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Alexis Bledel Just Won Her First Emmy, So There Is Hope Left for This World

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The 2017 Creative Arts Emmys were this weekend, and our favorite, Alexis Bledel, won her first-ever Emmy! She won the award for Best Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her incredible performance as Ofglen in Hulu's The Handmaid’s Tale.

By the way, if you haven’t seen The Handmaid’s Tale, you need to watch it now. It’s one of the most captivating series of 2017 with feminist themes I can get behind. (And if you don’t have a Hulu subscription already, you’re in luck—Spotify and Hulu just announced a $4.99 monthly bundle for college students.)

Back to Alexis and her Emmy win. “I’m surprised and really excited [and] a little emotional,” she told Entertainment Tonight after she picked up the statue.

Bledel also shared how grateful she feels to be part of such a relevant and moving show. “I’m so fortunate to be a part of such an incredible company of actors and to get to tell this story now is just such an honor. People had such strong reactions to it, and it’s been so interesting to talk about everything it brings up for people. To continue doing the work, to get to go back and keep doing the work is just so exciting.”

According to Refinery29, Alexis also hinted at a darker Season 2. Bledel has already been upped to a series regular for the show's second season, so we’ll be seeing a lot more of Ofglen then.


Selena Gomez Felt 'Violated' by Paparazzi Who Took Pictures of Her on the Beach as a Teenager

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Selena Gomez is one of the most famous stars of our generation. Her big break came from starring on Disney Channel’s Wizards of Waverly Place, but she's since thrived in the music scene and other acting roles. That sounds like a dream life, right? Well, sort of. Gomez recently opened up about the not-so-glamorous parts of growing up in the spotlight.

Selena quickly learned that fame meant interest in more than just her work. The paparazzi often cared more about her appearance, her relationships and other aspects of her personal life. Gomez shared how this revelation took a major toll on her mental health and personal strength.

“I started getting known for things that weren’t [related to] my work. That’s when my passion started to really feel like it was going further and further away. And that scared me,” Gomez said in an interview with Business of Fashion.

Selena elaborated, “I remember just feeling really violated when I was younger, even just being on the beach. I was maybe 15 or 16 and people were taking pictures—photographers. I don’t think anyone really knew who I was. But I felt very violated and I didn’t like it or understand it, and that felt very weird, because I was a young girl and they were grown men.” Can you say, "creepy AF"?

In the past, Gomez has bravely decided to put herself and her health first, even if it meant putting her career on hold. In 2013, she ended her Stars Dance Tour to seek treatment for lupus, and last year, she ended her Revival Tour to seek treatment for anxiety and depression at a rehabilitation center. 

"I stopped and then I continued, because I realized that I needed to challenge myself," Selena explained. "Do I really love this? Is this worth it anymore? I would look at my crowd on tour and think, ‘Yes, this is worth it, right?’ But then I would look at myself in the mirror and I just felt like ‘I’ve had enough, I don’t know if I can go on anymore.’ And I stopped it for a second. But it didn’t mean that I didn’t love it, I just had to find what I was going to do with it. As long as I’m healthy and happy in my mind, I’m all about it."

We should all take a cue from Selena—it’s okay to put self-care first and be honest with yourself about how you’re feeling. It’s pretty badass that she's willing to talk candidly about her struggles. She may inspire someone else to get the help they need.

This Is Why Leslie Jones Was Our Favorite NYFW Attendee

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When you attend a fashion show (especially if you're sitting in the front row), it’s a lot legs crossed, sitting still and looking fierce. Besides taking out your phone to get a quick Snap, it can feel pretty unexciting, even with all that glorious fashion in your face. 

However, in a pleasant change of pace, comedian and actress Leslie Jones did her best to break some Fashion Week norms by letting it ~all~ out at the Christian Siriano runway show on Saturday.  

As models tore up catwalk, Jones couldn't contain herself, and according to Refinery29, was seen loudly cheering them on. Twitter caught her shouting things like "Oh my God!" and “You’re beautiful! You’re beautiful and you know it girl!” while making some gleeful hand gestures, and honestly, we're really emotionally touched by this. 

Can all Fashion Week attendees be this enthusiastic and loving towards each other from now on? Please and thank you. 

You Have To See These Gorgeous Photos of Laverne Cox in Beyonce's Ivy Park Campaign

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Earlier this fall, Orange Is The New Black's very own Laverne Cox took to Twitter to announce that she was working with Beyonce on the latest Ivy Park collection. Needless to say we were both psyched and low key jealous. This past Wednesday, Cox dropped a campaign photo on Instagram, looking literally ~flawless~. She posed in an Ivy Park sweatshirt under a matching corset, an interesting choice of attire that she of course slayed. "It's about being free. Listening and moving without any judgement or limitation," she stated in the caption. Wise words.

 

It's about being free. Listening and moving without any judgment or limitation @weareivypark #IVYPARK #ad

A post shared by laverne cox (@lavernecox) on

The collection itself is also beautiful, and works a variety of bold and strong hues in a deconstructed element. Check it out here!

Apparently The Yeezy Season 6 Show Was Never Even Scheduled to Happen

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The incredibly anticipated Season 6 of Yeezy's installment had been rumored to debut during New York Fashion Week 2017 - that is, until it was unexpectedly "canceled." Now we're learning that a Yeezy show was actually never scheduled to happen at all.

Kanye has been out of the spotlight for a while now, but you'd think after all the shade Taylor Swift has thrown (not so subtly) at him in her "Look What You Made Me Do" music video, he would have come out with an equally if not more fiery comeback of his own by now. Understandably, the rapper-turned-designer has been very busy with his own family, which is why a runway show never got off the ground. 

Originally, the show was rumored to partner with Redken and feature on September 13, but was reportedly called off due to presentation problems. However, today Us Weekly revealed that a show was never scheduled to happen in the first place. A collection will eventually be revealed, but no date had been set indicating that it would ever happen at New York Fashion Week. Sorry Yeezy lovers, you'll have to wait a little longer!

