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Links We Love 12.4.16

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Who still lives at home with their parents? [Priceonomics]

The legal industry for kidnapping teens. [Vice]

A Victoria's Secret fashion show timeline. [Elle]

These sisters came out to each other at the same time. [BuzzFeed]

One college is offering a Trump 101 course. [The Huffington Post]

This puppy is so polite. [Elite Daily]

What do doctor's eat for breakfast? [Spoon University]

Who will — and won't — dress Melania Trump. [Quartz]

Dating app hacks. [refinery29]

Would you go to a spa-themed amusement park? [allure]

 


'SNL' Made Fun of Trump's Tweets so Trump Tweeted Them, Of Course

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In the latest episode of "Donald Trump Did Something Stupid", sorry, I mean "Saturday Night Live," the cast does a cold opening featuring all the people that our President-Elect, Donald Trump, has retweeted. More specifically, they focused on the fact that Trump retweeted a high-school student last week. 

And that wasn't all. According to Elle, "Baldwin's Trump and Kate McKinnon's Kellyanne Conway emphasized they weren't making that part up during the sketch. "He's 16, he's in high school. And I really did retweet him. Seriously, this is real," Baldwin said." Here is the boy in question: 

As you can guess, Trump was not too happy about this so he did what any normal person would do: He tweeted.

But luckily, Baldwin had the perfect response. 

Classic. Watch the whole skit below. 

Jennifer Lawrence Almost Killed Someone By Scratching Her Butt

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I'm just going to throw it out there right away because you are probably very eager to read this story: Jennifer Lawrence, yes our favorite actress/spirit animal, almost killed a guy once by scratching her butt. Yup. True story. 

According to Cosmopolitan, Lawrence shared a story on The Graham Norton Show this past Friday that is somewhat insane but also tbh, totally awesome. 

"We were filming [Hunger Games] in Hawaii, and there were sacred rocks. They were, I don't know, ancestors—who knows? They were sacred and you're not supposed to sit on them because you're not supposed to expose your genitalia to them." But because she is Jennifer Lawrence, she disregarded that small rule and went on to scratch her butt using the rocks. "I, however, was in a wetsuit for this whole shoot so—oh my god, they were so good for butt itching!"

And that's when it get's good. "One rock that I was butt-scratching on ended up coming loose. It was a giant boulder and it rolled down this mountain and almost killed our sound guy. This whole station, like, got destroyed. It was a huge, dramatic deal. And all the Hawaiians were like, 'Oh my god! It's the curse!' And I'm sitting in the corner going 'I'm your curse.' I wedged it loose with my ass!"

Excuse me while I go laugh/cry at how relatable this is. Watch the whole clip below.  

 

You Have to Watch this Powerful Ad About High School Love

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Nowadays, there are very few advertisements that actually leave you stunned. Well, this ad from the BBDO New York does just that. At first glance, this ad seems to be about a romance brewing between a boy and a girl in High School. There's writing on tables, secret messages, and just hope. But there is so much more than that. Now, before you continue reading, watch the video below. 

 

Did you watch it? Wow. The ending of the ad leaves you completely stunned, with good reason. According to AdWeek, Greg Hahn, chief creative officer of BBDO New York, says that "Through 'Evan,' we sought to show how different your perspective can be when you're aware of the sign. We've been fortunate to work with the inspiring people at Sandy Hook Promise to help parents, students and teachers better identify these signs." But because of the love story between the two kids, we don't even notice the other student planning a school shooting. 

"It is important for us to show youth and adults that they are not helpless in protecting their community from gun violence—these acts are preventable when you know the signs.  Everyone has the power to intervene and get help. These actions can save lives," says Nicole Hockley, co-founder and managing director of Sandy Hook Promise. She continues, "When you don't know what to look for, or can't recognize what you are seeing, it can be easy to miss warning signs or dismiss them as unimportant. That can lead to tragic consequences." And that is exactly what you see in the ad. 

Now, go back and watch the ad again and see if you can spot all of the warning signs that you might have missed before. 

Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher Gave Their New Son an Adorable Name

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Ah, babies, such beautiful creatures of poop, barf, and snuggles. But still cute, nonetheless. 

 

A photo posted by Ashton Kutcher (@aplusk) on

The latest celebrity couple to bring one of these gems into the world is Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher and this past Saturday, they finally revealed the name. According to Cosmopolitan, in a statement on Kutcher's website, the couple wrote that "Dimitri Portwood Kutcher was born at 1:21 a.m. on November 30, weighing 8 pounds and 15 ounces." 

Although the couple has yet to comment on the name or the baby, they do have a message for their fans: "We'd like to allow our kids to make their own choices on whether to have a life in the public eye or not, we don't want to make the choice for them," Kutcher told a writer for his website in a phone call after the baby was born. 

Amen to that and congratulations to the happy couple! 

22 Signs You're Graduating in December

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From the moment we began freshman year, we've dreamed about what it would be like to graduate from college. Who knew the time would go so quickly? Especially when you're graduating early in December! All of us early grads know we've got bigger fish to fry than stressing over fall semester finals. The thought of being thrown to the wolves––a.k.a. the real world––is looming over our heads!

As December runs its course, any collegiette graduating early is sure to experience a rollercoaster of emotions. If any of these 22 signs apply to your life, it's obvious that college is about to come to an end for you!

