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I Ate Like A Gilmore Girl For A Day & It Was Torture

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When you think of Gilmore Girlsprobably the first thing you think about is food. And not just any food: ALL the food. When I first started binge-watching this show about the best mother-daughter duo that television has ever seen, I was in awe of how much these women ate in a single episode. Seriously, in 42 minutes these women eat like they are professionals. Now, after trying their diet of pizza, sushi, tacos, donuts and more for an entire day, I know that it seriously does take years of training to eat the way they do. 

Breakfast of Champions - 6:45 a.m.

For the Gilmore ladies, breakfast is one of the most important parts of the entire day. In every single episode, Rory and Lorelai head to Luke's Diner to indulge in coffee and donuts, if they are in a rush. If they aren't, it's more like eggs, pancakes, French toast, bacon, toast, etc. And yes, they eat all of it. Since I had an 8 a.m. class this day—thank you, French 101—I was going to have to stick with a Pop-Tart, coffee and a cronut. I am in NYC, after all. And for me, that was more than enough. Typically I don't eat more than a bowl of cereal and some green tea, so this really was pushing it for me. Let's just say that I had a small tummy ache afterwards. (When I say small, I mean owwwieee.)

 

Oh nothing, just a TINY SLICE OF HEAVEN IN MY MOUTH.

A photo posted by Isabel Lara (@isabelcalkins) on

Lunch AKA Death - 12:30 p.m.

Usually, I don't each lunch until around 2:30 p.m., but if I wanted to stay on schedule for eating like Rory and Lorelai, I had to push through. Because I am a broke college student, I could not afford to go out and buy a zillion different types of food. So I did what any rational person would do and had my boyfriend swipe me into the dining hall at NYU for a nice, all-you-can-eat buffet. That's what I call a deal. Unfortunately, I forgot to take a picture, but here is a list of everything I ingested in a 45-minute time period: pizza, chicken fingers, Chinese lo mein, Greek salad, garlic bread AND an ice cream cone for dessert. I was literally a potato after I finished eating. But the crazy thing is, if I was actually a Gilmore, I wouldn't have even been full yet. 

Snack Time - 3:45 p.m.

At this point, I already felt like I was going to throw up from eating so much food. I had never eaten this much in my entire life, and it wasn't even dinner time yet. But because I am stubborn and refused to give up, I marched myself down to the CVS by my office and picked up a brand new box of Pop-Tarts. I was going to feast. And feast I absolutely did not. I literally had one bite of my favorite cinnamon-swirl treat and felt like I was going to throw up. Gilmores: 1, Isabel: 0. 

The Home Stretch - 7:00 p.m.

Although it was only 7 p.m., it seriously felt like midnight. All I wanted to do was go home, sleep, wake up and eat a big green salad. The thought of vegetables was seriously the only thing getting me through the day. But because I am a trooper, I went home, made myself a pot of coffee (seriously, at 7 p.m.) and ordered a large Papa John's pizza. I know, I know, you are probably wondering what I am doing eating Papa John's when I live in New York freaking City, but sorry, I like their garlic sauce! 

By the time 9:15 p.m. rolled around, I had eaten five slices, watched two-and-a-half episodes of the show and was ready to straight-up barf. Sorry if that's TMI. So although this would only be the beginning for the GG ladies, I made myself a cup of tea, put on my PJs and went to bed. I was officially D. O. N. E. 

Results

As I mentioned before, I had never eaten that much junk in my entire life. While I am not the healthiest person at all, I certainly know my limits and try to have at least one veggie a day. So did I enjoy feasting like a champion Gilmore? Of course! Will I ever do it again? No chance. 


How Well-Versed in Gilmore Girls Knowledge Are You?

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Do you spend so much time re-watching the show that you basically have your Ph.D in Stars Hollow Studies? Time to put that to the test! Find out how well-versed you are in the Art of the Gilmore Girls, and whether you're a high school grad, associate's degree holder or bachelor's degree holder. Take our quiz and find out where you stand!

 

 

5 Easy Work Outfits to Try When You Hate Everything in Your Closet

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This article has been syndicated to Her Campus from LegalLee Blonde, an InfluenceHer Collective member. Read the full post here.

We all know the feeling: those mornings when you wake up, tear apart your closet. You end up with a [huge] pile of clothes on your floor... and you still have nothing you want to wear to work.

Fear not, there are some tricks you can use to create an outfit you actually want to wear from the pieces you already have in your closet. Below are 5 work outfits to give you some business casual outfit inspiration. For each outfit, there is one key tip that you can use when you just don't know what to wear to work.

1. Wear a Bold Blazer AND a Print

Chances are you have at least one colored blazer (or cardigan) in your closet. Chances are that you likely wear it with white or black. Grab your bright colored blazer or cardigan and pair it instead with a printed top. You've just created a chic, bold work outfit simply by "re-pairing" items of clothing that were already in your closet. *happy dance*

2. Opt for a Pleated Skirt

Step away from your go-to pencil skirt. Pair whatever shirt you would normally wear with your trusty pencil skirt, with a pleated skirt instead. Pleated skirts are still office appropriate, but they change the entire silhouette of your work look.

Read the full post here.

How to Prepare for College When You Have a Disability

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If you have a disability, planning to attend college might seem like a nightmare ––but in reality, with a bit of preparation, you can do anything you put your mind to. It’s important to know your rights as a disabled student and know what you have to do to get ready for the next stage in your life. We’ve talked to Bryan Mac Murray, an outreach specialist at Disability Benefits Center, to help you prepare for college when you have a disability. You’ve got this, collegiettes.

