We're working on a completely new section for HerCampus.com — Study Abroad Guides! These will be comprehensive city-by-city guides to the most popular study abroad destinations that include insider tips from real college women who have studied abroad in these cities... which is where you come in!

If you've studied abroad, we would love to hear about your experience — your favorite spots for the local cuisine, going out at night, shopping, experiencing the culture, what you liked and didn't like about your program, and more.

Please take a few minutes to fill out our Study Abroad Guide questionnaire to share your tips and tricks for an amazing experience with other collegiettes! 

Not too long ago, Calvin Harris and Taylor Swift called it quits. Since then, there has been enough drama between two former flames to keep us on the edge of our seats.

First, there was the time he won the Best Male Video award for his track "This Is What You Came For" at this year's VMAs—and totally failed to acknowledge Taylor Swift in his acceptance speech (which is pretty screwed up because she did help him write the song). Then, Calvin further added to the bad blood when he discussed their relationship during an interview with British GQ. "For both of us it was the wrong situation. It clearly wasn't right, so it ended, but all of the stuff that happened afterwards…," he said. Moreover, Calvin summed up the aftermath of the breakup as a publicized situation where "all hell broke loose"—which is completely accurate TBH.

Now, Calvin is giving Taylor a taste of her own medicine, by releasing a track that people are convinced is about the "Wildest Dreams" singer. 

Yesterday, Calvin released a new song called "My Way," and it's pretty clear who he's referring to in the track. While it's notable that he actually used his own vocals in the song, the only thing people have been talking about is the fact that the whole song is most definitely a jab at Taylor Swift. Though the song is quite repetitive, it makes the message even clearer. If you take speculators at their word, according to Calvin, Taylor was basically a major obstacle. Throughout the song, Calvin says, "You were the one thing in my way."

Lyrics like "But in my heart I understand / I made my move and it was all about you / Now I feel so far removed" only prove that the song HAS to be about her. Perhaps Calvin's choice to sing the lyrics himself (rather than collab with someone else) speaks even more to his feelings toward Taylor. He's clearly over the relationship and managed to released a breakup anthem before her—plot twist!

Despite the massive speculation, Calvin Harris spoke out during an interview this morning, explaining what the song is actually about. According to him, the initial inspiration for the song was his desire to shift from working at a grocery store to pursuing a music career.  

"It's breaking out of a situation," Calvin said. "I thought of the concept years ago, when I left Safeway. I was trying to move to London and I was working in the store in Scotland, I was trying to go on and make music for a living but I couldn’t because I didn't have any money. I was like, damn this grocery store! If I could break out of this I could have enough time to work on music and get good."

Elaborating further, Calvin added, "It's hard to get a job in my town. You get brainwashed into thinking that's as good as you're going to get, and then you have to realize that actually there's a whole world out there. When you’re stuck in that situation, you can't see that. You don't think that you're going to become anything! That was just the concept that was in the back of my mind, but I had no idea how to put that into words until very recently."

Though Calvin says that he's had the concept in his mind for years, we think that the song's release date is pretty coincidental. Moreover, the song could have a double meaning, where it's not only about his struggle to become a mainstream artist, but also about his relationship with Taylor.

As a young person, we all have days when we feel pretty confident and days when we can't seem to stop the self-deprecation. Sometimes it feels as though you're in a battle against the universe and you keep losing. However, there are women who have been given a fair share of obstacles—and these incidents have only made them stronger. In a video for Jubilee Project's Fellowship, several women of varying backgrounds were asked to speak about their past experiences. The resulting video is guaranteed to inspire and motivate you. 

In the video project titled "To The Girl I Once Was," the women reflected on how they felt when they were younger. Like us, these women mentioned feelings of insecurity and shyness. They also admitted to feeling unloved at times and letting others define them. As a result of the challenges that life threw at them (like losing a parent or getting into an accident), these women came to the realization that such obstacles can help you to flourish in the future.   

After sharing their experiences, they offered simple yet brilliant advice to their younger selves—which we can all take into consideration in our daily encounters. In a world that constantly tries to change you, remain true to yourself and your values. Be yourself, cherish the people you love, and recognize that you're deserving and worthy of happiness. 

A quote by Rumi Kaur expresses this advice perfectly: "What's the greatest lesson a woman should learn? That since day one, she's already had everything she needs within herself. It's the world that convinced her she did not."

Next time you question your capabilities, realize that you actually can conquer the world one day at a time because you already have the tools to do so. 

The CW, the lovechild of The WB (home of Gilmore Girlsand Smallville) and UPN (home of Buffy the Vampire Slayer), turns 10 today. To celebrate one of our favorite TV networks, we’ve decided to come up with a list of our top five CW shows. We’ve excluded shows that existed on the other networks before The CW because, let’s be honest, Gilmore Girls is incomparable and it wouldn’t be fair to the other less-loved favorites.

1. Gossip Girl (2007-2012)

A quotable favorite. The love story of two high-fashion, quick-talking, backstabbing, boy-crazy New York it girls. The Kendall and Gigi of primetime television. We will love them (and Chuck Bass) forever.

2. 90210 (2008-2013)

A reboot of the '80s hit, Beverly Hills 90210, this was another coming-of-age favorite full of family drama and pubescent angst.

3. The Vampire Diaries (2009-present)

Remember when everyone was obsessed with vampires? We do! Ian Somerhalder was there for us when Robert Pattinson wasn’t.

4. The Carrie Diaries (2013-2014)

Although short-lived, this behind-the-scenes look into the adolescent life of New York icon, Carrie Bradshaw, was everything we needed. Pre-Manhattan and pre-Mr. Big, Carrie was the determined, ambitious small-town teen we all identified with.

5. Jane the Virgin (2014-present)

A more recent favorite, this show is quirky and relatable in a this-is-totally-bizarre-but-we-still-get-it kind of way. Sometimes, we feel like we're living in a telenovela, too, Jane. 

The CW has been with us through much of our high school and college years, with characters that inspired us, made us laugh and only occasionally threatened to drink our blood. Happy 10th birthday to The CW!