1. "So, are you ready to graduate?" becomes an inescapable question.

2. Oh, and the inevitable, "What are you going to do with your life?"

3. Spontaneously bursting into tears is a routine part of your daily schedule…

4. …Especially when you start to regret all of the things you didn't get to do before graduating

5. You look back through all of your old Facebook albums with a bottle of Pinot at your side.

6. Finding any excuse to drink becomes easier than ever!

7. Maybe because your senioritis has kicked into high gear?

8. You used to show up to class looking like…

9. But, now you always look like…

10. You're pulling all-nighters left and right.

11. And finally hitting up those office hours to ask the dreaded-but-necessary, "Am I passing?"

12. While your friends stress about finals, you're busy stressing about the real world.

13. You realize that you now have to be responsible with your money.

14. Meanwhile, your friends want to hit up the bar like…

15. You've been racing to update your resume, LinkedIn profile and online portfolio.

16. You've been job hunting, too.

17. Well, sort of…

18. You're already getting prices for plane tickets for a visit back to campus.

19. Because you're experiencing some serious premature FOMO about not being with your squad everyday. 

20. You loath the thought of moving back home. 

21. And you desparately need at least three pep talks a day to keep you going.

22. Because you're a soon-to-be December graduate who has less than 30 days to get it together! 

Growing up, man. It's hard.

The KKK Just Really Loves Donald Trump

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According to Cosmopolitan, the Ku Klux Klan held a parade to celebrate the election of Donald Trump in North Carolina on Saturday. Right away you might be thinking, "wait seriously?", I assure you, this actually did happen. 

The parade, which was held in Roxboro, North Carolina, had a full police escort, according to the Burlington Times-News, and there were State troopers stationed around intersections while "30 vehicles drove around the town." 

It is also reported that "men and women shouted “White power!” and “Hail victory!” from vehicles flying KKK flags, Confederate battle flags, Donald Trump flags and Christian flags" during the parade on Saturday afternoon. 

Sorry to be frank, but this is absolutely 100% not okay. 

How to 'Grow Out' Your Hair Color & Go Back to Your Natural Shade

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Whether you're attempting to undo a beauty makeover gone wrong or simply want to go back to your natural color, the process can be daunting. Fortunately, we have the secrets to growing out dyed hair. Follow these tips to achieve the clean slate you've been craving.

For Lightened Hair

We all know that coloring hair can be addictive, and if you've used highlights or have dyed the entirety of your locks a lighter shade, you may be aware of the struggle it takes to go back to your darker tone without the usage of heavy dyes.

For Highlights

The first thing you should do is to stop the upkeep of colored hair; let your roots grow out!

“You can grow it out and embrace an ombré look until regular haircuts even the shade, or replace those highlights with lowlight in a shade close to your natural color every 6 to 12 weeks until the highlights have disappeared,” writes Iowa-based hair expert Kendra Aarhus in an About.com post.

For Fully Lightened Hair

Do not lose hope—it is possible to regain your natural hue! “The first step is to let your hair grow out for at least two to three months. This will give your stylist a good sample of your natural color,” says Aarhus. “Next, you'll need to do a ‘tint back’ to a shade that is as close to your natural color as possible.”

Depending on the state of your hair (as in, how healthy or damaged it is) and how much dye was used to lighten it, the time it takes for hair to fade back to its natural state may vary. Either way, a filler, or a protein used to equalize the porosity of the hair shaft and cuticle, will most likely be required to successfully tint your hair back to its proper shade. “Proper hair filling will ensure that your hair tone is even and will prevent your hair from turning green or muddy,” says Aarhus.

We all can appreciate some great hair products, right? Additional healing products like hair treatments such as Biosilk Silk Therapy and L'Oréal® Paris Hair Expertise Oleo Therapy Perfecting Oil Essenceas as well as frequent visits with your hair stylist are recommended to help ensure that your locks stay healthy through the pigment-replacing process. It is also advised to always be honest and up-front with your stylist about the history of your dye jobs so that he or she can help you find the quickest results in restoring natural colors!

For Darkened Hair

For a sleek and elegant look, many opt to dye their hair a darker color to contrast their skin tone or stay in style for the winter season. To return to a lighter natural shade, a tint-back is also required, but in a bit of a different process.

“Your stylist will remove the darker color by lightening via a soap cap application or a color remover application. After the darker color has been lifted to the desired natural level, a color or color toner will then be applied in the natural shade that you desire,” says Aarhus. She also warns that a lighter color of dye cannot be successfully used to lighten hair that has already been colored darker, and may end up in a huge disaster (seriously) if attempted!

Patience is another factor that contributes to gorgeous, natural hair. After allowing your natural hair to grow back for two to three months, frequent appointments with a stylist are also highly recommended when ridding your hair of its dark pigments and lead you to ultimately uncovering your natural beauty.

Good luck in your (un)coloring ventures, collegiettes! 


17 Things That Would Happen If Dogs Took Finals

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Okay, so dogs aren't taking finals, but a girl can dream. Whether they'd be in the library cramming or in the exam room staring up at you with those sweet droopy eyes, here's a little taste of the paradise that a college campus could become if puppies got degrees!

1. They'd make a ton of noise in the library

No matter how cute you are, this is a no-no.

