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9 Times 'The Bachelorette' Was EXACTLY Like 'Mean Girls'

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Although last night's episode of The Bachelorette was fairly exciting, it did seem a tad familiar. Imagine that instead of a bunch of men in a house it was a bunch of girls in high school and bam: you've got Mean Girls. We've got all the different cliques and lunch tables, the overprotective teacher (aka Chris Harrison), and a girl who wants everyone to just get along. Seriously, the resemblances are uncanny, and apparently, everyone on the internet seemed to think so as well. Here are nine times The Bachelorette was exactly like your favorite movie of the 2000s. 

1. Derek rounding up the mean boys 


Oh, Derek, we love you so much. Derek confronting the Plastics was basically like that time Ms. Norbury had to sit down with all the girls in the gym and tell them to be nicer to each other. But instead of teenagers, it's actually full grown men. Interesting…

2. Any time Alex opened his mouth


Yes, Alex, we get that Chad went home and now you have to be the bad guy, but seriously? What did Derek or Jordan ever do to you? 

3. Robby's awkward "I Love You"


Really no explanation needed for this gif. 

4. Derek getting picked on for no reason again


If anyone out there thinks that Derek was wrong to have said something, you can go shave your back now. 

5. Robby kissing JoJo in public

Swap out the tux for a bunny costume and you've got Regina George at Aaron Samuels' Halloween party. And all the other guys were like ^

6. The boys comforting JoJo

It's like that time Regina got dumped by Aaron and Karen wanted to get Taco Bell but Regina was all like, "God, Karen, you're so stupid." Ya feel? 

7. Daniel being Daniel

So you agree, you think you're really pretty? 

8. Jordan and Robby at the spa

We are sure Regina and the rest of the girls had spa sessions that rivaled Jordan and Robby's, even if they weren't shown in the movie. 

9. EVAN JUST WANTS HIS DAMN PINK SHIRT BACK!!! 


The end. 


Kylie's Lip Kits Are Getting More & More Daring

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Kylie Jenner is celebrating her post-breakup freedom in the most beautiful, unusual way.

As part of an exclusive Fourth of July collection, the model and reality star is releasing two new shades of Kylie Lip Kits. Rather than feeling blue, she's wearing the color on her lips! The two new Lip Kit shades, which will be released Friday, are called Freedom and Skylie.

Freedom is a gorgeous navy blue that actually looks amazing with Kylie's dark hair and brown eyes.


Skylie is a little more daring. This powdery light blue is inspired by Kylie's true love—her sky blue Ferrari.


Freedom and Skylie definitely sound like they were made for the Fourth of July. They'll be available this Friday—so set your alarms!

The 4 Stages of Robby's Awkward 'I Love You' on 'The Bachelorette'

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Every season, Bachelor and Bachelorette fans wait in anticipation, wondering which contestant will say "I love you" first. Usually, this happens closer to the second half of the season, but in JoJo's case, Robby wanted to be sure to swoop in early to catch her heart. Taking risks might have worked out for Robby in the past, but this time his dangerous behavior just made for some really uncomfortable moments. Here are the four stages of Robby's very awkward "I love you."

1. Robby gets ready to take a risk

First, Robby admits he's planning to say the three big words but knows JoJo might not say them back. We all pretty much knew at this point that an awkward moment was coming up, leaving us to pray that Robby would change his mind before it was too late.

Then… the big moment finally arrives.

2. Robby prepares JoJo for what's coming

He starts out with a nice introduction, talking about what's happened on the show so far—stepping out of the limo to see JoJo for the first time, the possibilities of their future together and, well, gravity. We all watched, filled with anxiety, waiting for the words to come out of his mouth.

3. He finally says it

Robby finally manages to say "I love you" to JoJo. At first, we're happy for him and think that everything seems to be going okay.

…but then we remember that JoJo hasn't responded yet…

4. JoJo's awkward response

Robby pours his heart out, finishes with an emotional "I love you," and JoJo can do nothing but thank him. Cue the secondhand embarassment for literally everyone who had to witness that moment.

You can relive the horror of Robby's admission over and over again below. Enjoy!

Michelle Obama is Joining Snapchat!

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Looking for a new Snapchat friend? We have a solution: Go to the app, swipe up, hit add and type in: @MichelleObama. That’s right, First Lady Michelle Obama is officially joining in on the social media platform to share some of her important FLOTUS moments with us all. Be prepared for some very ~presidential~ snaps from the First Lady herself.

The Snapchat account, @MichelleObama, was launched to allow students in the U.S. to follow the First Lady’s latest Let Girls Learn Trip. The Let Girls Learn initiative is aimed at raising awareness of the more than 62 million girls around the world who aren’t in school, and encourages students to take action to support them (You can read our exclusive interview with FLOTUS on the education initiative here). Michelle Obama will also take fellow Snappers behind the scenes in Washington and abroad in the coming months.

Joined by Malia and Sasha Obama and Mrs. Marian Robinson, the First Lady’s Let Girls Learn Trip will make stops in Margibi County, Liberia; Marrakech, Morocco; and Madrid, Spain from June 27 to July 1. Meryl Streep and Freida Pinto are set to make appearances alongside the First Lady in Morocco, too!

The very best part of it all? You can witness all of this, plus learn a thing or two about women’s educational rights, all on your phone. 

What to Do Now to Make Your Fall Internship Search Less Stressful Later

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While we all dream of the day that we score the perfect internship, it’s safe to say that the path to getting there can be pretty tough. From applications, to networking, to writing a resume and cover letter, it’s easy to understand why the internship search process is a little daunting for collegiettes. And if you plan to apply to an internship for this upcoming fall semester... on top of balancing school? Even tougher—but not impossible! Even if many companies haven’t posted positions yet, there are tons of things you can do during your downtime this summer to get prepped for internship application season so that you won’t have to sweat it this fall! 

1. Perfect your resume and cover letter skills

One of the first steps to getting prepped for the semester internship process is also the easiest—revamp your resume! Dr. Katherine Cohen, founder and CEO of the admissions counseling website Ivywise, suggests polishing your resume in advance, so that when it’s time to hand it to employers, it’s ready to go!

“When applying for internships, it’s important to have a complete, up-to-date record of your professional experience, interests and goals,” Dr. Cohen says. “While it isn’t anyone’s favorite thing to complete their resume, it is the most important first step you can take so it is easy to apply to any internships that may be of interest to you as soon as they pop up. Don’t miss out on opportunities.”

Get out that untouched resume file on your computer and check it over to make sure it’s totally updated with your most recent experience and information—you wouldn’t want potential employers to miss out on knowing about that killer internship you had last summer or your work experience last semester! And even if your resume is up to date, it can never hurt to proofread it for typos or ask a friend to read over it.

In addition to working on your resume, it's important to brush up on your cover letter skills too! It’s a great idea to start thinking about what you’d put in a cover letter to specific internships you might apply to, and if you’re unsure of where you’ll apply this fall, just going over guidelines for writing a cover letter with your school’s career center can be just as helpful!

