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How to Stop Spending All Your Money Without Cutting Back on Fun

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Whether you're a beauty lover, fashion fanatic, book nerd, foodie or organization junkie, you can always find something to spend money on. But then you get to the end of the month and see that all your dough is gone. Whether you have a spending problem that is a few dollars over your budget or leaving you with a bank account balance of $0, cutting back is never easy. Here is how you can have it all and actually end up saving money.

Assess your situation and create a budget

Ready to start adulting? The first step is simple: spend less than you earn. Not ready to crunch the numbers? Luckily, smart people have created ways we can make a budget without being a mathematician. Mintis a popular app for budgeting and tells you exactly where your money is going. It also helps you create a budget and decide where you will spend your earnings. If you aren’t a fan of online apps, track your spending by hand in a journal.

When it's time to create a budget, you’ll want to do the same thing you did before and look at how much you earn and have to spend each month. Next, think about what you need and don’t need. How much money will you spend on groceries and how much for takeout? Allocate an estimate of how much you should spend to each. That’s your bare bones budget.

However, we aren’t suggesting you strip away all the joys of life. Give yourself a monthly “Treat yo’self” budget. Maybe it’s for a manicure or a book you’ve been dying to buy. Remember to stick to whatever you set. If you really want something, but it’s too expensive for your monthly budget, wait until your “treat yo’self” budgets add up to buy that thing.

Also, if you’re a professional woman, be sure to instill a coffee or lunch budget for business meetings and networking.

Don’t forget to give yourself some wiggle room! A cushion in your budget will allow you to splurge in case of emergency.

Use envelopes

Invest in some plastic envelopes and label them with the same categories you made within your budget. Then, take cash out of your account each week or month and place the correct amount in each envelope that you plan to spend. This way you can have a visual of how much you’ll be spending and won’t have the chance to pull out your card to pay for extras.

Print it out

So envelopes aren’t your thing? Find some cute and fun print outs online for free that will help you organize your spending categories. It can also be a good idea to place these within a binder so everything is in one place and you can reference past budgets if you need.

Recognize what your triggers are

Can’t resist a killer sale? We know the feeling. But once you recognize that sales are a weak point for you, it’s easy to say no. Bring a list to the store when you go shopping and aim to come under budget.

Maybe you head to your favorite store in the mall when you’ve had a bad day. And while retail therapy gives you a boost for a moment, turning to spending to feel better can really take a toll on your budget.

The idea of saving is a tempting one, but no matter how much you save when you buy something remember that you are always spending money. And it’s a good idea to avoid spending if you didn’t plan it out beforehand.

Whatever your triggers are, identify them and guard against spending for those reasons. Once you know what they are, make a decision to never spend for those reasons. You’ll be surprised by how much you can save.

Explore budget friendly options

Sometimes we just can’t give up those little luxuries. For example, a lot of us love our morning coffee. While going out for coffee is essential for certain occasions, grabbing your favorite latte every day does not make for a happy budget. Instead, opt to make your own coffee at home.

Whatever it is that you love that is slowly eating away at your budget, find a way to keep the luxury in your life through a more affordable option. Little by little you’ll save more than you ever thought was possible.

Beware of credit cards

They’re great for emergencies and building credit, but not so great for random purchases. Once you learn how to work with a credit card account responsibly, you can use it to become a financially responsible adult. But remember the budget thing. Spend ONLY what you have set aside, and refrain from using money that you don’t actually have. It may feel good in the moment, but it’s never fun to spend money on credit card bills later down the road.

Don’t be too hard on yourself

Yes, you have goals you want to stick to and they require discipline. But if you mess up and go over budget one month, don’t beat yourself up. Simply aim to stick to them next month with a bit more resolve. Ask yourself what caused you to go over budget. Was it reasonable or did you give in to one of your triggers? Whatever the case, remember adulting is hard but also totally doable. All it takes is a little organization.

If all else fails, just watch Confessions of a Shopaholic. No one wants to be like Rebecca Bloomwood begging a hot dog vendor for money to buy the “perfect” scarf. It’ll give you just enough motivation to truly change your ways and become a financially responsible adult.


I’m Disgusted (But Not Surprised) by the Hypocrisy of the Trump Administration

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By Sandra Fernandez

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

Just over a week into the new presidency and things seem to have gone from bad to worse. After running his entire campaign on promising to send Hillary Clinton to jail for her use of a private email server, was anyone really surprised to find out that people within the Trump administration are using private emails? According to a Newsweek report, Kellyanne Conway, Sean Spicer and Steve Bannon had, up until recently, been using private RNC emails. In addition to this, Trump's Twitter account had been linked to a private Gmail account. That’s right… Gmail (celebrities, they’re just like us). Better yet—a recent poll showed that 42 percent of Trump supporters were okay with Trump’s team using private emails. That’s 42 percent of the people who chanted “lock her up” who don’t give a shit about private email servers anymore. If you’re starting to wonder whether its possible to die from too much irony, you’re not alone.

Unfortunately, there are many ways Trump is not being a hypocrite. In just a few days, he has managed to sign multiple executive orders that affect climate change, immigration, women’s health and the future of federal employees. Also being threatened is America’s involvement in the UN. All of these things are exactly what he promised during his campaign, so it should come as no surprise that he’s trying to follow through with his pledges to his supporters. It seems that most people didn’t take Trump seriously for the things he said during his rallies. Many of his supporters were surprised that he moved to restart work on the Dakota Access Pipeline and more recently, that he banned all refugees from seven mainly muslim nations as well as, visa holders and in some cases green card holders (permanent legal residents) from entering the U.S. This latest executive order has caused massive backlash from both parties. An outpour of former supporters have come out on social media describing how these policies negatively impacted them and regretting their vote. This Executive Order is by far the messiest and has had the most immediate effect, with multiple people being detained at airports around the country.

Saturday’s social media feeds and news outlets were full of stories about people who have lived in the U.S. legally for years being denied entry. People were taken off planes in other countries and told they would not be allowed to return. People who were visiting family overseas, have jobs, homes and families here were left not knowing if or when they would be able to come back. What happens to their jobs? Their houses? Their families? This ban is not only religiously discriminative, it’s reckless. Neither the DOJ nor the NSA had the opportunity to review the order before it was signed. Representatives of those agencies have come out against the ban stating it will not help fight terrorism on American soil, but instead hand terrorist groups a script for their propaganda initiatives. Others in elected offices have come out against it, saying that it goes against everything America stands for. House Speaker Paul Ryan and VP Mike Pence seem to not understand what a cyber footprint is, having contradicted their previous statements by supporting this order.

If only the hypocrisy of this administration worked in favor of America’s popular vote. Instead of executing carefully thought out policies with advice from experts, our President is launching investigations into nonexistent voter fraud and signing orders that pose a threat to our national security. Hope this is worth all those jobs, those big huge jobs, that will be created.

The multiple protests that continue to happen around the country are the perfect example of the power of democracy. If you're looking for more ways you can contribute to the fight against these unconstitutional bans, you can donate to the ACLU or call your representatives and speak up for what you believe in. Pick up the phone and force them to listen to how you want them to represent you—it’s what they should be doing in the first place.

