Quantcast
Channel:
Viewing all 25628 articles
Browse latest View live

How to Make One Blazer Last All Week at Your Internship

$
0
0

When you’re working as an intern (which often means working for free), your office outfit budget only stretches so far. As it turns out, you don’t have to buy an entire new wardrobe full of blazers, pencil skirts and tailored pants for your new gig—you can actually get away with buying one blazer and wearing it all week. Yes, seriously! Below, we break it down for you—here’s how to make the same jacket work Monday through Friday.

Our blazer pick: Essential Structured Blazer ($39.99 at Mango)

1. Monday


Mango Blazer 1

Mondays are enough of a struggle already without having to pick out a complicated outfit. Keep things simple with a super comfy shirtdress that looks a lot more dressed up than it feels. Flats are a great choice for a Monday, but the pointed toe on this pair makes them still feel work-appropriate. Add tassel earrings for a fun but subtle detail.

Related: How to Nail Business Casual Beyond the Skirt Suit

2. Tuesday


Mango Blazer 2

The midi skirt trend is basically every intern’s dream—it’s the easiest way to look chic while still staying covered up enough for the office. Pair an on-trend button-front version with a classic striped button-down shirt. Wedges can totally work for the office, and your feet won’t be killing you by the end of the day—just make sure to pick a platform-less pair for 9-to-5 wear. When it comes to purses, every intern learns quickly that a giant bag for stuffing all your essentials in is a must-have. This faux leather pick looks polished, even if it’s holding your laptop, flats for commuting and your lunch.

3. Wednesday


Mango Blazer 3

Try a twist on the classic suit by wearing pastel pink pants with your blazer, which makes for a super chic update on typical office wear. Add a feminine edge to the menswear vibes of this outfit with a tie-neck blouse. Nude heels are the perfect pair of shoes for letting the blush hues on your pants do the talking.

4. Thursday


Mango Blazer 4

If you thought you couldn’t rock a jumpsuit at work, think again: a minimal wrap-style jumpsuit with a blazer to top it off keeps you completely covered up. Heeled mules are one of fashion’s favorite shoes this summer, and we like the intern-friendly chunky heels on this Steve Madden pair. (Read: no sprained ankles if you’re running around all day.) A classic gray messenger bag is the perfect way to transition from your usual campus backpack.

5. Friday


Mango Blazer 5

Culottes are the office-approved pants you never knew you needed. With a cropped length and a loose silhouette, they’re ideal for wearing to the office in the middle of the hot summer weather. Dress them up with a luxe satin blouse peeking out from underneath your blazer. Chunky heeled boots add height (a must when wearing boxy culottes), without sacrificing comfort.

With a little bit of styling creativity, it’s easy to stretch one essential investment piece from 9 to 5, five days a week—so you can save your wardrobe funds for when it really counts (aka your off-duty days).


College Isn't For Me, But I'm Finishing Anyway

$
0
0

By Ellen Eldridge

It’s seven in the morning on a Monday, and all I want to do is sleep. But my alarm clock obnoxiously demands my attention, so I sit up. My eyes feel like they are glued shut, and it takes almost all of my focus and strength to open them, even just to squint. By this point, my roommate is groaning at me to turn my alarm clock off. Conveniently, the remote is nowhere to be found, so I manage to stumble across the room to unplug it. I put on a hoodie, grab my keys, and make my way to the closest coffee shop. On the short drive to get my caffeine, I think about all of the things I have to do this week, and then all the things I would rather be doing. The day has officially begun, whether I like it or not.

I spend my days obsessively checking my email, sitting through required classes, studying topics that I honestly can’t relate to, thinking about what I should eat for my next meal and going to work. My favorite part of my days? Work, because I chose my job. I get paid to do something that truly makes me happy. I would totally drop everything and create videos full-time if that was socially acceptable, but it’s not.

It’s socially acceptable to go to a four-year university. It’s socially acceptable to stick to daily tasks and have a plan, and not to do something on a whim or completely random. I don’t know why or how my mindset evolved differently from the vast majority. I just know that college isn’t for me, but I’m doing it anyways.

Don’t get me wrong. I love my college. I love the town it’s in. I love the people here. And I understand why this is the norm for a lot of people. For people studying engineering, business, math and subjects like that, college makes sense. It would be extremely difficult to be successful without at least a degree from a four-year college.

College is a stepping stone into the real world. You build connections, you find what you’re good at and you pursue it. But what if you find what you’re good at and what you love, and come to realize you can’t pursue it at your college? That the college you chose to be at can’t help you develop the knowledge and skills that are essential to what you want to do? There are three options from here.

1.     Transfer schools.

2.     Drop out and try to figure it out on your own.

3.     Suck it up and stick it out.

I chose option three. I know I can’t drop college entirely. I’ve spent countless hours researching other schools and what I need to do to transfer there, but the only types of schools that offer what I need are either technical schools, or schools that I most likely can’t get in to. So I decided to stay put. Sometimes I regret not going to college in state or close to home. And the idea of spending four years studying subjects that I honestly may never use after graduation is absolutely draining. To be completely honest, I hate taking notes. I don’t like going to class. I don’t like forcing myself to learn something that is irrelevant to my life. Regardless, I have come to the realization that college is much more than the notes you scribble, the textbooks that empty your bank account and the classes you drag yourself to.

College teaches you how to live on your own for the first time. College teaches you how to build lasting relationships and connections that could lead you to your first job. College teaches you how to work in a group without punching someone for not doing their part. College teaches you time management and how to prioritize. College teaches you self-discipline, even if you learn the hard way.

You may not notice it at first, but somehow after changing majors three times, being a part of Greek life, failing a class, working multiple jobs at once, experiencing probably too many hangovers, accidentally sleeping through class, crying to your professor, wrecking your car when you’re all alone, getting an A on a test after an all-nighter, adding countless friends on Facebook and in real life, college teaches you how to grow up.

From a strictly educational standpoint, college is not for me. But I need college. I need to learn how to be an adult. I need to learn how to handle things on my own. I need to learn when to ask for help. My college may not have the classes I want or the major I want, but I know that come graduation, I will be ready to take my next step into the real world, and I will be prepared for whatever comes my way. The four years will be worth it. 