2. Focus on the bigger picture

Having a little bit of downtime to focus on you makes summer the perfect time to do a little soul-searching and think about what it is you really want. What are your ultimate career goals and what types of internships should you be looking into in order to reach them? Dr. Cohen says that it’s important to take a step back and think about the type of career that would interest you in the long run and how future internships can help you get there.

“Pinpoint your end goals and pursue what interests you,” Dr. Cohen says. “The point of an internship is to explore a particular field to see if you would like to pursue it as an academic major or career, so you should do something that really interests you and builds upon your current skills.”

Use this summer to reflect upon your skills and the experiences you’ve had that you’ve both enjoyed and disliked. Did you really love a certain major-specific class you took last semester? Did you really hate an internship you had a few summers ago? Take all of these experiences into account when you’re thinking about the types of internships that will suit you best next semester!

3. Do your homework

In order to feel confident heading into interviews this fall, it’s going to be important for you to research, research, research. Spending time looking into the companies and industry you plan to enter far before you actually sit down to apply is an important step if you want to nail a job. Mish Southgate, a career coach and founder of career counseling service Visibility Careers, says that the best way to get ahead before application season hits this fall is to learn all you can about the companies you might be interested in being a part of.

“The key to getting a head start with internships is research,” Southgate says. “Before the hiring season begins, use the summer to research industries you are interested in, the companies that are considered leaders in those industries, and the career paths they offer. In addition, gather as much information as you can about the corporate culture and what skills and qualities are required to be successful.”

While many companies may not have posted about specific opportunities yet, start thinking about companies that you’re hoping to intern with. Learning all you can about what skills you’ll need for the job and what it’s like to work there will give you a leg up in the fall, so that all you’ll need to do is apply!

4. Start reaching out

Know exactly where you want to be next semester? It never hurts to reach out! When you know which companies you’ll be applying to next semester, Dr. Cohen says that it’s a good idea to start making connections with people who already work there.

“Do research on local companies or organizations at which you would like to intern, see if you have any connections who work there, then reach out to learn more about opportunities they may have, or if you have questions about a certain position they have posted,” Dr. Cohen says. “Use parents, friends, your college alumni website and other job search sites to connect with individuals who could sit down and provide more information about their field of work.”

Of course, you don’t want to start getting in touch with possible employers by asking for an internship—instead, reach out and ask questions about their position, their company, or their industry. Now is a great time for informational interviews! Because many internships open applications as early as August and have deadlines as early as October, it’s a great idea to start making connections ahead of time. Does an alum from your school work for a company you may intern for? Ask him or her to get coffee! Additionally, see if you can get in touch with any current interns at the company in order to ask them about their experience interning there. Not only will they be able to provide advice on the position's application process, but they'll also be able to provide insight into whether or not you'd actually enjoy the job! All in all, it can never hurt to start making connections now so that companies will have a face to place with the name on your application.

5. Use social media to your advantage

As with any job search, social media is a major player here—use it to your advantage! Anna Crowe Bates, the SEO Marketing Manager of Noodle, a website that connects students with colleges and educational opportunities, suggests connecting with companies on social media as a way to stay in-the-know.

“Brands post behind-the-scenes sneak peeks into daily office life and they 
also share internship postings,” Crowe says. “If you don't see anything, don't be afraid 
to put yourself out there by sending a friendly email inquiring about 
future openings.”

In addition to following companies, make sure to connect with internship posting sites like Ed2010, which often tweet internship listings and opportunities. Of course, when you’re connecting with potential employers, it also means that they could potentially connect with you—make sure you clean up any social media presence that they may find now so that there's nothing to worry about once you’ve applied!

Ultimately, starting to think about everything you need to do in order to successfully fill out applications this fall will help relieve the stress once application season begins. When you get ahead on the process of searching out the companies you might want to intern for and prepping yourself to apply for them, you’ll be ready to fill out applications the minute they hit the internet this fall. Happy internship hunting, collegiettes!

Demi Lovato Just Quit Twitter & Instagram

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Monday afternoon, Demi Lovato went on Twitter to say she was leaving her social media platforms. She began by tweeting, "Damn I gotta quit saying shit. Bye Twitter," complete with a middle finger, thumbs up and laughing emoji. It seemed like she may have been joking at first, but she later followed up by saying she'd be quitting Instagram as well. 

However, she did add she will continue to use Snapchat, "cause I don’t have to see what some of y’all say." 

It's unclear why Demi is suddenly abandoning her Twitter and Instagram accounts, but it’s likely due to the backlash she received after she made comments insinuating Ariana Grande is better than Mariah Carey.


 

*taps #DemiLavato on the shoulder* what's Tea 

A photo posted by News With A Side of Tea (@thacelebriteanews) on

"Mariah is a legend and is so talented but constantly disses people," Lovato later added. "It's nasty the way she treats Jennifer [Lopez]. Ari did nothing wrong." These comments struck a chord with Carey's fans, and they have been sending nasty comments towards Lovato on social media in response. 

If this is in fact the reason for Lovato's decision, that would explain her following tweets, in which she wondered why people focus so much on the things she says rather than the good she does.


She concluded by tweeting, "And people wonder what's wrong with the world. Pay more attention to good than bad." And with that, she ended with an emoji waving goodbye.

Lovato’s Twitter and Instagram accounts haven't been deleted, so it's possible she’s just taking a break. Whether she completely quit social media or is just going on a hiatus, hopefully she finds the escape she's looking for from all the negativity online.

Former Vanderbilt Football Player Found Guilty Again in Rape Retrial

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In just one of the multiple recent cases calling attention to sexual assault on college campuses, former Vanderbilt student Brandon Vandenburg was found guilty—for a second time—of raping a female student in June 2013, Reuters reports

Though 23-year-old Vandenburg’s original conviction was declared a mistrial, in this retrial he was once again found guilty of five counts of aggravated rape, two counts of aggravated sexual battery and one count of unlawful photography on Saturday. Vandenburg could face anywhere from 15 to 25 years for each of the five rape charges when he is sentenced in July.

The jury that heard Vandenburg’s trial was from Memphis, rather than Nashville, out of concern that media coverage would make it challenging to find local jurors that could be impartial. The judge in the original trial, Judge Monte Watkins, declared a mistrial last June because a juror had not previously disclosed that he had been a victim of rape himself. This fact could potentially prevent the juror from being impartial, so the judge set aside the first set of convictions. 

A fellow Vanderbilt football player, Cory Batey, was also retried with Vandenburg and found guilty yet again. 

The details of the case, as reported by Reuters, are harrowing. Vandenburg and the victim were dating at the time of the assault. On the day of the attack, they had gone to a bar and had both been drinking even prior to meeting, according to testimony given during the trial.

Later that evening, Vandenburg attempted to take the then unconscious victim back to her apartment, but was unable to—so he took her to his own dorm instead. There, he was joined by three of his teammates, two of whom are still facing their trials. The four men then violently raped the woman.

The men used their cell phone cameras to record the attack. These videos later served as evidence in the trial, "playing crucial roles" in convicting the assailants. 