2. They'd stress-eat

No one is safe from stress-eating. NO ONE. 

3. They'd reread their notes and realize they daydreamed about naps during every class of the semester

Why does none of this make sense? Why is half of this page doodles? Why am I here? 

4. They'd call their moms asking if they still love them if they failed all their finals

Or maybe their moms are at school with them? This situation has not been fleshed out completely, but either way their moms would love them unconditionally. 

5. They'd drink too much caffeine

 Imagine how much they would pant if they drank iced coffee out of their water bowl?

6. They'd have an existential crisis about their majors

What if Uncle Roy was right and there ARE no more jobs left? I need to become a doctor or a coder now—screw my liberal arts degree! 

7. They'd plod around campus in their finest groufits

Don't act like you don't do the same thing. Who has time to wear anything except sweatpants during finals week? 

8. They'd drool on their exams

Maybe if they slobbered, none of us would have to take the exam—count me in!  

9. They'd eat a well-balanced bowl of puppy chow on the morning of the exam

"There has never been a sadness that can't be cured by breakfast food." Thanks, Ron Swanson—and this dog, probably.  

10. They'd arrive to the exam on time because they are responsible students

 Good seat for a good boy!

11. They'd get comfortable in their exam seat

Hopefully the classroom would be a little bit more accommodating than this tiny dog bed, but at the same time, maybe this would be ideal. 

12. They'd distract professors and fellow students with their cuteness 

I'd give them an A++++ for this wink alone.

13. They'd ace the exam because they are genius pups

Whether they deserve it remains to be seen.  

14. They'd take an amazing nap after

No better rest than stress-free, anxiety-free, post-finals rest.

15. They'd beautify themselves for an evening of celebration

Nails done, HAIR done, everything diiiid.

16. They'd have an amazing post-finals dance party

Breaking it down and barking it out.

17. They'd sing karaoke

I'm not sure why this would happen, but I still feel like it definitely would. Naturally the song would be "Who Let the Dogs Out" by the Baha Men.  

15 Signs You & Your BFF Are Basically Dating

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

1. You talk every day

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

2. You have one too many dinner dates

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

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

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

4. You comment on all of their photos

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

5. You get jealous over a new friend

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

6. They have a strange nickname on your phone

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

7. Good morning/Goodnight texts

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

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

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

9. You talk about the future

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

10. You trust their opinion

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

11. You get each other

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

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

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

13. You text about nothing and everything

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

14. They are the first to know anything about you

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

15. You guys have a no-judgment zone

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

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

How She Got There: Rachel Fong, Creator & Host of YouTube's Kawaii Sweet World

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Name: Rachel Fong
Job Title and Description: Creator and Host of Kawaii Sweet World
College Name/Major: Stanford University Intended B.A. in Science, Technology and Society
Website:kawaiisweetworld.com
Twitter Handle:@kawaiisweeteats
Instagram Handle: @kawaiisweeteats

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

Rachel Fong:Usually I'm either filming or editing day. I never know if anything is gonna go wrong or how it's gonna turn out. It also depends on what collaborations I’m working on. I’ve worked with Wilton in the past and with some app companies so that always changes up my daily schedule. I have done a couple of shoots in LA but a typical day for me at home is filming and editing. It varies based on what projects I’m working on.

What is the best part of your job?

RF: Interacting with subscribers! I love reading their comments and one of my favorite things to do is stay on my YouTube channel after posting a video and comment. People are surprised when I write back to them. Being a YouTuber this is one of the best parts of the job. The most touching comments are when people say I inspire them to bake or be more ambitious. I always love when people send me photos of deserts that they have made. It’s great to see that my videos have an impact.

How did you get started on YouTube?

RF: I got started in 2010 on Christmas eve by entering this crafting contest. I was into watching these craft videos on YouTube. I didn’t win, but once I had the channel I made more videos and switched from crafting to baking. I built a studio in 2015 which is when I started appearing on camera and got a jump in subscribers. It’s great to be on camera because people have a face to connect to.

What advice do you have for women looking to start their own channel?

RF: Be yourself and be genuine - it's always more fun. Learn to be on camera. It was a difficult skill at first but I eventually learned to take a deep breath and relax. That’s when you produce the best content, is when you are having fun.

What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?

RF: My senior quote by Conan O'Brien, "if you work really hard, and you're kind, amazing things will happen." That's something I really believe in. Along the way just be a kind person and people will really appreciate it. 

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

RF: I think the biggest mistake I made at the beginning was undervaluing my work. I was working with larger brands who would ask me to whip up a video or something fun and in return, I would get a free cake pan. I thought I couldn’t ask for a fair deal. Don’t be afraid to self-advocate and ask for a fair rate. Learn to not sell yourself short even when working with larger brands. Know that it's ok to say no.

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

RF: Speaking at the Los Angeles Cooking Convention in 2013. That was the first time I met subscribers in person and it was a really special moment for me. Sometimes people recognize me on the street which is always crazy because I never thought my channel would grow to what it is now. I'm also an ambassador for the She's The First #BakeAChange campaign. I'm making videos demonstrating how to hold a bake sale for the campaign which encourages people to hold these bake sales to raise money for scholarships given to women in low-income countries. I am so excited to be their ambassador. 

Have you hired anyone to work with you on your videos?