17 Things Only Fanfiction Readers Will Understand

$
0
0

Fanfiction: living in the archives of our tumblr page, it opens up doors in the stories you love for things the author never dreamed of. From Draco Malfoy's romance with an apple to crazy tales from District 9, the world of fanfic is ever expanding. Your parents probably don't understand. Your friends might not understand. But you do. You even fic, bro?

1. You live for your OTP.

2. And will fight to defend it.

3. Every new book/movie is an opportunity for new fanfiction.

4. You are simultaneously proud of your fandom...

5. ...And embarrassed of your dedication to it.

6. You’ve read the best of fanfics,

7. The worst of fanfics,

8. And some you’d rather not even discuss.

9. Your fandom is your community.

10. People who don’t read fic just don’t get it.

11. You can’t stand trolls.

12. Most of your friends IRL don’t know about your fandom.

13. Most of your fandom friends don’t know about you IRL.

14. You refuse to let Fifty Shades represent the Fanfic community.

15. You read fic,

16. Love fic,

17. And are proud of it!

The 15 Stages of Falling in Love, As Told By ‘The Notebook’

$
0
0

The Notebook may as well be the relationship bible. After all, we consider Allie and Noah’s love to be one of the greatest of all time. We can’t think of a better couple to represent what happens when you fall for someone. Here are the 15 stages of falling in love, as told by The Notebook.

1. The initial sighting

You lock eyes with a cutie on campus, in class or at a party.

2. Introductions

You introduce yourself, or are introduced by a mutual friend.

3. “Just friends”

The two of you start hanging out as friends, but there is a definite connection.

4. Flirtation

Mutual flirting commences.

5. The first date

You go on your first official date, probably to the movies.

6. And the second…

Multiple other dates follow.

7. Crushing hard

At this point, you can’t stop thinking about him or her.

8. It’s inevitable…

Your friends tease you about being such a cute couple, but you have yet to DTR.

9. Relationship Status: In a Relationship

Finally, one of you gets up the guts to ask.

10. The cutesy stage

You start being couple-y and you can’t keep your hands off each other, much to everyone else’s amusement/annoyance.

11. The first fight

Eventually, the honeymoon stage ends and you experience your first real argument.

12. Tough decisions

You both have to make some changes in order to move forward in your relationship.

13. Slowly, and then all at once

You realize that you’re falling in love with this person.

14. Three words, eight letters

The moment finally arrives when those words are exchanged.

15. Going strong

You’re in a long-term relationship with the person you love, and you couldn’t be happier.

No relationship is perfect, even Allie and Noah’s. All couples go through rough patches, but hopefully the tough times only make your love stronger.

What To Wear When You Netflix & Chill

$
0
0

Now that summer is here, you'll definitely be looking to do a lot of Netflix and chilling. And by Netflix and chilling, we actually mean Netflix and chilling—what could be better? Although you might be inclined to throw on an old pair of sweats and a t-shirt, you can still look cute while being super comfy! Here are some clothes you'll be able to Netflix and chill in—and even leave the house if you please.

1. Chill Sweatpants ($42, L9 Gear)

These sweatpants are quite literally the definition of "chill." They're fitted but super soft—you won't want to get out of them!

2. Netflix and Chill Sweatshirt ($19.99, Etsy)

This sweatshirt takes literal to a whole new definition. Who wouldn't want to wear this while Netflix and chilling, or just chilling?

3. Lightweight Fleece Short ($24.95, Aerie)

For super soft and stretchy shorts you'll love, look no further! Aerie has tons of comfy clothes perfect for lounging on the couch in front of your TV.

4. Lazy Sundays Raglan Tee ($28, L9 Gear)

This shirt is great for—you guessed it—lazy Sundays. Plus, it's cute enough to leave the house in!

5. Earth Woolen Fair Isle Youth Slippers ($28.50, TOMS)

Nothing tops off a Netflix and chill outfit quite like some fuzzy slippers do. The best part? A child in need will get a pair of shoes too.

Here's What 116 Coats of Nail Polish Looks Like

$
0
0

We thought the bubble nail trend was bad enough, but this beauty vlogger took it to another level by painting her nails with 116 coats of nail polish. Cristine's YouTube channel, Simply Nailogical, features everything from manicure trends to polish hacks, but this time she went where no manicure has gone before.

This glob of polish, coined "polish mountain" by Cristine, is the somewhat terrifying result of her experiment.

Cristine’s original goal was to paint 1,000 layers, but considering it took 14 hours and 51 minutes to do a mere 116 coats, we can only applaud her efforts for getting as far as she did.

Although this look isn’t necessarily one you’d see day-to-day (unless you’re about that creature-from-the-deep look), it’s definitely satisfied a beauty hypothetical that we wouldn’t dream of doing ourselves.

So thank you, Cristine for taking on this challenge and proving that if you can paint your nails for over 14 hours straight, while only pausing for a few bites of pizza and some golden grahams, we can wait five minutes for two coats of polish to dry.

5 Queer Characters Who Got It Right

$
0
0

Finding amazing representations of queer women in the media can be pretty few and far between. Luckily, with the prominence of LGBTQ+ storylines in television and movies lately, we’ve been fortunate enough to see some awesome queer girl characters emerge. Not only are these women fantastic, but we can also learn quite a bit from their stories. Here are some queer characters we can totally look up to!

1. Megan Bloomfield 

Many look back on the 80s cult classic But I’m a Cheerleader with fond memories. Megan is probably one of the first femme lesbians we see in mainstream media, a cheerleader who adores the color pink. But when her parents realize she’s a lesbian (before she even knows it), they send her away to a rehab camp in hopes that she comes back straight. 

While Megan goes in there intending to work hard to be straight, she soon catches the eye of one of the other lesbians at the camp, Graham. Ultimately, Megan decides to pursue her love for Graham instead of changing who she truly is. Megan shows us that listening to your heart and staying true to who you are is more important than anything else. 

Bonus: You might recognize the actress who plays Megan as Natasha Lyonne, who now plays Nicky Nichols on Orange is the New Black!

2. Santana Lopez 

Many who watched Glee saw Santana as the lesbian with the prickly exterior, but a heart of gold. There have been countless times when we’ve racked our brains trying to truly understand her, but that’s the best part about her. Santana kept coming back to surprise us with how quickly she could switch from crazy Cheerio mode to caring partner. 