According to the victim's testimony, Vandenburg told her that she had gotten too drunk and became sick the previous night, so he took care of her. She believed him, at least at first. Eventually, she decided to get a rape kit test done after rumors of the attack circulated around campus. 

"He served her up to three strangers—for whatever reason, it doesn't matter, is that he did it," Assistant District Attorney Jan Norman told jurors, according to ABC News.

The defense attorney argued that Vandenburg was "too intoxicated" to commit the assault and therefore should be acquitted. As if alcohol was an adequate excuse for rape?

The victim testified at both the original trials and the retrials, for which prosecutors and Vanderbilt University officials have praised her courage and strength.

In a statement, Beth Fortune, Vanderbilt‘s Vice Chancellor for Public Affairs, said, “It is our sincere hope that today’s verdict strongly sends the message to victims and to perpetrators that sexual assault will not be tolerated in our communities."

After the public outcry that occurred as a reaction to the incredibly lenient sentence in the eerily similar Brock Turner case (you can read about that case here), the judge and jury in this trial may feel compelled to give Vandenburg an incredibly harsh sentence so as not to face the same backlash. If they do, it is clear that the court of public opinion has a strong influence on the court of law—one that cannot be ignored.

These Women Could Be Put To Death For Their Pro-LGBT and Atheist Tweets

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Tweets are usually pretty harmless. You can voice your opinion through the micro-blog platform and receive a few Retweets at best, along with some angry responses at worst. However, when your Tweets go against the grain in a country where speaking out against Islam is punishable by death, your 140-character thoughts could result in some much more serious consequences.

Recently, Twitter trolls claiming to be from the Middle East are reporting women in Kuwait for their “atheist,” pro-LGBTQ+ or just independent-minded Tweets—which could put these women’s lives in jeopardy, the Daily Beast reports. 

Twitter user @old_gaes has used his account to call out multiple women he sees as blasphemous. On Sunday night, @old_gaes screenshotted and posted a Tweet by 16-year-old Kuwaiti @Pharaohoe. Her tweet replaced the term “domain” with a slang word meaning vagina in a verse from the Quran.

@Old_gaes urged his followers to report the young girl and posted above the screenshot: “This is the end of another atheist and we should continue exposing every Arab atheist child to their parents who do not know of their atheism.”

Soon enough, @Pharaohoe tweeted “they f***ing found me” before deactivating her account. We can only assume that she meant the government. No one knew of the status of her safety at the time of this article. 

Although @old_gaes deactivated his Twitter, he began a very dangerous Twitter movement to silence others that more users have unfortunately joined. The practice is known as “doxing,” or searching for and publishing identifying information on the internet with malicious and harmful motives.

One user, @iBxdr, Tweeted to @old_gaes in Arabic, according to the Daily Beast: “Arab gays and atheists live among us, but if every person got up and defended his faith and spread (education) to every gay and atheist, they would disappear from Twitter.”

One anonymous source, who told the Daily Beast not to use her name for fear of her safety, said, “This tactic is not new at all. Many Arab atheists, political dissenters, and LGBQT (users) are doxed into silence…Twitter is absolutely useless. They don’t take this sort of thing seriously.” 


The Twitter Rules state that users “may not promote violence against or directly attack or threaten other people on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, religious affiliation, age, disability, or disease.” However, @old_gaes was not deactivated until multiple users threatened to report him to the Dubai police for blasphemy and Tweets against the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

This isn't the first time Twitter has been criticized for its processes for dealing with abuse. During the Gamergate controversy, videogame writer Anita Sarkeesian was flooded with sexist threats on Twitter. And Jewish journalists who have written critically about Donald Trump have reliably received streams of anti-Semitic Tweets.

In Kuwait, people who speak critically of Islam can be imprisoned or even killed. This is why many men and women in the country choose to Tweet anonymously, hoping to avoid such brutal punishment. However, it still took until very recently for @old_gaes to disappear. Twitter needs to do better to ensure that their platform is a place for a safe expression of opinions, rather than a site to be doxed into silence. 


5 Things to Think About if You’re Considering Antidepressants

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When it comes to anxiety and depression, there are different options to take when it comes to treatment. Something that could be worth a try is antidepressant medication, even though that might not be an easy decision to make. If you’re considering going on antidepressants, which can be used to treat a variety of mental illnesses other than depression as well, here are five things to think about, both while you’re making up your mind and if you do decide to go ahead with them. Make sure to talk to your doctor about it to inform your decision.

1. Know that mental illness itself might be stopping you

If you’re having a hard time deciding whether or not antidepressants--or any form of treatment for depression--is right for you, it could be due to depression itself. Marriage and Family Therapist Dr. Paul Hokemeyer says that depression often holds people back from seeking help for themselves. “The nature of the depression is that it tells us not to take actions to take care of ourselves,” Dr. Hokemeyer says. “This is typical of people who suffer from depression who refused to go on medication. They just don't feel like it's worth their effort.” Depression can hold you back in a lot of ways, and a major way it can do that is by convincing them that treatments just aren’t worth it. Know that help is out there, and that doctors are always ready to talk to you about possible remedies. Start by talking to your doctor about how you’re feeling and seeing about any possible next steps to take. Opening up to friends or family members about your depression can help you get the support you need in order to feel confident about seeking out help.

2. Try going to therapy as well

If you do decide to take antidepressants, try going to therapy at the same time. “If someone has a diagnosis of depression, the best route is to undergo both psychotherapy and antidepressant management,” Florida psychiatrist Dr. Padam Bhatia says. “If a patient undergoes only medication management or only therapy, they should understand that their results may not be as good as both together.” However, if therapy isn’t something that’s manageable at the moment because of other financial or time commitments, it isn’t 100 percent necessary to do both therapy and medication. “Some patients may not be able to tolerate or be available for therapy, and so medication is their only option for alleviation of symptoms,” says Dr. Bhatia. But if antidepressants are something you’re uncomfortable with, therapy without medication is totally doable, too. Keep in mind that it probably won’t be as useful as using both therapy and antidepressants together, Dr. Bhatia says.

Related: Depression in College and How to Deal 

3. Take the time to have a serious conversation with your doctor

There are a lot of different antidepressants available. Many are used to treat other mental illnesses like anxiety disorders as well. Each one has different side effects, and it’s important to talk to your doctor about the benefits and side effects of different kinds of medications in order to figure out which one will work the best for you. If you have any questions at all, ask--but try to steer clear of internet chatrooms and forums! Those can be full of scary stories and possible misdiagnoses. “Many times, psychiatrists will rush to provide a medication without discussing the downsides, so take your time during the appointment and make sure that all your questions are answered.  After all, this may be a medication that you are prescribed for years,” Dr. Bhatia says. On top of being mindful about which medication to take, people looking to take antidepressants should also make sure that they’ve been diagnosed accurately. If there’s been a misdiagnoses, it’s possible that antidepressants aren’t going to help much at all. Dr. Bhatia says, “The most important point that I can drive home is developing a rapport with a psychiatrist prior to the prescription of any medication as well as make sure that there is an accurate diagnosis.  Without these, medications will be much less effective and likely cause more side effects.” Choosing a therapist who’s right for you is also important, so make sure you’re comfortable with and confident about the person giving you your diagnosis.

