You took a study break by checking out Finals Week, as Told by Will Ferrell & Zach Galifianakis.

On a slightly more relatable note, you also got a kick out of How Girls Study for Finals — clearly there was some procrastination going on this week!

Dead cell phones and 16 First World Problems We Deal With in College gave you a bit of perspective.

You thought ‘so true!’ as you read 11 Important Things You Start To Realize in Your 20s.

Naked Quad runs were just one of The 7 Weirdest College Traditions you read about this week.

While most collegiettes seem to have mastered the art of the résumé, this isn’t the case for its more complicated cousin, the cover letter. Instead of a list of facts and tangible information, cover letters require more thought and creativity, but are restricted by the limits of a professional business letter. Sound complicated? It is, but that doesn’t mean it is an impossible feat. And luckily, Louis Gaglini, the associate director for employer relations at Boston College, as well as Gihan Fernando, the executive director of the Career Center at American University were nice enough to break down exactly what internship coordinators are looking for in the notorious Cover Letter.

1. Professional format

Before potential employers even read an applicant’s cover letter, they notice the overall formatting and appearance of the letter. With that said, the format should be clean, precise, and professional. For an example of a standard format, check out “The BEST Cover Letter Ever: How to Write It and Write It RIGHT”.

What are some of Gaglini’s tips? To begin, he urges collegiettes to, “keep the cover letter to a standard page with white space and room for a signature.” He also suggests using a font size of 11 or 12, minimal bolding, minimal italics, and a standard font like Times New Roman.

Keep in mind that there are two ways to send your cover letter: as the body of an email or as an email attachment. If you are sending it as the body of an email, Gaglini emphasizes that it should still have a full, professional greeting and an appropriate closing. Gaglini says, “Employers don’t enjoy being greeted with a “Hey Lou!”  when they are looking for potential future employees.” If you are sending your cover letter as an attachment, it should be attached as a PDF file. Gaglini suggests that the body of the email is an instructional statement along the lines of, “Please see the attached cover letter and résumé…” Lastly, make sure to label any attachments with either your initials or your last name and the title of the attachment. For example, a cover letter attachment should be labeled “XY Cover Letter” or “Smith Cover Letter.” Just make sure to not label attachments with overly descriptive or wordy names – brief and concise labels are the way to go!

2. Business tone

Collegiettes often forget that the cover letter is, in fact, a business letter. With that said, Gaglini implores collegiettes to take “a business tone, regardless of the industry that they are applying to.” Even if you are applying to the most creative position in the fashion or advertising industry, the letter is still a business letter. While it is okay to have some fun with the writing if you are applying to a writing-focused position (think advertising or magazine writing), Gaglini suggests primarily demonstrating your creative abilities in an attached portfolio or writing sample, rather than in the letter. As Fernando emphasizes, “you want to maintain a professional tone while showcasing your personality.” It all comes down to finding the balance between professionalism and personality.

3. “Dear Mr. X”

This might seem like a small detail, but it truly can affect how potential employers read your application. Addressing a cover letter as “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Sir” is impersonal and generally not favored. Try to write to a specific individual who is associated with the job position you are applying for. If this information isn’t listed in the job description or on the company’s website, Gaglini suggests exercising those networking skills. He encourages students to, “Network to find a specific person to write to. One of the best places to start is at your school’s Career Center. They will be able to help you find the correct person to write to.” If your Career Center isn’t of much help, try scouring the company’s website or searching LinkedIn. Gihan Fernando, the Executive Director at the American University Career Center, even recommends calling the company’s main number and asking for the appropriate person’s name and title. The bottom line is that you should do whatever you have to in order to avoid the infamous “To whom it may concern.”

4. Explanation of why you are writing

The first paragraph of the cover letter should be a short, to-the-point explanation of why you are writing. Think of it as a personal introduction to a person (and company) that doesn’t know anything about you. Gaglini suggests that students include your name, the school you attend, what you are studying, the position you are applying for and how you found out about the position. Doesn’t sound too scary, right? Just remember that the words you choose say a lot about you; so don’t rush through writing this short paragraph. While it may seem formulaic, it is still an opportunity to let your personality show through.

An ideal first paragraph would read something like this:

“I am writing to express my interest in the 2013 Summer Internship Program for Nike as detailed on the Nike Human Resources Website. Currently, I am a junior at Boston College majoring in Communication with a minor in English. My prior experience with fitness and corporate communications as well as my various student leadership roles make me a strong candidate for the summer internship program.”

5. Aligning of self with the position or company

This is hands-down the most important part of the cover letter. Gaglini recommends having the job description in front of you while you are writing. He explains, “You want to address anywhere from 2-3 things found in the job description and tie them into your resume and your experience.” For example, if the internship you are applying for requires Photoshop skills and you used Photoshop to design a CD cover for your a cappella group’s winter concert, then identify that in the cover letter. As Gaglini points out, “This allows potential employers to visualize who you are and what the extent of your capabilities may be. This is when applicants begin to stand out.”

Word choice and phrasing are extremely important in this section of the cover letter. Gaglini’s biggest piece of advice? “Don’t overemphasize what the job will do for you. Instead, take the opposite approach and emphasize how you will be an asset to the company.” Companies want employees who will be able to make positive changes within the organization, so let them know that you are capable of just that.

6. Genuine, yet informative conclusion

It is hard to make the conclusion of a cover letter not seem formulaic and robotic. However, don’t be disheartened, because it is possible! To begin, Gaglini suggests reiterating your interest in and connection to the position and/or company. He also suggests reminding the company why you would make a good fit for the specific position.

One example of a strong conclusion would be something along the lines of this:

“In addition to my academic qualifications and prior experience in the industry, I also believe that my résumé exhibits strong potential for further accomplishment in the advertising industry. For these reasons, I feel that I would be an asset to your company as an intern this summer.”

And what is Gaglini’s main piece of advice? “Don’t say that you are the ‘best person’ for the position because you have no way of knowing if you are the best person. Find other ways to express that you would be a good fit.” 

Finally, finish off that concluding paragraph by expressing that you look forward to hearing from them and suggesting a future meeting in person. Remind them of your email address as well as phone number, so that they can easily follow-up with you. Gaglini has one last piece of advice: “Never write that you will follow-up with them. This comes off as threatening and most employers like to be the ones in charge of follow-ups.” If you are right for the job, the company will most definitely let you know.

7. Customization

Keep it mind that each cover letter you write should be different and tailored to the company or position you are applying to. As Gaglini explains, “the cover letter is an opportunity for you, the applicant, to present yourself and why you would be a valuable asset to the company.” With that said, this should change with each and every position and employer. Your introductory statement will change as will your motive for writing depending on the position. The parts of your resume that you choose to highlight in the cover letter will also change depending on the job description. If you find that two or three of your cover letters are looking identical, it is time to take a step back, channel your creativity, and work on customizing each piece of writing. And if you are using the same cover letter template, make sure to double and triple check that you have replaced the company’s name where applicable. 

8. No spelling errors, typos, or misinformation

This is pretty self-explanatory, but if you are truly invested in a particular internship or job, then employers assume that you will have taken the time to carefully check and recheck your cover letter for any mistakes. Mistakes can range from simple grammatical and spelling errors to misinformation about the company, so be sure to take a critical eye to ALL aspects of your letter.