Then when she came out to her abuela? Totally relatable tear-jerker. The best part was when her grandma showed up at Santana and Brittany’s wedding in the end, showing us that amazing unconditional family love. Santana demonstrates what it means to be a boss who gets what she wants while still maintaining a good heart.

3. Lena Foster 

In the TV show The Fosters, Lena Foster is the ultimate stay-at-home mom (without being the stay-at-home mom). As the peacekeeper of the Foster home, she tries her best to keep all the family drama to a minimum. She does all of this while still maintaining her job as vice-principal of the school that the kids go to and being a supportive wife to Stef.

Lena is the epitome of the “I Don’t Know How She Does It” lifestyle. The important lesson we learn from her is that with a little bit of patience and understanding, you truly can have it all.

4. Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren 

When we meet Suzanne in the first season of Orange is the New Black, we only know her as “Crazy Eyes,” the resident weirdo who threw her pie for Chapman (and won’t let her live it down). But as we get to know a bit more about her backstory in the second season, we realize that she is so much more than meets the eye.

Not only does she independently maintain her mental illness in a place that isn’t kind to anyone, but she maintains a child-like innocence and love in a world that is constantly trying to shut her down. Suzanne is an amazing example of remaining true to yourself and understanding that it’s okay not to give your love away to people who don’t deserve it. Sometimes you just have to keep that love for someone who deserves it the most: you.

5. Emily Fields

Anyone who has followed Pretty Little Liars from the very beginning knows that Emily has shown some MAJOR character development--from the once shy, closeted baby queer that she once was in the first season to the strong, out and proud girl she is now. She’s been through a lot, from being outed to dealing with some seriously dramatic relationships. But really, the best part about Emily is the personal growth she’s shown. Emily is the exact embodiment of what it means to grow into yourself.

So next time you need some queer girl #lifegoals empowerment, make sure you hop on Netflix and catch up with these amazingly inspirational characters!

10 Things to Do With Your Friends Before Leaving for College

$
0
0

The summer before leaving for your first year of college is always filled with mixed feelings. Although you’re excited to start a whole new chapter in your life, you’re sad to leave your home, family and friends behindIt’s especially hard to imagine saying goodbye to your friends, which is why it’s essential to use this summer to spend time with everyone you love. Creating a “last summer” bucket list with your friends will be a fun and creative way to make the most of your summer together and to make as many memories as possible before you all part ways for college.

1. Make a scrapbook

Making a scrapbook together is a fun thing to plan for the end of your summer. This will be a fun keepsake to take to school and look back on whenever you’re feeling a little homesick or missing your friends. To make it even more fun, add in a bunch of snacks and a cool music playlist!

2. Craft decorations for your college dorm rooms

There are so many different crafts you can make for your rooms! Even though you all might not be going to the same school, it can be fun to create decorations together and feel involved in the new chapters you all are taking on. Plus, whenever you all get to your dorm rooms, you can send pictures of each others rooms to see how each of your decorated with the crafts you made together.

3. Have a bonfire on the beach

This can be such a fun get-together because you can invite all of your friends and just hang out on the beach. It’s a blast to do at night, because the waves are calming and cool, and the bonfire adds a chill vibe to your get together. It’s the perfect way to have a big hangout and a last hoorah before you all part ways.

4. Paint a rock

You can usually find these huge rocks around beaches or lakes. It can be so fun to paint a rock with your friends, and each sign your initials. Then, whenever you all get back from college for breaks or summer vacation, it can be cool to come back and see what you all have painted.

5. Binge-watch a Netflix show together

Watch a show you’ve always been planning to watch together, but never got around to it. Make a whole night of it; get in your pajamas, order a pizza and get a bunch of snacks. Don’t forget to take a lot of pictures for your scrapbook! “I’ve loved watching How I Met Your Mother this summer, it’s the perfect show to binge watch with friends,” said Emma Lazar, a sophomore at the University of Illinois. Or, shows like Greys Anatomy, Orange Is The New Black and Parks and Rec can all be fun shows to binge watch with friends.

6. Go on morning walks

Sometimes it’s just nice to be with each other’s company and doing something where you and your friends can just talk. The thing you’ll miss most about your friends is chatting face-to-face with them about anything and everything. Morning walks are a great way to start your day and give you a chance to just talk about life with your friends.

7. Plan a road trip  

Even if it isn’t too far, this will be so fun because you get to explore new places with your friends right by your side. Go to a major city that’s in your state, and try different restaurants, go to museums and just explore new places. And you can’t forget to make an awesome playlist with all your favorite sing-alongs to blast on the way to wherever you decide to go, whether those be old Disney channel tunes or new hits on the radio.

8. Go to a bunch of concerts

See which of you and your friends’ favorite artists are coming into town and go! Music is a great way to connect with your friends and to make memories to last a lifetime. You can always make the best memories at concerts, because you get to see your favorite band or person live, with your favorite people. You can either choose to go to music festivals like Warped Tour, Lollapalooza, Country Thunder, etc. or do some research and find free concerts. That way you don’t have to break the bank by buying a bunch of concert tickets.  

9. Watch the sunrise

Waking up early can be a pain, but watching a sunrise is one of the most beautiful things, and it’s a moment you want to share with your friends. If possible, go see it on the beach, which makes it even prettier with waves crashing in the background and the sun reflecting off of the water. It’s a special moment. 

10. Make a promise to each other

Moving away from each other will be hard, and college is so busy that it will be even harder to keep in touch. Make a promise to each other that no matter what, you won’t get mad at each other for getting wrapped up in your new lives but you will try to make an effort to talk to each other at least once a week. And if that doesn’t happen, at least once a month. Just because you don’t talk every day doesn’t mean you aren’t best friends, so make it clear that no matter how many times a week or month you talk, it won’t affect your friendship. Maybe try making a calendar to keep track of keeping up with each other.

Make this summer the best summer you possibly can with your friends. You’ll miss them during the school year, but spending the time you have in the summer will make saying goodbye a little easier since you made the most of the time you had. There are so many things to put on your bucket lists, do your best to make one that’s realistic, fun and memorable. 