RF: I'm a one woman team as of now - I film, edit, and produce everything. I wanted to hire a production assistant but they would just be a glorified dishwasher.

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

RF: Something that's always been important in my YouTube career is always following through. If you tell someone that you’re gonna do something - do it. People will recognize it if you learn to follow through. That’s a priceless reputation, to be someone that's reliable and trustworthy.

 

Fill out my online form.

Why I Won't Be Watching the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

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By Branca Lessa de Sa

The opinions expressed in this article are the author's own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.

I remember when I first heard of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. I was 13, and the only underwear I owned was from the kids' section of Marks and Spencer’s [the UK equivalent of Target]. At school, two of my friends started talking about this show as if it were a World Cup final—an international cultural phenomenon, totally un-missable. I was confused; at this point the Victoria’s Secret stores didn’t exist in the UK and, as I said, sexy lingerie was not yet a part of my tomboyish teenage girl world. Nonetheless, I agreed to go watch the catwalk at my friends’ house when it aired.

That was the first and last time I watched the show. Now, I wish I could say that I was boycotting Victoria’s Secret for political or moral reasons, an ideological aversion to their lack of diversity, dubitable ethics or advocacy of unrealistic body sizes.

While all these things do bother me, the truth is that I just don’t find it entertaining. The problem with the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is that it attempts to be everything, and ends up being nothing.

It’s not really a fashion show, because let’s be honest, the main focus isn’t fashion, and the primary commodity isn’t the lingerie but the models themselves.

It’s not really a concert, because the performers are overshadowed by models in ornate underwear and oversized jewel-encrusted wings (???), and are left with little to no artistic freedom.

It’s not really reality television because the protagonists—the so-called Angels—can do little more than blow kisses at the audience and talk about how excited they are to walk on that catwalk and blow kisses at the audience.

So what is the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, and why is it still such a popular cultural phenomenon?

In essence, the Fashion Show is one big publicity stunt, a multi-million dollar commercial trying to disguise itself as something else.

Yes, we live in a society where virtually everything is a commercial enterprise—from football, to art, to education. And yes, often, this drive for profit is an incentive for creativity and innovation. The problem is that the Victoria’s Secret show—the pinnacle of brand advertisement—tries so hard to pretend it’s something more than it is, something with truly noble purposes, that it successfully tricks people and can have severely harmful consequences.

The Victoria’s Secret models are not just any ordinary models—they are celebrities with whom we are familiarized and made to revere through a series of publicity feats. To be a Victoria’s Secret angel is not merely to be tall, slim and pretty—it is to be somehow exemplary, one of the “chosen ones.” According to the behind-the-scenes interviews, all young girls dream of one day being an ‘Angel’ and parading down the runaway in an add-two-cup-sizes push-up bra and stiletto heels.

But maybe the beauty of the show lies in the fact it embraces female sexuality, some argue. It provides a space where young girls and women are encouraged to be sexy without being judged.

…really?

Yes , the women are stunning, and the lacy bras and thongs and lingerie sets they parade are incredibly sexy. 

But these women are not sexual agents in any way, shape or form. The most agency these models do get is the opportunity to blow a kiss to the audience at the head of the catwalk.

And the wings? They serve as a reminder to us all that these girls are both stunning and virtuous. They are sexy without sexual agency, naughty without any actual naughtiness. They are the embodiments of ideal femininity in a culture where women are required to be desirable without desiring, beautiful and submissive.

This lack of agency makes sense because the Angels’ bodies are temporarily not their own—they are the brand’s. The Victoria’s Secret cast’s unattainable, ethereal bodies are the company’s most expensive commodity.

And it all works wonderfully. The target audience buys it, year after year. Teenage girls worldwide ogle Adriana Lima and Lily Aldridge’s skinny limbs and toned stomachs with envy, wanting these features for themselves.

Indeed, this is in accordance with the original premise of the company—a company started by a man for men. Roy Raymond, the founder of Victoria’s Secret, wanted other husbands to feel comfortable when buying lingerie for their wives. And while the brand has long abandoned this premise, their endorsement of a patriarchal notion of women and femininity continues.

So there it is: the reason I don’t watch the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is because I don’t find anything that reduces women to commodities entertaining.

These College Women Used a Class Project to Fight the Luxury Tax On Tampons

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Women's healthcare always seems to be a hot topic, and it's become even more so since the presidential election. Everbody has a strong opinion on who should have the right to birth control, abortion and…tampons? Yes, pads and tampons are a political issue, too—Did you know that these items come with a luxury tax? Yes, you pay extra for pads and tampons because they're classified as a luxury. But two women from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles are fighting to change that.

Loyola Marymount communications students Emily Campbell, 20, and Maddy Jones, 22, are raising awareness on the tampon tax both on their campus and on a larger level. The two started their campaign as a project for their Rhetoric of Social Movements class.

“We both wanted to do something that was attending to women’s rights and justice for women,” Campbell, a senior from Portland, Ore., said. “It was actually Maddy’s idea to look into the tampon tax, and I didn’t really even know that much about it. I’ve heard about it and was interested in it, but I’ve never really looked into it. This was an opportunity to look deeper into it. And it kind of just took off from there.”

