. I think I know a thing or two about separating my personal life from work. I agree that bosses have their breaking points, but that does not mean I’m only good for giving excuses. If something comes up, something comes up. I’m sure you’ve been late for an event or two in your lifetime. If you give me guidelines, and I consistently break them, of course I shouldn’t have that job. Not all college students believe they are entitled to things because they are wonderful. You’re paying me to do a job and I will do a damn good job.

2. I don’t expect work to be my safe place

I don’t run to my job when I need an escape. I run to my friends or family. Just because my job may not be my safe place, does not mean I am not entitled to a safe place at all. I want the real world to challenge me. I want to reach my maximum potential. The reason I left my hometown was because I couldn’t grow. I was around stagnant people who had no motivation to be better, so I moved to the East Coast to be pushed. I surrounded myself with people who are better than me. As a journalist, I want my boss to rip my ideas to shreds. I want to become a better writer. Why is that a bad thing? We aren’t all sensitive. Most of us can take criticism. I can work with people whom I dislike (I have done it before). Most college students want money, and if you are paying us, we can look past our differences and get the job done.

Reading this portion of your article, I am baffled. If you ask anybody who knows me, I am an extremely hardworking individual who hustles harder than anyone to get the job done. I thought you were going to write about how college students have become wussies, but somehow you are talking about our work ethic and how we don’t hustle.

Woah. Mr. CEO, your privilege is seeping through now. Not everyone who is on unemployment is someone who is lazy and wussified. Most people on unemployment are minorities, because it is statistically more difficult for us to get jobs. Single moms and working families also collect unemployment because they can’t maintain a job and a household. The reasons why someone might collect unemployment are vast.  Maybe you should take a sociology class to learn about other races in the world and how social issues impact them.

3. I took economics. I know “there’s no such thing as a free lunch”

Need I say more? You keep saying “I get it,” but you simply don’t. Most college students don’t come from old money. I’m not speaking for the heirs to millionaires. I’m speaking for the working college student who sees the value of a safe place, the student that knows the value of hard work and its benefits. We are in college, getting an education—we have to work for it. We can’t wake up one day with a degree. No. We have to actually get up and go to classes, turn in our assignments, take finals, etc. to get that magical piece of paper. Taxes are designed to give us access to public resources. We complain about potholes in the road, and our taxes and tolls pay to fix them. We whine about taxes because they are tedious and downright annoying to complete. Do we do them? Yes. Do we like it? No. Do you like doing taxes? I don’t think so. I can complain about that. Or do I have to pretend the world is peachy keen and perfect as you think I think it is? Do you really think we don’t know we have to pay for these things?

4. Who said I was a victim?

In college, any time my feelings were hurt, my feelings were hurt. That doesn’t mean I am a victim. If I survived a rape or assault, I was a victim of rape or assault. Just because my feelings are hurt, that does not mean I am a victim. If I’m challenged, I am forced to look at the world in a different way. The only challengers who I consider bigots are the ones who posses racist, misogynist, and homophobic views. Are those not bigots? You say that the content of who I am is more important than the color of my skin or socioeconomic background, but can’t even recognize that I am from a marginalized community. I would like to believe that my content of my character is more important, but in the world we live in not everybody sees that. Does that make me a victim? No. That makes me a racially conscious human being.

5. No, really?! I didn’t know success is hard work!

Success is obviously hard work. Why do you think some of us go to medical school or graduate school? We want to have high-earning careers. Why do you think we put so many hours into schoolwork? We want to do well. All of my graduated senior friends were ecstatic when they received their first job offers. Hell, when I got my first entry-level job in high school I was grateful. We don’t expect to get passes—We just expect equal, fair treatment.

So, Mr. CEO, I will enjoy the rest of college career as a hardworking student. I don’t consider college a daycare, because no one watches over me. No one makes sure I go to class. No one force-feeds me. I am accountable for myself.

You think you are speaking to a large portion of the college population, but you aren’t. I do not know a single person with the ideals or values you’ve written about in this article.

Sincerely,

Jazmyne A. Jackson

Student, Editorial Intern, Writer, Hardworking HUMAN

We're well into summer, and as a collegiette you’re likely to be embarking on a new job or internship. Whether you’re stuck in an office cubicle, waiting tables, student-teaching, or folding clothes at your favorite store, you’ll be working with people in some way or another! One of the most important parts of joining the workforce is learning how to work as a member of a team, regardless of whether you’re a manager at your long-time job or an intern just starting out. Learning how to interact with each of your unique co-workers is the first step towards a happier, healthier work experience. To help you out, we’ve broken down the different types of people you may encounter at your internship or job—complete with tips on how to deal with them!

1. The young, relatable mentor

One of the best parts of working is forming relationships with people who understand what it was like to be in your shoes and are willing to help you improve. If you’ve had experience with this kind of person in a work setting, you know how much less stressful it is to have someone you can go to with questions and be completely honest with. “At my internship last summer, I had a cool and young supervisor,” says Tabia Robinson, a senior at the University of Albany. “I met Candice on the second day of my internship, and I immediately felt like I could relate to her. Over time, she became not only my mentor but a close friend, and my work experience was pleasant because we always had fun together. Not to mention, she really helped me increase my professional network.”

As you embark on your new job or internship, be open to the supervisors or managers who try to reach out and help you. More importantly, initiate conversations and forge new connections on your own! It may just be the start of a lasting friendship.