18 Gorgeous Pictures of Coffee That Will Give You Life

$
0
0

There is no doubt about it that coffee is the ultimate bae. Between its rich taste and ability to fuel your all-nighters, coffee never lets you down. Here are 18 photos of coffee that will give you life until you can get your next caffeine fix!  

1. Take me to Paris 

The gorgeous design on this tiny coffee will make you feel like you're sitting in a Parisian cafe- no matter how much studying you actually have to get done! 

2. Okay? Okay. 

Relive one of your favorite books with this Fault in Our Stars inspired caffeine beverage.  Now all you need is Augustus Waters to join you and then you're set!

3. Kitty cat

This coffee looks absolutely purrrfect with this delicate, little face staring back at you.  

4. I heart you 

This heart-design coffee is the perfect drink to share with that special someone. 

5. Roadtripin'

Seriously who wouldn't want to share these amazing cups of coffee with their best friend? 

6. Playing peek-a-boo 

You'll love getting your caffeine fix ten times more wtih this adorable little creature peeking out at you. 

7. Lion's mane 

This coffee is ~almost~ too cute to drink with this amazing The Lion King design. 

8. Making music 

This coffee makes us want to sing about how beautiful it is! 

9. Hello Kitty 

Celebrate everyone's favorite cartoon cat with these creative coffees. 

10. 'Cause you're a queen 

Sipping on this coffee would show eveyone what they should already know- that you're a total queen!  

11. Let's go to Hogwarts 

Looks like someone finally got their invitation to Hogwarts! Here we come, Harry. 

12. Roses are white 

If we didn't know this was coffee, we legitimately swear this could pass for a real flower! 

13. Mouse in the house 

Get your Disney on with this Mickey Mouse inspired coffee! 

14. Leave your (paw) print  

This coffee sure makes a statement with its adorable paw print.

15. Star light, star bright 

These coffees are the definition of fancy with their bold star designs and yummy-looking cinamon sticks.  

16. "Enjoy ur coffee" 

This coffee is literally our life motto. 

17. Pretty in pink 

Yep, that's definitely pink foam on this coffee. And we couldn't be more into it! 

18. Anything but boring 

This intricate design makes us want to become baristas pronto! 

We only wish our morning coffees looked half as good as these gorgeous ones! Maybe if we hang around Starbucks more often we'll learn how to make such ~fancy~ coffees. Or, at least we'll be sure to get our daily dose of caffeine! 

SaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

Why Summer in Massachusetts is the Best Thing Ever

$
0
0

Whether in the city or down the cape, Massachusetts has a lot to offer in the summertime. Keep reading for a list of reasons why you should spend your summer over here:

1. Sox games

Buy some cheap tickets and head to Fenway with your friends to cheer on the Red Sox and drink some beer. Plus Lansdowne Street is filled with bars that are packed with fans and fun after the games. 

2. The Cape, Nantucket, & The Vineyard

Go down the Cape for a weekend and then take a ferry from there to Nantucket or Martha's Vineyard for a true New England experience. 

3. Fourth of July

Nobadeer Beach in Nantucket is a crowded destination on the 4th, full of college kids in American flag apparel. Massachusetts is one of the states with the most history so naturally it's the place to be on America's Independence Day. 

4. Concerts

There are tons of outdoor concerts to attend in Boston throughout the summer, like the Boston Calling Music Festival. 

5. Beaches

You can hit up the beaches in Southie if you want to stay in the city, or venture out to Gloucester if you want to take a drive, the options are endless.

6. Kayaking/Canoeing

Rent a kayak or a canoe on the Charles. It's only $20 to take a two-person kayak out for an hour, so bring a friend! 

7. Rooftop bars

Utilize the warm weather and hit up some fun rooftop bars like Legal Harborside and Market Lounge.

8. Duck boats

Head to the theater district and ride the duckboats around the Boston Common.

9. Drinks by the harbor

Temazcal Tequila Cantina, Legal Harborside and 75 on Liberty Wharf are a few great places to grab a bite to eat and some drinks with an amazing view. 

10. Bar crawls

The Boston Beer Marathon on July 26th is a beer crawl that stops at 26 different bars and starts bright early at 10 a.m.

11. Rooftop pool

Get your tan on at the Colonnade Roof Top Pool which is open from now through Labor Day! 

Links We Love 6.26.16

$
0
0

Lebron gets emotional, twitter users get creative. [Cosmopolitan]

Who needs Midol with these superfoods? [Popsugar]

Impersonating a beloved childhood TV star gets dangerous. [ABC]

Strip down for this unique dining experience. [Spoon University]

What you think about when you're bored AF in bed. [Elite Daily]

Don’t make America great again. [New York Magazine]

Customers reap the benefits of Ticketmaster lawsuit. [New York Times]

The #selfie that will make you love Demi. [allure]

Mood lipstick> mood rings. [Buzzfeed]

Post-College Expenses: What to Expect

$
0
0

As a college grad, you're prepared for a lot of things in life, from getting on the right path to your dream job to how to function after a night of little to no sleep (which, believe us, will come in handy). You may know how to create a post-college budget, but it's time to talk about exactly what expenses to expect after you graduate. Now that you've had a few weeks to revel in how good graduation feels (congrats!), take a few minutes to learn about those all the expenses—including the hidden ones—that come with real life, and how to budget for them.

1. Student loans

The only good thing about student loans is that they help you afford college tuition. But after you graduate, it's a whole different story. It seems like as soon as you throw your cap into the air, the banks and loan sharks are sending you requests to pay your loans back rightthissecond. Not only that, but there are also important interest rates to think about. Over time, you'll likely end up paying more than you borrowed in the first place—and that can be a total bummer. While it all depends on when you start paying loans back and how you decide to pay for them, it's important to make sure that you set a budget and put aside money for this specific reason. Some loan companies offer grace periods of six months or longer if you need time create a payment plan.

There is also an option to consolidate loans. Consolidating loans allows you to combine multiple loans while reducing your monthly payments. Keep in mind, however, that when you consolidate lones, you may be lengthening the period of time that you will be paying back that money, which in turn increases the amount you will pay in the end due to interest rates.

