Dakota Johnson brought her mom, Melanie Griffith, to the 87th annual Academy Awards. Griffith and Johnson showed off their adorably relatable mother-daughter relationship on the red carpet. Griffith declared herself “a very proud mom,” to which Johnson rolled her eyes and guffawed, “Mom, oh my God!” Apparently Griffith has not yet seen her daughter’s steamy film.

Johnson looked gorgeous in a red Saint Laurent gown, perhaps channeling the red room from Fifty Shades of Grey. Griffith also looked jaw dropping in a body-hugging black gown, proving she’s still got it at age 57.

Although Fifty Shades was Johnson’s break onto the big screen, this year isn’t the first time Johnson has walked the Oscars red carpet. She accompanied Melanie Griffith and her stepfather, Antonio Banderas, to the awards in 2000, way back when she was only ten.

Johnson made her first appearance on the Dolby Theatre stage tonight as a presenter for Adam Levine’s performance of “Lost Stars.”

Anna Kendrick is our kindred spirit, so any opportunity to be just like her is one we just don't pass up. When we got the inside scoop on her Oscars look this year from her makeup artist, Vanessa Scali, we took notes.

"Anna's Thakoon Oscar gown is a breath of fresh air. The soft coral is amazing against her alabaster skin. With that in mind, I wanted to create a look that had presence but wasn't overpowering and wouldn't compete with the dress. The focus is definitely on the sultry eye, but paired with nude, juicy skin, and a matte bitten lip, she looks fresh and effortless," Scali explains of the inspiration behind the look, which she created using Elizabeth Arden products.

Of course, the first step to any glowing look is proper skincare. Scali prepped Kendrick's skin with Elizabeth Arden's Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide collection, leaving a bright visage that is the perfect base for everything else that's to come. Because Kendrick is attending, performing and presenting at the show this year, it's even more important than ever that her makeup stays in place throughout the night. To keep her skin fresh and luminous, Scali used a light layer of the Flawless Finish Perfectly Satin 24HR Makeup, evening out the skin tone, before highlighting all the right places with the Flawless Finish Correcting and Highlighting Perfector. The Ceramide Cream Blush gave Kendrick's cheeks a natural, dewy flush, and the Beautiful Color Moisturizing Lipstick Matte in Pink Pucker left her with a pretty pout. 

As for the eyes? Scali walked us through the steps:

1. Blend the Beautiful Color Eye Shadow in Smolder from the lash line to the crease, and under the lower lashes. Then, use the Beautiful Color Eye Shadow in Glisten on the brow bone and in the center of the eyelid.
2. On the top of the lash line, the outer corners of the lower lashes and the water line, apply Beautiful Color Precision Glide Eyeliner in Black Violet. Gently smudge the Sunkissed Pearls Gel Eye Liner in Deep Sea Pearl into the lash line—it'll give the eyes a sultry, softer look.
3. Apply several coats of the Beautiful Color Maximum Volume Mascara in Black on the upper lashes to open up the eyes, and one coat on the bottom lashes to give them some definition without making them look too heavy.
4. Lastly, groom brows with the Beautiful Color Natural Eye Brow Pencil in Natural Beige.
    

What we love most about this look is that it's incredibly versatile and so easy to turn up or down to match any occasion—smudge on less eye color for more casual daytime activities, or add a few extra coats of mascara for a fancier evening event. Will you be trying this one out, collegiettes?

Though Foxcatcher's Steve Carell didn't take home the award for Best Actor tonight, he's a winner in our books. Looking dapper on the red carpet in a sleek suit and thick-framed glasses (which we're still getting used to—and we're not the only ones, as Neil Patrick Harris mistook him as a seat filler), Carell took the opportunity to show support for the #HeForShe movement helmed by Emma Watson.

Wearing #HeForShe cufflinks designed by Monique Péan, Carell gave us a reason to admire him even more than we already do. After all, we love when prominent celebrities use their status to advocate for important causes, and in this case, Emma Watson completely agrees. She showed her gratitude in the classiest, sweetest way with an old-fashioned, handwritten thank you letter:

Perfection.

So, Patricia Arquette is... everything. Not only was she able to let loose, have a little fun and celebrate the night with a couple (read: many?) drinks, she also gave an incredibly empowering acceptance speech when picking up her Oscar for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her role in Boyhood.