2. The demanding boss

There’s nothing worse than going to work every day and having to face a demanding boss with unrealistic expectations. No matter how hard you try to impress him or her, it seems like you just can't do enough. “I’ve dealt with a demanding boss for a long time, and it used to really affect my attitude negatively when I was at work,” says Emily Smith*, a freshman at the University of Southern Illinois. “However, over time I realized that they just liked to have things done a certain way, and I changed my attitude to be as flexible and understanding as I could. Still, if I get frustrated, I just approach them and try to talk things out or suggest a different solution.”

While some people’s attitudes are impossible to change, you always have the power to control yours. By flipping your perspective and seeing things from your supervisor’s point of view, you may be able to better understand how they work and why they expect the things they do. While this may not make them less demanding, it can relieve some of the stress and tension that you feel.

3. The fellow intern

One of the most nerve-wracking parts of starting a new job or internship is walking in on the first day and feeling completely lost. But don't worry! Many companies hire multiple employees or interns at a time, meaning that more likely than not, there’s usually someone else in your exact same shoes, ready to learn and struggle along with you. Having someone right there by your side who knows exactly how you feel makes the work day much less stressful.

“When I first started my new job last summer, I was really nervous about learning the ropes,” says Danielle Schmidt*, a sophomore at Indiana University. “However, I started talking to a lot of the other college kids my age and realized they were just as worried as I was. Having someone there to understand your what you’re going through made it a lot easier to get adjusted.”

4. The competitive coworker

Regardless of the type of job or internship you’ve had in the past, you’ve probably dealt with the coworker who turns every day into a competition. While having someone to push and challenge you can be beneficial, the added stress can take a toll on you over time.

“Once I got to know my co-workers at my new job, I realized there was one person who was always trying to outdo everyone to impress our manager,” says Danielle. “They turned even the simplest of assignments into competitions, which made it really hard to be friendly with them because I was always stressing out. Working with an overly competitive person made me realize that you can’t constantly be comparing yourself with others, and you just have to focus on what you’re assigned.”

Learning how to be confident in your own abilities and not compare yourself to others is one of the best things you can do for yourself, both in and out of the workplace.

5. The office gossip

There are some things that don’t change whether you’re in high school, college or the real world, and gossip is no exception. When working in a job or internship, it can be hard to draw the line between being social, chatty, or a downright gossip.

“I’m a really talkative and outgoing person, and sometimes I catch myself gossiping when I don’t even realize it,” admits Emily. “However, I learned that there’s a big difference between gossiping with your friends and gossiping in a professional setting. You really do have to filter what you say, because word gets around quickly in an office and it can easily come back to bite you.”

As you get closer with your co-workers, you may find yourself feeling tempted to gossip about other people. As difficult as it can be to avoid it, remember that no job or internship is worth losing over a negative or hurtful comment. And if someone you work with initiates the gossip? Change the subject, and if you're comfortable doing so, gently let you co-worker know that you'd prefer not to talk about your other colleagues.

6. The group leader

You may remember this person from your group project days: the one who isn’t afraid to take charge of any situation. If you’re shy or new to your job, the group leader is secretly your personal lifesaver.

“When I started at my new job, I had no idea what I was supposed to be working on,” says Danielle. “Luckily, I got close with one of my co-workers who had been working there forever. Whenever our manager wasn’t around, they were always willing to explain what we were working on and divide up the work for everyone else. It made the work day run much more smoothly.”

Don't be embarrassed to ask for guidance—group leaders are there to help! Demonstrating your cooperative side can show a boss that you aren't afraid to take criticism and know how to follow directions—an important skill for any intern or employee to have. Of course, it's equally as impressive to take charge! As you become more comfortable with your role in your job or internship, don’t be afraid to become the one who initiates projects or reaches out to others. After all, there will likely be a new employee looking for advice just like you were on your first day!

Starting a new job or internship can be stressful, but making an effort to improve your relationships with those around you can help contribute to a more enjoyable work environment. If you’re willing to step out of your comfort zone, ask questions, and work as a member of a team, you’ll be on your way to becoming the best employee or intern you can be. Best of luck out there, collegiettes!

*Names have been changed.

In the midst of national controversies over transgender rights, such as the bathroom laws in North Carolina, an Oregon court recently took a revolutionary step toward supporting varying gender identities. In a decision made Friday, people will now be able to legally choose to be neither sex. In other words, you have the right to be able to identify as "gender nonbinary" instead of exclusively as male or female, The New York Times reports.

Jaime Shupe, a retired U.S. Army Sergeant, successfully petitioned Portland, Ore. to be legally designated as nonbinary. Judge Amy Holmes Hehn of the Circuit Court in Multnomah County approved the petition. At first, she told Shupe's lawyer Lake Perriguey that he was "pushing the envelope," with the request to not identify as a particular gender.

To this, Perriguey reportedly replied, "We're not, really. The envelope just needs to get bigger." 

In 2013, Shupe, who prefers the gender-neutral pronouns "they" and "their," finally retired from the military after 18 years. That's when they decided to start living their life as the woman they had always believed theirself to be, despite Shupe's male anatomy. According to the NY Times, Shupe won a hard fought battle with the military to be given discharge papers that officially reflected their female gender. 

However, Shupe soon realized that they did not feel quite right being fully female, either. They did not want to classify theirself as exclusively male or female—Shupe was, instead, "nonbinary." 

Refinery29 reports that although the Oregon court allowed Shupe to petition to change their gender status, others seeking to follow suit must still get a separate petition signed off by the court. Still, Transgender Law Center executive director Kris Hayashi calls this a "historic step" in the right direction, according to the NY Times. Shupe has paved the way for our right to freely—and legally—express our chosen gender identity.

As news of the shooting at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla. spreads, individuals from the LGBTQ+ community in the area are beginning to come forward, saying that they recognize the gunman, Omar Mateen, from previous encounters, either at the club or on gay dating apps.