2. Housing

Assuming you're not moving in with your parents, the cost of housing is probably going to be your greatest expense (next to loans). Renting an apartment is the most popular option, but it's important to make sure that you can afford both a deposit and monthly rent upfront. There are also application fees, holding deposits and security deposits to keep in mind—that'll bring your initial cost up far beyond what the monthly rent is. To make both the first payment and the monthly expenses more affordable, consider finding a roommate to split the difference; living in a one bedroom apartment on your own is going to be more costly than sharing a space with someone else. Whether it's a close friend or someone who is working in the area, having a roommate (or two or three) is a perfect way to live "on your own," without completely blowing the budget.

"With an apartment comes rent, electricity, potentially gas and water bills, renter's insurance and other monthly fees, like using the tennis courts or costs to keep a pet in your apartment," says Taylor Bass, a 2013 gradaute from Wellesley College who currently works as a private school teacher in Houston, TX.

Looking for a smart way to budget for things if you're living on your own? Lesley Siu, a 2013 graduate from American University offers great advice: "When I moved to an apartment by myself, I had to purchase everything from furniture to dishes and cleaning supplies. To handle this expense, I budgeted for about one new item of furniture per month and slowly pieced my apartment together." Instead of buying everything you need at once, accumulate those big ticket items over time.

3. Moving

If you landed a job in another state, or you're being transferred to a far away office, don't forget about the moving costs that go along with it! "I moved from Florida to Boston thinking that I would only really be paying for a plane ticket, but there is so much more than that," says Jordan Sypek, a 2015 graduate from The University of Tampa. "I had to pay to ship boxes of my stuff (which was not cheap), a rental car to help move into my apartment and, most importantly, furniture for my apartment." If your new company doesn't offer a relocation package, or if you're moving to a new city to search for a job, keep in mind that moving after college isn't anything like going back and forth between campus and your home (where all you need is a plane ticket and a few suitcases). It's important to save up the money for a move like this!

4. Food and groceries

Say goodbye to kinda-sorta-free (thank you meal plan!), all-you-can-eat dining halls and hello to montly grocery bills. Keeping a full fridge and pantry can be expensive, especially if you have dietary restrictions that leave your options limited, or if you decide to go organic or want to buy fresh fruit and veggies. Whether you eat out with friends or cook mostly on your own, food often seem to slip our minds as a cost we actually have to plan for. Fortunately, there are ways to keep these expenses down. Coupons are always a major help and there are a ton of apps that you can use to stay updated on sales, like Cartwheel by Target, Coupons.com, and Favado

5. Transportation

If you lived on campus while you were in college, chances are you left your car at home to avoid buying an expensive parking permit. Or maybe you didn't really need it because free campus transportation made it easy to get around. Whatever the case, access to transportation is a major priority now that you're a graduette. You need to be able to get to and from interviews, part-time jobs, full-time jobs, errands and more. Whether you're paying to fill up your car with gas or doling out money for pubic transportation, these costs can definitely add up! The GasBuddy app is a great way to find stations to fill up your car on the cheap and don't underestimate the benefits of carpooling and even biking to work if you're close enough!

6. Work attire

Now that you're out of the lecture halls and making your way into the workforce, you're going to need to make sure that you are able to present yourself professionally—and that comes at a price. You'll most likely be going on a ton of interviews (because you rule!), so you'll need staple pieces like blazers, dress pants, and dresses that are appropriate for an interview (and future job) setting. Not only will potential employers be impressed by everything you did at school (your awesome GPA, the fact that you did a lot of volunteering, or that on-campus job you held), but your outfit won't go unnoticed. You want to show interviewers that you take care of yourself and that you value your appearance—they'll appreciate the effort that you put into what you wear!

Once you get the job, make sure you're clear about the dress code and work environment. There is a huge difference between business casual (dress pants, nice shirts) and business professional, which calls for suits and more upscale pieces. Know what pieces to invest in (a really nice blazer and a pair of shoes that'll go with everything) and which to save on (layering pieces, jewelry)—and make sure everything is easy to mix-and-match, so you can create even more outfits!

7. Taxes

While you were at college, your parents probably claimed you as a dependent on their tax forms, but now that you're out of school, there's a bigger chance you are of independent status and in a position to file your own taxes. If you need to hire someone to do your taxes, that's an expense that you're not really thinking about until it comes to file. Make sure you hold onto receipts, pay stubs, banking information and anything else that may be important once tax season rolls around—between January 1st and April 15th. Traveling by train or public transportation? Any out-of-pocket job hunting expenses can be claimed as a deductible on your taxes, like commuting to and from interviews.

If you're thinking about filing taxes on your own, TurboTax is a great way to do that. The software costs $54.99, but it all depends on what kind of taxes that you're filing. They also offer a free federal edition, which includes easy prep, print and efile; they'll even automatically imports your W-2 forms.

Working as a freelancer? You may have to pay back when you file your taxes instead of seeing a return. As a freelancer, it's common not to have taxes taken out of your checks during the year since you're technically self-employed. Instead, the money that should have come out of each paycheck is paid back during tax season. Freelance Tax Nation is a great website to determine whether you will have to file or not. If you're single and make less than $10,000, chances are you won't have to file. If you make over $10,000 a year as a freelancer, be prepared to pay during tax season.

8. Emergencies

You should always prepare for these kinds of expenses, so make sure that you have money saved in an account that you don't touch. "You should be setting money aside each month that you can use for an emergency, like a car accident," says Taylor. "I can't stress enough the importance of saving for the unexpected and not treating all excess money as disposable income." You never know when your savings account will come in handy and you'll be relieved that you have some money in the bank, should you really need it.

9. Entertainment

Going to the movies? Heading to dinner with your friends? Taking a weekend trip? That all adds up. Even small things like a Netflix subscription, getting your favorite magazine every month, or buying a gym membership are extra costs that shouldn't slip your radar. If you love to go out to eat (who doesn't?!), sign up with restaurant mailing lists to get coupons sent to your email and notifications on when they're having special promotions. If you're interested in getting in shape and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but you don't want to pay a gym membership every month, consider downloading fitness apps. FitStar provides a personal trainer free of charge and allows you to complete challenging workouts from the comfort of your own home. And when you're planning a trip, remember that on top of an airline ticket or a hotel stay, you'll need to have money for food, shopping, and any activities that come up along the way.

