Author’s note: This piece is intended to be a piece of satire. Her Campus always supports the maintenance of a healthy lifestyle (just as long as we don’t have to know everything about it!).

You know what? You, my friend, lead an exceptionally healthy lifestyle. You routinely exercise, you make nutritive choices when it comes to your diet, and, as a result, you have molded your body into a work of corporeal art. Kudos!

Unfortunately, not everyone can know the labor that goes into leading this taxing regime. People may take note of your attractive physique or how often you frequent the gym, but can anyone know the full extent of your dedication to physical excellence? Now there are ways!

Social media has allowed it so that every barbell you lift and every stalk of celery you ingest can be shared with the rest of the cyberworld. About to consume a nutrient-dense meal? Oh, no you don’t—not before you Instagram a picture of it first! Heading to kickboxing class? Better tweet about it (#fitforlife)! Between Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, Vine, and Foursquare, no one will be able to miss your methodically fit existence.

It doesn’t stop there. There are countless ways to solicit acknowledgement of your healthy habits outside of social media. If every interaction you have doesn’t leave your companion feeling gluttonous and lazy, then clearly you haven’t made them well enough aware of just how much stricter your diet and exercise regimens are than their own. I mean, did they make themselves a kale smoothie after their CrossFit class this morning? I don’t think so!

As you are such a physical superior specimen, it is therefore your right—no, your obligation—to educate your unfit friends and followers on how they, too, may become as lean and well nourished as you. It also wouldn’t hurt to get some well-deserved recognition for your devotion to all things healthy, right? Here are just a few ways to divulge the details of your healthy lifestyle:

Express your love for any health-related clothing, trends, and foodstuffs.

• Casually tell your friend about the super delicious quinoa recipes you found on Pinterest.
• Tweet about how excited you are for that all-natural, self-serve, Greek-style fro-yo shop to open up near your apartment and all the fruit and granola you plan on topping your treat with (chocolate chips? Ew.).
• Share an article about aerial yoga on Facebook and comment, “Sounds like such an awesome workout… who’s in to try this with me???”
• Instagram a picture of your new pair of neon Nike Free Runs and caption the photo with “Can’t wait to break these bad boys in! #Nike #run #fitness”

Advertise the healthy choices and habits that are part of your daily routine.

• Ask your waitress while you’re out to brunch with your friends if you can have your omelet made with just egg whites and wheat toast instead of white. Oh, and a fruit cup instead of breakfast potatoes on the side.
• Tweet about the progress you’ve made in your most recent squat challenge: only 13 days and 286 squats left to go!
• Make a status with a link to the latest half marathon you’re registered to participate in. (“Second one this month... my body must hate me for everything I put it through LOL.”)
• Instagram a picture of the grilled salmon fillet and side of asparagus you’ve prepared yourself for dinner and caption the photo with “Looks yummy! #EatClean #GetLean”

Make clear your aversion to all things obstructing your fitness goals.

• Turn down your friend’s offer to split a side of fries, explaining that deep fried trans fats make you queasy.
• Tweet a lament about the gym not being open until 10 a.m. on Sundays.
• Share an article on Facebook about the 30 worst pasta dishes in America and comment, “Never ordering one of these!!!”
• Instagram a picture of a cupcake and caption the photo with “My indulgence for the week. I’ll be feeling the guilt for this later. #fatty”

Suggest ways in which others can make their lifestyle more like your own.

• Offer to show your roommates the super effective weight training exercises you’ve added to your daily cardio regimen, since you’ve been getting such great results (maybe they’ll finally realize that just spending 30 minutes on the elliptical isn’t going to get them anywhere!).
• Tweet about the life-changing SoulCycle class you’ve started going to that everyone just needs to try.
• Make a status about how energized you’ve felt since being on your juice cleanse with a link to how others can get started.
• Instagram a picture of your Margarita Pizza Zucchini Boats and caption the photo with, “Ask me for the recipe!!!”

Publicize the results of your efforts.

• Answer the door to your apartment in just a sports bra with your striking abdominal definition on full display and exclaim to the visitor, “Sorry, I just got back from the gym!”
• Tweet about the number of pounds you’ve dropped since you gave up gluten.
• Mupload a photo to Facebook of your sunbathing beach bod and comment, “OMG already getting so burnt!” as if your reddening skin is what you actually want the viewers to focus on.
• Instagram a picture of your flexed arm, its musculature amplified by the aesthetically pleasing filter you have chosen to complement the picture, and caption the photo with, “Hard work pays off. #progress #fitness #health”

Leading a healthy life isn’t easy. It takes dedication, discipline, and a strict diet, and all of it would be in vain without a little appreciation. After all, if you go to the gym and don’t tweet about it, then did it really even happen? 

This is how we did Season 2 of Orange Is the New Black: First, we locked ourselves in our rooms with plenty of snacks and binge watched the entire new season in two days. Next, we mourned over the fact that there won't be any new episodes for another entire year. After that, we trolled the Internet to look for articles and people's thoughts on the new season so we could all fangirl out with one another. We were then in denial about having finished the whole season and contemplated re-watching both Seasons 1 and 2 (but soon realized that was highly unproductive). Lastly, we reflected on how OITNB is the best show ever and tried to convince anyone that would listen that they have to watch it. Now that we've annoyed all of our family, friends, coworkers, acquaintances, etc., let's all come together and think about the amazing life lessons we learned from the show.

1. How to properly imitate a dolphin.

2. You don't need ice to ice skate.

3. Literally everyone likes pizza.

4. Dress for the job you want, not the job you have.

5. How to politely correct someone.

6. You don't need to spend big bucks for high fashion.

7. There's always a silver lining.

8. It's okay to want some alone time.

9. Sometimes you just need a good cry.

10. Everyone likes to feel important.

11. How to properly threaten someone.

12. Never lose hope.

13. Don't forget to keep your family updated on your life.

14. Communication with your hairdresser is key.

15. It's always fun to have a theme song.

16. Give the people what they want.

17. Never forget the things a true friend will do for you.

Ever wonder why guys do the things they do? We have our handy Real Live College Guys to help us out when we’re in a dating crisis, but sometimes all we want to know is why they’re so gross or why they’re so obsessed with sports or why, for the love of God, they can’t take us out for a nice meal instead of watching another movie on their couch. We talked to guys all around the country to bring you answers to the questions you’ve been dying to ask.

1. Why do guys like to hang out with their hands down their pants?

You’re sitting on the couch next to one of your guy friends, innocently catching up on your latest Netflix binge, and the dude puts his hands down his pants as though it’s completely casual. What gives?!

According to Andrew*, a senior at Duke University, “it’s just comfortable.” But does comfort have to come from such an awkward sitting position?

Danny*, a sophomore at the University of New Hampshire, agrees with Andrew. “I do it because it’s comfortable,” Danny says. “It’s not like I do it in really public settings or in front of girls I don’t know well or that I’m actually doing anything gross when my hands are down my pants.”

So, collegiettes, it’s just a comfortable way to sit, and apparently guys are well behaved while down there. Maybe we understand it now, but that doesn’t mean we like it.

2. Why do guys have such a hard time with planning dates in advance?

It’s Friday night, you’re sitting in your dorm and you know your boyfriend said he wanted to go on some sort of date with you. And yet, he hasn’t made any concrete plans. What the heck is up with this?

Andrew says this habit is something that changes with how formal the date is. “Movies we usually plan that afternoon,” he says. “Is that last-minute?”

Movies and other casual dates might not get a lot of preparation because they’re easier to plan. However, “you can’t plan some stuff last-minute because reservations don’t work like that,” Andrew says. Things like dinners at nice restaurants or dates for important occasions, such as anniversaries, deserve more attention, and guys seem to get that.

When a guy puts a lot of planning into a date, it’s a source of pride. “I am definitely guilty of last-minute date planning,” says Jack*, a sophomore at the University of New Hampshire. “But for my anniversary with my girlfriend, I planned ahead, and thought I was pretty awesome for what I pulled off.”

Collegiettes, if it bothers you when your date is a little slow with the planning process, let him know you’d like a little advance notice before you go out next.

3. Why are guys SO obsessed with grilling?

It’s a Saturday in July, which means you can be found doing exactly one thing: sitting and watching all of your guy friends grill steaks (or burgers, or sausages, or pretty much any other form of meat). Why the obsession?

“It is the quickest and easiest way to get meat from not being cooked to being cooked,” Andrew says.

Let’s face it: A lot of guys (save for vegetarians) love a good steak or burger. Grilling it themselves at a summer barbecue with a beer in hand is a great opportunity for them to have a steak dinner and say they even cooked it themselves. Grilling is a source of pride for guys!

“Grilling is our excuse to say we cook, but in reality, it's super simple,” says Kevin, a senior at Assumption College. Because grilling is so easy and pleases so many appetites, it’s the best way to make a guy feel like a MasterChef.

So, collegiettes, let guys do their thing and make the easy meal. Really, who here is actually complaining? A night where all the guys make dinner for the girls? We’ll take that gladly.

4. What's the big deal about fantasy sports leagues?

“I just love when he only talks about his fantasy sports leagues,” said no collegiette ever. What’s with the obsession? Isn’t sitting down to watch the game enough?

“Sports leagues are fun,” says Jimmy*, a senior at the University of Southern California. Everyone deserves a hobby, right?

“It gives you something to look forward to every game because you have something invested in every team,” Andrew says. Since a guy can have players from multiple different real-life teams, it makes every game that more exciting.

 “Fantasy sports allow me to feel like I am a real pro sports coach,” Kevin says.

Instead of rolling your eyes when your guy gets excited over his fantasy draft, get in on the action! Try asking him if you could play, too, and if he seems into the idea, go for it. It’ll be a great way to spend time with your guy or your guy friends and learn a thing or two about the sports they love.

In the end, fantasy sports leagues are something you don’t have to like, you don’t have to understand, but you’ve got to respect.

5. Why are guys so ridiculous on Tinder?

Among the guys of Tinder, you’re bound to find at least one with cringeworthy pick-up lines. Why do guys ruin their chances with you by being so absurd during conversation?

“The relative anonymity makes them bold,” Andrew says.

And what does it mean if a guy is extra forward? “If a guy is being wicked forward or gross when hitting on you on Tinder, there is no way he’s actually looking for a date,” Jack says.

