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5 Reasons Why You’re Always Hungry

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Have you found yourself nibbling on a few more Doritos than usual? Or maybe you still find yourself craving a second or third helping at the dining hall. Everyone gets hungry, but if you’re constantly feeling the need to go to the fridge, it may be more than your taste buds. The stress you’re feeling over your 10 page paper and your bad sleeping habits can all contribute to why you’re always so hungry.

1. You need to get more sleep

Maybe you procrastinate all day and find yourself pulling all-nighters at the library way too often or you’d rather finish a whole season of Parks and Recreation before you snooze, but either way you’re not getting enough sleep. If you’re skipping hours of sleep, your body is going to need to find energy to get you to your classes on time and it’s doing it by fueling itself with food.

If you find yourself going light on snooze time at night, you’re definitely going to be visiting the vending machine during the day. Jackie Rodwick, Patient Care Technician at UPMC Mercy Hospital, says, “Your body has a need for excess carbs and electrolytes after being burnt off.” Make sure you’re getting your eight hours or make sure you’re getting a much needed nap when possible.

2. You’re facing a lot of stress and anxiety

Let’s face it, as college students, we’re all under a ton of pressure.. When our stress pile up, it can be great to forget about our problems as we have one, two or even three bowls of mac ‘n’ cheese. But, at the end of the day, eating too much and stress are not our friends.

“Anxiety can be a huge factor in hungry because it can often be used as a coping mechanism, which is why many eating disorders exist,” says Rodwick. “People have anxiety either directed at their own body or their surroundings, which causes them to decrease or increase their food intake.” Downing a sugary latte while studying or rewarding yourself with a ton of junk food after a bad day isn’t easing your anxiety, it’s making it worse.  

“Stress is a huge factor in my constant hunger. With a full class schedule, commitments to several student organizations and two part-time jobs, I feel a lot of stress nearly all of the time,” says Paige Bennett, a senior at Ohio University. You may not think you have time to de-stress during those weeks when a ton of work is due, but you can do some brief activities other than snacking to calm your nerves. Whether it’s a super motivating mantra or a 50-minute yoga session, take time for yourself without raiding your snack bin.

3. You’re not getting enough protein

Starbucks and snacks like salt and vinegar chips won’t keep you satisfied. Fish, chicken, beans, vegetables and whole grain carbs are the ticket to filling up at every meal. “Protein is an essential part of the diet because it is needed for muscle function,” says Rodwick. “It breaks down into carbs, and carbs are generally needed for energy. So the less protein you eat, the more you'll need to find sources of carbs elsewhere, cue the increase in appetite.”

Loading up a protein and veggie rich meal could be your ticket to curing your never-ending hunger. Another bonus: you’ll save a ton of cash by buying produce at the grocery store instead of wasting money on chips and soda that don’t keep you full.

Related: 6 Hidden Ingredients in Foods You Probably Eat All the Time

4. You’re thirsty

Between running from class to class, attending student organization meetings and having a social life, you may not be focusing on how much water you drink on a daily basis. But, if you find yourself constantly snacking or getting odd cravings, you may just need some classic H2O. Rodwick says, “Sometimes when you get a sense of hunger, it's actually smarter to try grabbing a drink of water first, because sometimes the neural signals between hunger and thirst get switched up.”

The easiest way to make sure you’re drinking enough water is to tote a reusable bottle around with you. The cuter, the better and you’ll help save the planet.

5. You’re loading up on empty calories that don’t keep you full

What do Natty Light, your mom’s sugar cookies and Starbursts have in common? They’re all empty calories, which means they don’t keep you full because they don’t have any nutrients. “If you eat them regularly and for an increased amount of time, it can increase your bodies natural caloric need,” says Rodwick.

If you want something sweet, try a smoothie made with real fruit and if you’re craving something savory, try chopped veggies with hummus.

 

 Stop snacking and start getting into healthier habits that will reduce your consumption of junk food and calories you just don’t need. Not only will sleeping more, drinking more water and eating healthier wake you up, you’ll also be giving your body the natural nutrients it needs to operate at maximum capacity. 


Reports of Racist & Sexist Attacks Are Soaring Just Days After Trump's Election

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Just days after nearly half of America elected Donald Trump as our next president-elect, discriminatory acts against minorities have been on the rise on campuses across the United States. At a time when campuses are already trying to find ways to support students who are fearful of our country's future, these attacks are making matters even worse. Colleges have been organizing meetings and holding counseling sessions for students, especially minorities, who now feel even more threatened as acts of violence against them grow.

While acts of discrimination unfortunately happen daily on campuses year round, it seems that the election of Donald Trump seems to have given students a push to say and do more hateful things on campus. At the University of Texas Knoxville, many Muslim students are afraid to even step outside of their dorms because of the things they have been hearing from their peers. Abdalla Husain, a 21-year-old student at the university, explained to the New York Times that her fellow students are "scared that Trump has empowered people who have hate and would be hostile to them." Similarly, police are investigating a claim of a Muslim woman at San Jose State University in California who says she had been grabbed by her hijab and choked.

Not even middle schools and high schools are safe. At York County School of Technology in York, PA, students marched through the hallways yelling "white power" while holding Trump signs, according to the Times. At Royal Oak Middle School in Royal Oak, Michigan, students in the cafeteria began chanting "build a wall," and the video was shared across social media by students.

In a "Twitter Moment" titled "Day 1 In Trump's America," Twitter collected reports of discrimination. There were photos of the N-word drawn on walls and cars, hateful notes against gay people, and bullying messages.

At Wellesley College, an all-women's school, two men from neighboring Babson College drove around campus waving a Trump flag and "allegedly yelling insults and racial profanities at students," according to the Boston Globe.

It's not surprising at all that people are feeling empowered to display their hatred and prejudice more openly. After all, Trump ran on a platform that prominently featured racism. While college campuses have made a lot of progress in recent years with diversity and inclusion initiatives, many students are concerned that with Trump as our next president, all of this progress will be reversed. For now, all we can do is keep fighting—through peaceful protest, bystander intervention, and kindness to one another.

I Grew Up Republican & I Didn't Vote For Trump

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I grew up in a family of Catholic Republicans. I was raised in a private Catholic school where I was taught to be kind, donate and serve those in need, respect your elders and always do what is right.

But I think somewhere along the lines, my idea of right and wrong drifted away from the tradition with which I was raised. Blame it on the internet, television or video games, but as I grew with the generation who is criticized for our sensitivity and liberal beliefs, I grew apart from the people who raised me.

See, when my parents raised me to be kind and serve those in need, I thought that meant everybody. But as I became older, it became apparent that whitewashed America only meant a very select few were deserving of their “Christian kindness.” People who couldn’t control their circumstances—welfare recipients, people of color, LGBTQ+ people—were instead on the receiving end of jokes thrown around after work when you tossed back a few beers and cursed the less fortunate who “stole” your hard earned money.

When my mother gave me bars of soap to donate to the homeless at school, it never crossed my mind whether the person who received my soap was a single mother or a drunk on the streets. I just figured I was helping someone take a clean shower.

Those values I was raised with—kindness, creativity, respect—are now seen as weaknesses by older generations.

