By Bridgette Craig

As a college student with an anxiety and mood disorder, I am one of millions of students around the country pursuing a degree while also living with mental illness. Unfortunately, I am also one of many students that have found my university’s counseling center to be inadequate in providing treatment when I needed it. After waiting over two weeks for an appointment with a school counselor, I was turned away and told to seek help with an outside provider because my case was too severe and required extended treatment.

This is not an uncommon experience, as many universities are overwhelmed with an influx of students seeking care, and as a result they are denying students with long-term needs in order to preserve recourses. Although there are record numbers of students presenting with symptoms of anxiety, depression and other mental illnesses, college health centers are failing to provide effective treatment to students requiring help.

Like many other students with psychiatric disorders, I felt as if I was left to fend for myself after being denied treatment by my school’s counseling center. Although my university’s health center did not provide me with any aid other than professional referrals, I attempted to find help through other resources that were not mentioned to me by counselors. I discovered a range of things that aided in my well-being, but I also realized that there were many simple programs that could be created in order to help college students with mental health issues, while simultaneously alleviating some of the burden from counseling centers.

Here are six ways that universities can provide alternative resources for students in need:

1. Create “safe space” lounges on campus
The creation of 24/7 safe rooms would allow students who are in distress to seek out a secure space whenever it is needed. Those suffering from mental illnesses are more likely to isolate themselves, and areas like this could provide sanctuary for students dealing with panic attacks, insomnia, and suicidal thoughts when they have nowhere else to turn.

2. Develop peer-led support groups
One of the most beneficial things to people struggling with mental health issues is support from others in similar situations. Peer-led support groups can be just as effective as counselor-led groups and would allow a greater number of students to receive validation, understanding, and encouragement from those around them.

3. Facilitate a one-on-one student buddy system
The benefits of peer groups extend into individualized support, which can provide an even more personal connection for students struggling with ongoing mental health issues. Buddy systems could allow students to have a designated person to reach out to for support, and the mutual feeling of empathy between people struggling with the same issues can be extremely beneficial to both parties.

4. Provide a peer listening service
Many students seeking out counseling services at universities are simply wanting someone to talk through their problems and anxieties with. Unfortunately, these people are thrown into the mix with students that are facing severe psychiatric disorders, and this can deplete recourses that are much needed elsewhere. Peer listeners can be trained in counseling and active listening in order to provide support for students who need an outlet, which could drastically cut down on the students seeking help with counselors.

5. Offer after-hours texting support
While many universities already offer an after-hours counseling help line, students struggling with anxiety and depression are often reluctant to pick up the phone, even if they are in desperate need of help. Texting or messaging support allows students to feel more comfortable reaching out and could potentially save students in dire situations that would be too anxious to seek help in other ways.

6. Make students aware of all services available to them
Finally, universities should make certain that they are educating students on all of the resources available to them. There are many more services than counseling accessible to students struggling with mental health issues, including academic accommodations from their school’s disability resource center. Many students would never be aware of the existence of other services that could help them unless they were told, and it’s critical that students are well informed about all of their options, especially if they are denied help by one recourse. Those who feel compelled to seek help should receive it, and universities should be responsible for pointing students in the right direction.

Oh, Starbucks, thanks for being the greatest coffee company in the entire world! If you’re a collegiette who visits Starbs multiple times a day, uses it as your go-to study spot and is obsessed with Starbucks Rewards and Starbucks for Life, then chances are you are a Starbucks addict. This isn’t a bad thing, trust us. You just know amazing coffee, and you aren’t willing to settle. Here are 15 things only Starbucks addicts understand.

1. Rewards, rewards, rewards.

So many free things.

2. You consider Starbucks your second home.

Basically, you sleep there.

3. You instantly light up when you walk in the doors.

"I'm here, I'm here, I'm here!!!"

4. Your barista knows your name and order by heart.

"Yes, I'll take my usual grande vanilla iced coffee plz."

5. You spend all your money at Starbs, and you don’t feel bad about it.

It's not a want—it's a need. Therefore, you don't feel bad for being broke.

6. If there was a level past Gold, you’d definitely have it.

Sorry not sorry.

7. You can’t go a day without your fave drink.

Need it. Want it. Need it.

8. You check your Starbucks app multiple times a day for new offers.

"All right, what deals do I get today?"

9. When someone asks you if you want Starbucks, you look at them like they're stupid.

Is that even a question?

10. You have withdrawals if you haven’t been to a Starbucks in days.

"If I haven't had my coffee, stay away from me."

11. If a barista makes your drink wrong, then your entire day is ruined.

Worst. Day. Ever.

12. There’s no such thing as “one coffee a day” for you.

Five drinks later…

13. You know every drink on the secret menu.

"You can trust me."

14. You’re always up-to-date on the latest Starbucks news.

"Did you hear about…" Yes, I already know.

15. You dream of working for Starbucks HQ.

Bc all the free coffee in the world.

With the blink of an eye, summer has faded away, and winter is creeping its way back again. But with the cold weather comes the holidays. Want to add some extra warmth to your home away from home? Bring some coziness to your dorm with these cute holiday light designs!

1. Lighted headboard

In most dorms, there’s that awkward wall space behind your pillows that's difficult to decorate. Headboards and posters can definitely add a little flair, but thankfully Meg Diamond shows you how to get this lighted headboard for a relatively low price. All you really need is some tape, Command strips or if you’re brave, some cork board tacks. Voilà! You have your perfect headboard, which also acts as a night light for before-bed reading.

2. Light-strung picture collage

The wall on your side of the dorm is a crucial display of who you are. What you choose to display can really set the tone for a semester. What better way to make your dorm as home-y as possible than by lining your wall with holiday lights? Hanging pictures from the lights, like Kindesign did, is a great way to make sure your side of the room takes on a personality of its own.

3. Faux Christmas tree

We have the perfect solution for the girl without space for a tree. What a cute and resourceful way to add some holiday cheer to your room! Don’t have the wall space to make it happen? Deck the halls by putting this tree on your window. Tape and lights are all you’ll need to complete this project. Not only will it take up minimal space, but it can help spread good holiday vibes to those walking around the quad outside your dorm.

4. Lighted canopy

Do your parents have those random tube holiday lights sitting around the house? Have you ever seen them actually used? No? In that case, this lighted canopy DIY from Handmaidtales is finally giving those long-retired lights a purpose. This canopy can be placed over your bed (making the perfect reading light) or over your desk to give it a more inviting vibe.

5. Spotlight map

Have you been bitten by the travel bug? Use holiday lights to check off just where in the world you’ve been or hope to go. Hazel & Ruby even shows you how to personalize these maps with minimal effort. Hang the finished product over your desk for some inspiration when your ever-present wanderlust kicks in.

6. Icicle lights

This proves that icicle lights can transform your room from simple to simply elegant in an instant.

7. Lit up bunk

White walls and close spaces can make a bottom bunk feel especially bland. Adding globe lights and an excessive amount of blankets and pillows, as Grosgrain did, can transform any boring bunk into a haven of comfort. Globe lights, however, can be pricey. Want to get a similar look but for half the price? All you need is a set of holiday lights and some ping pong balls. We'll even show you how to make the discounted version of these cute lights.  