Gaglini recommends reading the cover letter backwards when editing for grammar and misspellings. That way the content of the letter will not get in the way of your editing! Gaglini reminds us, “You don’t know if a perfectionist will be the one reading your cover letter, so you want to always write to that hypothetical perfectionist, just in case. That way you will always be safe.”

Cover letters are an art form, and once you start writing them it will become second nature. Remember the purpose of the cover letter while you are writing: to communicate to an employer, in a personalized and original message, why you would be an asset to the company. One of the best ways to create a flawless cover letter, according to Gaglini, is to constantly remind yourself why you are writing this specific cover letter. This ensures that you will, “avoid the common trap of all of your cover letters sounding the same.” It may seem like a lot to remember for a page-long letter, but if youpay attention to these eight simple things, you just might get the internship or job of your dreams.

We’ve all been there–it’s the busiest week of the semester, and suddenly, in between the studying, club meetings and nights out, you get sick. When you have so much else going on, it’s easy to forget about healthy habits, but that can have some serious consequences. Before you get exhausted, overstressed or sick, make a few simple tweaks to get back on track! Here are seven ways you may be putting your health on the back burner and how you can fix it.

1. Not getting enough sleep

Between hanging out with friends, going to classes and doing work, getting in a full eight hours of sleep every night can often seem impossible. Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your health, and not sleeping enough can have some serious side effects.

“Not getting enough sleep affects your immune system and lowers resistance to viruses and bacteria as well as reduces your ability to handle stressful situations and think clearly and calmly,” says Gail Stanton, a registered nurse and former nursing instructor at Holy Family University. Most adults need six to eight hours of sleep, but teenagers may require even more, says Stanton.

Sometimes six to eight hours just isn’t attainable, so if you do have a sleepless night, use the next few nights to catch up and try napping during the day.

While pulling an all-nighter to study may seem like a good idea, it will be harmful in the long run. Make a schedule or buy a planner to make sure you can plan out your study schedule in advance and still get enough sleep at night!

2. Not exercising

With a busy schedule, working out isn’t always a top priority—but it should be! Getting regular exercise is a great mood booster and a good way to help control your stress levels. Other than the physical effects of weight gain, a lack of exercise can have severe psychological effects as well.

“When you exercise, you release hormones called endorphins, which are feel-good hormones, and if you don’t exercise, you have a lack of these hormones, and it might make you feel melancholy or sad,” Stanton says. In the infamous words of Elle Woods, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy!”

Working out regularly can give you the attitude and energy you need to tackle the challenges that might come your way. It can be hard to find the motivation to exercise, but working out doesn’t have to be a chore! Find something you love doing, whether it’s going running with a friend or taking a yoga class at your school’s gym.

3. Eating out all the time

Without a home-cooked meal prepared by your parents every night, eating out often seems like the next best thing. Whether you’re chatting with girlfriends over some frozen yogurt or ordering some pizza after a night out, eating with friends is a social activity and a bonding experience. And for collegiettes on a budget or in a rush, fast food often seems like a quick, inexpensive option. But besides contributing to the freshman 15, fast food often doesn’t contain the nutrients your body needs to function properly.

The majority of restaurants now offer nutritional information online, says Stanton. “Try to view menu choices prior to going out, and choose a variety of foods from all four food groups,” says Stanton. “There are healthy choices if you plan ahead.” Sometimes you may choose a salad thinking it’s a healthy option, but if you look up the nutrition info online it could actually be loaded with calories from the dressing and other add-ins! So whenever possible, plan ahead to ensure you know what you’re consuming.

Dale Lavine, an editorial intern for Her Campus, says he has noticed improvements in his health after cutting down on his fast food consumption. “I ate so much junk food, and that took an awful toll on my immune system and my ability to sleep well, which in turn took a toll on my focus and my academia. It's a domino effect, and it's hard to recover from,” he says. “I cut fast food down from four or five times per week to once or twice, and even that made a noticeable difference in my life.”

To cut back on eating out, plan a cooking night with your housemates where you prepare a few meals that can be kept in the fridge or freezer that you can eat throughout the week. That way, when you get busier as the week goes on, you have options at home that just need to be reheated. Check out our Health Editor’s Collegiette Eats blog for easy meals to make.

4. Overextending Yourself

One of the great things about college is the plethora of clubs and organizations you can join. But if you’re feeling stressed and in a major time crunch, it might be time to re-evaluate your schedule. With so many options available, many collegiettes feel the need to sign up for a bunch of different clubs, rush a sorority or join a sports team (or do all at once!). While all of these activities can be fun, they’re also time-consuming, and a busy schedule can stress you out.

Hannah Richman, a junior at Hofstra University, says her busy schedule of classes, internships and her sorority became overwhelming and caused her to get sick. “Even though I felt sick every day, I just kept pushing and pushing until finally I couldn’t anymore,” she says. “After relaxing and sleeping for a whole weekend I felt SO much better. Sometimes you just need to take a breather!”

If you feel like you’re having trouble fitting everything in your schedule, it might be time to decide what is most important to you and let go of activities that are simply adding stress to your life. Give yourself a break every now and then–you deserve it!

5. Going out too often

In college, it can be easy to have FOMO (fear of missing out). When all of your friends are going out, it can be hard to say no, regardless of how exhausted, stressed or sick you feel. While going to parties is definitely a part of the college experience, there is such a thing as overdoing it.

It’s important to listen to you body and give it the rest it needs. Everyone’s threshold is different, but if going out is affecting you negatively, try to limit yourself to going out one or two times a week. Take time to relax and watch a movie, or catch up on some work. There will always be another party, but your health is one thing you should never take for granted.

6. Taking too many credits

It’s normal to feel stressed about a big exam or worry about a group project. But if you feel like you’re under a constant cloud of school-related stress, it may be time to talk to your academic adviser. College courses should challenge you, but not completely overwhelm you. Spreading your toughest courses out instead of taking them all in one semester can lighten your load and relieve some stress.

Dale says that his full course load on top of a busy personal life led his health to decline. “I traded in personal health for personal wealth and a decent GPA,” says Dale. “As far as I was concerned, why should I care about my body now if I can just work on it after I get my degree and start making some real money?”

Different people have different needs, and a schedule that works for your friends or classmates may not work for you. Before your workload has a detrimental effect on your grades or your well-being, don’t be afraid to ask for help from an academic adviser or a student health counselor.

“My advice to people is to budget appropriately and realize that some things—like personal health—are more important than grades,” says Dale.

7. Binge Drinking

Drinking can be a huge part of college life, and whether you’re going to parties or heading out to the bars, it can be easy to overdo it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, binge drinking for women is defined as drinking four or more drinks in about two hours, and a study has shown that women actually binge drink more than men.

Other than the obvious consequences of alcohol, like a hangover or bad decision-making, overconsumption of alcohol over an extended period of time can have seriously detrimental effects to your physical health.

“You may replace healthy intake of food with alcohol calories, which may be detrimental to your overall well-being, due to [a] lack of vitamins and nutrients,” says Stanton.

You can still go out and have fun without excessively consuming drinks every single night! Before you have that extra shot or one last beer, think about how it might affect you in the long run. You can also have a sober friend promise to look out for you, or only take out with you the amount of cash for one or two drinks and a cab ride home—leave your credit card in your dorm.

Healthy living and college life don’t always go hand in hand, but it’s important to remember that your health should take priority in your life. Don’t forget to take care of yourself, whether that’s getting an extra hour of sleep at night, making the time to exercise or skipping a night out every now and then. Your health is important, so don’t take it for granted!