Acting Attorney General Just Ordered the Justice Dept. not to Defend the Muslim Ban

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On Monday night, in a letter to Justice Department lawyers, acting Attorney General of the United States, Sally Q. Yates, urged and ordered the Justice Department "not to defend President Trump’s executive order on immigration in court," according to the New York Times

Yates wrote that "at present, I am not convinced that the defense of the executive order is consistent with these responsibilities nor am I convinced that the executive order is lawful” and that she is "responsible for ensuring that the positions we take in court remain consistent with this institution’s solemn obligation to always seek justice and stand for what is right." 

Currently, Yates is the only holdover from the Obama administration and will continue to be acting Attorney General until Trump's nominee, Jeff Sessions, is confirmed. Yates wrote that "my responsibility is to ensure that the position of the Department of Justice is not only legally defensible, but is informed by our best view of what the law is after consideration of all the facts," as well, "I am responsible for ensuring that the positions we take in court remain consistent with this institution's solemn obligation to always seek justice and stand for what is right."

According to CNN, this order will potentially be very "short-lived" because Sessions appointment is scheduled for a vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. 

 

20 Things You Should Know About Dating a Girl Who's Obsessed with 'The Bachelor'

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The Bachelor, the show that has stolen the hearts and attention of millions of women and men all across America. Whether you watch it because you love the drama, think they'll actually find love, make fun of it or just love to analyze the deeper societal issues, it is one of America's favorite guilty (or not-so-guilty) pleasures. You might even be dating someone who is obsessed with it—lucky you! Shout-out to my amazing boyfriend for putting up with my love for this show. To all the Bach-loving gals, I'm with you. Here's what our poor partners have to deal with.

1. When she’s talking about her fantasy draft, it probably doesn’t involve football

Even Emmy Rossum is in a fantasy Bachelor league so like #noshame.

2. Mondays nights from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. are reserved

On Mondays we watch The Bachelor—accompanied by wine and our girls. 

3. You'll definitely want to join in on all the fun

You'll see firsthand all of her WTF reactions!! 

4. You'll get to hear hours of recap talk 

Because analyzing and talking about it is just as fun as watching it. 

5. And she'll read aloud live tweets to you

Sean Lowe’s weekly Twitter commentary is pure gold. So is Her Campus's

6. Plus, there's all the analyzing and discussion between her and her friends

Yeah for a two-hour show, there's a lot to talk about, I know. 

7. She might not understand why you don't love the show like she does

*does not compute*

8. Or why you don't want to watch it with her

I think the meme says it all. 

9. You'll definitely be forced encouraged to watch it at least once

Or twice, or maybe the whole season…who knows?

10. You'll know more about contestants like Chad and Corrine than you wanted to 

Oh, the staple Bachelor villain. 

11. And understand why Juan Pablo is more like Juan Pab-no

Thank goodness that season's over. 

12. Once The Bachelor ends, get ready to hear all about The Bachelorette

It's Bachelor time all year round!!! 

13. And then Bachelor in Paradise

Sorry, it just never ends…except for August to December, when Monday nights just aren't the same. Sigh. 

14. Her date expectations may be a little high

What do you mean we’re not taking a romantic helicopter ride to a hot tub in the middle of nowhere for date night?

15. But she'll still appreciate all the sweet (and normal) things you do for her

Well at least we're not doing a group wedding photo shoot for our first date. 

16. You'll always know which flower to get her

"Yes, I will accept this rose, thank you." 

17. You still have a bigger spot in her heart than Sean Lowe

Plus after all these seasons, she'll probably know many, many ways of expressing her love. 

18. But that ain't going to stop her from obsessing over him

Um, hello. Need I say more? 

19. Although sometimes she may be more focused on the show 

It is Monday night after all—you can reach her other nights of the week. 

20. At the end of the day, she’s happy she has you 

Dating a guy who’s dating 20 other girls seems pretty stressful tbh. 

See the First Official Photo of the All-Female 'Oceans Eight' Cast

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Because the world could use a little kick-ass female action on the big screen right now, Ocean's Eight released its first official photo today and it is awesome. 

The film, which is a spin-off from the Ocean's trilogy, features an amazing all female cast with women like Cate Blanchett, Sarah Paulson, Anne Hathaway, Rihanna, Helena Bonham-Carter, Mindy Kaling, Awkwafina, and Sandra Bullock. So much yes. 

As well as having an all-star cast, Cosmopolitan reports that that won't be all. Apparently, "Kim Kardashian and Kendall Jenner make an appearance in a Met Gala-inspired scene, along with designers like Alexander Wang and Zac Posen."

Excited yet? Unfortunately, you have to wait until June 8, 2018, for the film to hit theaters. 

Chrissy Teigen Claps Back at Twitter Troll in the Best Way

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Ok, let's just get straight to the point: Chrissy Teigen rocks. Like, she really is the best. Between her adorable Instagram posts with her hubby and her honest attitude, she is a person who you want as your best friend. Luckily for us, today is no exception. 

On the red carpet at last night's Producers Guild Awards, Teigen spoke with Entertainment Tonight about what's in store for her and John Legend in regards to more babies and she said that "a little boy is next for sure." Because Teigen can't do anything with a hater trolling her, as Cosmopolitan reports, she tweeted out some words to ~clarify.~

 

But if that weren't bad enough, a Twitter user named Linda Wampler, asked Teigen didn’t “give it a minute to try naturally.” And Teigen's response is so perfect. 

YES to all of this. 

Obama Releases First Statement Since Leaving Office and it's about the Immigration Ban

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Although Obama has only been out of office for about two weeks, it feels like years since he has released a statement of hope. But tonight, we can say that that is not the case.

In his first statement since Trump became President, Kevin Lewis, Obama's spokesperson, says that the former President is "heartened by the level of engagement taking place in communities around the country" and that he stands by all protesting. "Citizens exercising their Constitutional right to assemble, organize, and have their voices heard by their elected officials is exactly what we expect to see when American values are at stake," Lewis writes. 

Although the statement does not specifically mention Trump's immigration ban, Lewis continues by saying that "with regard to comparisons to President Obama’s foreign policy decisions, as we’ve heard before, the president fundamentally disagrees with the notion of discriminating against individuals because of their faith or religion," and that all we can do is continue to voice our opinions. 

So you know what? That is exactly what we are going to do. 

16 Chick Flicks Every Single Girl Should Watch on Valentine's Day

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Who needs boys? Grab some girlfriends, popcorn, chocolate and comfy pajamas, and spend your Valentine's Day enjoying both classic and new rom-coms. Our fave actresses Tina Fey, Kate Hudson, Reese Witherspoon and Emma Stone provide better company than any significant other. So if you find yourself without a date on V-Day, spend a night in watching these 16 comforting chick flicks. 

1. Sisters

Sisters before misters any day of the week. 

2. Cadet Kelly

#TBT to our idol, Hilary Duff. 

3. 27 Dresses

At least I haven't gone to 27 weddings.

4. Easy A 

I mean, if you don't have an SO, just make one up. 