8. Desk lamp swap

Desks with shelving in college dorms are a blessing in disguise. There’s so much room for storage and so many options for decorating. According to Vagabomb, you should line your desk with any color of holiday lights and ditch the desk lamp! This lighting will make your desk feel less like part of a stuffy dorm and more of a welcoming place to study at.

9. Statement windows

Vagabomb proves that windows can be a source of light at all times of the day. As soon as you dress those dull windows up with dangling lights and sheer curtains, you’ll feel like you’re walking in a winter wonderland.

10. Starry sky

When you were younger, did you ever put glow-in-the-dark stars on your ceiling? Well, this holiday light decor idea from Kindesign is the college version of those glow-in-the-dark stars. With a few Command strips and tape, this can easily become a reality. Soon enough, you’ll be sleeping under the stars every night.

11. Lighted waterfall wall

This curtain of lights from Propinsanity is ideal for jazzing up that awkward space that you have no idea what to do with. Around the holidays, you can even attach various ornaments to create the perfect festive decoration. Thankfully, Architecture Art Design has given us an amazing example to model ours after!

Which of these holiday light decor ideas will you be trying, collegiettes?

Ah, so the holidays are upon us. Everyone is sitting cozy by the fire, drinking warm peppermint flavor mochas and getting festive in any way possible. The tree is trimmed, Mom decorated the entire house to the nines, and school is finally on break. But what else can we do to add to the merriment you may ask? The answer: this Christmas lights manicure, courtesy of The Beauty Department. Be the envy of all of your friends with these super cute and trendy nails!

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What you'll need:

• White nail polish
• Clear nail polish
• Two or three colors to make the lights (We'll be using red, green and gold.)
• Black thread
• Scissors or nail clippers
• A manicure stick or dull pencil to paint the lights on your nails

Step 1:

Start off by painting your nails white. Allow them to completely dry. Your nails will dry faster if you use thinner coats of nail polish. Tip: place your fingers in a cup of ice water for a few seconds, and your polish will dry right away!

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Step 2:

Paint your nails with the clear nail polish, and then proceed to add the black thread. It is easier to do this step one nail at a time.

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Step 3:

Wait for the clear nail polish to completely dry before trimming down your thread to the size you need.

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 Step 4:

Once you're all dry, use the manicure stick or dull pencil to add your colored lights. Make sure to wipe the nail polish off of the tip of the pencil when switching colors.

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Step 5:

Enjoy showing off your DIY Christmas lights mani!

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Happy holidays, collegiettes!

A college freshman with a 4.0 GPA is getting a lot of attention for dropping out of school.

Billy Willson quit Kansas State University and shared his story on Facebook, calling college a ‘scam’ where he learned things he will never use in real life, Fox 4 reported.

“Yes I have dropped out after finishing my first semester (with a 4.0 GPA). And it’s one of the best choices I’ve ever made,” Willson wrote in the Facebook post.

Willson continued the post with complaints against the rising cost of college.

“YOU ARE BEING SCAMMED. You may not see it today or tomorrow, but you will see it some day. Heck you may have already seen it if you’ve been through college. You are being put thousands into debt to learn things you will never even use. Wasting 4 years of your life to be stuck at a paycheck that grows slower than the rate of inflation,” he wrote.

The original post featured a photo of Willson flipping off the KSU sign and has gathered over 11,000 shares and 28,000 likes. Willson wrote in a second Facebook post that he hoped to inspire other people to consider alternate paths to their future, instead of feeling stuck with going to college.

USA Today College reported that Willson now plans to pursue entrepreneurial work, including an electronic store he founded called RaveWave.

“There are so many random people online that are aspiring entrepreneurs and have problems with the college system in general that have come out to me and they’ve been inspired themselves,” Willson told USA Today College.

While there are many benefits to going to college, Willson’s story illustrates that college isn’t the only path out there. Choosing whether or not to go to college is a personal choice that should be made based on your own strengths and future plans.

There may be yet another reason to love Meredith Grey. A study by Harvard doctors shows that on average, senior citizen patients treated by female doctors are less likely to die than those treated by male doctors, according to The Los Angeles Times.

According to the study’s abstract, research has shown differences between male and female medical practices such as women being more likely to adhere to clinical guidelines and administer evidence-based practices. But this study wanted to find out if patients actually had better outcomes—like not dying, for example—when they were treated by a physician of one gender or the other.

The study looked at records of Medicare patients across the country and found that patients treated by women had a 10.82 percent chance of death within 30 days while those treated by men had a 11.49 percent chance of death within the same amount of time.

Across numerous types of illnesses and patients the results remained consistent—women physicians always higher success rates than male physicians, by an average of around one percentage point. Although this difference may seem irrelevant, it’s actually statistically significant when you realize that the researchers analyzed more nearly 1.5 million hospitalizations from 2001-2014.

The study found that overall, Medicare patients in hospitals were 4 percent less likely to die if they were treated by women. With over 10 million Medicare patients hospitalized every year, that means 32,000 lives could be saved, according to the L.A. Times.

Of course, we can't immediately ban all men and only allow women to become doctors. But the medical community definitely needs to figure out what's causing these differences, so that men can reach the level of women doctors. This study also shows that female doctors should absolutely be getting paid the same amount as male doctors—the idea that they're not, when they're actually better at treating patients effectively, is absurd.

While 2016 will surely be remembered as a year dominated by a brutal election cycle, college campuses were brimming with meaningful change for the future. Students showed up in droves to express their righteous anger over issues like gun rights, islamophobia and sexual assault on college campuses nation wide. We saw many universities finally stepping up and making necessary changes, but we also saw some disapointing behavior from them, as well as from some of their students. From Brock Turner only serving three months in jail to college students forming clown-hunting mobs, we can't wait to brag to future generations how we survived this year.

1. Universities banned hoverboards over safety concerns

Students everywhere were just starting to live in "the future" when these nifty machines got to be a little too dangerous for college campuses. 

2. Brown University changed Columbus Day to Indigineous People's Day

This change was an effort to recognize the people who were Americans way before Columbus ever came around. While Brown had been referring to this day as Fall Weekend since 2009, the group Native Americans at Brown called for this appropriate name change. Their main goal was to stop the celebration of an event that spawned genocide, torture and the slave trade and instead celebrate native groups for their contribution to society.

3. A professor left Wheaton College after comments on Islam

After Professor Larycia Hawkins said that Christians and Muslims worship the same God, Wheaton, an evangelical Christian college, worried she might have some major doctrinal differences. At first, the school's provost recommended she be fired, but later apologized and asked for forgiveness. However, Hawkins chose to leave Wheaton shortly thereafter. 

4. College applications became more inclusive

While high school students used to have to check male or female on their college apps, the Common Application and the Universal College Application allowed transgender and gender non-conforming applicants to self-identify. It was a major win for gender inclusivity.