Related: I'm a Millennial & a Feminist, & I Voted For Trump

I feel as though I have to apologize for having compassion for other human beings. I’m made to feel bad about my passion for creation that began when my parents and teachers encouraged me to express myself with crayons or short stories in preschool. I am silenced by those who criticize “political correctness” when I attempt to show respect for anyone who may have a different lifestyle than me.

Although I am no longer Catholic (or Republican), I was taught the Golden Rule in Catholic school: “Treat others the way you would want to be treated.” It is the most basic rule that we learn as small children. Ask a four-year-old and they can recite it from memory. Even now at 21, I believe that should apply to everyone, regardless of the ways they choose to live their lives.

The generation that you created is a generation that wanted those same values to make America great “again.” All we asked for in this election was a chance at a country that could truly work together by respecting our differences and learning from one another.

However, the people who handed me the tools to be the person I am today are the same people who voted yesterday for a man that lacks any empathy or compassion for people who are “beneath” him. They voted for a man that believes it is okay to grab women’s genitals, objectifies them and calls them “bitches” and “sluts.” They voted for a man who is intolerant of other races and religions because they aren’t like his own. They voted for a man who wants to erase the progress made by the LGBTQ+ community and reduce them to living in fear once again.

We cannot settle for candidates who do not have the whole country’s best interests at hand. Please do not vote if you cannot be bothered to inform yourself beyond superficial mass media outlets and social media. We all have differing beliefs and values, but we have to work together to demand a government that represents the country. We are the United States, not the divided states. Ignorance cannot be bliss any longer.

23 Signs You’re the Functional Drunk of Your Friend Group

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Every crew has one: the girl that manages to be the life of the party and never lose her cool…or her keys, wallet or memory. It’s truly a gift but a strange one at that. Seriously, how many beer pong tournaments must you endure before you can play (and drink) like a pro? Is it possible to look and act completely sober, even when you completely aren't? Are you blessed with the ability to get super crazy without getting super sloppy? Read on and find out.

1. You’ve been nicknamed “the tank” by more than one friend.

You might as well be in a world record book at this point.

2. You’re praised for drinking semi-responsibly at pre-games.

You alternate between taking shots and taking hot selifes.

3. Seriously, you manage your liquor really well.

People still freak that you can swallow tequila without a chaser.

4. Everyone jokes that you’re actually half-human.

Someone call the X-Men and ask if they’re looking for another mutant to join the team.

5. You can throw back any drink without throwing up afterwards.

Beer, gin, the questionable juice that tastes like bad decisions…

6. And no matter how shit-faced you get, you still manage to take good pictures.

Everyone wonders: WHAT KIND OF SORCERY IS THIS?

7. You also never lose anything, no matter how crazy the night is.

The most you have to worry about is how loud the DJ will blast your favorite Beyoncé songs.

8. Your friends usually shove their stuff in your purse, as a safety precaution.

With great alcohol tolerance comes great responsibility.

9. You’re actually the protective glue that keeps the group together.

In sickness, in health and in long lines at dingy bars.

10. Sometimes you wish your drunkness was more obvious.

You never, ever look as drunk as you feel.

11. Because people are constantly accusing you of not being drunk enough.

And if you’re offered free drinks, you can’t be rude and say no!

12. You’ve mastered the art of drunk dancing/walking/talking.

Drunk you is disguised as a fun-loving human! Go figure!

13. Even while hooking up, you always keep tabs on your girls.

Making out with your eyes open is creepy AF, but that’s the sacrifice you make to keep your friends safe.

14. You also always manage to delete embarrassing Snaps before they’re up for too long.

Otherwise, the world would’ve seen you dog-filter lick the sexy bouncer.

15. And no matter what you drunk eat, you never wake up with stains on your clothes.

Meanwhile everyone else’s going-out outfits still smell like cheese fries.

16. In fact, waking up isn’t really that painful for you.

You’ve conditioned yourself to the party lifestyle.

17. At this point, you’re so used to hangovers, you’re practically immune to them.

There is nothing in this world that a breakfast sandwich and nap can’t solve.

18. Which may be because you never forget to take your water/Advil combo before falling asleep.

It's like your body is programmed to do it without you trying.

19. Your friends joke that if they started a company of party animals, you’d be the CEO.

Now that’s a career goal you wouldn’t mind working towards.

20. If your makeup from the night before still looks good, you have no problem wearing it the next day.

You spent three hours putting on false lashes—might as well make the most of those suckers.

21. You’re also told that you should write a book about your wild nights…since you actually remember them.

That would help you pay off your student loans, so why not?

22. You secretly pride yourself on having a liver of steel.

This must be what it feels like to be a superhero…a super drinker.

23. But you’re most proud of being able to add to all the fun, without taking away from it.

Keep the good times coming.

15 Reasons You Should Date an English Major

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1. They'll remember every detail about you. 

Maybe they’ll forget other things, but just wait to read/hear them gush about how breathtaking you looked in that flowing maroon dress with the ruffled seams on your first date.

2. You'll never have to decode weird text slang in their messages. 

But you might have to deal with constant corrections or overly-perfect grammar. It’s “you’re* cute,” honey.

3. They're amazed by the simplest things.

They always stop and smell the roses... And listen to the rain outside the window, or admire the way a pigeon stumbles down the street.

4. If you ask nicely, they'll edit your essays!

You might not even have to ask. Editing is second nature to English majors!

5. You'll get books as presents—and they'll be unbelievably thoughtful. 

Who knew there really was a perfect book out there for everyone?

6. You'll gain a newfound appreciation for the library. 

And you’re going to love it. The way they get excited over the smell of the pages or when they find their favorite book...aww. It's contagious!

7. They're awesome at being attentive… Or at least multitasking! 

What major has to read or write even half as much as an English major? They'll listen to you talk for hours without issue (and if their mind happens to drift for a couple minutes, there's always SparkNotes, right?).

8. You'll learn a bunch of literary references and actually get their literature jokes! 

9. You'll be written about. A lot.  

The majority of the time, it’ll be good things. Plus, who doesn’t want to be immortalized through literature? Just imagine seeing your name written on the dedication page of a book one day.

10. You will become an expert on coffee. 

That little shop on the corner that you pass every day on your way to class? You basically live there now, with your significant other.

11. When you borrow their books, you might as well have them sitting right there with you—their notes are scribbled all over the text. 

Sure, you remember having to "talk to the text" too, but wow that is a lot of notes. Pick up one of their books when you're missing them!

12. You can collect IKEA bookshelf instruction manuals!

After all, you deserve it for helping them put together their little libraries.

13. You'll become a harsher film critic…

You could’ve gone your whole life without noticing the gaping plot holes in The Vow, but at least you have someone to vent about it with now.

14. But you'll be introduced to a whole new world of intelligent, thought-provoking movies. 

Biographical movies about classic writers and chill?

15. They're great at coming up with amazing last-minute ideas. 

In the case that they ended up forgetting your anniversary or something (which would never happen, of course!), don’t worry! All those years of writing essays on the same day they’re due have prepared them to always be ready to come up with A-level material on the fly.