If you’ve never fully bought the story about why Alison DiLaurentis disappeared for two years without warning—supposedly, because she was on the run after being threatened and blackmailed into silence by an anonymous “A”—then you’ll probably like this fan theory. According to Cosmopolitan, a previously debunked PLL theory has come back to life: one that suggests Ali was in hiding for so long because she was actually pregnant!

Wait, there’s more.

Ali’s alleged baby daddy is none other than former Rosewood villain, Detective Darren Wilden (say it with us, “ewwww!”). It makes sense since we already know that both he and Ezra were in Cape May when Ali and her family vacationed there, but Ezra has always maintained that he and Ali didn’t have a sexual relationship. Ali herself may have let the secret slip when she wrote in her diary that she was "late" and that she was worried about “Beach Hottie” finding out.

Fast forward about seven or eight years, Ali was being haunted by the ghost of the supposed father of her child. And just who do we think that child is? Eliza, the Amish girl who just happens to be in love with her “Alison” doll.

The theory goes deep into the archives, explaining that “Eliza” was the name of an Audrey Hepburn character in the '60s—which is mind-blowing if you remember that Ali, aka Holly Golightly, was a huge Audrey fan.

Still, some PLL fans are convinced that Eliza might be a ghost, hinting that the show’s Ravenswood ties were never completely severed. 

With the show coming to an end (finally!) in April of next year, we’re going crazy trying to uncover every last secret the dark, torturous small town of Rosewood has been keeping from us for the last six years. No theory is too absurd!

Read the entire fan theory below. 

Chloë Grace Moretz looks stunning and effortlessly cool on her new Teen Vogue cover, but that's not what has people talking. According to Yahoo, Moretz's ex-boyfriend, Brooklyn Beckham, is the mysterious man burying his face in her neck on the cover. We're pretty sure the word "yikes" was created for moments like this.

Beckham has reportedly been spotted out wearing the same hat as the one worn by the guy on the Teen Vogue cover. To make matters worse, it really looks like Beckham's hair under that cap. Despite the speculation, Moretz, Beckham and Teen Vogue have all remained silent on the topic. We're hoping that for Moretz's sake, the man on the cover is just a male model who happens to resemble Beckham and share the same taste in hats. 

As for the future of ChloBro, there may still be hope. Moretz was uncharacteristically open about the pair's relationship in the article and reassured that, despite the paparazzi and their busy schedules, their relationship can withstand the hardest of times. "We both understand that there will be times when we can’t speak because we are too busy. Some of it is just based on trust," said Moretz. "If you feel that you can trust each other and go eight hours without talking, then you have something that can withstand space and time."

Either way, Chloë still rocks her cover, and we can't wait to see what she takes on next.

*sigh* And so the body-shaming of Amy Schumer continues. During her recent appearance on The Jonathan Ross Show, a U.K.-based talk show, Schumer discussed how body and weight-shaming played a role in her blockbuster hit, Trainwreck.

"It was explained to me before I did that movie, Trainwreck, that if you weigh over 140 pounds as a woman in Hollywood, if you’re on the screen it will hurt people’s eyes.”

Schumer, who's currently on a press tour to promote her new book, The Girl With The Lower Back Tattoo, revealed that she gave in to the pressure and actively lost weight for the role. “I didn’t know that so I lost some weight to do that but never again," she said.

Seeing as Schumer is actually smaller than the average American woman, we can't imagine the hurtful and sexist comments made toward actual plus-size actresses in the industry. 

While we hate that body-shaming is still a thing in 2016, we're glad that there are vocal celebs like Schumer to advocate against it. Other public figures, like Demi Lovato, Zendaya, Beyoncé, Chelsea Handler, Leslie Jones, and Melissa McCarthy, also support body positivity for people of all shapes and sizes. We can only hope that, with enough public support from celebrities like Schumer, the entertainment industry will soon evolve to match the needs and standards of our time. 

While the biggest decision you’ve made up to this point may have been exactly where you’ll go to college, the tough choices certainly don’t stop there. There are academic, social and career-related commitments every college student must make in order to progress through their time at school.

These choices can be highly stress-inducing, and we want to help ease some of the anxiety. To that end, we polled some savvy collegiettes for their take on the most important decisions they’ve made in college and compiled this list for your benefit! Read on for the top seven quintessential decisions you’ll make during your college years.

1. Your major/minor

You might go into college thinking you know exactly what you want to do (or the case might be the opposite), but you will come to a point where you have to choose the concentration you want your studies in college to have.

Choosing your major will dictate what classes you take, what students you meet and what professors you get the chance to work under for the remainder of your time at college. It will also influence what careers you are eligible for and how future employers consider you.

Related: 15 Hard Decisions You Make Every Day in College

Beyond just the decision of your major as an undergrad, you might be considering adding a minor to your program of study. Madeline Frisk, a senior at Oregon State University, says, “A big decision for me was choosing to add a minor.” The word “minor” might make this seem like something you can add on to your program as a sort of afterthought, but that’s not really the case.

According to Madeline, her minor helped her get a better understanding of where she wanted to take her major and how she wanted it to structure her future. “Adding a minor can help supplement your college education and narrow your focus for your future profession,” she says.

2. The friends you make

While picking who does and does not make it into your ~exclusive~ social circle might seem like something you don’t really have control over, college is the prime time to ensure that the friends you surround yourself with are ones you can count on. During your freshman year, you might find yourself befriending every person you meet, but when you transition into your second and upperclassman years, the relationships that really solidify are those you devote time and effort to.

This means that you do have control over your friendships, and if you want to succeed at school (and later on in life), you have to remember that your friends are a reflection of you and that they will influence you, even if you don’t realize it while it’s happening. Friendships can make or break your college years, so don’t skimp on the squad quality.

The friends you don't make can be important to your personal growth as well. Samantha Burke, a recent grad of Siena College, says, "One of the best decisions I made during college was letting go of friendships that were not healthy for me." You absolutely do not have to be friends with everyone, and you don't have to stay friends with everyone you befriend during your first week at college, or even your first year. You have the power to dictate the impact of the people in your life on your own well-being, so don't forget that you come first.