5. Harvard punished members of final clubs, sororities and fraternities for being gender-exclusive

In an attempt to promote gender equality on campus, Harvard banned all members of single-sex organizations from campus leadership positions or opportunities to obtain reccomendations for post-graduate scholarships, starting with the class of 2020. These sanctions were imposed to encourage these organizations to open membership to all students.

6. Brock Turner was released from jail after only three months

Stanford rapist Brock Turner was supposed to be in jail for six months—already a much shorter sentence than many people would have been satisfied with. And then he managed to get out in half the time. After his victim's impact statement went viral, thousands across the nation were enraged that Turner was being let out early. 

7. Baylor University fired their football coach and demoted their president in the same day

The university fired their football coach after several players were accused of sexual assault under his leadership. Ken Starr, the University president at the time, was demoted to chancellor. All of this stemmed from a report showing the university mishandled sexual assault and dating violence reportedly committed by football players. On top of all that, the university was found to be taking action against the students who reported sexual assault. Not okay.

8. The Citadel denied a student's request to wear a hijab

The Citadel, a strict military school in South Carolina, told an incoming freshman that she would not be allowed to wear a hijab because it would break uniform code. Since a hijab is essential to expressing her religion, the student had to choose another school. The U.S. military currently allows turbans if they contain religious significance.

9. SCOTUS upheld UT Austin's affirmative action measures

Affirmative action's constitutionality has been questioned over and over, but the Supreme Court decided in favor this year in regard to UT Austin. Abigail Fisher brought a lawsuit against the university claiming their affirmative action policy affected her admissions decision, as she was not accepted to their institution. Ultimately the Court found that UT Austin was not unfair in its admission process.

10. A pizza ATM opened at Xavier University

One of the happier moments of 2016 was when pizza became automatically available to students at Xavier University in Cincinnati. In a major win for its student body, they now have access to pizza 24/7, and many other colleges have made inquiries into this low-cost option for their own campuses.

11. Stanford banned hard liquor from on-campus parties

In an effort to reduce "high-risk behavior" on campus, Stanford University banned liquor with a 20 percent or higher alcohol content. Students found violating the policy can be expelled from campus housing. Some said this was just a response to the Brock Turner rape case in which both the victim and Turner had been drinking, causing backlash as students said the rule was an indirect solution to the deep-seated problem of sexual assault on college campuses.

12. University of Texas students protested a new gun law with dildos

Students at the University of Texas played dirty and carried around sex toys to protest a Texas law allowing concealed guns on college campuses. Unlike guns, it's illegal to have sex toys on campus. Their slogan was, "If you're packing heat, then we're packing meat." 

13. Brown University students gained access to free tampons in on-campus bathrooms

In the midst of a debate about the luxury tax on tampons, Brown University made a statement that sanitary products are not a luxury, but a necessity. The school now provides free menstrual products for students in all on-campus bathrooms, regardless of gender.

14. A student from the University of Richmond published the receipts from her sexual assault case after the school said she lied

When a student at the University of Richmond was sexually assaulted, the university did little to reprimand the rapist. This student was CC Carreras. After she publically denounced the university for its weak actions, they released a statement about their Title XI procedures and accused Carreras of lying. Fighting back, Carreras bravely published documents from the case that confirmed her story.

15. College Students formed mobs to hunt made-up clowns

How could we forget the clowns? The clown epidemic started in South Carolina and eventually spread to 20 states. Penn State was notable because some of its students actually formed a mob to hunt down (nonexistent) clowns. Students were assured by police forces that these clowns were mostly made-up and not a real problem.

16. University of Maryland approved a student fee to assist the Title IX office

In an effort to increase funding to the Title XI office, the UM Student Government approved a $34 yearly fee for all students. The need for more funding came from more reports of sexual assault on campus and an average wait of 140 days to investigate claims. This fee was a major step forward in acknowledging the necessity of properly funded Title XI offices at educational institutions.

17. UC Berkeley Greek life voluntarily banned parties because of sexual assault reports

After two women were assualted at an off-campus fraternity party near UC Berkeley, the school's Interfraternity Council banned parties of their own accord. It was a refreshing moment in which Greek leaders self-imposed this restriction in an effort to recognize the victims and plan to take preventative measures in the future.

18. BYU made a decision to no longer charge students who report sexual assault with honor code violations

Brigham Young University, one of the most conservative colleges in America, faced backlash in April for suspending a student who reported sexual assault because she had admitted to having premarital sex. Months later, an advisory council said students at BYU who report sexual assault crimes should be given amnesty against honor code violations. The school started following the recommended rule immediately. 

19. Harvard canceled the rest of their soccer team's season to punish them for a sexist tradition

When Harvard found that the 2012 soccer team had created a sexist "scouting report" for the women's soccer team recruits, they ended the rest of the season as punishment. President Drew Faust found the matter completely unacceptable and recommended looking into other sports teams to ensure this was just an isolated incident. After this incident, athletic teams were punished at Amherst, Columbia and Princeton for similarly sexist and racist talk in team group chats.

20. Schools across the nation protested Donald Trump being elected president

After a long year of election madness, many students both in college and high school were shocked to learn Trump had been elected president. Clinton had been favored by most millennials. Across the country, students gathered in protest. Some blocked bridges and used chants calling Trump a fascist, while some schools staged walk outs.

21. A student at Ohio University attacked and left 11 students injured

A student at Ohio University ran his car into a group of students and then got out of the vehicle injuring several others with a butcher knife. He was killed by the police when he refused to obey their orders to stop the attack. Investigators concluded that he was inspired by ISIS. A total of 11 people were injured.

College is a time to open our eyes to how amazing the world is and how many opportunities there are out there. But college is also a time when we find our voices and realize just how to use them for positive changes. One way to use your voice to keep our great big world so amazing is to simply eat better for the environment in the dining hall and demand for your dining hall to make positive change to help the world, too. We’ve teamed up with the Humane Society to teach you how you can eat better for the environment in the dining hall.

Participate in Meatless Mondays

Many dining halls across the country have implemented Meatless Mondays or Lean & Green Days. For those dining halls that haven’t adopted this change, many students are making these choices on their own.

According to the Environmental Defense Fund, if every American replaced one meal of chicken with vegetables instead, the carbon emissions savings would equal that of removing half a million cars off of US roads.

“Our team of chefs and food policy professionals are working with food service directors and chefs at colleges and universities across the country by offering free, hands-on culinary trainings, teaching dining teams how to make easy, healthy, sustainable plant-based foods so that busy and hard-working students can choose sustainable food options that are also delicious,” says Kate Watts, Food Policy Coordinator with The Humane Society.

Steer clear of beef

Did you know that one pound of wheat or vegetables takes 25 gallons of water to produce? And one pound of soy takes 250 gallons? And did you know that one single pound of beef takes nearly 2,600 gallons of water to produce?

“Research suggests that eating less animal meat and more plant-based protein is the best way to protect the environment,” says Ken Botts, a Food Policy Manager with The Humane Society. “Animal agriculture contributes more greenhouse gases then all the cars, trains, plans and other transportation combined.”