4. Be patient--they don’t work immediately

It can be frustrating to wait for anything, but taking antidepressants and feeling like nothing is getting better can be especially taxing. If you’re on antidepressants and don’t feel like everything gets better instantly, don’t sweat it! Most antidepressant medications can take up to eight weeks for their effects to be felt. “Another important point is to realize that almost all antidepressants take many weeks (up to eight) to take effect.  Patience is a necessary part of the process, so do not get discouraged if you are not feeling relief from your symptoms immediately after starting the medication,” Dr. Bhatia advises. Ask your doctor how long the medication should take to kick in, and don’t give up hope before you get there.

The road to recovery from depression can be a grueling one, but it’s important to recognize that there are things out there that can remedy the mental illness. Whether or not you decide that antidepressants are right for you, know that it’s important to keep on going, even if your mental illness is telling you otherwise.

It's 2016 and We're Still Being Followed

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 By Mara Bender

Today I was followed while I was out for a walk during my short work break. I'm trying to drink less caffeine, so I've been walking around whenever I get antsy or sleepy. Today I ventured east of my office, a quieter alternative to the bustling main streets. I was just wandering around to clear my head and snapping the occasional Instagram of the beautiful neighborhood (basic, I know).

But as I was walking, I saw a man walk down the street toward me. I didn't think anything of it at first; why would I? But when I crossed the street and turned around, I watched him move in the same direction, but hang back a little. That's when I knew. My body does that thing where you feel physically calm, but you know you're ready to hit, run, scream or bite at any moment. I was terrified.

Not only was the guy significantly bigger than me, but I also didn't know the neighborhood super well and was walking on a quiet street. There really was no one else around to help me. I became hyper aware of his movements and distance from me. I could hear his keys jingling with every step he took. My brain cycled though all the terrible things he could do to me. Would he take me somewhere and rape me? Would he just assault me in public? If I got kidnapped, would the police find me within twenty-four hours?

I began to cut though the parking lot that emerged on my right, back toward my office and the busier streets. I could hear him still walking behind me. If there was any doubt that he had been following me before, there was definitely none now. I jumped down a retaining wall to get to the next parking lot, hoping he would get discouraged. I didn't hear him jump down behind me, so I tried to casually look around to see where he was.

That's when I spotted the cop car. Ordinarily I'm a little resistant to over-policing potentially dangerous neighborhoods, because it usually just causes an increase in crime. But in that moment, I had never been so happy to see a police officer. Just the sight of the cop was enough to scare off the guy following me, but I continued walking towards the police just in case. I made it back to my office, but I was really shaken up and needed to go sit in the lounge for a few minutes to calm myself down.

The big question here is why is this okay? My womanhood is not an invitation for anyone to behave like that. I hate rape culture and victim blaming as much as the next person, but I wasn't even wearing anything revealing. I was wearing a T shirt and knee-length circle skirt. If anything, my outfit just proves that what you're wearing literally makes no difference; if you're female, you need to get used to being fearful on the streets.

As women, we've begun fighting back, no doubt about it. But how long do we need to fight before we're heard? No one deserves to feel scared when they leave their houses. Safety on public streets should never be dependent on race, gender, religion or sexual orientation. We all deserve to feel comfortable and welcome in our public spaces. Women are beginning to demand the respect we deserve, but how long until we actually receive it?

Personally, I'm sick of waiting. I want my body to be mine alone and I want to be respected for my sheer existence as a human. How much longer are we going to be stagnate? The suffragettes had to resort to violence all those years ago. I pray that modern feminists aren't pushed to the same limits.

15 Texts You'll Send to Your College Friends This Summer Because You Need Love

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So, you've been looking forward to summer all year long, but suddenly, summer is here and you're bored out of your mind with nothing to do. No one in your hometown gets your jokes anymore, the coffee doesn't taste the same, and most of all, your college best friends aren't there to keep you company. Sound like you? Well, here are 15 texts that you'll probably (if you haven't already) send to your college friends this summer.

1. The “everyone in this town sucks” text.

2. The “remember when…?” text.

3. The first day of school plan text.

4. The “why can’t you just be here?” text.

5. The elaborate first night out planning text.

6. The “guess what just happened?” text.

7. The “FACETIME ME” text.

8. The “WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU?” text.

9. The “check your Instagram” text. 

 

10. The “is it August yet?” text.

11. The “I miss you” text.

12. The “wanna watch *insert name of TV show here * together?” text.

13. The “text me your schedule!” text.

14. The “catch me up on all the drama!” text.

15. The “I hate summer.” text.

VIDEO: I Tried Basically EVERY Kylie Jenner Lip Kit So You Don't Have To

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When I first heard about the Kylie Jenner Lip Kits I didn’t think anything of them. “Just another celebrity product,” I thought. Months went by, however, and it seemed like all anyone could talk about were Kylie’s Lip Kits. So I did what any slightly insane makeup lover would do: I bought all of them (Oops?). Curious to see whether or not these hot commodities were really worth the price? Check out my review below:

Lip Kits

Dry time: These products dry super fast and really adhere to your lips so you can say goodbye to the days of peeling strands of hair off of sticky lips. 

Smell: With an overwhelming artificial vanilla scent, the scent of Kylie’s lip kits are really hit or miss. I found the smell reminded me a little too much of my middle school days (see Limited Too, rainbow braces, and Juicy Couture velour sweatsuits *cringe*). 

Consistency: These products are rich and creamy going on and definitely don’t dry out your lips throughout the day. Unfortunately, the color is quick to come off after eating or drinking so definitely don’t wear these on date night. 

Favorites color(s): Mary-Jo K, Candy K, True Brown K

Matte Metallics

Dry time: Just as fast as the lip kits.

Consistency: Kylie’s matte metallics definitely go on a little chunkier and thicker than her lip kits, but dry with the same smooth consistency once they're fully applied. 

Favorites color(s): Reign 

Lip glosses 

Dry Time: N/A

Consistency: Unfortunately, these glosses were definitely not worth the money I shelled out for them. They left weird lines of pigmentation on my lips and had the same tacky consistency of glue. Not only that, but Jeffree Star was right—the lip gloss brushes definitely need to be recalled and replaced with higher quality applicators. 

'Pretty Little Liars' Recap: To the Grave

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Picking up where we left off at the end of last season, the Pretty Little Liars are on a mission to #SaveHanna, but not before they bury someone’s body in the woods.

Here are the facts you need to know from the PLL season premiere.

Season seven begins with a bizarre mid-burial argument. Spencer, Emily and Aria find this awkward setting the perfect place to have an inappropriate conversation about what qualifies as murder.

Turns out this is merely a flash forward we probably won’t know anything about for weeks (or maybe even seasons).

In the present, Caleb is losing his damn mind over Hanna. He’s yelling. A. Lot. And I can’t even with his attitude toward Spencer.