Doing this kind of self-awareness and self-love work will only better prepare you for future obstacles down the line. "If you train yourself to recognize toxic and/or manipulative behaviors during college, you'll be more ready to spot them in the workplace in the future," Samantha says.

3. The clubs and organizations you join

From admissions to Greek life to sports teams or the campus radio station, everyone knows there are a million and one collegiate organizations you can get involved in. Club fair day, particularly during your first year, might only seem to be about getting as much free food and gear as you want, but it is to your benefit to get involved in things you’re interested in. Remember, college is what you make of it!

For Isabel Calkins, a junior at NYU, her obligations outside of school have been very important to her college years. Isabel says that one of "the most major key decisions you will make in college [is] if you will join a sorority” or not while you’re at school. Depending on your college, joining Greek life could very well be essential to your social life.

The more important Greek life is at your school, the more discriminatory you will probably have to be about which sororities you devote your time to during recruitment. For Madeline, “An important choice during my college years was taking the plunge and going to that first recruitment meeting.” If you’re interested at all, you should go for it just to see whether or not it’s for you. There’s no harm in trying things out!

Related: 15 Things Only Girls Who Can’t Decide What They Want Understand

4. Going abroad

Determining whether or not you’ll take time away from your home campus to go abroad is a massively important choice. There are pros and cons to each side, and you’ll need to put in lots of research if going abroad is something you’re interested in doing. "For things like where to study abroad, you can talk to your family or friends who have gone through it," says Isabel. As is the case in any decision making process, leaning on others who have more experience or who have dealt with the same decisions before always helps. 

If you decide not to go abroad, be prepared for massive amounts of FOMO and Snapchat geotag-envy. However, you will have the advantage of all the hot gossip that your friends will miss while they’re away (just kidding!). Whether or not you go abroad depends on your program of study, your financial situation and many other logistical factors. You shouldn’t feel pressured to do it if it’s not something you’re into, but, if you are, do your research and get to applyin’!

5. What you do with your summers

Summers in college are (as your parents will often remind you) crucial time in your undergrad years. You might choose to work or intern, go home or stay at school or come up with some other summer alternative altogether. Regardless, making this decision means you have to be able to keep yourself in check and make plans in advance.

If you choose to go the career-oriented route during one of your college summers, it might have a huge impact on your later plans. Megan Sawey, a senior at Temple University, says, "Taking on a job/internship is one of the most important decisions we make in college." You might think of an internship as just a resume-padder or a part-time job as just a little extra cash in your pocket, but what if you end up loving either one and then undergo a total change in interests as a result? "The position serves as an in-the-moment obligation, but it's also a potential avenue for a collegiette's post-grad life," says Megan.

6. Maintaining a work and life balance

Particularly during your freshman year, incorporating time management into your daily routine is a little too much to ask. College is such a sensory overload, especially if you’ve never really been on your own before. Kristen Van Buren, a senior at High Point University, says, “Being in a sorority and being in numerous clubs over the years, I had to create a schedule so I will still do well in school.” If you commit to too much, you might find yourself overwhelmed and your committments can take over your academics or your social life. 

There will likely come a seminal point during your college career at which you get serious with yourself and establish how much time you are going to devote to your studies and how much time you are going to spend on your social and other pursuits. When you make this decision, do so with a clear head and an understanding of the repercussions of how you set up your priorities. For Kristen, “creating a good schedule helps [her] do well in school” as well as enjoy activities of the non-academic variety.

Along with learning good time management is the general umbrella of self care. Being aware of your own health (mental, physical, emotional and beyond) might be totally new to you now that you're out of the house, but that doesn't make it any less important. "Now, away from home, we have to plan meals and make time in our busy schedules to get that Vitamin D and exercise," says Texas A&M senior Victoria Hernandez. It's much easier said than done, particularly when your homework is piling up, but taking time out of your day (every day!) to check in with yourself and do something that makes you happy is an extremely important choice you can make during college.

7. Your post-college plans

We saved the most serious, real-life one for last. After you graduate, there are a number of options that might be on your horizon. These could range from grad school to a year of travel or cold, hard cash-earning. If only to prepare for the “So, what are you doing after you graduate?” question that you will receive from every extended family member you have during your breaks at home senior year, having a post-graduation plan will give you one less thing to worry about as your time wraps up at college.

Once again, you might turn to older people in your life or to your college adviser to find suggestions for how you might spend your months in the immediate time after you receive your cap and gown. Perhaps you want to plan a Eurotrip, or stick around at school and work for the admissions department over the summer or do something else to pad your resume and earn some money. There are plenty of options here, and they’ll all give you great life experience at the end of the day. Just don’t get stuck in an indecisive summer stupor!

As Isabel says, “It’s important to follow your heart and not just do what everyone else is gonna do.” The decisions you make in college are and should be completely your own, but it doesn’t hurt to have an informed opinion with the help and guidance of others who have braved the trail before you. Remember that you’re young and you have time to make mistakes, and while these are important decisions that will impact your immediate present, college won’t necessarily be the “best years of your life,” and that’s a good thing! Just try to make them the best YET!

New York Fashion Week is all about crazy designs, the latest fashions, and... cultural appropriation? Oy. On Thursday, Marc Jacobs closed out New York Fashion Week, and the show was interesting to say the least. The center of attention? Not an out of this world skirt or crazy platform shoes, but the models' hairstyles: Stylist Guido Palau gave the models a less than appropriate style of pastel-colored woolen dreadlocks.

People were quick to jump on social media and criticize the designer for topping his mostly-white models, including Kendall Jenner and Karlie Kloss, with this hairstyle. Jacobs responded to the criticism in a comment on an Instagram post, which only angered many further. 

His comment read:

"@radical.lizeth @emmelephant and all who cry 'cultural appropriation' or whatever nonsense about any race or skin color wearing their hair in any particular style or manner — funny how you don't criticize women of color for straightening their hair," Jacobs wrote. "I respect and am inspired by people and how they look. I don't see color or race — I see people. I'm sorry to read that so many people are so narrow-minded ... Love is the answer. Appreciation of all and inspiration from anywhere is a beautiful thing. Think about it."