As many as four people told BuzzFeed News that they had seen him in the nightclub several times before, sometimes even associating with other patrons. He was known for talking about topics such as his family, and generally keeping to himself. One former club performer, Chris Callen, told CNN that he’d seen Mateen at Pulse dozens of times, and he always seemed "comfortable."

But this picture of the gunman doesn’t match the impression of him that others received.

“Sometimes he would go over in the corner and sit and drink by himself,” club regular Ty Smith told the Los Angeles Times, “and other times he would get so drunk he was loud and belligerent.”

A former club security guard even remembered having to remove Mateen from the premises after he produced a knife while upset with another patron.

Outside of the club, the gunman was reported to have held active accounts on several gay dating apps, like Jack’d and Grindr.

“He was very creepy in his messages,” Cord Cedeno, who recognizing the gunman from Grindr, told MSNBC, “I blocked him immediately.”

Additionally, Mateen’s ex-wife has come forward, saying he abused her during their marriage, and his co-workers reported him being violent and prejudiced on the job.

Childhood friends of Mateen have suggested that he was a “regular dude,” but the terrorist attacks in September 2001 changed all of that. Robert Zirkle, a former school bus acquaintance of the killer, told the LA Times that “[Mateen] was happy that Americans were dying. He made that very clear. I don’t know if he was always a Muslim radical, but he was excited, hyped up.”

Zirkle also remembered Mateen having few friends, and being threatened often because of his anti-American remarks.

While many parts of the investigation are incomplete, it is clear that the gunman’s motives may have been more than homophobia.

Has Titus Andromedon finally made it to Broadway? In a giggle-inducing short that aired during the Tony Awards on Sunday, Netflix's Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt spoofed smash hit Hamilton, giving us a truly beautiful comedic mash-up we didn't know we needed. 

In the clip, Kimmy Schmidt's Titus Andromedon, played by Tituss Burgess, attempts to make his Broadway debut by auditioning for Hamilton. The only problem is that Titus has never seen the script or the play itself. So he improvises on camera—to hilarious result. 

Like everyone who loves to watch Titus's adventures on Kimmy Schmidt, we're crossing our fingers that this time he lands the part! Here's hoping Lin-Manuel Miranda takes notice.

Snapchat has become the perfect social media site for young millennials. It’s where we can get our news, chat with friends, and share as many photos and videos of our daily lives as our hearts desire. Plus, unlike Facebook, the app is virtually devoid of parents. Right?

Not anymore. A recent study from eMarketer reports that Snapchat is becoming more and more popular with older demographics.

Now, about 40 percent of the app’s users are over the age of 25, and more than half of new Snapchat downloads come from this age group.

But why do they want to sign up?

The Los Angeles Times reports that younger family members are often the ones who introduce older users to Snapchat, because they want to connect with them over this platform.

The app’s developers have also placed large billboards across the country with simply the Snapchat ghost on them, according to the LA Times, which prompted in-the-car discussion and, subsequently, got more users to sign up for the app.

Ryan Holmes from Hootsuite writes that older generations can benefit from Snapchat in unique ways, by harboring its advertising potential and breaking into a new space without a lot of competition. It’s also quick and easy to learn for newbies, so Holmes says it’s a great time for older users to get on board.

So what does this mean for Snapchat?

On one hand, Ian Kar from Quartz writes, if we millennials do the same thing we did with Facebook and abandon the app altogether once our family infiltrates, this could mean bad news for the popular app. Advertisers are paying to target us, the 18-to-24 year old demographic—not our parents.

On the other hand, more users means more money, even if it’s only temporary, so the likelihood that Snapchat’s developers are upset about this demographic shift is small.

Only time will tell what we will do once our parents can see our endless party stories, so be careful what you post!

Juan Ramon Guerrero, 22, and his boyfriend Christopher Leinonen, 32, were two of the many victims to have lost their lives in the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando last weekend. The couple was so in love, they were planning to get married in the near future. Sadly instead of a wedding, the families of the two men will be hosting a joint funeral service for them.

Guerrero's father, also named Juan Ramon Guerrero, told TIME that the two families want the couple to be together when their loved ones say goodbye. "I think my son wanted to do that. That's why," he shared. "I don't care what people think. I don't care."

Family members shared that Guerrero and Leinonen had lived together and been dating for almost two years. Guerrero's older sister, Aryam, told TIME that when he came out as gay to the family three years ago, everyone accepted and supported him without question. Looking back now on her brother's relationship, she describes, "They were honestly so in love. They were soul mates. You can tell by how they looked at each other." She also expressed the comfort the family got from the two dying together.

The Orlando shooting is now known as the worst mass shooting in the history of the United States, resulting in 49 people unexpectedly losing their lives.

Guerrero had a promising future, having just finished his first year at the University of Central Florida after two years at community college. He had hopes of one day becoming a financial advisor. He was set to turn 23 soon—the Guerrero family still plans on celebrating the date. 

Meanwhile, Leinonen was an active member and advocate for Orlando's gay community. He even received a humanitarian award for establishing a gay-straight alliance at his high school, his mother told ABC News.

The Guerreros learned of their son's death shortly after news of the shooting got out. When they rushed to the hospital to see if their son had survived, they saw a list of just nine victims—Juan Ramon Guerrero was one of them. Eventually, hospital staff and FBI agents took the family into a private room to explain the situation, including Guerrero's fate.