Mark Zuckerberg Doesn't Think Fake News on Facebook Influenced the Election

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When faced with the idea that false news shared on Facebook could have influenced the election, Mark Zuckerberg said there's no way. Many users of the social media site feel that the false pro-Trump articles they saw so often being shared on the site may have impacted decision-making on election day. To this claim, Zuckerberg responded, "I think the idea of fake news on Facebook—of which it's a very small amount of the content—influenced the election in any way is a pretty crazy idea,"BuzzFeed News reports.

You might expect fake news to spread on a site like Facebook, but what's bad is that Facebook's algorithm has led the site to repeatedly share these types of stories in their Trending section—because an algorithm can't figure out that a story is fake (Facebook recently fired the humans who used to moderate the Trending section). Most of this news is posted by extreme right-wing or left-wing political pages, and after analyzing some of these websites, BuzzFeed found that the least accurate stories were the ones that got the most likes, shares and comments. Not great.

Zuckerberg responded to this issue on Thursday, just two days after election day. While on stage at Techonomy, he said a large part of the reason he's being blamed for the fake stories is that people are looking for any reason they can find for how Donald Trump could have won. He reminded people that there have always been hoaxes posted on the internet, and Facebook tries its hardest to give users a way to report fake stories and keep the content on the social network meaningful. Facebook spokespeople told BuzzFeed that their website is only one of several ways for voters to receive information that can impact their final choice in the voting booth. The fake stories posted and promoted are only a small part of what people would have seen on the site leading up to the election.

How to Perfect Your Elevator Pitch to Get an Internship

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The elevator pitch: it’s your own personal 30-second advertisement. It’s a chance to promote yourself, your strengths and your experiences when you introduce yourself to a potential employer or professional connection. The “elevator” part of the name comes from the fact that you should be able to use this pitch to sell yourself in the time it would take to ride an elevator. Opportunities to give your elevator pitch will come at career fairs, networking events and even in the most unexpected situations, so it’s important to have it down pat.

According to Junea Williams-Edmund, associate director of civic engagement at Barnard College’s Office of Career Development, “the biggest mistake students make when preparing their elevator pitches is not preparing. Practice is key!” We couldn’t agree more! You don’t want to be caught unprepared and lose a potential job or internship just because you were too flustered to sell yourself properly. It can be nerve-wracking when someone asks you to tell him or her about yourself, but if you have an elevator pitch prepared, you’ll never struggle to answer that question again.

The Basics

Always be sure to get the most basic information across to the person you’re talking to. “Include your name, your college, your graduating date, your major and career goals,” Williams-Edmund says. These pieces of information are essential to a potential employer. Your graduation year is particularly important it you’re a senior—a potential employer needs to know that you will be able to work full-time in the near future!

Your Interests

Make it clear to an employer what you’re looking to do. Don’t go into too much detail—after all, 30 seconds isn’t much time—but be sure to demonstrate your passion for your intended career field, whatever it is. “The goal is to just give a very concise overview of who you are and why you are interested in that company,” says Williams-Edmund. “Be sure to use powerful words that convey a strong message.”

If you’re talking to someone whose company might not exactly offer your dream job but who could still be interesting or beneficial to you in some way, show him or her that you want the job he or she is offering, not a different job that you’re trying to work your way up to. Employers want to see employees and interns who are passionate about what they’re doing—even if your job mostly consists of running errands and making copies.

Your Experience

Always relate your experiences to the field or position you’re talking about. Even if you’ve only had jobs or internships in an unrelated field, think about the duties you had in those positions and find ways to relate them to what you want to do. For example, if you had a social media internship, you probably developed strong writing skills and organization. Or, if you haven’t had any jobs or internships yet, think of any times you demonstrated valuable skills in a class or while working on a project. Make a list of skills and strengths you’ve developed from previous experiences and think about how they relate to what you want to do. Then, pick the most relevant ones to work into your elevator pitch.

Customize It

If you’re considering working in more than one industry, or even looking into different positions within an industry, you may want to prepare different versions of your elevator pitch. Tailor them to different jobs the same way you would customize your resumé for different applications. Highlight the strengths and experiences that are most relevant to one industry for one pitch, and include those relevant to a different field in another pitch. Avoiding a generic pitch will show you’ve put some extra thought and effort into selling yourself and might give you that little advantage you’ll need to land the job.

Express Your Interest

Make sure to close out your pitch by expressing your passion and interest in the person you’re talking to and their field. Vicki Salemi, author of Big Career in the Big City: Land a Job and Get a Life in New York, says one of the most common mistakes students make in their pitch is “not being convincing enough.”

“Say it like you mean it!” she says. “Stand like you mean it! Look someone in the eye like you mean it!” Express your passion not just with your words, but also with your body language. “All of your body language in addition to the strength in your voice count a lot,” Salemi says.

It’s also important to be specific; Salemi says to avoid phrases like, “I’m looking for work,” or, “hire me.” “That comes across as desperate, and it’s implied by the fact that you have an elevator pitch in the first place,” she says. Express interest in the specific job or company.

If you’re talking about a specific job, don’t be afraid to tell the person you’re talking to that you would love to set up an interview. If you’re not discussing a specific job or are unable for whatever reason to take a specific job at that time, ask for their contact information so you can get in touch about an informational interview. An informational interview is a great way to make connections at a company you’re interested in and get a foot in the door, as well as to hear about what it’s really like to work there. Asking for contact information will also show that you’re genuinely interested in the person and his or her career.

Remember It

We’re not saying you should memorize your elevator pitch word-for-word—reciting a speech might actually scare an employer off! Just make sure you know all the key points you want to make to avoid skipping over any important information. Preparing in advance will give you confidence when it’s time for the real thing. There’s nothing worse than meeting a potential employer and completely blanking on all the wonderful things you had to say to him or her!

Salemi says energy is “the most essential” thing to convey to an employer. “People may not remember precisely what you said,” Salemi says, “[But they’ll definitely] remember how you said it. Make a dazzling first impression!”

Williams-Edmund says to “practice your speech out loud, either in front of a friend or in front of a mirror.” She also says it’s important to stay calm; speaking too quickly “is a natural byproduct of being nervous.” To avoid this, Williams-Edmund says to practice your pitch slowly and clearly. Show that you’re prepared, but keep your pitch effortless and semi-casual to show that you can perform well under pressure or at a moment’s notice.

 

If you follow these tips, you’ll have a stellar elevator pitch in no time. Perfect your professional life story and you’ll be sure to land the job!

8 Ways to Prepare Before Going Abroad

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Your applications have been submitted, your flights are booked, and now all there is left to do is wait for your departure date! Getting ready to study abroad is an exciting process, but it can also be a complicated one. Take advantage of this time to prepare yourself for your upcoming trip next semester. There are tons of things to take into consideration, so get started now!

1. Passport specifics

Naturally, the first requirement for going abroad is having a passport—specifically, an updated passport. If you don’t yet have a passport, you’ll need to visit your local post office and start filling out the forms. Passports can take up to six weeks to process, so make sure you get yours ahead of time, so you’re not stressing out at the last minute! If you need to, you can always have your passport expedited for an additional fee. You can find out where to go in your area to get a passport on theU.S. Department of State website.

Even if you already have a passport, that doesn’t mean you're totally prepared! It's important to make sure that your passport hasn’t expired and won’t expire during your time abroad. Some countries even frown upon using a passport that is nearing its expiration date. Do a little research to find out if your passport’s expiration date might be an issue in your host country.