People took his comment to mean that women of color straightening their hair is a form of cultural appropriation. Needless to say, people didn't take his comment well and became even angrier with the designer. 

Jacobs has since responded to his critics, apologizing to anyone he may have offended. 

There's so much Gaga goodness coming that we can't even handle it! Lady Gaga has made many announcements about her new music this week, so we're here to break it all down for you.

First of all, we have a whole new Gaga album coming next month. Gaga announced Thursday that her new album will drop October 21 and will be titled Joanne after her aunt who passed away from Lupus before Gaga was born. The album contains collaborations with Mark Ronson, Florence Welch and Tame Impala’s Kevin Parker. 

Gaga also announced when we'll finally, finally get a new music video from her. The singer announced on Twitter Friday that her video for "Perfect Illusion" will premiere during the season two premiere of Scream Queens on Fox at 9 p.m. EST. One of the creators of Scream Queens, Ryan Murphy, also created American Horror Story, which Gaga starred in last season. She also shared a teaser with us and honestly, we're SO excited.

Whether you're an avid follower of horoscopes, or whether you don't believe in the power of the stars (you're lying to yourself, btw), NASA has made an announcement that may have you seeing stars (pun intended). Back in January, NASA announced there there is in fact a thirteenth zodiac sign that has been ignored for thousands of years. And now, it turns out the entire calendar is CHANGING. Cue Internet-wide panic. 

Ophiuchus is the unlucky thirteenth sign that has been ignored by all for 3,000 years since it was first discovered—and ignored—by the Babylonians. They prefered to operate under a moon-based calendar that utilized the 12 star signs we know and love and tattoo all over our bodies. But even those 12 signs don't divide equally, sometimes spilling over into others. 

What we do know about Ophiuschuses (Ophiuschi?):

• born between November 29 and December 17
• sign is a man holding a snake, named Serpentarius
• peace-seeker
• thirst for knowledge
• may have secret enemies in your group of close friends (when did zodiac signs get so dark??)

Here's what the new Zodiac calendar looks like now:

Aries: April 18 – May 13

Taurus: May 13 – June 21

Gemini: June 21 – July 20

Cancer: July 20 – Aug 10

Leo: Aug 10 – Sept 16

Virgo: Sept 16 – Oct 30

Libra: Oct 30 – Nov 23

Scorpio: Nov 23 – Nov 29

Ophiuchus: Nov 29 – Dec 17

Sagittarius: Dec 17 – Jan 20

Capricorn: Jan 20 - Feb 16

Aquarius: Feb 16 – March 11

Pisces: March 11 – April 18

Obviously, people are v pissed.

In college, all we want is to be asked on a real date. We threaten to swear off booty calls and hookups forever, waiting for that one Prince Charming who could sweep us off our feet and take us out to dinner. In the real world, the opportunity to date actually presents itself fairly often, and we're all “please don't make me go!” “You mean we have to talk to each other? Sober?”

First dates are arguably the most unique (read: awkward) experiences we will ever encounter, each complete with their own set of highs and lows, failures and successes. Here are some of the many thoughts that will likely pass through your mind the next time you find yourself across the table from a complete stranger you met on an iPhone app.

1. It's 7:03. Does three minutes constitute fashionably late?

2. This place looks fancy. I'm underdressed. 

3. No, it's cool. I'll look chill, like I just threw this on and look effortlessly fabulous. 

4. 7:06, all right, I'm going in.

5. He's cute, from all the way over here at least. 

6. He doesn't look like a serial killer. 

7. He's already sitting. Dammit, I needed to analyze his height compared to mine!

8. Handshake? Hug? Kiss on the cheek? SOS!

9. Why am I so awkward? It pains me. 

10. I've forgotten how to speak.

11. Say anything. 

12. The weather? Really? That's the best you could do. 

13. It's okay he's smiling. Just breathe.

14. He's cuter than his pics actually. Bonus points. 

15. Okay, let's cover the basics: work, hometown, college attended, siblings.

16. Just pretend you don't already know everything about him from stalking social media. Act surprised. Not too surprised. 

17. Thank god the waitress is here. Saved by the menu!

18. I want everything in the “snacks” section. Self control!

19. Umm, yes I'll split the fries! I thought you'd never ask. #soulmates

20. This is going well.

21. Does he think it's going well?

22. We’ve had hardly any awkward pauses!

23. Am I talking too much? 

24. Omg he hates me. 

25. Nice, the food's here. Try not to look too excited. 

26. Okay, it's really hard to eat and avoid lulls in the conversation at the same time.

27. What if I'm an ugly eater? 

28. I kind of have to pee.

29. Why did I wear a romper?!

30. I'm going to hold it.

31. He’s pretty funny. 

32. Wait, was that a joke, though? I don't want to laugh if he was serious, and I can't not laugh if he's trying to be funny.

33. So the obvious solution is to make a creepy half-snort/half-grunt. Nice going. 

34. Great, he’s going to the bathroom. Now, I can check my phone and actually eat my food in peace.

35. Wow, we survived an hour already.

36. Selfie check. I still look cute! 

37. Has he been in the bathroom a while? 

38. Maybe he has stomach issues? Or he’s climbing out the window? 

39. Ahh, he’s coming back. Don’t stare!

40. Hopefully he doesn’t notice that I just shoved my face while he was gone.

41. Another drink? YAASSSS. 

42. Is he playing footsie with me? Nope. That’s the guy at the table next to us. Cool.

43. I do think he’s flirting though. He’s laughing at all my jokes. I’m not that funny.

44. I kind of like this guy. But who am I to say? Have to debrief w/ my BFF (and my mom) later.

45. Oh sh*t! The bill! Dun dun dun...

46. Let me grab my purse and at least pretend to try and pay.

47. Well, it was worth a try.

48. He just spent so much money on me! What if he’s thinking I’m not worth it?

49. No, this does not mean I have to put out. Have some self-respect, woman! 

50. He wants to walk me home? Aww, what a gentleman.

51. We’re getting dangerously close to my building. What’s it going to be??

52. Just be cool. Follow his lead.

53. There's not even a name for the part of my face he just kissed. Somewhere in the no man’s land between my cheek and my lips. Yep. 