While Guerrero's death was known shortly after the attack on Pulse, Leinonen was believed to be missing for a while following the shooting. Leinonen's mother, Christine, gave an on-air interview to ABC News, saying between tears that she didn't know where her son was, but feared the worst. "The hospital said there are some bodies at the hospital that came in and they died and they're not identifiable yet either." Chris Leinonen was confirmed dead on Monday, after the City of Orlando released its list of deceased. 

"Please, let's all just get along," Leinonen said to ABC News in her emotional interview. "We're on this earth for such a short time. Let's try to get rid of the hatred and the violence, please!"

Everyone has surely heard of the new "Pink Drink" that has been all over Instagram. Although not on the official menu, the idea of switching out the water for coconut milk in Starbucks' Strawberry Acai Refresher has become the new official drink of summer. But before you claim that it's the only thing you'll be drinking this season, wait to try the new "Granitas" being released on June 14! These drinks are made of tea or coffee poured over shaved ice, and are just as fun and Instagrammable as the Pink Drink has become.

So what exactly is it like to drink a granita? A Cosmopolitan reporter got to taste the drinks, and wrote that they were similar to a Frappuccino but without all the dairy products—making it a much lighter drink for the season.

There are three flavors of this drink hitting stores this summer. The Teavana Youthberry White Tea Granita is a pretty shade of pink, made of lemonade flavored shaved ice and a tropical, fruity tea. Second, there's the Strawberry Lemon Limeade Granita, made with the lemonade ice, strawberry slices and house-made limeade. And for coffee lovers, there's the Caramel Espresso Granita, which consists of shaved ice, espresso shots, a splash of cream and caramel drizzle. These new drinks are going to be a great way to cool down on a hot summer day!

Before you rush to your closest Starbucks, though, check the time. Starbucks added the Granitas to its new Sunset Menu, making them available only after 3p.m. (We know you want to enjoy these yummy drinks in the morning, too, but you'll just have to wait like the rest of us!) 

Along with these new drinks, Starbucks is bringing in two new dessert items: the Chocolate Brownie Trifle and the Strawberry Shortcake Trifle. AKA layers of whipped cream, drizzle and yummy brownie or shortcake dessert. 

Don't forget that from June 14 to June 26, you can bring your morning receipt from Starbucks back with you in the afternoon drink to score a grande Granita or a Trifle dessert for just $3. 

A 22-year-old Dutch woman reported being raped while on vacation in Doha, Qatar—only to be imprisoned herself by the local authorities.

ABC News reports that the woman, known as Laura, has been detained in Qatar for more than three months while Doha authorities and the Dutch embassy there debated her case. They ultimately decided she would pay a small fine and serve a one-year suspended sentence in which she will be deported almost immediately. On the bright side, Laura will be able to return to the Netherlands soon.

Laura’s lawyer, Brian Lokollo, told CNN that the victim believes that someone "messed with her drink" while she hung around the hotel bar with a friend. She awoke later on to find her clothes torn apart, in an unfamiliar location with an unfamiliar man. When Laura reported the rape to law enforcement, she was immediately detained for adultery and intoxication outside of a permitted location. Apparently, "fornication outside of marriage," regardless of marital status, is a severe crime in Qatar, where Sharia law is strictly practiced and obeyed. Her small fine and deportation are actually lax punishments, compared to what most Muslim women would have suffered. 

"Had she been a Muslim woman, she would have received at least five years in jail. No one can get out of such charges here in Qatar," said a court official to Al Jazeera.

The official also revealed that the male offender was from Syria. He received a sentence of 100 lashes for illegal sexual acts and an additional 40 lashes for public drunkenness. Al Jazeera also claimed that the man would be deported.

"The Dutch government and embassy are in close contact with the defendant and her family in the Netherlands," said Daphne Kerremans, a spokeswoman for the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "We have provided assistance to her since the first day of detention. For the sake of the defendant’s case, we will not make further comments at this point." 

Vacationers and FIFA World Cup fans alike, beware: the World Cup 2022 is set to be held in Qatar and will most definitely attract a slew of tourists. Not knowing how strict the laws there are, or how little Qatar's women's rights have come, could lead to some pretty dangerous and inescapable situations. 

In the face of some major setbacks for the LGBTQ community, Women’s Running magazine is encouraging progress by putting a transgender woman on the cover for the first time EVER. Refinery29 reports that Amelia Gapin, a talented long distance runner and software engineer, is gracing the magazine's front page in its July issue. 

Whether it's sharing clothes, catching up over brunch or grabbing popcorn and a bottle of wine to watch the latest episode of your favorite show together, your friends are the ones who know about your quirks, flings, triumphs and most embarrassing moments. These are the friends who held you when your tears made your mascara run and visited you with soup when you were sniffling in bed surrounded by tissues. Because our friends make up an integral part of our lives, fighting with them is equivalent to getting your teeth pulled at the dentist—unpleasant and painful. If you see a recurring pattern where you’re repeatedly at each other’s throats, then one of these four reasons may explain why. 

1. You’re trying to one-up each other

Kendra*, a sophomore at Seneca College, recalls when she and her longtime friend were involved in a situation where each was trying to best the other. “After we started college, I found that my BFF would constantly compare her accomplishments to mine because we were in the same program and had similar aspirations,” she says. “The imaginary rivalry she built between us eventually developed into an unhealthy contest for who could out-achieve the other.” Competition can be healthy at times when it challenges us to demonstrate the full extent of our capabilities. However, when it becomes a constant in your friendship, then it’s probably time to initiate a one-on-one conversation about the less-than-positive effects the competition has on the relationship. 

What to do:

In this scenario, you need to ask yourself if it’s ultimately worth participating in an “I’m-better-than-you” challenge. If you have that one friend who decides that they want to use you as a benchmark for success and feels the incessant need to compare, then that’s an indicator that they’re insecure. 