Donna Amore, a senior at the University of Scranton, had some passport trouble when she was traveling between Australia and Indonesia. “When I went to Indonesia, I almost didn't get into the country because of their embassy rules. People aren't allowed into the country if his or her passport expires within six months. Long story short, the head of customs made an ‘exception’ for me,” she says.

Risking a passport faux pas can get you in a sticky situation, like having to spend extra money making calls and visits to a U.S. Embassy in order to fix your problem. Save yourself the trouble (and money!) by ensuring that you have an updated passport.

2. Academic credit

We know you’re probably looking forward to all the sightseeing you’ll be doing during your time away, but remember that academics are a part of studying abroad, too! Education systems differ from country to country, so you’ll want to do a little research into how your host country operates.

“To be honest, I didn’t realize how different the U.K. schooling system is from ours in the U.S., so dealing with transferring credits was a headache I didn’t anticipate,” says Cassidy Hopkins, a senior at Emerson College who studied abroad in London. “It’s important to make sure you check with your academic supervisors on which credits will transfer and which won’t—and whether non-transferring credits will affect when you want to graduate.”

You don’t want to be discredited for all the hard work you do while you’re abroad, so be sure to do some research and get in touch with your academic advisor before you head out of the country. Class length and worth can differ depending on the school, so you'll have to double check that your classes abroad will fit back into your graduation scheme at your home school.  

3. Visa requirements

When you’re visiting a foreign country for more than a couple of weeks for vacation, you need to have a visa. Depending on where you’ll be spending your semester, there will be different requirements for a variety of different visa options. Your visa requirements and costs will depend on where you’re staying, how long you’re there and what you’re doing there. For example, if you plan to get a job or internship while abroad, your visa may differ from the typical student visa.

Since visas differ depending on the circumstances, you’ll want to research what type of visa you'll need for your specific program well in advance. It can take a few months to process a visa, so make sure you plan ahead! Look at your country’s government websites to see which kind of visa you should apply for and what you’ll have to do in order to obtain the visa before you leave for your time abroad. If your school has a study abroad office, consider making an appointment, so an advisor can help you sort out your preparations.

4. Financial aid

You may be all set in terms of finances for school in the U.S., but that doesn’t necessarily mean that your financial aid and scholarships will transfer to your host country. If you’re participating in an external program that doesn’t have an affiliation with your home school, your financial aid may not apply when you’re abroad.

Natalie Dunn, a sophomore at Adrian College, is preparing to go abroad and has been making an effort to understand her financial situation. “I need to know how (or if any of) my financial aid will transfer and how it will affect my scholarships here at Adrian,” Natalie says. If you’re unsure whether your financial aid package will apply to your study abraod program, get in touch with a financial advisor at your school in the U.S. to find out.

5. Banking and funds

Speaking of finances, you’ll also want to find out how your banking will change when you go abroad. Many local banks charge an international fee when you cross borders, and you’ll want to avoid that whenever possible. Some banks have international partnerships, so do some research to see if your bank has a partner abroad that will waive the international fees.

Additionally, if you don’t tell your bank that you’re leaving the country, they may flag your international purchases as suspicious behavior and freeze your account. Avoid the confusion (and the extra costs!) by calling or visiting your bank, asking about international fees and listing out all the countries you plan to visit during your time abroad.

You will also probably want to bring extra cash with you when you leave for your program. Some countries’ visa policies even require you to have a certain amount of money in your account before you head over.

“In order to be given a student visa for a semester in Italy, you'll need a minimum of $4,000 in your bank account or $8,000 if you're on a joint account with your parents,” says Anai Perez, a junior at St. John’s University. “This is a security measure for both you and the Italian government, in case you have an emergency. You can fly back with no problem instead of being stranded in the country, or if you suffered a medical emergency you can pay for it yourself instead of the Italian government having to foot the bill.” Make sure you double check if your host country has any special financial requirements!

6. Medical care

Instead of worrying about your health when you’re in your host country, figure out all of your medical details now while you have your regular doctor at hand. Health insurance translates differently depending on the country and the institution your program is associated with, so make sure you sort it out before you hop on a plane.

Keep in mind that health providers differ from country to country, and you may not have access to the same kind of care as you do in the United States. If you take prescription medicine, you’ll want to get as many refills as you’ll need for your entire time abroad, unless you want your parents to mail you your prescriptions regularly (which can be pretty pricey). Do yourself a favor and think ahead when it comes to medicine and healthcare!

7. Language differences

For many collegiettes studying abroad, language can be a big barrier. If you’re not familiar with the native language of the country you’re heading to, take the time to learn some common and important words and phrases. Even if you’re going to be taking classes at an institution that teaches in English, it’s always smart to learn the native language—and locals will appreciate your effort!

If you’re going into a country that speaks another language, now is the time to start learning. You can download lingual learning apps like Duolingo, buy Rosetta Stone, or look online for helpful tools.

Even if your host country’s primary language is English, chances are that it’s not the same dialect of English that we speak in the United States. Make an effort to immerse yourself in your host country's culture by learning the local words and phrases.

8. American necessities

What we consider a commodity in America might be a rare sight in your host country—especially when it comes to food products. For example, while we might find an abundance of peanut butter products here in the U.S., sold in every shape, size, and flavor imaginable, peanut butter can be hard to come by in Europe. What you might find easily in America could come at a higher price (or not come at all) in your host country, so come prepared!

Michelle Lu, a junior at Pepperdine University, prepared for her semester in China knowing that she might not have access to the same things that she does at home. “Some things that I wanted to bring ahead of time were allergy meds and sickness meds (like Advil), because you don't know if the ones there are real, good, or the same dosage,” she says. Michelle also said it was hard to find the same beauty and feminine products in China, as they were either more expensive or made of different materials.

To save yourself some money and trouble, look up what American necessities you might not be able to find in your host country. Do a little research online or look at blog posts from students who've studied abroad in your host country to see what you might want to fit in your suitcase!

Check these preparations off your list sooner rather than later and your semester abroad will go off without a hitch!


Quiz: Which Stars Hollow Townsperson Are You?

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Are you more like Kirk or Babette? If you've ever wanted to know how likely it is that you'd get the dreaded Taylor Doose on a personality quiz, this is the test for you!

 

Easy DIY Lip Scrub For Smooth, Kissable Lips

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We all dream of having smooth, luscious lips, but sometimes just using lip balm isn’t enough. As winter approaches, chapped lips are becoming all the more troublesome! The solution: lip scrub.

Lip scrubs exfoliate your lips, removing any chapped, dead skin cells to make them soft and plump. Unfortunately, store-bought lip scrubs can cost around $30, and not all of us have $30 to spend on one beauty product. So, if you are on a budget and craving kissable lips, here is how to create your own inexpensive DIY lip scrub!

What you'll need:

  1. Sugar
  2. Coconut Oil
  3. Some sort of container to put the final product in
  4. Lip balm

Step 1:

Twist the lip balm until all of the product is out of the tube

Step 2:

Remove the lip balm from the tube, place it in a bowl and mash it up 

Step 3:

Add two teaspoons of sugar to the lip balm in the bowl, mixing thoroughly with the lip balm.