54. Did he really mean “let’s do this again soon”?

55. Can't wait to go home and recount every minute of this night to my roomie while I await his text. 

The ugly-shoe has been trending lately—not to mention, they're usually so comfortable we can't help but be on board. Bring on the Birks, the work boots and the like—we could wear them all day. But there's a place where we'll draw the line, and we think we've just found it. 

Teva and Ugg have teamed up on a new collection featuring shoes that are pretty much a hybrid of the two, and it's exactly what you'd imagine it to look like. We like our Tevas, and we like our Uggs, but together? We'll just put it this way: It's a combo we never would have asked for.

I mean, supposedly they're super comfy? The boot version, shown above, merges the best... worst?... of both worlds. Unclear as to where one would wear this pair... or even what season they belong in. There's also a sandal version:

This one's perhaps a little more wearable? Anyway, the sandals will cost you $175, while the boots run at $225. We don't know about you, but we can think of better things to spend our hundos on than the world's ugliest shoe. But hey, to each their own.

We're still not sure we could ever, ever wear these in public, but if you've found it in your heart to love these shoes, they are available on both Teva's and UGG's websites. 

Making friends isn't easy to do. That's why 16-year-old Natalie Hampton from Sherman Oaks, California, had to find a way to make it easier. After all, she'd experienced being rejected from her peers; the entire year of seventh grade, she ate lunch alone.

So "Sit With Us"—which launched Sept. 9—was born. The app gives users the option to be either an "ambassador," or a student (or group of students) offering up a seat at their table in the cafeteria; or it can be a place for other students to seek tables to join.

Hampton felt an app was the best way to allow students to look for a place to sit without being ostracized by their peers.

“This way it’s very private. It’s through the phone. No one else has to know," Hampton explained to Cornish. “And you know that you’re not going to be rejected once you get to the table.” 

In addition to creating this app, Hampton has also been working to ask fellow classmates to take a stand against bullying. After all, when the “cool kids” take a stand against bullying, it has significant impact, according to a 2012-2013 study conducted by Princeton, Rutgers, and Yale. The study found a 30 percent decrease in student conflict when schools provided their most “socially competent students” with social media tools and encouragement to combat bullying, the Huffington Post reports. 

Natalie Hampton should serve as reminder to us all that we are capable of making lasting impressions on other people’s lives. So, the next time you’re sitting on your college campus and see someone looking for a place to sit, smile and invite them to pull up a chair. 

It goes without saying that periods carry a certain stigma to them. Why? We don't know. But Daniela Gilsanz and Ryan Murphy from the Rhode Island School of Design are working to change that with a new board game. Soon, you'll be using words like tampon, uterus and PMS in the same sentence as pass the dice and your turn—and young girls (and boys!) will be doing the same, meaning future generations will consider these terms normal—as they should.

The game, aptly named The Period Game, teaches players all about menstruation and everything that surrounds it. Set up like a game of Sorry or Trouble, you start with two marble-filled cups—ovaries, if you will—at the center of the board. Players twist an ovary, and a marble (the egg) drops out of the tube (the vagina), stopping on what will be your next move. If you get a red marble, you're safe—that means you're on your period! If you end up with a clear one, you're either PMSing or just straight up in the clear.

The marbles also decide how many spaces you get to move along the game board. Users start in puberty and then move along to spaces like “grow breasts” and “get hair in new places.” Once they hit the space signifying their first period, they start around a different ring of spaces that track their menstrual cycles. You'll be directed through the stages of ovulation, PMS and menstruation—but don't worry, you're not in it alone. Along the way, you'll collect period supplies and other helpful remedies like a hot bath or a good night's sleep.

What could make the game even better? Well, we grew up with the Monopoly car... and now, upcoming generations will have mini replicas of pads, tampons, period panties and menstrual cups as their board game essentials. Win.

When it comes to cooking for friends and family, our aspirations often surpass our actual culinary abilities. We’ve all experienced those kitchen disasters and Pinterest recipe fails that made us want to hang up our aprons for good, but impressing your guests with your culinary skills (or lack there of) has never been easier thanks to a few basic recipes. Whether you’re inviting a small group of friends over for a tasty brunch, or you simply wish to wow your significant other, these are the recipes that can make your culinary dreams come true!

1. Banana Berry French Crepes

This French-inspired dish is super simple to make and best of all, delicious! Top these crepes with whatever you are in the mood for: Nutella, fruit, whipped cream and more! Make them sweet or savory for a tasty morning treat. With just a few simple ingredients, you have a brunch dish that's ready to impress. 

Recipe courtesy of blogilates.com

Ingredients

• 1 egg
• 1 tsp. of cinnamon
• 1 banana
• 1/3 cup of oatmeal
• 1/4 cup of milk (can substitute with almond or soy)
• Handful of berries of your choice

Directions

• Mix all dry ingredients together in a blender until they become a fine powder.
• Add half a ripe banana and an egg along with the milk. Blend all ingredients together.
• Pour a thin layer of batter into a pan on medium low heat.
• When you see bubbles forming in the batter, flip the crepes.
• Once the crepes are fully cooked on both sides, you are all set and ready to add toppings!

2. Farmers Market Egg Bake Casserole

A breakfast upgrade from your basic omelet, all you need is a casserole dish, eggs and add-ins such as onion, mushrooms, potatoes, tomatoes and basil. Pair this meal with a delicious smoothie and you have yourself the perfect breakfast!