If you’re looking for a real romance, know that they guy who asks if it hurt when you fell from heaven might not be the one for you. And if he starts getting too out of hand or incredibly lewd, stop answering him and block him — do what you have to do to feel safe.

6. Why do guys do dorm movie dates rather than real dinner dates?

You’ve been talking to him for a while and you think you’re really hitting it off, but all he does is invite you to his dorm room to watch a movie together. What kind of date is this?!

Andrew explains that this just isn’t a date. “That’s how a date can end, but only watching TV is hanging out,” he says.

But don’t worry, collegiettes; a dorm hangout isn’t necessarily a bad thing.“Sometimes guys just do that to get to know a girl more,” Andrew says. So if you really like this guy, know that he’s probably interested in getting to know you.

There’s one more major reason for these kinds of dates (or hangouts): money. “They’re super cheap!” Kevin says.

Hanging out with him in his dorm isn’t always a bad thing! Understand that guys feel the same poor college student struggles as we do, and just enjoy your time getting to know him.

Someday (hopefully soon), guys might outgrow some of these weirder habits. Until then, we’ll just have to grin and bear it.

*Names have been changed.

Some of the things guys do to get our attention are so impressively idiotic that we practically have to give them points for effort. We may not know exactly we find attractive, but we surely know what we don’t find attractive. If you want our attention, save yourself (and your game) now by avoiding all 13 of these not-so-sly ways to impress us.

1. Bank flirting

You can buy me another round of drinks if you please just stop talking about your trust fund out east and swinging your dad’s platinum credit card in the air like a smoke signal for the bar tender.

2. Winking

There’s a fine line between a sexy wink and a wink that reminds us of our old creepy science teacher.

3. Dramatic, over exertive exercising at the gym

Grunting like apes after every leg lift and pull-up just makes guys sound like an 85 year old man trying to get out of his recliner. Plus, you look like you’re about to rupture a vein. Relax.

4.  Consistently taking his shirt off

Because giving us a detailed plan of your abs workout couldn’t be told without visual effects, right?

5. Revving his engine

We don’t usually try to pick up guys at stoplights, but when we do it’s definitely not the ones in the ’93 Hondas revving their engine and trying to race the minivan in the next lane just to get a glance from us. Classic trick. In fact, 0% of the time, it works every time.

6. Spend 40 minutes telling a girl, “I don’t usually do this, but…”

You mean you don’t usually ask girls to stay the night 20 minutes after meeting them, or you don’t usually spend 40 minutes trying to pretend you don’t?

7. Starting fights

 Ok, this isn’t fight club and you surely look nothing like Brad Pitt. Stop swinging your arms around like a loose cannon.  

8. Drinking too much

We know you think your story is really good, but your sentences stopped making sense about four beers ago.

9. Not taking the hint

If we wanted a guy to lurk in our shadows and swoop in to kill the vibe every time we hit it off with another guy, we would have brought our dad to the bar.

10. Awful pick-up lines

Except for quickly out the door, down the street and as far away as possible from you.

11. Trying to dance

Is there a magnetic force field going on with their hips, or is all of this thrusting really how guys like to dance?

12. Using a wingman

What’s up with the bro handshake after every phone number they snag?

13. Over the top compliments

We appreciate them…until guys begin to increasingly less coherently bark them across the room at us.

Summer orientation is right around the corner, and it’s time to start packing! You have your clothes, hair dryer and toothpaste packed, but there are some things that you might forget to stuff in your suitcase. These items are essential to not only having a good time at orientation, but also getting the most out of your orientation experience.

1. A notebook and a pencil

There’s going to be a lot of information thrown at you during orientation. Move-in times, popular places to hang out, how to get to class and which classes to register for are only a fraction of the things you’ll want to remember when fall rolls around. Stuffing a small notebook and pencil or pen in your bag at the beginning of the day means you’ll have a way to jot down notes as orientation progresses.

“At my orientation I learned about where to register for my classes, where all the buildings for the different majors were and about the best ways to meet people on campus,” says Sara Kinsey, a freshman at City University of Seattle. “I brought a notebook with me and wrote down a lot of the information that I think other people missed. I’m happy I came prepared because I registered for my … fall term without a hitch!”

2. Comfy shoes

Orientation is going to include a lot of walking from the dorms to the cafeteria to the science building to the student center and all around again. If you don’t wear something with some support, your poor feet might give out on you! And as cute as those sandals you bought last week are, if they give you blisters, you might as well leave them at home.

“I didn’t think about the fact I would be walking around campus all day plus hanging out with new friends at night,” says Seraphina Yves, a junior at the University of California, Davis. “I wore new shoes and my feet were so sore, and I had blisters all over my heels the next day.”

Bring comfy (but adorable!) shoes that allow you to walk all day as you make new friends and start your new adventure!

3. Sunglasses

Find your cutest sunnies to protect you from the bright sunlight. You’re going to be outside most of the day, and you don’t want the glare of the summer sun blocking you from taking in your surroundings!

“Definitely keep a pair of sunglasses in your purse,” says Summer Orwell, a freshman at the University of Arizona.  “If I didn’t have mine on me at all times, I would go blind.”

4. Sunscreen

Be sure to protect your skin from the sun as well! “My orientation for school was the week before [class] started,” says Claire Bodosky, a freshman at the University of Texas at Austin. “It was definitely not fun starting my freshman year out with a blazing red sunburn and a farmer’s tan until November.”

Since you’ll be in the heat all day long under the hot summer sun, protecting your skin is really important. Put on sunscreen in the morning and reapply throughout the day to keep your skin a nice tan color instead of red.

5. An umbrella or a raincoat

It might be summer, but that doesn’t mean that the rain can’t come out and play. “Even though it was summer, I spent my entire orientation in the rain,” says Sarah Phillips, a student at the University of Oregon, “I didn’t even bring a jacket to protect myself! It was definitely was less fun being soaking wet as I walked around.”

Being absolutely drenched you while you’re trying to enjoy campus and your new classmates is going to ruin all your fun. Pack an umbrella or a raincoat to make sure you aren’t stuck in the middle of a rainstorm while checking out the quad.

6. Cleaning wipes

If you’re staying overnight, you’ll most likely be staying in the dorms. That means you’ll be sleeping where hundreds of other people have slept before you, which can be gross.

“I took travel-size Cottonelle Fresh Care Wipes (to clean down toilet seats if necessary),” says Nina Aghadjanian, a junior at the University of California, Irvine.  Sounds pretty smart, right?

7. Your ID

At orientation, you’ll most likely receive your student ID card for the year, and you’ll also likely be filling out important documents for the fall. That means you’ll need an ID of some sort (driver’s license, passport, etc.) to be able to fill out the forms.

“Before leaving for my orientation, I checked my school’s site and saw what they recommended bringing,” says Sonia Whittaker, a freshman at Rutgers University. “They asked for my driver’s license and my social security [card]. Had I not checked the site, I wouldn’t have even thought to bring my social security card.”

Your college will have a list of what documents you’ll need to bring, so make sure to look it up before you pack!

8. A blanket

Dorm blankets can be thin, so bringing an extra blanket can be incredibly helpful at night. Bring a pillow from home, too, so that you can be comfortable.

“I have a lot of trouble sleeping away from home, so I brought my pillow and blanket to make me feel better,” says Kelly Parker, a sophomore at Boston University. “It helped a lot with being in a new place.”

Sleeping in an unknown place can feel odd, so bringing those little comforts will make your time more comfortable and more like home.

9. Flip-flops

People are in and out of dorm showers all day, and that means a lot of gross stuff will be floating around on the floor. Protect your feet by wearing flip-flops in the shower.

“Whenever I see people in the showers without flip-flops on I get grossed out because there are so many germs,” says Jackie Harden, a freshman at the University of Oregon. “I definitely always wear my flip-flops.”

Summer orientation is going to be lots of fun, and you’ll meet people who will become great friends. But it’ll definitely be less fun if you don’t bring all the essentials! These items will make sure you maximize your experience (and don’t have aching feet for the entire trip).

With summer in full swing and the Fourth of July right around the corner, you are bound to be hitting up your fair share of barbecues and picnics. Juicy, mammoth cheeseburgers and mounds of creamy macaroni salad will beckon you. But before you succumb to the salty allure of those potato chips and expand your bikini-ready waistline, consider opting instead for the following healthy alternatives to classic BBQ fare. Try these nutritious (yet still satisfying) swaps, and you can grub without sabotaging your health.

The Main Course

Skip This: Hamburger or cheeseburger

No barbecue would be complete without a good ol’ all-American hamburger or cheeseburger. Unfortunately, a beefy burger is not the healthiest option out there. Consisting of a saturated fat-laden patty enveloped in a white bun that packs negligible nutritional benefits, hamburgers will usually set you back at least 250-500 calories. Make it a cheeseburger and you’ll add on another 50-100 calories and more saturated fat. But, fear not, there are more nutritious ways to satisfy your burger craving.

Pick This: Turkey burger on whole grain bun

A turkey burger has fewer calories, less fat, and a bit more protein than a hamburger—even an extra lean cut. Certified health coach Laurie Brownstein explains that since turkey has less saturated fat than meat, it is considered a better quality protein.

If you’re a vegetarian (or even if you’re not) go for a veggie burger, which contains little to no saturated fat. Look for ones made with soy or nuts to get protein and other nutrients.

The classic white bun that hamburgers and cheeseburgers are served on is a refined starch food. According to goodcarbs.org, refined starches are referred to as “empty-calorie” foods because they lack nutrition, fiber, and vitamins. Registered Dietitian and Licensed Nutritionist Roberta Laredo explains that “Starches and sweets don’t fill us like higher fiber and higher protein foods do so we feel hungry quicker, which can then lead to eating too much too soon.”

By going whole grain, you’ll boost the health benefits of your burger. Whereas refined starches are zeroes, whole grains are heroes—they are “an excellent source of fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants” and “can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in addition to reducing blood pressure and obesity.” A pretty substantial health upgrade for a nominal change in flavor!