7 Going Out Shoes Perfect for Frat House Basements

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It’s not exactly a secret that the floor situation at most frat houses (aka the main going out option on many campuses) isn’t exactly ideal for wearing your most prized pair of heels. While you can easily ruin your shoes with just one night of dancing on disgusting floors, it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. Below are a few frat house-friendly footwear options (at collegiette budget prices!) to get you through this semester and beyond.

1. Oni rose gold lace up heels ($33 at Lulu’s)

When it comes to gross frat house basements, patent anything is always optimal – you can opt for lighter-colored shoes, but last night’s dirt and grime wipes right off with a little soap and water. Pick a pair in an on-trend rose gold hue that goes with everything, yet still switches it up from basic black.

2. Lizzie quarter strap sandals ($27.99 at Target)

For the height of heels minus the struggle of suffering through a night out in painful shoes, platforms offer the best of both worlds. Not to mention the fact that you can rock a sandal while avoiding letting your bare feet come into contact with the floor. (Because, yuck.)

3. Sneakers with bow ($29.99 at H&M)

Having a pair of comfy, low-key going out sneakers on hand is essential. For under $30, this pair looks just dressy enough, and the all black means they won’t be instantly ruined in the (highly likely, TBH) case that someone spills something on them.

4. ASOS runway sock boots ($64 at ASOS)

Sock boots with a block heel are ideal for making it through a night out on your feet, but the glittery fabric does double duty by dressing them up and hiding any evidence of your night out.

5. DV LeeAnn buckle wedge gladiator sandals ($34.99 at Target)

Repeat after me: when in doubt, go for a wedge. They will always be ten times comfier than any heel, especially when you find a great mid-height option like this pair from Target – which also looks way more expensive than it is.

Related: 5 Sorority Rush Outfits Made of Clothes You Already Own

6. Kristy black faux suede over-the-knee boots ($60 at Tobi)

Paired with a mini skirt or shorts, over-the-knee boots will become your going out uniform – and obviously, anything in black is ideal when you know you’ll be heading somewhere where the floors will be... not so sparkling clean.

7. Felora black suede embroidered ankle strap heels ($33 at Lulu’s)

That’s not to say that it’s necessary to make your shoes totally devoid of color when frat house-hopping. This pair features on-trend embroidery details that add a pop of color to any look.

When you pick the right pair, you won’t have to sacrifice style for practicality on your next night out!

18 Texts You'll Send Your Best Friend Who Goes to a Different College

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Staying in touch with your best friend while in college is like a long distance relationship. Your high school bestie will always be your go-to ranter, gossiper and confidant. But it gets a little tough to maintain your close bond with miles between you if you go to different colleges. Here are 18 text messages we've all sent to our BFF at another university. 

1. Can't watch together but gotta stay up to date

2. Hometown gossip queens

3. I just wanna send cute snail mail ok

4. Help a girl out

5. Reminiscing on childhood mems like

6. Like, right now

7. It's a fashion emergency

8. When your colleges play each other

9. Remembering the awkward times

10. When you're too fluent in school slang

11. Major coordination probs #rip

12. CANNOT WAIT TO SEE YOU

13. And the inevitable reunion

14. Start from the beginning

15. Different schedules create the worst FOMO

16. When she's on quarters and you're on semester

17. I just need you

18. It's so real

Beyoncé and Blue Ivy Served Meals to Hurricane Harvey Victims & the Photos Are Absolutely Heartwarming

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When Beyoncé vowed to help victims of Hurricane Harvey in her hometown of Houston, she wasn't kidding.

Not only did the singer and all around queen contribute a "significant donation" to relief efforts, but she spent her weekend serving meals to those affected - and my faith in humanity has officially been restored.

On Sunday, Bey took to Instagram to share photos of of her working hard to give back to her hometown - and from the looks of it, she worked hard packing meals, talking to and posing for photos with Harvey victims. She even managed to enlist her daughter Blue Ivy along with her mother Tina Lawson and former "Destiny's Child" bandmate Michelle Williams to assist her and the rest of the BeyGood Houston team.

 

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According to the Houston Chronicle, Beyoncé reportedly told survivors, "Y'all are my family. Houston is my home," she said. "This church is my home. I was maybe nine or 10 years old the first time I sat there where my daughter is sitting (now). I sang my first solo here. This is a celebration of survival. Y'all are my family. And I thank God that y'all are safe, that your children are safe. The things that really matter are your health and your children and your family and your life. I just wanna say I love you."

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Beyoncé for president, y'all.


5 Texting Behaviors That Mean They’re Interested

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Let’s be real here: texting with someone you like can sometimes feel like you’re deciphering a code. It’s easy to get hung up on their choice of words or use of emojis (or lack thereof), and even trivial things like their punctuation. As much as the buzz of your phone and the image of their name popping up on your screen makes your heart skip a beat, it also brings up a ton of anxiety—are they interested in me? What exactly do they mean here?

To ease your worries, we spoke with human behavior and relationship expert and author of Get Over Your Ex Now! Dr. Patrick Wanis on five texting behaviors that indicate interest. With these five pieces of info in mind, their texts will seem a lot less like code and more like a diagram to whether or not they're interested!

1. They want to learn more about you as a person

The initial “talking stage” that takes place before most relationships begin can be a fun, exciting time for both people to learn more about each other. The truth is, however, guys generally don’t enjoy talking too much over text while girls can be the complete opposite, says Dr. Patrick Wanis—so, if they are making that extra effort, you’ll want to take notice of it.

"Men get very frustrated when they have to text too much, so they don't enjoy texting as much as women do,” he explains. It is quite common however that this behavior changes when you first begin talking because he may be interested in pursuing something with you—therefore, if you notice that he’s attempting to make conversation and learn more about you, that it could mean good news as far as whether he is interested in you or not.

"If he's asking things to learn about you—if he's asking questions that tell him more about who you are, then he's interested in knowing you,” says Dr. Wanis.