Name: Talia Hancock
Age: 26
Job Title and Description: Owner of Talia Hancock Clothing
College/Major: Chapman University/ Business Administration
Website:taliahancock.com
Twitter Handle:@taliahancock

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

Talia Hancock: I don’t believe there is such a thing as a typical day for an entrepreneur. We ship and take orders daily, and managing our wholesale and retail relationships is a very important part of the business. We are in both national retailers and specialty stores, and keeping [everyone] equally satisfied is key. We would like our retailers to feel a personal connection to TH. I have found that sales increase when both customers and retailers know the story behind the line and feel “close” to it in some way. 

What is the best part of your job?

TH: I love the fact that I am constantly traveling both for sales and manufacturing – the glamorous and quite unglamorous sides of owning a clothing line. From trunk shows and meet-and-greets to hours in a foreign factory, I love it all. Knowing that actual human beings spend their hard-earned money to purchase something I have designed is just awesome.
 
What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?

TH: I worked my way through college in Nordstrom’s progressive designer department called Via C and gained the product knowledge, consumer demand, and customer service techniques that I implement every day.

You were thinking about being a journalist! What made you decide that fashion design was your destiny?

TH: Yes, once upon a time, I hosted a few shows on a Christian television network. It was truly fun, but [my] love for business trumps my desire to be in front of a camera. My parents are television directors and producers. Going into television was the “normal” route, but I wanted something different. I spent a year living in Lima, Peru , where I spent much of my childhood, while I was in college and discovered my love for business in general. My aunt is an amazing businesswoman who runs one of the biggest gold mines in Peru—she was my inspiration to start my own line!

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

TH: Everything. When I started [my line], I had no idea what I was getting into. My first year in business was a crash course in absolutely everything. [When] showrooms asked if I had a lookbook, I would tell them it was being printed [and] then Google “lookbook” because I had no idea what they were asking for. Little by little, I found my way.

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

TH: Without my business partner and my parents, TH would not exist. My partner is a chairman at Chapman University and offered me the opportunity to start a business right out of college—literally in my last class, on my last day, after my final presentation at Chapman. Our contacts and areas of expertise turned out to be dynamite, and TH was born. He has owned many successful businesses, and I have gained an infinite amount of knowledge from him.

My parents have always guided me while letting me think that I was free as a bird to make my own decisions – this is a sneaky science that only parents can master. [They] helped me be very independent while staying on course. When we first started, our warehouse was in my parents’ guest room. Then I began to overflow into the garage, and pretty soon there were TH goods all over the house. They have sacrificed so much for my brothers and I, but the biggest sacrifice for my dad was his beloved garage. When he let me fill shelves upon shelves with tees, I knew I was loved. 

What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?

TH: “Listen more than you speak.

Always give a little more than you promise.

Never be ashamed of the work of your hands.

Love first and the rest will fall into place.

Do as much as you can yourself, in person.”

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

TH: I have made every mistake in the “Do Not Do This” handbook. Learning from those mistakes, working through them, and not making them again is something one can really take pride in. My biggest mistake has been being too conservative with my sales projections. I am a realist and conservative in [both] business and finances, and that sometimes gets in my way. [Also], I once hired a model without seeing her in person, which was a horrible idea. As a result, I cultivated a very, very close relationship with Photoshop.

Where do you see yourself (and your brand) in five years?

TH: I would like to be in all major department stores and retailers without sacrificing my specialty store clientele. [They are] loyal, honest, and hard-working people.

I want my story and business to inspire other young people to start something. It is just so possible to make something of yourself when you are willing to work hard. And even when things don’t work out, you can walk away without regrets [and] know you did your very best. At TH, we give a portion of profits to charity and are focusing on projects in Peru. I hope to continue to build that culture of giving in my business.

What do you look for when considering hiring someone?

TH: I want [people] who feel a level of ownership and responsibility for my business. Because I started as a team of one, I know every aspect of TH and can tell my employees that I have done everything they are doing and know how exhausting or frustrating some things are. I am grateful to have lived it and pass on my knowledge. You have to be really willing to work hard, get disappointed, and start everyday fresh (or at least try to)!

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

TH: Run! Just kidding… knock down doors. Try with all your might to not take “no” for an answer, but recognize that “no’s” that are [sometimes] a blessing in disguise. Showrooms that wouldn’t even let me in their doors when I started this business were offering me bi-coastal representation a year later. I must admit it is a strange (and amazing) feeling to be on the other end of that equation and say “no” to them now.

Everyday stressors can become hard to manage. Using aromatherapy oils is a great way to gently stimulate your senses to create a harmonious balance of mind and body! Puritan’s Pride has put together a few of their favorite fragrances to help 5 lucky collegiettes discover the art of incorporating aromatherapy oils into their daily routines. Fill out the form below to enter to win a $63 set of essential oil products for FREE! Each set includes:

• Lavender 100% Pure Essential Oil
• Peppermint 100% Essential Oil
• Eucalyptus 100% Essential Oil
• Aromatherapy Plug In Diffuser
• Wonder Oil

Good luck!

Some say college is the best four years of your life.

The freedom, the fun, the close proximity to all your friends… How could it get any better?

But, believe it or not, real life is nothing like college. 

In fact, there are a lot of things you do during your time in college that are just not considered socially acceptable in the real world. 

For example, in the real world, you can’t eat this for dinner every night: 

And you definitely can’t order more takeout when you’re still hungry a few hours later.

There’s only so much longer you can keep that “Keep Calm and Carry On” poster hanging above your bed.

Or any posters, for that matter.  

Your days of sleeping in a twin bed are limited.

Eating all your meals in bed won't be acceptable after college, either.

You won't sleep in the same room as your best friend.

Once you enter the real world, you can’t spend hours on your laptop watching Netflix and YouTube videos anymore,

or sleep until noon every day.

No more trying to go as long as you can without washing your clothes,

or using dry shampoo instead of showering.

A time will come when you can no longer pay with everything using pocket change,

or do your grocery shopping at the local drug store.

Purchasing $1 draft beers: not an acceptable thing to do at a bar when you’re no longer in college.

Same goes for going to the kind of establishments that would even offer $1 draft beers.

This? Not an appropriate outfit for going out after college.

Even if it’s a special occasion.

Drinking games are no longer something you’ll be playing at parties.

You won’t be able to serve your future party guests drinks out of these:

And you definitely won't be able to serve them anything that comes out of one of these:

Parties, in general, will simply not resemble anything like this after college:

We guess you’ll just have to get over your post-college blues by wearing your old college apparel every day.

Oh, wait… apparently it’s not socially acceptable to do that after college either.

Rebecca Black proves she has a great sense of humor with a couple of her latest YouTube videos.

In February of 2011, ARK Music Factory released the music video for Rebecca Black’s single “Friday.” At first, it received about 3,000 views on YouTube, but the numbers skyrocketed after it appeared on the Tosh.0 blog and elsewhere on the internet. It now sits with over 61 million views.

On Black Friday, Rebecca released a video titled “Rebecca Black Reacts to ‘Friday’,” which is pretty self-explanatory. She says in her video that she wanted to do something special for Black Friday – for obvious reasons – so she decided to film her reaction to the music video for her song, “Friday.” Overall, she seemed a bit embarrassed – but not ashamed – of her 14-year-old self. The video has gotten over 2 million views within the past week.