Post-college expenses are not something that we love to think about, but it's definitely important to know what you should expect to pay for after you finish your degree. Besides the obvious expense of student loans, there are things like transportation costs, hidden housing fees, and the aspect of buying a professional wardrobe that you may not think about. As long as you take into account the expenses that we've listed above, you'll be just fine!

Do Opposites REALLY Attract?

$
0
0

It’s a mantra you’ve probably been hearing since you were old enough to understand that boys don’t actually have cooties: “Opposites attract.” But does this myth truly have merit? Or is it simply a floundering, far-reaching allegation asserted by the masses in an attempt to simplify something as complicated as love?

We talked to the experts, and we found that, in short, the answer is both yes and no. In some aspects, opposites are great together… but in others, they aren’t.  Check out what the experts had to say!

Yes, opposites do attract…

1. …In personality.  

Possessing the exact same personality traits as a potential partner is bound to cause serious conflict somewhere down the road (which, in this case, would be rocky).

“There are some people that love the limelight and attention, so they could never be in a relationship with someone who is exactly the same,” says Suzanne Oshima, matchmaker at Dream Bachelor & Bachelorette. “Otherwise, they would be competing with each other for attention.”

Think about it: You’re the life of the party, and so is he. You may be envisioning yourself as one half of a future beloved power couple, but in actuality, your dreams would be short-lived — it would never work out. It works equally amongst the introverted as well, Oshima says.

“Two passive, shy people may not work together, because then no one would ever talk or take the lead,” she explains. “So in this case, she or he would need someone who is more proactive and outgoing because they're going to complement each other.”

All of you stubborn ladies, listen up: If you meet a potential suitor with the same type of vigorous resolution, red flags should raise. Imagine the power struggles that could (and most likely would) ensue. Therefore, take note: Finding someone different is awesome! As Oshima says, it’ll work out if you’re with someone who complements your personality — someone who inspires you and brings out the best in you.

2. …In looks.

This one may come as a bit of a surprise — not all blondes go for blondes, brunettes for brunettes and redheads for redheads. In fact, people tend to gravitate toward the opposite.

“In my experience of over a decade as a matchmaker, I have found that people seek opposites in looks,” says matchmaker, author and speaker Marla Martenson. “I have had countless black, Asian, Middle Eastern and Latin men that are wild about blond-haired, blue-eyed ladies, and blonde women seeking a smoldering, dark-haired man. Humans seem to be attracted to the opposite of what we look like.”

Have you ever seen a couple and remarked what a strange pair they made? It’s not uncommon to go for someone who’s your opposite in looks — and it can work out fabulously! According to a study by Columbia University, couples that are too alike in both personality and appearance have a decreased chance of a long-lasting relationship. So going for that cutie who’s totally not your doppelganger? Great idea.

3. …In interests.

While having common ground is always essential, having all matching interests is not actually a good thing.

“[Singles] look for people with similar values, similar backgrounds, similar goals and passions for the same activities, such as golf, skiing, travel and more,” says Julie Spira, dating/relationship expert and founder of Cyber-Dating Expert. “They find someone that fits what they’re looking for, [and] often they find that there’s absolutely no chemistry.”

So, what should you look for? It’s not so much focusing on specific attributes in a potential partner as allowing yourself to go beyond your comfort zone, which Spira recommends. Don’t be afraid to go for someone who isn’t your type! Think about it: If you go for someone with different interests than you, chances are you’ll both always have a lot to share with each other.

However, EXACT opposites don’t attract.  

Some opposites can be good, but if both parties are totally opposite in every aspect, it means imminent destruction.

“Where it gets tricky is when their lifetime goals, such as work priorities or how you save and spend money, come into play,” Spira says. “It’s these areas that I believe couples need to be on the same page. If one is a workaholic, the other might get resentful of being left alone too often. If both couples are career-oriented, they can share their work challenges and goals with each other to have a support system in place.”

Oshima also believes that being on the same page in some regards is necessary.

“There still needs to be some common ground, such as common values,” Oshima says. “Otherwise, it will never work.”

If you’re a girl who’s into lengthy relationships and you plan on engaging in something serious with your college’s biggest player, you might want to rethink the idea. Keep in mind religious values, too. If you’re extremely spiritual and you’re falling for somebody who isn’t, or vice versa, there could be some serious issues.

The final verdict is this, collegiettes: Attempting a romantic endeavor with someone who’s your opposite in every regard is just a bad idea. However, we are attracted to people who have somewhat differing personalities, interests and physical appearances. So don’t be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone!

15 Things You'll Miss About Your Sorority Over Summer

$
0
0

There is no greater seperation anxiety than parting ways with your sisters after a semester that felt nothing short of amazing.  Even though we anticipate summer all year long, there is always a part of us that longs for school to start again so we can reunite and keep the memories going.  When you are a part of something so great, it's hard to be away from it for any period of time. Here are 15 things we all miss about our sororities over summer. 

1. Having all of your friends within walking distance from you

2. Lazy nights at the house

3. Having 40 + closets to choose from

4. Your house mom providing you with all of the little things you find yourself needing throughout the school year

5. Free access to all frats

6. Having multiple designated drivers to choose from every night

7. The overflow of Greeks coming together for philanthropy events

8. Because of there being so many girls, there was ALWAYS someone who was up for the same thing as you whether it be going out, adventuring, or staying in watching movies

9. The constant support system surrounding you

10. Being fed by the house chef instead of having to prepare your own food

11. Late nights crafting for your littles

12. The excitement leading up to formal


 

13. Getting ready with all of your sisters before a night out

14. Always being able to confide in the house as your “home away from home”

15. Always having  people to motivate you and keep you focused

17 Things We Tell Ourselves to Stay Motivated During a Menial Summer Job

$
0
0

Ahh, if only our only summer woes were finding the perfect sunnies and a smoking bikini to match! Unfortunately we can’t always have our toes in the sand and our heads in the clouds. Sometimes we’re stuck behind a cash register or buried under trays of food. We all love the extra cash, but sometimes that babysitting gig or that job in retail makes it hard to stay motivated when we could be enjoying the summer sun. When the going gets tough, we’re constantly reminding ourselves of 17 things that make the summer job we loathe a little more bearable.