Church bells ring, and in a jiffy, the group runs to investigate. What they find looks a lot like Hanna’s dead body. What it actually is…is up for debate. I think we were meant to believe it was some kind of weird life-size doll with a Hanna mask over its tiny face. I think.

Once they discover that Hanna is indeed still savable, the Liars plus BFs past and present plus Mona sit down for a brainstorming session that feels like it lasts forever. They have 24 hours to hand over Charlotte’s killer and this is how they’re spending their time?

They all decide Ali is most likely the culprit, and they split into snooping teams—Mona and Caleb, Spoby, Ezria and a solo Emily.

In the meantime, Hanna’s captors send a totally candid pic of her—to prove she’s alive and in her tight white tank and underwear, I guess.

Emily starts spilling all the group’s theories and secrets to Dr. Rollins, who if she hasn’t figured it out yet (Ha, of course she hasn't!) is the BAD GUY.

Spoby bonds by speaking to each other in a variety of sexy foreign languages, and I’m dying for them to launch into a full makeout sesh.

Then, you’ve got Ezria holding hands in Ali’s closet while they spy on Rollins. Not as cute but still v. cute.

Super late in the night—so late, in fact, that it is now completely dark outside—Mary Drake visits Spencer at her house in an attempt to intimidate her or something. But Spence is having none of it and intimidates Mary right back.

Aria is all caught up in what’s going on with her and Ezra, and I don’t care because I just want to #SaveHanna!

The Liars try to figure out who the guy with the accent is that Mary keeps chatting with on the phone, but alas they don’t know about Dr. Rollins’ secret accent and probably never will.

Then, Emily sneaks into Ali’s room and reminisces about Emison. She finds an incriminating clothing item in an even more incriminating cardboard box marked Goodwill and is suddenly convinced Alison is a murderer.

Spencer visits Hanna in what I can only assume is a vision of some sort to give her pointers on how to escape. Because everyone is useless without Spencer’s guidance.

As Caleb rushes to turn the evidence against Alison over to Uber A, Hanna escapes…only to be stopped by that bitch Mary Drake.

The episode ends with Rollins threatening to keep Alison locked up for the rest of her life, and I am left feeling unfulfilled AF.

Are Your High School Friends Worth Keeping in College?

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By now, you’ve probably heard all about how different college life is from high school. In many ways, it’s SO much better. Hello, autonomy over your own social calendar! However, it isn’t necessarily the party that it can be made out to be.

You may not realize it while it’s happening, but the whirlwind of college life changes you and helps you grow. Sometimes, this means growing out of past friendships and into new ones. Some friendships just aren’t meant to last after graduation! Here are six important questions to think about in figuring out which friendships you’ve graduated from and which ones are there for the long haul.

1. Are they your true friend or just an acquaintance?

Chances are, not everyone you spent time with in high school was your BFF. Whether that person was your go-to study buddy for math class or your prime source for gossip in gym, you had a relationship with that person on some level. To determine if your friendship is worth keeping, the first thing you should do is think about whether that person is someone you would trust without question, or just a casual acquaintance whose wit made that class you couldn’t stand bearable.

Understanding what category her friendships fell into is what has helped Lexi Hill, a junior at University of South Carolina, prioritize various relationships from high school. By being honest with herself and identifying whether certain friends were casual acquaintances or truly best friends, Lexi was confident that she and her high school squad would stay close when freshman year of college came around.

“I’m sure we’ll continue to be very close even as we graduate and into the future,” Lexi says. “We all became friends in grade school, some of us sooner off than others, but throughout our childhood we were always there for one another during the ups and downs.” According to Lexi, those ups and downs were the moments that truly defined who her close friends were.

While you shouldn’t diss your high school acquaintances, you also shouldn’t worry about working around time differences and a packed college schedule to keep up your relationship with them. Save the effort for the friends who have truly been there for you in the past year. Besides, you’ll have plenty of new acquaintances from your dorm, your major and your extracurricular activities. 

2. Does this friendship exist for the right reasons?

Maybe you’re a social butterfly who can strike up a conversation and make friends with anyone in earshot. Maybe you’re an introvert and enjoy having just a few close friends. Regardless of the number of friends you had in high school, the friends who you end up keeping should complement your personality in important ways like communication frequency and mutual respect.

This quality-over-quantity approach is what has helped Jazmyne Jackson, a sophomore at Boston University, keep up each of her friendships from high school as well as those from her freshman year of college, too. “College is the next step before the rest of our lives!” Jazmyne says. “I don’t need superficial, frivolous people around me.” Honestly, we have to agree.

If you’ve realized that you’re ‘off’ more with an old ‘on-again-off-again’ friend, or that someone you were once close with isn’t a reflection of the kind of adult you want to become, an end to that friendship is overdue. While you don’t have to have the exact same goals and priorities, in a healthy friendship you should be able to understand and respect each other.

Related: 19 Signs Your Friend Group is Actually More Like a Family

3. Would you prioritize time with this person?

College is, without a doubt, one of the busiest times in your life. At 19 years old, you can end up working 12-hour days (between classes and assignments, internships, part-time jobs, and maybe Greek life, sports or clubs). It’s exhausting to say the least, but you can probably compare it to an amped-up version of high school if you were on a sports team or a time-consuming student organization like theater or newspaper.

While putting in countless hours on and around your high school campus may have been the bane of your existence, one benefit is not having to go out of your way to hang out with your friends in those activities. Unfortunately, sometimes all of those effortless hangouts disappear abruptly once you graduate high school. According to Alaina Leary, a recent graduate from Westfield State University, sometimes the effort that those friends put in to see you can disappear too.

“Some people are only your friend out of convenience, but once it becomes difficult they no longer care to try,” Alaina says. “I still make time for my friends from high school and college and as a result, our friendships haven’t suffered.” Alaina says that it’s important to not feel trapped in a friendship because you were once close, if the other party isn’t putting forth the effort.

So, if your last few texts to an old ‘friend’ have gone unanswered or they haven’t made any attempt to hang out again before you go your separate ways for the summer, it’s probably best to accept that that they’ve gone in a different direction in their life—just like you’re about to!

4. Can you find ways to maintain communication?

If you have decided to maintain friendships from high school, you might be wondering how you’re going to manage staying in contact with everyone while you’re away at school. While it may be difficult to accommodate the schedules of everyone in your friend group, you’ll have plenty of ways to do so once you’ve worked out the details.

Technology like group chats, Skype, Snapchat, FaceTime, iMessage and a good old fashioned phone call now and then make it easier than ever to stay up to the minute on everything going on with your friends, even if they’re far away!

“It was really nice to have a friend from home to talk about stuff at school with,” says Sophia Walker, a junior at Bowdoin College, who stayed close with her best friend from high school even though they now go to different colleges. “She was unbiased, so I could tell her everything without worrying about anyone judging me, and talking about it all helped me process my first year”

While she and her bestie from home were initially texting constantly through her freshman year, Sophia says that they started talking more sporadically during her sophomore year but stayed close regardless.