On the Dec. 7, Rebecca Black – with Dave Days, a fellow YouTube star and musician – released a music video for their single, “Saturday.” Rebecca continues her Friday shenanigans by waking up at 2p.m., grabbing a bowl of cereal (again), and hitting the road in the backseat of a car with a bunch of friends (again).

The video and lyrics are quite clearly of better quality than Rebecca’s first hit – but the best part is that she’s able to poke fun at herself. The lyrics and a number of props for the video allude to her last single and its accompanying video. The video also includes a few nods to bigger pop stars like Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez.

The “Saturday” video is already viral, with more than 10 million views in two days.

With all the Catching Fire news going around, you're probably pretty familiar with the movie's lead, Jennifer Lawrence. But we bet you didn't know everything about this unpredictable actress - here are a few fun facts you've probably never heard!

1. She once got a lap dance from a stripper dressed as Little Bo Peep.

Last year on Jay Leno, Jennifer Lawrence shared a disturbing experience about an elderly stripper giving her a lap dance. She was in Georgia shooting a new movie when she headed out to a local bar with some friends and was approached by a “senior citizen” dancer.

2. She was discovered by a model scout when she was 14.

When Jennifer was visiting New York with her mother for spring break, she was approached my a modeling agency’s scout. In an interview in the most recent September issue of Vogue, she explained, "Someone asked if they could take my picture, and my mom and I didn't think it was creepy at the time.” She moved to New York City shortly thereafter to start her career.

3. Her nickname on the set of The Hunger Games was “Katpiss Neverclean.”

“I was raised peein’ in the woods!” Jennifer exclaimed during a Moviefone Unscripted interview with her co-stars. She also admitted to skipping a shower once in a while during the filming of The Hunger Games. Thus, she was dubbed “Katpiss Neverclean” by her fellow cast and crew - needless to say, they probably weren't too estatic about it.

4. Her teenage crush was Justin Timberlake – Josh Hutcherson's childhood idol.

Jennifer Lawrence revealed her love for the former boybander at a Tumblr Q&A at Yahoo Headquarters last month, saying, "My teen crush [was] Justin Timberlake. Early '90s Justin Timberlake though. Like 'N Sync Justin Timberlake." Coincidentally, JT was Josh Hutcherson’s (Jennifer’s Hunger Games co-star) childhood idol. 

5. One of her earliest gigs was a promo for MTV's My Super Sweet 16.

When she was 14, Jennifer played a bratty teenager named Lisa in a promo for MTV’s reality series “My Super Sweet 16.” Seriously, just watch it; you won't be disappointed.

6. She auditioned for the role of Bella Swan in Twilight.

Before Jennifer landed her starring role in The Hunger Games, she tried her luck at getting the part of Bella in Twilight. In hindsight, she says she’s glad she lost the part to Kristen Stewart because she didn’t want the media attention that Kristin received. In fact, when Jennifer was told she got the part of Katniss, she hesitated to take it, knowing that it would bring her a lot of attention.

7. She got into a car accident once because she thought she saw Honey Boo Boo.

Last year, J-Law caused a minor fender bender when she rear-ended a car because she thought she spotted Honey Boo Boo. She admitted she felt a little silly when she had to tell the driver of the other vehicle, “I’m sorry that I hit your family. I thought I saw Honey Boo Boo.”

Raise your hand if you’ve ever watched those adorable, romantic holiday movies and thought to yourself, “I wish I had someone to share this season with.” Well, put those hands down, collegiettes! You don’t have to house-swap with a stranger like in The Holiday to avoid your single status this year—embrace it! We at Her Campus are going to tell you why being single during the holidays is actually amazing.

 1. You Don’t Have to Share Your Time

Especially when you’re away at college most of the year, quality time with your family and friends is much needed during the holidays. When you have a boyfriend or girlfriend, you often have to decide which family you’re spending the holidays with, and possibly feel guilty if you want to spend your whole holiday with just yours.

“My boyfriend and I are really close with our families, but we also want to spend the holidays together,” says Kelly, a junior from Rutgers University. “His parents are divorced, so we end up spending Christmas day with three different families. I wish I could spend more time with my family on these special days.”

Lucky for you, you get to spend as much or as little time with your friends and family as you please when you’re single. You have no obligation to share your time with anyone else!

2. You Don’t Have to Find That Perfect Gift

Take it from us: finding the perfect holiday gift for your boyfriend or girlfriend is not an easy task! (Don’t even get us started on finding a gift for his or her parents as well.) Choosing the perfect gift for a significant other is not only time-consuming, but it can be pricey as well! When you’re single, you can treat yourself to something special instead (and you always know what you want!).

3. You Don’t Have to Pretend to Like Your Gifts

It’s just as hard for someone else to buy a gift for you as it is for you to buy one for someone else. This year, you don’t have to pretend to like that itchy Christmas sweater that your boyfriend’s mom bought for you, or that perfume your guy bought you that smells more like one your dog would wear (um, no thank you).

4. You Can Enjoy all the Parties Guilt-Free

Remember that episode of The Hills when Lauren and Jason went at it at the club and it ruined their whole New Year’s? When you’re single, you won’t ruin a special night with boyfriend drama. In fact, you won’t have any drama, because you’re free to do whatever you want! Dance with who you want, hang out with who you want, stay as long as you want. You could even throw your own party for all of your single friends!

5. You Can Rock That Ugly Christmas Sweater

You not only can behave however you want at parties––you also have no one to impress at parties. When you have a boyfriend or girlfriend, it might be harder to get silly for themed parties because you want to look your cutest. Ugly Christmas sweater parties are all the rage during the holidays, so go all out!

6.  You Can Avoid Awkward Parent Situations

If you’ve ever met a significant other’s parents, then you know it can be really awkward. You’re so worried about making a good first impression that it’s hard to relax and enjoy the holidays. And what about when you meet the parents and find out they’re crazy, and you secretly worry your boyfriend might grow up to be like them?! As a single collegiette, you don’t have to worry about any of that (and trust us, that is a great thing).

7. You’ll Have a Fresh Start for the New Year

The end of the holiday season is a time for reflection. What you decide to do with the next 12 months is completely up to you. When you start the New Year single, you get to make choices about where you want your life to go without influence from a significant other.

“I love being single at the end of the year,” says Samantha, a junior at the University of Delaware. “I make New Year’s resolutions just for me, and it’s really rewarding to not have someone else in mind while I’m making them.”

So next time you see a cute couple holding hands during the holidays (or any time of year), don’t let it get you down. Being single has so many benefits––enjoy them!

With application deadlines fast approaching and the prospect of college closer than ever, it can be easy to get overwhelmed with the numerous decisions you’re having to make. As if making your college list wasn’t enough, soon you’re going to have to decide where you actually want to go to school. The pressure is on!

While January 1^st is just a few weeks away and the race to get those applications in on time can be pretty stressful, we here at Her Campus thought we’d compile a list of schools that you may not have thought about your first time around. Guess what – they all have extended application deadlines!

If you’re still unsure about where on Earth you want to end up once your high school career is over, take these schools into consideration. After all, you have a little more time to decide if you want to apply to them!

1. St. Edward’s University

Location: Austin, Texas
Number of Undergrads: 4,240
Application Deadline: May 1
School Website: www.stedwards.edu

We’ve all heard of the University of Texas, but you may not have heard of St. Edward’s University, which is just a short drive away from the home of the Longhorns. St. Edward’s University is a private, Catholic liberal arts institution that’s located on a picturesque hill overlooking the city of Austin, Texas.