1. At least I’ll be able to afford my 5-to-9 lifestyle when I’m not working 9-to-5

2. Ooh la la, my hottie of a coworker is more than enough motivation to want to clock in

3. Folding clothes sure beats reading, exams, Powerpoints and anything else depressing about college

4. Even Beyoncé probs had a boring summer job at some point, right?

5. I guess I’m bonding with my coworkers through our shared hatred of this job

6. At least I’ll never have to pay full price for jeans again!

7. Thankfully all of these tips I make keep my gas tank full #ballin

8. Well, this is a break from sitting on my couch watching Boy Meets World reruns

9. I’m sure I can somehow embellish my resume with this job addition

10. This is my only chance to get free chicken parm daily so I must take full advantage!

11. May as well appreciate the job while I have one! Post graduation I'll be thrown to the wolves! 

12. At least my parents can’t say I’m being lazy. All the women who are independent, throw your hands up at me!

13. Whew, it makes the days go by faster. I’ll be back in my dorm sipping Pinot with the girls in no time!

14. Yeah, I have to be there at 9, but it beats an 8 a.m. lecture. All hail an extra hour of beauty sleep!

15. Knowing the differences between sherbet, sorbet and Italian ice has to come in handy at some point, right?

16. If I can learn to soothe an angry customer, roomie troubles have to be a piece of cake!

17. Okay, sometimes work gossip is juicer than a telenovela!


How She Got There: Katlyn Grasso, CEO & Founder of GenHERation

$
0
0

Name: Katlyn Grasso
Age: 22
Job Title and Description: CEO and Founder of GenHERation
College Name/Major: The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania/Economics
Website:www.genheration.com
Twitter Handle:@KatlynGrasso
Instagram Handle: @genheration

What does your current job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day?

Katlyn Grasso: As the CEO of GenHERation, I am responsible for leading the strategic growth of the company. I divide my time between different tasks based on my priorities for the week, which can include meeting with potential clients, developing content with my team of contributors, filming interviews with female executives for our webisode series, and visiting schools to talk with GenHERation members. I travel weekly for my work and have taken 80 trips across the country since I graduated last May. I do not have a typical day, which has taught me how to be flexible and embrace uncertainty.

What inspired you to create GenHERation?

KG: I have always been passionate about entrepreneurship and empowering girls, which led me to create a business that combines these interests. While I was at Wharton and started exploring careers in business, I realized that there are very few women who hold CEO positions and even fewer who start their own companies. This scarcity of women in the highest position of power can also be observed in government, academia and the entertainment industry. I believe that the best way to address the gender leadership gap is by cultivating the skills of the next GenHERation of leaders. During the summer after my sophomore year, I received a research grant that allowed me to conduct international research about leadership development in high school girls. I interviewed more than 700 high school girls, 40 female executives and 30 educators across all 50 states, nine countries and four continents to analyze girls’ perception of their leadership abilities. This experience provided crucial insight into the development of GenHERation because it inspired me to develop a business model that provides girls with access to female executives at the nation’s leading companies. GenHERation launched the following March and since then we have empowered more than 50,000 girls.

What is the best part of your job?

KG: The best part of my job is meeting the amazing GenHERation members across North America. It is rewarding to see how they utilize GenHERation’s resources to ignite change in their communities.

What is one thing you wish you knew about your industry when you first started out that you know now?  

KG: It takes a village to raise an entrepreneur. When you are starting out in a more structured job, it is easy to ask a senior professional for advice about specific situations you face. As an entrepreneur, no one will follow the same path as you, so I have learned that you have to proactively form a team of advisors from different industries that you can turn to when you need help.

What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?

KG: When I first started GenHERation, I wanted to do everything myself because I am a perfectionist. I soon realized that the only way the company would grow was if I surrounded myself with a team of people with complimentary skills. During the past two years, the GenHERation team has grown to more than 20 young women and men on the East and West Coasts.

What has been the most surreal moment of your career thus far?

KG: The most surreal moment of my career was when the president of the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Amy Gutmann, called me on my cell phone to tell me that I won the inaugural $150,000 President’s Engagement Prize. I started crying from the shock of excitement! My life has not been the same since that call, and I will be eternally grateful for the university’s support.

What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?

KG: “If you can dream it, you can do it.” This Walt Disney quote sits on a decorative plaque on my desk because I believe it embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship. Every problem has a solution that is waiting to be found if you are persistent and unwilling to accept no for an answer.

What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?

KG: Never let anyone tell you that you cannot do something. There will always be people who share differing opinions, but you are the only person who can make your dreams a reality.

 

Fill out my online form.

5 Reasons Why It's Okay to Be a Virgin in Your 20s

$
0
0

We all feel pressure sometimes. When everyone around you is doing something, it's hard to stand up and not be a part of the trend. Maybe you feel silent pressure from your friends who are always talking about their number, or you've decided to remain celibate for a personal or religious reason. Sex is one of those things that you have to decide for yourself. You should never feel pressured into anything, and choosing to become sexually active or losing your virginity is nothing to take lightly. There is no age limit on when you should start having sex, so if you're a virgin in your 20s, you're not alone! Here are a couple of reasons why it's totally okay to be a virgin, no matter your age.

1. You're waiting until you feel ready

There is nothing wrong with waiting until you're ready, and just because you hear all of your friends talk about their latest hook-ups shouldn't make you feel bad that you're not quite there yet. Until you're totally ready to lose your virginity, listen to your gut and stick with your instincts. 

"I always said if I met the right person who was worth sharing my body with, I wouldn't mind losing my virginity. It wasn't until I turned 22 when I realized I wanted to wait until marriage to have sex," says Ally, a 2015 graduate of Hampton University who works as a TV news reporter. "I'm currently 23, and the older I get the more I feel treasured and assured I will find the perfect mate to share my body with, who will hopefully be my husband."

2. You'll learn more about yourself as a person in the process

Though feeling pressure isn't fun to deal with, it teaches you something about yourself—that you know yourself better than anyone else. If you're in your 20s and you haven't had sex yet, it's easy to feel left out and you might even feel inferior to your peers who are sexually active. Don't! You never know how someone else is really feeling, and it's important to focus on how you feel. Ultimately, sexually active or not, sex doesn't define who you are.

3. You just don't feel like having sex

Maybe you're just not interested in sex right now—or maybe, you're even asexual. Those who identify as asexual do not necessarily experience sexual attraction, and may also be a reason why you haven't become sexually active yet.