No turkey burgers or whole grain buns in sight? Go for a naked hamburger. If you go bunless and hold the cheese, you’ll eliminate the bulk of the calories but still be filled up from the protein. Can’t bear to pass up the cheese? There are still ways for you to moderate the calorie and saturated fat content. Laredo advises, “Choose lower fat cheese when possible. There are many reduced fat cheeses on the market now that have great taste.” She suggests opting for a cheese that packs a lot of flavor per serving, like sharp cheddar and real Parmesean Reggiano, so that “you can use less, but still get great taste.”

Or This: Grilled chicken breast

If available, chicken breast is an amazing alternative to a burger and you’ll still get that grilled, smoky, flavor. According to Rob Poulous on his website Fast Fit Tips, “No lean protein has a more respected reputation than the chicken breast. Specifically boneless, skinless chicken breasts have consistently been at the top of the list of lean proteins for fat loss.” This fowl ain’t foul.

Skip This: Hot dog

The hot dog is another barbecue staple and certainly a childhood favorite for many, but nutritionally speaking the frank is not your friend—at least not your best friend. While the links themselves are not calorie dense, they contain a significant amount of fat, saturated fat, and salt. There are also concerns about the nitrites that many brands contain and, like hamburgers, hot dogs are typically blanketed in a white bun so consider them more of an occasional treat. Chowing down on a bunless hot dog will not necessarily break your calorie bank, but you can still do better. So what should you choose instead?

Pick This: Tofu dog

Don’t run away in fear yet. Tofu dogs may not have exactly the same consistency as regular hot dogs, but if you wrap ‘em in a whole grain bun and throw on a touch of ketchup and mustard, you may not even notice the difference. Tofu dogs, such as Tofu Pups have less than half the calories of a regular dog and about 80% less fat. And if that’s not enough, they also are rich in soy protein. These pups are definitely worth a try.

Or This: Grilled fish

Flavor-wise, grilled fish is admittedly nothing like a hot dog. And as a child deprived of pets my whole life, I know that a fish is sadly not a satisfactory replacement for a dog. Fish does, however, trump hot dogs in the nutritional arena due to all of the vitamins, minerals, and healthy protein and fat it provides. Fish is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids which help your brain and body function properly and may “decrease triglycerides, lower blood pressure, reduce blood clotting and decrease stroke and heart failure risk.” So if it is on the menu, you should consider fishing for this healthy dish.

The Side Dish

Skip This: Potato & pasta salads

Don’t let the word “salad” deceive you—consisting of starches drenched in mayo, potato and pasta salads are anything but healthy. According to Eating Well, the average cup of potato salad has 360 calories and about 20 grams of fat. There are, of course, ways to make these BBQ staples less fattening. If you are making the dish yourself, try using low-fat mayo or Greek yogurt or other healthy substitutes here. Otherwise, you would be better off skipping these salads.

Pick This: Coleslaw

Yes, usually coleslaw is also swimming in mayo, but if you are choosing between a potato or pasta salad and coleslaw, the slaw is the better bet. Eating Well deems coleslaw a way to “satisfy a craving for something creamy for far fewer calories (83, with 3 grams of fat per cup)” and it is also “a rich source of isothiocyanates, compounds that amp up the body's natural detoxifying enzymes.”

Or This: Mixed green salad

If you can bear to skip the mayo all together, you can go green with a real salad sans dressing, which makes a deliciously healthy companion to any main course. If you’re not a lettuce lover, that doesn’t mean you have to nix vegetables altogether; try grilling your favorite vegetable—whether it be corn or peppers or zucchini—to give them a nice flavor and complement your other BBQ treats wholesomely. Brownstein recommends filling up on green salads and veggies first, rather than just treating the greens as a side, to satisfy your appetite for fewer calories.

Skip This: French fries

You don’t need us to tell you that the French fry, the most popular sidekick of hot dogs and hamburgers everywhere, is not a superfood. From the oil it’s smothered and fried in to the salt dumped on its every crevice, the fry is an obvious belly bloater. Nonetheless, there’s no ignoring that the fry makes for a delicious side, so what should you turn to if you can’t kick the craving?

Pick This: Baked potato fries

Bad reputation of the French fry aside, potatoes themselves are not unhealthy. One medium potato has about 150 calories, about 5 grams of fiber, and provides a lot of vitamins and minerals in its skin. When prepared the right way, a potato can actually be a nutritious side dish. Instead of French fries, try baked potato wedges. By including the skin and using less oil by baking instead of frying, you’ll get the taste of a fry without the fat.

Or This: Baked sweet potato

For added nutritional benefit, you can follow the same baked potato wedge recipe using sweet potatoes or just go for a plain baked sweet potato. Sweet potatoes are high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber but are lower on the glycemic index than regular potatoes. As explained in an article in the Los Angeles Times, foods low on the glycemic index “do not cause a quick spike in blood sugar and thus do not overwork the pancreas… as a result, people don’t experience the same roller coaster of sugar highs and lows, which can lead to hunger and the consumption of extra calories. In other words, foods with lower glycemic indexes, like sweet potatoes and brown rice, make you feel full longer.” Your appetite—and even your sweet tooth—will be satisfied.

The Dessert 

Skip This: Ice cream

A summer without ice cream would hardly be a summer at all. The key is moderation. Whether it comes as a bar or scooped into a cone, some variation of ice cream will likely make an appearance at any barbecue or picnic, but choosing a different frozen treat to beat the heat every once in awhile could save you a boatload of calories. Some brands of ice cream, such as Skinny Cow and Weight Watchers, offer ice cream bars that are only 100-150 calories. We love the Mmmmocha Truffle Ice Cream Bars from Skinny Cow at only 100 calories each. Others, however, can cost you up to 200-550 calories.

Pick This: Popsicle

At only 45 calories, a classic Popsicle has less than half the calories of even the skinniest of ice cream bars and most other frozen fruit pops are under 100 calories. Low in calories but high in fruity flavor? We’ll take it.

Or This: Homemade fruit pop

You can get more bang for your nutritional buck and cater to your own taste buds by getting creative in the kitchen with homemade fruit pops! By making the fruit pop yourself with natural ingredients, you eliminate the added sugars and preservatives hidden in store-bought brands. Check out these fun, healthy recipes from Rodale. 

Skip This: Pie

Pie may be as American as the flag, but it contains oodles of empty calories, sugar, and even sometimes some of those dreaded trans-fats. One occasional slice won't harm you, but there is also definitely no harm in trying out some healthier alternatives. You can have your dessert and eat it too.

Pick This: Grilled or baked fruit & fro-yo or light ice cream

Bake an apple and top it with a scoop of low-fat ice cream like Edy’s Slow Churned Caramel Delight. Voilà, you’ve got yourself a mock apple pie for less than 200 calories. You can try baking or grilling your favorite fruit and topping it with any flavor of frozen yogurt or light ice cream to serve as a sinless substitute for pie.

Or This: Watermelon

The go-to fruit for BBQs and picnics, watermelon is a refreshing summer delicacy and a healthy way to satisfy your sweet tooth at the end of a meal. One wedge of watermelon has about 86 calories, virtually no fat or sodium, and tons of essential vitamins and minerals. The water, carbs, and fiber it contains will fill you up, though, so before you reach for a baked good on the dessert table, first try noshing on a few juicy pieces of watermelon. If your sweet tooth still isn’t satisfied, just go for that sliver of pie. YOLO.

Alright, so now that you know the better choices to make, how are you going to actually make them when those crispy French fries are right in front of you? Laredo encourages you to “have a healthy, satisfying snack before you so you will feel more in control when faced with making decisions regarding what to eat.” Furthermore, she says, “you should survey what’s offered and then be selective regarding what you put on your plate. If your favorite food is a hamburger, choose that but try to fill up the rest of your plate with some lighter options.” Brownstein supports this advice. “Don’t go to a barbecue hungry,” Brownstein says. “People tend to skip breakfast or a meal before because they want to save calories, but then they show up famished and end up eating more.” She adds that breakfast is “key for everybody” regardless of whether you’re going to a barbecue later. “You’ll make healthier food choices later,” she explains. In addition to not showing up on an empty stomach, Brownstein and Laredo both propose helping out the host—and yourself—by bringing a healthy dish to be served at the BBQ.

At the end of the day, though, it’s summer and you should enjoy yourself—one hamburger won't kill you. “Don’t sweat it if you over indulged at one event. Just do your best to get back on a healthy track the next day,” Laredo says. Sounds good to us!

It’s time to break out the sparklers and dig up your American-flag shorts! Nothing says American pride quite like a backyard Independence Day BBQ, but there are other exciting ways to celebrate the weekend. If you’re looking for a new holiday tradition, there are lots of festivals and fireworks shows around the country that you and your friends can enjoy. Check out these awesome celebrations for a Fourth of July to remember!

1. Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks – New York City, NY

When: July 4, 8 p.m.

Cost: Free

There’s nothing better than a patriotic celebration in the Big Apple! New York City’s famous celebration will be hosted by Nick Cannon this year. Enjoy colorful fireworks right over the Brooklyn Bridge as well as performances by Ariana Grande, Miranda Lambert and Hunter Hayes. Can’t get to New York? No problem—the show will be broadcast live on NBC at 8 p.m. EST. Find out more about the show here.

2. Go 4th on the River – New Orleans, LA

When: July 3-6; fireworks July 4 at 9 p.m.

Cost: Free admission for fireworks show

This weekend-long extravaganza takes place on the New Orleans Riverfront. With the one-of-a-kind boutiques and fantastic restaurants, you can enjoy a holiday weekend right on the river. You can even jump on the Paddlewheeler Creole Queen riverboat for a fancy dinner cruise to get an awesome view of the Dueling Barges Fireworks Show on the Mississippi River. Tickets for the dinner cruise are $119 for adults, but you can watch the fireworks show on the riverfront for free. Check out the website for more details.

3. Music City’s July 4^th: Let Freedom Sing – Nashville, TN

When: July 4, 12-10:15 p.m.

Cost: Free

Spend your Fourth of July in the famous Music City of Nashville. There will be live music, family fun (such as waterslides and climbing walls) and an outstanding fireworks display. The festivities officially begin at noon, with live music starting at 6:30 p.m. The celebration ends with a spectacular fireworks show. Find out more at the official event website.