The campaign includes a GoFundMe page, which has raised $210 of its $500 goal. All of the proceeds from the fundraiser will go toward the purchase of feminine hygiene products for the Downtown Women's Center in Los Angeles, which provides homeless women with housing, health services and an opportunity for success. Campbell and Jones have also held drives outside of local grocery stores, where they ask customers to either donate money, or purchase pads and tampons at the store to donate. They’re also thinking about reaching out to a representative in their area who has an interest in the tampon tax.

The two believe that the tampon tax is an issue that matters to more than just college women.

“It’s an issue that all women should care about,” Campbell said. “And it’s an issue college women should care about because right now we are in a time when things aren’t necessarily going well in our government and in our country. Millennials: it’s our time to take charge and make a difference in the world.

“Periods are not a choice," she continued. "That’s not something we choose. All women need to attend to this because all women have to buy these products. And they’re already expensive, and some women already can’t afford them. So taxing tampons and considering it a luxury is not okay.”

Campbell and Jones started this project before the election, and admit that the election results were not what they expected or hoped for.

“We had a positive attitude at the beginning. We thought our next president was going to be female,” Campbell said. “But the election kind of downed our spirits. But it’s all the more reason to be advocates.”

Women across the country can help advocate for this issue, Campbell said. Simply starting the conversation—Campbell’s mom didn’t even know about the tampon tax before her daughter’s project started—and getting educated is an important first step. Because not everyone is able to donate or hold drives, it’s important to do what you can, which includes talking with those around you, signing petitions and contacting local representatives.

So far, the campaign has gotten a positive response. Everyone around Campbell and Jones has loved it, including friends, family, peers and professors—even though LMU is generally a more conservative campus. Campbell noted that a lot of people knew nothing about the tax, and being able to tell people and make them aware of this issue was important to her.

You can donate to Campbell and Jones’ #AxTheTax GoFundMe page here, and they also ask that you consider signing petitions that recognize the need to remove the tampon tax both federally and statewide.

Chris Pratt Has Been Trolling Jennifer Lawrence on Social Media & It Just Keeps Getting Funnier

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Jennifer Lawrence is our go-to actress for having a laugh over a funny story from filming, but the notorious prankster may finally have a costar that can keep her on her toes. While she’s jetting across the world with Chris Pratt for their Passengers publicity tour, Jennifer has ended up the target of some clever social media pranking from Chris.

According to Refinery29, Chris started off the series of jokes by cropping Jennifer out of a selfie they took at the Eiffel Tower.  

This totally warrants a giggle, but Chris was just getting started. After posting a few other cropped images of his costar, he then hit up Instagram to make sure that J. Law’s image got some love. 

 

As promised. My best buddy #jenniferlawrence Sorry for messing with you guys before.

A photo posted by chris pratt (@prattprattpratt) on

Do you think Jennifer will find a way to get back at him? Seeing that Chris has been cropping Jennifer out of pics for almost a week, let's just say that we have a feeling the rest of this press tour could be very entertaining. 

6 Signs You’re Way Too Stressed Out & What to Do About It

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As we hit crunch time in the semester and final papers, projects and exams take over every aspect of our lives, stress begins to pile up as well. And the worst part is, we’re so consumed by the things that are stressing us out that we don’t even notice the toll it’s taking on our mental and physical health. We asked both collegiettes and an expert to weigh in on some signs that indicate you're way too stressed and what to do when that stress is becoming too much to handle.

1. You’re breaking out

One of the most common stress-related complaints from collegiates is that when they’ve got too much going on, their skin breaks out. “I’m not getting enough sleep when I’m stressed, and I’m not really taking care of my body how I should be,” admits Amber Layfield, a graduate of Appalachian State who notices that her skin tends to act up during stressful times. She adds that when she’s busy, important daily parts of her routine—like washing her face every night—sometimes get put on the back burner. Though it can be easy to abandon these habits because you’re so busy (or just because you forget), when you’re stressed out, taking care of yourself becomes all the more important.

In addition to always being sure to wash your face and remove makeup before bed, try to incorporate a little something extra into your routine, like a weekly face mask. Feeling Beautiful Dead Sea Minerals Anti-Stress Mask clears pores, prevents stress-related breakouts and has a calming, aromatherapeutic scent. It’s also less than five dollars at most drugstores—what’s not to love?

Related: How to Deal with Stress & Anxiety in Your 20s

2. You’re tensing up

Auburn University graduate Lindy Olive notes that her “eyes twitch and back aches” when she’s feeling stressed. “Yoga is a must,” she adds. “I always find time in my schedule for yoga and a workout.” So, yes, it is possible that the key to reducing stress may be to add yet another item to your already-packed schedule. However, setting aside time for the many positive physical and mental benefits of yoga (or another exercise routine you find enjoyable) can work wonders for your health.

Stress might seem to be purely a mental thing, but it tends to manifest itself in physical ways. Dr. Belisa Vranich, a clinical psychologist, public speaker and author of Breathe: 14 Days to Oxygenating, Recharging, and Fueling Your Body & Brain, says we must be careful to avoid “forward head posture, which gives you neck and shoulder pain. You’re jutting your head too far forward, and this has long term severe health consequences.” This happens because we’re stressed out and spend so much time in front of computer screens and looking down at our phones. Get in the habit of sitting up straight and keeping your shoulders down instead of tensed up close to your head and neck—though it takes practice, your body will stop sending out the extra stress signals, and you’ll save yourself a lot of muscle pain in the long run.