For example, are they asking you about your hobbies or the classes you’re taking this semester? Or maybe they’ve dove in a little deeper and asked you about your family or your career aspirations. Either way, it’s important to note whether they’re putting in the effort to learn more about you as a person, not only in terms of compatibility but also for the sheer generalization that guys don’t particularly enjoy conversing over text—there must be a reason why he’s sucking it up for you!

"Guys don't like texting back and forth endlessly, so if they're doing it in the beginning [then] they're doing it with an intention, and then they're going back to what they feel more comfortable with which is texts just for the exchange of basic information such as, "Okay I'll see you at 10 o'clock," Dr. Wanis explains. So, while this type of behavior may not last forever in established relationships, the fact that he’s texting you to learn more about you now can be a major indicator of interest.

As far as the ladies go, Dr. Wanis really emphasizes the fact that girls generally enjoy texting more than guys do, so you’ll find it much easier to fall into these types of conversations with a girl!

2. They take interest in what you’re doing

Sure, it’s easy to casually send a “What’s up?” type of text, but according to Dr. Wanis, if they’re interested in you, they’re not only interested in learning about you, but they also want to know what you’re up to and when you can get together.

"Guys tend to be more direct, so if they're interested in you, they will be actually thinking of when they're going to see you,” Dr. Wanis explains. “They won't just be saying, '"Hey, what's up?"' which might be their initial way of contacting or connecting with you—they're going to go one step further and say, '"What are you doing? What are you doing now? What are you doing tomorrow? What are you doing Saturday?'"

Since guys tend to be more direct and girls tend to be more subtle, don’t be afraid to show interest in their plans! At the end of the day, everyone appreciates direct answers, and it helps to match their interest with yours if it’s there.

3. They respond in a timely manner

If Dr. Wanis teaches you one thing, it’s that you should not play games. It can be common in the initial stages of talking that both people are guilty of waiting a couple hours or maybe even days (see: ghosting) to respond. This could be for reasons such as either one of you doesn’t want to come off as eager, or like you have nothing better to do. We’ll let you in on a little secret—these are huge no-nos!

In reality, someone who is interested will respond as soon as they can and will actually want to. And if they’re busy with friends, studying or at work? They’ll let you know and provide a reasonable explanation. And in return, they’ll want to talk to someone who will respond back right away as well.

"I teach [to] never play games. Because you're starting the relationship off with deceit. Even if it's dating, that’s just deceit,” says Dr. Wanis. “So, don't play games, don't be deceitful. If you're able to respond, respond! If you're not able to respond in that moment because you're studying or busy or working, then you write back later and say, "'Hey I got your text earlier today, this is the first chance I've had to respond.’”

Yup, it’s as simple as that, really! If someone tries to respond to you in a timely matter, you can be confident that they’re interested; however, it is a two-way street!

Related: 5 Things to Do If He’s Bad at Texting

4. They’ll look for more opportunities to see you

So, now you’ve got a groove going—you’ve been exchanging texts for a little while now, have learned more about each other and they’ve shown obvious interested in what you’re up to and what your plans are. So, what else can indicate interest?

“If he's really interested, he then asks you out on a date,” says Dr. Wanis. “He asks to get together with you. Invites you to places. He becomes more inclusive in his texts. He tells you what he's doing, he asks what you're doing, and then he asks you out on a date."

It’s important to note that not everyone moves at the same speed, so don’t be discouraged if the person you’re talking to hasn’t asked you out on a date within the first couple days—he easily could just not be ready yet!

5. They’re direct (or at least expressing interest) in what they want

Generally speaking, Dr. Wanis stresses that guys are more direct, especially with texting, while girls are more subtle. So, while it is a whole lot easier to receive a direct answer, ladies leave more delicate cues—pay attention to the small details!

"Guys tend to be very direct and they tend to be thinking more in cause and effect, and they have an objective—the girl will be more subtle,” says Dr. Wanis. “She won't come out right and say 'I want to go out with you.' She’ll express interest in a more subtle way.”

While it can be scary to answer a direct question, it’ll only work in your benefit to be straight-up with your answer. "Answer the bloody question! Answer it directly," Dr. Wanis says with a laugh. "Just be honest.” Both girls and guys will certainly appreciate the honesty!

But if their questions are anything but direct? Pay attention to how he or she is expressing interest, especially from a girl. If your text exchange turns flirty, then maybe toss out a feeler or two to see how she responds. Compliments are a major sign of interest, but make sure that she’s not just being friendly!

Dr. Wanis also notes that some people are emoji people and others are not. “I think, generally speaking, women use them much more than men do,” he says. So while emoji use does definitely depend on the person, they could be key in figuring out whether or not she’s interested. Plus, there’s no defined rule out there that says only guys can be direct. If you’re a girl talking to another girl, for example, and feel like you’re in a subtle-texting stalemate, it may be in your best interest to ask her if she likes you, especially if you’re unsure whether or not she is interested in dating girls.

Talking to someone you’re crushing on can be quite nerve-wracking at times, especially if you want to pursue a relationship. Texting should be a fun and light way to getting to know each other, but with these little tips in mind, you can feel more confident about whether someone is expressing genuine interest in you or not. And if that’s not enough to convince you, I’ll leave you with this:

"Remember this—when a guy really wants something, he will tear down the wall,” says Dr. Wanis. “He will climb the mountain. He will cross the river. He'll walk through the fire to get it. And that includes you. If the guys not interested he'll make no effort, and he'll come up with lots of excuses. But when he's really interested, he will make every effort. And nothing will stop him."

While Dr. Wanis let us in on what guys are thinking, we think this can be applied to all genders—so just be confident and have fun!

Kylie Jenner Opened Up About the Real Reason She Decided to Get Lip Injections

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We all have that one awful comment that someone made about our appearance as teens that still makes us insecure today — yes, including Kylie Jenner.