1. Distinguish between high school and college

High school and college are two different ball games  and it's important to recognize the difference. “Like typically-abled students, it may be a bit hard to get used to the lack of structure, more specifically if your disability is one that requires a bit of planning to compensate for,” Mac Murray says. “For instance, if your college/university has different campuses and uses shuttle vans/busses to get to each, it's possible that the bus/shuttle that comes through isn't accessible to someone who is para/quadriplegic. If your disability is one that is mental in nature, it can be difficult to adjust to a new environment, which can be compounded by the everyday experience of being a college freshman.”

High school is a teaching environment where you acquire facts and skills, while college is a learning environment where you must take responsibility for thinking, reasoning and applying what you’ve learned. Being aware of the differences and prepared to tackle them will leave you ready to go.

2. Know your rights

As a student with a disability, you shouldn’t be facing any discrimination. According to Mac Murray, disabled students have exactly the same rights as able-bodied students. “However, under the ADA, they do have the right to ask for reasonable accommodation,” he says. “As an example, someone who has a musculoskeletal disorder that inhibits his or her mobility might ask for housing closer to campus." Schools can deny you these accommodations under these three circumstances: 

  • If it's an undue financial or administrative burden
  • If the accommodation is over a personal nature (i.e. going to the bathroom)
  • If it would fundamentally alter the school's academic standards (if they require you to take a class to graduate and your your disability would make it hard or even impossible to pass)

“In addition, religious schools who do not accept federal financial aid may not be subject to the rule of the ADA and may not need to accommodate your request,” Mac Murray adds.

You aren’t required to tell the school you have a disability. However, if you want an academic adjustment, you must let them know about your disability. It’s ultimately up to you, but you’ll have more opportunities for equity if you let them know about it.

Related: People Are Not Happy With The Portrayal of Disability In 'Me Before You'

3. Figure out what school is best for you

Mac Murray says research is key when finding the right school for you. “Many schools have ADA coordinators or administrative staff that can help you figure out if that school is right for your chosen course of study, what problems you might have at the school,” he says. “Assess what you can do, what the school offers, and find out if you can meet in the middle.”

If you’ve established an academic adjustment and it’s not working, it’s important to let the school know as soon as you can. There’s nothing worse than feeling hopeless and not reaching out for help. Work with your school to figure out what works for you, and don’t give up until you find something that does.

4. Love yourself

In a transition time like this, it’s extremely important to love and accept everything about yourself. You’re you and there’s no reason to feel ashamed of that.

Jacqueline Marchioni, a senior at the University of British Columbia, knows just how true this is. “If you don't already love yourself, fight like hell to learn to,” she says. “Speaking as an autistic, I know there are very big, very well-funded hate groups (like Autism Speaks) that say that autism is a terrible thing and want to rid the world of us. In order to help you love yourself in the face of odds like these, seek out supportive communities of other disabled people.” Jacqueline also suggests that autistic women see if there is a chapter of the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network near you.

The most important thing is finding a community of people who will love and accept you for who you are. You’re beautiful you, and you must love yourself for that.

5. Try everything

Mac Murray suggests not holding back when it comes to personal life. "The one thing I really regret is that I wasn't as outgoing in college as I could have been," he says. Don't be afraid to try something new. You never know where it may lead you!

Getting ready for college is an extremely exciting time in your life, so don’t let a disability prevent you from having the best experience you can. You’re strong, you’re important and you can do anything you put your mind to. Reach out to your school’s Section 504 Coordinator, ADA Coordinator or Disability Services Coordinator for any questions or concerns you may have. You have a support network there for you.

25 Reasons 'Gilmore Girls' is Still Relevant

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Gilmore Girls graced us with its presence on Netflix last fall, and we've been working our way through the ups and downs of life in Stars Hollow, CT, like it's our job. Seven years may have passed since the show was on the air, but it's still (always) one of our faves because its witty, real and heartwarming nature is timeless. Still need convincing? Here are 25 irrefutable reasons why:

1. The characters focus on the important things in life...

2. ...like drinks...

3. ...and hating the same things our friends hate.

4. Our guys can really learn from Luke!

....and Max...

...and Jess...

...and Dean.

5. We can watch the Tristan-Dean fight over and over again (and imagine they were fighting over us).

6. ...And drool like Louise while staring at a young Chad Michael Murray.

His stint on the show was FAR too brief.

7. Rory's first "I love you" might just be the TV scene of the decade.

8. Because sometimes love is just really confusing.

9. But Lorelai knows how to turn our attitudes around with some good old self-affirmation.

10. She learned to put a positive spin on things when growing up with the most difficult mother of all time.

11.  And though Lorelai may not be traditional, she gives excellent motherly advice.

12. And she passed on important values to Rory. Like her TV addiction.

13. Rory and Lorelai make us feel better about our lack of ability to function in morning classes...

14. ...not to mention our NEED for caffeine.

15. Rory shares our disdain for excessive PDA...

16. ...and our serious struggles during finals...

17. ...and shows us how to handle mother-daughter disagreements like a pro.

18. Lorelai gets how happy shoes make us...

19. ...and that pizza solves just about everything...

20. ...and that cake is something we simply cannot live without.

21. But when food doesn't have the answer, our people do.

They're just the cutest mother-daughter pair ever. #lifegoals

22. Because Paris's ambition is intense but inspiring.

23. And even though she's an oversharer, we all want a Miss Patty in our lives.

24. And Kirk's working on a way for us to avoid the gym, so we HAVE to keep him around.

25. Plus, Emily is a straight-up boss.

If you learn nothing from Lorelai and Rory, learn this at least from Emily and Paris: Who run the world? GIRLS.