5. How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days

The dramatic irony of this movie, though.

6. Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

We feel ya, Lena.

7. John Tucker Must Die

True.

8. The Other Woman

I love me a good revenge film. Especially when Nicki Minaj offers classic life advice.  

9. Sleepless in Seattle

The climax of this classic rom-com even takes place on V-Day!

10. Bend it Like Beckham

Yeah, I wouldn't believe it if it happened to me either.

11. How to Be Single

A step-by-step guide. 

12. Legally Blonde

She lost a man but gained a law degree. It's clear she won.  

13. Eat Pray Love

No SO? No counting calories. 

14. Mamma Mia!

A girl power movie with Meryl and music. You can't go wrong.  

15. Trainwreck

The title really just describes my whole life.

16. Valentine's Day

Would any list be complete without it?


10 Common Long-Term Relationship Mistakes & How to Fix Them

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Long-term relationships often require a bit of maintenance. As time wears on, you can lose the spark that made the first few weeks or months of the partnership so entrancing.

Make sure to stay positive and assess if the relationship is worth the effort (it usually is). Consult relationship experts to receive personal advice, but if you're worried about your long-term relationship, here are 10 common mistakes and how you can solve them.

1. You're tempted to snoop through your SO's phone

Snooping is a common problem that means you lack trust both in your partner and in yourself, as if you aren’t good enough for this person. You seek validation. If he catches you and the trust in your relationship is ruined. Bottom line, trust yourself and your partner without snooping. You both deserve some privacy.

Anna*, a junior at the University of California, Los Angeles, said she has known couples who almost broke up because one of them got caught snooping. As time wears on, you may worry that your partner is getting bored with you, but snooping (whether or not you find something) will only hurt the relationship. Have a conversation if you're really worried she or he has a wandering eye.

2. You stand each other up

Oh it’s just a few minutes until I’m home – I can push back his call. Oh, no I have a paper due tomorrow – can we hang out tomorrow night instead?

It’s not malicious, but you just have a busy life as a collegiette and things can get in the way.

Jane*, a junior at the University of California, Los Angeles, said that no matter what happens in a relationship, if a person is right for you it’s worth holding onto and working out any kinks. She recommends you stick to the dates you set for each other, and try not to cancel on any proposed plans.

You may want to reschedule your dates and FaceTimes, but these all add up and signal to your SO that you don’t prioritize him or her. Instead, make sure to keep your appointments and show that you value them even in your busy lifestyle.

3. You said something you didn't mean

If most of your communication occurs over text, messages could get misinterpreted as passive aggressive through hidden subtext. Definitely opt for in-person hangouts over written forms of communication to make sure your messages are being communicated correctly. Of course, hand-written cards are an exception because they’re adorable.

Clear up any miscommunications, because we all know how it’s easy to say something jokingly or sarcastically and not mean what you say. Gauge your partner’s reaction, because technology can make it easy to imply something you didn’t intend to.

4. You start to become critical of the other person

If you’ve been together a long time, you’ll start to notice more of their habits, both good and bad. Try not to critique each other or ask each other to change things beyond their control.

Talk through your pet peeves, like if you don’t like him leaving his socks around or he wishes you would watch a movie with him once and a while. Don’t dismiss the other person’s wants just because you no longer feel the need to impress your new beau. And – if you stop respecting your partner, that’s a surefire sign you should break up!

5. You forget to tell each other about big (or small) moments

We get it, there’s a lot going on. Not only is there more happening in college than in high school (classes, internships, jobs, parties, clubs, office hours…), but it’s also a big time in your life as you grow and change.

One common mistake is forgetting to tell your SO about either big or small moments in your life. Perhaps you tell your floormates, classmates, colleagues and sorority sisters — and then you feel you’ve told the story 100 times already. Maybe by the time you actually get to talk to your SO, the big news occurred a week ago and you forget, it feels too old or doesn’t really come up.

Collegiettes can also purposefully neglect to tell their partners about news because of the differences in their situations. If your partner isn’t at a university like you are, it may feel narcissistic or awkward to tell your SO about the exciting accomplishments or worrying problems in your life, especially if he or she can’t seem to relate to your situation.

Jane said since she and her boyfriend have been dating since high school, they now attend different schools and rarely get to talk or catch each other up. One of the downsides of the long-term relationship is not sharing those special moments, she said.

Have an honest conversation with each other about how much you want to know about each other’s lives. Your partner wants to know about the good and the bad, so hearing that from them will give you the courage to give them those oh-so-important life updates.

You can try keeping a list of things that happened to you during the day or week so you don’t forget moments you wanted to share with your SO.

6. You don’t plan quality time together

Keep the spark alive by planning spontaneous day trips or surprise Chinese take out to show you still care. Don’t let your long-term relationship become careless or something that used to be fun. It still should be. It's a common issue that after a few months, your time together tends to be watching TV, talking about school work or simply cooking a normal meal. Mix it up and follow the cliched advice of trying to have spontaneous adventures.

Set time aside for quality time together, whether it's a fancy date out or a night in, Jane said. It's how she maintains her long-term relationship – beyond online communication, in-person dates still matter. 

Related: 9 Fun & Easy On-Campus Date Ideas

7. You let your SO take over your life

There’s a balance between keeping your boyfriend or girlfriend in the loop and letting them dominate your lives. Remember that your priorities include school, friendships and career development and you can’t always be talking with your SO.

Anna's friends in long-term relationships always worry that they are neglecting their friends and only spending time with their partner. Remember that your friends can be upset that you always choose your boyfriend or girlfriend over them, so there’s a need to maintain balance in all your relationships.

And don’t let them partners you too much from your school life. You can do both: study or hang out with friends during the day and still make it to an evening date.

8. You talk about your relationship too much

Rachel*, a freshman at Molloy College, said this hindered her relationship. Since both she and her boyfriend were really busy, when they finally DID get to talk to one another, they spent most of the session talking about their relationship and their communication (or lack thereof). They ended up taking a break.

Maintenance communication occurs when two people talk about how they communicate instead of discussing the topics of conversation themselves, which can be good in moderation but not when it dominates your convos.

It's crucial to have down to earth conversations with your partner about goals, scheduling, wants and needs. This way both of your expectations are in the same place. Rachel said she expected to be Snapchatting, texting and FaceTiming a lot but her boyfriend didn't realize he would be so busy during the school year.

Related: Should You Go the Distance? HC's Guide to Long Distance Relationships in College

9. You worry too much about the future

Rachel said one of her other biggest worries was the burden of wondering what the future would hold. What happens if they had to be in a LDR for a long time? What would their careers be that would mesh well together? Would they move to the same city after college? In retrospect, she said not to put too much pressure on yourself to worry about the future. It's too challenging to plan all the possible scenarios. "Overall, trust is the biggest thing," she said. “If they're right for you, it will work out and you can't worry about it."

10. You think a perfect relationship exists

One of the hardest things is comparing your relationship to others’ relationships, to your past relationships or to how you felt earlier in this relationship. Remember that relationships aren't perfect, and it’s impossible to achieve a perfect relationship where no work needs to be done.