Recipe courtesy of twohealthykitchens.com

Ingredients

• 1 pound sweet Italian turkey sausage
• 1 ½ cups diced sweet onion
• 8 ounces fresh sliced mushrooms
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes
• 2 cups shredded reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup diced green pepper
• 2-3 plum diced tomatoes
• 12 eggs
• 1 ¾ cup of non-fat milk
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

• Cook sausage, onions, mushrooms and garlic in large non-stick skillet over medium heat for about 10 minutes.
• In a 9 x 13 pan coated with cooking spray, layer potatoes, sausage mixture, cheese, onions, peppers, and tomatoes.
• In a medium bowl, combine eggs, milk, parsley, salt, basil and pepper. Whisk thoroughly to combine, then pour egg mixture evenly over other ingredients in baking pan.
• Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate over night.
• In the morning, preheat oven to 375°F.
• Bake casserole, uncovered, for 60 to 70 minutes.
• Remove from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

3. Chopped Avocado Shrimp Salad

Time to upgrade your simple lettuce and dressing dish to a colorful chopped salad your guests will rave about. Feel free to add whatever you want with your chopped salad. Top it off with some homemade dressing and you are ready to serve your guests.

Recipe courtesy of eatingwell.com

Ingredients

• 1 pound raw shrimp peeled 
• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons finely grated lime zest
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly group pepper
• 2 ears corn, husked
• 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• ¾ cup finely chopped red cabbage
• ¾ cup diced red pepper
• ½ cup diced red onion
• ½ cup assorted cherry tomatoes, chopped
• ½ fennel bulb, halved again, thinly sliced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 2 slices crispy cooked bacon, diced

Directions

• Preheat grill to medium heat.
• Toss shrimp with 2 teaspoons oil, lime zest, salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
• Grill corn, turning occasionally for 6 to 10 minutes.
• Grill shrimp, turning occasionally for 3 to 5 minutes.
• Cut shrimp into small pieces and cut kernels off cob.
• Combine lettuce, cabbage, bell pepper, onion, tomatoes, fennel, avocado and bacon in large bowl. Add shrimp, corn and a dressing; toss to coat.

4. Roasted Chicken Noodle Soup

With fall and colder weather quickly approaching, nothing sounds more appealing than homemade soup. A roasted chicken noodle soup is an easy upgrade from a can of Campbell’s and will be sure to impress your guests.  

Recipe courtesy of myrecipes.com

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 cup sliced celery
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ poultry seasoning
• 6 cups low-salt chicken broth
• 4 cups diced peeled baking potato
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups diced leftover roasted chicken
• 1 cup evaporated skim milk
• 2 cups uncooked wide egg noodles

Directions

• Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add chopped onion, carrots, celery and garlic clove; Sauté 5 minutes.
• Sprinkle flour, oregano, time and poultry seasoning over vegetables.
• Cook for 1 minute.
• Stir in broth, potato, and salt.
• Bring to boil; reduce heat, and simmer for 25 minutes.
• Add roasted chicken, milk, and noodles and cook for 10 minutes.
• Garnish with fresh thyme, if desired.

5. Lemon Chicken Piccata

lemon chicken .jpg

Take your cooking skills to the next level by making this tasty chicken dish for your guests. Even with minimal ingredients and easy steps, they’ll definitely be getting up for seconds.  

Recipe courtesy of foodnetwork.com

Ingredients

• 2 split boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 extra-large egg
• ½ tablespoon water
• ¾ cup seasoned dry bread crumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ½ cup dry white wine
• Sliced lemon and chopped parsley leaves for serving 

Directions

• Preheat oven to 400°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
• Place each chicken breast between 2 sheets of paper and pound out ¼ inch thick.
• Sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.
• Mix flour, salt and pepper in a shallow plate.
• In a second plate, beat egg and water together.
• Place bread crumbs on third plate and dip each chicken breast first in flour, then dip in the egg and bread crumb mixtures.
• Heat olive oil in large sauté pan over medium heat.
• Add chicken breasts and cook for 2 minutes on each side, until browned.
• Place them on the sheet pan and allow them to bake for 5 to 10 minutes.

Sauce

• Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter and add lemon juice, wine, extra lemon halves, salt, pepper.
• Boil over high heat for 2 minutes.
• Off heat, add remaining butter and swirl to combine.
• Spoon sauce and serve with a slice of lemon and parsley.

6. Lasagna Roll Ups

lasagna.jpg

This meal is perfect for anyone who loves lasagna but doesn't want to deal with the hassle of making too much. Your guests will love this simple twist on a traditional recipe, and you’ll love how much easier it is to make!

Recipe courtesy of mrfood.com

Ingredients

• 1 (28-ounce) jar spaghetti sauce
• 1 (2-pound) container ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 3 eggs
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 12-14 lasagna noodles 

Directions

• Preheat oven to 375°F. Pour half spaghetti sauce over the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
• In large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, eggs, parsley and salt until well blended.
• Spoon cheese mixture over lasagna noodle and roll up tightly.
• Place roll-ups seam-side down in dish; top with remaining sauce.
• Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella cheese.
• Bake 35 to 40 minutes.

7. Grilled Flank Steak and Balsamic Vegetables

steak .jpg

Grilling has never been easier. Wow your dinner guests with this easy steak recipe that's paired perfectly with balsamic vegetables; great for anyone who is new to the grill, but still wants to amaze.  

Recipe courtesy of realsimple.com

Ingredients

• 1 pound flank steak
• Kosher salt and pepper
• 1 medium eggplant, cut into ½ inch rounds
• 2 bell peppers quartered
• 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• ½ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped

Directions

• Heat grill to medium-high heat.
• Season steak with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon pepper. Grill to desired doneness and transfer to a cutting board.
• Brush both sides of eggplant and peppers with 3 tablespoons of the oil.
• Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Grill until tender.
• In small bowl, combine remaining oil, vinegar, garlic, and parsley.
• Divide the steak and vegetables among individual plates.
• Spoon sauce over the vegetables and serve.

8. Vegetable Stir Fry

stirfry.jpg

Rather than ordering Chinese take-out, try making your own vegetable rice stir-fry. Use this recipe as a staple to add whatever you have stored in the fridge such as chicken, pork, tofu or Ramen!

Recipe courtesy of chinese.food.com

Ingredients

• 3 cups cold leftover rice
• ½-1 cup oleo
• 1 medium onion chopped
• 2 stalks celery chopped
• 2 carrots diced
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 3 eggs beaten
• ¼-½ cup soy sauce
• Pepper

Directions

• Melt oleo in large non-stick skillet.
• Add onion, celery, carrots.
• Sauté for about 5 minutes.
• Add peas and cook 1 minute more until peas thaw.
• Push veggies to one side of skillet.
• Scramble eggs in empty side of skillet.
• Mix eggs into veggies and season with pepper.
• Add soy sauce.
• Slowly mix rice until all ingredients are well blended and serve.