Eat more fruits and veggies

Eating more plant-based meals is the best way to be more sustainable. Growing and transporting plant-based foods to consumers uses less water, energy and fuel and is overall better for the environment than animal based meals.

Producing plants is far less wasteful and damaging to the environment. Plus, your health will thank you for consuming more plants.

“This certainly qualifies as an outside-the-box consideration for sustainability when you think about chronic, preventable diseases like heart disease, type two diabetes, and come cancer and the resources and energy it takes to treat these,” Watts says.

This notion is supported by health organizations across the country, including the US Dietary Guidelines Committee, who says, “A dietary pattern that is higher in plant-based foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds, and lower in animal-based foods is more health promoting and is associated with lesser environmental impact than is the current average U.S. diet.”

Push for positive change

All of that being said, student demand is the greatest agent for change. When it comes to menu options and dining operations, chefs and their culinary teams genuinely want to create food that students want to eat and tend to go to every length to accommodate them.

Watts points out that if students want their dining halls to promote more sustainable food choices, they should let their voices be heard and get to know their dining services team and offer to work with them to implement the kind of change they want. The culinary teams behind the scenes work tirelessly and often go completely unrecognized. Getting involved and offering to help with ideas, research and providing feedback to further their success will go a long way.

“One of the reasons that our Meatless Monday initiative is so successful is because we make it easy for the team in the kitchen: we provide all the resources for free, from recipes to hands-on culinary trainings, and our help never costs a dime,” Watts says. “We do the legwork for the incredible dining teams who already have so much on their plates (pun intended), and we consider every college dining team our partner in helping to create a more sustainable world. When students approach the teams in their dining halls in a similar way, they’ll surely see success in their efforts.”

Eating sustainably is good for your health and for the world, and choosing a diet that can make a positive impact is one of the most tangible ways to make a difference. It has never been easier to be an environmental advocate, and when it comes with a health benefit, that’s a win-win! With more and more students demanding progressive change, it’s easy to see why so many colleges and universities across the country are implementing initiatives like Meatless Mondays. The Humane Society is thrilled to aid every student and dining hall pushing for this kind of positive change.

The Humane Society of the United States has a great resource library of recipes. They also provide free culinary training for institutions looking to add more plant-based items to their offerings. Email Ken Botts at kbotts@humanesociety.org for more information.

The holiday season is finally here, and you know what that means! Now is the time to bake our little hearts out. December is the perfect month to hold holiday cookie swap parties with your friends, bake for those who are important to you or just to treat yourself. Here are 32 scrumptious recipes you have to try.

Peppermint Shortbread Cookies

These Mom on Timeout cookies put a minty twist on the classic shortbread cookies you already love. Plus, they're just right for a cookie swap.

Eggnog Cookies

If you love a nice glass of spicy eggnog by the fire, then these cookies from Chef-in-Training are for you. What’s better than a chilled glass of eggnog? A warm cookie, of course! 

White Chocolate Dipped Ginger Cookies

Surprise your holiday guests with a very uncommon ginger cookie. These Cooking Classy treats are sure to be a crowd pleaser and at the top of everyone’s favorite cookies list. The cute holly leaf design is an added touch; however, you can get creative with these and decorate them any way you'd like! 

Peppermint White Chocolate Pudding Cookies

Pudding in the mix creates extra moist cookies that are sure to please everyone this holiday season. The cooling peppermint smooths out the creamy white chocolate. Let The Baker Mama show you exactly how to add the perfect amount of pudding into the mix. 

Italian Anisette Cookies

These Amanda's Cookin' cookies are an annual must. Italian Anisette cookies are light and not super filling, so feel free to eat a few extra! 

Grinch Cookies

These tasty cookies from In Katrina's Kitchen are made with cake mix, making them super fluffy. The tiny Grinch heart should put you in the giving mood this holiday season, too. 

Cranberry Orange Cookies

These cookies from Your Homebased Mom provide a bit of sunshine in the cold winter months. The orange should remind you that the warmer months are not as far away as they seem, and the cranberry is evocative of the holiday season. These cookies are sure to be a new crowd favorite.

Raspberry Almond Cookies

Raspberry almond is another one of those classic flavors you just have to have around the holiday season. You'll be baking batches of these Parent Pretty sweets in no time. 

Holiday Cake Mix Cookies

Cake mix cookies are absolutely delicious. With these Parent Pretty goodies, you get the fluffy texture of cake in the form of a cookie. It’s the best of both worlds. This recipe can be used year round by substituting the holiday colors of the candy pieces for any color you chose! 

Related: How to Make Your Own Cookie Butter (Using Any Cookie!)

Christmas Tree Peanut Butter Blossoms

Java Cupcakes adds a decorative twist to your favorite peanut butter kiss cookies.With a bit of green frosting, a steady arm and a dash of sprinkles, you can create these peanut butter tree cookies.

Chocolate Crinkles

Another favorite that is sure to please everyone this holiday season, this Simply Recipes creation is foolproof. 

Snowdrop Cookies

These Right at Home snowdrop cookies are also commonly known as Mexican wedding cookies or Russian teacake cookies. But looking like a snowball is enough to make them the perfect holiday cookies.

Thumbprint Snowman Cookies

These cookies are almost too cute to eat. This In Katrina's Kitchen recipe is also loads of fun and would make for a great girls night in activity.

Hot Cocoa Cookies

If you can turn a drink into a cookie, then why not do it, right? These Glorious Recipes cookies taste just like hot chocolate. We suggest snacking on them while sitting by the fire on a snowy day. 

Holiday Present Cookies

These Family Fresh Meal cookies are sure to surprise your guests. Fill them with a special holiday surprise, and they're sure to please. 

Gingerdoodles

A cross between snickerdoodles and gingersnaps, these Budding Baketress cookies are absolutely delicious! It's a tasty twist on two classic favorites. 

Cherry Chocolate Kiss Cookies

The cherries in this Frugal Mom Eh mix create a gorgeous eye-popping red. Chocolate + cherries = yum!

Peppermint Mocha Cookies

You can now enjoy your favorite Starbucks drink in cookie form. No lie: these Baking a Moment cookies taste exactly like Starbuck's peppermint mocha.

Holiday Stained-Glass Cookies

You can create so many different designs with this Evermine recipe. The edible stained-glass is sure to impress, too.

Christmas Peppermint Patties

Charlie Brown fans, these Mom on Timeout sweet treats are for you. 

Gingerbread

It isn't the holiday season without some gingerbread cookies, so this EHow recipe is a must. Plus, this has to be the quickest and easiest gingerbread recipe we've ever seen!

Red Velvet Cookies

Who doesn't love red velvet? Thanks to Rachel Cooks we can enjoy these all season long.

Red Velvet Candy Cane Kiss Cookies

If a plain red velvet cookie just isn't doing it for you, Delightful E Made has an amazing alternative. The chunks of candy canes add a minty touch to the sweet red velvet. 

Brownie Sugar Cookies

These awesome Whole and Heavenly Oven cookies combine another two of our favorites: sugar cookies and brownies! We're trying these, like, immediately. 