Don’t think of your boring or rough patches in your relationship as a destination that will one day be over, because a new challenge will arise. Work through your issues, savor each other’s love and enjoy the now of the partnership.

*Name has been changed

Donald Trump Just Fired the Acting Attorney General

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Although it was only a few hours ago that acting Attorney General Sally Yates penned a letter to the Justice Department ordering them not to oppose the immigration ban, Donald Trump has already fired her. 

According to the New York Times, Yates was "relieved" after she "defiantly refused to defend his immigration executive order, accusing the Democratic holdover of trying to obstruct his agenda for political reasons." In a statement written on his facebook page, Trump writes that "the acting Attorney General, Sally Yates, has betrayed the Department of Justice by refusing to enforce a legal order designed to protect the citizens of the United States. This order was approved as to form and legality by the Department of Justice Office of Legal Counsel" and that "Dana Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, [will] serve as Acting Attorney General until Senator Jeff Sessions is finally confirmed by the Senate." 

The vote is due to take place tomorrow. 

You Have to See the Final Trailer for the Live-Action Remake of 'Beauty and the Beast'

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With everything going on right now in the world, it is always nice to be able to step back and watch a nice, beautiful, film trailer. Luckily for us, the current film filling up our newsfeeds is the live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast

Tonight, during an episode of The Bachelor, the final trailer for the movie premiered and oh my gosh, it is incredible. Between Gaston and the Beast and all of the gorgeous music, there really is nothing more magical than seeing your favorite Disney film come to life. 

Check out the trailer for yourself and prepare to count down the days until the film arrives in theaters on March 17th. 

11 Times The Bachelor Almost Made Me Forget the Reality of Trump's America

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Ah, The Bachelor. The one show that can drive me, an alleged feminist, to scream, "No, YOU'RE a dumb bitch!!!" at the TV (because, Corinne). Also the one show that could get me to put down Twitter for a couple of hours and focus on something other than the potential demise of the American experiment. After the roller coaster ride of Trump's first week, I tried to push aside my fears and enjoy the dulcet tones of grown women putting each other down to win the heart of certifiable beard hunk Nick Viall. But sadly, it wasn't enough. Below, all the times good ol' Bach just couldn't distract me from all we stand to lose after just a few days of this new administration.

1. When Corinne called Taylor "gross and nasty"...

I almost forgot that Trump has signed an executive order barring immigrants and refugees from seven Muslim majority countries, but claims it's not a "Muslim ban"!

2. When Corinne said Taylor "thinks she's like, entitled to whatever she thinks she's entitled to"...

I almost forgot that Trump has made Steve Bannon, former editor of a site that attracts white supremacists and conspiracy theorists, a permanent member of the National Security Council, a move that a former national security adviser called "stone cold crazy"!

3. When Nick described the women on The Bachelor as "mature"...

I almost forgot that Trump told his press secretary to lie to the American people because he was upset over the size of his inauguration crowd!

4. When you could see everybody's breath at the rose ceremony, because oh yeah they filmed this in OCTOBER...

I almost forgot that back in October we still thought we were going to get the first woman president! Also, why were some of these women wearing sleveless tops in visible-breath weather?

5. When Sarah said, "Love is the one thing I want in my life, and it's the one thing I don't know how to get" while holding back sobs...

I almost forgot that we elected a president who has been accused of sexual assault by at least 20 women!

6. When the women watched Rachel on her perfect date from their hotel window and pined sadly...

I almost forgot that Trump has refused to fully divest from his business interests because his two sons can run the business "in a very professional manner"!

7. When Raven said, "I did not sign up to be part of the ghostbusters"...

I almost forgot that Trump wants to launch an investigation into 3 to 5 million fraudulent votes that don't exist!

8. When Nick worried that the ghost of a little girl would take revenge on him because he didn't pay enough attention to her on his haunted house date...

I almost forgot that Trump has reinstated a rule that will make it harder for vulnerable women worldwide to get the family planning care they need!

9. When Danielle M. tried to rekindle her early connection with Nick...

I really did forget about the election for a few minutes because I realized Danielle M.'s voice sounds like Marcel the Shell!

10. When Corinne said Taylor was a bug who belonged with all the other bugs...

I almost forgot that Trump made a statement on International Holocaust Remembrance Day that failed to specifically mention Jews!

11. When Corinne asked how to get a Voodoo doll that would curse a specific person...

I almost forgot that Trump just fired the acting attorney general because she refused to defend an immigration order she believed to be illegal!

Wow, that was even more depressing than I thought it would be! Oh well, only one more week until we can try to distract ourselves again...

5 Ways to Get a Valentine’s Day Date After College

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It’s that time of the year again when you see couples everywhere you go: holding hands on the subway, taking kissing selfies, cuddling in your airplane row, skating hand-in-hand in the park. Whether you like it or not, PDA is at an all time high in the winter, or at least it always seems to be. If you’re a single girl, seeing couples showing off their love for each other makes you want to curl up in bed with a good Netflix show and never venture out into the real world again. We don’t blame you, but it doesn’t have to be that way! And no, you don’t have to resort to Tinder, either. If you aren’t in a relationship, here are five ways to get a date in time for V-Day.

1. Join a club

In college, there were endless opportunities to join extracurricular activities. Not only were they easily available, but you also had friends who were interested in joining the same activities. In the real world, there are no more club fairs or email reminders about this week’s rugby practice. You have to pursue your interests; no one is going to ask you to.

Fortunately, these clubs do exist in the post-college world, but you have to do some of your own research to find them. Check out posters at your local gym or flyers at the independent coffee shop on your block. Whether you’re looking for a book club or an intramural sports team, you’ll be instantly broadening your network and meeting new people, especially those who already have similar interests. If you hit it off with that cute guy in your salsa class, you might just have a chance at a Valentine’s Day date. 

“I got discouraged when I would go out to bars and meet guys, but never go out on dates,” says Kate Bennett, a graduate of Duke University who now lives in New York City. “One night I realized that I probably would not meet someone I would want to date at a bar anyway and would need to find someone elsewhere. When I followed my interests, which was volunteering at a nonprofit once a week, I met a great guy that I’m still dating.”

2. Go to the gym

You may think that you’re never going to get a date at the gym, of all places. You’re sweaty, listening to music and trying to focus on nothing but your workout. In actuality, the gym is a great place to find a date… you just have to step a little out of your comfort zone!

If you see someone at the water fountain or in your spin class, why not smile and say hello? Or if you want to try a new weight machine but aren’t sure how to use it, try asking the guy you’ve been eyeing to give you a hand. Striking up a conversation with a stranger can be difficult, especially when he’s in the middle of a workout, but you have nothing to lose: The guy is most likely going to help you out, and if he doesn’t continue to talk to you, so what? It’s better to put yourself out there than wait around for someone to approach you.

“I always thought guys wouldn’t approach me if I was sweating at the gym, but I was wrong,” says Kelsey, a recent grad living in Boston. “One day, when I finished running on the treadmill, this cute guy next to me said he was impressed with my running and he was just trying to keep up with me. He asked if I was training for anything, and we started talking. He happened to be training for the same half marathon. We hit it off and started to chat every time we saw each other at the gym. He got my number, we went on a date and started dating soon after.”