'Blackhair' Magazine Apologizes for Using a White Model on Its Cover

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Blackhair is a UK publication dedicated to lending more visibility to black women in the media. When the cover model for the December/January 2017 issue wasn’t black, readers were understandably upset. Emily Bador, who identifies as white, English and Malaysian, appeared on the cover with an updo created to resemble natural black hair. The magazine's editor, Keysha Davis, issued an apology on Facebook, saying, "we were obviously not aware of this prior to selecting the image." She went onto assure the readers that "the last thing we want to do is add to [black women's] erasure."

Many fans were quick to accuse Bador of cultural appropriation for the hairstyle she wears on the cover. The model posted an impassioned apology on Instagram, explaining that the photo was taken before she was aware of the implications of a white woman wearing "black" hair, and that nobody consulted her about using the picture for this particular cover.

 

I would deeply and sincerely like to apologise to every one for this, and black women especially. I would like to clarify, I believe this shoot is from when I was around 15 and didn't understand cultural appropriation or the impact it has on POC. I was uneducated, which obviously is no excuse, ignorant and immature. Growing up in a very very white city, I had no idea the struggles black women face and how often they were persecuted for their hair. I didn't understand how black women are constantly told their natural hair is inappropriate/unprofessional for the work place, or how young girls are told they can't go to school with natural hair. I didn't understand that shoots like this support the very Eurocentric beauty standard that the mainstream media focus on which reinforce the idea that black features are only ok on white women. I didn't understand that as a white passing woman I'd be praised for this hair, but if I was a black woman I'd be persecuted. I didn't understand cultural appropriation. I do regret doing this. I hold up my hands, I'm so so so sorry and I'm very sorry this cover was taken away from a black woman. This image is (I think, although I'm not 100% sure) about 3/4 years old, it was never intended to be on the cover of this magazine. If I had known it was going to be published, I would never have condoned it. I'm upset and angry I was never asked by the photographer/hair salon/anyone if this image could be used for the cover Black Hair. I'm so glad I've educated myself and surrounded my self with people to teach me what is right and wrong. I constantly am learning and becoming more and more informed. It's important to come forward and be honest with ourselves about our past mistakes, otherwise we will never learn. Again, I'm truly, deeply sorry to anyone I've offended and I hope if nothing else this post can educated others so they don't make similar mistakes. (also please let me know if I've said anything wrong or offensive in this post!!! or anything i can add!!!! i love u all sm and the last thing i want to do is offend or hurt any one, i really hope you don't all think im a massive twat )

A photo posted by e m i l y bador (@darth_bador) on

While this whole ordeal has been chalked up to being an accident, it has still left many readers with a bitter feeling. “This is a slap in the face to the countless struggling black models in the industry,” a commenter wrote in response to the company’s apology. Lets hope that Blackhair double- and triple-checks their magazine before they publish it next time.

You can read the magazine's full statement below:

CW Superhero Recap: Kara Meets Cyborg Superman & Alchemy's Identity is Revealed

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Supergirl 

What you need to know about this episode: 

This week on Supergirl, Guardian is rendered useless as he tries to clear his name after being accused of murder. Meanwhile, Kara infiltrates Cadmus to rescue Mon-El but meets a well-known villain in her cousin's comics, Cyborg Superman (aka the real Hank Henshaw). Given that Hank Henshaw supposedly died on the same mission as Jeremiah Danvers, it makes us wonder what Cadmus has really done to Alex's dad. 

Best quote of the episode: 

"Masks, the voice-changer things, it's weird. It's weird."— Kara on vigilantes (a preview of what's to come next week, perhaps?) 

What had us shouting at the TV: 

JEREMIAH!!! You beautiful man! 

What we can't wait to see next week: 

Need we say it again? Crossover!

The Flash 

What you need to know about this episode: 

This week on The Flash, Caitlin uses her powers to save Barry from Savitar, and as her mother predicted, Killer Frost is unleashed. Killer Frost goes on a rampage looking for Dr. Alchemy, even kidnapping Julian in the process (even though he deserved it) and fulfilling Cisco's vision of a battle between Killer Frost and The Flash and Vibe. 

Best quote of the episode: 

"Make it quick."— Detective Patterson

"Always."— Barry 

What had us shouting at the TV: 

Julian is Alchemy, you guys!

What we hope to see in the crossover: 

We can all agree that the best part of these crossovers is the amazing wit of Cisco, Felicity and now Winn coming together to geek out over their favorite heroes. We can't wait to hear what they have in store for us this time around! 

Laurie Hernandez Wins 'Dancing with the Stars'

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Well, it turns out that 2016 is not all bad! 

In a not-so-surprising turn of events last night, Laurie Hernandez and her partner, Val Chmerkovskiy, were named winners of this season of "Dancing with the Stars" and we could not be more excited for her. Hernandez, the Olympic gymnast who won America's heart this summer in Rio, has always been a crowd favorite and it was made official last night when she was given the mirror ball trophy that every celebrity dreams of, according to Cosmopolitan

After she was declared hte winner, she gave a heartfelt speech saying that all she wants to do is inspire others "as I go on with my journey" and "I just want to thank everyone for their support and riding along this crazy roller coaster of my life." Well, Laurie, as long as you keep that positive attitude we will always be there for you! 

Congratulations, Laurie! Check out the dance that won her the title below and try not to drool on your computer. 

 


Ellen DeGeneres Got Emotional While Receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom

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Ellen DeGeneres was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom at the White House this week and its safe to say that things got emotional. 