Pecan Crescent Cookies

We have a feeling Santa might like these Lady Behind the Curtain cookies. Bonus: they just so happen to look great sitting on a plate by the Christmas tree.

Marble Sugar Cookies

You can get very creative with this Two Sisters Crafting recipe. The marbling of the colors is super festive, and the dough can be cut into tons of different holiday shapes.

Dreidel Surprise Cookies

These cookies from Table Spoon are perfect for Hanukkah. Stuff them with an extra surprise for maximum delight.

Tree Meringue Cookies

These cookies from The Silly Girl's Life could pass for edible Christmas decorations. They're way too festive not to try this holiday season. 

Hanukkah Glitter Cookie Balls

Save this Martha Stewart recipe because the colors of these cookies can be changed to fit any special event.

Jam Filled Sugar Cookies

These Food and Wine jam-filled treats are sure to occupy every holiday cookie spread this season. 

Holiday Latte Cookies

Not only are these cookies adorable, but they're perfect for collegiettes. Definitely make these Klickitat Street sweets with your besties to see who can design the best Starbucks holiday cup.

Saying “I love you” to your SO is a huge, exciting and very romantic step in your relationship. But many collegiettes find themselves in relationships where the simple “I love you” while you’re out to dinner or watching a movie may not make the cut. You need a wonderful way to say it for the unique and special relationship you and your SO have. Even if you don’t hold a boom box over your head or have a horse-drawn carriage to sit in, you can tell your SO how much you love him or her in a heartfelt way. Whether you’ve said those words before, or you aren’t ready to say them yet, there are so many ways you can show your SO you care.

1. Brew an “I love you a latté”

Show him or her how much you care with some sweet latté art. It’s an adorable way to show your SO that you’re in love.

“I've always thought it would be adorable to visit a coffee shop with your SO, get the barista to make one of those white hearts on the top of his or her coffee while he or she is waiting at a table and wait for your SO to see it,” says Ashley McDonald, a senior at Central Michigan University. “That would be the perfect way to say 'I love you.' Men need to take note of this.”

If caffeine and a heart don’t spell “I love you,” what does? And if the coffee-shop scene isn’t for you and your SO, try this one at home.

2. Plan a surprise trip for your SO

Let your SO know that you’re open to doing things that you weren’t before you started dating, especially things that your SO likes and you haven’t tried before!

“If your partner is a big ‘acts of service’ person, [see] if you can figure out a way to serve them, like scheduling a mission trip or doing something in your city, like going to a homeless shelter,” says Jay Hurt, a relationship coach and author of The 9 Tenets of a Successful Relationship. “Do something you didn’t know they are open to.”

Try planning a trip for your SO that will surprise him or her and show how committed you are to your relationship—whether you want to go to a soup kitchen, try a new roller coaster your SO loves even if you are scared of heights or take him or her on a romantic weekend getaway, your SO will know you love him or her with this sweet gesture. Find something that your SO wants to try or loves doing, and do it with him or her!

3. Give your SO a meaningful gift

Cashmere sweaters and cuff links are nice gifts, but try getting your SO something more significant when you tell him or her you’re in love.

“[See] if you’re able to give them something that really speaks to them,” Hurt says. “If they’re into fashion, and you’re able to buy her a specific Prada bag that she just happens to have been looking at and she thinks you have no idea that she’s looking at, then that’s a way to say, ‘I love you.’”

Don’t worry now that the winter holidays are over—this can apply to birthdays, anniversaries and Valentine’s Day! Small acts of kindness and cute DIY gifts are always appreciated, no matter what time of year.

4. Sing your SO’s praises

Though saying “I love you” can be an intimate, personal moment, one way to let your SO know how much you care is praising him or her in front of your friends in a natural way.

“If you’re at the beginning of a relationship and it’s the first time, and you speak really highly of your SO, that’s a way to make them really feel warm and fuzzy and loved,” Hurt says.

Laughing at your SO’s jokes, praising his or her outfit and giving him or her random compliments in front of friends can let your SO know that you’re comfortable with how amazing he or she is and you want to show it off!

5. Leave little love notes

Nothing tells your SO that you’re thinking about him or her like love notes! They are a thoughtful way to let your SO know that you care and that you’re happy you’re together.

“In the past, I've left little notes for my boyfriend where I know he won't find them for a while,” says Aja Frost, a sophomore at California Polytechnic State University. “For example, I'd hide one in a pair of his socks or in a box of cookies. The notes would usually have an inside joke or a sweet message or a drawing. I know he thought they were super cute and held on to them!”

You know your relationship is built to last, so why not let your SO know? Saying “I love you” can be one of the sweetest and best moments in a relationship—make sure that the first time you say it (and every time thereafter) is special, unique and catered to your SO!

With Christmas only a few days away and ennui at legendary levels, I decided to tackle a trendy and yummy pastime: decorating Christmas cookies a la Pinterest! In the end, I didn't achieve the Insta-ready iced treats I had hoped for — instead, picture icing stuck in my hair, sprinkles flying everywhere, and cookies breaking apart left and right. Some of my results are decent, and most are ho-ho-horrible...get ready to follow me on a wild ride of bad puns and sugar as I document my attempts at trendy internet treats!

Pre-decorating frenzy: look at all the potential here! To start this perilous journey, I made a batch of simple sugar cookie dough, cut out some festive shapes, and gathered up some supplies — homemade royal icing (the shiny, hard kind that looks smooth when dry) and sprinkles, mainly. Visions of sugarplums — er, sugar cookies — were definitely dancing through my head, and I was SO ready to sample the final products! 

Just for some background: although my mom is a highly talented baker, I have exactly zero experience in the cookie arts. I can open a tub of Toll House dough with finesse, and that's just about it, so take my experiences with a grain of salt...and sugar. Your results may vary (and honestly, I pray it does, because this is humiliating.) So, let's get started with the worst of the worst...

The Naughty List

So many things went wrong. Amid a few failed attempts at creativity (I'm looking at you, smudgy Santa,) you'll see 5 exceptionally unfortunate copies of Pinterest cookies. We'll start at the same place I started: the peppermints. The ones at the upper left. Just in case, ya know, you couldn't tell what those were supposed to be. 

The process was supposedly simple: ice a round cookie in white, place 5 tiny drops of pink or red, and then use a toothpick to swirl the colors in a peppermint pattern. It simply isn't that easy. I had to Google what peppermints look like, and still...Moving on — the lovely snowman! Again, Pinterest told me this was simple: add a marshmallow to a white cookie and decorate carefully, and you'll have a melting version of Frosty right there on your cookie tray. I'm just not sure how to say this, kids...Pinterest lies. The scarf at least worked out okay, I guess? It's kind of a blur of running icing and ineffective cookie markers. I would strongly advise using frosting for the buttons and arms if any of you are brave enough to try this one at home. Not cool, (or cold, amirite?) but decently tasty. You just can't go wrong with a marshmallow in circumstances like this. 