St. Edward’s University is a great school if you’re looking for a more personal atmosphere. Plus, when you immerse yourself in the Texas culture, you’ll finally have an excuse to buy those super cute cowboy boots you’ve always wanted but never had a good enough reason to buy.

The good news is you have tons of time to decide if you want to apply to St. Edward’s University, because their application deadline isn’t until May 1! Since they have rolling admissions, you can apply any time before May and find out whether you got in or not within two weeks of submitting your application. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal, doesn’t it?

2. Saint Michael’s College

Location: Colchester, Vermont
Number of Undergrads: 1,953
Application Deadline: February 1
School Website: www.smcvt.edu

Have you always wanted to venture over to the east coast, but are still looking for that perfect school? You might want to check out Saint Michael’s College!

Not only does Saint Michael’s have an absolutely gorgeous campus, but with a student to faculty ratio of 14:1, they also have small class sizes that allow you to get the most out of your education. As much as you’d like to nap in the back of a 300-person classroom, it’ll definitely benefit you in the long run to get a more personal, hands-on education!

Lucky for you, the application deadline isn’t until February 1, so you have plenty of time to perfect your essay and add all your extracurricular activities to your resume.

3. Pacific Union College

Location: Angwin, California
Number of Undergrads: 1,529
Admission Deadline: Rolling
School Website: www.puc.edu

If you’ve been a sports junkie your entire life or love a good pick-up soccer game, then Pacific Union College might be the perfect school for you, because according to collegeprowler.com, they have the number one intramural sports program in the country! Pacific Union College is located in Angwin, California (close to the Bay Area), so the beautiful California weather allows for perfect conditions to play sports year round.

The good news is their admissions deadline is rolling! That leaves you plenty of time to put together the perfect application and practice those flag football skills.

4. Rollins College

Location: Winter Park, Florida
Number of Undergrads: 1,890
Admissions Deadline: February 15
School Website: www.rollins.edu

While the University of Miami may sound appealing, there’s another smaller school you can look into that will offer you that same warm Florida weather. Rollins College is a top-ranked liberal arts school in Winter Park, Florida, that sits on the shores of Lake Virginia. They’re known for their excellent undergraduate international business program and upholding a commitment to international learning. They offer everything from Greek life to intramural sports, so there’s something for everyone to get involved in!

According to College Prowler, Rollins admissions officers are looking for diversity, so when applying it’s helpful to include facts about yourself that separate you from the pack, like how you’re an advocate for animal rights or how you started a club that you’re super passionate about. Cliché college essay topics aren’t going to work on this school!

Rollins is another school that offers small class sizes. With a student to faculty ratio of 10:1, the average class size is around 17 students.

The application deadline for Rollins College isn’t until February 15, so you get a little more than a month longer to look into the school and decide if it’s somewhere you would be interested in applying to.

Of course, with that year-round warm weather, it’s worth a shot!

5. Nova Southeastern University

Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Number of Undergrads: 6,397
Application Deadline: Rolling
School Website: www.nova.edu

Another larger Florida school to take into consideration is Nova Southeastern University, located in Fort Lauderdale. With more than 6,000 full-time undergrads and 18,135 graduate students, NSU is the sixth largest independent university in the nation.

“I’ve only been at Nova a few months, but I absolutely love it,” says Lindsay, a current freshman. “Everyone has so much school pride and that’s exactly what I was looking for in a school. I can’t imagine myself going anywhere else!”

Plus, if you go to Nova, you can guarantee that you won’t have to go through any unbearable winters!

You have plenty of time to decide if you want to apply there, because their application deadline is rolling! Nova Southeastern also offers a dual admission program that allows you to apply for the undergraduate major of your choice paired with the graduate program you’re interested in. The application deadline for the dual admission program is February 1^st, so you still have plenty of time to get that application in as well!

6. Whitman College

Location: Walla Walla, Washington
Number of Undergrads: 1,530
Admissions Deadline: January 15
School Website:  www.whitman.edu

Whitman College is known for its caring and intelligent professors as well as its warm and welcoming student body.

“The teachers are always willing to help out their students, which is something I really appreciate about this school,” says Morgan, a freshman at Whitman. “I know a lot of my professors on a more personal level, which is not something I expected coming into college.”

With the perks of their 24-hour library and their great vegetarian/vegan options on campus, which can be seen on the Whitman College online dining menu, most students who attend Whitman are incredibly happy with their college experience. In fact, according toU.S. News & World Report, 94 percent of students return after their freshman year.

The application deadline for Whitman College is January 15, and while that doesn’t give you much extra time, it at least gives you some! Plus, if you get your applications in earlier, you won’t be super stressed later on and you can actually enjoy the rest of your senior year.

7. University of Puget Sound

Location: Tacoma, Washington
Number of Undergrads: 2,582
Admission Deadline: January 15
School Website: www.pugetsound.edu

The University of Puget Sound is a private institution that is known for its beautiful, 97-acre campus. The school is located between the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges along the shores of the Puget Sound.

UPS is the only national independent liberal arts college in Western Washington and has an outstanding liberal arts curriculum, according to Colleges That Change Lives. Besides their outstanding academic reputation and small class sizes, UPS also has Greek life and several on-campus clubs, such as the Fencing Club, the Film and Theater Society and the Sailing Club, so there’s something for everyone to get involved in.

The University of Puget Sound’s application deadline is January 15, so you have a little bit of extra time to send in your application. The beautiful location is reason enough to at least give it a look!

Applying to college can be totally stressful, and the whole application process itself can be really frustrating, but there’s no need to freak out. If you’re scrambling to get all your college apps in on time, just know that there are tons of schools out there with later deadlines. Better late than never!

Now that it’s winter break – or for some of us, about to be – you’ve got weeks of relaxation ahead of you. Between shopping with your friends and catching up with the family, you’ll probably want to spend a few nights relaxing with the people you love. Get the hot chocolate ready – we’ve got your complete guide to the best movies to watch at home this season with everyone from your hookup buddy to your grandma. 

When You’re with Your Boyfriend/Girlfriend/Crush

We’re not saying you have to watch romantic comedies all season, but date night probably isn’t the best time to break out heavy films like “127 Hours” or “The King’s Speech.” Winter break doesn’t mean you have to watch cheesy holiday movies, though, so here are some of our favorite films to watch with your significant other or potential beau.

Going the Distance (2010)
If you want something romantic but aren’t into romance, this film is perfect. Drew Barrymore and Justin Long’s chemistry will bring out your soft side, but costars Charlie Day and Jason Sudeikis will keep you and your boo laughing the whole time. The film also features multiple performances by The Boxer Rebellion, a twist you’ll enjoy if you like alternative music.

Love Actually (2004)
Universal advertised this film as “the ultimate romantic comedy,” and it inspired the ensemble-cast trend followed in films like “He’s Just Not That Into You,” “Valentine’s Day,” and “New Year’s Eve.” With stars like Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Laura Linney, Liam Neeson and Emma Thompson, this British film follows relationships ranging from stepson and father to sister and mentally-handicapped brother to (of course) romantic relationships. It’ll put both of you in the spirit of Christmas and the spirit of love, for your families and for each other.