4. Cedar Point’s Fantastic Fireworks – Sandusky, OH

When: July 4-5; fireworks shows at 10 p.m. each day

Cost: $59.99 per person; $39.99 per person if you buy at least four tickets

For an adventurous holiday weekend, you can head over to Ohio’s favorite theme park, Cedar Point! The celebration will include amazing fireworks shows, skydiving performances and cornhole. Find out more on the Cedar Point events page. 

5. Big Bay Boom Independence Day Spectacular – San Diego, CA

When: July 4, 9 p.m.

Cost: Free

Each year, thousands of people gather for this legendary fireworks show. You can pack a picnic with patriotic-themed recipes and find a spot around San Diego’s Big Bay to watch the fireworks. Find out where the best seats are, and make sure to get there early!

6. Boston Harborfest – Boston, MA

When: July 2-6

Cost: Varies

Harborfest is perfect if you’re looking for an Independence Day throwback. This patriotic event offers historical tours, reenactments, dinner cruises and live concerts. You’re sure to have a great time enjoying the over 200 different activities, and you’ll get the chance to learn about American history as well! You can find a full list of each day’s events on the Harborfest website. 

7. Philly 4^th of July Jam & Fireworks – Philadelphia, PA

When: July 4, 7-11 p.m.

Cost: Free

What better place to celebrate America’s birthday than in Philadelphia? Experience the “Largest Free Concert in America” with performances by Ed Sheeran, Jennifer Hudson and The Roots. After the concert, grab a spot in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art for an amazing fireworks display. Find out more about the celebration schedule here and follow @July4thPhilly on Twitter for the latest updates.  

No matter which event you go to this year, you’re sure to have an awesome Fourth of July. Show off your USA pride and watch some amazing fireworks!

Net-a-Porter, an online luxury fashion website, has recently announced that they will be launching a new site: Net-a-Sporter. As you may have guessed, the site will specialize in “sporty” clothing, including both big-name brands and collections of their own courtesy of Lisa Marie Fernandez and Zimmermann.

The site will launch on July 9, featuring activewear for various sports and over 37 brands. Company president Alison Loehnis told The Telegraph, "The initial idea for Net-a-Sporter only came about six months ago ... We already carry some great activewear brands, such as Adidas by Stella McCartney, Lucas Hugh and NIKE and we wanted to build on our offering and broaden our buy to create a dedicated category for sport. We did a lot of research with our customer base and discovered that there is an increasing desire for all things fitness-related and that women across the world are becoming more and more active."

The website will be tailored to on-the-go women who may not have time to change between yoga class and brunch.  Get your sport on beginning July 9 and look flawless in the awesome designs Net-a-Sporter will carry!

So, collegiettes: is fitness fashion the next frontier of the style world? Tell us your thoughts on the new Net-a-Sporter site in the comments below!

As the attractive collegiette that you are, you’re probably meeting your fair share of swoon-worthy guys. Whether you’re at school, on break, or even in the local Starbucks, you’re definitely turning heads. With all of these exciting prospects at your fingertips, you’re bound to score a few first dates (or maybe just one, if you find someone special!).

While the phrase “first date” can strike fear in the heart of even the most courageous of collegiettes, there’s no need to worry. We’ve broken downnine first date disasters so you know how to avoid them (and how to recover gracefully if the date does take a turn for the worse).

1. Awkward silences

It’s hard to keep up a conversation with a guy you just met. Even if you did know each other before, chances are your nerves are making you more than a little tongue-tied. When did you start stuttering, anyway?

Mike Lindstrom, relationship expert of Ask Dan & Mike and author of Men: 10 Secrets Every Woman Should Know from Two Guys That Do, says that silences are natural.

“These often come from nervousness, one person not truly listening to the other, or [from] a lack of connection on the subject matter,” he says. “[It’s] always best to stick to subjects that have some depth and are more broad."

So ask him to tell you about his family; don’t ask if he’s had a good morning or if he likes Korean food. “Yes” and “no” questions won’t get you very far on the first date, so have a mental list of go-to questions ready before the big moment! Try some of Mike’s suggestions:

• “So, what kind of kid were you growing up?” (e.g., the straight-A student, the jock, the gamer, etc.)
• “What are some of the fun things you’ve done this past year?”
• “Where do you like to visit or travel to? Why?”
• “What are some of your goals for this year?”

2. Spilling something on your date (or yourself)

First dates involve some serious multi-tasking skills. Trying to talk, listen, and not spill your coffee on your shirt is next to impossible for us mere mortals; unfortunately, we often let the jitters get the best of us.

Emily, a collegiette from the Rhode Island School of Design, spilled a drink on herself during a first date while her guy was looking the other way, but she played it off as only an artist could. “I told him it was paint on my shirt because it was already stained with other colors, and I figured if I passed it off as paint then he wouldn’t think I was a klutz... but I am a klutz,” she says.

Luckily, first dates are all about being yourself, so you shouldn’t be afraid of slipping up. Jodi R. R. Smith, etiquette coach and president of Mannersmith Etiquette Counseling, says not to sweat the small stuff.

“Laugh and say, ‘Did I mention my magnetic personality? This is going to make a great first date story!’” she advises. “Then do your best to mop up the mess.”

3. Dressing inappropriately for the occasion

The shoe lovers among us will understand this one: while we never seem to be able to buy enough shoes, we also never seem to be able to wear the right ones at the right time. Case in point: that moment when you show up for a first date in strappy wedges or delicate flats and find yourself walking through a park, around a city, or, well, walking in general. You wore the shoes because they were cute, not because you wanted to drag them through the mud!

In order to brush off any potential awkwardness—you don’t want to come off as too high-maintenance for down-to-earth activities or too low-key to fit in at a fancy restaurant–just explain the mistake. “Acknowledge and correct,” Smith advises. For example, if you’re wearing too little clothing on a date to a football game, Smith suggests saying, “I didn’t realize it was going to be so cold up here in the bleachers. I guess I’m going to have to give in and get a team sweatshirt. Be right back.” If you’re wearing the wrong shoes, there’s probably not much you can do to correct the situation. Just laugh and explain that you wanted to look great on the date—your excitement made you forget about functionality.

Want to avoid the awkwardness (and the coldness) in the first place? Ask him exactly what you’ll be doing on the date! You should always be open to something spontaneous—the real magic happens when you’re having fun together, anyway—but it doesn’t hurt to get a feel for a first date in advance.

4. Running into your ex

If there’s any awkward first date disaster you should try your hardest to avoid, this is it. The very last thing you want to be doing during your date is dwelling on intimate moments with an ex, and if the guy by your side knows about your past relationship, he’ll probably feel pretty uncomfortable being in the middle. (Coming face to face with the competition on the first date? Super stressful for him!)

“We like to employ what we call ‘framing it up’ with the other person,” says Lindstrom. “If you believe you might have a high probability of ever running into an ex, then let your date know, upfront, how you will handle it and stick to the game plan when it does happen. If you frame it up in advance, it will take the awkwardness factor down substantially.” Tell him that you want to be upfront: your ex frequents the same spots as you do, and you don’t try to run into him, but it might happen. Tell your date that you wanted him to know in advance so he wouldn’t feel awkward, but assure him that you’re with him tonight and that’s the bottom line!

No need to panic if you stumble into a chance encounter, though. “If you miss the frame-up opportunity and ‘bump into’ the ex, always be calm and cool and never resort to drama or verbal jousting,” advises Lindstrom. Introduce the two by name, but don’t bother getting into specifics (like how intimately you know each other). Don’t stop for idle chit-chat—keep moving.

5. Running into his ex

If you run into his ex, on the other hand, you don’t really need to do much of anything. Keep your cool, and don’t let the claws come out!

Whether or not he wants to acknowledge the situation is up to him, so the ball is in his court. If he does bring it up, all you have to do is listen and look forward to talking about other things (school, your friends, your dog, what you ate for breakfast... anything is better than talking about a girl he used to tongue tango with!).

If you didn’t know the lovely lady across the room was his ex, and your date tells you so, don’t panic. He isn’t telling you to make you jealous—he’s probably warning you in case she comes over, or explaining why it was awkward if she had already come and said hi. Play it cool! Laugh and say, “Wow, meeting the ex on the first date! Didn’t see that one coming!”

6. Running into your recent (or current) hook-up

So you’re a single lady and you’re playing the field. Impressive! There’s no shame in juggling more than one man; the more arm candy the merrier while you’re still figuring out what you want. But you won’t want your new beau to know that you’ve recently been locking lips with the guy across the café.

“I have bumped into a fairly recent hook-up while walking with a date,” explains Erin*, a collegiette at Carnegie Mellon. “It can take you by surprise and be incredibly awkward... if you make it that way. I treated the hook-up like any other friend—I gave him a warm greeting and continued walking. I don't think my date suspected a thing, and I was able to keep on good terms with the hook-up!”

Smith says that Erin has the right idea. “Smile, say hi, keep moving,” she recommends. “No need for introductions.” But don’t ignore him completely—cold shoulders don’t mix well with hot hook-ups!

7. You accidentally strike a nerve

Yikes! Whether it’s a sensitive political issue, a comment on his major, a question about his family, or your views on Family Guy, you’re instantly regretting bringing it up. Unfortunately, this happens all of the time during first dates. Since you don’t know much about this new guy, it’s impossible to know what makes him tick… and what ticks him off.

“If it's a blatant party foul, back up and be authentically apologetic for bringing it up,” suggests Lindstrom. “[An] example we heard about is a girl asking about the guy’s mother who had died, unbeknownst to her at the time. The guy started getting kind of upset and clearly she had hit a nerve. He shared the facts with his date and she was extremely apologetic and he could sense her sincere care [and] concern for him.”

Be genuine. As long as you make it clear that you didn’t mean to hit a touchy subject, you can move on–just don’t prolong the moment by dwelling on your apology for too long! To avoid the awkwardness altogether, try not to talk about anything that you yourself might find offensive if the roles were reversed (Hint: Laughing at his taste in music won’t exactly earn you flowers and phone call.).

Touchy subjects like religion, politics, and party habits are risky, but if it’s really important to you that the guy you date shares your opinion on a major issue, don’t be afraid to feel it out; you want to rule out deal-breakers. If you have a strong political conviction, mention it casually and see what happens. If he doesn’t pursue the conversation, don’t push it. If he asks questions and seems genuinely interested, feel free to share your views—just don’t let loose any rants or impassioned tears!