3. You’re never feeling 100 percent

How often do you complain to your friends or roommates that you’re tired or feeling sick? Probably a lot more than any of us would care to admit. “Many of us are actually stress addicts,” says Dr. Vranich. We try to take on more tasks (whether they’re academic, professional, extracurricular or even social) than any person can reasonably handle, and then suffer long-term health consequences as a result. She adds that feeling chronically tired, sick or achy is often stress-related. “You might be having backaches, but told that your back’s okay, you have migraines even though you’ve done everything you’re supposed to, you have stomach problems even though you don’t have any food allergies—having something wrong that isn’t being resolved is usually related to stress.”

Dr. Vranich compares being stressed out to having a cup of strong coffee—when we’re high on caffeine, we feel like we can accomplish anything. When we’re stressed out, we feel a certain high from being busy or feeling important. But in the long term, after the caffeine wears off, we come crashing down and feeling energetic becomes difficult again. If you’re getting headaches or you’re achy and lethargic for lengthy periods of time, try some yoga or deep breathing instead of reaching for a bottle of Advil and see if it really is stress at the root of your problem.

4. You’re not winding down

You've heard a million times that you should be getting your eight hours of sleep every night, but it's a heck of a lot easier said than done. “Most people nowadays can’t go to sleep right away, wake up too early or are just having bad sleep altogether,” says Dr. Vranich. “Part of it is that we go from running and running and running all day to just wanting to switch off the light and go to sleep. Your body just doesn’t work that way.” She advises to come up with a nightly routine to wind down with—which is definitely much easier said than done, when we’re often at club or group project meetings until late at night or studying for exams into the wee hours of the morning.

“I have started to force myself to go home at a certain time so I can make dinner and rest for about an hour and a half, and make sure I go to bed at a decent hour,” says Amber. “It's better to get enough sleep and start your day early than not get enough sleep and force yourself to get up early the next day!” Amber also adds that she avoids caffeinated beverages after 2:00 p.m. every day.

Investing in a planner and setting aside a little bit of time at the start of the week to figure out when you’ll be able to get your work done (without having to cram an entire project into one night) will help you visualize your week and incorporate your eight hours each night. And of course (you’ve probably heard this a million times, but it never seems to be enough), you should try to stop checking your laptop and phone at least thirty minutes before you hit the hay.

5. You’re not breathing right

Surely you’ve heard that taking a few deep breaths can do wonders when you’re stressed out or in a panic. But did you know that there’s actually a right way to breathe? Dr. Vranich explains the importance of horizontal breathing, as opposed to vertical. Most of us are vertical breathers, meaning we use only part of our lung capacity to take in air, making our breaths shallow. When we’re stressed out, we tend to tense up our shoulders and neck and use them when we breathe in—which sends signals to our body to increase heart rate and release cortisol, inducing even more stress. Instead, we should be making use of our abdomen and diaphragm and expand them outward—horizontally—when we take in air. This is why Dr. Vranich also refers to this as “belly breathing”—it allows us to make full use of our lung capacity.

Because breathing is something we do without thinking, it can be difficult to change the way we do it—but it can happen with a bit of focus and practice. A physical sign of stress is less oxygen in the blood, and the only way to get that oxygen back is deeper, more focused breathing.

6. You’re not prioritizing

Dr. Vranich suggests that each day we ask ourselves, “What do I have to do today, and what don’t I have to do today?” We take pride in being busy and a go-getter, because we see it as a sign of being successful. However, there’s a fine line between being accomplished and neglecting our health. We have a false idea in our heads that the world will fall apart if we take even a short time away for ourselves—“and most of the time, it won’t,” she says. “There should be a point where sleep becomes sacred.” We should be sure that we are spending our precious time doing things we really need and want to be doing; it can be as simple as not checking Facebook after a certain time, or deciding to leave a party early because you know your eight hours of sleep are more important than hanging back at an event you aren’t even really enjoying.

Of course, when we’re balancing school, part-time jobs, internships, clubs, friends and family, eliminating stress completely will probably never be possible. But there does come a point where it becomes too much to handle, and you know you need to scale back. Learning good stress-relief habits now will help you later in life, both personally and professionally. Never feel guilty about taking some time for yourself—self-care is as important as any of your other myriad of responsibilities!


Kylie Jenner Stuns in This Sneak Peek of Her Sexy 2017 Calendar

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Kylie Jenner is killing with her marketing skills lately. She recently dropped the news on Instagram that she’s releasing a 2017 calendar with photos shot by Terry Richardson, who has worked with stars like Lady Gaga in the past, Cosmopolitanreports. 

In addition to the on-point cover image that has a crowned Kylie front and center, the back cover photo was also shared, showing the youngest Jenner casually hanging out with a python, as we all do to celebrate the new year, right?

 

KYLIE JENNER 2017 CALENDAR WITH @terryrichardson #December10

A photo posted by Official Kylie Jenner Shop (@thekylieshop) on

Besides the April shot that she revealed via Snapchat, Kylie is keeping the rest of the calendar’s pictures under wraps. If having her pictures on your wall is one of your literal #goals, you’ll have to be quick to snatch up a calendar—they’ll appear in her online store on December 10 (the same day as the store's launch) and will only be available physically at Kylie’s pop-up shop in Canoga Park, California, which will be designed to look like Kylie's actual bedroom.