As soon as our favorite comedian and prankster's name was called during the cereomy, she immeditly started tearing up. And with good reason. According to Cosmopolitan, here is the introduction that was read: 

"In a career spanning three decades, Ellen DeGeneres has lifted our spirits and brought joy to our lives as a stand-up comic, actor, and television star. In every role, she reminds us to be kind to one another, and to treat people as each of us wants to be treated. At a pivotal moment, her courage and candor helped change the hearts and minds of millions of Americans, accelerating our nation's constant drive for equality and acceptance for all. Again and again, Ellen DeGeneres has shown us that a single individual can make the world a more fun, more open, more loving place, so long as we just keep swimming." 

Hold on, gotta grab my tissues. Okay, we're good. Now, where was I? Oh yes, tears. But she wasn't the only one to get emotional. She was one of 21 honorees including "Tom Hanks, Bill and Melinda Gates, and Diana Ross–the last group Obama will ever induct", Cosmopolitan reports. As well, Michael Jordan was one of the honorees and even he could not keep it together. 

 

Brb sobbing. 

MAC Creates Perfumes Inspired by 'Ruby Woo'& Other Best-Selling Lipsticks

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Do you know what synaesthesia is? I didn’t either, until I heard of MAC Cosmetics' new Shadescent perfumes. Synesthesia is when the stimulation from one sense produces an involuntary experience in another sense, and it is what can lead people to "see sounds" or, in this case, "smell color." See, mom and dad? I can now prove that my makeup addiction has taught me something.

Just in time for the holidays, the MAC is releasing a line of six perfumes called Shadescents, which are based off of their best-selling lipsticks: Ruby Woo, Crème d’Nude, Candy Yum Yum, My Heroine, and Lady Danger. Essentially, you will soon be able to smell like your go-to lip color.

Ruby Woo, the classic red shade, boasts notes of "deep red leather," while the pinkish nude Velvet Teddy incorporates "wild honey and creamy musk.” We cannot wait to get our hands on these two (or the rest of the collection). The perfumes drop on maccosmetics.com November 30, so get excited!

10 Little Lifestyle Changes That Can Make You Healthier

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Being healthier can seem like a daunting task at times. You hear about girls going vegan or trying out different cleanses and suddenly it feels like you have to overhaul your entire lifestyle to be healthier. But in reality there are small things you can do without going totally out of your way, which appeals to the busy (and sometimes lazy) college girl inside of us.  

1. Keep a food journal

It just takes a few seconds to jot down what you eat. This doesn’t necessarily mean counting calories, but just being aware of exactly what you eat in a day. “Hands down, this is the easiest activity and one where people always make healthier changes without me saying a thing,” Cindi Inman, a registered dietician and licensed nutritionist at Southern Illinois University says.“Writing down what you eat and drink automatically makes you mindful. I’m a big fan of mindful eating.”

If you’re not a fan of the ol’ pen and paper, you can simply start a note on your phone or download an app like MyFitnessPal or MyPlate that has more features, like logging exercise and specific nutrition and calories.

2. Catch some Zzzs

Sleep gives you energy, so if you’re lacking sleep you might be craving other forms of energy, which explains all those the late-night snacks.“There are a lot of studies that show a link between mindless, nervous, emotional meeting and getting a proper amount of sleep,” Hall says.  

3. Fruit, fruit, fruit

Everyone loves fruit, right? The numerous options and sweetness makes eating healthy easy. Inman recommends fresh fruit or yogurt with fresh or frozen fruit as a substitute for people suffering from a serious sweet tooth.

You can also start your day with something healthy by incorporating fruit into your breakfast. Taylor Larson, a senior at Temple University, eats fruit for breakfast every morning. “At first, it was hard to give up things like bagels but now I don't even think twice about it,” Larson says. “It sets you up to make eating healthier eating choices for the rest of the day and also makes you feel better than you would if you had a huge bagel/donut/sugary cereal/etc.”

4. Set literal boundaries

When you’re in a dorm room or tiny apartment the line between eating and living space blurs a little. With classes, papers and exams you might only eat while doing something else, but Peggy Hall, featured health expert for the ABC Radio Network and wellness expert for America Now television show, finds designating times and places for eating eliminates mindless, guilty snacking and makes eating an enjoyable experience itself.   

“When you study, study and when you eat, eat,” Hall says.“You can also set some boundaries for yourself in terms of where you’re going to eat, like only sitting down at a table, not in front of a computer.”

5. Eat breakfast

Skipping meals will not fare well, especially when you have a busy day ahead of you. Coffee might give you a jolt of energy, but won’t sustain that level throughout the day. Inman says deciding to eat breakfast, even a small one, can set you up for a healthier day. “It doesn’t have to be much and it doesn’t have to be fancy,” Inman says. “It could simply be a piece of fruit, a granola bar (high in fiber is the best), a hard-boiled egg, or low fat and low sugar yogurt.”

Hall says eating breakfast is a good example of a seemingly little decision that can change your whole day. “Small changes can have a domino effect,” she says. “If you start out the day with a healthy breakfast, you feel good about yourself in that you nourished yourself and you are on the right track for the whole day.”

6. Meal-prep

“What could be fun would be getting together with a couple of friends and set aside a time of two or three hours to prepare food you could use for the rest of the week,” Hall says. “You can get food, precooked or cooked, and do some batch cooking.”

By planning ahead you’re less likely to succumb to temptation or cravings. McDonalds becomes a lot less appealing if you have a homecooked meal waiting for you. “I meal prep one meal per week - it could be a homemade granola bar or a batch of roasted veggies but having those on hand will help me stay on track,” says Emily DiNuzzo, a senior at Pace University.