You truly are a mean one, Mr. Grinch -- I could only make two attempts at this one before I had to take a break and compose myself. Whoever created the original cookie truly deserves every repin they receive because this is really hard. Let's just say that this little endeavor made me understand the story of the Grinch a little more...if you asked me to do this again, I truly would have no problems sneaking into your house and stealing Christmas. 

Ah, the Mory C Ancr as cookie. I would like to have a talk with all of the decorating geniuses of the internet who keep posting pictures of like, sonnets that are painstakingly copied onto cookies, because who gave them the right to make us mere mortals think we, too, can put words on desserts? It's just not write. (I'll see myself out now.)

No hard feelings if this was you trying to decode that cookie. 

Last, and definitely least... do I get any redemption for having a healthy modicum of school spirit? To rep my beloved Winthrop U, I attempted to make the WU cookie the most festive by improving upon my original design (which wasn't even BAD) by adding sprinkles that were supposed to represent Christmas lights. Spoiler alert: don't do that. 

It's okay, you can read on without fear now! That's the end of the worst cookies. Now we turn to the Nice List...and I use that word loosely. 

First off the bat, you probably see that the Grinch, Frosty, and the beloved WU have made an encore appearance -- I slightly tweaked my approach and came out with cookies that I wouldn't be too mso-ascii-theme-font:major-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"ＭＳ 明朝";mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language: EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA">embarrassed to offer up on Christmas. The ornaments next to the WU were created by copying my failed peppermint swirls onto a different cookie, and I'm not even mad about how they turned out. Also, take a look at the candy cane in the upper left-hand corner: I didn't even have to copy that. You heard it here first, ladies: I iced a candy cane with two colors and put sprinkles on it without instructions. When you're done praising me, we'll move on to the next two Pinterest attempts: first up is the sparkly star. 

I followed the instructions -- dunking a cookie with still-wet icing into sanding sugar leaves you with a cookie that is A) ENCRUSTED in sugar and B) sparkly, so basically this is the best thing ever. However, it wasn't enough for me to follow instructions! High off of the wild success of my candy cane, and enticed by all of the shiny options available, I got a little extra and went in on this cookie with edible glitter and pearls. #noregrets

Last on this cookie journey, we have the snowy fir trees! All you have to do is ice a tree-shaped cookie green, and then wait for it dry. Next just pipe small white line at random intervals and use a paintbrush to brush upwards before it dries! (Stray red icing smudge optional.) 

So that was a wild, wild ride! I gained lots of respect for professional/talented decorators. This is a lot harder than it looks! With some practice I could probably improve my cookie skills, but I'm putting my piping bag down for a while...some things are better left to the pros and the Internet. These cookies wouldn't get many repins (well, maybe to a Pinterest Fails board...) but at the end of the day they're delicious and will be perfect to snack on with my fam while we wait up for Santa — and isn't that what it's all about?

From my family, campus, and (very messy) kitchen to yours — Happy Holidays, collegiettes! 

It's almost Christmas and that means finding ways to get into the holiday spirit. Who better to look to for inspiration than your favorite celebrities? Here are some of this year's best celebrity holiday outfits, you know, just because.

1. Miley Cyrus

Embracing the holidays in full force.

2. Christina Aguilera

Channeling her inner Mrs. Claus at an annual Christmas party.

3. Lorde

Oh you know, just being Santa's most musical elf.

4. Kendra Wilkinson Baskett

Who doesn't love a couple in ugly Christmas sweaters?

5. Sofia Vergara

Sofia posted this all the way back in November... same.

6. Emily Ratajkowski

Playing dress-up is the perfect way to get ready for Santa.

7. Bella Thorne

Adding a little spice to the holiday season.

8. Jessica Alba

Snapchat filters totally count as dressing up.

9. Ariana Grande

Ariana also knows Snapchat is what's up.

10. Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom

The power couple spreading holiday cheer in their Christmas best.

11. Mariah Carey

The Queen of Christmas stuns in this sequined leotard.

12. Will Ferrell

And cue the most iconic outfit of them all.

Happy holidays, collegiettes!

Relationships are so overrated, especially when it comes down to the holidays. I mean, hello, the holidays are already stressful enough. Ladies, you do not need a SO to make you happy so stop feeling sorry for yourself! Here are 18 reasons why being single over the holidays is actually bomb! Stop and appreciate this wonderful time in your life. Trust us!

1. No need to struggle in trying to find the perfect present for your SO

2. Matching sweaters? What are those? 

3. Extra money means more presents for yourself 

4. You can kiss whoever you want under the mistletoe

5. You don't have to fight about whose family you'll be spending the holidays with

6. Your New Year's kiss will be a mystery. An exciting mystery.

7. You can watch ALL YOUR favorite holiday movies without having to pick a fight 

8. You don't have to shave your legs! 

9. Christmas onesies over sexy lingerie

10. You get to pick out your own presents 

11. You don't have to pretend to like the shitty present your SO gave you

12. You don't have to worry about buying gifts for your SO's parents

13. No weird questions will be asked about when you're going to get married or worse…when you'll have babies 

14. You don't have to share your leftovers with anyone

15. No awkward Christmas photos 

16. You don’t have to introduce anyone to your weird relatives. Admit it, we all have them.

17. Winter break from school (or work) means more time to do whatever the hell you want

18. You don’t have to worry about the winter weight gain

Finding a good man is hard AF, especially in the age of Tinder swipes and Instagram likes. Seriously, do gentlemen even exist anymore? While the journey to find your Prince Charming might seem hopeless, collegiettes, we're here to tell you it's not. Good men are still out there—you just have to kiss a few frogs on the journey to your prince. Read below for the 15 stages of finding a good man, as told by Schmidt from New Girl.

1. You think everyone is the one

Until the one you thought was the one proves he isn't the one at all. 

2. You question your entire childhood

Why did our childhood taint us with false conceptions of love?

3. All of your friends seem to find love before you

"When the f**k is it my turn?"

4. You look for a good guy everywhere

But come up short every time. 

5. You let a loser treat you bad

Because deep down, you hope he'll change. News flash: he won't.

6. You try way harder than you should sometimes

Until you remind yourself you don't have to beg for anything you can get for free.

7. You question if you will actually be single forever

You won't. Calm down and drink a glass of wine.

8. You begin to think of the male species as a lost cause

Rightfully so, but there is always a diamond in the rough.

9. You fall more in love with pizza every day

Pizza will always be there for you. 

10. You embrace being a single girl

Hello! You are a hot commodity.

11. You start to realize what actually matters and what doesn't

That guy who keeps sliding into your DMs? Probably not the one. That guy who's been your friend for a few years now? Major BAE potential. 

12. You also start to call out your own relationship mistakes

Thinking the Instagram douchebag was going to become your bae was maybe, possibly, definitely not reasonable. 

13. You also start to question the guys you used to be attracted to

Me: He's a complete asshole and not even that cute. Me to me: Fall in love with him.

14. You embrace your inner Beyoncé

And focus on yourself, by yourself, for yourself.

15. You stop looking altogether

And suddenly, you find the one! At least that's what they say.