Step 4:

Add a teaspoon of coconut oil to the mixture. Mix until all the ingredients are blended 

And that's it! Four simple steps later and you're all set to create smooth, kissable lips without breaking the bank. Happy DIYing, collegiettes! 

The Victoria's Secret Models Definitely Win the Mannequin Challenge

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Just when we thought the #MannequinChallenge couldn't get any more impressive, the Victoria's Secret angels have proved us wrong. Victoria's Secret took to Instagram early Thursday morning and released a clip of models Thayna Santos, Maria Borges, Cindy Mello, Veridiana Ferreira and Luma Grothe intensely holding their favorite fitness positions. Check it out for yourself below:

The models are rocking clothing from the Victoria's Secret Sport collection as they hold a Bossu Ball crunch, a squat, a bicep curl and a plank. Impressive AF.

Links We Love 11.13.16

The 5 Best Campus Activities for Meeting Guys

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College campuses are one of the easiest places to meet totally eligible bachelors, but figuring out how to find them can be overwhelming. You’ve probably already scoped out all the guys in your classes. No dice in your dorm either? We’re here to help! You want to find a guy with similar interests to yours, so why not take the opportunity to get more involved in clubs on campus—and maybe find a cutie along the way! Here are some of the best on-campus activities to meet guys.

1. Volunteering Clubs

What’s sexier than a guy donating his time for a great cause? Giving his support to a worthy philanthropic endeavor is a definite indication of a cutie’s character. It also gives you the perfect opportunity to show off your shared interests!

Nicolette Cafiero, the philanthropy chair for Chi Omega at the University of Delaware, says meeting guys at philanthropy events is always a good thing.

“Who doesn’t love a guy that cares about helping others?” she says. “Meeting a boy at a philanthropy event allows you to see a more mature and proactive side of their personality. By being there, it shows that they care about important issues going on, and that they want to help make a difference.”

To start a conversation:

Talk about how this event relates to you uniquely! This shows him that you’re eager and passionate, and also gives him something special to remember.

2. Networking Clubs for Your Major

Networking just got that much better! Become part of a group that’s offered for your major, or even your minor. This approach is a shoe-in for finding determined guys who are on the path to a successful career. Not only that, but they most likely have the same interests as you.

Clubs for your major are also a great resume builder, and a perfect way to show a guy that you’re passionate about your future.

To start a conversation:

Use your major to strike up a conversation with a guy you’ve got your eye on. Ask him how he usually studies for exams, or what his favorite classes have been. If you two have a lecture together, be sure to say hi (or even sit next to him) next class!

No classes together? Invite him to your study group. This will show him that you’re interested in seeing him again without adding any pressure. This was a great approach for University of Delaware junior Sarah Kornbluh.

“Initially, I didn’t think that my major—speech and language pathology—had many guys to offer, but when I attended my first club meeting, I was very surprised by the number of cute guys that I saw,” she says. “I was even more surprised when one of them introduced themselves to me, and asked if I was in his class. It turns out I was in his class, and we sat together for the rest of the semester.”

3. Intramural Sports

Not a gym kind of girl? Don’t worry; there are other ways to meet sweaty, iron-pumping guys. Sign up for an intramural team!

This friendly competition will give you the perfect opportunity to start a conversation. Don’t be afraid to give it your all! Guys will love your enthusiasm. The great thing about these activities is that you don’t have to be a pro—and they’re pretty fun!

To start a conversation:

Ask him if he played the sport in high school or was on any other sports teams. This segue is direct and will show him that you’re interested in his background.

Tell him why you love sports, or why you decided to join the intramural team. He’ll see how involved you are on campus and how down-to-earth you are!

4. Greek Life

Not only does Greek life open up the door for fun activities like parties (a great place to meet guys), but it also opens up opportunities for invitations to philanthropy events, career connections and intramural activities. These are all incredible chances for you to get out there and meet guys on campus.

Sororities and fraternities provide numerous opportunities to make your campus smaller. By getting involved and participating in events, you’ll be having so much fun that you won’t even realize how many people you’re meeting!

“I met my boyfriend through one of our philanthropy events, Phi Hoops,” says Jordan Ellick, a member of Alpha Epsilon Phi at the University of Delaware. “Before our event, I had seen him around, but my membership in AEPhi allowed me the perfect opportunity to meet him. I approached him after he had participated in our basketball competition, and asked him if he wanted to come to my sorority’s date party. I know this attitude was extremely forward… but being in a group setting took a lot of the pressure off and ultimately was what I needed to step up and ask him out.”

To start a conversation:

Get extra involved! Holding a leadership position within your organization will give you confidence. Plus, the events that you attend and organize are the perfect places to strike up conversations with guys.

5. A Cappella Groups

Aca-awesome! What’s better than a guy who can sing?

Laura Nikolich, junior at the University of Delaware is a member of the Deltones. “Being in an a cappella group gives me so many opportunities to meet new people,” says Laura. “We have requests to sing all over campus, and so I am constantly meeting new guys! We’ve performed at Greek events, dorm meetings, freshman welcome events and so much more.”

The next time you find yourself searching for a guy, try to get yourself out there! Getting involved in a variety of campus activities allows you the opportunity to find what and who you’re looking for. Once you find your cutie, be sure to check out some fun and easy on-campus date ideas

The 11 Most Hilarious Joe Biden Memes

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Since the day that Donald J. Trump became the president-elect, the world has kinda been in a funk, with reason. But thanks to the good ole internet and people of Twitter, things might be looking up. Within the last few days, people have been sharing dozens of hilarious memes of Joe Biden and President Obama and it is safe to say that they have helped make America happy again. Check out the 11 best memes of the week about the one and only, Vice President Biden. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Brb loling for days. 

Pink Announces Second Pregnancy in Adorable Instagram

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Although this weekend has been full of protests and hate, there is one thing that is always known to bring happiness back to people: babies! 

This past Saturday, Grammy-award winning musician, Pink, took to Instagram to announce that she is expecting her second child with her husband Carey Hart and we could not be more excited for them. The world is bound to be a better place with more babies in it.  She currently has a 5-year-old daughter Willow and based on the picture, they are going to be the most adorable family ever. 

 

Surprise!

A photo posted by P!NK (@pink) on

Congrats to the lovely couple! 


You Have to See This Week's Incredible Saturday Night Live Opening

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Leading up the election last week, Saturday Night Live was the place to go if you wanted hilarious content that would make you feel better. But when Hillary Clinton lost on Tuesday night to Donald Trump, everyone wondered what the comedy show would do to make light of the situation. 

Well, the answer is that they didn’t. At least not really. This week's Saturday Night Live episode addressed the election in a cold open with Kate McKinnon, as Hillary Clinton, singing “Hallelujah”, the famous tune of Leonard Cohen who passed away this week. 

The opening, clearly emotional for everyone involved, ended with McKinnon saying the message that we all needed to hear: “I’m not giving up and neither should you.”

Watch the video above and try not to cry. But really though, thank you, SNL. We needed this. 