3. Become a regular

During the winter, it’s tempting to stay in with reality TV reruns and mouthwatering takeout, but this isn’t any way to find a date. Exploring different places is your best chance at finding new favorite spots that you can frequent. If you start going to the same coffee shop, bookstore or even bar, for example, you’ll begin to recognize other people who are also there often. Becoming a regular allows you to become comfortable in a place, which also opens you up to casually meeting new people.

If you keep seeing someone you’re interested in, say hello (eventually one of you will have to)! Luckily, you already have something in common. So despite your desire to stay in on a cold night, sometimes you just have to force yourself to bundle up and explore—you never know whom you might meet.

“I have a hard time talking to strangers, especially guys, when I’m out,” says Dana Stein, a Boston College graduate living in New York City. “Every bar I would go to I would have my friends with me, but it wasn’t fun meeting anyone new. Once I started going to this bar where I really liked to watch football every Sunday, a cute guy approached me that I had seen two times before. He commented on my T-shirt that said, ‘Go Broncos!’ because he was actually from Denver as well. We started talking and we ended up going on a few dates.”

4. Have your friends set you up

You may not have any friends that you could see yourself dating, but your friends probably have friends who could be potential matches for you. According to Match.com, 63 percent of married couples meet through a network of friends. While the goal is to get a date for Valentine’s Day and not necessarily plan a wedding (yet!), meeting someone through a friend is an easy place to start. Your friend knows your personality as well as the person he or she is matching you with, so he or she probably has some idea of whether or not you two would like each other. If you don’t want to go on a blind date with the person, ask your friend to invite a group of people over one night before committing to a date. That way there’s no pressure to match up with the guy or girl, but you’ll be in a comfortable setting to get to know him or her if you’re interested.

“I always wondered whether couples who met through friends were good matches or were together because of convenience—until my friend had a potluck dinner at her apartment,” says Cat Hagen, a Wake Forest University grad living in Boston. “My friend’s friend had brought his roommate, and I ended up talking to him the whole night. We’re still dating after six months. So it does happen!”

5. Give online dating a try

Okay, so online dating doesn’t have to be eliminated entirely if you’re looking for a V-Day date. While Tinder is infamous for hook-ups (though finding a date isn’t impossible), dating apps such as Hinge and Coffee Meets Bagel are better ways to find a date who actually wants to get to know you. On Hinge, you match through mutual Facebook friends, the virtual way of meeting through a friend of a friend. On Coffee Meets Bagel, you list your interests, and each day at noon a new match is delivered to you, whom you can “Like” or “Pass.” If you’re meeting up with someone for the first time, try to avoid setting your first date for the 14th—it’s better to establish some sort of connection before you celebrate Valentine’s Day together!

“I was using Tinder for awhile, but had the most miserable dates,” says Cornell grad Madeline Kleinman, who now lives in Philadelphia. “My friend told me about OkCupid, and while I thought it was a serious dating site for older people looking to get married, I was surprised to see young, cute guys in their twenties. I was messaging with one guy for a few weeks until we finally went on a date.”

Dating in college is undoubtedly different thandating in the real world, but it doesn’t have to be more difficult. If you’re not spending Valentine’s Day with a SO this year, you can still have a great time by following these tips to find a potential date (or just have a good time in the process, totally pressure-free!). You have just a few weeks left before Valentine’s Day comes, so go get out there in the post-college world and snag yourself an eligible bachelor or bachelorette!

How to Get a Job Where You Can Work From Home

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We’ve all said it when getting dressed or sitting in traffic: I just wish I could work from home! It conjures up a nice image of a leisurely day spent with your computer, of wearing sweatpants instead of a pencil skirt. The good news is that working from home is an actual possibility. It’s all about knowing what to look for.

There are different routes you can take when looking for a job where you can work from home. The first thing to decide is whether you’re interested in working from home all the time or just want the freedom of being out of the office a couple days a week. The first option gives you the benefit of a more flexible schedule and, in some cases, allows you to largely be your own boss. But the second means having an office and team of coworkers to socialize and sympathize with when the job gets you down.

Freelancing

If working from home every day is your jam, keep an eye out for job listings where the position location is “virtual” or “remote.” These jobs often deal with content writing, editorial or social media work, because in those cases, all you need is a computer and a steady Wi-Fi connection. Also consider becoming a blogger or a full-time freelancer. They can be based anywhere! Admittedly, these sorts of jobs might not be enough to keep you completely afloat, but they definitely offer flexible hours. And if you take on freelancing work, there’s always the possibility of keeping multiple projects going at once, as long as you’re able to keep yourself organized.

Related: Contract Work: What You Need to Know Before You Take the Job

Of course, it’s one thing to decide to freelance and another to actually find work. But the internet has made that easier than ever and millennials are known for making the world wide web work for them. Michelle Adams, a freelance writer and editor, says, “There are a lot of online resources for finding work from home jobs! Personally, I like the job board at VirtualVocations.com because they check every job for spam and fraud before listing it.” It’s also worth checking out resources like Freelancer if you have a particular skill you’re interested in selling. That can be anything ranging from marketing or editorial expertise to data entry and graphic design. Still, Adams offers some cautioning words: “You have to be really careful that the job is with a reputable company, not someone who just wants to scam you.” And of course, it’s important to remember never to give out your Social Security Number or bank account information until you’ve been officially hired.

At-Home Sales Rep

There are also companies that allow you to become a consultant or sales rep from your own home, Samantha Burke, a 2016 Siena College graduate, suggests. “The biggest downside is the money you need to put down to start, but I have a family member who does LuLaRoe and I know with LuLaRoe's leggings, your profit margin is over fifty percent,” Burke says. Other brands, like Chloe + Isabel, a jewelry retailer, have similar set ups. It’s important to do your research when considering working for with these companies, as a number of them amount to little more than scams. You will often also need to store your own merchandise. However, the more reputable brands can be great for someone who’s self-motivated and willing to put in the work.

Related: 5 Career Options with Flexible Schedules

A Few Days a Week

More traditional companies will also sometimes allow employees to work from home a few days a week, particularly in cities where traffic congestion is a real worry. Marketing professional Mara Hyman recommends that job seekers should “look for companies that offer a work laptop instead of or in addition to a desktop monitor!” Even if work is primarily done in a traditional office setting, “having a laptop allowed us the flexibility to work while away or if there was a snowstorm,” Hyman says. “By having a specific laptop for our role, we had all of the software and files necessary to perform our jobs at any location, as opposed to using a personal laptop and only having access to work emails.” It’s always worth asking potential employers if they allow work from home or if you can negotiate a certain number of days a week when you can do so.

The important thing to keep in mind while working from home is that you are still in fact on the job. As delightful an image as it is, it can’t all be pajamas and working on your couch. Make sure your workspace puts you in the right headspace. Don’t keep the TV on in the background or let yourself stop working every five minutes because you remembered you need to clean the bathroom or check your laundry. Keep the unnecessary internet time to a minimum (or at least on par with what you would do in the office). And maybe, sad as it is, consider skipping the pajamas.