9. Rich Chocolate Mousse

mousse.jpg

This rich, decadent dessert is easy and requires no baking!  Serve as is, or incorporate it into chocolate mousse trifle. Add layers of cake, cookies, or other sweet treats in between the mousse for a unique twist on a fabulous dessert.  

Recipe courtesy of cookiesandcups.com

Ingredients

• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2½ cups cold heavy whipping cream, divided
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate

Directions

• Beat eggs and granulated sugar with your mixer for 3 minutes.
• Heat 1 cup heavy whipping cream in small saucepan until just hot, not boiling.
• Pour hot cream into egg mixture slowly until combined.
• Add egg/cream mixture back into saucepan and over low heat, stir for 5 minutes constantly until thickened. Do not boil.
• Remove from heat and stir in chocolate until melted. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours, until chilled, stirring occasionally.
• When mixture is chilled and firm, use whisk attachment on stand mixer to whip the remaining heavy cream until stiff peaks form.
• Remove chocolate from fridge and using a spoon, fold/stir the whipped cream into the chocolate until smooth.
• Serve immediately as-is, or refrigerate until ready to use.

10. Fresh Strawberry Shortcake

strawberry shortcake.jpg

Whip up this easy dessert for a treat that’s both sweet and refreshing.  Top it off with ice cream or learn how to make your own whipped cream to really wow.  

Recipe courtesy of foodnetwork.com

Ingredients

• 1 ½ pound strawberries, steamed and quartered
• 5 tablespoons sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoons baking soda
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• 1½ cups heavy cream

Directions

• Mix strawberries with 3 tablespoons sugar and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, 2 tablespoons sugar, and salt in a medium bowl.
• Add heavy cream and mix until just combined.
• Place mixture in an un greased 8-inch square pan and bake 18 to 20 minutes.
• Remove shortcake from pan and place on rack to cool.
• Spoon strawberries on each shortcake and serve.

picjumbo.com_HNCK2125.jpg

With these easy gourmet recipes, you will be sure to impress whomever you are cooking for. Your kitchen disasters are a thing of the past, and now you are practically a professional chef! (Well, let's not get too carried away.) Gather your ingredients and begin cooking these fabulous meals for your lucky guests—they'll be begging for your recipes in no time.

Out of all the awkward moments in life, running into your SO’s ex is definitely on the top of the list. While it may be best to play it cool, that doesn’t mean you can avoid feeling extremely uncomfortable. Either you keep your head held high, or sink low in your seat to hide your face. In case that doesn’t work, here’s what tends to happen when you encounter your SO’s former fling! 

1. Say hello...or run and hide

We’ve all learned about our fight or flight response in science class, but this is when it’s really put to the test. It doesn’t matter whether or not you were warned ahead of time, or if you just happen to recognize a familiar face across the party, nothing can truly prepare you for that moment. “When I ran into my boyfriend’s ex girlfriend at the bar once, I made my friends surround me so she wouldn’t see me,” says Rachel Mason, a junior at Albion College. “Now I realize how immature it was, but at the time I was in a panic!” Sure it’s more polite to say hello, but it’s a lot easier to hide behind your friends. Make sure you feel out the situation, then maybe you can stick with just a wave from afar.  

2. Engage in awkward small talk

If you do in fact decide to say hello, now you’re stuck in what feels like never-ending small talk. You can really only say so much about school, the party and the weather before the awkward silence starts to set in. “I saw my SO’s ex in one of my lectures and we made eye contact so I couldn’t escape,” says Katherine Reed, a senior at Michigan State University. “I tried to force small talk but I ended up babbling about random stuff that didn’t matter.” There’s no doubt it’s going to be uncomfortable to hold a conversation with someone who previously dated your current SO, but all you can do is try and power through it. 

3. Force fake laughter

Small talk is one thing, but when there’s a lull in the conversation you might get the urge to lighten the mood a little. Making a joke about your surroundings or something you have in common may seem like a good way to ease the pain of the whole experience, but there’s a good chance it won’t go over as well as you think. “I tried making a joke about how our names started with the same letter and how my SO (aka her ex) had a thing for Js,” says Jessica Gray, a sophomore at Florida State University. “Needless to say, I didn’t get a laugh, but I did get a pretty strange look in return.” Keep the conversation light, but make sure you don't overdo it. Forcing a laugh will just make things even more uncomfortable.

4. Being asked how your SO is doing

To make things even more strange, there’s always the impending question hovering in the awkward air. Your SO’s ex is bound to ask how your SO is doing, or even bolder, how your relationship is going. While it may seem intrusive at first it’s probably even stranger if the topic is avoided all together. After all, the only reason you're in this situation is because of your SO was once theirs. “One time when I ran into my boyfriend’s ex she kept asking me how serious we were,” says Nicole Hays, a senior at Oberlin College. “It was a little too much for me, so I just came up with an excuse to leave!” Don't take it the wrong way when the question comes up, just keep the answer vague and positive, then find a way out. 

5. Being overly friendly

The encounter is usually more pleasant when your SO’s ex is nice, but too nice can also be a red flag. Greeting you with an uncomfortable hug is one thing, but trying to make plans with you is a whole new level of weird. Unless you were friends beforehand there’s a good chance you won’t be friends now. “My SO’s ex asked me to come to her birthday, which at first was a nice gesture,” says Caroline Meyers, a senior at Grand Valley State University. “Then it got even weirder when she asked for my Snapchat name and phone number.” Not texting your SO’s ex is pretty much a no-brainer. In this situation, honesty is probably the best option. Don't feel bad telling him or her that it would be a little weird for you, and probably even weirder for your SO if you two hung out.

Unfortunately there’s no real protocol on how to handle seeing your SO’s ex, but in the meantime take comfort in knowing you’re not the only one who’s had an uncomfortable run-in. Don’t let your guard down, collegiettes!

