College applications are a daunting task. You’ve packed countless hours of homework, volunteering and activities into your schedule, and now you have to explain to someone why that means you deserve a spot at their school. You have to make yourself stand out from millions of other students. It’s not easy – three drafts later and that essay still sounds clichéd – but some have found a way to break the mold and make their applications unique. These strategies don’t always get you into that one dream school, but if you’re creative enough to make one, you’re sure to get in somewhere amazing.

Record a song

Jackie Milestone gained Internet fame in the winter of 2012 with her catchy pop song about Yale stealing her heart.  Jackie recorded a song after her Early Admission application was deferred, showcasing not only her excellent guitar-playing and singing abilities, but also impressive collection of Yale merchandise (we counted at least 13 different Yale t-shirts) to bolster her chances.  Unfortunately, she didn’t get in, but she did get to show the world her creativity and resourcefulness!

Rap your way off the waitlist

Michael McCartin was waitlisted at Johns Hopkins University in the winter of 2011– at which point some applicants would just give up and choose from the schools where they were actually accepted. But Michael wasn’t deterred by the waitlist. Instead, he made a rap video  to explain why he would be a great fit for Hopkins and vice versa. One of the best aspects of this video is how specific it is: Michael named buildings on the Hopkins campus and showed pictures of them, mentioned programs that interested him, and didn’t shy away from talking about his own great qualities. The video worked, and Michael is now a sophomore at Hopkins!

Show off your special talents

Hannah Phillips, who graduated from Johns Hopkins University in May of 2012, decided to take advantage of a question on the application, “Describe your community using any medium you wish.” Phillips sold handmade jewelry at craft fairs in high school, and realized that she could use that talent as her “medium.”  She submitted a necklace with charms hanging from a pendant, including a couple of sentences for each charm explaining its significance.  Finally, she placed a blue jay charm (the Hopkins mascot) in the box the necklace was in, without attaching it to the necklace.

“I wrote something like, ‘This charm is not yet attached because it represents a community I wish to be a part of’,” Phillips said.  “I guess what still amazes me is the fact that it actually worked! Because doing something I actually enjoyed made it the easiest college application essay I ‘wrote.’”

So there you have it.  If you have the opportunity to use one of your hobbies or talents in a college application, take it – it’ll make the application feel less like a painful chore and more like an expression of who you are.

Find a new angle

Carly Schneer got into Ithaca College by taking a fresh angle on the traditional college essay.  Instead of choosing an activity or relationship to write about, Carly got her essay idea from a dream, in which she met her 4-year-old self.

“I love writing letters and I thought a great way to talk to my younger self was through a letter,” she says. “I created this amazing letter about everything I went through from the time I was four to the time I was 17 and what I learned about myself and my life throughout that time. I actually received a letter from the University of Pittsburgh saying that my essay was one of the most unique essays they ever saw and it was one of the main reasons I was accepted.”

Carly used her essay as a chance to write something meaningful – and the impact has lasted. She loved writing about the 12-year period between ages 4 and 17 so much that she will continue to write letters to her younger self.

Hit the high notes

Grace Oberhoefer was waitlisted at Harvard in 2011. In order to get in, she composed a song on the piano with accompanying Harvard-centric lyrics. In the video, she references family connections to the school, mentions the Harvard Russian bells and promises never to pee on the John Harvard statue, all while sporting a Harvard hat and crimson t-shirt.  While Grace didn’t get in (she now attends Tufts University) we have to give her points for creativity and for hitting those incredible high notes!  Plus, now we can’t get the song out of our heads…

Make a supplement to the essay

Back in 2008, the Boston Globe reported that Smith College accepted Elizabeth Hillis, who submitted a Scrabble board with various adjectives glued to it that she felt defined herself. The board didn’t stand on its own, but instead served to supplement her essay about Scrabble and the way it shaped her as a person. Smith maintained in the article that Hillis would have gotten in without the Scrabble board, but it was an interesting attempt to stand out.  Careful, though – admissions officers in this article warn against using gimmicks to gain admission. 

Despite how boring the college application process may seem, schools really do want you to get creative and will give you lots of opportunities to do so.  If you feel like you have a better way to tell colleges about yourself than the standard essay, take a chance and go for it – if the school doesn’t accept you, maybe it’s better that you don’t go there anyway.  Make sure you avoid shock value and aim for something that really shows the school something unique, but don’t shy away from thinking outside the plain old application.  Your idea may be what sets you apart from the crowd and gets you in!

With the holiday season come delicious food, great gifts and time spent with loved ones. Although a college campus may not immediately come to mind when thinking of the holidays, it can be one of the most fun places to celebrate! If you’re not sure how to make the most out of this season while you’re away from home, we’re here to offer you a guide to both traditional and exciting ways to have an incredible holiday season on campus.

1. Host an “Around the World” Holiday Party

If you live on a college campus, you’ve probably met someone from a city, state or country you’ve never been to before. Take advantage of that fact this holiday season and celebrate it!

“Last year, right before finals week, my house decided to have an around-the-world theme party for the holidays,” says Christina, a junior at the University of Delaware. “We did a lot of research and also asked our neighbor, who happened to be from South Africa, to help us and eventually each room in our house was transformed into the holiday season in a different part of the world.”

How can you make this party fun and affordable for you, the host? “We asked everyone to bring one thing, whether it was food, drinks or a decoration,” Christina says. “We were pleasantly surprised people actually did their research and got really into it. Some people even came in costume!”

The key to pulling off this party is to do a little bit of research. Look up the holiday traditions in different parts of the world and focus on clothing, food and music to make your friends forget that they’re on campus!

2. Have an Ugly Christmas Sweater Block Party

Calories don’t count during the holiday season, right? We don’t think so! If you’re looking for an excuse to indulge that sweet tooth while also socializing with your friends and neighbors, there’s no better place to do that than on a college campus.

So what’s the perfect way to make cooking (and eating) more fun this season? Do it by giving the classic ugly Christmas sweater party a twist: making it into a themed block party where each house on your block (or apartment on your street, or dorm room on your hall) provides a holiday food and/or drink as the residents go door-to-door in your best ugly sweaters.

Try these classic seasonal treats that will leave your friends talking well into the new year:

1. Sugar Cookies: During the holiday season, the sugar cookie is your edible canvas. Get creative! Use cookie cutters (or freehand if you’re feeling ambitious) along with a variety of colored icing to bring all of your personal favorite holiday characters to life. After all, a cookie just seems to taste better when it’s shaped like Rudolph, right? Try this easy sugar cookie recipe from Allrecipes.com.
2. Eggnog: Take it or leave it, eggnog is a staple drink of the holiday season. It’s extremely easy and affordable to make in large quantities (almost all of the ingredients can be found on a basic grocery list), which make it the perfect drink for those who want to sit and stay or those who want to take it on the go. Try this easy recipe from Allrecipes.com.
3. Deviled Eggs: An appetizer that’s especially popular during the holiday season, deviled eggs are easy to make and are perfect for guests on the go. Looking for a low-calorie option? Look at these tips from Eating Well for ways to make this classic recipe one that will allow you to keep both your holiday spirit and your figure. 