8. You accidentally overshare

Again, it’s important to keep in mind what not to say during your first date. Be yourself… but be careful about what you choose to disclose. While we’re sure he’ll love you for your quirks (who wouldn’t?), you have to give him time to get to know you before you lay it all out.

Topics to avoid: your ex, your hatred of your ex, your tendency to blog about every romantic experience you have, your latest stress overload freak-out, your superior stuffed animal collection, what you imagine your children will look like, and the bowel movements of your pet. If you wouldn’t want to hear it from him early on, he definitely wouldn’t want to hear it from you either.

If you do accidentally let something slip that you shouldn’t have, you can still save the situation. “Stop, shake your head while closing your eyes, [and] take a breath,” says Smith. “Say, ‘I am so sorry, I am so nervous, my mouth is getting ahead of my brain. As you were saying…’” Remember that he’s just as nervous as you are (if not more!), so he’ll understand. If he doesn’t, he isn’t worth a second date.

9. You don’t know how to say goodbye

Beware the Just Friends kiss-hug-body-shake: If you two aren’t on the same page about how to say goodbye, you might end up doing the awkward lean-in/lean-out dance. Should you kiss him on the mouth? On the cheek? Should you kiss him at all? So many choices!

With any luck, you’ll have had a stellar date and it will be clear to both of you that you’re in the mood for some smooching. If the signs aren’t so obvious, approach with caution.

Scenario 1: You want a kiss

You’ll know that he wants to kiss if he’s smiling a lot, walking close to you, touching your hand or arm, and leaning in when he talks to you. If you’re ready to pucker up but aren’t sure if he’s interested, however, keep your body language open. Uncross your arms and linger for a few extra seconds when you’re saying goodbye, giving him the chance to make his move. Don’t make any movements towards him; let him come to you so that you don’t end up aiming for the wrong part of his face.

Scenario 2: You want to escape the canoodling

Not into him? No worries. Keep your body language closed by crossing your arms as you’re saying goodbye, or, as Lindstrom advises, reach for a handshake. Nothing says, “This isn’t going to work out” quite like a cold handshake before a quick exit!

If he’s a total creep and you realize it from the get-go, Lindstrom advises closed body language at the start. “Immediately keep things on a friend level. Don't offer up deep conversation,” he says. “Use closed off body language that sends a message that you are not into him.” Not every date is a winner, but give yourself props for giving the guy a chance!

Whatever you do on your first date, just remember to have fun! With these major rules in mind, you’ll avoid the worst of the first date disasters–and manage to land on your feet if you do face a conundrum over coffee.

Kendall Jones, a 19-year-old cheerleader for Texas Tech University, is under fire for hunting endangered animals and posting photos of her kill on her Facebook page.

Jones, who shot her first animal at the age of 13, has traveled to South Africa multiple times to hunt exotic animals. Her Facebook page includes photos of her posing over the dead animals, which is what started the online controversy.

Over 134,000 people have signed a petition asking Facebook to remove the page that "promotes animal cruelty." In addition, over 48,000 people have signed a petition to stop Jones from hunting in Africa. According to a Facebook spokesperson, the company has removed some, but not all, of Jones's photos for violating Facebook's policies. 

"We remove reported content that promotes poaching of endangered species, the sale of animals for organized fight or content that includes extreme acts of animal abuse,"the company said in a statement.

Jones, who is circulating a #SupportKendall hashtag on her page, is arguing that her hunting benefits conservation. She says that she will "continue to hunt and and spread the knowledge of hunting and wildlife conservation." However, her critics beg to differ. 

“The people who defend this practice either kid themselves ... that people like this Kendall Jones are doing good or they are just plain ignorant or amoral,” wrote Facebook user David Jack on Jones' page. “This isn't conservation. Conservation is working towards finding a way to coexist with nature.”

It was a time of unparalleled cultural output. One of the greatest periods of artistic creation in human history. No, we're not talking about the Roman Empire or the Elizabethan Age… we're talking about the '90s.

Among other things, the '90s had some amazing TV shows. Collegiettes, do you remember these gems?

1. Rocket Power

Otto, Twister, Squid and Reggie had some totally tubular adventures, bro. They were 100 percent responsible for instilling a dream in every '90s kid of moving to California and surfing and skating all day.

We also have Tito, co-owner of the Shore Shack, to thank for some amazing nuggets of wisdom, like, “Never eat a coconut you found in the dark.”

2. Rugrats

If Rugrats was real life, those parents might’ve gotten in trouble for negligence. Seriously - Tommy, Chuckie, Phil, Lil and Angelica got into some crazy situations for a bunch of toddlers.

3. Full House

Who didn’t want Danny, Joey and Jesse in her life after seeing Full House? Also, realizing that Michelle was actually played by two people (Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen) was a revelatory moment in every girl’s childhood.

4. The Wild Thornberrys

At the time, it made total sense that Eliza Thornberry’s best friend was a chimpanzee and her family had adopted a feral boy and named him Donnie.

Side note: We think we can all agree Nigel Thornberry and his hilarious English accent were the highlights of this show.

5. Recess

They might not have been the coolest kids on the playground, but T.J., Ashley, Vince, Gretchen, Mike and Gus gave us a great portrayal of true friendship.

Plus, Recess’s crazy social hierarchy (remember King Bob and The Ashleys?) was a scarily accurate heads-up of what high school would be like.

6. Lizzie McGuire

Lessons we learned from Lizzie McGuire: even the Kates of the world have some niceness at their cores. Your best guy friend may be your perfect match. Little brothers are smarter than you give them credit for. Everyone’s parents are as embarrassing as yours. Best friends are the best.

7. Hey Arnold!

Why did Arnold have a football head? Was he wearing a kilt or an untucked shirt? Do Arnold and Helga get married? These are the questions that still haunt us.

8. The Proud Family

All of the problems Penny Proud had to deal with were problems we were familiar with: overprotective dads (Oscar), BFFs who weren't always the best influences (Dijonay) and annoying little siblings (BeBe and CeCe). Oh, except we didn’t have a record deal or a Suga Mama.

9. Kim Possible

It’s hard to pick what we loved most about Kim Possible — her loveable, goofy sidekick, Ron; his pet naked mole rat, Rufus; Dr. Drakken and his comrade-in-evil, Shego (who looked weirdly similar to Kim), or the title music. Yep, it was probably the title music. Don’t tell us you didn’t sing “Call Me, Beep Me!” all. The. Time. In the shower. 

Lead, arsenic, mercury, aluminum, chromium, zinc, iron, cadmium, nickel: toxic heavy metals found on the periodic table. In large amounts, these are generally bad for you, right? Right.

Heavy metal poisoning is the build-up of toxic metals in the soft tissues of your body. Some common signs and symptoms include extreme fatigue, depression, muscle pain or tics, night sweats, sore gums, skin problems, brain fog, insomnia, memory loss, medication intolerance and a metallic taste in your mouth.

You’re probably thinking, “You’re silly. I would never willingly apply these substances to my body! Where would I find them anyways?”

Well, if you’re hoping the only place to find those are in warehouses and metal shops, you might be out of luck.  Did you know you can find these in some of your popular name-brand cosmetics? Did you also know that the average woman absorbs about five pounds of make-up chemicals into her skin per year? We live by make-up, so we cannot even begin to imagine how much our faces absorb per month! Over time, this all adds up.

If you were like us, when you first heard this, you ran to your favorite products to check to see if any of the metals above were listed. Unfortunately, make-up companies are not required to list the contaminants.

Check out this 2011 study done by the Environmental Defence of Canada that lists products that do contain trace amounts of toxic metals.

Here’s a short list of some of the brands: Laura Mercier, MAC, L’Oréal, Mary Kay, Sephora, Clinique, Maybelline, Too Faced, Benefit, and Urban Decay.

Before you freak out and go into a frenzy (because we honestly did since we are obsessed with all things Urban Decay), you need to know that small and individual exposures are very unlikely to cause harm. So unless you are heavily applying and reapplying make-up filled with heavy metals more than once daily, you will most likely be okay.

If you are feeling a good amount of the symptoms listed above, don't hestitate to contact a doctor and express your concerns. Heavy metal poisoning is reversible with chelation therapy, a synthetic solution of EDTA that is able to bind to the heavy metals to flush them out.

In the meantime, be aware and know what you're putting on your face. If you want to stay up to date on the safety of your make-up, check out The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics! 

What do you think, collegiettes? Surprised or not surprised? Let us know in the comments below!

You’ve met a really great guy around campus, and things seem to be going well. You flirt, you text and you hang out, but for some reason, he just won’t make the first move. Every sign indicates that he’s into you, but instead of dating, you’re stuck frantically checking your phone for texts and refreshing his Facebook and Twitter pages for any kind of information. It’s driving you crazy!

Some guys are just a bit shyer than othersand might never make the first move. However, that shouldn’t stop you from scoring a first date! Here are a few indications that it might be time to ask him out, and tips for how to do it.

The Signs He Likes You

1. He’s vague with plans

When you’re trying to make plans with a guy, there’s nothing more frustrating than the word “sometime.”

“My first two years of school, I knew this guy named Dillon. We were always together, we texted and talked on the phone almost every day and his friends had told me he liked me,” says Hannah, a senior at the University of Colorado. “I used to get so frustrated though, because, despite all of that, he never actually asked me out.”  

According to Carole Lieberman, a psychiatrist and relationship expert, vague suggestions about going out “sometime,” “next time” or “soon” show that he’s definitely interested in hanging out, but for some reason isn’t prepared to nail down a date and time.

2. He texts, but never calls

You’ve been texting this guy nonstop and your conversations are great. His jokes are perfect and his emojis are on point, but he just won’t pick up the phone and call.

Lieberman says this shows that he enjoys talking to you, but he’s just uncertain of how to take your communication – and your relationship – to the next level.

3. He has good body language

For some guys, actions really do speak louder than words. While you may be frustrated with his lack of verbal commitment, don’t forget to pay attention to his body language. If he makes a lot of eye contact with you or chooses to stand or sit close to you, then you can be sure he’s interested.