“I'm asexual, so being a virgin is not really an issue to me,” says Kelsey*, a junior at Bowdoin College. “I want to have an action-packed, adventure-filled life, and sex or no sex makes no difference in who I am as a human being.”
 
Or take it from Justine*, a freelance writer who also works in the food industry, who thinks it's important to remember that not everyone likes having sex. "I only very rarely experience sexual attraction, and even then actually having sex feels like way more trouble than it's worth," says Justine. "Girls who don't feel sexual attraction or just don't have a high sex drive shouldn't feel like they're missing out by listening to their bodies."

4. You may feel liberated

Being a virgin can be particularly liberating for a number of reasons. You don't have to worry about things like unplanned pregnancies, sexually-transmitted diseases or infections, or making sure that you're using contraceptives every time you are intimate with someone.

You're also giving yourself a chance to become more educated about sex. Sure, we've learned about sex in school, but there may be more questions that you'd like to ask your doctor about becoming sexually active.

5. It's something to look forward to

While sex may feel like an important milestone that many of your peers have already hit, that doesn't take away from the personal milestones you've accomplished. And how great was it to celebrate those achievements? Rather than treating your virginity as something you can't wait to get rid of, think of it as a milestone you have yet to celebrate.

"The moments I feel most awkward is when I'm with a group of girls who are discussing their sex lives with each other and I'm literally the quietest person in room. Super awkward!" says Ally. "But I can honestly say being in my early twenties and still a virgin is something that I never expected, and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life."

Being a virgin in your 20s is totally okay. Especially if you aren't sure you want to be sexually active just yet, staying a virgin until you're absolutely certain you want to lose your virginity is th best decision that you can make. It's easy to feel alone and like you're missing out, especially if all your friends have already had sex and you haven't—but being a virgin (no matter how old you are!) isn't a bad thing. And the people who matter won't care that you're a virgin. We promise.

*Names have been changed.

The Supreme Court Just Made a Major Decision on Abortion Rights

$
0
0

Women's bodies have been the center of many political debates recently, and there haven't been a lot of victories—but today is an exception. On Monday, the Supreme Court voted 5-3 to strike down a restrictive Texas abortion law that had shut down more than half of the state's clinics since it was passed.

The 2013 law said that abortion clinics must meet the same standards as ambulatory surgical standards, and that doctors had to have admitting privileges at nearby hospitals within a 30 mile distance from the clinic, according to NBC News.

The Republican-backed law did not take into account that many women who receive abortions do so by pill or by a 10-minute procedure that they stay awake for. Supporters of the bill argued that it was meant to protect women and keep them safe during abortion procedures, while opponents argued that the rules were unnecessary and were passed with the aim of shutting down clinics and making it almost impossible for women to get abortions.

Reuters reported that since the law was passed, the number of abortion clinics in Texas dropped from 42 to 19, with the fear of that number dropping even lower.

"There was no significant health-related problem that the new law helped to cure," Justice Stephen Breyer wrote in the majority opinion. "We agree with the District Court that the surgical-center requirement, like the admitting-privileges requirement, provides few, if any, health benefits for women, poses a substantial obstacle to women seeking abortions, and constitutes an "undue burden" on their constitutional right to do so."

Along with Breyer, Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Sonia Sotomayor, Anthony Kennedy and Elena Kagan voted to strike down the Texas law. Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas and Chief Justice John Roberts dissented.

In 1973, the Supreme Court ruled that it was unconstitutional to severely restrict abortion in the landmark decision Roe v. Wade, which has been met with intense opposition by conservatives and religious groups ever since. Today's ruling was a major victory for women's health.

"This is a win for women," Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards said in a statement. "Every person must have the right to make their own personal decisions about abortion, and we will fight like hell to ensure they do."

Taylor Swift Gets Naked in Kanye West's 'Famous' Music Video

$
0
0

Just when we think the hatchet is finally buried, Kanye drags it right back out again.

Remember when he released "Famous" and media pandemonium ensued as the world debated his Taylor Swift-insulting lyrics? Well, it seems Yeezy hasn't given up on his fantasy of ending up in bed with Tay.

Kanye is rocking the boat once more with the release of his "Famous" music video. The focal point of the video is the totally NSFW imagery—which features a sprawling bed full of naked celeb lookalikes—inspired by Vincent Desiderio's 2008 painting Sleep. And, of course, right next to Ye is Taylor Swift.

Kanye's other bedmates include his wife Kim Kardashian, former flame Amber Rose, Kim's ex Ray J, Caitlyn Jenner, Rihanna, Chris Brown, President George W. Bush, Donald Trump, Bill Cosby and Anna Wintour.

As we are sure was his intention, Kanye has left us totally confused by this choice of artistic expression. T. Swift and her reps have yet to comment, but she has every right to be angry. Kanye has crossed a line that he had no business crossing this time.

10 DIYs You Won't Believe Are Free

$
0
0

Do you ever see a super cool new DIY that you are dying to try, but when you see how much it costs to make, you just decide to forget about it? Us too! DIYs don't always have to be pricey. Thus, we bring you 10 DIYs that are absolutely free.

1. Skeleton Leaf Decorations

These cute wall decorations will spice up any room at no cost to you.

2. Shirt to Apron Upcycle

Have an old dress shirt lying around? That is basically the only thing you need for this DIY.

3. Recipe Binder

This free printable helps you keep all of your favorite recipes in order—all you need is a forgotten binder you're no longer using for class.

4. Cell Phone Holder

This cell phone holder is so cute, which makes it a total necessity for our everyday lives. We're in love!

5. Penny Vase

If you're the type of person who has a bunch of pennies at the bottom of your purse, then this project is for you.

6. Personalized Mug

DIY your old mugs and give them new life with this super easy and free DIY.

7. Confetti…Everything

Use your already amazing confetti nail polish to spruce up practically any piece of your wardrobe.

8. T-Shirt Infinity Scarf

Repurpose your worn-out T-shirts into this fab new accessory.

9. Missoni Shoes

Upgrade your boring white canvas sneaks with a little color!

10. Lightbulb Vase

Who knew used lightbulbs could be revitalized like this? 

Viewing all 25628 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images