3. Transform Your Room

The holidays are the one time a year where it’s totally acceptable to cover your room wall-to-wall with thematic décor. This year, make it a bonding experience! If you live in a dorm on campus, make decorating an activity that your whole floor can get involved in by turning it into a contest and asking your RA to judge whose room shows the most holiday spirit. Live off campus? Turn decorating your house or apartment into a contest between your block or apartment building and encourage everyone to show who can turn the holidays into a fun and stylish experience!

Amanda, a student at the University of Maryland, says that decorating for the holidays brought her closer to her friends. “When I transferred to Maryland my sophomore year, I didn’t know very many people and lived in a dorm,” she says. “When December came around, I decided to decorate my room and went all out. People kept stopping in and telling me what a great job I had done. I ended up meeting my best friend that way!”

Decorating for the holidays can be an overwhelming job, but making it a group activity takes the stress away and ensures memories that will last far beyond the holiday season. To start: try hanging lights like these on your door or across the wall.

4. Have a Holiday Movie Night

While the holidays at home are for delicious food and ultimate relaxation, on campus the arrival of the holiday season means frantically preparing for final exams and finishing up those last-minute assignments before your professors submit your final grades. With all the stress that the month of December brings upon students, it can be hard to remember that you should enjoy the holidays on campus! A quick way to put the end-of-semester stress on hold to absorb some holiday joy is to watch a collection of holiday movies.

Every collegiette knows the healing power of a movie night, and the holidays are the perfect time to get your friends together to watch the classics that are sure to get rid of your finals-induced worries.

Our all-time holiday favorites:

1. Elf: Arguably the most quotable holiday movie of all time, this is the perfect flick to watch with friends when you need to unwind and have a laugh.
2. Miracle on 34^th Street: Rule of thumb: If a movie is played on television every single holiday season since it came out in 1947, it’s worth watching. This feel-good film is perfect for a low-key date night or a girls’ night in.
3. Love Actually: This is the perfect holiday movie for all of the rom-com aficionados out there. Whether you’ll be spending the holidays with a romantic partner this year or enjoying every moment of spending the time with your best friends and family, this movie is perfect for anyone rooting for love during the holiday season.

5. Have a Secret Santa Gift Exchange

Secret Santa isn’t just for elementary schools and office buildings. This anonymous gift-giving activity is an easy (and fun) way to not only get your first gift of the season, but to get to know someone better as you figure out their likes and dislikes to ensure that you give her the perfect gift.

Have the all-too-common collegiette problem of having little cash to spend at the end of the semester? Put a fun spin on your Secret Santa by requiring that everyone make his or her gift rather than buy it! You could make and paint candles (take a look at this fun idea from Candle Help), decorate a glass set or make a snack jar (and fill it!)

These exciting ways to celebrate the holidays on campus don’t require excessive time or money (every collegiette’s dream!), but when done with roommates, classmates or even people you’re just staring to know, they can provide memories that will last a lifetime. Make the most of these activities by involving as many people as possible; you may even start your own seasonal tradition!

Happy holidays, collegiettes!

If you haven’t heard of Alex Woo Jewelry, it’s time you head over to the Alex Woo website. Alex Woo, a spirited and passionate New Yorker, has become one of the most coveted jewelry designers with her classy, sophisticated and unbelievably adorable necklaces. Each necklace features a “Little Icon” – a number, letter, animal, zodiac sign, etc. – handcrafted from high-quality and eco-friendly metals and diamonds. Her signature style has won over our hearts, as well as Carrie Bradshaw’s on The Carrie Diaries!

We’re big fans of Alex Woo and all of her adorable collections, so we want to share a few of our faves! Here are 11 of our favorite necklaces from Alex Woo.

1. Little Luck Elephant in Sterling Silver

You can’t deny that this silver elephant is adorable, but it’s also lucky! Elephants are said to carry everlasting luck in their trunks, so one facing upwards means good luck forever.

2. Fishes (Pisces) in 14kt White Gold with Diamonds

This is just one of the many gorgeous pieces from the Little Signs Collection. Find your zodiac sign in yellow gold, white gold or sterling silver – and some with diamonds!

3. Peace Dove in 14kt Yellow Gold

This piece doubles as part of both the Little Faith and Little Activist Collections – both including some very gorgeous, very classy and very meaningful pieces!

4. Single Note 1 in Sterling Silver

Perfect for the musician in all of us! The Little Rock Star Collection features numerous rock-‘n’-roll-themed pendants, including musical notes, skulls, lightning bolts and more.

5. Dolphin in 14kt White Gold with Diamonds

This dolphin pendant is so adorable—we’re flipping for it!

6. Cowboy Boot in 14kt Yellow Gold with Diamonds

This little cowboy boot pendant embodies the wild side of all of us!

7. Seahorse in 14kt White Gold with Diamonds

If you’re a collegiette who loves being by the ocean, this might be your pick! There are also some adorable seashell and anchor pendant necklaces for all you beach-lovers out there.

8. Special Edition: Bee in 14kt Yellow Gold with Diamonds from the Little Seasons Collection

We love the contrast between the yellow gold and the sparkly white diamonds on this necklace!

9. Snowflake in 14kt White Gold with Diamonds

‘Tis the season! Wouldn’t you love to receive this pretty piece in your stocking? We sure would!

10. Custom Mini Addition Greek Triple in Diamond and 14kt Gold

This classy way to show off your sorority pride is the perfect gift for your big or little (or just yourself!).

11. Little Collegiate Cornell in Sterling Silver

Alex Woo just released a new collegiate collection inspired by the finest colleges and universities! Alex Woo is now selling adorable necklaces with classic collegiate pendants—and more schools are to come! Talk about showing your school pride in style!

See what we mean? Adorable! These are just a few of our faves – so head over to alexwoo.com to see more of Alex Woo’s sweet and sophisticated designs!

If you love Alex Woo’s collegiate collection, you’re in luck; we’re giving away one of their Little Collegiate necklaces in silver! Enter below by December 18 at 11:59 p.m. EST to win! The winner will be announced in the December 19 STUDY BREAK email. 

So we’re home for the holidays to spend time with family and friends over food and festivities – and hopefully to ignite some of our hottest hook-ups of the year.  Celebrations (and champagne) are never in short supply, and love is in the air wherever we go.  Of course, hook-ups are often a spur-of-the-moment kind of thing, prone to happen anytime and anywhere.  So as you approach the holiday season and fantasize about your latest crush, consider Her Campus’s run-down ofour favorite and least favorite holiday hook-up spots…

THE BEST

Un-der-neath the mis-tle-toe. 

Clichéd as it may seem, there’s something to be said for this tradition, and the song that goes with it.  This move is a great one to make if he’s not making the ones you want him to.  Take it upon yourself to “somehow end up” beneath the mistletoe with him and don’t let him laugh it off – kiss him before he has the chance to realize how corny the situation might be, and linger a little, to suggest that maybe just one kiss isn’t enough.

In the snow… and then by the fire.

If he’s a competitor, he’ll love it if you try to take him down in a snowball fight.  Surprise him with your impressive throwing skills, and although your catapulting arm may keep you rather far away from him, it’s okay to get close after you peg him just a few times.  The cold, wet snow won’t be a pleasant hookup spot for long, but it’s cute for a few minutes.  Once you start shivering, take it inside and snuggle up next to a fire.

At the ice skating rink.