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
As far as Christmas movies go, this film really is the best. And after a stressful semester and string of exams, college students can use the reminder that life does get better! If you’re someone who finds Jimmy Stewart’s voice annoying you may not enjoy this film, but if you’re looking for a holiday movie that’s deeper than the Claymation Rudolph stories, this film is a great choice.

When You’re with Your Family

As much as you’d like to stay out with your friends for all of break, your parents and siblings really do miss you when you’re at school and will be eager to spend time with you. And besides, is watching old Disney cartoons or recent Pixar films really that bad? 

Despicable Me (2010)
We love Steve Carrell for his portrayal of Michael Scott on “The Office,” but he brings some serious fun and cuteness as Gru in this animated film. An all-star list of costars including Russell Brand, Kristen Wiig and Miranda Cosgrove make the movie hilarious, and watching Gru’s relationship with the orphan girls evolve will make you remember why you love your family.

Sleeping Beauty (1959)
If you’re planning on seeing the just-released twist on Aurora’s story (a movie you should probably see with your friends and not younger sibs), you’ll want a refresher on the classic tale. Timeless songs like “Once Upon a Dream” will make you smile, and the movie is great for any age, so your parents will like it just as much as your little sister does.

Up (2009) 
From the too-perfect Pixar animation – we know we weren’t the only ones who caught Carl’s stubble a day after the house took off – to the complex plot, there’s nothing that “Up” didn’t get right. You’ll cry within the first 10 minutes of watching the film, but it will make you appreciate the relationships you have in your life. Even though it’s a Disney movie, this film is difficult for children to appreciate and deals with some pretty heavy issues, so it’s not the best film to watch with children who are super young.

True Grit (2010)
Even if your parents know the 1969 Western with John Wayne and you only recognize Hailee Steinfeld from the fall Miu Miu ads, you’ll both appreciate the Coen brothers’ take on Charles Portis’s classic novel. The score is soothing (not your typical Western music) and the film retains a lot of Portis’s blunt humor, and who doesn’t love a strong heroine? Skip this film if sibs or cousins younger than high school are joining, though – they’ll be bored.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
You hear the music everywhere, and stores like Urban Outfitters still sell Charlie Brown Christmas trees each year. You, your parents and your younger siblings will love this “Peanuts” classic, whether it’s the first or tenth time you’ve watched it.

Holiday (1938)
If your grandparents love Cary Grant, this Christmas-themed film is a must. Katharine Hepburn is hilarious, and you’ll love the story as much as they do. If you haven’t seen the film, you’ll be in suspense wondering what will happen, and you’ll be entertained and laughing along the way!

When You’re with Your Friends

Mamma Mia! (2008)
You all know all of the words, and if it’s just you and the girls, you won’t be embarrassed to sing along. You’ll marvel at Amanda Seyfried’s Hollywood transformation and Meryl Streep’s versatility as an actress, and supporting actors like Christine Baranski and Colin Firth will keep you laughing the whole time

(500) Days of Summer (2009)
After “Inception,” Joseph Gordon-Levitt became a household name, but even before that he was a great actor, and totally adorable (case in point: “10 Things I Hate About You”). Zooey Deschanel is at her finest, and the film is simultaneously funny and thought-provoking. Chloe Moretz and Minka Kelly also star in the film, which was released before either of them were A-list celebrities, and if you watched the ABC show “Greek”: yes, that is the guy who played Chicken Joe.

Clueless (1995)
This is the ultimate chick flick classic. Paul Rudd could not be cuter, and we can all quote along with the characters.

After a grueling winter semester, everyone deserves a little rest and relaxation, so grab a blanket and pop in one of these DVDs. With Redbox, Netflix, iTunes, Amazon and Blockbuster, now it’s easier – and more affordable – than ever to rent movies, so use this break as a time to unwind.

What movies are you looking forward to watching this season? Let us know in the comments section!

The best things in life are free. And while fresh air and the beauty of the outdoors are definitely two of them, we’d like to add beauty products and delicious food to that list. Yes, you can get those for free—just by letting brands know what you thought about their products!

PINCHme, a newly launched site, allows you to do just this: sample cool new products from leading brands in exchange for quick survey feedback.

The more you share your likes, interests and hobbies, the more you will see samples that match your unique interests and preferences. Every two weeks, look through your individualized batch of samples, pick your favorite items and get the products delivered to you for free! Once you receive your product samples, you’ll have a month to try them out and give your feedback.

Can’t wait to get started? Here are a few of the awesome things you can try out this week when you create an account with PINCHme!

1. Gevalia mocha coffee.  Just in time for finals—and a whole lot cheaper (read: 100% cheaper) than hitting the campus coffee shop!
2. Sally Hansen self-tanning lotion. Even though it’s winter, you know you want to convince everyone you still have your summer glow.
3. U by Kotex tampons and pads. Shopping for feminine supplies can be a tad awkward, so why not just get them sent to your dorm for free?
4. Clean & Clear Morning Burst gel. Keep your skin hydrated (and your wallet happy) this winter!

And as an extra bonus:  

A trip to Australia. Yes, you read that correctly! PINCHme is offering a trip for two to Sydney, Australia. From now until 11:59 p.m. EST on December 31, 2013, you can enter to win a seven-night stay at the 1888 Hotel in Sydney, round-trip economy air transportation and $1,000 AUD spending money. This one is actually a sweepstakes, so enter here to win!

Happy wallet-less shopping, collegiettes!  And be sure to check back soon for even more deals!

On a cold, winter morning, the last thing you want to do is get out of your warm, cozy bed and get dressed for class. We admit it’s hard to find the motivation to put together a stylish look when it’s so much easier to throw on the stand-by sweater combo. However, looking fierce doesn’t have to mean sacrificing comfort. Check out our suggestions for revamping your winter fashion routine that will get you out of your style rut!

1. Layers are your new best friend

Shirt: H&M, $29.95
Tee: Target, $17.99
Jacket: Old Navy, $34.94
Jeans: Topshop, $80
Beanie: Skullcandy, $15.95
Boots: Steve Madden, $99.95

Besides the fact that layering will keep you warm and toasty on frigid mornings, it’s also a great way to easily update your everyday style. Keep your undermost layers fitted and throw a belt around your waist so that you can still show off your figure. Layering also gives you the opportunity to mix different textures, so try to vary your look with knits, leather, flannel or denim, for example. Try layering a collared shirt underneath a sweater for a preppy look, or make the most of the grunge trend by tying a flannel around your waist and layering a denim jacket over a tee. On chilly days, add a chunky knit scarf or beanie for a look that is both fashionable and functional.

2. Trade your boots for booties

Dress: Nasty Gal, $58
Tights: Zara, $19.90
Knee socks: K. Bell, $14
Moto jacket: Forever 21, $37.80
Booties: ASOS, $163.34

This season’s take on the classic boot is the bootie, as seen on runway models and celebrities alike. As far as this trend goes, the more interesting your shoes, the better. Whether they’re leather and high-heeled or suede and in a wedge style, a fabulous pair of booties will instantly take your ensemble to a whole new level. This type of boot looks great with tights and a floral dress or with a pair of black skinny jeans. For some cute options, check out this pair from Old Navy ($29) or these ($96) from Aldo.