7 Smartphone Apps to Keep You Organized This Semester

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It’s Thursday night, and you've managed to finish all of your homework by 6 p.m. To reward yourself, you grab your favorite ice cream and settle down for a well-deserved Netflix binge session. All of a sudden, you get a text from your friend: "Where are you?" You’re about to reply that you’re living the dream when you remember that you are supposed to be at an interest meeting—oops!

It's terrifying to suddenly realize that you have completely forgotten about an important assignment, exam or commitment. While you might not be able to commit to carrying around a planner, it is important to have some way of organizing your life. And what better to help you stay organized than something that you already have on you 24/7: your phone! Here are five apps that will (hopefully) reduce the number of college crises that you have this year.

1. Do it (Tomorrow)

$2.99 (App Store), Free (Google Play)

There is a saying that goes, “Never leave until tomorrow what you can do today.” But there's a sufficient number of collegiettes who'd probably beg to differ. For those of us who would rather watch Netflix today and be productive tomorrow, Do it (Tomorrow) is a must-have app.

With this app, you can set reminders for yourself that aren’t time sensitive. That way, you have the advantage of having your week laid out in front of you without the stress of being in a time crunch. It is designed with a simple, virtual notebook layout that allows you to make a list of what you need to do today and tomorrow. The ability to easily check off completed tasks will leave you feeling accomplished. However, extreme procrastinators should make note that the name of the app is Do it (Tomorrow), not Do it (the Day After Tomorrow)!

2. Wunderlist

Free (Apple Store), Free (Google Play)

Whether you are making a list of things that you need (and probably a few that you don’t) from the grocery store or planning a weekend outing with your roommates, Wunderlist makes it easy to create personal and collaborative to-do lists.

With the ability to set reminders, you will always be in the know, and you’ll never miss another deadline. Group messages are not always the most efficient way to plan things, so this app is perfect if you are involved in any extracurricular activities that require you to communicate with a large group of people. “My Co-Campus Correspondent and I have started using Wunderlist because you can create collaborative to-do lists, and personal to-do lists, and update it in real time,” says Toni Marie Martini, a junior at Molloy College. Say hello to finally being able to exchange lists and make plans quickly!

3. Mint

Free (App Store), Free (Google Play)

Being a college student and being broke pretty much go hand-in-hand. However, even if your bank account doesn’t entirely make you want to crawl into a hole and never come out, being able to budget your finances is always a plus!

This app is easy to read and does a great job of helping you keep track of your money. It gives you updates on how much you’ve been spending and will let you know if you are spending a little bit too much money at Chipotle (as if that is even possible). Don’t worry—your first expense on the app won’t be the app itself, since it is free in the App Store and Google Play.

4. Studious

Free (Google Play)

If you have ever found yourself completely lost at the end of a lecture because your conversation with your BFF or your crush’s Instagram were way more interesting, this app is for you! If you input your class schedule into the app, not only will it keep you focused by silencing your phone during class times, but it can also remind you of upcoming assignments and exams.

“It silences your phone during class times,” says Chelle Ivancic, a sophomore at DePaul University. “It’s nice to have one less thing to worry about!” If you would prefer to have more room on your phone for things like the Kylie Jenner app, then the two-for-one Studious app is your best bet.

5. 30/30

Free (App Store)

With an overpacked schedule and a load of other time commitments, it can seem like you don’t even have an extra 30 minutes to spare in your day. 30/30 makes sure that if you do find that little bit of extra time, you can use it efficiently. The app allows you to set up a list of tasks that need to be completed and add a length of time for each of them. The best part of 30/30 is that it breaks up your day into 30-minute chunks, which are definitely more manageable. It is perfect for scheduling five-minute Buzzfeed breaks in between studying for your upcoming exam.

6. Carrot

$2.99 (App Store)

When you are away at college, you don’t have your mom nagging you (thank goodness!) to get your assignments done or remind you that you have a doctor’s appointment coming up. However, some collegiettes need a little bit of tough love to get things done, and the app Carrot is just the mom away from home that you need to stay on top of things. Known as the “first to-do list with a personality,” Carrot has six different moods that will let you know how pleased, or displeased, she is with your progress on your tasks. As you complete tasks, you will unlock levels and have the chance to get one of over 400 rewards. Carrot provides an engaging, fun way to manage your life.

7. Glow

Free (App Store), Free (Google Play)

When you think of organization, you think of managing academics, extracurricular activities and bank accounts—and often, you forget to manage yourself! Glow makes sure that, in spite of a hectic schedule, you remember to take care of yourself. It functions as a health app and a period tracker. It provides health tips based on data that you enter about your sleeping patterns and stress levels. It will also track your period so that you never have to worry about being surprised again.

“I like that the app acts as both a period tracker and a health app,” says Kerry Moore, a sophomore at the University of South Carolina. “When I see the app it is a reminder that I need to take time to manage health because without it, I think that personal health gets pushed to the side.”

Which of these apps will you use to help you stay organized this semester, collegiettes?

Your Complete Guide to Binge-Watching 'Gilmore Girls'

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The Gilmore girls, Lorelai and Rory, have the most enviable mother-daughter relationship in TV history, much of which the storyline credits to the fact that Lorelai was a teen mom and the rest to her reigning title as the coolest woman on the planet. Her knowledge of classic movies and her impeccable taste in music are insurmountable. Tucked away in the quaint small town utopia that is Stars Hollow (not an actual town, we checked), the pair welcomed us into their charming but quirky cottage-like home for seven long, memorable years (2000-2007). We laughed with them. We cried with them. We watched Rory graduate from prep school; we made three trips to Yale with Lorelai and a mattress when Rory went off to college; and we wallowed (per Lorelai’s request) with them through every heartbreak—romantic, familial and even professional.

With the ubiquitous media buzz surrounding the upcoming Netflix revival, many of us have returned to Stars Hollow to catch up with the girls before the big reunion. Still, newcomers have joined us to see for themselves what this quick-talking, pop-culture loving duo is all about.

Here’s what you need to know about Gilmore Girls if you’re planning to binge-watch the series, which you totally should be.

Related: 15 Times Lorelai Gilmore Spoke Directly to Your Soul

How to Watch

If you’re a superfan (and a bit of a TV nerd), the best way to watch this show is on the DVD box set. The deluxe edition comes complete with a literal glossary of every single pop culture reference made, plus behind-the-scenes extras and cast interviews—you won’t believe whose accents aren’t authentic! A more accessible (and arguably cheaper) way to binge-watch is, of course, on Netflix. All seven seasons are available for online streaming in preparation for the November 25 release of the all new four-part event, Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life.

Reasons to Watch

Collegiettes (and incoming collegiettes) everywhere need to add this to their watch list. Go ahead; add it right now if it isn’t already on there (frankly, we’re disappointed). Rory Gilmore is everything we were in high school and everything we aspire to be in college. We are Rory Gilmore—some of us feel very strongly about this. From her impressive book list to her travel aspirations, we relate on every single level. Living vicariously through the golden child of the Gilmore clan is entirely necessary and unavoidable once you get hooked on this show. Spoiler alert: you are going to scream for joy when she talks about reading Gloria Steinem for one of her college classes on feminism. 