Nothing says winter romance more than an ice-skating outing.  We’ve all seen it happen in the movies, and there’s really no excuse not to fit this holiday time activity into your schedule.  Try to limit the laughter as you watch each other try to get the hang of things, and share a few pointers on the best ways to not fall.  Making out on the ice can get dangerous, but it can also be terribly romantic.  Bundle up and brave the rink together – concentrate on staying up, but snag a few kisses along the way.

On the beach.

Whatever your warm weather destination of choice, there’s no better climate than one where temperatures surpass 80 degrees on the reg, allowing you that summer-in-the-dead-of-winter glow.  Men can be equally sexy with a bit of a tan (though let’s not go too Jersey Shore), and holiday vacation is the perfect time for a beach hook-up with a vacation hottie.  Come nighttime, find yourselves a secluded part of the beach – even better are those cabanas – to enjoy the sounds of crashing waves as opposed to overrated club/party music.

In your most fabulous holiday fashions.

Holiday time is fancy time when it comes to getting dressed, and it’s totally appropriate to bring out your best.  From the sequins, to the (faux) fur, to the rhinestones, to the beads, anything festive is fair game; flirty holiday frocks make us feel our fiercest, and make the holidays feel really special.  And somehow, these special occasion clothes can make a hook-up all the more exciting… even if they do just end up coming off.

THE WORST

In the holiday party host’s parents’ bed.

It might be that the master bed is just too accessible and tempting, or that you think it’ll be an easy bed to remake, but whatever reason your intoxicated self uses to justify hooking up in a party host’s parents’ bed is just wrong.  Not only is this rude, but it’s weird and gross, too.  There’s no need to run the risk of someone’s dad walking in on you and your flame messing up the sheets on his bed on New Year’s Eve.  Save yourself the potential embarrassment and find a closet somewhere or something if you really can’t restrain yourself.

With your ex- at your high school friend’s party.

As difficult as it most likely was to end that relationship, no matter how it happened, it’s probably just as hard to face him again without wanting to pick up where you left off.  But hooking up with him will mess with both your heads, and send you into a tizzy of not just holiday cheer, but confusion as well.  Resist the urge to give in to that cozy feeling of familiarity, and treat him like you would any other guy friend.  Sure, maybe he grew into himself in college and has clearer skin, but try to recall the reasons your relationship didn’t work out in the first place. You’ve moved on, so don’t look back.

In your family’s hotel room on vacation.

What happens when it’s just getting hot-and-heavy and all of a sudden, your little sister walks in to find her stuffed animal?  Not only does she see everything, but you realize that her Bunny-Foo-Foo had been watching the entire time!  Hook-ups in family-accessible areas are simply a no-no.  There’s too much potential for interruption, grave embarrassment, and subsequent questioning of morals by any and all family members.

Mid-shopping trip in the dressing room.

When you’ve dragged your guy to the mall for holiday shopping, expect him to moan and groan until he finds something exciting.  An electronics or Apple store might do the trick and shut him up for a little while, but if he’s smart, he might suggest taking over a dressing room and going at it.  While it sounds like fun, it a) totally interferes with your shopping game and b) has the potential to make other customers extremely uncomfortable and angry (not to mention you could be banned from one of your favorite stores!).  Holiday shopping can get intense and competitive, and the last thing you want to be doing in a public place is attracting negative attention because of your dressing-room-hook-up-gone-wrong.

In houses of worship.

Sure, holiday celebrations mean lots of champagne, party dresses, food and friends, but there’s also that whole religious side, too.  For those of us who spend time in places of worship during the holidays, it’s important to note that these domains – though they are venues for “celebrating” the holidays – should be kept completely separate from our social lives, even if our friends and/or love interests are sitting two rows ahead of us.  That means that hooking up during religious services is 100% not okay, and will earn you a spot right on the Naughty List.

Celebrating the holidays and the New Year can certainly include any or all of these hook-up spots.  That doesn’t mean they’re ideal, though the fireworks and popped bottles of champagne might indicate some degree of hook-up perfection.  Wherever you decide to get busy, ensure that doors are locked, family members are nowhere nearby and, for the sake of new beginnings, your guy isn’t an ex.

Family gatherings during the holidays are always a little weird, but at least the discomfort is over when the last guest leaves. The poor people in these family portraits get to relive that awkwardness every day thanks to the Internet and whoever's bright idea it was to capture these unbearable moments on camera.

1. "You say you've been a good boy this year? Liar, liar, pants on--well, this is awkward."

2. We think this could double as a family Valentine's Day card (but it'd be even better if Mom could find a matching Cupid's outfit... that wasn't topless, preferably).

3. This family portrait is an innovative take on country-club-meets-Indiana-Jones (in the best way possible). The kid even throws in a jazz hand for extra pizzazz!

4. The most awkward thing about this photo is that the cat is more photogenic than its owner (even with the Santa hat).

5. This family believes Christmas celebrates many things, including joy, giving and, apparently, the circle of life.

6. The photographer suggested a "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" theme, and this family took it literally.

7. Nothing says, "we wish you the best this holiday season" like a card that really says, "my kids are better athletes than yours."

8. We give this family a 10 out of 10 for creativity, but only 9 out of 10 for execution--what is the point of using candles if they aren't even lit?

9. At least three-fourths of the family made the "Nice" list this year.

10. This couple's beloved pet is opposed to giving up his cozy bed for a manger.

11. Big brother is following in Rudolph's footsteps in more ways than one--his friends are definitely going to "laugh and call him names" after seeing this gem.

If you aren't reading Her Story, you’re missing out on some of the best articles on Her Campus. Her Story is a space for your stories; these inspiring first-hand accounts create a sisterhood of collegiettes willing to share the lessons they’ve learned and the obstacles they’ve overcome. In the past, we’ve had everything from a collegiette who took back a cheater to an illegal immigrant at an Ivy League school. It's so important to have this community where we can relate to each other, come to understand beliefs unlike our own, and heighten awareness of any dangers that may come our way.

Every Sunday, we’ll be publishing something you’ve written, but in order to do this, we need you to send in submissions. We want your thoughts, your words, and your experiences to be shared with all of our readers. If you’re worried that your story isn’t significant enough, think again: chances are that if something has impacted you, it will impact our readers, too. We can learn from any experience, big or small, and more importantly, we can learn from each other.

We are currently accepting submissions here.

A few of our guidelines/info:
1. Stories should between 800-1200 words, but we’re flexible with this.
2. You have the option of remaining anonymous.
3. You are free to submit whatever you like as long as it's a personal narrative—not an assessment of college women in general and not anything that's meant to convert others to your beliefs.

We hope you'll not only read Her Story, but also contribute your story. We're so looking forward to reading your submissions!

HC<3,
Corinne Sullivan 
Her Story Editor
 

Do you have your eye on a special someone this holiday season? Or maybe the holiday glee is making you feel daring enough to approach a cute stranger under the mistletoe. If you’re all about flaunting your ugly Christmas sweater in the singles’ scene, then we have 20 hilarious pick-up lines for you that will catch any guy’s attention (though we can’t guarantee you’ll actually get his number). Are you bold enough to try one of these ridiculous pick-up lines?

1. “Baby, we need to get together before Christmas, because you can’t spell ‘love’ with No-el.”