You don’t have to always be texting back and forth to assure your long-distance friends that you’re thinking of them. Sometimes a #tbt post on Instagram or a cheeky Snapchat can go a long way in recounting those memories that made your high school years together the best.

5. Will your friendship survive time and distance?

Sometimes, less is actually more when it comes to staying in contact! Make sure to be conscious of how much time you’re spending catching up with your squad from home, and if your constant contact means that you’re passing up opportunities to make new relationships on campus.

Kayla Düngee, a sophomore at Kennesaw State University, explained that giving each other some space was actually the best thing that she and her best friend from home did for their long distance friendship. By setting aside time once a week to FaceTime, they’ve dedicated time to just catching up with each other while also supporting each other’s growing independence while at school.

“I want her to have her own friends and meet new people—not to feel like I am holding her back.” Kayla also says that being mindful of the fact that your friends now have their own lives too is especially important. “Naturally they are going to fall into their own rhythm and routine, and you can’t make them feel bad for doing so. Don’t feel bad when they don’t text or call back in a timely manner.”

While it may seem scary to only talk once a week or so with someone you’re used to spending a few hours a day with, you can rest assured that the distance will disappear when you reunite and you’ll be able to pick up right where you left off!

6. Does your friendship with this person make you happy?

The most important question here comes down to the simplest one: does your friendship with this person make you happy? Maria Cristina, a graduate from the University of Puerto Rico, advises you to prioritize the people who bring positivity to your life and who push you to become a better version of yourself. After all, that’s what growing up is all about, right?

All friendships cycle through their ups and downs naturally. It’s totally normal to even lose contact for a couple of months at a time. The friends that are worth keeping in your life are the ones that will empower you and support you ––they’re the ones that will help you become the adult you want to be, and they’re the ones that will push you to try harder even when you don’t feel like it. By being mindful of those qualities in your friends from high school, college and beyond, you’re setting yourself for major success in friendship and in life!

7 Flirting Tips to Try This Summer

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You’ve just laid your towel out on a lawn chair, showing off your new swimsuit that’s fresh off the rack. Slipping on your shades, you begin flipping through the pages of your summer read. You happen to look up just as he walks by. The lifeguard you’ve noticed for the past couple of weeks just got off duty, and you’re ready to get your flirt on. It’s summer, and it’s time to live! But how do you catch his eye? That’s where we come in!

Throughout these hot summer months, you’ll find yourself in a plethora of situations where you can broaden your horizons and meet new guys. Here’s what to do if you find yourself eye-to-eye with a Grade-A stud in the upcoming weeks. Strap on your sun hats!

1. Buy him a coffee

A good way to meet guys in the summer is to establish a routine.  Go to one of your favorite coffee shops a few times a week to meet up with friends or read a book like the hipster you are.  Soon enough, you’ll start to notice some regulars, just like you.  If one of those regulars catches your eye, consider buying him an iced coffee to cool him off because he’s just that hot.

“I was at this coffee shop that I always used to go to by my house,” says Chelsea, a junior at Saint Louis University.  “I saw this really cute guy, so I bought him a coffee. I had seen him a couple of times before, but I didn’t know his name. So when his order was ready, I told the barista to announce his order by saying, ‘coffee for the cute guy in the grey shirt reading The Catcher in The Rye from the girl reading On the Road.’ We ended up getting coffee together a few times throughout the summer.”

The heat of the summer is the best time to try out your boldest move.  Buying a drink for the cute guy in the coffee shop could be the start to the summer fling you’ve always dreamed of!

2. Use a cheesy pick-up line on the beach

There are a few times a year when it is socially acceptable to use cheesy pick-up lines. Summer is one of them.  

Guys like girls who can tickle their funny bone with pick-up lines that are just cheesy enough to work.

“I was visiting a friend in Kansas City over the summer and he threw a party at his house,” says Peter, a sophomore at Creighton University.  “A couple of hours into the party, a girl walked up to me with this funny look on her face and asked me, ‘Is it hot in here, or is it just you?’ I was so surprised, but I ended up talking to her for the rest of the night.”

Even if it doesn’t work out, at least you were bold and you’ll have a good story to tell!

3. Send a flirty Tinder message

Summer is a great time to give dating apps and online dating a try. Without the distraction of school, you have more time to focus on finding someone to spend those hot summer nights with.

While dating apps may not be for everyone, some definitely make it work. “I never took Tinder seriously,” says Lindsay, a junior at the University of Missouri.  “But then I swiped right for this guy who made me laugh with a super cheesy pick-up line instead of making me cringe like a lot of the guys on Tinder usually did.  And then we just kept talking!”

Lindsay was just sitting on her couch one night when she met the right guy in an unusual situation. She recommends sending something silly or funny to hook a guy’s attention. For example, if you notice that he wrote about liking to fish on his profile, try sending something like, “There are a lot of fish in the sea, but you’re the only one I’d like to catch.” 

4. Approach the lifeguard when he’s off duty

Throughout the summer, you may find yourself babysitting to pick up some extra cash. On one of your daily excursions to the pool, you notice the lifeguard climbing down from his post and heading to the break room. Now’s your chance to make a move!

After setting the kids up with some popsicles during a break from swimming, Morgan, a junior at the University of Mississippi, chatted up one of the lifeguards at her neighborhood pool.

“I asked him what events were coming up at the pool that I could bring the kids to,” she says. “When I saw him later that week at a poolside barbeque, we were able to talk more. Whenever I nanny, I still take my kids to that pool.”

Whether you’re babysitting or not, hanging out at your neighborhood pool and talking to the people who work there is a great way to not only make new friends, but also meet new guys that you may not have had the chance to talk to during the school year.

5. Give your number to that guy you met on a road trip

While a two-lane highway may not seem like the best place to meet the guy of your dreams, interesting things can happen on an open road with your friends.

“I go on a lot of road trips … so I’ve had a lot of time to hone my skills,” says Dani, a sophomore at the University of Missouri. “One time, my friends and I had the funny idea of fogging up the windows … and writing my phone number. We actually got someone to call me.”

6. Float on the river with a new group of guys

You may find yourself wanting to take a break from your summer internship and hit the water. Deciding to tap into that adventurous spirit, you head out to the river. While catching some rays and going wherever the current may take you, seize this opportunity to float closer to that group of boys who seem to be having a good time.

“I got a group of my girlfriends together to go on a float trip one day,” says Rachel, a sophomore at Columbia College. “We weren’t expecting to meet so many cool people, but a lot of my friends walked away from that day with some new numbers.”

With your friends drifting nearby, you’ll be in a totally comfortable position to approach some unfamiliar boys. And if things head south, float north!

7. Dance a little closer to that hottie at a music festival

A music festival is the perfect spot to meet someone new. Simply by being there, you’re showing that you have things in common.

“You meet so many great people at festivals,” says Cara, a senior at the University of Kansas. “I also love that there are also endless topics for discussion when you’re here. You can talk about the band that’s playing, the band that you’re most excited to see or you can talk about the sea of characters surrounding you.”

Amidst the cheering crowd, take this opportunity to lean into the cutie dancing next to you and ask him what he thought of the last performer. If the two of you hit it off and he strikes your fancy, don’t be afraid to ask him to go see your favorite band with you later!