According to Hello Giggles, on Sunday night's episode of her new show Life of Kylie, Kylie opened up for the first time about the real reason she decided to get lip injections, after staying relatively silent about them for years. Her reasoning is *super* relatable: after a boy made a mean comment about her lips, she just couldn't get it out of her head.

 

A post shared by Kylie (@kyliejenner) on

"I was 15 and I was insecure about my lips," she said on the show. "I have really small lips. And it was like one of my first kisses and a guy was like, 'I didn't think you would be a good kisser because you have such small lips.' But I took that really hard. Just when a guy you like says that, I don’t know, it just really affected me. I just didn't feel desirable or pretty."

We've all been there. While not all of us end up going the plastic surgery route to change something someone's made us feel insecure about, Kylie's story is an important reminder of just how big an impact words can have on teen girls who already feel pressured by society's insanely unattainable beauty standards — no matter how famous you are. Also, boys are the worst — but you knew that already.

If You Want to Avoid a Hangover After Your Next Night Out, This Is the App You Need to Download ASAP

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We all know we should be drinking plenty of water during a night out in order to avoid a dreaded hangover the next day — but the amount of times we actually manage to make it happen? Let's just say it's not very often.

Luckily, this iPhone app may be the answer to your prayers (and headache and ringing ears). Hydrate Now is specifically designed to remind you throughout a night of vodka sodas to periodically drink some water too.

So how does it work? You open up the app before heading out for the night and pick a number one through five based on how frequently you think you'll need H2O throughout the night. Selecting option one will remind you to drink a glass every 100 minutes, while selecting option five will give you a push notification every 20 minutes. (Which, admittedly, is a lot of water, but could be a great option if you think you'll be hitting the tequila shots hard on a particular night.)

When you get home, all you have to do is open the app again and turn it off before you head to bed — so simple, and your a.m. self will love you for it.

"I know there are a lot of hydration apps out there, but I wanted to design one that was specifically designed for the hangover prevention use case," the app's founder told Cosmopolitan. "So I figured the best way to do that would be by sending an almost annoying amount of provocative push notifications that remind you to drink water."

While drinking water obviously won't cure your hangover, it can definitely prevent the insane dehydration that comes with drinking, and the related headaches and dizziness that follow in the morning — and since it's basically the worst feeling ever, Hydrate Now is definitely worth a try.

11 Halloween Costumes for Girls Who Are Lazy AF

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For all those lazy collegiettes out there, Halloween can be stressful AF! Having to designate a chunk of time to think of—and create—a costume is just too much sometimes, especially on top of homework, extracurriculars, your part-time job and your social life. So, what do you do if you need a quick costume? Look no further. Read below for 11 costumes that are easy to execute and require little-to-no spending.  

1. A '50s housewife

Rock your mom's pearls and a kitchen apron, and call it a day!

2. Thief

Don your go-to pair of black pants, some black boots, a black-and-white striped shirt, a black beanie and some dark makeup.

3. A ghost

Literally, rock a big white tee as a dress, draw on (or cut out) some eyes and a mouth, and get spooking. PSA: Swap out the white shirt for an orange shirt and you become a pumpkin! 

4. A member of KISS

Wear a rock 'n' roll tee with some fishnets and black boots! If you're feeling ambitious, have fun with your makeup. 

5. Regina George

All you really need is a cheap white tank and a colorful bra. 

6. A zombie

Cut up a white tee and trash it with some fake blood. 

7. Three Blind Mice

Get yourself some sunglasses and mouse ears—and DONE! 

8. Retro fitness girl

Rock your favorite pair of colorful leggings with some leg warmers and sneakers! Hair scrunchy = necessary. 

9. Scarecrow

This one's all about your favorite flannel and some creative makeup.

10. Meredith Grey 

Honestly, all you need is a pair of scrubs—oh, and a stethoscope if you're feeling bold.

11. Risky Business

Oversized collared shirts and messy hair. How much simpler can it get?

Ted Cruz Briefly Liked Porn on Twitter Last Night & It Was a Gift to the Internet

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Late Monday night, Internet lurkers and Weird Politics Twitter got tipped off to a NSFW video in Sen. Ted Cruz's "likes"— a low-quality video shared from an account called "Sexuall Posts" [sic]. The two minute video stayed visible in that column of his verified page for about an hour before it was unliked, but it was still more than long enough for the junior senator from Texas to get thoroughly roasted over the slip-up.

Catherine Frazier,  Cruz's press director tweeted early on Tuesday that "The offensive tweet posted on @tedcruz account earlier has been removed by staff and reported to Twitter."

Meanwhile, the "Sexual Posts" account tweeted a "thanks for watching" to Cruz and changed their bio to promote their page with "Follow for the Same Porn @TedCruz Watches." Yikes. 

While plenty of normal humans watch porn (and don't deserve to be repeatedly dunked on by the Internet), the case of Sen. Cruz publicly liking this video is an interesting one when you consider his inherently sex negative history of anti-choice legislation, anti-birth control legislation and rhetoric. It's a bit harder to be a puritanical character legislatively policing the morality of others with porn on your dash, you know?

And, of course, there's that one time he assisted in a case attempting to ban the sale of sex toys in Texas (no, really.) 

As Mother Jones' David Corn wrote last year, Ted Cruz actually defended the case to ban "dildos, artificial vaginas, and other obscene devices" and argued that using the aforementioned toys were similar to "hiring a willing prostitute" (uh) before finally concluding that "there is no substantive-due-process right to stimulate one's genitals for non-medical purposes unrelated to procreation or outside of an interpersonal relationship."

While no one ever wants to repeatedly hear about politicians old enough to be their dad and stimulation of any kind, the "Sexuall Posts" tweet gave many of Cruz's critics to pounce on his apparent hypocracy and find a little bit of light in the deeply uncomfortable situation before them: 

If we take anything away from this, let it be this: Your Twitter likes are not private and late-night Twitter has no mercy. 