The most important piece of body language, according to Lieberman, is lots of smiling. She says a guy who flirts with you without making any sexual advances may actually be very interested. This means that you’re more than just a possible one-night stand to him – you’re girlfriend material. 

4. You’re stuck as his plus-one

Weekends in college are filled with parties, casual hangouts and large group events. A sure sign that a guy is interested in you is if he’s constantly inviting you to these as his plus-one. Being his date shows that you’re on his mind and that he’s comfortable spending time with you.

“I was really into this girl during my sophomore year, but for a really long time I wasn’t sure she liked me,” says Matt, a junior at Boston University. “Instead of just going for it and asking her out, I usually just defaulted to taking her with me to friends’ parties and casual hangouts.”

5. He talks about you

Sometimes when a guy knows he likes you, he finds it easier to talk to anyone but you about it. If he won’t stop talking about you to his guy friends and won’t stop asking your girl friends about you, then chances are he’s head over heels.

“My first semester, I had class with a really great girl. We had talked a few times and I knew I liked her, but I didn’t know how to get to know her more,” says Griffin, a sophomore at Belmont University. “We had a mutual friend, so I spent a lot of time asking her for tips about this girl’s hobbies or interests. I figured it would be a better way to start up conversation.”

Do any of these signs sound like your guy? It might just be time to make your move!

How to Ask Him Out

If you’ve decided that the best thing is for you to ask him out, make sure you know exactly how to do it. For Lieberman, asking a guy out is all about making it relaxed and informal.

“If you’re going to ask a guy out, it’s best to make it as nonthreatening as possible,” Lieberman says. “For example, you can invite him to a gathering of some sort – like a party or a meeting of a club – where it’s not going to be one-on-one, like a real date.”

These types of group events are easy ways to test the waters and avoid any awkward situations. They’ll create a more informal setting for the two of you, and with other people around, it’s much less intimidating.

Lieberman’s second tip is to keep it simple and remove all of the pressure.

“Be very casual when you ask a guy out,” Lieberman says. “You can say something like, ‘Hey, I heard there was going to be a cool party at my dorm tomorrow night. Do you want to drop by?’ If he gets [a] deer-in-headlights look, quickly backpedal and say you just remembered you’re supposed to be somewhere else right now. Wave goodbye and say, ‘You can call me if you want to go.’ Then, if he never mentions it again, don’t push it.”

Taking a relationship from flirting to dating is always tricky. Even if your crush might be a little shy, that doesn’t mean you two have to be stuck in relationship limbo. As a confident collegiette, never be afraid to go for it and ask him out!

What are you doing on October 26 this fall? If your schedule looks pretty clear, then book a trip to Paris for the opening of maybe the coolest museum ever: the Foundation Louis Vuitton Museum. The building is going to be huge (over 126,000 square feet), and from what it looks like, gorgeous.

What will the museum hold within its walls? No, unfortunately it won’t have vintage Louis luggage lining the hallways – although, that would be pretty awesome. Instead, the museum will become home to the extensive corporate art collection of LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy), the company that owns the designer label.

We don’t know exactly what the art collection consists of, but it’s probably safe to say that it’s going to be pretty incroyable, as the French say. Bernard Arnault, the company president, hinted that the mix of art will be pretty “eclectic,” so there will be a little bit for everyone.

The ultra-modern, ultra-chic museum will be open to the public, so even if you can’t afford a Louis bag (*cough* all of us *cough*), you can still be apart of the legacy of the late French luggage designer.

So, who wants to start planning a trip to Paris? The croissants (and the art) are calling our names! 

Congratulations, career-minded collegiettes; you’ve officially made it to the halfway point of your summer internship! Spending hours picking out your perfectly-ironed first-day outfit and getting to the office 45 minutes early for fear of getting lost seems like it happened so long ago. You have a good feel for how everything works in the office now and you’re settled in a familiar routine, so it’s time to relax, right?

Not so fast, collegiettes! Just because you’re getting more comfortable with your internship doesn’t mean you should stop being that hyper-dedicated, super-efficient intern you were the first week when you were desperately trying to make a good first impression on your boss. Now is the perfect time to make sure you’re still on the right track to having your boss remember you as that awesome intern who they should definitely hire one day (or at least give a good recommendation to), so don’t slack off now! Take our advice to keep up the good work halfway through your internship and you’ll be sure to keep knocking your supervisor’s socks off.

1. Ask your supervisor for an evaluation

Sure, you’re set in a pretty good routine now, but you want to make sure it’s the right routine. Now that you’ve got the hang of things, ask your boss to give you a mid-internship evaluation to make sure you’re still holding up to their expectations. Shoot her an e-mail to see if she has a couple minutes to meet up after work or during your lunch break to discuss how you’re doing.

“Try saying something like, ‘I've really been enjoying my position with your company, and I've been learning a lot. Now that I'm halfway through this internship, I was wondering if you'd like to offer any feedback so I can improve upon my work. Are there any aspects of my performance I should give more attention to?’” suggests Heather Huhman, career expert and founder and president of Come Recommended, a marketing and PR company for organizations that target employers and job seekers. “Not only will this show your boss you're serious about your position, but it will also give you the motivation to improve as you enter the second half of your internship.”

Getting a critique from your boss can be intimidating, so keep an open mind and remember that her comments are for your own benefit. Nobody likes a defensive know-it-all; listen respectfully and take notes on how you can improve your work. Your supervisor knows what she’s talking about, and you’re there to learn, after all!

2. Ask for more responsibility and pitch new ideas

Don’t be that “ghost intern” who never, ever approaches their boss. Now that you have a handle on the job you’re currently doing, it’s time to make it harder by asking for more responsibility.

“Remember, you want this experience to not just be comfortable and easy – you want it to be challenging and allow you to grow,” says Gary Alan Miller, former assistant director of University Career Services at UNC-Chapel Hill. “If you find yourself a little too comfortable, I recommend you seek out your supervisor and ask for some new challenges.”

You’ve (hopefully) proven by now that you can do your work—and do it well—so think of three to five new ideas or projects and pitch them to your supervisor, Miller suggests. Your boss wants to hear that you’re creative, invested in the company, and forward-thinking, so don’t be afraid to suggest new things! And how cool would it be if the company actually ended up using your ideas? Hello, resume booster!

“Don’t assume that because you’ve only been given certain responsibilities that you cannot go outside of those areas. It really is up to you to show them that you are motivated and capable,” Miller says.

3. Start networking with other departments

Now that you’re comfortable with your own job, why not learn about some of the other roles in the office? “If you haven’t been meeting people within the organization but outside of your current role, it may be time to start asking people out to coffee,” says Miller. “Try to connect with at least one new person each week, if not more. Ask them about their jobs and for their advice on your career.” Shoot your coworkers an email introducing yourself and asking if they’d be free to grab a coffee sometime this week. Who knows, a meeting with someone in a different department could even open you up to a career path you hadn’t previously considered.

Ariana Finlayson, former staff editor at UsMagazine.com and current features and social media director for Ed2010, an organization that helps student journalists break into the magazine industry, suggests setting up informational interviews with people in different departments you want to know more about.

“At a recent Ed2010 panel, one editor said that she has met a few interns toward the end of their internships and they were so great, she wishes they had reached out for a meeting sooner!” Finlayson says. “Halfway through is a good time because you have a few weeks under your belt and have hopefully proven that you can handle the different tasks thrown your way.”

Finlayson suggests making the meeting quick and somewhere nearby, such as at the building’s café or in the employee’s office, and always come prepared.

“I once had an informational interview with a recent grad and she came prepped with a list of questions she wanted to ask me. That told me she was organized and really interested in learning more,” Finlayson says.

If a one-on-one meeting sounds too intimidating, “ask to sit in on meetings to get a better grasp of how the company functions,” suggests Kayla Inanc, brand coordinator for Intern Queen, Inc..

4. Hang out with your fellow interns

You don’t just have to network with other employees—why not network with the other interns, too? They may seem like competition at times, but your fellow interns could be just as useful to your future job search as other employees. “I still talk to the girls I interned with at my very first internship, and they're at various magazines and we've even helped each other along the way,” says Finlayson. “Having friends in the industry is very, very important.”

Career incentives aside, it’s always fun to hang out with people who have similar interests as you! Next time you’re in the office, suggest to the interns that you grab dinner or drinks after work on Friday, or plan a Saturday lunch date. Get to know each other, swap career advice, or just plain hang out and enjoy one another’s company. But make sure you’re not getting so chummy that you become unprofessional; if you complain about work to your fellow interns or get a little too sloppy during an interns’ night out, that could easily make its way back to your supervisor.

5. Think to the future

The best way to stay on track is to create a list of goals for your internship and your future career. What do you still want to do in the time you have left in your internship? Whether it’s a contact you wanted to make or a project you wanted to work on, write it down to make sure it doesn’t slip your mind before you’re done; two to three months can go by pretty fast.

“Ask yourself this question: ‘When this internship is over, what do I want to be able to say I accomplished?’” says Miller. “Having that mental picture of what you want to experience will help you craft the experience in a positive way.”

Huhman suggests writing down “a list of 10 ‘pros’ about your internship and how it relates to your goals.”

“This can include how the opportunity will benefit your career specifically, what you've learned about your industry, how you can apply these new skills elsewhere, etc.,” says Huhman. “Seeing an organized list of the positive aspects of your position can help you to remember why you were so excited about the opportunity to begin with, and ultimately, power you through the rest of the summer.”

So what are you waiting for? Write down your goals, get networking, and make the most of the last month or so that you have left of this opportunity!

Since summer is in full swing, it’s time to take a tip from Fergie and start working on our fitness!

You don’t need a gym membership to get a rock-star body, so use the warm weather to your advantage with an outdoor workout. We already know you’re going to look great this summer, so here’s another excuse to show off your stylish bikini!

The beach is an awesome place to go for your workout since it will instantly relax you, and you can use the water and sand as resistance as needed. Read on for some of our fave beach-friendly workouts!

1. Jogging

Have you ever enjoyed a nice walk along the water at the beach? Relaxing, right? Walking on the beach is a great way to add some quality cardio to your routine. If you prefer to jog or run, you can do that as well and reap the same benefits as walking, but in a shorter amount of time.