Dr. Tim Jordan, a behavioral pediatrician and author of Sleeping Beauties, Awakened Women, points out that “girls tend to compare themselves a lot to other people. If they see a friend with better grades or who is prettier or thinner, and then compare themselves to those girls who [they consider] are ‘better than them,’ that makes them feel discouraged and then negative self-talk turns on, which results in putting the other person down and other mean girl behavior." 

We suggest gently informing them that while you’re happy for their successes, you aren’t interested in playing that game. By articulating your disinterest in competing with them, it takes the wind out of their sails. “What I like for girls to do is catch themselves when they start comparing,” says Dr. Jordan.

“Instead of making it about themselves in a negative way, they instead look at the other person and say ‘Wow, I love how smart she is!’ It’s more powerful to acknowledge people so that it keeps you out of the competition.” Expressing your enthusiasm for their achievements also conveys that you’re a supportive friend who is genuinely happy for their success. 

Related: How to Get Through a Fight With Your BFF 

2. Unresolved issues have re-emerged

When it comes to conflict-resolution, simply brushing hurt feelings under the rug is guaranteed to lead to more misunderstandings and feuds in the future. Bridget*, a junior at York University, once found herself in a screaming match with someone who she considered to be more of a sister than a friend. “From attending the same piano recitals to surviving the awkward pubescent phase called high school, we practically grew up together,” says Bridget.

“In our freshman year, I told her that the guy she was currently involved with wasn’t the best influence on her and that the relationship wasn’t likely to last. I saw her changing her values to better fit his ideal image of her and she got upset when I pointed that out.” As a result, “this strained our friendship because she would try to ignore the subject if it came up and each argument about the matter got progressively worse and worse.”

Deliberately overlooking a problem by neglecting to address it just allows further animosity and ill-feelings to build up between the parties involved. “In my experience working in summer camps and schools, girls hold onto their feelings," says Dr. Jordan. "When I teach them conflict resolution, they talk about things that happened six months ago or even two years ago." He notes that drama is prone to happen when past situations haven’t been dealt with properly as this causes emotions to fester before surfacing again in harmful ways. 

What to do:

Take a breather and temporarily step away from the situation to regain your composure if emotions are running high. It’s difficult to act rationally and calmly when experiencing anger or distress. When both parties decide to approach the matter again, let one person speak uninterrupted before the next person replies.

Explain how you feel about the circumstances and why. Avoid a distribution of blame. When listening, try to understand the rationale behind their perspective. A sincere, thorough discussion that lets both parties articulate their thoughts is the best remedy when pent-up resentment has accumulated over time.

3. There’s a vicious cycle of trash talk

Wanting to vent is an expected reaction when we’re frustrated or displeased. However, deliberately gossiping with mutual acquaintances about a well-known friend is distasteful. Janice*, a freshman at the University of Ottawa, was in a dispute with a friend about having a spin-the-bottle party in their dorm room. Later, she was unpleasantly surprised when she found out that nearly half the residents in the building had heard about their fight over the weekend.

“It was beyond ridiculous,” she says. “When I returned to campus, other people living on the same floor as us were giving me looks of disapproval and commenting on how I was no fun. I was bewildered until the girl living in the adjacent suite confirmed that she and a bunch of people were given a blow-by-blow account of what happened.” A form of malice, idle gossip is counterproductive and only serves to damage relationships. 

What to do:

“Girls in general have a hard time handling conflicts and disagreements directly,” says Dr. Jordan. “They are worried about losing a friend and being excluded from the group.” However, bringing in third parties is bound to intensify the existing conflict as other friends start taking sides. If you’re upset with someone, it’s best to talk to them directly rather than going to others to air out your dirty laundry. This way, the argument can be sorted out without further complications. 

4. It’s a demonstration of status

While we wish that the mean girl antics stopped in high school, it unfortunately doesn’t end there. Alicia*, a sophomore at the University of Guelph, was in a situation where she was repeatedly being put down by a friend in front of their mutual acquaintances. “It was basically her way of showing power. She wanted to put me in my place and show me that I didn’t have as much influence,” says Alicia. It’s troubling when someone resorts to such means to establish their position within a social circle. However, it could be a marker of their underlying fear of being left out or a lack of confidence that drives this type of behavior. 

What to do:

“I teach girls to not give their power away. When you react to someone else’s words about you, you are in essence giving up your power,” says Dr. Jordan. “I want them to know that they are always in charge of their feelings and how they react.” He emphasizes how important it is for young women to understand that they have the choice of either allowing their feelings to be hurt or choosing not to let it bother them at all.

Dr. Jordan suggests that “no matter what group you’re in, girls need safe spaces to say what’s going on, clear the air and state their intentions. This way, everyone has a voice and they are able to handle things instead of letting feelings stew.” Holding an open group dialogue can do wonders in repairing and strengthening friendships. So the next time you find yourself in a heated moment with a friend, keep the aforementioned recommendations in mind and skip the drama.

After all, your friends are the ones who played tag with you on the playground, watched every rerun of Gossip Girl and will likely be your bridesmaids on your big day. They make life so much more interesting, for better or for worse.

*Names have been changed

College: a place for self-discovery, all-nighters, and especially little white lies. We tell them all the time. We lie to our professors when we need an extension, we lie to our parents when they ask us about our party habits and we lie to ourselves...about pretty much everything.