Identifying strongly with Rory is your gateway to enjoying the rest of the show and its cast. Soon, you’ll find yourself relating every experience and every character to those in your own life. And yes, you will make real-life decisions by asking yourself, “What would Rory do?” Like any of ours, Rory’s life is full of emotional roller coasters—decades of family drama and holiday passive aggressiveness, first loves and first breakups, high school bullies and class dances, college admissions and college graduations. Throw in the occasional naked guy in the hallway, a few pet memorials, one or two mental breakdowns (mostly about the impending doom of adulthood) and a deep and burning passion for coffee, and you’ve got absolutely no reason not to watch. 

Suggested Rate of Watching

Friday-night movie night is a tradition in the Gilmore household—a night, curated by Lorelai no doubt, where the two bachelorettes sit down to watch anywhere from one to three of their all-time favorite movies including the likes of Casablanca and The Way We Were. That being said, your rate of viewing should reflect a similar level of dedication—no slacking. 

Each episode averages about 40 minutes long, which is basically half of one movie, so we recommend a steady nightly rate of two to three episodes. If Netflix asks for confirmation that you’re still alive (and still watching), you’re doing it right.

Best and Worst Seasons

Season four is by far the best season of Gilmore Girls. First of all, it’s Rory’s first semester away at college. She and Lorelai have been preparing for this for 18 years, and on their first day there, the once inseparable duo add a new verb to Ivy League vernacular: to Lorelai, as in “to evaluate the quality of food, speed of service and cuteness of delivery guys at any given dining establishment.” This is also the season when fans finally get a glimpse of the Stars Hollow couple they’ve been shipping for years. Hell, the entire town has shipped this couple and the time is now!

The most disappointing season of the series is, unfortunately, the last and not just because it meant the end of an era. Season seven is the absolute worst for one main reason—things have changed. Die-hard Gilmore Girls fans will notice almost immediately that things are little ~off~ in this season. That’s because in 2006 Gilmore Girls creator Amy Sherman-Palladino and her husband, writer-director Daniel Palladino, packed their bags and said their emotional goodbyes to Stars Hollow. The pair left due to contract conflicts with the WB network; more specifically, they wanted more permanent contracts than the one-year terms that they had previously settled for. In an interview with Entertainment WeeklyPalladino said frankly, “Look, we’ve been working for the last two years with one-year contracts, working seven days a week for the past six years, and we wanted not a two-year pick-up for the show, but a two-year contract for us, so we could relax a little bit and not just think 300 days at a time, always wondering whether we’d be here.”

Sadly, that didn’t happen and the legend of Sherman-Palladino’s “final four words” was born, along with a seventh season that left fans wanting more. The ending—we won’t ruin it—was hardly worth the years of anticipation and left us with more questions than answers. With the upcoming revival, Sherman-Palladino promises redemption, telling TVLine about the new ending, “We accomplished what we set out to do.” 

Characters You Will Aspire to Be Like

Rory and Lorelai Gilmore, role models for life

Rory Gilmore, duh! But also Lorelai Gilmore, who Rory will be totally lucky to grow up to emulate. Lorelai proved to us early on—like, in the first episode—that she is the ultimate go-getter. She’s overcome so much in her personal life all on her own, and she has never slowed down. Lorelai is strong, independent and humble. Never compromising her personal beliefs, successfully running more than one Zagat-rated inn in Connecticut and being a friend to all (in heels, might we add), Lorelai is our grown-up role model, while Rory is our life twin. 

Related: 16 Love Lessons We Learned From Rory Gilmore

Characters You Will Love to Hate

Emily Gilmore, the matriarch of the Gilmore clan

Emily Gilmore is one of our favorite characters on the show, quite possibly the wisest of them all, but her unwavering demands for nothing but the very best (as determined by her) and her pure talent for passive aggressiveness have strained her relationship with Lorelai. The result is a perpetually tense but humorous on-screen mother-daughter relationship that perfectly juxtaposes the one that Lorelai and Rory share.

Paris Geller, Rory’s adversary


They met in high school and their mutual hatred was palpable, but as with most dysfunctional yet lifelong relationships, that hatred grew to tolerance and tolerance grew to respect. Both Ivy League-bound and a little peculiar, Rory and Paris stole our hearts. We love this friendship almost as much as we love Rory and Lane’s. 

Jess Mariano, one of Rory’s high school boyfriends

Jess’s relationship with Rory was troubled from the start, with an even more turbulent end. But despite his inability to clearly and convincingly convey any human emotions, we appreciate Jess’s natural intelligence and wit. He’s one of the lucky few quick enough to keep up with Rory’s intense reading list and dated pop culture references. 

Couples You Will Be Shipping

Lorelai and Rory are three for three when it comes to our top boyfriend picks. Over the years, we've shipped these couples harder than we've shipped any real-life couples that we actually know. 

  • Rory and Dean
  • Lorelai and Max
  • Rory and Jess
  • Lorelai and Luke
  • Rory and Logan
  • Lorelai and Christopher

Terminology You Need to Know

Butt-faced miscreant (n) – as in, “you are a jerk, ass, arrogant, inconsiderate, mindless, frat-boy, low-life, butt-faced miscreant.” Something you say to a guy you’re about to fall madly in love with.

Copper boom (n) – as in, “Go, go! Copper boom!” Something you yell emphatically when going off to college for the first time.

Fun flask (n) – as in, “the Rory flask and the fun flask.” A flask filled with alcohol to get you through dull sporting events and other torturous life events.

Gilmore (v) – as in, “you’ve been Gilmored.” Also understood as you’ve been played, you’ve been suckered or you’ve been humiliated in such an elitist and well-mannered way that you never actually suffered any direct insults, usually inflicted by one Emily Gilmore. 

Hockey puck, rattlesnake, monkey, monkey, underpants (phrase) – what you say when you’re working on your Super Bowl ad campaign and run into writer’s block, like Lorelai did when she was tasked with writing a character reference for Luke.

Squeegie Beckenheim (n) – as in, “Hi, my name is…” What you say to a telemarketer when they call your house at dinnertime.

Tookie Clothespin (n) – see Squeegie Beckenheim.

Snacks to Eat While Binge-Watching

The Gilmore girls can eat.

To prepare for a proper binge-watching session, you should have at your disposal:

  • Pizza
  • Chinese food
  • Burgers
  • Pop-Tarts
  • Coffee
  • Tater tots
  • Lots and lots of hard candy

Related: 19 Recipes For the 'Gilmore Girls' Fanatic

Best Quotes

“People are particularly stupid today. I can't talk to any more of them.” – Michel to Lorelai, Season 1, Episode 1

“Because I love you, you idiot!” – Rory to Dean, Season 1, Episode 21

“Rory and I are best friends, Mom. We're best friends first and mother and daughter second.” – Lorelai to Emily, Season 2, Episode 16

“Oy with the poodles already.” – Lorelai to Rory, Season 3, Episode 22

“Where did all the anvils go?” – Lorelai to Emily, Season 4, Episode 18

“You go to bed, I'll go to France!” – Emily to Richard, Season 5, Episode 1

“Lorelai, when a woman has a crack baby, you do not buy her a puppy!” – Emily to Lorelai, Season 5, Episode 13

“People can live a hundred years without really living for a minute. You climb up here with me, it's one less minute you haven't lived.” – Logan to Rory, Season 5, Episode 7

“Please remember that I am your editor. I am not your mother, or your hugger. If you need some love, get a hooker. “ – Paris to the Yale Daily News, Season 6, Episode 11

“You don’t have to jump off the Empire State Building to know it’s going to hurt.” – Lorelai to Emily, Season 7, Episode 3

Favorite Monologues

One of the most notable traits about the Gilmore girls is their innate ability to talk 1,000 words a minute, which makes for some of our most memorable monologues—all with important life lessons, of course.