2. “I could work with the elves in the ribbon-tying department because I’m a pretty knotty girl.”

3. “Good tidings aren’t the only thing I can give you.”

4. “Hey, let me take you out on a first date in the snow—I promise I’m not a flake-y person.”

5. “How about you show me peace on Earth and I’ll show you good will toward men?”

6. “Call me Rudolph, because you just sleighed me.”

7.  “Do you celebrate Boxing Day? Because you’re the whole package.”

8. “If you were a tree, you’d be an evergreen, because I bet you look this good year-round.”

9. “Do you live in an igloo? Because you seem like a pretty cool person.”

10. “I have the stamina of a jolly, fat man—I can go all night long.”

11. “Are you looking for a tree topper? Because I’ve been told I’m a star on top.”

12. “I didn’t think I was a snowman, but you just made my heart melt.”

13. “Did you ask Santa for a rhino this year? Because you look like you could use something horny.”

14. “You can take me home tonight, but only if Yuletide-y up your place.”

15. “Can you hold my gloves for a second? I usually warm them by the fireplace, but you are way hotter.”

16. “If you were a reindeer, you’d be Cupid, because your friend is looking fine tonight. Can you introduce me?”

17. “Is your name ‘Kwanzaa’? Because I’d love to do you for a whole week.”

18. “My love for you is like a fruitcake during the holidays—nutty, spicy and unavoidable, no matter how hard you try.”

19. “I take romance to a new level—I don’t cuddle, I hibernate.”

20. “Who needs a sled when you can just ride me?”

21. “The milk and cookies at my place taste good for breakfast, too.”

22. “Do you hear jingle bells? No? Then I’ll have to ignore the ring in my ears like I’m ignoring the ring on your finger.”

23. “I can tell you’re quite the elf-a male.”

24. “Let’s get out of here and explore the North Pole. I’m a rebel without a Claus.”

25. “Are you sitting on a candle? Because your booty is on fire.”

26. “I’m like a Christmas present—you’ll love waking up to me in the morning.”

27. “Is that a candy cane in your pocket, or are you just struggling to contain your excite-mint?”

28. “I don’t have a foot fetish, but I’m pretty into mistle-toe.”

29. “Wanna Scrooge?”

30. “Black ice isn't the only thing I'm falling for.”

With these festive one-liners, you’re all set to break the ice at the next party like it’s your job. The great thing about pick-up lines is that they become better as they get worse, so no need to hold back. And what better way to find out if a guy shares your sense of humor? If he can think of a clever comeback to one of these, then we say he’s a keeper.

What’s the craziest pick-up line you’ve heard (or have used yourself—no shame in having game)? Let us know in the comments below!

This week CBS aired the 18^th Annual Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, and millions tuned in to get their fill of sparkly lingerie and leggy models. This year’s flock of angels consisted of 40 models, including fan favorites Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Lily Aldridge, Karlie Kloss and Candice Swanepoel, who was the lucky one to sport this year’s $10 million Royal Fantasy Bra.  Musical acts included Taylor Swift, Fall Out Boy, A Great Big World and Neon Jungle.

The show was broken up into six themed sections, with the angels flaunting different looks for each of the segments. Here are of our favorite looks from each of the themes.

British Invasion

Shipwrecked

Parisian Nights

Birds of Paradise

PINK Network

Snow Angels

They say it’s better to give than to receive, and as someone who loves to wrap gifts, I definitely agree with that statement! Of all the things I love to do during the holiday season, wrapping gifts is definitely near the top of my list, and over the past few years I’ve developed a few techniques for making my gifts look that much more tempting sitting underneath the Christmas tree. Here are a couple of my tried-and-true gift-wrapping tips!

Tip #1: Try picks

What’s a pick? It’s a small decorative object or cluster of objects, like a few Christmas tree leaves or a group of baubles, that’s in the form of, well, a pick. These were originally made to stick in wreaths to add flair to them, but it turns out they also make the perfect toppers for Christmas gifts! What I’ll do is tie a giant bow first, and then tuck the pick right behind the center knot. Voila – instant wow factor!

Wrapping paper: Marshalls; ribbon, pick, washi tape and tag: Michaels

Tip #2: Try stacking multiple gifts together with coordinating paper

You can create really interesting present shapes by combining two or three separate smaller packages into one larger piece. Of course, only do this when the gifts are related and will be used together! Play around with how you incorporate ribbon – often, the added height and different shapes of your individual gifts help you elevate a standard ribbon into a sculptural element!

Wrapping paper: Bob Slate Stationer (peacock print), T.J. Maxx; ribbon: Michaels

Tip #3: Try different ribbon-tying techniques

Speaking of ribbons: switch it up a bit, will ya? Here are a couple ways to tie ribbons that you may not have tried yet:

For rectangular boxed gifts: Draw your ribbon around two opposite corners of the box to create a diagonal effect, and then tie a bow! Or, offset the bow from the center for a more visually interesting look.

Wrapping paper: Marshalls; ribbon: Michaels

When one ribbon isn’t enough, use two: This works especially well when the ribbons are of different textures. Here’s an example of a glittery ribbon over a sheer one for a playful look.

Wrapping paper: Marshalls; ribbons: Michaels; mini snowman ornament: Big Lots

Use yarn: You’ve seen baker’s twine being used to wrap gifts all over Pinterest. Guess what? Yarn can be used in the same way (and there’s a lot more yarn out there to choose from)!

Wrapping paper: T.J. Maxx; ribbon: Goodwill; yarn: Michaels

Tip #4: Try adding festive accouterments

For smaller gifts that aren’t quite large enough to warrant using a pick, try hot-gluing other small decorations into your bow knot instead. Try mini ornaments, bells, pinecones or silk flower blooms.

Wrapping paper: Bob Slate Stationer; ribbons, silk flower and tag: Michaels; mini candy cane ornament: Big Lots

Tip #5: Try washi tape

Never underestimate the role that fun tape can play in making your gifts dazzle! Washi tape is decorative Japanese tape that can take your gift-wrapping to the next level. Don’t be afraid to do a little bit of quirky pattern mixing with your paper and your tape. Remember, the best combinations don’t “match,” they just “go!”

Wrapping paper: Goodwill; washi tape: Maido Stationery

Tip #6: Try anything tartan or plaid

For a surefire way to make your gifts look extra festive and inviting, throw some tartan on it! There’s something about the beloved traditional pattern that immediately evokes sitting by the fire with a warm blanket and a cup of hot chocolate, reading a good book, holding a puppy on your lap, dozing off… ahh. Wait, where am I again?

Wrapping paper: T.J. Maxx; ribbon and pick: Michaels

Tip #7: If you must use a gift bag, at least try to make it more interesting

Collegiettes, I’m going to be honest with you: Putting gifts in gift bags is like saying, “I am too lazy/unskilled to wrap my presents.” Laziness, fine. Lack of skill? No longer! What are you reading this article for, anyway? Still, I understand. Sometimes the object is just too oddly shaped to wrap (on that note, see tip number eight below). In those cases, a gift bag is a suitable option. But next time you must do it this way, give your gift bag some love with a ribbon bow on the handle. Even better: place a pick in the gift bag, peeking out from the side. So tantalizing! And for heaven’s sake, don’t forget the tissue paper.