How To Turn A Mediocre Job Into The Job Of Your Dreams

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It should come as no surprise that most students don't graduate college and immediately land their dream job. Even if you know exactly which field you want to go into and you’re lucky enough to get your foot in the door soon after having graduated, you’re probably not at the level you’d like to be just yet. For others, it might be less about upward mobility and more about shifting between different industries while searching for the perfect fit. The truth is there’s a lot of grunt work that goes into securing your dream job; you might even have to create the role yourself! So, how do you turn a less-than-average job into one that you’re beyond passionate about? We spoke with a few experts who shared their most memorable lessons on the road to success.

1. Abandon those negative thoughts about your job  

If you’ve already convinced yourself that your current job is less than mediocre, there’s probably no saving it. You’ll be unmotivated to do a good job and, worse, uninterested in making the most of your situation. Rather than focus on all the ways your job could be better suited for you, try to think of how you could actually make it work in your favor. If it helps, make a list of all the positive things you are already gaining from it, for example, having access to notable connections, making long-lasting friendships or even something as simple as having a short commute. Ngoc Nguyen, a leadership coach at career-coaching company Ama La Vida, says, “You have to want make the situation better for yourself; it won’t happen on its own. Recognize it for what it is, but turn your focus toward what you could still get out of the experience by allowing yourself to see it as a building block to your ultimate career.”

For many, the first job they land out of college is just a starter job but it is far from insignificant. “Not liking it [at first] is normal, what you do with it makes all the difference,” Nguyen adds. This is where you’ll learn some of the most valuable lessons about what it’s really like to be in the workforce and what the day-to-day happenings of someone who works in your field are like. A positive attitude often translates into a positive experience; if you give it your absolute best, soon you’ll find that you enjoy excelling in your new role and your excellent performance won’t go unnoticed forever. Working your way up the ranks to your dream job is not uncommon; in fact, it’s a rite of passage you won’t want to miss out on. If we’ve learned anything from our new favorite show 'The Bold Type,' it’s that the more you enjoy your job (at any level), the more you get out of the experience.

2. Learn more about the things you don’t like to do and why

Sometimes, a job can seem unappealing simply because you don’t understand it or you aren’t confident enough in your abilities to nail it. We tend to favor the things we are naturally good at because we enjoy the sense of instant gratification it brings; it feels good not to have to work too hard at something and still be praised for a job well done.  When things don’t come easy to us, we can have a difficult time mustering up any enthusiasm toward them. Nguyen says, “There will be parts of your job you don’t like but you’ll have to do anyway. Why not commit yourself to learn and understand the task you’re doing instead of focusing on how much you don’t want to do it?” For example, you might think a job in sales isn’t for you because you’ve never been much of a businessperson; but your perception could change once you realize that a sales-oriented job is really more about building relationships than it is about selling products or services.

The more you understand why you’re doing what you’re doing, the more you’ll be inclined to appreciate the process. There’s always more to learn about your job and your company even if you’ve already been there for a while. Make an effort to be more inquisitive about why things are done a certain way at your company and how your seemingly small role plays a part in the larger scheme of things.

3. Be nice to your coworkers without expecting anything in return

Nobody likes to work in a hostile environment. Dread your days at the office (or wherever you work) less by fostering genuinely positive relationships with the people around you. Too often, networking advice focuses on how other people can help you now or later on in your career. The truth is it pays to be nice just for the sake of being nice. Like you, your coworkers may be feeling overwhelmed or uninspired and greeting them with a smile or offering to help out with a large project will boost morale all around. You are more likely to enjoy your job if your environment is a welcoming and supportive one; if it isn’t, don’t be afraid to incite some positive change simply by helping others willingly and often.

4. Find a mentor whose career roadmap looks like one you would enjoy

Once you begin growing your professional network, you’ll probably find yourself drawn to those whose jobs you admire. It’s always a good idea to cultivate relationships with people who’ve been where you are now, not solely for professional gain but also for companionship based on your mutual interests. Brianna McGurran, career and education expert at NerdWallet, says, “Identify someone at your company who is really killing it or who has a role you'd like to work toward and invite her out to coffee or lunch. Prepare thoughtful questions in advance about how she got to where she is, and remember to offer your assistance with any projects that she needs help with and that you can learn from.”

McGurran also recommends taking advantage of any formal mentorship programs at your company or within your industry. If one doesn’t exist, that’s the perfect opportunity for you to start one, she says. Maybe you’d like to break into young adult book publishing; a good idea would be to launch your own YA book club. This way, you’ll get to read more of the books you love while networking with other professionals already in the field. You would be surprised how willing more successful professionals are to share their journeys with you.

5. Seek out your niche and find a way to work it into your daily routine

Some people know by the time they’re six years old that when they grow up, they want to be a pediatric surgeon or a college professor or an actress. For them, a clear path is mapped out: a list of steps they should follow to land themselves right where they need to be. But the answers aren’t always that obvious; sometimes, it takes a few rounds of trial and error to really find your place in the working world. A good way to tell where your true interests lie is to look at what you do in your free time or where your mind wanders off to when you’re not swamped with work.

As you continue to develop your passions, Shea Drake, business analyst at Verizon, recommends finding ways to work them into your day-to-day tasks. Maybe you really enjoy travel photography but you currently work as a marketing representative. Look for opportunities to put your eye for photography to good use, like selecting a few amazing shots for an upcoming newsletter you’re working on. According to Drake, not only will this keep you interested at work but it will also let your supervisors and coworkers know of any hidden talents you have that might be beneficial to your company. Karson Humiston, CEO of Vangst Talent Network—a leading staffing agency for the cannabis industry—adds, “Your current position may not be your dream job, but there is no reason you can’t bring your ideas and specialties to senior employees [at the appropriate times].” Who knows? Soon, you might become the go-to person for whatever it is you truly love to do!