Working from home can be a great option, whether it allows you the freedom to set your own schedule or just gives you the opportunity to skip the commute every so often. And if it sounds tempting, look into all the different ways to live the dream! Just make sure you’re cut out for motivating yourself. Procrastination doesn’t fly when you’re actually getting paid.

UTIs + Sex: Everything You Need to Know

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This post is sponsored by Cystex.

Let’s face it, collegiettes: There’s a lot of misinformation out there about sexual health. And whether you’re sexually active or not, it’s important to find resources, products, and specialists you can trust to set the record straight.

That’s why we aim to collaborate with brands and experts who can bring you the information you need—in an accurate but unfiltered way. So when we recently had a few—erm—burning questions about the connection between UTIs and sex, we turned to Dr. Allison Hill, an OBGYN at Los Angeles Obstetricians & Gynecologists and Cystex spokesperson, to get answers. Here’s what she had to say.

Does this mean I can’t go to SoulCycle this week?

Her Campus: What are the most common misconceptions you hear surrounding sex and urinary tract infections?
Dr. Allison Hill: A common myth is that you can only get a UTI if you are sexually active. While sex is a risk factor, there are other reasons as well, such as diabetes, immune system problems, and malformations of the bladder. Another myth is that UTIs are contagious and can be passed sexually. While having sex increases the risk, the bacteria that cause UTIs are not STDs.

HC: How can you distinguish between a UTI and a yeast infection?
AH: The symptoms of a UTI and a yeast infection often overlap. They both can manifest with vaginal discomfort, burning, and pain with sex. However, UTIs cause the burning sensation mostly with urination while a yeast infection will burn all the time. In addition, yeast causes a vaginal discharge which isn’t seen in a UTI. If you aren’t sure about your symptoms

HC: Can engaging in sexual activity while in a hot tub or shower increase the chance of developing a UTI?
AH: Yes, this is true. Soaking or simply being in water for extended periods of time allows bacteria from elsewhere on your body or someone else’s body (or in the water) to enter your urethra. In addition, your natural lubrication can be washed away under water, leading to more friction and vaginal irritation. This irritated tissue is susceptible to infections.

HC: Are first-time sex-havers more likely to develop a UTI?
AH: Unfortunately, when a woman loses her virginity, she is particularly susceptible to UTIs because bacteria is being “introduced” to the urethra and bladder for the first time.

Ana and Christian, we’re not sure that you two thought this part through.

HC: Does frequent sex increase the chance of developing a UTI?
AH:
Yes, frequent sexual activity is the top reason women contract UTIs. In fact, UTIs are referred to as“honeymoon cystitis” because of their regular occurrence after increased sexual activity. When you have sex, bacteria can be pushed into the urethra and spread into the bladder where it multiplies. This doesn’t mean you’re going to get a UTI every time you have sex, but it does increase the chances.

UTIs are more likely if the anatomy of your urethra and bladder make you more susceptible or if your urine stream isn’t strong enough to flush out the bacteria. Also, certain contraceptives like diaphragms or spermicides increase the probability of getting the infection. These methods can irritate the sensitive tissue in the vagina, creating an environment where bacteria thrive

HC: We all know how important it is to pee after sex. How long is OK to wait?
AH: If you can, you should urinate before and immediately after sex to flush bacteria out of your urethra so it can’t travel to the bladder. There’s no specific time requirement that you should follow (in other words, you don’t need to have a timer on). If you feel the urge to pee, don’t be bashful—go to the bathroom! Holding it allows the bacteria to multiply and, if you already have a urinary tract infection (whether you know it or not), it will get worse.

But if you don’t feel any urge, you shouldn’t force yourself because having only two or three drops of urine isn’t going to effectively flush out your bladder. When you urinate, remember to wipe from front to back to keep unnecessary bacteria out of your vaginal region. And, keep baby wipes nearby so you can clean your genital and anal areas before (and after) sex.

UTIs aren’t referred to as “honeymoon cystitis” for nothin’.

HC: When is it OK to have sex again after treating a UTI?
AH:
If you’re thinking of having sex with a UTI, wait until your symptoms subside (about four to seven days) so you’re comfortable. If you can’t wait, think about taking it slow and steady and opting for positions that are angled away from your bladder.

HC: What can happen if someone has sex while still treating their UTI?
AH:
It’s not recommended that you have sex until your UTI symptoms have resolved. You can opt for foreplay or other intimate activities with your partner while you ride out the UTI storm.

[However], you may find it difficult to abstain from sex while you have the infection. Here are some reasons to think twice:

  • It’s going to hurt. Who wants to experience pain while they’re having sex?
  • Your UTI may get worse because sex can introduce more bacteria into your bladder and irritate tissue that has already been infected.
  • It may take longer for your UTI to clear up.

Unfortunately, you may not know that your tissues are irritated, so talk to your doctor if you notice more UTIs while using these methods.

HC: Can UTIs go away without treatment?
AH:
Your immune system has the ability to heal a UTI without antibiotics within a week if the infection is mild. If your symptoms persist for more than a few days or if you have fevers or blood in the urine, you should schedule a doctor’s appointment immediately.

While you wait for that visit and your prescribed antibiotic to take effect, you can use a product like Cystex Plus Urinary Pain Relief Tablets—the only over the counter UTI pain reliever with a dual-action formula that combines a key pain-fighting analgesic (sodium salicylate) that eases the discomfort with an effective antibacterial agent (methenamine) that helps stop the infection from getting worse. And unlike other UTI pain relievers that turn the urine fluorescent orange, Cystex tablets won’t change the color of your urine.

OK yeah… so no SoulCycle this week. (Thanks for this, “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend”).

HC: Men can develop UTIs as well. What can they do to decrease their chances?
AH:
While many people believe that only women get UTIs, men can contract them as well, especially as they get older. Here are a few things men can do to decrease their chance of developing a UTI (many of which are recommended for females):

  • Stay hydrated so you can flush the bacteria out of urinary tract.
  • Go to the bathroom frequently and never hold your urine.
  • Wear a condom while having sex.
  • Carefully clean your genitals before and after sex with mild soap and water or baby wipes.
  • If you are not circumcised, clean the area beneath the foreskin every time you bathe.
  • See your doctor to make sure you don’t have a kidney stone, enlarged prostate, or diabetes.

HC: How else can young women tend to their urinary health?
AH:
While contracting a UTI is generally out of your control, there are certain measures you can take before and after sex to reduce your risk. In addition, you can focus on your urinary tract health regularly:

  • Add a product like Cystex Urinary Health Maintenance into your daily routine as it’s formulated with multiple powerhouse ingredients to help maintain urinary tract health.
  • Always ensure you’re hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day; this will flush bacteria out of your urinary tract.
  • If possible, opt for other forms of birth control instead of a diaphragm or spermicides.
  • Check out the color of your urine—if it’s pink or red, it may be a sign of a UTI and you should call your doctor.
  • Take a probiotic containing Lactobacillus to replenish your good bacteria so that the bad bacteria can’t flourish.
  • Opt for cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothing so your vagina can stay dry. Excessive moisture alters your pH balance and allows bacteria to overgrow.
  • When you go to the bathroom, wipe from front to back so you don’t inadvertently push bacteria into the urethra.