"To every woman who gave birth to every taxpayer and citizen of this nation, we have fought for everybody else's equal rights," Arquette said. "It's our time to have wage equality once and for all and equal rights for women in the United States of America."

We weren't the only ones who rejoiced—Meryl Streep kind of lost it, demonstrating exactly how we were feeling. Oh, and Jennifer Lopez's reaction is not to be forgotten, either.

By now, you probably understand just how important it is to take advantage of your summers while you’re still in high school. Whether you’re working a part-time job, babysitting every kid on your street or taking an online class, the summer is a great time to get ahead! While everyone else is shopping for their dorm room décor, stand out from the crowd by scoring an internship for the summer between your senior year of high school and freshman year of college!

Internships are a great way to start gaining real-world experience, determine a possible career path for the future and boost your resume. Not to mention, you may even have the opportunity to make some extra cash, if you find a paid internship! We’ve talked to collegiettes and experts alike to get the scoop on what it takes to get an internship early on (and why it’s a good idea).

Why it’s important

Although the word “resume” may be new to your vocabulary, it’s likely that you’ll start building yours as early as your freshman year of college. Being able to include a summer internship on your resume will help you stand out from the crowd and open doors for other job or internship opportunities early in your college career.

“This is your time to explore your interests without the pressure of having to be completely practical,” says Allison Cheston, an internship expert and founder of Career Connector. “It is also the first time that you will be categorized as an undergraduate, which is an important distinction for internships—there are many more opportunities now that you’re [about to become] a college student.” Luckily, you can take advantage of your collegiette status before you’ve even stepped foot on campus by snagging an internship!

Searching for an internship online

When searching for an internship, it’s important to consider what your passions are. While working in a traditional office setting may look good on your resume, the summer will drag on if you’re not enjoying what you’re doing. Instead, decide on a few causes or organizations that you’re eager to become involved with and then research what opportunities they offer.

The Internet can be a great starting place for researching internships. “All of the internship sites are organized by [geographic] location,” says Cheston, who recommends trying Youtern, Internships.com, FindSpark, andInternMatch.

If you’re passionate about animals, look for internship options at your local animal shelter or veterinary office. If you want to pursue a career in education or love working with kids, there are tons of options for working with elementary and middle school aged kids in the summer, so keep your eyes peeled for those, too!

Networking for an internship

Keep in mind that just because a company or organization doesn’t have a pre-existing internship program, it doesn’t mean that they won’t be willing to offer one. If you’re really eager to intern at a certain organization, start by emailing or visiting them on-site. If you explain your internship goals and availability, they may be able to customize a program to meet your needs.

“In between my senior year of high school and my freshman year of college,” says Dani Kluss, a senior at California Lutheran University, “I interned as an assistant stage manager at my local professional theatre. One of my friends was friends with the director at the theatre and got him to agree to let me job shadow him. After I job shadowed him I sent a follow-up email the next day thanking him for his time and asking him to keep in contact with me if there were any internships available in the summer. A few months later, his assistant contacted me and set me up for the internship!”

Having a connection with a local business or company can one of the best ways to score an internship before college, “I highly recommend students find their internships through teachers, friends, family and others who take a personal interest in the student,” says Cheston. “It’s ideal to create your own internship, but you have to take initiative.”

You can start taking initiative by reaching out to someone in your own school. “[In high school], I was assigned a mentor who was actually our principal,” says Shira Kipnees, a senior at Franklin and Marshall College. “She knew I liked to write, so she suggested I talk to another student’s mom who worked for a local newspaper company. I ended up calling the company directly to see if they had any internships available, and after being recommended by the person I spoke with on the phone, I was offered an interview.”

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to take advantage of the resources that your school and community offer. “Ask around your school to see who can help you,” says Shira. “A friend’s parent may be a good resource, or your school may be able to put you in touch with alumni or people involved in the school at a company you’d like to work at someday.” Look for help anywhere!

Making the most of your internship

By interning the summer before college, you can gain real-world experience before your classmates and be on your way to deciding what you really want to study this upcoming year. Talk to your co-workers about their career paths, college experiences and what majors they pursued.