Related: 6 Reasons You Shouldn’t Settle for Your First Job Offer After Graduation

Working at a job that you don’t love can be mentally draining, but you shouldn’t be too discouraged. Instead, find ways to make it work for you. Mara Hyman, a recent graduate of USC, says that every job is a stepping-stone toward your dream job. “Even if your first job out of college is dull, or worse, something you dread, there is always something good that can come from it,” she says. Perhaps, you’ll learn a new skill that you can add to your resume or that will help you at a more suitable job later on. Perhaps, you’ll find yourself loving your current job more and more as you learn to appreciate all the lessons and opportunities it has to offer. If you're already a diligent worker, all you need now is a little passion. Don’t give up on your dreams, even if they’re constantly evolving and even if they seem far away.

Your Complete Guide for Getting a Fresh Start This Semester

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People always seem to pass off week one of the semester as easy, but you have no idea what this peaceful “syllabus week” actually is––you’ve been doing homework since day one! If beginning of semester struggles are already weighing you down, it’s important to find a little “you” time during each week to relax and get a fresh start.

Every collegiette knows that the best way to rejuvenate is with a good pampering session. Not sure how to find the time or how to treat yourself? Just clear an hour on Sunday to restore your energy for the coming week, and then follow these eight self-care steps for the ultimate fresh start.

Step One: Relax and Mask


There’s nothing like slathering on a yummy face mask, then curling up with a cozy blanket and your latest Netflix binge for some blissful relaxation. Our absolute favorite masks are the ones from Freeman Beauty because they have a huge selection of mask offerings for the mood and are perfect for a college girl’s budget. Pick from the Rejuvenating Cucumber + Pink Salt Clay Mask, Manuka Honey + Tea Tree Oil Clay Mask + Cleanser or the Detoxifying Charcoal + Black Sugar Mud Mask for skin that’s nourished and fresh for whatever this week throws your way. Want to make your skin pampering a group event instead? Host a ladies’ night in and mask with your squad!

Step Two: Love Your Locks


Hair is honestly ~everything~. When your tresses feel bad, so do you. That’s why your key task for the coming week is to love your ‘do with some of the yummy hair cocktails from Bed Head by TIGI! Give your hair a fresh smell and feel with Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo or Oh Bee Hive! Matte Dry Shampoo, and then set your style with Masterpiece Shine Hairspray or Hard Head Hairspray. Honestly, your hair will never have felt better after TIGI is done with you.

Step Three: Keep Your Summer Glow


The surest way to start a new week looking fresh is by maintaining that just-back-from-summer glow. Sadly, a new semester means saying goodbye to tanning by the pool, but L'Oréal Paris has some amazing hacks for keeping up that bronze-y beauty throughout the school year. Use Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Towelettes or Sublime Bronze ProPerfect Salon Airbrush Mist for skin that looks like you walked straight off a beach, and then hydrate and moisturize with Hydra Genius to solidify your glow. When your skin looks better, you’ll feel that much better.

Step Four: Flash a Smile

It’s true that nothing is more beautiful than a bright, happy smile, so take some time during your pampering session to care for your pearly whites. One handy tool you might not have in your medicine cabinet is the Steripod Clip-On Toothbrush Protector! Steripod uses thymol (which is also found in mouthwash) to release active vapors that create a clean environment for your toothbrush. Say hello to a toothbrush that’s fresh and protected for three months, and goodbye to stray contaminants that may come near––this is super important for flu season and finals! Your semester will be totally improved by your revitalized smile.

Step Five: Dress Up in Denim

A hack for making your week that much less stressful is to plan your outfits ahead of time. On Sunday night, peruse your wardrobe and set aside a chic look for each day––no more stressing about what to wear! To keep your daily style versatile and on trend, we recommend donning some Aéropostale denim. Whether you’re going casual to class or dressing up for a sorority event, a pair of Aéropostale jeans will carry you through. Definitely include these in your weekly plan!

Step Six: Snack


Are you really even pampering if you’re not snacking while doing it? To give your semester that extra but of fun, try choosing a snack that’s tangy and bright! HI-CHEW Candy is the perfect pick-me-up, whether you’re relaxing before a long week or need something to pop in your mouth between classes. Plus, how can you not feel refreshed every day when you're literally munching on goodies made with real fruit juice and purees?

Step Seven: Hydrate


Hydration is key for making your body feel detoxed and ready to take on anything, but why not add a little fizzy, fruity fun to your water? We love Spindrift Sparkling Water because it’s the only sparkling water made with real squeezed fruit, and the freshness it provides will have you feeling better all week. We’re ready for a glass right now!

Step Eight: Organize and Motivate


End your pampering session with some much-needed planning and strategizing for the week to come. Whether you’re tackling your to-do list or goal setting, spending some time immersed in your Erin CondrenHardbound Life Planner is a must! Organization never looked more stylish than with this personalized 18-month book.  Visit ErinCondren.com to pick back to school essentials that you can customize to your individual style and personalize with your name. From the colorful 3-ring binder to metallic pocket folders and designer pencil sets, you have everything you need to stay motivated and on-trend so you can keep being the amazing, overachieving collegiate that you are! 

Do you feel relaxed and refreshed yet? With our eight steps for self-care, we hope you can keep stress low and happiness high throughout the semester. And if you’re ever feeling overwhelmed, remember to slow down and take time to give yourself that fresh start you so definitely deserve.


5 Ways Social Media is Hurting Your Relationship

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Social media has made its mark on our generation. “Tweet” and “selfie” are officially part of the English dictionary and scrolling through your Instagram feed like it’s the morning newspaper is a part of our daily routine. This level of influence has changed the way we view certain topics, including relationships. Although you didn’t sign up for your relationship and social media to intertwine at some point, it will. No matter your level of involvement on social media, there is a dark side to all the positives that come from the good that social media can bring. Below are five different ways that social media is hurting your relationship.

1. You create unrealistic relationship standards

We’ve all seen the posts of girls being gifted hundreds of dollars in makeup or traveling around the world at the drop of a dime with their SO, along with the hashtag #relationshipgoals. While that may be how their SO expresses appreciation for them, there are different ways that are just as romantic in which your SO can express their appreciation for you. 