7. Shop smart

Being on your own for the first time can lead to some poor choices out in the real world, shopping for food without the veto power of mom or dad. But shopping for healthy foods doesn’t have to take all your time or money. You’d be surprised at the stores that sell healthy foods without the Whole Food’s price tag. Even CVS sells a variety of wholesome snacks, including gluten free and vegan.

And if you don’t want to leave the comfort of your dorm or apartment, the internet provides plenty of ways, like AmazonFresh, where you can order food. “Thrive Market is a great source for buying steeply discounted healthy and organic foods online, and I was eligible for a free membership as a student,” says Erin Walker, a junior at UIC.

8. Eat something green every day

“M&Ms don’t count” as my pediatrician used to say. It’s true though! Veggies are low-calorie foods packed with nutrition. “I try to remember to eat something green with every meal. This isn't always possible obviously but with that as the goal I always tend to eat more veggies and leafy greens,” Emily says.

9. Pack snacks

Many college students fall into bad habits of mindlessly snacking or feeling hungry and reaching for the potato chips instead of cutting up an apple. Rather than wait for that craving, plan ahead for when hunger hits. “When I'm out of the house for a long period of time, especially in the afternoon, I need a snack to tide me over until dinner. Instead of reaching for the cookies, I pack a Ziploc with grapes,” Cristina Lupo, a senior at Maris College, says. “It's a small decision but makes for one healthy choice during the day.”

Destinye Barnes-Hall, a sophomore at the University of Texas at San Antonio, also prepares her snacks before she leaves for the day. “I pack or bring snacks so that I won’t buy the overpriced food on campus as well as control what is in my food and not be forced to buy junk food when I’m hungry,” Destinye says. Inman suggests buying fresh veggies, and then washing, slicing and storing them in a clear container in your fridge. “Keeping these types of foods handy and ready-to-go will help you to choose these over junk food,” Inman says.

Related: 15 Signs You're the Snack Queen of Your Friend Group

10. Think before you eat

“It really comes down to awareness of how certain foods make you, yourself, feel which can be a huge breakthrough for people,” Hall says. “The very first small change you can do is eat for yourself—don’t worry about what everybody else is eating. What is going to bring you energy?”

Using our brains might be hard for calculus, but with food we usually know what the right choices are. Taking that extra five seconds to decide if you really want that cookie or really are hungry will save you the effort of revamping your entire lifestyle to see change. 

“Be mindful.  Be aware of how you are feeling.  Are you really hungry?  Do you really need seconds?  Stop and think about it.” Inman says. “If you still want seconds, have them – enjoy them and certainly don’t feel guilty about it!”


Cleanses and diets might sound like the most effective way to get results, but they’re not sustainable or healthy. The easiest thing you can do -- and let’s be real, what we all want to do anyway -- is eat quality, wholesome food. “Enjoy what you eat and eat what you enjoy,” Hall says. “There’s no sense in eating food you’re going to feel guilty about.”

People Are Freaking Out About this Thanksgiving Doughnut

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Ah, the internet is such an incredible thing. Always blessing us with new foods and products and things to enjoy year round! And today is no different. 

According to BustlePV Donuts and a restaurant called Bucktown in Providence, Rhode Island, have created a new Thanksgiving doughnut that is absolutely blowing up the internet. I mean, look at it! 

This delicious treat is made of a  brioche doughnut topped with a cranberry glaze, pieces of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy. But the issue is that they are only available for a limited time— up until Thanksgiving. And by the looks of this line, looks like people are really loving it! 

Let the holiday festivities begin! 

19 Adorable Barack Obama Moments That'll Have You Missing Him Already

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With President-elect Trump ready to move in and President Obama preparing to end his stay at the White House, many of us have begun to reminisce on the last eight years and the many moments of the Obama administration that we won’t soon forget. Regardless of your party or political views, after reading this list, we guarantee you’ll agree our soon-to-be former president was a total boss. 

1. When he told it like it is

2. When he got you all emotional about ‘Merica

3. And made you cry actual tears

4. When he broke down political barriers

5. When he busted a move with Ellen

6. And these little kids

7. When he and Michelle were #goals

8. But seriously

9. When he greeted people at the White House

10. When he celebrated his race

11. When he kept up with the hip lingo

12. When he embraced jokes at his own expense

 13. That stare though

14. When he had good news to share

15. When he spread the love

16. When he talked about his daughters

17. When he stood up for women’s rights

18. And gay rights

19. When he dropped the mic

Obama out

I Took Risks in My Love Life For One Week & Here’s What Happened

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The world of dating is still unfamiliar to me, even at the age of 22. Sure, I’ve had my share of memorable nights, a few months of dating the same person, and even unexpected dates, but it’s been awhile since I’ve been in a serious relationship. Maybe it’s because of the hook-up culture we live in, but something told me I’ve been holding myself back on purpose.

I talk about wanting someone new, something exciting, but I rarely put myself out there when it comes to dating to let this happen. That’s why I willingly pushed myself out of my comfort zone for this week. I wanted to test my limits and see what would happen if I embraced a new outlook on both dating and my sexuality. As Barney Stinson would say, Challenge Accepted. Needless to say, I surprised myself in many ways and genuinely enjoyed taking these risks. I’ve decided to share a few of my favorite experiences from this week with hopes of inspiring other independent women to live on the edge a little more.

I started to use Tinder

I’ve never been one to support the concept of Tinder. Blame it on the hopeless romantic in me, but the idea of meeting someone over an app is far from appealing. So, of course, I had to try it out for the sake of this week.

Getting the app was easy, but making my profile and choosing pictures was not. I kept asking my friends, “What should my bio say?” “Is this a good first photo?” Clearly very insecure about what my fellow Tinder users would think of me. The first night I used the app, I hated it. Swiping through a bunch of randos, clicking on someone only when I found them attractive, and the worst part, seeing people from my college pop up. I felt embarrassed about having a Tinder account, as if my love life had come to this point.