Will Kylie's kalendar end up on your Christmas list?    

10 Adorable Photos of Victoria's Secret Models Backstage

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On the Victoria's Secret runway, the models look fierce AF and strike some serious poses. Backstage, on the other hand, they are literally all of us—bonding, taking selfies and fangirling when they meet a superstar. Here are some of our favorite pictures from before the show, courtesy of the Angels themselves.

1. Romee Strijd and Adriana Lima pose for a quick selfie:

 

Let's do this, round 1 #VSFS2016

A photo posted by Romee Strijd (@romeestrijd) on

2. Bella Hadid is all business backstage with Lily Donaldson and Joan Smalls:

 

Backstage Babies#VSFS2016 2nd show let's go!

A photo posted by Bella Hadid (@bellahadid) on

3. Lilly Donaldson is camera-ready with her squad:

 

Ready! #vsfashionshow

A photo posted by Lily (@lilydonaldson) on

4. Herieth Paul is bestie goals with Alanna Arrington and Dilone:

 

Catch me and my girls strutting on the @victoriassecret runway! Tonight!! 10/9c on CBS

A photo posted by Herieth Paul (@heriethpaul) on

5. Jasmine Tookes meeting her youngest fan is the best thing ever:

 

When asked what her favorite part of the #vsfashionshow was

A photo posted by Jasmine Tookes (@jastookes) on

6. Devon Windsor takes a starstruck selfie with Lady Gaga:

7. Ming Xi is a fangirl like all of us:

8. Cindy Bruna shows off her endless legs:

 

Legs day w/ @adrianalima #VSFashionshow @victoriassecret

A photo posted by Cindy Bruna (@cindybruna) on

9. Dilone cheeses it up with Leomie Anderson:

 

It's Happening!!!! #vsfashionshow

A photo posted by Dilone (@_dilone) on

10. Adriana Lima celebrates another amazing show:

 

THATS A WRAP THANK YOU EVERYONE

A photo posted by Adriana Lima (@adrianalima) on

The VS Fashion Shows airs tonight at 10 p.m. on CBS.

5 Over-the-Knee Boots You Need This Winter

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Hello, winter, season of hot chocolate, Elf reruns, and fierce trends! This season, over-the-knee boots are making a splash. Paired with the right outfit, these babies are stunning and give you legs for days.  Check out our top picks and prepare to work it!

1. Siren Pia Black Boots ($117 at Lulus)

To really stand out at holiday parties, try pairing your favorite dress or skirt/blouse combo with suede black boots. The heels on these look sleek and sophisticated, while the bow will ensure the boots don't fall down.

2. Steve Madden "Emotions" Over the Knee Boot ($99.95 at Nordstrom)

Faux suede looks gorgeously understated when dressed down with jeans, or dressed up with a skirt.

3. Lace-Up Over-the-Knee Boots ($31.84 at Charlotte Russe)

Lace-up boots are a perfect option for a bit of added spunk. Plus, this peep-toe option lets you show off your festive holiday pedi.

4. Evie Suede Boots ($39.99 at Target)

For the days when you want a cohesive outfit without the added struggle of heels, try a short block heel option. With these affordable boots, you'll be walking in a winter wonderland.

5. Faux Suede Over-the-Knee Boots ($39.90 at Forever 21)

Try pairing a darker outfit with a bright boot option to look extra chic this holiday season.

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In Huge Victory for Water Protectors, Construction on the Dakota Access Pipeline Has Been Halted

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On Sunday night, it was announced that the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline will not be constructed along the planned route, which could have severely damaged the environment, including potentially disrupting access to water for Native Americans inhabiting the Standing Rock Indian Reservation in North and South Dakota. It also would have impacted sacred Native American sites in the surrounding areas. People against the pipeline, calling themselves "water protectors," have been camped out at the site of the pipeline for months.

In an interview with NBC News, Dave Archambault II, the Standing Rock Sioux Chairman, said that he was “thankful that there were some leaders in the federal government who realized that something is not right even though it’s legal and heard, for the first time in history, American Indian issues.”

At this point, alternatives to the initial pipeline route will be explored by the Army Corps of Engineers. Though the future of the pipeline remains unclear, particularly with Donald Trump’s presidency rapidly approaching, the water protectors may now be more likely to leave the site to avoid the dangerous weather guaranteed by North Dakota’s winter. Two weeks ago, water protectors had been issued with a warning that they would be prosecuted if they remained after Monday, Dec. 5.

The Army Corps of Engineers, a government entity responsible for “building and maintaining America’s infrastructure” has a mission to “deliver vital public and military engineering services; partnering in peace and war to strengthen our Nation’s security, energize the economy and reduce risks from disasters.” Notably absent from this mission is the goal to improve environmental sustainability, as if it’s not at all a part of these concerns.

Energy Transfer Partners, the Texas-based company that initiated the construction of the pipeline, responded to the halting of the pipeline, calling it “a purely political action” by the Army Corps of Engineers. Right, because the environment and indigenous rights are totally"purely political" issues and have no effect whatsoever on the quality of people's lives. Sounds like someone needs a history lesson—a real one.