One of the most harmful things you can do in your relationship is to compare yourself to another couple. People only show the most perfect version of themselves for social media.

Alaina Leary, a grad student at Emerson College, personally knows that it’s unfair to compare your relationship to picture-perfect versions of others’ relationships. “Sometimes, when I see a slew of people in my age range getting engaged or married, I start to wonder, ‘Why aren't we engaged? Why haven't I proposed?’ And that reaction sets unfair standards. We're not there 24/7, and we don't know the details of these relationships. We can only judge ourselves.” So even though that couple on Instagram seems so perfectly in love, you don’t see their arguments or bad days. In reality, that relationship you idolize may be battling their own set of problems.

Similarly, Amar Salihic, a junior at Georgia State University, thinks that his relationship, and all relationships in general, shouldn’t structure their bond off of what they see online. “The social media checklist is not the standard you should be setting,” he says. “For example, one of the social media expectations is that you should have all of your SO’s time and attention. You both should value other people and things outside of your relationship. Give each other a healthy amount of time and space to miss the other.”

So while a cute “#relationshipgoals” post may be okay to like, don’t read too much into it or try to be like them. You and your SO are two completely different people and are allowed to love each other in ways that you both see fit.

2. Your SO keeps you a secret online

Whether you like it or not, we’re part of a generation that is attached to social media. Since middle school, things aren’t considered official until it’s Facebook official or more commonly now, it’s not official until a couple photo is posted on Instagram for the world to see. For every girl who’s being shown off as the world’s greatest gift by her SO on social media, there is a girl who has wondered at least once why her SO doesn’t show her off the same way. This leaves a big question: Are you justified in expecting your SO to show you off on social media?

While you shouldn’t expect to wake up to a #WCE post every morning, Dr. Patrick Wanis, a behavior and relationship specialist, thinks it’s a definite warning sign if you can’t find a trace of yourself on your SO’s page.

“The only exception to that would be if that person is extremely private and doesn’t post anything about any of their other relationship, specifically their relationship with friends,” he says. “If your SO never mentions you, nor post photos of you or with you, then what it says is that that person doesn’t want the world to know about the relationship. So they’re either hiding the relationship and are embarrassed by it, hiding multiple relationships, or they want the world to know that they’re single and available.”

If your SO is active on social media, they have signed up for people to know their business. You should be a large part of their lives, therefore it should in some way be known that your SO is in a relationship if you two have agreed to be serious.

Related: 24 Things Couples Do That Are Annoying AF

3. You’re consumed with constantly updating your relationship

On the other hand, we all know the couples that post something about each other every second. Not every aspect of your relationship should be posted online. Your relationship requires a bit of privacy. The world shouldn’t know every time things are rocky between you two.

“Social media is not your therapist,” Wanis adds. “Why do you need to tell about every detail? That type of behavior leads to narcissism, egocentricity and basic selfishness … you have to look for the balance. If you’re posting all day long, when do you have time to the relationship?”

Sharing too much, too often, leaves your business as fair game for the public to ask questions and be nosy. “I believe there is such a thing as over-sharing,” Salihic also says. “It adds too much value to social media, it puts people in your business, and it can create a sense of false validation.”

So instead of looking for the perfect filter to compliment the hundredth photo of you and your partner kissing, pick up the phone and talk to them. Remind them why they still have all of your love and affection hundreds of photos later.

4. You or your SO keep each other’s social media page under surveillance

It’s completely normal to check on your SO’s page every once in a while. However, if it’s been two hours and you’re refreshing the following tab on Instagram to see if your SO liked anybody else’s photos, you should consider a career with the FBI or simply realize how problematic that behavior is.

If you are expecting to catch your SO liking or commenting or another person’s pictures, then that clearly exemplifies the lack of trust in the relationship.

A like here and there on his friend’s pictures shouldn’t be a problem. Your SO is entitled to have friends of whatever gender, just as you should be entitled the same. However, if they are leaving questionable comments on someone’s profile that would make people think that they are not in a relationship, there is a problem.

“If you are jealous and see real signs of infidelity, abusive behavior, serious jealousy, or anything that sets off alarms about your SO, don't downplay it just because it's ‘only social media,’" Alaina says. “If your SO is doing something online that makes you really uncomfortable, you need to have a conversation about it and work on a compromise.”

Creeping on social media won’t address the underlying issue of broken trust. Have an open conversation with your SO if something isn’t sitting right with you.

5. It has become easier to be sneakier

While Snapchat’s timer may be a blessing when sending embarrassing pictures to your friends, the app’s inability to store feed makes it easier to communicate with whoever you want, with little to no record of it. This is just one of many examples of how social media platforms make it easier to keep secrets.

Erica*, a junior at Clayton State University, agrees that social media makes it easier, even too easy, to connect with certain people. “Overall, people are a lot bolder online than in person,” she says. “It’s easy to find attention on any social media platform. Even if you have no intention of acting on any type of emotion in person, you can message someone for a night of flirting and erase it with the click of a button. I know people in relationships that have used social media to talk to other people behind their SO’s back.”

While not everybody uses social media for the purpose of being sneaky, it’s a possibility. Don’t expect this behavior from your partner, but check that you are not using social media for these purposes. You are the only person you can control, so make sure that you have a clear conscious.

Social media isn’t going away anytime soon, so it’s important to incorporate it into your life properly. Be mindful of your partner and your bond whenever you’re posting, tweeting, sharing or messaging. Overall, social media itself doesn’t ruin relationships, it’s how you use different platforms that can cause problems.

Ashton Kutcher Shared a Picture of His Son Wearing a Jackie & Kelso 'That '70s Show' Shirt

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Jackie and Kelso from That '70s Show live on, thanks to IRL couple Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher, who played the on-screen duo. Though they didn't date while filming the sitcom, Mila and Ashton reconnected years later. They're now married with two kids, and evidently they're raising them right.  