People's reactions to your religion can range anywhere from accepting to outright offensive. If you meet some who is half-Jewish, please don't even bother saying any of the following:

1. You can't be half a religion.

2. Can't you only be Jewish if your mom is Jewish?

3. So, which religion are you more of?

4. It's so not fair that you celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas.

5. So you get, like, double the presents right?

6. Do you have to go to temple and church?

7. Which religion is more fun?

8. You're just saying that because you want to celebrate more holidays.

9. How much money did you get from your Bat Mitzvah?

10. You're not a real Jew unless you're a full Jew.

11. If you're only half Jewish, why is your hair so curly?

12. Shouldn't your nose be bigger?

13. You don't even look Jewish.

14. You're so lucky!

15. What religion are your kids going to be?

Whatever religion you are, remember to be mindful of everyone around you. Religion is a personal choice!

Inside Ivanka and Tiffany Trump's relationship. [Vanity Fair]

Holiday nail art. [allure]

Resolutions you can actually achieve. [BuzzFeed]

How to be more mindful. [Bustle]

New Years plans for single girls. [Elite Daily]

Wear white pants in winter. [PureWow]

What do people Google? [Newser]

Portion control tips. [Women's Health]

Your love horoscope for 2017. [Glamour]

How to silence your inner critic. [Ed2010]

When it's gross, rainy day, or you're just feeling a bit down, it's easy to want to grab the nearest comfort food, like greasy French fries, pasta and cornbread. But eating these often carb- and fat-heavy foods comes at a price, especially in a season when it's harder to stay fit.

These recipes help you get the best of both worlds! With health-conscious substitutions and twists on old classics, stay cozy in the winter without forgoing comfort food.

1. Vegan Buffalo Chickpea Mac and Cheese

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This vegan recipe is a great, meat-free way to stay healthy with a favorite cheesy treat. Chickpeas are a great source of amino acids, and along with yogurt, non-dairy milk and nuts, are a powerful source of protein. To make this recipe even better for your body, use vegetable or whole-wheat pasta!

Recipe fromVegan Yack Attack

Ingredients

Roasted chickpeas

• 15-ounce can of cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce plus a few tablespoons

Ranch sauce

• 3 tablespoons vegan mayo
• 2 tablespoons plain vegan yogurt
• 2 tablespoons raw cashews, soaked for more than 30 minutes
• 1 tablespoon non-dairy milk
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 tablespoon onion powder
• 1/2 tablespoon garlic salt
• 1/4 tablespoon dried parsley
• Pinch dried dill
• Pinch black pepper

Pasta

• 2 and 1/2 cups dry pasta and boiling water
• 1 tube cheddar vegan cheese
• 3/4 cup non-dairy milk

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to about 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Mix the chickpeas with the buffalo sauce so that it is evenly spread.
3. Take parchment paper to line your pan and pour your chickpeas in it.
4. Bake the chickpeas for 12 minutes.
5. Turn them over occasionally until they’re all crispy, and then bake for another 12-15 minutes.

For the ranch sauce

1. Blend all your ingredients until they're smooth.
2. Add more non-dairy milk until you've reached your desired texture.
3. Pour your sauce into a cup and set aside.

For the pasta

1. Cook the pasta until done.
2. Set your noodles back into the pot, setting the stove to a low-medium heat.
3. Add the cheddar cheese, non-dairy milk and salt into your pot; stir until it has an even consistency.
4. Pour everything into a bowl and enjoy!

2. Super Simple Mashed Sweet Potatoes with Greek Yogurt

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Sweet potatoes have high amounts of vitamins A, C and D, and they help maintain healthy skin.

Recipe fromFood & Wine

Ingredients

• 2 pounds sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt

Instructions

1. Put the sweet potatoes in a pot filled with water, completely covering the potatoes.
2. Bring the water to a boil, then lower the heat, allowing the potatoes to simmer for a little more than 10 minutes.  
3. Use a colander to drain the sweet potatoes, and then place them in a large bowl.
4. Add the brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon and Greek yogurt.
5. Mash until the potatoes are the desired consistency and serve warm.

3. Super Easy Fry-Free French Fries

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The recipe allows you to enjoy French fries without all the fryer oil! Baking the potatoes as opposed to frying them allows you to get more of the nutrients within the potatoes themselves, as well as avoid damage to your arteries.

Recipe from Food Network

Ingredients

• 2 large baking potatoes cut into ¼-inch pieces (think matchsticks)
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• Salt
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a bowl, turn the potatoes in the oil and add salt.
3. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray, then spread the potatoes so that they form a single layer.
4. Bake your potatoes until crisp, about 35 minutes.
5. Remove the fries and season with salt.

4. Healthy Garden Lasagna

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If you're craving pasta and cheese, but you don't want excessive carbs and fat, try out this garden lasagna. By using low-fat dairy products, you can help reduce risk your of heart disease.

Recipe from Health.com

Ingredients

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat oil in a nonstick pan on high heat. Sauté the zucchini, onion and carrot until they're lightly cooked. Once you're done, mix in the corn, basil, salt and pepper.
2. Lightly spoon flour into a dry measuring cup. Even out the flour with a knife. Add in milk and stir it with a whisk. Cook the flour and milk until they come to a boil and continue to stir.  Once they're hot, stir in the salt, Parmesan, nutmeg, pepper and cottage cheese.
3. Spread 1/2 cup of the white sauce in bottom of a baking dish. Place three noodles over the sauce, top them with half of your vegetable mixture and layer some of your white sauce on top. Then, place another three noodles over the white sauce and cover them with your remaining vegetable mixture. Add more white sauce and lay three more noodles on top. Drizzle your remaining white sauce over the noodles.
4. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
5. Uncover, sprinkle with mozzarella and bake until your lasagna is golden brown.

5. Healthy Cornbread

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Using whole-wheat flour and whole-grain cornmeal allows you to keep this classic treat healthy.

Recipe from Eating Well

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups yellow cornmeal, preferably whole grain
• 3/4 cup white whole-wheat flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen, thawed
• 1 large egg
• 3/4 cup low-fat milk
• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• 3 tablespoons honey or sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Coat an 8-inch square baking pan with cooking spray.
2. Mix your cornmeal, flour, baking powder and salt in a bowl.
3. Blend the corn and egg in a food processor until you have a smooth mixture.
4. Add milk, oil and honey, mixing them they're until combined.
5. Stir the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients and pour the batter into the pan.
6. Bake the cornbread for 25-30 minutes. After letting the cornbread cool for 10 minutes, it's ready to be enjoyed!

 6. Vanilla-Lemon Berry Parfait

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This dessert has only 176 calories and one gram of saturated fat per serving. Low-fat yogurt and fat-free vanilla pudding are low in harmful fats, so you can eat this dessert guilt-free!

Recipe from Health.com

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain low-fat yogurt
• 2 3.5-ounce containers fat-free vanilla pudding
• 2 tablespoons bottled lemon curd (such as Dickinson's)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 3 cups mixed berries (such as blueberries, strawberries and raspberries)
• Fresh mint leaf

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix your yogurt, lemon curd and vanilla extract; set aside.
2. In another bowl, mix the honey, lemon zest and lemon juice until they're thoroughly mixed. Use a spatula to stir in your mixed berries.
3. Layer your berries and yogurt how you’d like and top with the mint leaf.