3. Go bold with leather pants or leggings

Leggings: Topshop, $44
Jacket: Monsoon, $122
Tee: Target, $14.99
Necklace: Daily Look, $16.99
Booties: ALDO, $96

If you’re looking to make a serious statement, leather is your new go-to fabric for fall. Leather (or faux leather) leggings and pants are a fun, stylish alternative for when you’re bored of plain old jeans or tights. Bonus: they’re still comfortable! Use them to dress up an otherwise basic outfit by pairing them with a plain white tee and blazer, or for a super edgy, Rihanna-inspired ensemble, wear them with a gray crewneck sweatshirt, heels and lots of jewelry.

4. Wear your shorts all year long (with tights underneath)

Cardigan: Amazon, $20.99
Flannel: Duluth Trading Company, $64.50
Shorts: Etsy, $26
Tights: Urban Outfitters, $12
Socks: J.Crew, $16.50
Beanie: Patagonia, $24

We love pairing our shorts with tights for the winter because it means infinitely more outfit options. Wearing a moto jacket with a pair of shorts and booties will give you an instant wow factor, and it’s a look you can easily take from day to night (which is super important for a busy collegiette). Another fun take on this trend is tucking a patterned blouse into high-waisted shorts, adding sheer tights and throwing a cardigan on top.

5. Play with proportions

Top: River Island, $20
Booties: Sole Society, $89.95
Skirt: ASOS, $63.52
Moto jacket: AKIRA, $54.90

The details of an outfit can make the whole ensemble pop. One way to do this is to experiment with different lengths. When done correctly, this technique can flatter your figure (and keep problem spots out of sight!). Wear a shorter sweater over a collared shirt with a longer hem for a sophisticated yet effortless look. Pair a maxi skirt with a cropped jacket to nip in your waist, or balance out a boxy, oversized sweater with sleek skinny jeans. For another option, wear high-waisted skinnies with a crop top and a cozy cardigan.

Don’t let yourself fall into the winter style rut again! With some revamped looks and fun new trends, you can still brave the cold while looking fabulous all season long. 

Sick of eating cereal and Ramen for lunch and dinner? Want to spend less money eating out and finally start cooking for yourself? Put down that frozen pizza, because HC’s Health Editor, Sammie Levin, is here to share her daily eats so you can get ideas for healthy, satisfying meals that are easy enough for any time-strapped collegiette to make. After you read Collegiette Eats, your taste buds, wallet and waistline will thank you.

It happens to the best of us: you're doing great with maintaining healthy eating habits, and then something - whether it's a holiday dinner or a night of stress-eating during finals week - causes you to pig out. You can actually visualize your momentum and willpower go down the drain as you polish off your fourth Christmas cookie and grab a fifth one (because you already blew your healthy diet for the day, so why stop now?). 

That's exactly what happened to me this past weekend. It started on Friday when I attended an end-of-semester dinner party. The event was catered by a Mediterranean restaurant that I love, and I ended up filling my plate without any regard for portion control. I was hungry, so I ate it really quickly and then immediately got seconds before waiting to see if I was actually still hungry. I definitely did not need the seconds (or probably all of the firsts, for that matter), because by the time I put down my fork, I was in a legendary food coma. As full as I was, when I got home I was craving something sweet, so I had a piece of chocolate that then turned into many more pieces of chocolate and other candy.

How I look and feel after too much chocolate.

When I woke up the next morning, I had a food baby hangover. I had all intentions of eating well that day to get back on track, but I ended up eating out twice which led me to eat much bigger (and less healthy) meals than I would have if I had prepared my own food. On Sunday, I did better throughout the day but went to my sorority's house for dinner and proceeded to feast on a giant plate of pasta and dessert. As I was going to bed that night, I felt way too full and was bummed that I went overboard throughout the weekend. 

After a few days of eating more than usual or indulging to your heart's content, it can be hard to get back on track. Over the years, I've found that if I try to drastically alter my eating habits or focus too much on the "damage" I've done, I usually get fed up and quickly lose motivation. So I've come up with a list of a few quick tips for how to more effectively get yourself back in the mindset of healthy eating. 

• Put it in perspective. Don't dwell on your slip-ups. Instead, recognize that you need to treat yourself once in a while, and remind yourself that after just a few days of returning to healthy habits, you will feel better.
• Start now. Rather than thinking, "Well, I already ate so unhealthily today, why stop now?" as you reach for that fifth cookie, start attempting to get back on track in that moment, rather than pushing it off for tomorrow or the start of a new week. Start in the moment with a small goal, such as making that cookie your last one, so that you can get your motivation going. That way, you'll feel less pressure to completely overhaul your diet the next day. Think of every meal (rather than every day or week) as a fresh start.
• Plan a few meals in advance. After a stretch of unhealthy eating, it can be helpful to plan a few of your next meals in advance. Load up on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein while attempting to limit salty and sugary foods. Check out the foods I ate to get back on track on Monday below. 
• Don't skip meals to compensate. If you overdo it one day or night, you may be tempted to skip meals the next day to compensate. However, this is not a good idea because if you start to feel deprived, then you'll likely end up overeating again later. Instead of skipping meals or severely limiting your calorie intake, forget about yesterday and focus on making today full of healthy, balanced meals. 
• Remember your goals. Remind yourself why you care about eating heathily. What are you working towards? Is it for the right reasons, and are your goals realistic? A mental check-in after getting off track can help revive your motivation and make you feel more at peace with yourself. 

Breakfast 

Although I wasn't that hungry when I woke up, I knew I should still eat breakfast to start the day off right and make sure my stomach wouldn't start grumbling in class later. So, of course, I opted for my favorite breakfast of banana almond butter oatmeal. This breakfast always helps me get back into the mindset of healthy eating, plus I've read that both banana and oats are good de-bloating foods.

Lunch 

For lunch, I wanted something with lots of vegetables and no bread, so I made a vegetable stir-fry with scrambled eggs. I sautéed spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes, onions and cubed butternut squash in some olive oil and minced garlic. I then scrambled one egg and 1/4 cup egg whites and chopped it up finely, kind of like how it is done in fried rice, and added it to the vegetables. So easy and so good! 

Dinner 

I grabbed a quick dinner with my friend at a cafe on campus. I got terriyaki salmon, which was served on brown rice with edamame, carrots and sweet peppers. It was filling, but I had a late night at the library and I needed a little something to get me through studying for my finance exam (blech) so I ended up snacking on pomegranate seeds and a few Hershey's kisses. Mmmm. 

After a day of eating healthier I already feel a little better. But getting back on track doesn't have to take one day - any adjustments you can make will have an impact! Don't beat yourself up over not sticking to a perfect diet. You only YOLO once. 

We love the holidays and we LOVE cute animals. So, naturally, we love these cute animals dressed up and ready for the holidays! 

Finals week might be taxing on your mind and body…

…but it doesn’t have to be all bad.

1. For instance, you have no classes, and you have the freedom to spend your days however you please.

You might have to do some studying eventually, but you’ll squeeze it in there.

2. Finals week also gives you an excuse to get a little more lenient with your beauty regimen.

3. Showering daily? Forget it. You don’t have time for that nonsense.

4. No one is supposed to look cute during finals, so you finally have an excuse to wear sweatpants for a week straight.

5. Same goes for letting up on your diet.

6. You’re under a lot of stress, so you can feel justified to eat whatever whenever you want and however much of it you please.

Want to eat a second dinner? You go for it, girl. You deserve it.

7. Study breaks give you a chance to catch up on all your TV shows.

8. And to take a lot of well-deserved naps.

9. You can say goodbye to gym obligations for a week.

10. And being nice to other people? Whatever. You can resume that once finals are over.

11. During finals, you’ll get to see for yourself just how much you’re capable of bearing…

12. …and you might amaze yourself with the things you can accomplish.