1. I know what I’m doing.

2. I love all of my classes.

3. I’m not too stressed.

4. I’m not tired.

5. I don’t like parties.

6. I won’t be drinking tonight.

7. I’m not homesick.

8. I’m going to clean my room.

9. I don’t care about this grade.

10. I have so much time.

11. I can do it tomorrow.

12. I have my life planned out.

13. I can’t wait to leave this town.

14. I won’t be sad to graduate.

15. I’m not scared to leave college.

What do you lie about?

People across the United States and around the world are saddened, angered and confused in the wake of Sunday’s mass shooting at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Florida. With 49 victims dead and at least 53 more wounded, the incident is classified as the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history. In light of this tragedy, celebrities are using their platforms to show their support for LGBTQIA+ as they grapple with this senseless attack.

Like many of us, numerous celebrities took to social media to share their initial reactions to news of the shooting. Ariana Grande expressed the confusion and sadness we all felt upon hearing the heartbreaking news, tweeting, "How how how how can one have so much hate ????? My heart...... is so broken. Praying for the families of the Orlando victims. I am so sorry." 

Vanessa Hudgens share a similar sentiment on Instagram, saying, "Violence never fixes issues. Only love."

Beyoncé Instagrammed a colorful floral peace sign, simply captioned, "Condolences and prayers to Orlando." Madonna, meanwhile, has posted four pictures on Instagram since the shooting. The first was a photo with the quote, "You cannot use the name of God, or religion, to justify acts of violence, to hurt, to hate, to discriminate." Her most recent post this morning is a collage of photos of all the victims.

In Antwerp, Belgium, Adele paid tribute to the victims by starting her concert with a dedication to "everybody in Orlando and at Pulse nightclub last night."

“The LGBTQ community, they’re like my soulmates since I was really young," she added with tears in her eyes, "so I’m very moved by it.” 

Early Sunday morning, Lin-Manuel Miranda simply tweeted a picture of a rainbow heart with the word “Orlando.” At the Tony Awards later that night, Miranda accepted the award for Best Score for Hamilton. Instead of a typical speech, he wrote a powerful sonnet that paid tribute to his wife and son, but also spoke to the tragic shooting and reaffirmed the notion that love is love. In a video from the award show, Miranda recites, “We live through times when hate and fear seem stronger / We rise and fall, and light from dying embers / Remembrances that hope and love last longer' And love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love; Cannot be killed or swept aside.”

The following day, New Yorkers held a rally outside of Manhattan's historic Stonewall Inn in support of the LGBTQIA+ community. Nick Jonas spoke to the crowd, sharing how heartbroken he was upon hearing of the shooting. "I grew up here in New York City and New Jersey, performing on Broadway shows, surrounded by some of my closest friends from the LGBT community," he says. "My father, a minister from New Jersey, shaped my view that love is love, that we are all equal. That no matter who you are, or where you’re from, or where you’re going in life, you have the right to love and be loved."

At the same rally, Unbreakable Kimmy Schimdt star Tituss Burgess addressed the crowd by singing "Someday" from West Side Story. The song choice was apt, as the lyrics say, "We'll find a new way of living. We'll find a way of forgiving. Somewhere, there's a place for us."

An outspoken advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community, Lady Gaga gave an emotional speech at a rally at Los Angeles City Hall. "I can't help but feel that this level of hatred, like all prejudicial crimes, this is an attack on humanity itself," the singer said tearfully. "This is an attack on everyone. I will not allow my anger and outrage over this attack to overshadow our need to honor those who are grieving truly for their lost ones — lost members of the LGBT community." 

"Tomorrow I hope that we all race thoughtfully and loudly towards solutions," she added, "But tonight, and right now, Orlando, we are united with you. And we are here to remember.” She went on to read aloud the names of the 49 victims killed at the nightclub Pulse late on Saturday night.

TV show hosts also shared their reactions to the shooting. In his opening monologue, Jimmy Fallon said that he, "as a new father, am thinking, 'What do I tell my kids? What do I tell them about this? What can we learn from this? What if my kids are gay, what do I tell them?'" He says perhaps this is a lesson in tolerance, saying, "we need to get back to being brave enough to accept that we have different opinions and that's ok, because that's what America is built on: the idea that we can stand up and speak out minds and live our lives and not be punished for that."

Full Frontal's host Samantha Bee said that as a TV host, she was meant to "stand on stage and deliver some well-meaning words about how we will all get through this together, how love wins, how love conquers hate." 

"But you know what? Fuck it!" Bee says, "I'm too angry for that! Love does not win unless we start loving each other enough to fix our fucking problems!" She went on to call out the United States' lax gun control regulations as well as the lax reactions of certain politicians, including Florida governor Rick Scott and Senator Marco Rubio.  

“We can’t constitutionally get rid of all guns, but can’t we get semiautomatic assault rifles out of the hands of civilians?” she asked. “‘Sam Bee wants to take your guns away!’ Yes-the ones that mow down a roomful of people in seconds. Yes, I do want to take those guns away.” She admits there will always be people fueled by homophobia, racism and radicalism willing to commit such atrocities, but “we are making it far too easy for their derangement to kill us.” As a nation, the United States needs to “find the political will to reject a mass shooting per day as the price of freedom.”

Imagine you are at the end of your freshman year of college, packing up your dorm and reflecting back on all that’s happened your first year away from home. All of your peers are boasting about the unforgettable nights out and people they’ve met ––and then there’s you. All you can think about are the weekends you watched your college disappear into the rearview mirror of your mom’s car. Your friends tell you to just ignore your parents, but in reality, it's not that easy. 

So how do you pick between your family and wanting to be independent? As impossible as it may seem, you can live out your newfound freedom to the fullest and still please your family. To make things easier, try to establish these four boundaries before you leave for college. 