“[My summer internship] was my first experience in the newspaper world,” says Shira, “and it really showed me how much I enjoyed journalism. It was enough to help me get other internships down the line, and I came into college knowing exactly what I wanted to do with my career.”

Although spending your last summer before college in an internship may not sound ideal, the hard work will likely pay off once you’re on campus. “My internship ended up getting me letters of recommendation that I used to get half of my tuition paid for in scholarships,” says Dani. “It really becomes a fantastic networking tool for the rest of your life.” Who wouldn’t love that?

“This is the ideal time to try out different work experiences to identify strengths and interests,” says Cheston. “It’s too early to be 100 percent sure about [your] career choice. This is the time to experiment and see what works and what doesn’t.”

Most importantly, don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and take a risk with a company or internship in a field that’s new to you. “Try branching out a bit further and consider doing something a bit unrelated [to your potential field],” says Cheston. “You never know what will spark a new career idea.”  

Although pursuing a summer internship while you’re still in high school may sound intimidating, it’s never too early to start the search. Make the most of the upcoming summer and you’ll be able to head off to college in the fall with experience, confidence, and (maybe) even a little extra cash. Best of luck, pre-collegiettes!  

At one point or another, you’ve probably been offered a drink at a party. If you’re not really into drinking, this has the potential to be a bit of an awkward situation. While you can always just accept the offer and do nothing but hold the drink in your hand all night, pretending to go along with the whole drinking thing can get annoying after a while.

Even though it might seem like “everyone is doing it,” trust us: Not every single person in college drinks alcohol! You’re not alone in your refusal to drink. It’s totally normal, and there’s no reason you should feel weird about explaining to people that it’s just not your thing.

However, if you’re still unsure about how to answer to the age-old question “do you want a drink?” or if your peers are convinced they can change your habits, here are some serious and sarcastic ways to respond to that question like the clever girl we know you are.

1. “I can’t tonight; I have to be up early tomorrow for work/something else important.”

Probably one of the most common excuses used at parties today, saying that you have an early start the next day is a great way to refuse a drink. Whether you really do have to get up early the next morning or if you’re telling a little white lie, everyone can relate to the dread of having to be up and alert at a time when he or she would rather be sleeping.

2. (When offered a beer) “No, thanks; I’m more of a whiskey drinker.”

Like all Parks and Recreation fans, we love a good Ron Swanson reference. Establish your classiness by making it clear that you have very high standards in terms of the alcohol that you choose to consume. People will be impressed by your level of elegance, and, from that point on, associate you with Ron Swanson. It’s a win-win.

3. “I already have one, thanks” (and point to your cup that’s secretly filled with Diet Coke)

The decoy cup is a classic move to avoid drinking at a party. If someone sees that you already have a drink, the chances of you being offered another is very unlikely. The best part is that you can drink whatever you feel like! If you’re feeling chocolate milk one night or Mountain Dew the next, no one can stop you. It’s your cup, and you can fill it with whatever you want.

4. “I really wanna lose three pounds.”

Channel your inner Regina George and simply explain your goal to lose three pounds. It’s not a secret that drinking does not help at all in the way of losing weight, so this’ll seem like a pretty legit excuse. Also, everyone loves a good Mean Girls reference. Hopefully this will lead the conversation to the topic of the movie and off the topic of alcohol. You go, Glen Coco!

5. “I’m the designated driver; I have to be Sober Sally tonight.”

People always respect the designated driver (DD) excuse. Who in his or her right mind is going to try to get the DD to drink? That would involve consciously putting your peers in serious danger and putting random people on the roads’ lives at risk as well. Pulling the DD card is always a safe bet when you want people to lay off about trying to get you to drink, no questions asked.

6. “I’m on a cleanse right now. If it’s not hot water with maple syrup, lemon and cayenne pepper in it, I can’t drink it.”

If you’ve always wanted to be that really cool, hippie-dippie girl in your friend group, now’s your chance! You might get some weird looks from those people who think pizza is its own food group, but most people should understand how a cleanse works and that one slipup can ruin the entire thing. If you really want to sell your new “lifestyle” to people, mention the delicious kale salad you had for lunch or the amazing new yoga place you went to downtown.

7. “I’m on some serious antibiotics right now, so my doc said I’m not allowed to drink.”