Melanie Ludwig, owner of Prestige Fitness in New Hampshire, says that walking or jogging at the beach will benefit you more than doing the same exercises on a treadmill or indoor track.

“Walking, jogging or running with a friend first thing in the morning can keep you making healthy choices all day!” Ludwig says. “The uneven surface of the sand is challenging as your muscles must work harder to compensate for your feet sinking in the sand. You also use more energy, aka burn more calories, due to the surface of the sand.”

You can choose whether or not you want to run barefoot, but we recommend wearing sneakers to support your feet better and protect yourself from any broken seashells or other trash found along the shore.

Whether you run on dry or wet sand is up to you, since you’ll reap the benefits of a beach jog regardless. For new beach joggers, run close to the water near the wet sand, since it’s more solid and easier to power through. For joggers who have done more than one beach run, try dry sand for more resistance. It’s a lot harder to power through dry sand compared to wet sand, so it can leave you feeling worn out very quickly.

Ludwig also notes that the sand “acts as a natural cushion so [there’s] less impact than pounding on pavement or a treadmill,” which is a benefit that we sure won’t complain about.

If you don’t consider yourself a runner or if you’re a total beginner, don’t be too hard on yourself; everyone has to start somewhere! Try to start slowly and then work your way up to your desired pace or distance, since taking baby steps is a lot more manageable than trying to become a marathon runner in one week. There are helpful programs like Couch to 5K that you can try that will allow you to make progress with your running day-by-day.

As if all of these details won’t have you grabbing your sneakers already, Ludwig says people tend to walk or run farther and longer on the beach due to its relaxing nature. The eye candy around you might make you want to keep going, too!

2. Strength training

Cardio isn’t the only type of exercise you can do at the beach! Just as the sand works in your favor during a jog or run, you can use it to your advantage while you strength train as well with push-ups, lunges and squats.

“The sand is a natural resistance, as stated above, but you can also use the same principles with lower-body exercises, such as lunges and squats,” Ludwig says. “The uneven surface has you working harder to keep your balance. Getting into a plank on your elbows and crawling forward, backward and side-to-side adds a new challenge for your core muscles.”

Be sure to pace yourself, though! “These exercises are not as easy as they look, especially in sand, but just remember to keep your core engaged and breathe,” Ludwig says.

Here are a few beach-friendly strength-training exercises (that don’t require any equipment!):

Scissor kicks

1. Lie down with your back pressed against the sand. Keep your arms fully extended with your palms facing down.
2. To get into your starting position, lift your legs up so that your heels are about six inches off the ground while slightly bending your knees.
3. Lift your left leg up to a 45-degree angle while lowering your right leg until it’s about 2 to 3 inches from the ground.
4. Switch and do the same set of movements with your opposite leg.

Single-leg hip extension

1. Lie face-up with your arms out to the side and your right knee bent. Your left leg should be straight and raised a few inches from the ground.
2. Lift your left leg up until you see that it’s in line with your right thigh, and push your hips upward. This will form a straight line from your shoulders to your knees.
3. Pause, then lower yourself back to start.
4. Do your desired amount of reps, then switch your legs and repeat.

Reverse crunches

1. Lie on your back and place your hands on the ground or behind your head.
2. Bring your knees in towards your chest until they are bent at a 90-degree angle. You can keep your feet together or crossed.
3. Contract your abs to curl your hips off the floor, reaching your legs up towards the ceiling. Lower yourself, then repeat for your desired amount of reps.
4. Make sure that you’re using your abs to lift your hips rather than swinging your legs and creating momentum.

If you’re down to do some push-ups on the beach, the uneven terrain will allow your body to be challenged in different ways. For fitness gurus, face the water for your push-ups, since your body will be at a decline, which will provide more of a challenge. For beginners, face away from the water so your body will be at an incline, which is a bit easier.

To make sure you’re staying safe, look around the area where you’ll be doing your push-ups. If it’s filled with broken seashells and unidentifiable objects, place a towel down for added support and protection. An all-clear zone means you can either work out sans towel or with it, depending on what you prefer.

3. Build sand castles

It’s super important to make time for relaxation and fun during the summer. A great way to unwind while working out is building some sand castles.

Yes, you read that right – one of your favorite beach activities from your childhood can be a toning workout for your arms and upper body!

“Filling up buckets of sand is a natural way to lift weights, in a way,” Ludwig says. “All the bending, lifting and carrying water to your project is just as effective as lifting a dumbbell.” Sign us up!

Know that while your inner child is having a field day and you’re showing off your creative side, your body will be reaping the physical benefits as well.

4. Get in the water

A trip to the beach wouldn’t be complete without a dip in the ocean! The sand isn’t the only natural resource you can use to assist with your workout; the water can also be a great workout BFF.

“Just walking in the water adds resistance as you pull your body through it,” Ludwig says. “Try raising your knees for a real challenge!”

When you walk through the water while raising your knees, you’ll be challenging your leg muscles as well, providing strength training that doesn’t even feel like work.

For the sake of safety, Ludwig says to be careful and observant of dangerous water conditions, such as riptides. She also recommends doing this activity with a friend for safety and added fun.

Some of your other fave childhood water activities, like jumping waves and paddleboarding, can benefit your body, too.

“All of these activities use the resistance of the water to keep your muscles challenged,” Ludwig says.

Of course, freestyle swimming is a classic water workout that will engage your entire body. The sunshine and atmosphere of the beach will have you swimming for hours, so the time will pass quickly as you get in a workout at the same time.

5. Get your game on

There are so many fun beach activities that you can do with friends that don’t even feel like workouts!

“Playing beach volleyball, flying a kite or tossing a Frisbee are great ways to enjoy the shore and keep active,” Ludwig says. “If you decide to cool off with a dip in the ocean after, be cautious, as your body might be more fatigued than you realize.”

She also suggests dressing appropriately for whatever exercise you’ll be engaging in. So if you plan on diving like crazy while playing beach volleyball, you might want to rock some cute shorts instead of bikini bottoms.

To get your friends in on a beach game, challenge them to a bet to get them motivated.

“I promised a friend that if she walked with me three days on the beach during a vacation, I would make her a special dinner,” Ludwig says. “Bring some beach toys with you to the beach, too, since it's hard to resist playing catch or tossing [a] Frisbee on a beautiful day!”

Enjoy a quality workout in a beautiful beach environment! Use it to your advantage during your active summer, and you’re sure to see results. Just make sure you pack some healthy summer snacks with you, and don’t forget the sunscreen!

Your college years will consist of some amazing memories that you’ll remember for the rest of your life – which is why picking the perfect school for you can be stressful. This can be particularly hard for all of you LGBTQ+ collegiettes as you try to find a campus with great resources and an environment that suits your needs.

But fear not, beautiful baby queers! There are plenty of campuses all across the country that provide their LGBTQ+ communities with amazing support to make them feel right at home. In no particular order, here are a few of the best!

1. Emerson College (Boston, MA)

Ranked #1 by thePrinceton Review in LGBT Friendliness two years in a row, it’s a no-brainer why this Boston school would be on this list. This school fosters a safe, supportive community for its LGBT students with the student organization Emerson’s Alliance for Gays, Lesbians, and Everyone (EAGLE).

Emerson is also home to Rate My Professors’ fourth best LGBTQ Studies professor, Jason Roush, who teaches an Evolution of Queer Identity course. A student of his told Roush he used the knowledge he learned in the class to talk with his family about his brother’s struggles before he died from AIDS. Professor Roush considers this one of his most rewarding moments.

The school also fosters an inclusive Greek community with Phi Alpha Tau fraternity, which raised over $17,000 in order to pay for their brother Donnie Collins’s gender-reassignment surgery. Can you say Greek Unity at its finest? We think so!

2. University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI)

With the vision of an inclusive campus community free of discrimination in all forms, the University of Michigan’s Spectrum Center provides a variety of resources for its students. U-M’s longest-running and most popular educational program, My Voice Panels, is a panel of LGBTQ+ people who give the issues in their community a voice and share them with the campus.

Home to 19 LGBTQ+ student organizations, the university not only looks after their own, but they also encourage their students to give back to the Ann Arbor community. A group of U-M LGBTQ+ and Ally student mentors partner with Ann Arbor’s Riot Youth program in order to inspire social change and foster a stronger LGBTQ+ community through various group activities.

It also doesn’t hurt that this school was rated one of the biggest girl power schools last year. #QueerFeminism, anyone?

3. Macalester College (Saint Paul, MN)

In Spring 2011, Macalester College created an initiative to make more gender-inclusive restrooms on campus. Today, all of the campus’s single-stall bathrooms are all-gender restrooms, which can be found all around campus. The school also boasts six different dorms that offer gender-neutral living options.

Mac is home to a Queer Women Identity Collective, which facilitates discussions every month about the joys, trials and tribulations of being a queer woman on campus. Whenever you need to rant about the homophobic comment you overheard in your dorm or your dating woes, this is the place to do it.

Mac’s LGBTQ+ page is home to a list of “Out and Proud” LGBTQ+ staff members and their contact information in order to create a visible and accessible network for the queer community at Macalester. We can feel the warm and fuzzy community feels already!

4. Stanford University (Stanford, CA)

All of Stanford’s registered students may apply for 24-hour access to the Fire Truck House, which is home to the LGBT Community Resources Center. Safe and Open Spaces at Stanford (SOSAS) offers student-led diversity workshops to foster awareness about LGBTQ+ issues on campus, while the Queer Event & Services Team (QuEST) connects students, staff and faculty with the greater Stanford LGBTQ+ community.

But let’s face it—the thought of having to figure out the real world after you leave college can be scary, especially for a queer collegiette. That’s why Stanford also offers an LGBTQQI mentorship program, which connects its LGBTQ+ alumni with its current undergrad and graduate students for advice in navigating careers as LGBTQ+ individuals.

If you’re the artsy type, make sure to look out for Stanford’s “Open Dyke Night”. This reoccurring open-mic event showcases primarily queer women, so make sure you practice that love poem you’ve been saving for the cutie in the audience!
 

5. University of Wisconsin-Madison (Madison, WI)

With the implementation of its Preferred Name Policy in fall 2014, the University of Wisconsin-Madison began to recognize that many of their trans and genderqueer students and staff use names other than their given names. Thanks to much deliberation and consultation with the LGBT Campus Center, this policy was approved. Preferred names can be used for everything that isn’t legally necessary, such as class rosters and online communities. Students will even have the opportunity to have their preferred names on their student IDs.