They're the first person you want to call when you have good news, because, duh, you text 24/7! No, we aren't talking about your mom or your significant other––we're talking about your best friend. Here's 15 signs you and your best friend are basically dating!

1. You talk every day

If you two go without speaking for an entire day, something is obviously wrong. The stupid things you say turn into your greatest inside jokes. You guys successfully prove that it is possible to have three conversations simultaneously––across three different social media platforms.

2. You have one too many dinner dates

When you haven’t seen each other in a while (two days max?), or when you’re in one of your “I’m going to be single forever” moods, they are there to take you out for a night on the town. You Instagram pictures of the two of you holding hands––usually over wine and pizza––with a caption that reads “Night out with my soulmate.”

3. Your mom talks about them more than she talks about you

Whenever your phone starts ringing, your mom tells you to “tell *insert BFF’s name here* I say 'hi'”. If she hasn’t seen them in a while, she never fails to ask how they are doing. When you’re out shopping, she points out all of the things your best friend would like. Honestly, they probably even text on the DL…

4. You comment on all of their photos

"Bae,""WCE,""Fire,""Beautiful,""How did I get so lucky?"––these are just a few of the things you'll definitely comment on your bestie's pic.

5. You get jealous over a new friend

As soon as they starting speaking highly of a new stranger, you get territorial. You sneak glances at their phone while they’re texting to make sure it isn’t this "new person." You creep on all of the new friend's social media accounts and always pretend to forget their name.

6. They have a strange nickname on your phone

And they go far beyond the regular pets names of “boo,” “muffin,” and “honeybear.”

7. Good morning/Goodnight texts

You have a strange way of saying good morning and goodnight, but it is an essential part of your day.

8. 70 percent––or more––of your Tweets are you flaming them

The majority of your tweets are tweets making fun of them, replies to them, retweets of their tweets or subtweets about them.

9. You talk about the future

You two envision the life you’ll have together––the loft downtown with a great view, the double dates, travelling the world and the kids who will be best friends too.

10. You trust their opinion

Their advice is golden. Before you post a photo on instagram, they have to approve of it. You send them screenshots of text conservations and ask them what you should say. Should you do this to your hair? Should you buy these shoes or not? Your BFF will know.

11. You get each other

They know when something’s bothering you even when you’re trying to hide it. You can both witness something strange, look at them, and know exactly what they’re thinking. You hate the same people for unexplained reasons.

12. You’re not afraid to yell at each other

The truth hurts, but you know you can always count on them to be honest with you when something needs to be said.

13. You text about nothing and everything

You tell them that the train you are currently on smells like hummus and feet. You text them freaking out moments before a job interview. You vent to them about the world’s corruption. If you've thought it, you've told them about it.

14. They are the first to know anything about you

When the person you like finally texts you, you text your best friend about it before you respond to your crush. You tell them about the embarrassing thing that happened to you moments ago. You provide them with a live commentary as you spend your evening on WebMD diagnosing yourself with a terminal disease.

15. You guys have a no-judgment zone

You embrace each other’s weirdness without question. You trust you best friend enough to send them your ugliest Snapchats. You can ask them questions that you’re afraid to ask anyone else. “Is the United Kingdom a country? If it’s a country, then what’s England? A state?????” 

Even if you're a perpetually single collegiette, with your BFF by your side, you're really not.

Which college is the biggest party school? [The Huffington Post]

The places you're eating at after midnight. [Spoon University]

The secret life of a 7-year-old Instagram star. [Narratively]

I'm tired of fitspiration. [xoJane]

Ariana Grande calls out Ryan Seacrest for being misogynist. [Mic]

How much do parents matter? [The Atlantic]

Tom Brady has never eaten a strawberry. [New York Magazine]

The medals at the Paralympics have a very special feature. [Upworthy]

Instagram accounts guaranteed to make you smile. [BuzzFeed]

73 questions with Simone Biles. [Vogue]

Just after 8:30 p.m. ET Sunday night, New York City's Chelsea neighborhood was rocked by an explosion that injured at least 29 people. Blocks away from the original blast site, police discovered a second device—a pressure cooker—about three hours after the first blast.

The explosion took place on West 23rd Street, apparently going off in or around a dumpster. Deborah Griffith, 60, who was at a nearby restaurant, said the blast consumed the dumpster in a large fireball that then lifted smoke several stories into the air. "People were running, holding their ears, rubbing their ears," she told the Post, describing the scene. In a press conference afterwards, Mayor Bill de Blasio assured the city that while they believe the blast to be "intentional," there was "no evidence at this point of a terror connection," and that there was no "credible or specific threat" to residents. Tensions rose, however, when a second device was found; people on Twitter are accusing authorities and the media for downplaying the incident.

In reference to the second device, which appears to be a pressure cooker, a police source told The Post that "the bomb squad believes it's real."CNN reports that while police have not confirm what's inside the pressure cooker, it appears to be duct taped, with a dark device (possibly a cell phone) and wiring attached to it. After the second device was discovered, NYPD has been clearing and removing people from the area, CNN stated in a television broadcast. Those at home received alerts advising them to stay away from their windows. Residents in the neighborhood also told NYC's Pix11 that they weren't allowed to return to their homes. 

Authorities are now combing the area to make sure there aren't any additional explosives in the streets, looking in trash cans, doorways and under cars. ABC News reports that while other suspicious packages have been found, none have been deemed dangerous at this time. Police are also looking through surveillance footage; they have identified one individual who was at the location of the West 23rd Street bombing, but have yet to determine whether or not that individual was involved.

Despite Mayor de Blasio and other authorities making an effort to keep the city calm, residents are shaken.

"I walk down the street every day. ... This is my main thoroughfare. I'm either in an Uber, a cab, or on foot on this street all the time. This is my neighborhood. This isn't a tourist attraction. It's just the middle of the city. It does frighten me,"one man told NY1.

According to Danilo Gabrielli, who lives a block away from the explosion site, "the entire neighborhood is real scared."

Security in Chelsea and across the city has been heightened; armed guards are being stationed at hospitals where those injured have been taken.

This story is developing.