This win is definitely something to celebrate, but we can't get complacent because of it. “It’s hard to get excited, because it might mean nothing...Everybody knows that Trump has some investment into this pipeline, and he’s our next president, so my faith is a little low,” one water protector told NBC.

Democratic Sen. Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota added that “today’s move doesn’t actually bring finality to the project [and] the pipeline still remains in limbo.” Heitkamp has done advocacy work for alternative energy, but, in an interview with CNBC, said, “I just think that this fight is not winnable.”

7 Styling Tips All Tall Girls Need To Know

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While many supermodels who strut their stuff on the runway wearing the newest styles and trends are so tall and have legs that go on for days, it’s harder for the average tall girl to find items that work on their bodies so effortlessly — but sometimes it’s as simple as grabbing the right piece off the rack, no special tall sizes needed! We’ve compiled our seven favorite styling tips for tall girls just for you.

1. Opt for maxi dresses, maxi skirts and midi dresses

Maxi dresses, maxi skirts and midi dresses are practically made for tall girls and their gorgeous long legs. Liz Panella, a senior at the University of Iowa, says to take full advantage of longer pieces like maxi dresses, maxi skirts and midi dresses.

“Something my friends always tell me is that I'm so lucky that I have long legs and am tall for these kinds of pieces,” Liz says. “Maxis and midis are made for tall girls!”

When in doubt, go for longer pieces as they’ll highlight your long legs and gorgeous height.

2. Beware of the high-waisted

Just because high-waisted items seem to be made for tall girls doesn’t mean those are the items you should reach for first in the store.

Samantha Kari, a 2016 grad of Siena College, says, “I always have to watch the waistline on high-waisted dresses or cinched shirts because I have a long torso, so if it's too high-waisted, I'll look ridiculous. Sometimes you can combat that by wearing a flowy cardigan with whatever it is. Sometimes you just have to skip out, no matter how cute it is on the hanger.”

While it’s good to go for longer pieces to highlight your height, those longer pieces can sometimes make you too long, especially when they go so high up on your body and then cut off at your shirt. Depending on your torso and leg length, be careful when choosing waist height on pants.

3. Jumpsuits are essential

Just like maxi dresses, Liz says that jumpsuits are practically made for longer frames, making them absolutely perfect for tall girls.

“Jumpsuits have recently become a thing, especially for tall girls!” Liz says. “Jumpsuits look that much better on a 5'9 girl because it is a one piece outfit, and you gotta have the length for that!”

Once again, opting for a single piece helps to accentuate your tall frame. Pick up a jumpsuit in your favorite color or pattern for an added pop to your outfit.

4. Skinny jeans are your best friend

Charlotte Emeljanow, a junior at University of Western Ontario, says that skinny jeans are a tall girl’s best friend. Don’t worry too much about length as much as fit and tightness.

“My number one tip would be: skinny jeans are your best friend,” Charlotte says. “Flared or boot legged pants often don't have as long of an inseam and can appear shorter on your legs (and no one wants floods SOS). Skinny jeans look longer. And even if they are a little too short, a) that's in style anyway and b) because they fit snug against your ankle, it’s harder to tell that they aren't as long as they should be.”

Many stores carry jean lengths for specific heights and frames. Topshot is great for long inseam jeans, but if you’re looking for something cheaper, Old Navy’s website has many length and height options.

5. Pick up thigh high boots, but not booties

You would think that any pair of shoes would look good on those long legs, but Liz warns that not all shoes are made just right for tall girls. She says to say yes to thigh high boots but be weary of booties.

“All of my short friends are so jealous because they don't feel like thigh highs look good on them,” Liz says. “Some long legs and a pair of thigh highs with a dress or skirt = flame emoji.”

“Something to steer clear of is stubby booties!” she adds. “I'm all for the mid-ankle boogie, but put me in a stubby boot, and it is not good. It doesn't look right when you have long legs in a skinny jean and a really short bootie! The overall flow from shoe to leg looks a bit strange in my opinion!” [Are there any tips for how tall girls can pick a bootie that looks good on their long legs?]

Related: Article Title: 7 Kendall Jenner Outfits You Can Totally Copy

6. Don’t pair super long jeans and crop tops

Something else to be weary of, according to Liz, is trendy outfit pairings. One in particular to steer clear of as a tall girl is super long jeans paired with a crop top.

“Long jeans and crop tops are something I never do,” Liz says. “Because long jeans accentuate the whole body already, a shorter top doesn't always look right (at least on me). I feel way more comfortable and put together when I have a longer top on. It doesn't make me look as tall either!”

7. When in doubt, put on anything oversized or loose-fitting

Like maxi dresses and jumpsuits, anything oversized or loose fitting is perfect for the longer frame of a tall girl. These items were made for you! So these should always be your go-to.

Jessi Henter, a junior a South Dakota State University, lists some favorite items of hers and her friends: “Maxi dresses, skinny jeans as well if you can find them long enough, longer loose shirts, t-shirt dresses, anything kinda loose because tight looks awkward. Basically anything long because it doesn't look weird like it light on a short person.”

Remember the most important fashion tip there is: always opt for something you feel good and comfortable in. Even if an outfit is super cute, it’s not worth it to wear it if you’ll be uncomfortable all day. Happy styling, collegiettes!

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