The school also offers a wide array of queer-theory classes, such as Queer Popular Culture Studies and Queer Migration, which both qualify toward earning an LGBT Studies Certificate upon graduation.

However, the learning doesn’t stop when Badgers leave the classroom. UW-Madison also has a gender learning community called Open House, which invites the students who live on that floor to analyze conventional and non-conventional views of gender and sexuality through workshops and programming.

6. Carleton College (Northfield, MN)

College campuses can get a bit suffocating after a while. For that reason, Carleton College offers an annual Rainbow Retreat in which the LGBTQ+ community and their allies go away for a weekend trip and build community while discussing important issues that are afflicting them.

For on-campus support, Carleton In and Out (CIaO) is a weekly discussion group for the LGBTQ+ community, and Asexual Community & Education (ACE) provides asexual/aromantic community discussions. Sexuality and Gender Activism (SaGA) also promotes awareness of issues of sexuality and gender across the campus, dealing with issues of sexual orientation, gender identity and LGBTQ+ discrimination.

7. University of California, Riverside (Riverside, CA)

As the first campus in California to offer a professionally staffed LGBT resource office in 1993 and an LGBT studies minor in 1996 and the first public university in the nation to offer a gender-neutral housing option to all students, you can say this school likes to be ahead of the game.

Not only does UC Riverside have a monthly Grrrl Talk , but the school is also home to a chapter of Gamma Rho Lambda, a national organization that has been nationally recognized as the first lesbian sorority. GRL strives to be an all-inclusive sisterhood that is accepting of all identities.

These colleges are ready and willing to provide you with an open environment. Make sure to pick the campus best suited for you that will help you achieve your goals. With the help of some essential resources and your new chosen family, your college years will be worth cherishing.

Everyone may be wearing these trends now, but come September, they’ll vanish faster than Charlie Sheen’s sanity. We’re not saying you shouldn't bother with these now — after all, they’re pretty cute! However, if you’re debating between buying a trendy piece from Forever 21 or from Free People, we’d choose the first and save the cash for another style that’s more than a fair-weather friend.

1. Overalls

Everyone from Rihanna to Ashley Tisdale is wearing onesies right now, but you definitely don’t need to go all in when purchasing your own pair. These shortalls from Wet Seal are an affordable $25.99--enough to spend on something that's well made, but not too much to drop on a fading fad. Because let’s be honest: overalls make going to the bathroom a huge pain. Plus, they’re a little too Dukes of Hazzard to stick around long in the fashion world.

2. Coordinates

Although being too matchy-matchy used to be a major no-no, currently it’s super in. With this tropical ASOS set, which costs $64.79 total, you’ll never have that awful “What do I wear this with?!” moment again.

However, as cute as we find these twosies at the moment, we have a feeling they’re on their way out; after all, how many times can you wear the same shirt and skirt together? So enjoy your painless matching while it lasts, ladies.

3. Jelly sandals

Flashback to the '90s! These playful shoes are on lots of feet in lots of streets. For $24, you can buy a pair from Urban Outfitters.

By the time fall’s chilly temperatures set in, though, your toes will want a little more coverage, so wear these with feminine summery dresses and skirts before time runs out.

4. Athletic pants

It's as if sweatpants and harem pants had a baby. A super, super comfy baby. We’re all for comfort, but sadly, fashion designers definitely aren't. Don't bank on these babies lasting long as a trend!

These pants are (literally) having their time in the sun, but their lightweight design and silky structure will probably soon be replaced by something a little less, well, easy. No one said fashion was fair. To capitalize on the jogger pants trend while it's hot, try this $14.80 version from Forever 21.

5. Birkenstocks

Once upon a time Chanel sent clogs down the runway, and for about two months, clogs — which everyone had previously mocked as a “mommy shoe” — cropped up in the closets of every fashion editor worth her salt. And then they disappeared back into oblivion — except for the ones the mommies owned, who had no idea how cool they had briefly been.

Well, we predict the same will happen to Birkenstocks. Certain outdoors-y types have been wearing them for years, but recently the brand has exploded in popularity. At their heart, they will always be designed for those more interested in comfort than style, which means their fashion fate is doomed. Topshop’s version is $45 at Nordstrom, meaning you can get the look without dropping a single Benjamin.

6. Watermelon and pineapple prints

Everyone’s going crazy for fruit patterns right now, and we’re definitely into it. We already love pineapple and watermelon in our drinks and dishes, so why not on our dresses?

But it’s kind of obvious why this is a seasonal thing. You’ll get lots of second glances if you wear a tropical-inspired outfit in November, and not in a good way. So pick up Lulu’s pineapple dress for $41 and wear it while it’s weather-appropriate!

7. Kimonos

We're wearing this exotic-looking jacket over all types of clothes: beachy maxis, edgy ripped shorts, playful rompers and more. You can buy your own lace version from H&M for $29.99.

Why wouldn’t we suggest investing in a kimono that costs a little more? As fun as they are, kimonos won’t be fashionable once all of the cute summer pieces you wear them with have been banished to the back of your closet. We wish it wasn’t so, but we don’t control the trends; we only predict them. 

While we hate to see some of these summer styles go, we're all about making smart investments; make sure you put your money into pieces that will stand the test of time rather than fast-fading fashions! Just call us your sartorial fortune-tellers!

Maybe it ended when you decided on colleges on opposite sides of the country; maybe it ended because someone cheated; maybe it ended in a blow up fight at prom; maybe it was on-again-off-again until you actually got to college, and then decided to remain off; maybe it dragged out in the form of a tearful goodbye in the airport as you headed off to school; maybe it never even lasted beyond sophomore year. But even so, memories of high school exes – many of whom, perhaps, were some collegiettes’ very first significant others – don’t just slip away as easily as we may like them to. And of course, they get even harder to forget come May, when being home for the summer means being in very close range to your ex. At one point or another, an interaction of some nature will take place – and because of the high likelihood that this situation will become horrendously awkward, Her Campus is here to offer some advice on how to ease the tension.

Whatever you do, don’t hook up with him.

Sure, it’s an obvious one. But it’s not always one we can completely stop thinking about. “Oh, he looks really good. And his sense of humor is just as I remembered it. He’s really cute.” If such is your train of thought at the first sight of your high school love, take hold of those hormones – and emotions? – and resist falling back into your pattern of attraction. It will only confuse you and mess with both of your heads. Hooking up brings back the physical part of your past relationship, but leaves the emotional parts pretty ambiguous. Without giving yourselves the chance to get on the same emotional level, you’ll create room for hurt and confusion. Jenni, a recent graduate of Bucknell University recalls, “When I came home, we would see each other and sometimes hook up. In hindsight, I wish that I hadn't spent any time with him at all after we broke up.”

…Right. So, you probably shouldn’t see him at all.

…Unless you can manage to ease the tension to the point where there is none. Perhaps you guys are fine together in a group setting and can have a decent conversation. If you’ve kept in touch fairly well, things might not be weird at all come summertime. Certainly, remaining friends with your high school ex isn’t impossible – but it requires clear intentions from both of you. Make it known what you want out of a relationship with him, whether it’s just friends or a little more than that. Whatever it is, be sure that it’s mutual and that you’re on the same page.

But if things are a little bit more one-sided or uncertain, it might be best to resist talking to him beyond a friendly hello. For Jenni, “seeing him (and hooking up with him) over breaks always made it hard to remember why we had broken up, and as a result I wasn't able to fully move on for a long time. My advice for girls who are trying to get over their exes is to NOT see them when they are at home over break - I know it's easier said than done because everything at home reminds you of him, but in the long run you'll be grateful that you were able to get over him and move on.” At parties, stay close to your girlfriends and guys-who-are-friends to avoid one-on-ones with him. If he reaches out via text or phone call to suggest that you start things up again, explain that you’re not interested in getting involved again.

To do this, remind yourself why it didn’t work the first time.

Remember how prom became a disaster because you spent the entire night fighting? Remember how much it hurt when he said he wanted to break up so he could have his “freedom” in college? Right. There were (good) reasons your relationship ended the first time – not to mention that you’ve grown a lot since then. Love expert and Professor of Psychiatry at NYU School of Medicine Dr. Irene Levine, Ph. D, advises, “If you start having feelings for him again, remind yourself why you broke up with him, and the advantages of leaving yourself open to a new start at college. You also don’t want to hurt this person you once cared for by acting ambivalently.” The ending of that relationship propelled you and transformed you into the collegiette that you are. Accept that ending, and move past the “what if” sentiment.

And if all else fails, cut ties completely.

If you don’t like the way things are going when you see him for the first few times, it’s understandable to avoid him completely. That means not answering texts, making sure he won’t be at any gatherings you’re attending… and maybe even un-friending him on Facebook (GASP!) if you find yourself dwelling on him too often. Kelsey, a recent grad of Boston University, says, “My ex-boyfriend is on the top of my ‘worst people in the world’ list. So you can imagine my surprise when he texted me last summer trying to be my friend. Although I did consider it for a few days, just because we had known each other for so long, I eventually told him that I don't want to be his friend or hear from him again. Though I hate burning bridges with people, I simply wasn't happy when he was contacting me post-breakup.” Now that you’ve established your own post-high school life, there’s no real need to keep your ex involved in it. If anything, it’ll become awkward when conversation gets too personal – the last thing you want is to talk to your high school ex about this new guy you’ve been hooking up with.

Levine certainly sees eye-to-eye with these collegiettes. To avert tension while interacting with your ex over the summer, she suggests “feigning being busy, which very well might be the case if your ex wants to get together. If you see him in groups, act cordially, but don’t give him the mistaken impression that you want to rekindle the romance. You might want to let your BFF know so that you can cozy up to her if he approaches.”

Whether you run into him unexpectedly or are forced to avert a “let’s hang out” text, it’s important to be clear about your intentions and honest about your feelings. Forget the re-hash and make sure your high school memories remain just that – everything from your ex, to the fight you had at the prom and to the dress you wore to it... put it all in the past and prepare yourself for a summer of new beginnings.