7. Easy and Healthy Chocolate Cake

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This chocolate cake is low-calorie and easy to make, and it uses whole-wheat pastry flour.

Recipe from Eating Well

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons whole-wheat pastry flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup nonfat buttermilk
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup hot strong black coffee
• Confectioners' sugar, for dusting

Instruction

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line your pan with wax paper.
2. Mix flour, granulated sugar, cocoa and salt with whisk.
3. Add buttermilk, brown sugar, egg, oil and vanilla.
4. Use an electric mixer for 2 minutes and add hot coffee.
5. Bake the cake for 30 to 35 minutes and let cool for 10 minutes. Before serving, dust your cake with confectioner's sugar.

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Staying health-conscious in the winter doesn't have to be miserable. Enjoy these delicious comfort foods with a healthy twist!

Most of us have that one group in our lives that we just connect with, gets us and is our family away from (our real) family. While they are not necessarily your squad or your team, they are your circle of trust, just as you are theirs, and even if they are not in your life as you all advance to different stages of life (like, no longer making Starbucks your morning cup of joe) and meet different people, here are the signs that you have, had or will find your people, but most of the time when you have, you will already know.

1. You finish each other’s sentences

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2. You have your own secret language…

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3. …and sometimes that doesn’t even require talking

4. Pizza, chicken, fries, etc. are just a given whenever you get together

5. Shopping in each other’s closet is just as normal as a weekday

6. You all either do or do not watch Shonda Rhimes Thursdays together

7. You all follow each other on every social media platform

8. Sometimes you all dress accidently alike and color-coordinate…but it’s okay

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9. You know you are never alone on an all-nighter

10. You know that there is always the one person in your group that will definitely bring snacks

11. When a new film comes out, you already know that you are all going

12. You serve as one another’s SparkNotes

13. After only one of you has read the book, of course—preferably the English major (!)

14. You become accustomed to not seeing your dorm room because you spend so much time in someone else’s…

15. …usually sleeping with someone else’s Econ book on top of you

16. They understand your individual, albeit weird, habits

17. Because they have weird habits, too

Name: Ivy Jacobson
Age: 28
Job Title and Description: Planning Editor, TheKnot.com & The Knot magazine
College Name/ Major: Florida State University, BA in Editing, Writing and Media; Pace University MS in Publishing
Website: theknot.com
Twitter and Instagram Handle: @ivyjacobson

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

Ivy Jacobson: There's no such thing as a typical day, but that's what keeps you on your toes! I oversee all wedding planning content for TheKnot.com and The Knot magazines, write and edit features and trend pieces, interview wedding industry experts, co-host Wedding Wednesday on The Knot's Facebook, and oversee content for Bridal Fashion Week, Proposal Season (yep, it's a thing!), and The Knot Dream Wedding.

What is the best part of your job?

IJ: I have a few best parts. One: Weddings are all about celebrating your love with the people you love, so there's always a joyous bottom line to whatever article we're writing or app we're building. Two: As an editor, it's amazing to be at the forefront of trends and see how one idea or theme keeps evolving and how different couples can make it their own. Three: When you directly hear from a couple who says that some aspect of The Knot—whether it was an article, a tool or an app—helped them plan their wedding. Four: We're a company that celebrates every important life stage (along with our sister sites, The Bump and The Nest), and while we work extremely hard, we also celebrate a lot along the way—there's always a party, treats being delivered or champagne bottles popping on any given day in the office. Five: I'm very lucky to have the most brilliant, passionate, talented and hilarious coworkers by my side to pop those bottles with!

What was your first entry level job in your field and how did you get it?

IJ: I started out as an Executive Assistant to the Editor-in-Chief of Plum Hamptons magazine, a sadly now-defunct publication. I saw the posting on Ed2010.com and just went for it—I was tired of freelancing and was ready to take the plunge. Personally, I think being an EA is the best first job you can have in the industry—you literally learn everything from the ground up, meet everyone, get access to some seriously awesome opportunities, and see how making a publication works in every sense. I did this job while I was in grad school, and it was an education overload in the best way possible. It wasn't easy, but it was so worth it.

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

IJ: How small it is. If you work at a publishing house or publication, you start to meet people from similar publications, who've worked with people at other publications, and don't forget your boss, who has contacts and industry friends in large abundance. Always do your very best with any task, because you never know who you'll end up working with or for.

Who is one person that changed your professional life for the better?

IJ: I've been very lucky to work for multiple powerhouse editors who've been invaluable mentors and teachers throughout my career.

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

IJ: Not educating myself about salary negotiations, benefits and 401k options early on in my career. Trust me, I know you may be scared to ask for a penny more, and paperwork for insurance options makes your brain hurt, and you may not even know what a 401k is—but taking just a few hours out of your week to read up on work-related finances or chat with a mentor is one of the smartest things you can do for your career and yourself, in the long run. You want to save and make money for yourself, not lose it without even knowing it.

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

IJ: This has absolutely nothing to do with being an editor, but when I was an assistant, I unknowingly went to Christy Turlington's home to pick up my boss' children from a playdate. She casually greeted me in the kitchen, and I almost passed out.

What do you look for when considering hiring someone?

IJ: Passion, a sense of urgency, common sense, kindness and a total can-do attitude. You don't need to check every qualification box, but you have to be willing to learn and able to pick up on what's going on in the room.

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

IJ: I can't tell you how many emails I get from 20-somethings who want to get on a similar path and say that they're looking for a job or internship and to please let them know of anyone hiring. I'm 100% happy to try and help anyone who reaches out—trust me, I've been there—but it's not my job to do the research and put the word out for you. Enter the conversation having done your own research already with some titles and websites you like and open positions you know of. Anyone will be much more willing to help or lend an ear when you've noticeably been proactive.

We all know 2016 has been a rough year—from the loss of many famous legends to our tense presidential election to violent tragedies around the world. The only good thing seemed to be Leo's first Oscar win. Here are 17 kids feeling how we all felt during this roller coaster of a year. 

1. The year started off and we were optimistic. 

2. We tried to adult and it didn't work, as usual.

3. Leonardo DiCaprio finally won that SO well-deserved Academy Award. 

4. We got a new Harry Potter book and movie.

5. We were stoked to see Zootopia and Hamilton become so popular

6. But those were really the only positive things that happened in 2016.

7. The rest of the time we felt like this

8. And this

9. This was us IRL

10. And who could forget how election coverage dominated our social media feeds and lives.

11. We cheered when Hillary Clinton became the first female major party presidential nominee...

12. ...and we got ready to watch her shatter the ultimate glass ceiling on Election Day.

13. Then came the post-election reactions. 

14. And we were devastated when we found out Brangelina broke up.

15. We're still shocked from half of the things that went down in 2016.

16. But we're trying to block everything out and look forward. 

17. Basically, we really just can't wait for 2016 to be over. 

Here's to a new year!