1. Limit phone calls

It’s important to speak up before you leave to school. That way, you’re not receiving six missed phone calls and angry voicemails because you didn’t call your mom at 4:00 p.m. on the dot like you said you would. Your schedule in college will be hectic, and things can pop up at any moment, so setting a calling schedule may not be ideal.

For Jacqueline Torres, a junior at Georgia State University, speaking to her parents was necessary. “I am the child of immigrants," Jackie says. "For my family, it’s part of the culture to put family before everything. So, when my mom or dad would call what feels like a million times a day, I would pick up. However, that gets old really quickly. It wasn’t easy at all, but you have to speak up for yourself! Don’t let your parents and their views run all over you.”

Instead of being bombarded with phone calls, lovingly let your parents know that you will call them on your own time. Acknowledge that this may be hard transition for them, but that you are excited to enjoy this new chapter in your life. "Let your parents know that you need the chance to explore all that college and the surrounding city can offer you, even if that means you make mistakes along the way," says Sara Micallef, a former college counselor at Reinhardt University. "That way you are prepared to face any other challenges that inevitably come in life."

Update them over the phone for example, once every week. You can also shoot them a text every day or two to let them know how you are doing. After all, they are your parents and don’t deserve to be completely cut off. If the phone calls don't stop, it's best not to ignore them. Your parents may think the worst. Instead, send them a text saying that you are grateful that they care about you so much, but you are busy making the best of the opportunity they so generously afforded you. 

2. Don’t constantly go home

Going home can be a breath of fresh air when you’ve been away at school. If you go constantly go home, the roles will reverse and your dorm will feel like an escape, which shouldn’t be the case. Remember that you can tell your parents, “no thank you.” So no, you don’t have to go back home just to go to your neighbor’s son swim meet even if your mom asks nicely. 

Aside from setting a schedule when you are coming home, one of the easiest things to do is get involved on campus by joining a club or sorority, and dedicate yourself to it. There are so many organizations on campus that you can find something you're truly passionate about, not just something you busy yourself with to avoid your parents. Let your parents know that you found something that you really feel apart of, and you can even use it to expand your resume.

If the situation is seemingly impossible to get out of and you feel you have to go home, invite a friend along. If all goes well and your family feels comfortable around your friend, you can always let them know you may not be able to make it home one weekend because you and your friend have plans. 

Kristen Pierce, a sophomore at the University of Alabama, went home pretty much every weekend or every other weekend her first year of college, but doesn’t want the same situation for her sister, who’s graduating this year. “It’s hard for me to say no,” Kristen says. “But I wouldn’t recommend anyone, including my sister do the same. Say ‘no’ every once in a while, and tell your parents that a ‘no’ doesn’t mean you don’t love or appreciate them.” Saying no to be people who raised you for 18 years can feel awkward, but sometimes it's necessary. 

3. Aim for financial independence

The less you have to rely on your parents, the more likely it is that they’ll treat you like an adult. Chances are they may be funding a big part of your education, However, aiming to have your own spending money, is a step in the right direction.

As tempting as it may be, don’t blow all your graduation money or any money saved up from working. Save at least a portion of this money for when you go off to school, that way you don’t have to ask your parents for spending money. As time passes, you’ll eventually take more financial responsibilities under your belt like your phone bill, car insurance, rent and other assorted bills -- yay! No, it is not ideal, but it’s part of being an adult. The more financially independent, the more power you have to create boundaries with your parents. They will no longer have the “but I pay for this, this, and this, so you can’t do this, this and this!” threat looming over your head.

Nicole Selman, a sophomore at Kennesaw State University, felt like her parents cut their overbearing ties once they realized that she was making enough money to function independently of them. “All of the working and side gigs for money paid off,” Nicole says. “I felt like I earned a new level of respect once I started paying for the majority of my things. For example, my mom would also threaten to take my phone away because I didn’t pick up her call, but now that I’m paying for my own bill, she’s accepted that I won’t necessarily pick up every single last one of her calls.” Your parents may not come around and understand your point of view overnight, but your effort will eventually pay off. 

4. Step up to the plate

It's time to show your parents that you're ready to take control of your life. Instead of turning to your parents to ask all of your questions at orientation, show them that you are capable of doing things on your own. If your parents offer to fill out a form for you, let them know that you are capable of doing it your own. "All too often parents will introduce themselves and say that they are interested in learning more about this or this program," Sara says. "Meanwhile, the child is standing there saying nothing. This kind of behavior really feeds into the whole 'helicopter parent' phenomenon." 

Instead of turning to your parents for every one of your problems in college, prepare to turn to the staff at your college for help. Advisors are readily available to first year students to successfully make the transition from high school to college. Don't let your parents take away your opportunities to form real life connections and become comfortable around professionals.

Related: 6 Ways Proximity to Home Affects Your College Experience

Creating boundaries with your parents is necessary to your own personal growth. College is about discovering who you are and what you want to do with your life, and you can’t do that if you’re still under your parent’s control. So to all parents, we love you and are so grateful for all you’ve done for us. You’ve done a fantastic job raising us and now it is time to use all the skills you instilled in us in college. 

Getting a haircut can be one of the easiest ways to transform your look without dishing out a lot of money. We all know that a good style can make a huge difference in your overall appearance, but can you achieve one without going to the salon? DIY haircuts can save money but pose the risk of disastrous results if done poorly. So how can you decide if you're DIY-ready? We've consulted the experts to determine if at-home haircuts are worth the risk! And if you're dead-set on a DIY 'do, we've also compiled a list of tips and tricks for those collegiettes who are ready to take the plunge. After all, it's always better to be safe than sorry!