Of course, there are only a certain number of times you can use this excuse before people start to think that you have some crazy illness, but for the short-term, this excuse is bulletproof. Much like the DD excuse, mentioning a doctor or medication of any kind is usually a red flag in people’s minds to not push you any further. If you really want to keep up the charade, carry around some tissues and sanitize your hands every 10 minutes.

8. “I went too hard last night; I think I should lay low tonight.”

Most college students who drink have experienced a hangover at one point or another. Those who fall under this category know how unpleasant a hangover can be and will have sympathy for your not feeling up to drinking again. Some might say that the best cure for a hangover is more alcohol, but we can promise you that is not the answer, no matter how many times someone tries to pull that one on you. So lay low tonight!

9. “I’m playing babysitter for the night and have to make sure all of my friends get home safe.”

Although this is a solid excuse, you should actually do this! If you’re not drinking and all of your friends are, you can be their go-to girl for the night if they need some water, if they need to be walked home or when they inevitably lose their keys at some point over the course of the night. Playing sober sitter doesn’t mean you can’t party with your friends; You’ll just act as your friends’ rock and a non-judgmental helper for the night.

Believe it or not, people don’t really care that much if you don’t drink. The movies make it seem as though college kids’ number one priority when going out is drinking and that if you don’t drink, you aren’t cool. However, from a lot of collegiettes’ experiences, people are pretty understanding when they say they don’t drink.

Sara Heath, a senior at Assumption College, recommends acting relaxed about the whole situation. “If you’re just relaxed about it, you’ll be fine—there were some people who never even knew I didn’t drink because I was so nonchalant,” she says.                                                                                

Everyone knows at least one person who doesn’t drink, so they’ll know where you’re coming from and that you can still have a good time without drinking alcohol!

We've seen many a celebrity use the Oscars as an opportunity to make an important statement—and though Patricia Arquette's speech had us feeling empowered, it wasn't until Graham Moore took the stage that we got really, really emotional.

Winning Best Adapted Screenplay, Graham Moore used his time on stage to address a number of important and sometimes taboo issues, ranging from mental health to acceptance of LGBTQ+ youth.

"Alan Turing never got to stand on a stage like this and look out at these disconcertingly attractive faces, and I do—and that's the most unfair thing I've think I've ever heard," he said. "So in this brief time here what I want to use it to do is to say this: When I was 16 years old, I tried to kill myself because I felt weird and I felt different and I felt like I didn't belong. And now I'm standing here, so I would like this moment to be for that kid out there who feels like she's weird, or she's different, or she doesn't fit in anywhere. Yes, you do. I promise you do. Stay weird, stay different, and then when it's your turn, and you are standing on this stage, please pass this message along to the next person who comes along."

The emotional, moving, heartbreaking and inspirational speech brought the audience to its feet—and us to tears.

With the Oscars, you can always expect a night full of marvelous musical performances, fabulously dressed stars, and celebrations of the latest in movies that have captivated audiences. Tonight’s ceremony was no exception, but if you didn’t have over three hours to devote to watching the telecast, worry not! We’re recounting our favorite moments below.

Best Expected Musical Opening

Host Neil Patrick Harris opened the ceremony with a “completely improvised” (we think he was kidding!) musical homage to movies featuring delightfully surprising guests Anna Kendrick and Jack Black. From his past award show hosting gigs, we knew Neil would give us some type of mesmerizing music, but he set the stage for a night of unforgettable performances!

Most Awesome Burst of Much Needed Fun

Who doesn’t love a little Lonely Island? Seeing the trio perform “Everything Is Awesome” with Tegan & Sara was a welcome, lighthearted distraction from the usual pomp and circumstance of the Oscars.

Best (Un)dressed

The honorable host stripped down to his skivvies when he was seemingly locked out of his dressing room. He did know that he was supposed to picture the audience in their underwear if he got nervous, right? Just wanted to clear that up.

Most Likely to Speak the Truth While Presenting

Meryl Streep being nominated for an Oscar is sort of a given. Her yearly recognition by the Academy has definitely become a running joke in the acting community. But Jared Leto’s faint but well-meaning dig at the film icon was the most spot-on comment we’ve heard about the actress in a while.