Between the hot days in the sun and cool nights under the stars, summer is the best time to try out some new flirting tactics. Whether you’re at a party or just lying on your couch, it’s never to late to stretch your wings and tap into that flirting potential!


7 DIY Gifts for the Cancer Girl

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As we transition to the era of a new zodiac sign, it is time to find the perfect gift for that Cancer girl in your life. Cancer girls are super sweet, love to share their emotions and are absolutely feminine. These easy DIY gifts will be perfect for her!

1. Homemade Card with a Meaningful Note

A Cancer loves to share her emotions and the little things, like kind words, mean the most. A handmade card with a meaningful note will mean the world to her. Keep this DIY handy for later as you can make "thank you" and "good luck" cards in the future!

2. Lavender Mint Bath Salts

A Cancer loves to pamper herself, and she specifically loves the calming smell of lavender. This bath salt will give her everything she is looking for. 

3. Roll-on Perfume with Essential Oils

Not only does a Cancer love to pamper herself, but she loves feeling feminine. These roll-on perfumes are easy to make and they use essential oils, which are light and natural. 

4. Cooking Apron 

A Cancer loves to spend her free time in the kitchen, whether that involves baking or cooking dinner for her family. A cute and creative apron that reflects her individual personality will make a great gift!

5. Scented Candles

Cancers will love the smell of these sweet DIY candles. She will appreciate the relaxation this candle brings, too. 

6. Bathrobe

There is nothing better than having a soft robe to throw on after a day of at-home pampering. She will love this soft bathrobe, and it's super easy to make.

7. Thimble Cupcakes

A Cancer is super sweet and loves to eat sweets. These tiny cupcakes are adorable, and because they are so small she will be able to eat more!

The 5 Best Beach Workouts for Summer

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Since summer is in full swing, it’s time to take a tip from Fergie and start working on our fitness!

You don’t need a gym membership to get a rock-star body, so use the warm weather to your advantage with an outdoor workout. We already know you’re going to look great this summer, so here’s another excuse to show off your stylish bikini!

The beach is an awesome place to go for your workout since it will instantly relax you, and you can use the water and sand as resistance as needed. Read on for some of our fave beach-friendly workouts!

1. Jogging

Have you ever enjoyed a nice walk along the water at the beach? Relaxing, right? Walking on the beach is a great way to add some quality cardio to your routine. If you prefer to jog or run, you can do that as well and reap the same benefits as walking, but in a shorter amount of time.

Melanie Ludwig, owner of Prestige Fitness in New Hampshire, says that walking or jogging at the beach will benefit you more than doing the same exercises on a treadmill or indoor track.

“Walking, jogging or running with a friend first thing in the morning can keep you making healthy choices all day!” Ludwig says. “The uneven surface of the sand is challenging as your muscles must work harder to compensate for your feet sinking in the sand. You also use more energy, aka burn more calories, due to the surface of the sand.”

You can choose whether or not you want to run barefoot, but we recommend wearing sneakers to support your feet better and protect yourself from any broken seashells or other trash found along the shore.

Whether you run on dry or wet sand is up to you, since you’ll reap the benefits of a beach jog regardless. For new beach joggers, run close to the water near the wet sand, since it’s more solid and easier to power through. For joggers who have done more than one beach run, try dry sand for more resistance. It’s a lot harder to power through dry sand compared to wet sand, so it can leave you feeling worn out very quickly.

Ludwig also notes that the sand “acts as a natural cushion so [there’s] less impact than pounding on pavement or a treadmill,” which is a benefit that we sure won’t complain about.

If you don’t consider yourself a runner or if you’re a total beginner, don’t be too hard on yourself; everyone has to start somewhere! Try to start slowly and then work your way up to your desired pace or distance, since taking baby steps is a lot more manageable than trying to become a marathon runner in one week. There are helpful programs like Couch to 5K that you can try that will allow you to make progress with your running day-by-day.

As if all of these details won’t have you grabbing your sneakers already, Ludwig says people tend to walk or run farther and longer on the beach due to its relaxing nature. The eye candy around you might make you want to keep going, too!

2. Strength training

Cardio isn’t the only type of exercise you can do at the beach! Just as the sand works in your favor during a jog or run, you can use it to your advantage while you strength train as well with push-ups, lunges and squats.

“The sand is a natural resistance, as stated above, but you can also use the same principles with lower-body exercises, such as lunges and squats,” Ludwig says. “The uneven surface has you working harder to keep your balance. Getting into a plank on your elbows and crawling forward, backward and side-to-side adds a new challenge for your core muscles.”

Be sure to pace yourself, though! “These exercises are not as easy as they look, especially in sand, but just remember to keep your core engaged and breathe,” Ludwig says.

Here are a few beach-friendly strength-training exercises (that don’t require any equipment!):

Scissor kicks

  1. Lie down with your back pressed against the sand. Keep your arms fully extended with your palms facing down.
  2. To get into your starting position, lift your legs up so that your heels are about six inches off the ground while slightly bending your knees.
  3. Lift your left leg up to a 45-degree angle while lowering your right leg until it’s about 2 to 3 inches from the ground.
  4. Switch and do the same set of movements with your opposite leg.

Single-leg hip extension

  1. Lie face-up with your arms out to the side and your right knee bent. Your left leg should be straight and raised a few inches from the ground.
  2. Lift your left leg up until you see that it’s in line with your right thigh, and push your hips upward. This will form a straight line from your shoulders to your knees.
  3. Pause, then lower yourself back to start.
  4. Do your desired amount of reps, then switch your legs and repeat.

Reverse crunches

  1. Lie on your back and place your hands on the ground or behind your head.
  2. Bring your knees in towards your chest until they are bent at a 90-degree angle. You can keep your feet together or crossed.
  3. Contract your abs to curl your hips off the floor, reaching your legs up towards the ceiling. Lower yourself, then repeat for your desired amount of reps.
  4. Make sure that you’re using your abs to lift your hips rather than swinging your legs and creating momentum.

If you’re down to do some push-ups on the beach, the uneven terrain will allow your body to be challenged in different ways. For fitness gurus, face the water for your push-ups, since your body will be at a decline, which will provide more of a challenge. For beginners, face away from the water so your body will be at an incline, which is a bit easier.

To make sure you’re staying safe, look around the area where you’ll be doing your push-ups. If it’s filled with broken seashells and unidentifiable objects, place a towel down for added support and protection. An all-clear zone means you can either work out sans towel or with it, depending on what you prefer.

3. Build sand castles

It’s super important to make time for relaxation and fun during the summer. A great way to unwind while working out is building some sand castles.

Yes, you read that right – one of your favorite beach activities from your childhood can be a toning workout for your arms and upper body!

“Filling up buckets of sand is a natural way to lift weights, in a way,” Ludwig says. “All the bending, lifting and carrying water to your project is just as effective as lifting a dumbbell.” Sign us up!

Know that while your inner child is having a field day and you’re showing off your creative side, your body will be reaping the physical benefits as well.