Common Styles: DIY Dos & Don'ts

Are you looking to try a new hairstyle, but aren't sure if it's doable outside of the salon? We've put together a list of three common styles with tips on how to do them at home (and whether or not they're worth the risk!).

Simple Layers

Layers can be done at home as long as you follow the proper procedure. To achieve a layered look, all you have to do is trim the ends off of a tight, centered ponytail! Check out this super easy tutorial for full instructions.

Bob

Cutting your own bob is a lot riskier than cutting layers, so we really recommend seeing a stylist. But if you must do it yourself, start with a ponytail (this time at the nape of your neck) and follow these instructions.

Pixie Cut

Unlike the other two fairly simple tutorials, achieving a pixie cut requires a much longer process and is always best left to the professionals. If you're craving the short-haired look, visit a salon, because an at-home mess-up can be nearly impossible to fix!

A Guide to DIY Trims

First and foremost, how often do you need to trim?

What if you're just looking to get a trim? Is it really worth shelling out big bucks just to get an inch or two of dead ends off? How often should you be getting your hair trimmed, anyway? We went to the experts to find out the answers to all of your at-home trimming questions!

Angelo David Pisacreta is a celebrity hair stylist, hair illusionist and hair extension aficionado based out of New York City. In addition to being the owner and creative director of Angelo David Salon, he is the creator of Couture Hair Extensions & Additions. Pisacreta gave insight into how often girls should get their hair trimmed, and whether it's ever a good idea to save money making those frequent trims yourself.

“We’ve heard all sorts of hair myths. The most popular one is that you should trim your hair every 4 to 6 weeks. This is not always the case. Super-curly hair often grows more slowly. And if you receive a chemical treatment, such as lightening or coloring, you might need a trim sooner than later to maintain a healthy, shiny look.” Pisacreta says.

While specific timing may depend on your hair type, hair treatments and coloring, it's safe to get a trim every one to two months as a general rule.

So can you do a simple trim yourself?

Since that's a lot of trimming, you may be hesitant to head to the salon every time. But is it possible to do a simple trim at home (you know, besides that one time that you decided to do it in preschool right before picture day)?

“I would not recommend at-home trimming. If you trim your own hair and mess up, it might be harder for a professional to fix without cutting more length than you want to lose. Don’t [trim your bangs at home]. A professional can create bangs in the perfect length and style to flatter your face shape. And, many salons do bang trims for free, so why take the risk?” says Pisacreta.

And if you do decide to trim your hair at home, always remember to start with damp hair. Use a wide-tooth comb or paddle brush, and brush your hair into a smooth ponytail on the top of your head. In front of a mirror, squeeze the hair elastic at the base of your ponytail and begin pulling it straight up, towards your ends. Stop about three inches from your ends and hold tightly. Then, using a pair of sharp hair-cutting shears (which can be found online or at a beauty supply store), start slowly cutting into the ends of the ponytail. If you only want to trim the bare minimum, just cut across the tops of your split ends. If you want to trim a bit more, cut straight across the top of the ponytail holder, which should be adjusted to help you achieve your desired length. 

Alternative Ways to Save 

Looking to cut corners and save money some other way? Splurge on styling at a nicer, quality salon, because a bad hairstyle can seriously damage your look. Save on trims and other minor procedures, since they can be done well almost anywhere, and even done yourself.

You can also go to a beauty school or a less experienced stylist for a cheaper rate! Often times, you will get big discounts on the same haircut that would have cost you a pretty penny at higher-end salons for the same quality.

Generally, when it comes to any kind of haircut (trim or otherwise) it is best to stick with the professionals. But if you're dying to DIY, follow these tips to avoid a mess! 

Yes, it's true: Khloe Kardashian is a model for the rest of us. Over the past year she has worked incredibly hard to feel and look good by putting her health first... and now it's time for some well-earned bragging rights. During a recent interview with Harper's Bazaar, Khloe talked about some of the challenges she's faced, including how she's been fat-shamed—which is just ridiculous.

"I definitely think the fashion industry, and people in general, look at me more now that I've lost weight," she said. "Even on shoots, I would never have options for clothing. There would always be this attention on Kourtney and Kim, but I was too much work for [stylists] or they had nothing in my size. I wasn't even that crazy big!"

Now those same stylists are changing their tunes, but Khloe’s not backing down. She said that when approached by a stylist who refused to dress her before the weight loss, "I'm just like, 'F--k you. I'm not going to reward your bad behavior!'"

But Khloe insists that she was not initially motivated by the idea of losing weight. "My home [with Odom] was dark and toxic," she admitted. "At the time, my family didn't know what I was going through. It was the biggest secret I've kept. I just needed a place to go."

For Khloe, that place was the gym. Over time, she discovered that she loved working out and was losing pounds and inches. "I'm a beast at the gym," she said. "I’m super competitive and I'm a sweater. I'm like, 'Don't fuck with me and don't mess up my routine.'"

Being your best self is about feeling your best self—and Khloe completely embodies that. Kudos, girl.

Amber Heard isn't interested in the money. 

According to TMZ, "Money is the 'lowest priority' in her legal war with Depp." Even though Depp offered her the financial settlement she asked for ($50,000 per month), it came with a different kind of price: a mutual restraining order. 

According to sources, Amber will never agree to such an arrangement. As she was not the perpetrator of domestic violence, she wants to get the protection that she asked for, without being treated like she's the criminal. For now, she is hoping for a chance in court next Friday to argue for a permanent restraining order against Depp. 

At this point she's not only standing up for her own personal safety, but also for other victims of domestic violence. As such a high-profile victim, hopefully Heard's ongoing struggle can offer solidarity to victims who might not yet have the courage to speak out.