Best Message of Empowerment

At the beginning of the night, who would had guessed that Patricia Arquette would make a huge, game-changing statement for women’s rights while accepting her statue for Best Supporting Actress? The only thing that made the moment better was ladies like Meryl Streep and Jennifer Lopez cheering her on.

Most Emotion-Provoking Performance

By now, we’ve heard John Legend and Common perform their song “Glory” on many award shows, but tonight’s showing brought the entire audience to its feet for a much-deserved standing ovation. And we noticed a few tear-streaked faces among the crowd, too. We’re looking at you, Chris Pine!

Best Presenting Duo

In last year’s most talked about snafu, John Travolta flubbed his introduction of Idina Menzel, calling her Adele Dazeem. In an effort to make things right, the Oscars brought them together again for a stunningly awkward interaction that involved a lot of unsolicited face caressing.

Best Musical Performance We Didn’t Know We Needed to Hear

Lady Gaga showcased her powerhouse vocals with a tribute to The Sound of Music. A perfect yet unexpected choice, she more than did Maria justice with a medley of the musical’s most enchanting tunes, which earned her a hug from the film’s star Julie Andrews.

Best Acceptance from an Otherwise Unknown Winner

After thanking the Academy—and Oprah—for his Best Adapted Screenplay win for The Imitation Game, Graham Moore spoke of a future that gave hope to those who feel "different,""weird," or are having trouble fitting in.

Most Humble Winner

Eddie Redmayne has been nothing but charming throughout his awards season run, but his acceptance speech for Best Actor set him apart even further as he sweetly displayed his shock and spoke of his intended care for his newly acquired statue.

What were your favorite moments from the Oscars this year, collegiettes?

After a few straight months of school, spring break is the one fleeting opportunity where we get to blow off steam and not worry about work, jobs or anything stressful. Almost like migrating birds, we drift south, to pretty much any place where the sun and beach are a guarantee: Mexico, Florida, the Caribbean—you name it and we’ll be there.

But with all of the flowing alcohol and day-to-night partying, it can be easy to get carried away. Having a cocktail on the beach under the sun may seem like a collegiette’s spring break paradise, but if taken too far, it can become a serious hazard to your health and overall well-being. So before you run to the beach with your third mango margarita in hand, be sure to take these factors into account!

1. You’re at a higher risk of becoming dehydrated

Whether you’re drinking in the Caribbean or at school, alcohol will always have a diuretic effect, which means that your body will lose the water you get in a drink, rather than absorb it. So if you’re planning to spend all day by the resort’s pool and make regular trips to the bar, be aware of how much water you are stripping from your body.

Dr. Darria Gillespie, a board-certified emergency physician at Emory University Hospital, says that though the risk of dehydration depends on the amount and type of drink you have, it’s best to balance out the alcohol with water. “I always advise people to alternate—between every alcoholic drink, drink eight ounces of water,” she says, which is the standard size of most mini water bottles. “[Water breaks] will both slow down the drinking AND keep you hydrated.”

2. Your body will overheat more quickly

Though the issue of overheating goes hand in hand with dehydration, it can be prevented by ways other than drinking water. If you’ve spent all morning lying out on the beach with your besties, consider hanging inside for a bit, or at least under a covered area where you are out of the sun’s direct rays. You know those super cool covered cabanas that many resorts have sitting by the pool? Snag one with your friends and spend some of your time there—that way you can still enjoy the outdoors without having the sun beat directly down on you.

You now know that outdoor exposure for hours while consuming alcohol can make you dehydrated, but did you know it can also increase your risk of heat stroke? According to Dr. Gillespie, any symptoms of a headache, dizziness, nausea and red skin could mean you are having a heat stroke. “If you notice you or your friends have any combination of heat stroke symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately,” she says. Of course, you don’t want it to get that far in the first place, so to avoid it, by staying out of direct sunlight for a period of time or jump into the pool to cool off. Drinking enough fluids will help counteract the heat as well, Dr. Gillespie says.

3. Operating a boat while intoxicated could be just as dangerous as drinking and driving

When it comes to your safety, alcohol and bodies of water don’t mix well. As you may have learned firsthand, heavy drinking can interfere with your balance, coordination and overall thought processes. We don’t want to spook you too much, but you know those tragic news stories that involve boat crashes and people falling overboard and drowning? Unfortunately, many of them have to do with alcohol consumption.