4. Get in the water

A trip to the beach wouldn’t be complete without a dip in the ocean! The sand isn’t the only natural resource you can use to assist with your workout; the water can also be a great workout BFF.

“Just walking in the water adds resistance as you pull your body through it,” Ludwig says. “Try raising your knees for a real challenge!”

When you walk through the water while raising your knees, you’ll be challenging your leg muscles as well, providing strength training that doesn’t even feel like work.

For the sake of safety, Ludwig says to be careful and observant of dangerous water conditions, such as riptides. She also recommends doing this activity with a friend for safety and added fun.

Some of your other fave childhood water activities, like jumping waves and paddleboarding, can benefit your body, too.

“All of these activities use the resistance of the water to keep your muscles challenged,” Ludwig says.

Of course, freestyle swimming is a classic water workout that will engage your entire body. The sunshine and atmosphere of the beach will have you swimming for hours, so the time will pass quickly as you get in a workout at the same time.

5. Get your game on

There are so many fun beach activities that you can do with friends that don’t even feel like workouts!

“Playing beach volleyball, flying a kite or tossing a Frisbee are great ways to enjoy the shore and keep active,” Ludwig says. “If you decide to cool off with a dip in the ocean after, be cautious, as your body might be more fatigued than you realize.”

She also suggests dressing appropriately for whatever exercise you’ll be engaging in. So if you plan on diving like crazy while playing beach volleyball, you might want to rock some cute shorts instead of bikini bottoms.

To get your friends in on a beach game, challenge them to a bet to get them motivated.

“I promised a friend that if she walked with me three days on the beach during a vacation, I would make her a special dinner,” Ludwig says. “Bring some beach toys with you to the beach, too, since it's hard to resist playing catch or tossing [a] Frisbee on a beautiful day!”

 

Enjoy a quality workout in a beautiful beach environment! Use it to your advantage during your active summer, and you’re sure to see results. Just make sure you pack some healthy summer snacks with you, and don’t forget the sunscreen!

Ben Higgins & Lauren Bushnell Are Getting Their Own 'Bachelor' Spinoff

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If you’ve been wanting to catch up with Ben Higgins and his fiancée Lauren Bushnell since their season of The Bachelor ended, then your wish has been granted! Freeform, formerly known as ABC Family, announced Wednesday they have picked up a spinoff of the popular ABC dating series, which will focus on Ben and Lauren.

Ben and Lauren: Happily Ever After will follow the engaged couple as they plan their wedding and start their life together. According to TVLine, the docu-series will also focus on Ben's political aspirations and Lauren's path to discovering who she wants to be after her time on the show. In true Bachelor fashion, alumni of both The Bachelor and The Bachelorette will stop by occasionally to offer the duo advice.

Unfortunately, the spinoff won’t premiere until October, but you can bet we will be there when it does. And for now we have JoJo's journey to find love as the Bachelorette to keep us occupied. 

Are you excited to follow Ben and Lauren's road to wedded bliss?

Starbucks Is Getting Sued For Underfilling Lattes

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We all know that feeling—you're waiting to drink that delicious, piping hot Skinny Vanilla Latte from Starbucks, but it needs to cool down a bit so that you don't end up burning your tongue. To help speed up the process, you take off the lid...only to see that that your latte is not filled to the tippity-top. Disappointingly, it's pretty much a quarter empty already.

Although it's not the end of the world, an underfilled coffee is still pretty upsetting. You think to yourself, “I spend more money on coffee than basically anything else, couldn't they at least completely fill the cup?”

That is exactly what two California customers thought when they decided to sue the Seattle-based coffee giant for underfilling their lattes.

According to the Guardian, Siera Strumlauf and Benjamin Robles filed a lawsuit that challenged Starbucks' instructions to its baristas to leave one-quarter of the cup empty. Company-wide instructions apparently tell employees to pour milk only to the "fill line" in the pitchers they use to heat milk. This practice consistently leaves lattes underfilled. Starbucks' policy, which was adopted in 2009 in an effort to save money on milk, ends up ripping off customers who do not truly receive the amount of coffee that they paid for.

"By underfilling its lattes, thereby shortchanging its customers, Starbucks has saved countless millions of dollars in the cost of goods sold and was unjustly enriched by taking payment for more product than it delivers," Strumlauf and Robles said in the suit.  

The lawsuit, which may have seemed silly at first, passed its first roadblock when U.S. District Judge Thelton Henderson ruled that the class action lawsuit was rational enough to continue to a trial.

"If all Starbucks lattes are made pursuant to a standardized recipe which results in the lattes being uniformly underfilled, and Plaintiffs allege that they purchased lattes, it is reasonable to conclude that – even without measuring – Plaintiffs' lattes were underfilled," Henderson said, according to The Wall Street Journal, in perhaps the most proper language ever to speak of a Caffè Latte. 

Starbucks spokesman Reggie Borges said that the company believes the basis of the lawsuit is unfounded. According to Time, Borges said that because customers can always ask to have their drink remade if they are unsatisfied, there is no real wrongdoing.

What started as an underfilling of steamed milk has ruined enough days to become a full-fledged lawsuit—one that may mean trouble is brewing (yes, pun intended) for the coffee empire. 

The Senate Rejected 4 Gun Control Measures After Orlando

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After the Orlando shooting last week, both the Republican and Democratic parties created gun measures that would integrate increased background checks for gun sales, and also prohibit gun sales to people who are suspected terrorists. Unfortunately, the Senate somehow decided to reject the proposals despite the fact that the worst mass shooting in U.S. history occurred just days ago, and that the gunman responsible was legally sold weapons despite being on the terrorist watch list. It's basically the ultimate show of Congressional inaction. 

According to USA Today"an NBC News/Survey Monkey online poll conducted after the Orlando massacre last week found 61 percent of those surveyed support stricter gun laws; 38 percent opposed them. The survey also found 60 percent support a ban on 'assault weapons' and 38 percent oppose it." The four measures were responding to the public's obvious concern for their safety. 

The first measure would have increased funding for the background check system and supported research on mass shootings. While the second measure would also benefit the background check system, it also proposed to monitor private gun sales over the internet. The third and fourth measures would work to delay or ultimately stop gun sales to suspected terrorists, while still allowing that person an appeal. 

The issue with the proposed measures (and ultimately why they were rejected by the Senate) is that the Republican created bills were off-putting to Democrats, and the Democratic bills were limiting to Republicans. This same problem occurred previously after the shooting in San Bernardino, Calif., where proposed gun control measures were rejected due to lack of total support. 

Unsurprisingly, the stance on gun control taken by the two parties also reflects the stance of our 2016 Presidential candidates: Donald Trump wants to preserve the right to gun use while Hilary Clinton is advocating for more gun control. Our 54 Republicans and 46 Democrats just can't seem to agree. Americans want to maintain their rights, but there's no denying that this country is not safe under the current gun control measures. 

On Wednesday, Democrats in the House of Representatives started a sit-in to demand a vote on the same gun control measures, according to NBC. That story is still developing.

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