Gift bag: T.J. Maxx; pick and tag: Michaels; tissue paper: saved from gift purchase

Tip #8: Try wrapping oddly shaped gifts anyway

One way to do this is to make your oddly shaped gift part of the wrapping itself, as an unwrapped accessory sitting on top of another wrapped gift (remember Tip Two?). But more often than not, I suggest that you just wrap the darn thing anyway, folds, crinkles and all. It can make for an endearing, vintage-looking package that has its own charm! Also, when wrapping something cylindrical, I like to make the whole thing look like a giant wrapped candy by extending the wrapping paper beyond the edges and tying ribbon on both sides. So fun!

Wrapping paper: Goodwill (holly pattern), Marshalls; ribbons: Michaels

Tip #9: Try better wrapping paper, ribbon and supplies in general

This last tip is the most important of all. You can’t wrap beautiful gifts without beautiful materials! Below, I've listed a few of my favorite places to shop for gift-wrapping supplies. You don't have to break the bank to get cute supplies!

• Michaels (for picks, ribbons, and washi tape)
• Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, and HomeGoods (for wrapping paper and tags)
• Paper Source or other stationery stores (for luxury single-sheet paper and washi tape)
• One King's Lane (for designer wrapping paper and ribbons)
• Goodwill (for ribbons and wallpaper which can be repurposed as wrapping paper)
• Big Lots, Walmart, and your local dollar store (for festive accessories to incorporate in your wrapping)

Wrapping paper: Marshalls; ribbon: Michaels

Have any other tips I should try? Leave a comment for me below!

Happy wrapping!

Summer’s still a long way off… right? As collegiettes, we still have an entire semester to get through until that glorious summer vacation, so it might not be the first thing on our minds. But if you haven’t started thinking about how you’re going to spend this coming summer, you might want to set aside some time for that!

Whether you’re planning on having an internship or going home for the summer and getting a retail or waitressing job, the earlier you think about it, the better. HC has compiled some things you should be doing—if you aren’t already!—to stay ahead of the summer planning curve.

Get your research done early 

Even if it’s too early to solidify your internship or travel plans at this point, you should compile a list of your potential options (such as companies you’d like to work for, international programs you’d like to apply for, etc.) so you can do thorough research into each and ensure that you don’t miss any deadlines. 

“Get your résumé ready, look into companies you’d like to work or intern for, and send cards to past employers letting them know what you’re doing and you’re still keeping up with their company,” says Jessica Salerno from Ohio University.

Rochelle Sharit, a career manager at Northeastern University, says winter break is the perfect time for students to do research—and even start applying!

“Think about the type of internship you're looking for and research what internships are out there,” Sharit says. “Many organizations offer the same internships consistently each year. Your career center may have information, but conduct your own research as well. Use online resources, such as Indeed.com. If there's a dream company or organization you'd like to intern at, look directly at their website. If companies are taking applications, start applying! It's never too early, but can be too late.”

Even if you end up discovering that you have a couple more months to think about these things before making any decisions, it always helps to get organized ahead of time and avoid scrambling at the last minute!

Start applying for internships… now! 

Depending on what type of internship you are looking to have during the summer, the application process starts extremely early. In fact, the due date has already passed for some larger corporations, overseas programs and other third party programs. Because the process of being accepted and setting up these internships takes so much time, the internship organizers like to fill these spots as quickly as possible.

“I’ve already started my summer internship search—well in advance,” says Lindsay Shoemake, a collegiette from Georgia College & State University. “I just applied for the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) Summer Internship program on Dec. 1, and I’m looking for more summer opportunities.”

Of course, there’s often a debate about how early is too early to be looking for internships. “Sometimes it can be frustrating because a lot of the time companies want an intern to start right away, so they aren’t ‘officially’ looking for interns until a few weeks before the summer,” says Jessica. However, by establishing contacts in advance, you’ll have a better chance of actually securing these opportunities when April or May come around. “Start your search early, it will definitely pay off,” Jessica says.

Not sure where to start looking? There are many online resources that you can be using including ed2010, internships.com, Intern Queen and HC’s Careerette section.

Update your resumé 

One thing you should definitely do in advance is make sure your résumé is looking perfect before you start applying for any internships or jobs.  

“Keep the résumé to one page and focus on accomplishments including work experience, internships, academic projects and community service. Be sure to have others review and proofread your résumé.  Most university career centers remain open - even if you're on break; ask an adviser, as well as other people, such as family members and faculty to review your résumé,” Sharit says.

Though updating your résumé can seem like a tedious and time-consuming task, there are little things you can do to improve it within a few hours. Focus on things such as making your internship details sound the best and adding extracurricular activities.

Consider creating an online portfolio

If you’ve never created a portfolio, you’re missing a great opportunity to show off some of your best work during interviews. Portfolios can contain work you’ve done in class—such as essays, PowerPoint presentations, group projects, etc.—as well as things you’ve done at past internships or jobs—such as research, articles you’ve written, etc

Although creating a hard copy portfolio is great (in a binder or folder), creating an online portfolio is even better and can make you appear both tech-savvy and organized. And don’t worry, you don’t need any HTML experience for this. Use a free website builder, such as Weebly.com, and you can drag and drop things such as your résumé and essays onto the pages.

Confused? If you’re looking for what to put on your electronic portfolio, career expert Heather Huhman has excellent examples of successful online portfolios.

Ask for letters of recommendation ASAP 

You probably heard this advice when you were applying to colleges, but it really is crucially important to ask for letters of recommendation in advance. For one, it looks bad when you are asking a professor or industry contact to write you a letter at the last minute. Even if this person is a strong advocate for you, you might frustrate her by asking so late.

If you aren’t completely sure what internships or jobs you’re applying for yet, it’s still a good idea to have letters of recommendation on hand that can be easily customized to fit particular opportunities later. Professors especially get dozens of requests for letters once summer approaches, so save them the stress and ask now!

Also, when you need to have letters of recommendation written, there are a few tips you should keep in mind, such as asking in a professional manner and sending a follow-up thank you note.

Network, network, network!

Even if you aren’t applying for jobs or internships in the foreseeable future, you’ll have more success finding opportunities when you’ve already established contacts in the industry.

“Network like crazy,” Sharit says. “Meet with your parents’ friends, parents of friends, family members—anyone who's willing to talk about careers. They do not need to be in the field you're focused on, but they may know somebody that can help. Don't be shy. People really do want to help, they love to give advice and you can learn from everybody. Ask questions and listen. Send hand-written thank you notes to show your appreciation.”

Your best chance at finding networking opportunities is to contact your school’s career office and ask about upcoming career fairs or events. Most universities have a countless number of events every month, so attend and collect some business cards!

So there you have it ladies. No matter how far away summer might seem right now, there are many little things you can be doing right now to prepare.With just a little work, you can ensure that the coming summer will be the best one yet!

Sources:
Rochelle Sharit, Career Manager, Northeastern University
Lindsay Shoemake
Jessica Salerno
http://www.internships.com/student/resources/prep/when-should-i-apply-fo...
http://heatherhuhman.com/2010/04/4-online-portfolios-done-right/
http://www.hercampus.com/career/10-easy-ways-improve-your-résumé-without-actually-doing-anything
http://www.hercampus.com/school/wellesley/how-ask-letter-recommendation
http://www.hercampus.com/career/how-get-perfect-recommendation-letter

High school and the college application process often send pre-collegiettes searching far and wide for information and advice, but many don't think to visit one unassuming place right on campus for help: the counselor’s office. Your high school guidance counselor is not just there to help you pick classes; she’ll also be able to give you a vast amount of information about topics ranging from local college fairs to scholarships.