“Even if you’re a little intoxicated, waters that you can normally swim and survive if sober become far more challenging and disorienting,” Dr. Gillespie says. So if you’re a bit buzzed from the bottomless bar, or don’t feel quite like yourself, you should save the jet skiing excursion for when you’re sober and just stick to dry land until then.

4. Your chances of getting sunburn increase

When you’re busy hanging at the beach with friends and sipping cocktails, it can be easy to lose track of time; you likely won’t remember the last time you re-applied sunscreen. Dr. Gillespie says that alcohol consumption makes you less aware of how long you’ve been out, so what may have seemed like two hours out on the beach could really have been four and a half. And increased exposure to the sun just spells skin damage if you don’t regularly lather up with sunblock.

You definitely don’t want to fall asleep on your beach chaise and wake up four hours later with a full-body sunburn—that’ll definitely put a damper on the rest of your trip! So, be sure to carry your sunscreen in your beach bag and set a reminder on your phone to slather some more on every two hours, regardless of the level of SPF.

5. You may be at a higher risk for skin cancer

Aside from increasing your risk of sunburn, drinking under the rays may pose an even greater threat: skin cancer. According to WebMD, studies have shown that the ethanol in alcoholic drinks turns into a chemical compound that may make your skin more sensitive to light, which then makes your cells more prone to cancers like melanoma. While there’s still research to be done on the subject before the medical community reaches a wide consensus on the issue, it’s still something to be wary of next time you plan on spending the entire day working on your tan with a drink in hand.

An amazing spring break trip can easily end up among some of your fondest college memories, so make it memorable in the right way—by staying safe no matter what your plans are this year!

What if we told you that drinking water could be exciting and easy? No, seriously—that’s why we’ve partnered with SodaStream to give away a SodaStream Play in the color of your choice!

SodaStream, the leading maker of at-home carbonators, has come out with a brand new (and totally collegiette-approved!) carbonation system: the SodaStream Play. This handy little device turns boring, plain tap water into refreshing sparkling water in a matter of seconds. This innovative machine comes with a “snap-lock” function that keeps your bottle in place, and an “auto-lift” slider that makes it even easier than ever to create perfectly carbonated water. You get to pick from four classic colors: black, blue, red and white—so whether you’re looking to go bold or keep your dorm room looking minimalist-chic, there’s a shade to match your personality.

Lounging by a pool, laying on the beach or hanging out at home—wherever you find yourself this spring break you can count on SodaStream Play to keep you hydrated! Ready to play bartender this spring break? Enter below now for your chance to win a SodaStream Play!

“Commute” used to mean getting from your dorm to the frat parties in heels and an LBD, or walking three blocks back from the library alone (#firstworldproblems). Now we spend hours on buses and trains, or sitting in rush hour traffic, and suddenly that walk to the library doesn’t look so bad (cue the nostalgic tears). Day after day, we stare out the window and think of all the things we could be doing if it weren’t for the commute, like manicures, workouts, movies, or dinner with friends.

But the trek to work doesn’t have to be a huge waste of time. With the right attitude, activities, and resources, you can make your daily trips productive, and even enjoyable.

1. Implement the buddy system

If we’ve learned anything from the never-ending lines for the women’s bathroom, it’s that girls like to travel in groups. Find a colleague who lives nearby, or a friend who works near your office, and sync up travel schedules. The ride will fly by when you’re chatting with a friend and catching up on all the latest gossip. If you don’t know anyone with a similar commute, don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to someone who you notice on your train every morning. If you drive to work, forming a carpool will conserve fuel, and give you someone to commiserate with when traffic comes to a stand still.

2. Create the ultimate playlists

Finding the right playlist is key when it comes to surviving the commute to and from work. The music you listen to in the morning sets the mood for the whole day, so it better be upbeat. Emory graduette Molly Lenowitz recommends pump-up songs (in other words, anything Beyoncé) in the mornings, and calming, relaxing songs, like the Lumineers, Mumford and Sons, and Of Monsters and Men on the way home. You can also get a few friends together for a music exchange, or ask your besties to make you a playlist. That way you can listen to different tracks each day of the week! Try Pandora or Spotify if you’re looking to really change things up.