How to subtly profess your love for someone in a public setting:

“Because sometimes you have something you need to say, but you can't because the words won't come out, or you get scared, or you feel stupid. But if you could write a song and sing it, then you could say what you needed to say, and it would be beautiful, and people would listen, and you wouldn't make a complete idiot out of yourself. But all of us can't be songwriters, so some of us will never get the chance to say what we're thinking, or what we want other people to know that we're thinking, so we'll never get the chance to make things right again ever... So give this guy a license!” – Rory to Taylor, Season 1, Episode 21

How to tell your mom how much she means to you:

“My mother never gave me any idea that I couldn't do whatever I wanted to do or be whomever I wanted to be. She filled our house with love and fun and books and music, unflagging in her efforts to give me role models from Jane Austen to Eudora Welty to Patti Smith. As she guided me through these incredible 18 years, I don't know if she ever realized that the person I most wanted to be was her.” – Rory to the Chilton class of 2003, Season 3, Episode 22

How to reclaim your family’s honor:

“You were a two-bit gold digger fresh off the bus from Hicksville when you met Mitchum at whatever bar you happened to stumble into. And what made Mitchum decide to chose you to marry amongst the pack of women he was bedding at the time I'll never know. But hats off to you for bagging him. He's still a playboy you know. Well, of course you know! That would explain why your weight goes up and down thirty pounds every other month. But that's your cross to bear. But these are ugly realities, no one needs to talk about them.” – Emily to Shira Huntzberger, Season 6, Episode 5

Best Dates

Rory and Dean’s first date—a chaperoned movie night at the Gilmore house where they ceremoniously welcomed Rory’s first love into their secret members-only club.

Rory and Logan’s Life and Death Brigade adventure—an uncharacteristic weekend for Rory that brought out a spontaneity and cheerfulness in her that we missed for a long time prior.

Lorelai and Luke’s dinner date—the revelation that even Luke has a Luke’s and, more importantly, that he kept the horoscope.

Rory and Logan’s rooftop dinner—a picture-perfect Transatlantic surprise from her uber-successful business tycoon boyfriend and a reminder that this is Rory’s first ~adult~ relationship.

Lorelai and Chris’s outdoor movie night—the ever-romantic solution to a string of bad movie dates, culminating in the historic incarceration of felon Emily Gilmore.

What to Do When You’re Done Watching

Watch it again. And again. Watch it as many times as you can before November 25. Ready, set, copper boom! 

How She Got There: Lara Heacock, Life Coach & Leader of the Self Kindness Revolution

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Name: Lara Heacock
Age: 39
Job Title and Description: Life Coach & leader of the Self Kindness revolution
College Name/Major: Moravian College/Counseling Psychology + MBA from University of Phoenix
Website:www.kindovermatter.com 
Twitter Handle:@kindovermatter
Instagram Handle:@kindovermatter

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

There is definitely not a typical day! Some days are packed with one-on-one client sessions while others are spent planning upcoming programs, speaking engagements and writing.  Writing is a passion of mine, and I write for KindOverMatter.com every Monday. I also write for Huffington Post and other sites and am working on a book. I also serve as a mentor for the Courageous Living Coaching Certification training program (from which I graduated), so I’m spending time interacting with the trainees, as well.  

What is the best part of your job?

Connecting with amazing people. It is an absolutely privilege to walk with my clients on their path of change. To be able to see the possibilities for someone else when they aren’t able to see them for themselves, and then take them to that place, is the most magical “job” in the world.  Every time I start working with a client, I have a clear vision of what’s possible for them. Often, they’re stuck and can’t imagine anything different so I can help by being able to see through their “stuckness” to their true potential. The magical “ah ha” moment for me is when they start to see the vision I’ve held for them. It is the most rewarding feeling I know.   

What inspired you to leave your job as a recruiter and enroll in a Life Coach training program?

I actually did both simultaneously! I think it’s so important for women to hear that they can be successful even if they’re not able to take a big leap. It’s OK to keep your day job as you’re starting your business.  It’s OK to follow your passion as you keep the paycheck coming in. For me, enrolling in Life Coach training was such a powerful YES, but I knew I couldn’t afford to quit my job…so I didn’t! I took the financial pressure off myself so I could concentrate on learning the skill of coaching and start a business.  

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

The biggest mistake I made was trying to have it all figured out up front. As I look back, I can clearly see that my Coaching business has been an evolution.  My message had to go through a few iterations before I settled into Self Kindness. I tend to be a perfectionist and put a lot of pressure on myself to ‘get it right’. The truth is that we are all growing, and change is inevitable. I’ve learned to embrace change, and recognize it for what it is – a sign that I’m moving forward and growing.  

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

The most surreal moment was when I went to CA in January 2016 to Mentor a new class coach trainees, and several of them recognized me as the KindOverMatter woman! It was amazing and completely surreal at the same moment!  

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

Take any step you can. I graduated college in 1999 and investigated Life Coaching then. For a number of reasons, I put it on the back burner. I’m incredibly proud of myself for coming back to my dream and making it happen, but if I could give my 22 year old self any advice, it would be to start soon. No matter how small the step, anything you do to move toward your goal, is progress.  

 

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Trump Has Appointed a Chief Strategist With Ties to the Alt-Right & White Nationalism

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President-elect Donald Trump announced the appointment of his chief strategist this week, drawing fierce criticism. Stephen Bannon will serve as chief strategist and senior counselor for Trump, which will make him one of Trump’s top advisers and give him say in pretty much everything about the presidency, The Washington Post reports.

Bannon joined the Trump campaign in August. Previously he was executive chairman of Breitbart News, a site with ties to a fringe conservative movement that promotes racist language and white nationalism.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations called Bannon an “anti-Muslim conspiracy theorist and White nationalist alt-right extremist” in a statement, pointing to the Breitbart News website as proof of Bannon’s views on minority groups and Muslims. Under Bannon, Breitbart published headlines such as, "'Birth Control Makes Women Unattractive and Crazy" and "Hoist It High and Proud: The Confederate Flag Proclaims a Glorious Heritage."

The Southern Poverty Law Center also accused Breitbart of embracing White nationalism. The law center tweeted controversial stories written by Breitbart under Bannon’s control. The law center tweeted, “Trump said he intended to be president for ‘all Americans.’ Bannon should go.”

Jonathon Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Deflamation League, also released a statement on Twitter denouncing Bannon’s appointment.

In 2007, Bannon’s ex-wife accused him of making anti-Semitic remarks, and in 1996, he was charged with domestic violence. The case was eventually dismissed, The Guardian reports.

It's scary to see that someone so closely tied to white nationalist thinking will be one of the top advisers in the White House. As Trump moves forward with other appointees, hopefully he will find the best, most qualified people for the position who will think about the lives of all Americans.

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