"Beyond knowledge of schools, training and financial assistance, experienced school counselors have learned from the shared experiences of hundreds and thousands of graduates," says Tom Dezell, author of Networking for the Novice, Nervous, or Naive Job Seeker. "They can probably answer just about any question."

Before you begin asking your counselor questions, however, Dezell suggests that you give the counselor some ideas about what you want to do after graduation. "This will give the counselor ideas on where to start," he says. "Experienced counselors can recommend courses of action for any situation, including uncertainty."

To make it easier to start a conversation with your counselor, check out these six useful questions that you should ask your counselor before you graduate!

1. How does our school compare to others in terms of test scores and reputation?

This is a question you should ask when trying to decide which colleges to apply to so you can gauge your chances of acceptance. Who better to ask than your counselor?

“The counselors will know how various schools perceive one's school based on how other grades have fared in applying,” Dezell says. Your counselor will be able to give you a good idea of how your school compares to others and explain how this plays into your college application process.

2. Which specific grade and test requirements are required to get into a given college?

We've all heard stories of students with low GPAs who have gotten into good colleges. We've also heard stories of students with really high GPAs who didn't get into the same colleges. So it's no wonder that it can be hard to determine whether or not your grades are good enough.

Luckily, counselors usually have access to historical data on grades (and test scores) of students who have gotten into a given school, which can help you gauge your own chances. "Another thing to ask about is what types of testing various schools will require, such as achievement tests, as well as whether they put more stock in the SAT or ACT test," Dezell says. Since different schools may require or put emphasis on different tests, it's always a good idea to double-check.

3. Are there any college fairs happening nearby?

With so many different colleges to choose from, it's hard to know where to begin looking. A great place to start is visiting local college fairs, where you’ll be able to browse a large number of colleges in one place, get information and chat it up with representatives from the colleges. "Making personal contacts with admissions staff gives you a point of contact to help guide you through the process," Dezell says.

John Carpenter, author of Going Geek: What Every Smart Kid (and Every Smart Parent) Should Know About College Admissions, suggests asking your counselor about this during your sophomore or junior year.  You'll be on your way to narrowing down your college list!

4. Which colleges I would be happy attending?

By asking your counselor this question during your college search, you might be surprised in a great way. Think that you're doing a lot of college research? Imagine all the schools your high school counselors have had to read up on! Your counselor may suggest schools that weren't on your radar and are definitely worth looking into.

Dezell believes that this is probably the most important question to ask. "First, the counselor has seen many of the schools students go on to and learned a great deal from this," Dezell says. "The counselor likely has worked with previous students of similar academic and interest backgrounds as you and knows where they have found the best situations to succeed. Plus, the counselor has a greater objectivity level than parents and or friends who may have certain biases or own dreams for you."

Your counselor may also be able to give you a reality check. "For just one of countless examples, say you're at a small high school and have always dreamt of attending the top state university where you live," Dezell says. "The counselor can share stories of how many previous students struggled with the size, lack of individual attention, classes of 200 plus students, etc."

Dezell also suggests asking the counselor for an honest assessment of the positives and negatives of topics like going away to college and how far away to go. "They have seen many a student who have had adjustment and homesickness problems and can report on common factors that students who experienced these had," he says.

Or your counselor may just reassure you of the choices that you've already made. Carpenter believes that it's important for students to try to find the answers to their questions themselves, but that counselors can help along the way. "I believe in kids figuring out what they believe in and stand for and then finding schools where they can nourish those values," Carpenter says. "Size, geography, majors... don’t really matter that much as long as you can identify what you care about and the college you attend gives you room to care about that, too.  That’s why kids should ask themselves the big question about what they stand for, what they believe in. A counselor can help with this kind of conversation."

5. What can I do to help you write a more personal letter of recommendation?

Your high school counselor can be a great person to ask for a letter of recommendation for your college applications. However, depending on the size of your school, she may be writing 20 recommendations or 100! If you would like your recommendation to be more personal, put in an effort to help your counselor get to know you better.

Carpenter, who has written recommendations for students before, likes to collect images and anecdotes about the students and hold conversations with them before writing recommendations. "My suggestion is to give those people good stuff to work with," he says. "It's much easier for a recommender to write something clear and distinctive that highlights who you are as a person and a learner when the writer has good material to begin with. You are a story that someone else is going to tell, so help that person out by a bit of thinking ahead of time and some planning."

Dezell suggests starting early when it comes to building a relationship with your counselor. "You'll get the best results from working with a school counselor the earlier you establish a relationship," Dezell says. "At the beginning of 10th and 11th grades, ask for advice on things you can start doing and looking into. Far too many don't even begin to reach out until senior year."

Carpenter suggests meeting with your counselor to talk about where you're thinking about applying and why you asked them to write about you. Have examples ready of essays you've worked on, conversations you've had in class, topics you really enjoy and even topics that you struggled with but conquered and made real growth with. If possible, meet with her to go over your resume. Talk about areas you've worked hard on and things you care about. Talk about things that are important to you. Dezell also suggests offering to start your own draft and working on it together with your counselor. That way you'll stand out among the applicant pool!

6. What scholarships or awards can I apply for?

It's never a bad idea to start looking for scholarships as early as possible. Kelsey Pomeroy, a sophomore at Ohio State, started talking to her counselor about scholarships in the fall of her senior year. "My high school counselor was helpful in letting me know about local scholarships and scholarships sponsored by my high school that I might not have known about otherwise," Pomeroy says. "I did end up getting a few local scholarships. [My counselor] directed me to the scholarship file in our guidance office where all of the local or school-specific scholarships were located, which was a big help." If you know where to look, it's surprising how many scholarships are right under your nose!

Give your counselor a chance. By working together, you'll likely be surprised by how much you will learn about yourself and the college process. So whether you're just beginning your college search or finalizing your post-high school plans, remember that the counseling center is always there to help make your life a little easier!

There are certain words and phrases that can kill the resumes of even the most experienced collegiettes. You could be working hard juggling internships, on-campus jobs and extracurricular activities, but when employers spend just a few seconds skimming your resume, one phrase can make the difference between the “yes” pile and the recycling bin.

So whether you’re applying for internships, part-time jobs or a full-time job for after graduation, it’s important to make sure that your resume tells employers who you really are, what skills you have and what you can bring to the table if they hire you. Since your resume should only be one page, you need to carefully select your words to get across the clearest, most concise message possible. You want to make sure your truly fabulous self shines through, so don’t let your resume get crowded with useless phrases! We consulted experts on some overused resume terms and what to replace them with so an employer can see you’re the perfect collegiette for the job.

1. “Think Outside the Box”

If you’ve described yourself as able to “think outside the box” or said you’re a “problem solver” in your resume, you’re probably trying to tell an employer that you’re creative, flexible and quick on your feet. Unfortunately, choosing such common and overused phrases is probably going to convey exactly the opposite!