3. Make shopping lists for the week

Use your phone or iPad to search for recipes and plan your meals for the next few days. This will save you time at the grocery store, and reduce the risk of forgetting a key ingredient (or buying more of what you don’t need). Surf Instagram or Pinterest for #eats ideas, and be sure to bring a snack so you don’t get too hungry in the process! Whether you’re learning how to make Fry-Free French Fries for Friday night dinner, or finding a new green smoothie for tomorrow morning’s drive to work, you’ll be happy you took the time to do some research and make a shopping list.

4. Listen to podcasts or books on tape

If you’re already sick of every song on the radio, or craving something a bit more educational, subscribe to podcasts! Explore the iTunes store to find one that you like, whether it focuses on news, sports or even quirky stories.

University of Michigan graduette Sarah Hecht listens to TED Talks on her subway ride to work. “You’ll feel inspired and expand your knowledge by listening to innovative mavericks, icons, entrepreneurs, inventors, teachers, political figures and entertainers. Plus, you'll have something interesting to talk about at work besides the weather,” she says.

University of Iowa graduette Colie Lumbreras subscribes to six different podcasts that she listens to during her 45 minute drive to work. A few of her favorites are “Serial” and “The MIX – Eric and Kathy” (Chicago area radio DJs). “I'll also rent audiobooks from the library. I listened to the whole Girl with a Dragon Tattoo series that way,” she says.  

If you drive to work, or get nauseous reading on trains/buses, audiobooks and podcasts are awesome alternatives to reading. They can also be pretty soothing and relaxing—anyone who has ever listened to Sarah Koenig’s voice on Serial knows what we mean. 

5. Catch up with friends and family

Keeping in touch with family and friends can be surprisingly challenging when you work all day. Take advantage of your time on the road by calling your parents, grandparents, sibs, or long-distance friends. Just know that your mom may accuse you of only calling when you’re bored on the commute (sorry, Mom).

Boston College graduette Meghan Gibbons uses a Bluetooth headset to make calls while she drives from Charlestown to New Hampshire every day. Graduettes who take the train may want to stick to emails, texts and Snapchats, especially in the quiet cars. People can get pretty feisty if you’re talking on the phone (read: yapping to your BFF about last night’s Scandal episode). 

6. Stay up to date on current events

Who has time to read the newspaper or watch the news when you’re rolling out of bed to catch the bus? Use your time on the way to work to catch up on the latest headlines. Email blasts like the Skimmand Need2Know are great ways to learn all the important news in just a few minutes. The College of New Jersey graduette Rebecca Gilman uses her CNN app to read the “5 Things You Need to Know for the Day” story in the mornings.

You can also follow your favorite news outlets on Twitter or Facebook for condensed versions of developing stories. Create a news-themed Twitter list to separate news accounts from the hundreds of others you may be following, and find the hottest stories that much quicker.

7. Get work done

You may be wondering how this makes your commute more enjoyable, but the fun comes later when you’re less stressed at your desk, or get to leave the office thirty minutes earlier. Using the time to review a presentation you have to give or catch up on emails can really start your day off right—there’s nothing like heading into the office feeling completely prepared to take on the next eight hours! 

So there you have it—seven foolproof ways to improve your commute. Of course you’ll still find yourself bored or frustrated from time to time, but just think of commuting as a right of passage into adulthood. You’re conquering the real world, one delayed train ride at a time. As long as you don’t fall asleep and end up at the end of the line, you’re doing great.

Name: Kristen Miglore
Age: 32
Job Title and Description: Executive Editor, Food52
College Name/Major: B.A.: U.C. Santa Barbara/Major: Business Econ, Minor: Professional Writing & Editing. M.A.: NYU / Food Studies
Website: www.food52.com
Twitter Handle: @miglorious

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

Kristen Miglore: There's sort of a typical week, with occasional curveballs. Mondays are usually full of brainstorming, all-team meetings and getting ready for our Tuesday photo shoots when we cook, photograph and style upcoming recipes and articles all day (I'm usually styling, plus demoing process shots for my column Genius Recipes). The latter half of the week is usually about catching up on our inboxes, editing and writing, planning our columns further ahead and smaller meetings and calls. But sometimes we have an extra photo or video shoot (or two, or three). Or a team event like company snack time. Or Alice Waters comes in to make carrots. Anything could happen!