Despite my own personal bias, I made an effort to truly embrace the app. I started matching with more people and even talking to some. Many of the conversations lead to nothing, which makes sense considering we probably matched based on physical interest alone. I matched with athletes whose bios consisted of their impressive height and a picture of them in their sport’s jersey. I talked to fellow Mainers, learning their favorite bars to visit and being able to relate based on our love for country music. And, as expected, there were those overly confident guys who messaged me instantly, “Hey, your hot. What r u doing tonight?” First of all, great grammar! Secondly, I’m not doing you, but thanks!

Despite my many mixed emotions throughout the week, I can see why people find Tinder to be fun. It was a slight confidence booster to match with those I found attractive and I never failed to crack a smile when someone “super-liked” me. Hell, I even have a date to look forward to in the upcoming week because of Tinder, but we’ll see how that goes. I may not judge Tinder users as harshly anymore but it’s still not for me. I’ll stick to waiting for my fairytale romance to sweep me off my feet.

I gave my crush my number

My crush is someone I had a great night with at the end of last semester. We hadn’t known each other too well before that night but we always exchanged curious smiles and the occasional hello. Janis Ian would have definitely labeled him as a “regulation hottie.” I’ve wondered if the timing were right, and the separation during summer wasn’t a factor, would we have turned into something more?  

In the spirit of this week, I decided to reach out and give him my number. No, he didn’t ask for it, which may have been my first mistake, but I figured, why not? Being the millennial I am, I messaged him online and basically said, “Hey, I know I don’t see you around too often anymore but if you ever want to hangout here’s my number…” Short and sweet, my honest attempt to sound nonchalant yet interested. It took me forever to send this message, knowing he rarely checks his social media. I anticipated the waiting game, which isn’t for me.

I saw him on campus the next day, knowing he hadn’t read my message yet, I grew anxious. He smiled at me as he was about to walk by. Surprising myself, “Wait” I said as I touched his arm, “I messaged you on Facebook and I just wanted to tell you before you saw it.” He smiled and said, “Yeah, I don’t check Facebook often, but I’ll look and reply.” It sounded promising enough.

Not even an hour later he answered, “I don’t really go out anymore but if I do I’ll hit u up.” Romantic, right? Sure, I didn’t exactly know what I wanted to hear back, but that wasn’t it. Taking a moment to process the response, I found myself smirking. I no longer have to wonder “what if” about him, the question that haunts us all. Yes, it sucked not hearing what I wanted but then again I didn’t really know what I was going for. And maybe that’s my own fault. Maybe next time I’m interested in someone I’ll ask them out, being completely straightforward. At this point, why not?

I bought an attractive stranger a drink

I’ve seen this done in movies. The confident woman buys an attractive guy a drink, turning the tables on the standards of dating. I had to see for myself how this scenario would play out in real life. Naturally, I chose Thirsty Thursday to make my move. Sitting at a table with a few of my girlfriends, I scanned the bar for a potential prospect. This part of my night was funny, somewhat stressful, but overall entertaining knowing the power was in my hands.

As I was scanning the nearby tables, a tall blonde guy walked out of the bathroom and past my table. We locked eyes and he smiled ever so subtly. Without hesitation, I whispered to my friends, “I choose him.” I watched where he went to sit - a table with another guy and three girls. Crossing my fingers none of those ladies were his girlfriend, I asked my server to find out what he was drinking and buy him his next round. Apparently, his drink of choice was a watermelon margarita, go figure.

Margarita in hand, I watched my server walk over to his table and place it down. His friends began to laugh and his face lit up when she said “the girl in a pink sweater bought this for you.” His reaction was everything I could have hoped for. I mean who wouldn’t be grinning over a free marg? Funnily enough, a server came over to me a few minutes later and handed me a black business card. It belonged to watermelon margarita guy. I was caught off guard but loving every second of this little charade. Soon enough he came over to the table to thank me for buying him a drink and introduce himself. The conversation was casual, I could tell he was nervous too. In his very distinct Boston accent, he ended the conversation by telling me I should text him. Mission accomplished.

I miss hearing stories about people meeting in person and going on incredible dates. And here I was, trying to making it happen for myself. No, I never ended up texting him, but his little black business card will be a reminder that even the smallest rewards can come from simply putting yourself out there.

I reconnected with my ex

An ex is usually out of your life for a reason. Maybe they no longer made sense in your life or maybe it wasn’t your choice to end it. Either way, it’s rare that people can truly just be friends with an ex. I completely understand this and believe it’s important to give yourself room to grow apart, but I’ve always wondered, is there ever an appropriate time to reconnect?

My relationship with my ex was very unique. For one, we kept our love a secret, which obviously resulted in a lot of problems. My ex’s family didn’t approve of our relationship when they found out, putting even more of a strain on us. Imagine being in love for the first time but not being able to tell your loved ones about it? This wasn’t because I didn’t have supportive people in my life, but rather I wasn’t accepting of myself at the time. It still breaks my heart to think I ever went through that, but in a way I’m thankful for learning my own strength.

And now here I am, years later, completely ignorant about what’s going on in my ex’s life. We’ve managed to stay in touch here and there, after months of disconnecting completely. There needs to be a definite amount of time where you let yourself heal before you allow your ex back into your life. Being a completely different person today, I’ve wondered how we would connect and, more importantly, if they’ve changed at all.