Try to be more specific about your previous experience. “If you increased sales by 50 percent at a place you worked at, say it. If you can name an instance where you mediated a dispute among coworkers, write a sentence about it,” says Reyna Gobel, a student loan and career expert and author of CliffsNotes Graduation Debt: How to Manage Student Loans and Live Your Life. “You want to show you know how to accomplish tasks you’re given and then some. Otherwise, the employer has no idea of whether you can do tasks assigned to you.”

Don’t just tell employers that you can think outside the box; tell them how you have thought creatively in previous experiences. Since your resume should be short, it’s important to be concise; give a brief description of what you did in your resume and the employer can ask you for more detail when you land the interview!

2. “Motivated”

You may really be motivated, driven or passionate, but employers see these words so often they’re starting to lose meaning. Try to draw on your experiences to show employers that you possess these qualities without explicitly stating it.

Gobel says the most common problem she sees on students’ resumes is a lack of confidence. “You have more experience than you think,” she says. “Emphasize your best skills through detailing your best actions.”

The best way to let an employer know that you’re hardworking is by giving him or her proof. Even if you don’t have much internship experience, draw from on-campus or summer jobs or your extracurricular activities. “Concrete information wins over resume buzzwords every time,” Gobel says.

Really think about your experiences and how you could apply them to the job you’re applying for. Be sure to tailor your resume for each job. “You have skills that can apply towards fulfilling the needs in the job description you applied for,” Gobel says. “Failure to customize a resume WILL cost you a great career.”

3. “Responsible for”

Rachel Tannenbaum, associate director for student programming for Barnard College Career Development, says phrases like this express a given. “Some position descriptions fall flat simply because there is ineffectual wording before the main verb,” says Tannenbaum. If you describe a job by saying you were “responsible for” something, an employer isn’t going to immediately pick up on the skills you acquired at that position. “We assume you were responsible for something you did,” says Tannenbaum.

Instead of using this phrase, she says to “lead with the action verb.” For example, if you have something like, “Was responsible for recruiting volunteers at top-tier NYC institutions to canvass local neighborhood” in your resume, replace it with, “Recruited volunteers at top-tier NYC institutions to canvass local neighborhood.” Employers often skim resumes very quickly; you want to pull them in by leading with specific skills and experiences they will be looking for.

4. “Assisted”

According to Tannenbaum, a big mistake students often make is underplaying their experience. For example, your resume might say, “Assisted with on-site operations at the Annual Film Festival for Young Talent.” This statement is vague and can make an employer think you played a very small role, even if you took on a lot of responsibility in reality.

Tannenbaum says to ask yourself in what ways you assisted with on-site operations. What roles did you take on, exactly? Improve upon this statement by explaining how you assisted; for example, replace it with, “Verified schedule of events with caterers, AV specialists and set crew to ensure smooth execution of the Annual Film Festival for Young Talent.” This tells a potential employer exactly what you did and can do and doesn’t minimize your role in the organization.

5. “Put Together”

Students often start job descriptions in their resumes with weak action verbs, like “put together,” “worked with” or “changed.” However, according to Tannenbaum, “There is just a better verb you can use, plain and simple.”

Instead of “Put together weekly reports,” opt for “composed.” Delete “Worked with several departments” and write “collaborated” instead. Rather than say, “Changed the organization system for sales records,” try a word like “revamped.” These strong action verbs will show an employer that you can speak professionally and that you’re putting effort into your resume.

6. “Logistics”

According to Vicki Salemi, career coach and author of Big Career in the Big City: Land a Job and Get a Life in New York, students often fill their resumes with empty jargon like “logistics,” “sharing best practices” or “whatnot.” These words may sound impressive and intimidating, but in reality, they’re not telling an employer anything about you and the work you’ve done.

“What is ‘logistics,’ really?” Salemi says. “If you helped plan a corporate event with meeting planners, you can say you worked with budgets and room specs instead of ‘logistics.’”

Technical jargon isn’t as impressive to an employer as specific examples of what your skills are and how you have applied them. Salemi says to use phrases that “pack a punch and have meanings that are action-oriented.” For example, she says to replace something like “shared best practices in knowledge” with “established weekly department meetings to brainstorm.” Swapping out vague phrases for detailed evidence of your abilities will definitely show an employer what you can do!

With these tips from career experts, your resume is sure to be in perfect shape in no time! Express yourself and your experiences clearly, and we’re sure employers will see you as the wonderful and talented collegiette you are. Happy job hunting!

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.

Breakfast 

I headed to a café early yesterday morning to get some work done before class. I wasn't hungry right when I woke up, so I decided I would eat breakfast there. The café has self-serve frozen yogurt, so I brought a peach-flavored Chobani with me and added fruit and nuts from the toppings bar. As much as I love fro-yo, I think 10 a.m. is a little too early for it, which is why I went for Greek yogurt instead. Greek yogurt also has more protein (which keeps you fuller longer) than fro-yo, so this swap makes for more of a substantial breakfast as opposed to just a snack or dessert. 

A colorful and delicious way to start the day

I usually don’t have a lot of fresh berries at home since they're more expensive and get rotten quickly, so when I get the chance to eat them, I go hard. I added strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, kiwi, peaches, pomegranate seeds and sliced almonds to my cup, and then mixed in the Greek yogurt. Definitely OD’d on fruit, but in the best way possible. 

Lunch 

I didn't have time to stop at home yesterday, so I got a falafel pita in between classes. It had falafel, lettuce, tomato, green olives, beets, hummus and tahini. Falafel is one of my favorite vegetarian dishes. Although it's often fried, it still packs in health benefits because it is made from chickpeas, making it a good source of protein and fiber. For a lower-calorie option, you could nix the pita and eat the falafel as a crunchy addition to a salad. 

Dinner 

I was craving pasta last night. Over the weekend, I had bought spinach fettuccine, so I gave it a try for dinner. The noodles I bought (the brand is called "Al Dente") were handmade from eggs and wheat, and then flavored with spinach. The best part was they only took three minutes to prepare and tasted really good! Not much different than regular pasta, but I liked the green color and the texture of the noodles—since they were really thick and chewy, it felt more filling and hearty.

Instead of making the pasta the majority of my meal, I loaded up on vegetables (especially spinach) instead. I’d say my cooked portion of pasta was about ½ cup to ¾ cup. I sautéed spinach, mushrooms, tomato and onion in a little bit of olive oil and minced garlic, and then mixed all of that in with the cooked noodles. I then added a little bit of heated marinara sauce and sprinkled some crumbled goat cheese and Parmesan cheese on top.  I haven’t been feeling well lately, so this bowl full of warm pasta and veggies really did the trick.

Instead of depriving yourself of pasta and other “comfort foods,” I think it’s better to find ways to incorporate them into your diet in healthy ways—such as in smaller or occasional portions, or as a side dish instead of a main course. Lettuces like spinach and kale or nutrient-rich grains like quinoa can make for a healthy base for a meal, and then you can use any less healthy ingredients sparingly. That way, you still get the flavor and pleasure of eating your favorite treats, but in controlled poritons. 

With finals looming in the all-too-near future, it's going to be a little harder than usual to maintain a healthy diet. If you feel the same way, make sure to check back on Sunday for a post about ways to eat healthy amid the stress and time constraints of finals week! Happy studying. 