Ashton shared a photo on Instagram Monday that showed his and Mila's nine-month-old son Dimitri Portwood wearing an iconic shirt. Along with the phrase "Hello Wisconsin," the tee shows Dimitri's mom and dad in their That '70s Show heyday.

 

Yes,this Is my son's outfit today. #that70sshow #kelsoandjackieforever

A post shared by Ashton Kutcher (@aplusk) on

Ashton captioned the pic, "Yes,this Is my son's outfit today. #that70sshow #kelsoandjackieforever."

First of all, parenting goals. Second, where can I get this T-shirt? I might be getting spoiled by the adorable standard I've come to expect from Kunis and Kutcher. After all, it doesn’t get much better than one of my favorite TV couples getting together in real life. 

#kelsoandjackieforever and ever and ever!

Things Between 'Bachelor in Paradise' Exes Amanda Stanton & Robby Hayes Got Even Uglier After the Finale

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The finale of Bachelor in Paradise aired Monday night, welcoming back this season's cast in a totally awkward reunion. Many of this summer's most memorable faces sat on stage to discuss what went down in Mexico and what's happening in their love lives today. Spoiler alert: The drama has followed many cast members home.

During the reunion portion of the finale, host Chris Harrison invited former happy couple Amanda Stanton and Robby Hayes on stage for one of the most intense hot seat conversations in the show's history. The pair admitted to reconnecting after the show's end, officially establishing their boyfriend-girlfriend status, but then breaking up again earlier this summer. And the split is all but amicable.

In defense of their Bachelor BFF, twins Haley and Emily Ferguson accused Robby of cheating on Amanda before their relationship ended. They called attention to a suspicious picture of Robby getting awfully close to a different blonde while he was "on a business trip" in Colorado, Us Weekly reports. 

When confronted about his possible unfaithfulness, Robby denied the allegations and blamed the public for taking the photo out of context and twisting the truth. 

"That's false," he responded. "[There] were pictures of me close to a girl but I was not by any means unfaithful." The twins kept the pressure on while Amanda, the sweetheart that she is, told Robby she believed him. "If you're saying you didn't, I believe you. You were there, not me," she said. 

Amanda was all about keeping the peace until Robby began to virally attack her character. In a painfully direct retweet, the Ken doll look-alike blatantly insulted his ex, who is a mother of two.

Amanda posted a screenshot of the retweet to her own Twitter, while Robby wasn't quite done telling his side of the story. He posted a long statement to Twitter in the early hours of Tuesday morning, once again defending himself and questioning Amanda's "innocent persona." 

He wrote, "While I won't be one to resort to vicious social media attacks, at the finale, I felt like I was sitting next to a stranger. I'll never understand why there's such a desperate need to present an 'innocent persona' and resort to allowing allegations that are blatantly untrue be said about me by 'the twins' while one sits back and 'unknowingly' watches these malicious attacks continue against me. That's not the behavior or accountability I expect from someone that 'CLAIMS' they care about me and was open to developing an 'ACTUAL' relationship." He went on to say that he always respected Amanda and the twins, even while he received "several ongoing THREATS." He accused his ex of playing the victim and using her friends to "place one-sided blame" and "assassinate one's character." 

Amanda replied to her ex's lengthy explanation, "'A desperate need to present an innocent persona.' - the guy who denies cheating when there is photo proof #beamanalready."

Amanda continued to interact with fans on her page, where she later exposed the infamous photo that sparked the cheating allegations. Quoting Taylor Swift, the fierce mama proved that she was done playing nice.

Looks pretty suspicious, right? "Social media influencer" Robby has yet to comment on this incriminating piece of evidence. 

Disney World Kept the Magic Alive During Hurricane Irma Because It's Disney World

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Not even Hurricane Irma can put a damper on Disney magic. Although Walt Disney World in Orlando shut down for two consecutive days (Sept. 10 and 11) for the first time in its 46-year history, the House of Mouse still tried to make sure their resort guests enjoyed their vacation, Cosmopolitan reports. With all the parks closed, guests staying at Disney World resorts didn't get to do everything they'd planned to, but Disney still wanted to give them the best vacation possible, despite the hurricane that was raging through Florida.

Thanks to a few (or an entire cast of) familiar faces like Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Chip and Dale, Pluto and Goofy and a host of fun activities, kids have stayed entertained while waiting out the storm.

From Donald helping out at the front desk, to coloring with Lilo, to a puppy parade (Disney + puppies = dream combination), the cast members at Disney World resorts have been hard at work to live up to the Disney standard of family vacations.

Slashed prices on food didn’t hurt either.

And it seems like there was plenty of entertainment for parents, too.

Disney World's parks—with the exception of water parks—reopened today with “Extra Magic Hours” for guests “who weathered the storm with us,” according to the website.

Although Disney World still has some cleaning up to do, the theme park's reputation for delivering a magical family vacation is still glass-slipper clean.

There Are Adult 'Hocus Pocus' Costumes, So Halloween Can Hurry Up & Happen Already

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It's that time of year again: The leaves are changing, everything is pumpkin-spice flavored, and it's once again the appropriate season to obsess over the best Halloween movie of your childhood, Hocus Pocus. But rather than just re-watching the film as many times as possible, this fall fans can take their spooky obsession to another level. Ladies and gentlemen, witches and ghosts, I present to you Hocus Pocus Halloween costumes!

As HelloGiggles shares, Spirit Halloween is making all our dreams come true by releasing a line of Hocus Pocus costumes and apparel for teens and adults. This Halloween, fans can let out their inner witch and dress as their favorite Sanderson sister. So which witch are you?

Winifred Sanderson

Mary Sanderson

Sarah Sanderson

These iconic costumes are $49.99 each, but wigs, capes, masks and other accessories can also be purchased separately.

It's time to grab your "sistahs," cast a spell and make this Halloween one you'll never forget. 

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