There you have it, collegiettes. Now remember, while the only cure for a UTI is a prescription from your doctor, there are ways to ease the discomfort thanks to Cystex.

Ready to take control of your sexual and urinary health?
Discover how Cystex over-the-counter products can help and get $2 off your purchase.

 

 


5 Valentine’s Day Makeup Looks You’ll Fall in Love With

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The day of love is just a heartbeat away, and it’s the perfect excuse to get glam in the name of romance. Whether you’re in a relationship or single and ready to mingle, fall in love with these five makeup looks that will have you looking and feeling like a heartthrob this Valentine’s Day.

1. Get your class act together

Cupid’s a classy guy, so pulling out a chic, classic look composed of red lips and a fresh face will be just the thing to convince him to pull out that bow on Valentine’s Day. Sharifah Juliana, a makeup artist and beauty expert, offers advice for how to achieve this look.

Juliana suggests starting off with beautiful skin, so keep yours fresh and flawless with a primer like Smashbox’s Photo Finish Foundation Primer ($36) followed by foundation and concealer. Try Juliana’s favorite, Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation ($42) and Concealer ($29). Next, make your features pop by highlighting and contouring with the NARS Contour Blush Duo ($42).

Now the fun really begins!

“We all know it's all about the lashes when you want to get your flirt on,” Juliana says. “My favorite [falsies are] LASHFIX by Color Secrets ($3.99). They’re handmade and 100 percent Remy hair and so beautiful and soft and give you lashes for days without looking heavy.”

Remy hair, which is considered to be the finest quality of human hair, will be just the thing to frame those pretty windows to your soul.

Dust a touch of rosy color on your cheeks (Juliana suggests the NARS Blush in Orgasm [$30]), then swipe on some MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo ($16) for a perfect red lip, and you’ll be giving movie stars a run for their money.

2. Wear your heart on your lips

They don’t call it the Cupid’s bow for nothing! Complement your lips’ natural shape with a cute heart design. This is perfect for the Valentine’s Day enthusiast who wants to make a statement and spread some love around.

First, use a lip pencil like Sephora’s Retractable Waterproof Lip Liner ($13) in The Red to draw a heart outline on your lips so that the heart looks whole when you close your mouth. (Pro tip: No need to draw outside the lines with this one! This heart should fit fully on your natural lips.) Fill it in with the lip pencil. Then whip out a tube of lipstick like L’Oréal’s Colour Riche Lipcolour in British Red ($8.95) to fill in the heart one more time. If you want to mix things up, don’t be afraid to try out other colors like bright pinks and orangey reds. Check out this tutorial from xoVain for step-by-step instructions on how to perfect this gorgeous pout!

3. Make your mauve

Pretty in purple is the new pretty in pink. The color mauve is making a splash in cosmetics this spring, so jump on the trend early with a romantic light mauve eye shadow that will make heads swivel!

“This look is great for the beginner who wants a pop of color without fuss,” Juliana says. “Starting as usual with flawless skin, the focus here is on a simple wash color on the eye; no contouring is needed.”

Sonia Kashuk’s Monochrome Eye Quad in Textured Mauve ($13.69) is the perfect pick for this job, especially for the hazel- or green-eyed romantics out there who want their eyes to really pop. Apply the shadow lightly onto your eyelids for a more subtle color or more opaquely to make a bold statement.

“Lightly brush a similar color on the apples of the cheeks, apply a few strokes of your favorite mascara and dab the lips with a pretty gloss such as Stila's Lip Glaze ($22),” Juliana says.

4. Hold your smolder

Chocolate is the answer to everything – even to what makeup to wear for Valentine’s Day. Give a nod to the oh-so-delicious sweets with a smoldering bronze smoky eye. It works for every eye color! Plus, this style is long lasting and will keep you looking your best all day.

First, apply a soft sweep of medium bronze or taupe shadow over your eyelids and along the bottom lash line. Layer a deeper bronze like MAC’s Eye Shadow in Bronze ($16) over the outer third of the lid and lower lash line. Add a dab of gold using L’Oréal’s Infallible 24 HR Eye Shadow in Eternal Sunshine ($7.99) to the middle of your upper lid and then line your eyes with a coppery brown eye pencil like Urban Decay’s 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Smog ($20). Put on a couple of coats of your favorite black mascara, and voila!

But wait – this look wouldn’t be complete without some gorgeous lips. Luckily, celebrity makeup artist Stella Kae has the perfect solution.

“I love looks that involve lip stain so you can kiss without making a mess!” Kae says. “Try tarte’s LipSurgence matte lip tint in fiery ($24) with a bronze smoky eye.” This bright pop of color is the perfect contrast to the more neutral-colored smoky eye, and the two shades will complement each other just like strawberries and chocolate.

Whether you’re hanging out with your bae or staying in with your girlfriends, this look will keep you looking fabulous all day and all night.

5. Bare your soul (and face)

You could also ditch all the drama this year in favor of a minimal, clean look. In fact, this is Kae’s favorite style! Try going for a dewy skin, a full brow and a neutral matte lip. Kae suggests lightly applying Glossier’s Perfecting Skin Tint ($26) for a fresh, barely-there look. To complete this simple but put-together makeup look, swipe on some nude lipstick like NARS’ Satin Lipstick in Honolulu Honey ($26). Embrace your natural beauty this Valentine’s Day! You know your significant other and your friends absolutely love you just the way you are.

Whether you’re looking to do a little something for yourself or catch a special someone’s eye on Valentine’s Day, snatch up the chance to kiss and makeup with these heart-stopping styles this February 14. Who knows, maybe you won’t be the only one falling in love with these looks!

9 Fashion Brands That Benefit Women, the Environment & Other Causes That Need Your Support Right Now

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Shopping is definitely fun at times, but it can be pretty hard to find motivation to buy yourself that cute dress when you can barely afford enough ramen to get you through finals week. Nowadays, however, more and more companies are teaming up with organizations to give back to causes ranging from deforestation to medical research, so it won't be as easy to exit out of that tab.

Whether you're looking for a gift for your friend or you just want to give back but don't know where to start, we've put together a list of some of our favorite charitable organizations...that just so happen to also sell some pretty unique and drool-worthy products. Sorry, @MyBankAccount!

Check out our list of companies you can feel good about shopping, especially now that so many of our rights are in jeopardy:

1. Raven + Lily

Raven + Lily is a fair trade jewelry, clothing, and home goods company that provides jobs for women in Ethiopia, Pakistan, Kenya, Cambodia, India, Guatemala, and the U.S. The women make each item by hand and the products are shipped to countries around the world. Raven + Lily’s ultimate goal is to break the cycle of poverty among their employees and their families.