‘Tis the season to obsessively shop for that extra special, absolutely perfect present for your flawless boyfriend (single collegiettes: don’t worry, we’re gagging too). But while you search far and wide for a gift that will blow his mind, be careful you don’t go too far out of the box. Nothing is more awkward than the OMG-I’m-pretending-to-like-this-gift-and-cover-up-how-stupid-I-think-it-is-with-my-overcompenstation face. So in the spirit of all things festive this holiday season, we’ve put together a list of the absolute worst presents to get your boyfriend. Think before you buy, and if you second-guess the gift for even a second, do us all a favor, and don’t get it—yes, it is a bad idea.

A photo album of what your future children would look like

Special shout-out to How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days for this nightmare notion. Nothing is scarier than seeing your future flash before your eyes years before you’re ready. Hello panic attack and claustrophobia. Not to mention, all those Internet face-morphing, baby-makers create some freaky looking children—seriously, your kid isn’t likely to have a unibrow like that (fingers crossed).

Justin Bieber concert tickets

Let’s be honest, we’re all Beliebers deep down (and don’t even try denying it). But odds are, your boyfriend doesn’t feel like spending a night surrounded by hoards of screaming, hysterically crying teenagers. You may be one less lonely girl, but if you invite him to a JB concert extravaganza, you can say goodbye to your plus one.

A furby

It’s a good thing furbies are back and better than ever—you just can’t recreate your childhood without the creepy creature in tow. That being said, just because furbies have been revamped, doesn’t mean you should be running to the nearest Toys R Us for a professionally gift-wrapped one for your boyfriend. Flat out: it’s just weird. Unless he specifically asks, there’s no way he’s desperately seeking a new furby to display on his nightstand.

His and hers anything

While resisting a pair of his and hers bathrobes may seem like quite the difficult feat this holiday season, resist going for anything couple-y. Whether it’s couples salsa dancing, hot yoga sessions, “I’m with her” t-shirts, a couple-themed gift is most likely to turn out to be a gift for yourself… not so much for him—especially if it’s for an emotional couples therapy session. Awkward.

A poem

You’re a poet, and he didn’t even know it! Congratulations, that’s great, but expressing your deepest feelings in a few cheesy lines (bonus point if it’s in iambic pentameter), isn’t exactly on his wish list this year (unless you’re both poetry majors). He’s lying if he says he wants something DIY or sentimental over a video game or sound cancelling headphones.

A self-help book

Ah, who doesn’t appreciate a passive aggressive way of finding out they apparently need help? Well, your guy, that’s for sure. Although 10 Stupid Things Men Do To Mess Up Their Lives is a bestseller, you don’t need to wave it in his face that he’s in need of a life makeover. Let him fail again and again before you step in, knowing you were right all along, duh.

A Taylor Swift mix tape

Who doesn’t love T-Swift? Guys think she’s hot and girls think she’s God’s gift to angsty-break-up heaven; she’s a winning combination. But making a killer CD of her best songs doesn’t make for a pitch-perfect future. “I Knew You Were Trouble,” “Picture to Burn,” and “Mean”? Not exactly the musical stylings that have you headed down the aisle.

Edward Cullen memorabilia

While a topless poster of Rob Pattinson with glittering (painted on) abs may have you dying for more, your boyfriend, well… not so much. In fact, if he’s looking for anything Edward Cullen-inspired, you may want to reconsider your relationship—he’d totally cheat on you if RPatz gave him the chance.

Scented candles

Boys love their sweaty stench. If they’re looking to mask it, it’s typically with five sprays too many of Axe.  So if he’s looking for a relaxing gift that will de-stress him post-finals, don’t hand him over a cupcake-scented candle.  Skip over the idea of cotton candy, cinnamon sugar, or nutmeg candles. Instead, just grab a bottle of Febreeze and stick a big bow on it—the changes you will see…

A Victoria’s Secret gift card

There’s no denying that you + lingerie will have your guy foaming at the mouth.  But surprising him with a Victoria’s Secret gift card and a fun-filled day of shopping? Well, that will have him running (read: sprinting) for the hills. Don’t buy him a gift that’s for you because let’s be honest, we can’t all pull off the selfish girlfriend vibe as well as Kim K.

Rogaine

Just don’t. Buy him a hat instead.

While we all know that the term "friends" on Facebook is one to be taken lightly, of your hundreds, or maybe even thousands of Facebook friends, how many do you think you'd be able to simply recognize in real life?

This exact question is one that can be answered by a new game called "who's tagged" developed by the Belgian developers of Simit, which shows you a series of images of your Facebook friends, asking you to guess who's tagged.

Within the first three days, over 10,000 played, and statistics showed that an average of only four out of ten friends were recognized. The developer, Jens De Jaegher, explained, “Most pictures that are difficult to recognize, such as Bitstrips and ‘tag to win’ games are already filtered out.”

The purpose of the game's development, as explained by its creator, Jeffrey Drooghenbroodt, was to bring to light the fact that "a lot of people are still not aware of how many of their Facebook friends are in fact, complete strangers."

Considering how much personal information people tend to share on Facebook, its important to be aware of who is seeing what you post. 

You can find the game online or download the app today to see how many of your facebook friends you actually know!

Is there no hope for any of us?

After more than a decade of marriage (and 18 years of knowing each other!), one of Hollywood’s most enduring couples Taye Diggs and Idina Menzel announced on December 11 that they are separated. The couple has been married since January 2003, and the two co-starred in the musical Rent together in 2005, after meeting during the show's original Broadway run in the 90s.  According to their reps, the decision to split was mutual.

The pair have a son named Walker, born in 2009, and they say that they are making their son their top priority right now.

“Idina Menzel and Taye Diggs have jointly decided to separate at this time,” reps for the couple tell People magazine. “Their primary focus and concern is for their son. We ask that you respect their privacy during this time.”

Though we’re sad to see this dynamic duo split, we’re glad at least that they were able to do so as responsibly as possible. 

If you haven’t started playing QuizUp yet, collegiettes, we don’t recommend starting until finals week is over. The new trivia game has become insanely popular, and with more than 250 different categories, it’s no wonder no one can stop playing. Even with all those categories to choose from, there are still a few categories that we’d like to see added to the app. Here are just a few topics we feel we’d really be good at.

1. Starbucks Drinks

2. Celebrity Break-ups

3. Mean Girls

4. '90’s Cartoons

5. Slang Words

6. College Mascots

7. Disney Channel Original Movies

8. Broadway Shows

9. Ben & Jerry’s Flavors

10. Drinking Games

11. Disney Princesses

12. Rom-Coms

13. Famous Animals

14. The Greek Alphabet

15. Bottom Shelf Liquor

16. Christmas Music

17. College Party Themes

It’s that time of the year again, collegiettes: Screen Actors Guild Awards and Golden Globe nomination time!

Unsurprisingly, 12 Years a Slave, Captain Phillips, Lee Daniels’ The Butler, and Gravity dominate both lists. Cate Blanchett, Sandra Bullock, Judi Dench, Emma Thompson and Meryl Streep also make appearances on both lists for their performances as a female actress in a leading role.

For television, Modern Family and The Big Bang Theory continue to be award show favorites

Be sure to check out the complete list of nominees for SAG Awards and Golden Globes to see if your own favorites made the cut!