13. Which of course you can brag about to everyone later.

Though you may not make it through finals week completely unscathed…

14. …you always have the celebration that follows to look forward to.

Good luck with your exams, collegiettes!

It should be a rule in every college or university’s handbook: During the holiday season, every collegiette must watch Love Actually at least once during their time at school. (Haven’t seen it yet? It’s on Netflix. Go! Now! Then come back and read this article.) This movie has it all. Seriously, with nine different plotlines, there’s undoubtedly at least one couple you’ll connect with. Plus, it’s just a great, feel-good way to launch you into the holiday spirit when you’re looking for the perfect way to procrastinate on studying for finals. To help you justify this “learning experience,” check out these seven love lessons all viewers can pick up on after watching Love Actually.

Lesson #1: Love triangles are messy.

Maybe the saddest story in all of Love Actually is the Juliet/Peter/Mark love triangle. (This one could also be the creepiest. Videotaping your BFF’s wedding when you’re crazy about his bride? Not the world’s best decision…) No matter how you look at it, it’s a messy situation.

So what’s a collegiette to do if she finds herself in a similar situation? Taking a page out of Mark’s book might be best. Depending on the situation, get the truth out there. You don’t need to go all out and make some big gesture with super cute notecards, but if you feel like you can’t stay in a situation any longer without speaking up (e.g., it’s hurting your friendship with one or both of the other people involved, it’s affecting your mental or physical health, you’re sabotaging other relationships because you’re stuck on someone else), find a way to gently break the truth to one or both of the other members of the triangle. Once you make peace with the situation, make things less awkward for the time being by removing yourself from the situation. It’s the decision of the couple to decide what to do next, not yours.

Lesson #2: When it comes to new relationships, just be yourself!

It’s clear from the first time they meet that what David, the fictional new Prime Minister in the movie, likes about Natalie, one of his staffers, was that Natalie’s true self shines through. She’s not afraid to be herself in front of one of the most powerful men in Britain, and even sticks to her guns when he comes to woo her back, inviting him to accompany her to the Christmas play she’s about to leave for instead of letting him whisk her back to 10 Downing Street.

Take a page out of Natalie’s book next time you’re flirting with a potential BF. Be yourself and let your own personality shine through. Don’t feel like you need to pretend to be someone you’re not to get a guy. After all, you want a person to like you for you, not someone who’s fake! 

Lesson #3: Sometimes, a best friend is all you need.

While most of Love Actually focuses on romantic relationships, you can’t overlook the touching moments that occur between fading pop star Billy Mack and his manager, Joe. These two may not be the conventional example of friendship, but the scenes between Billy and Joe show just how important your BFFs can be when it comes to dealing with the ups and downs of love and everything else.

Just like your guy needs his bros, it’s important to make sure you don’t ditch your gal pals when you’re seeing someone. Dating and relationships are great, but nothing beats the power and comfort of a best friend who just gets you. Whether it’s serving as a sounding board for a friend who just needs to vent or providing advice to help a friend navigate one of the trickier situations those in love go through, make sure you’re there for your friends when they need you.

Lesson #4: Even the biggest barriers to love can be overcome.

Okay, maybe learning an entirely new language for someone you’ve just met a la struggling writer Jamie and Aurélia is a little, well… Hollywood. That being said, situations like struggling to communicate how you feel or long-distance relationships are very real obstacles a lot of us face in the crazy pursuit of love.

These barriers can often be overcome, however—a lesson well worth remembering.

Whether it’s a huge argument, spending a semester apart when one of you goes abroad, deciding to take a break or another scenario that’s imposing some sort of obstacle between you and your partner, get creative! Find ways to tackle whatever it is separating or frustrating you, whether that’s trying new ways to keep in touch, being more open about what you’re feeling or a number of other solutions. Love may not always be able to conquer all, but it can sure tackle an awful lot!

Lesson #5: Be upfront about your mistakes.

We’re human; we all mess up. Harry (the character played by Alan Rickman, the same actor who plays Snape in Harry Potter) cheating on his wife, Karen, is one of the more heart-wrenching plotlines in Love Actually. However, this too lends itself to an important lesson: Be honest and upfront about your mistakes, especially when it’s as serious as cheating on a significant other. Your partner will appreciate your honesty rather than finding out in another manner, and you’ll feel much better getting it off your chest.

Lesson #6: Don’t be afraid to try new things.

Oh, Colin. Colin, Colin, Colin. As sleazy as this ladies’ man may be (he flew all the way across the pond just to find a date), he does seem to know the key to many an American girl’s heart. Why do British accents have to be so adorable?! Judgment aside on his Wisconsin escapades, you’ve got to admire his persistence.

Colin demonstrates the importance of switch up your approach if your usual tactics aren’t working when it comes to snagging a date. Hitting all the hot spots on campus with no luck? Try somewhere new off campus. Sick of dating the same old doofy frat guys? Try chatting up that cute artsy guy you always see at your favorite coffee shop.

Lesson #7: Big gestures can mean a lot.

Let’s face it––nothing makes us swoon like those big romantic gestures throughout Love Actually, like little Sam’s race through the airport to see Joanna at the gate right before she embarks on an international flight or David standing up to the American president (and looking super hot while doing so, might we add!) after he was hitting on Natalie. There are definitely things the guys in our lives do that take our breath away.

But the big gestures aren’t just for the guys to do! Go out of your way to do something nice for your guy from time to time, whether that’s cooking a delicious dinner for the two of you to share, snagging tickets to see his favorite team play or anything else creative you can think of. Even the strongest relationships that have existed for months or even years can benefit from the occasional reminder of how much he means to you!

While the hilarious scenarios are enough of a reason to watch Love Actually this holiday season, you could also learn a little bit about love along the way! What other love lessons did you learn from Love Actually? Let us know in the comments below!

It’s here. The 2013 Victoria Secret Fashion Show.

Why are you so excited? Well, it’s simple:

You're in awe watching the models walk down the runway.

Then you start getting really into it as you watch their fierce strutting.

They have such cute and festive outfits!

And then there's whatever this is...

...which you kind of don’t understand at all.

The Fantasy Bra mesmerizes you... until you realize it’s worth more than a summer home in France.

You see the camera pan in on all of the sexy boyfriends, fiancés and husbands of the models,

and you can’t even contain yourself when you catch wind of Adam Levine’s angelic face.

Taylor Swift comes up to give her speech about how she is SO excited and honored to be performing.

Then she puts on a show with fireworks, angels and flecks of pure gold shooting into the air,

and you can’t help but dance.

After it ends, you have a moment of silence, because all of the models are like

So you try out your best sexy face,

and sexy move.

You feel like you should have put some Spanx on, because their stomachs look like this:

You look down and yours suddenly looks like this:

So, you and your friends decide that you're all on a diet, and you're going to motivate each other to be healthy.

Because you are DETERMINED to look and feel like this by Spring Break.

But then you remember your real – and favorite – priorities in life.

Because realistically, NO ONE looks like this:

Let’s be honest, they don’t even look like that.

You snap out of that moment and look in the mirror, telling yourself:

You turn around, give your hair a toss and even think:

Because even if you aren’t a Victoria’s Secret Angel, you've still got it, girl.

And you finally decide:

AMEN!