2. Amour Vert

This company is all about preserving our environment. Each item of U.S.-made clothing is 100 percent sustainable. Amour Vert has also partnered with American Forests for their “Buy a Tee, Plant a T(r)ee” incentive, through which one tree will be planted for every t-shirt you buy. Not enough incentive for you? The company is also a big hit among fashionable celebs including Blake Lively and Olivia Palermo. If Seren Van Der Woodsen gives her approval, you know it’s gotta be good.

3. FEED

By now, you've probably seen one of Feed’s popular tote bags or other garments. Chances are, you’ll catch sight of one at your local Whole Foods or farmer’s market. The company was founded by Lauren Bush Lauren after she traveled around the world for the World Food Programme as an Honorary Spokesperson and was taken aback by the heartbreaking realities of child malnutrition. Bush Lauren, looking for a way to involve the consumers as well, has implemented a system in which each of Feed’s products is stamped with the number of meals that will be provided with the purchase of that product.

4. Proof 

Proof, which creates ridiculously cool eco-friendly wooden sunglasses, goes above and beyond with its efforts to give back to the environment and its community. Not only does Proof sell and manufacture sunglasses, the company will buy your old or broken frames and donate them to someone else who needs them. Proof also donates to environmental organizations, including a $12k donation to Idaho’s The Nature Conservancy.

5. Same Sky

Same Sky provides stable jobs for women and girls in both Rwanda and America. Awesome, right? It doesn't end there. Not only does Same Sky provide jobs for the women of these countries, the brand also provides women and girls with scholarships, business training, and micro-grants. The company’s micro-grant program can not only provide one of their employees with the money they need to pay for expenses like child care or rent, but they also teach their employees how to turn these small grants into a larger, more substantial profit.

6. WeWOOD

Not only does WeWOOD sell an array of watches made from scrap wood, the company has partnered with various environmental organizations to plants more trees and conserve our forests. WeWOOD’s goal is to plant a million trees by 2020, and they’re definitely on track, having already planted over 442,000 trees.

7. Taaluma Totes 

Taaluma Totes is leaving no stone unturned when it comes to giving back. The company works with farmers from countries like Guatemala and Indonesia to provide micro-loans in exchange for wool and cotton, after which the materials are brought to the U.S., where disabled adults create each tote bag. Not only does Taaluma Totes provide an income for both global farmers and adults with various disabilities, they allow the farmers they work with to pay their micro-loans back whenever they can. Once the loan is repaid, that money is used to buy more fabric and helps the local economy thrive.

8. Lokai

You've probably seen Lokai's pink beaded bracelets being promoted on celebs' Instagrams (ex: Kendall and Kylie), but don't be fooled—these products are not just another social media fad. Lokai works with a number of charities, such as (Red), Make a Wish, Save the Children, Alzheimer's Association, and Best Buddies. Their pink bracelets, which benefit breast cancer research, are one of their more popular items. While not all of Lokai's products go towards a charitable organization, many of them do and you can find more information on their Charity page.

9. The Outrage

The Outrage made waves a few months ago when its "Nasty Woman" t-shirt raised more than $100k for Planned Parenthood, but the socially conscious brand has no intention of stopping there. The website offers seven different feminist collections, including "femininitees," whose proceeds go to the National Organization for Women and "nasty women unite," whose proceeds benefit Planned Parenthood.

Check Out Kat Von D's New Limited Edition Lip Set

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Last April, Kat Von D dropped the bomb that her Studded Kiss Lip Set would be hitting stores by the end of the year. The line comes in six super cool colors, all very bold and very Kat Von D-esque. There are three pinks in varying shades, a bright violet and a deeper purple, and a cool edgy gray color. They're definitely unusual, but that's what I love about Kat Von D—she never does anything ordinary!

Well, the end of 2016 came and went, but still no set. Now, we have confirmation that the Mini Studded Kiss Rock Candy Set will be hitting Sephora stores on April 4!!!

My favorite part about these colors is that they will come in aAmMaaZiNgGgG studded cases that actually match the shades inside! Not only do they look super cool, but it will be so easy to find the shade you're looking for when digging around your makeup box or purse!

There's no word on price yet, but you know it'll be worth every penny. Might as well take my tax refund check directly into Sephora, because I already know where mine is going!

People Are Drawing Full Faces of Makeup on Their Thighs for Some Reason

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There are a lot of crazy makeup trends out there. There always have been, and there always will be. Some of them sound crazy, but actually aren't when you think about it (like digging makeup out of trash cans). But then there are some that I simply cannot understand. The latest one of these weird trends: putting a full face of makeup on your legs. Erm, what?

Yes, it's a real thing. A quick search for #thighmakeup will give you plenty of evidence that there are, like, a lot of people out there actually doing this.

 

Say hello to my thighs. Am i mutating? Lolz! #face #art #thighface

A photo posted by Victoria Odom (@makeupbytory_) on

I guess I'm missing the point here—why are people doing this?!? They clearly know what they're doing so it looks good, but I mean it's on your leg, so what good does that do for you?!?! 

DAYUMMM that contouring though.... This leg looks better than my face, so there's that. 

And legs aren't the only body parts people are doing this too. Arms are also getting the full treatment (still, for what reason, I do not know). I know people do makeup swatches on their arms, but this is just a tad extreme in my opinion:

Maybe it's just me, but when I spend $25 on foundation, $29 on my favorite eyeshadow palette, and $20 on lipstick, I am not going to waste a single drop of it, especially not on my limbs!! The only beauty product going on my thighs is sunless tanner (because good lord, they need it). But Teen Vogue's best guess is that people are practicing their mad makeup skills however they can. I guess it's easier to draw on your leg than on your face.

7 Signs Taylor Is Just As Insane As Corinne on 'The Bachelor'

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Faithful Bachelor viewers singled Corinne out as this season’s crazy within minutes of her introduction, but it’s not a real Bach season unless we get more than one cuckoo. After watching last night’s episode, I think Taylor may be just as insane as Corinne. Here’s why.

1. She acts like she can best Corinne

Never gonna happen, girl. Corinne won this game before it even began.

2. She’s worried about everyone else’s maturity, but she’s only 23

There are plenty of mature 23-year-olds out in the world. Taylor, having gone on The Bachelor, is not one of them.

3. She says “emotional intelligence” TOO MUCH

Taylor probably learned this term in an intro psychology course and has casually dropped it in every conversation she’s had since. But it seems like the only word she knows to use while “mental health counseling” Corinne.

4. She doesn’t believe in relationships based on whipped cream and lies

Hello, this is what most women dream of when they go on The Bachelor to find love. It’s a best case scenario.

5. She honestly thought Nick was going to choose her over Corinne

Nick has been on this show four times. He’s practically an honorary producer at this point. Corinne makes for good television, so she stays. That’s called Nick math.

6. She went through that voodoo ritual to become a true supervillain

You know when villains are just normal human beings who get cast aside one too many times and then decide to make being mean their full-time job? That voodoo ritual sequence was Taylor’s origin story. Expect a comic book version and big-screen adaptation in the next year.

7. She returned to face off with Nick

Watching Taylor make the long trek to Nick and Corinne’s now one-on-one date was creepier than anything ghost child Mae did. I’m just disappointed she didn’t drag her fingers down some glass à la Chad before making her grand entrance.

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