It’s always a slippery slope talking to an ex, especially if the love felt unfinished when the relationship came to an end. I tend to be reserved when it comes to reconnecting with my ex, scared to fall for them again. I did it though, I reached out and let my guard down. This resulted in genuine conversation, a few exchanges of memories, and a comfort I didn’t realize I missed. It’s funny, as much as we’ve both changed and lived separate lives, talking again felt just like old times.

I’d say never reach out to an ex unless you know your intentions. If you aren’t strong enough to possibly be let down, don’t waste your time. If you’re not independent enough to be happily single, don’t risk all the progress you’ve made. Reaching out made me realize I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. That’s the beauty of moving on, realizing life has so much more to offer you, if you’re willing to let it.

I told everyone the truth about being bisexual  

If you know me at all, would you expect my official coming-out to be anything less than writing about it for a national article? Didn’t think so. Many of my loved ones and close friends have known this about me for quite some time now, but it’s taken me a long time to fully accept myself. I would always get envious of others who were comfortable with their sexuality, openly talking about it and dating as they pleased. They made it seem so easy and I never understood how, until recently.

The support I’ve received, from each new person I’ve told, has given me the strength to love myself for all that I am. My best friends and my mom have given me the consistent love and patience I’ve needed to embrace myself over the years. They were there for me when my first relationship with a girl ended in unbearable heartbreak (yes, that’s the ex I was talking about) and they have continued to be there for me each day since. It has been a long journey, one that I know is only just beginning, but I am finally excited to see what it has to offer.

For those of you who are just finding this out, congrats! You officially know the real me! I’m still the same passionate, feisty, strong-minded woman my parents raised me to be but now I’m unapologetically myself. Writing about this publicly is scary, because there’s no way to hide anymore, but why would I want to? Embracing my authentic self is something I have strived for and it’s finally here. I’m bisexual and I am finally able to say it proudly.

Cheers to pushing boundaries and going beyond comfort zones. This week has been challenging, unexpected, but overall extremely rewarding. I am so thankful to be able to share my story on such a wonderful platform and I will continue to keep living with a sense of adventure, in all aspects of my life. Taking risks is scary, but that’s what makes the outcomes worth it. Don’t limit yourself!

Trump Chooses Betsy DeVos, a Billionaire Republican Activist, as Secretary of Education

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On Wednesday, President-Elect Donald Trump’s transition team announced his choice for secretary of education: Betsy DeVos, a Republican philanthropist and activist, CNN reports.

"Betsy DeVos is a brilliant and passionate education advocate," Trump said in a statement Wednesday. "Under her leadership, we will reform the US education system…so that we can deliver world-class education and school choice to all families.”

However, Trump's choice is already facing bipartisan opposition. While Trump has spoken out against the Common Core, DeVos has worked with foundations that support charter schools, school choice and the Common Core. The largest teacher’s union in the country has already attacked DeVos for her support of charter schools and school voucher programs, and conservatives have already pointed to her association with groups that support the Common Core. For her part, DeVos was quick to try to douse those flames, tweeting out:

"Have organizations that I have been a part of supported Common Core?” she asked. “Of course. But that's not my position.”

According to USA Today, education groups that oppose charter schools are also opposing the choice, saying that DeVos’ plans will undercut public schools.

“We believe that the chance for the success of a child should not depend on winning a charter lottery, being accepted by a private school, or living in the right zip code," Lily Eskelsen García, president of the National Education Association, told USA Today. "We have, and will continue, to fight for all students to have a great public school in their community and the opportunity to succeed no matter their backgrounds or circumstances."

Jeb Bush, whom DeVos originally supported in the primaries, claims that she has an allegiance to those families, though. "Particularly those struggling at the bottom of the economic ladder,” he said. Her allegiance is “not to an outdated public education model that has failed them from one generation to the next."

NPR points out that DeVos is a billionaire who's never taught in a classroom and doesn't have experience with public education. In Michigan, she pushed to create a voucher system so that students could attend private schools. The bill ultimately failed, but it shows that DeVos is a strong advocate for these controversial measures. Public school advocates often fight voucher programs and charter schools, because they move students to private schools instead of trying to improve public schools for all children.

So this was a controversial choice. Let’s be honest, though. What about this election process has not been considered controversial?


Quiz: Which Season of 'Gilmore Girls' Are You?

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Are you sassy and sarcastic, like season two with its introduction of Jess? Or are you a bittersweet finale filled with wacky drama like season seven? Or maybe you're more in the middle, like season four, a transition year of change that ends with cliffhangers galore. Take our quiz to find out the answer to the most important question: which season of Gilmore Girls are you?

 

 

 

Nikki Haley Will Be Trump's Ambassador to the United Nations

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They say the best way to get a job is get a personal recommendation from a friend or acquaintance who already works there. I guess that goes double for Trump's Cabinet and transition team. His most recent hire? Nikki Haley, the governor of South Carolina, has been tapped for the position of UN Ambassador for the Trump Administration. If confirmed, she will replace Samantha Power in her role as ambassador.

Once a top pick for Trump's vice presidency (despite their ugly history, which we will get into), Haley will leave her role as governor two years early. Haley said in a statement that while she imagined she would always finish out her governor position, she accepted the new role out of "a sense of duty." She will, however, continue to serve as governor until she is confirmed by the Senate. One thing standing in her way might be that she has "virtually no foreign policy experience," as The Washington Post puts it. As she has been a regional governor with no prior experience in foreign dealings, many people believe Haley just doesn't have the range to be ambassador.

Haley is the first female and minority governor of South Carolina. The daughter of Indian Punjabi immigrants, Haley rose to prominence as part of the Tea Party movement, leading a successful 2010 campaign for the governorship. She also made headlines when she decided to remove the Confederate flag as the South Carolina state flag after calls of action in the wake of the Charleston massacre. 

The first woman to join the Trump's cabinet and one of the few minorities (if that's what she considers herself today—Mother Jones has reported she sometimes self-identifies as white), Haley will join Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions and chairman Reince Preibus on Trump's cabinet. Several people still vying for a position in the Trump administration, including Rudy Giuliani, Mitt Romney (that's right—Mitt) and Chris Christie.

This is a surprise move for the Trump camp, as he and Haley have butted heads. During the primaries Haley was a harsh critic of Trump. In her response to the State of The Union, she referred to Trump as "the siren call of the angriest voices." She continued on to say she believes he contributes to "irresponsible talk" and is "everything a governor doesn't want in a president." Trump even took to his favorite social media site, Twitter, and tweeted "The people of South Carolina are embarrassed by Nikki Haley!" (That tweet, by the way, is still up.) She endorsed Marco Rubio, then Ted Cruz, until both were forced to drop out of the race. She finally decided to vote for Trump at the Republican National Convention. 

Well, I guess a congratulations is in order for Haley. Homegirl did get a promotion.

The Trump Foundation Admits to Using Money to Help Trump Himself

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The Trump Foundation has admitted to violating a ban on self-dealing, which is a prohibition against using charitable funds to benefit the leaders of the organization (aka President-Elect Trump) or their family members.

In the Trump Foundation’s latest report to the IRS, the charity indicated that it transferred income or assets to someone it wasn’t allowed to, such as Trump or a person or an organization close to him, Politico reports. The foundation indicated that it engaged in self-dealing in previous years, too.

According to The Washington Post, these sort of violations can result in penalties, including the apt punishment that the charity leaders would have to pay back the money they used.

But the report doesn't include any specifics on what self-dealing the foundation actually did, or whether they were required to pay any penalties.

In addition, the Post has reported that the New York attorney general’s office is investigating the Trump Foundation. Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said he is investigating “to make sure [the foundation is] complying with the laws governing charities in New York.”

The Post revealed several instances where Trump seemed to have used the Trump Foundation’s money to benefit himself—adding up to as much as $300,000. The foundation paid legal settlements for Trump's companies, paid for art that the Trumps purchased at auctions, and took a donation that was allegedly payment for Trump to speak at a Ukrainian businessman's conference in Sept. 2015—when he was already a presidential candidate.

Former head of the IRS nonprofit division, Marc S. Owens, said that this last gift was a rare contribution to the Trump Foundation from foreign donors. “The contribution points out a potential way for foreign donors to align themselves with [Trump],” Owens told the Post, meaning that foreign leaders can curry favor with our new president-elect by contributing to his businesses and "charity."

So far, Trump hasn't said anything about how he'll run the foundation when he takes office, or how he plans to avoid conflicts of interest involving Trump Foundation donors.

 

Ivanka Trump is Still Joining Her Father's Conversations With Foreign Leaders

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Only days after Ivanka Trump, daughter of president-elect Donald Trump, sat in on her father’s meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Ivanka has now been reported to have joined in on her father’s call with Argentina’s president.

According to Reuters, Trump and Argentine President Mauricio Marci spoke on November 14, with Macri being one of few Latin American leaders who had spoken with Trump in the days following his election. The call was supposedly intended to rekindle a relationship formed when Trump and Macri worked as businessmen before entering politics.

Macri, in an interview with The Asahi Shimbun, said that he spoke with Ivanka on the phone during his call with Trump.

“At the end of the president's call with Trump, the phone was passed to Ivanka so he could say hello. They have known each other since she was quite young,” Macri’s spokesman responded in regards to questions about the call.

However, considering that Ivanka, as well as Trump’s other children, will be running the Trump business once Trump enters office, the fact that Ivanka has been sitting in on these diplomatic meetings has been troubling.

According to Cosmopolitan, Trump has reportedly made attempts to build a Trump Tower in Buenos Aires since 2012, but has been unsuccessful in getting approval for the project. After Monday’s call, however, the project has suddenly moved forward, with construction supposedly beginning in 2017 and most likely will be completed by 2020.

Some are concerned about this deal, especially since Ivanka will most likely be one of the individuals overseeing this project.

Macri’s spokesman, however, denied reports in the Argentine press that Trump mentioned the pending project that the real estate mogul has been trying to get approved by city regulators during the phone call, Reuters reports.

 

A White Supremacist Has Been Found Guilty of Murdering an Anti-Brexit Female Politician

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Thomas Mair, an identified white supremacist who shot and stabbed British lawmaker Jo Cox, was sentenced to life in prison on Wednesday, CNN reports.

The jury found Mair guilty of murder and of possession of an offensive weapon with intent to commit an offense. Jo Cox was murdered by Mair in June, during the Brexit controversy, in what prosecutors called an act of “terrorism," according to NBC News. Cox was stabbed 15 times and received three gunshot wounds in a brutal and disturbing attack outside her constituency office in northern England.

Cox was a well-known supporter of the campaign to stay in the European Union—the opposite of Brexit—and a member of the Labour Party. The Guardian reports that Mair gave his name as “death to traitors, freedom for Britain” during his trial.

The BBC reports that Mair has a history of racism lasting over 30 years. He purchased neo-Nazi and white supremacist literature and memorabilia, wrote letters published in a racist South African magazine, and bought bomb making manuals from the neo-Nazi Alliance in the U.S.  

Prosecutors argued during the trial that the murder of Cox was politically motivated by Mair’s opposing viewpoint to Cox’s pro-EU stance. Although the death of Cox is tragic and should never have occurred, the world can be grateful that justice was taken on Mair to ensure he can never hurt anyone else again.

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