What is the best part of your job?

KM: Working with a collaborative, supportive, endlessly creative team. In some editorial teams, there can be this constant fear that your ideas will be dismissed—that is the death of creativity. We try to foster an environment where every idea is valid, even if it's obvious or just plain absurd, because it very well might lead to something better. And [I’m on a team] where mistakes are okay—we all make them, and the only way to grow is to own them. The work our team comes up with as a result is original and inspiring. I am consistently in awe, and so proud.

What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?

KM: My first real job in food media was with Food52 (after starting as an intern), as Assistant Editor. I got the job by preparing myself for it and getting all the experiences that interested me. I did four editorial internships, I staged in a couple restaurants, I went to culinary school and grad school and talked to people and asked for advice. So when one of those people heard a new startup called Food52 was looking for someone with cooking and editorial experience, I was top of mind, and I was ready!

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

KM: I wish I'd realized how much time I'd spend in my inbox (and still wish I could figure out how to spend less). It's nice to always have a record of communications and decisions made at a fast-paced, growing company, but keeping up can become consuming. If anyone out there knows a good email triage strategy, I'd love to hear it!

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

KM: I feel very lucky to have been working with James Ransom, our photographer, for over three years. He's extraordinarily talented and has an amazing eye, but he's also a very generous teacher and collaborator. He doesn't hold back in telling us when something doesn't look right to him and works with us until we're all excited by the shot. That balance of honest feedback and support means we're creating stories that are always improving and evolving.

What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?

KM: “There are going to be mistakes.” That's what my boss—Food52's co-founder and CEO Amanda Hesser—said last fall when I was obsessing over the final proofs for the Genius Recipes cookbook, which is coming out in April. The first print run of a book is deliberately small, she told me, so that you can fix things. In other words, don't be paralyzed by a fear of failing. You're going to fail. Accept it and don't let it stop you from doing great work.

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

KM: I started out my career analyzing car lease portfolios, which was not a passion of mine, because I was so desperate to get a sensible job straight out of college. And there is value to just doing something, to learn what you like and don't like (Likes: planning dinner; Dislikes: cleaning data, talking about Hondas and sitting in a cubicle). But as soon as you realize you're unhappy and you want something different, start looking. It took me two years to leave.

What has been the most surreal moment of your career thus far?

KM: When Genius Recipes was nominated for the James Beard Award in 2014, our Managing Editor Brette Warshaw was watching the live stream on her laptop and started yelping when it was announced. We were in the middle of a photo shoot and I was so stunned I walked away from a half-buttered cake pan grinning like a deranged prom queen with butter all over her hands.

What do you look for when considering hiring someone?

KM: The ability to write in Food52's voice, which is smart, playful and authoritative without being condescending—like a good friend who wants to share the really cool thing he or she learned through trial and error. A consuming love of food. A let's-do-this, team player attitude. No typos, hopefully.
 
What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?

KM: Talk to people. Try things—cooking, writing, baking bread, herding goats—and figure out what you love spending your day doing. Start a blog—nobody has to read it right away, or ever, but you will learn and get better. Study publications' column formats and voice, and send out pitches—if you're making editors’ jobs easier by giving them smart, well-written content that fits right in (and that they haven't already published—do your homework!), they will take you seriously and very likely publish you.

In the capable hands of Neil Patrick Harris, an angelic voice and whip-smart humor awaited us at this year's Oscars. We know he can sing and dance, as host of the Tony Awards and star of Dr. Horrible. We also know he’s an incredible actor—did you see Gone Girl? Following up Ellen’s run as host might have felt a little daunting (and maybe that explained the few times he fell a little flat), but Neil still left us with an enjoyable night... even without the most retweeted selfie of all time. Let's discuss:

1. BEST: Opening number

Accompanied by a Cinderella version of Anna Kendrick, Neil opened up the show with a rousing song by the writing duo behind "Let it Go."

2. BEST: J.K. Simmons jingle

After J.K. (rightfully) won for Best Supporting Actor in Whiplash, Neil cheekily responded with a riff on the Farmers Insurance jingle.

3. BEST: He went on stage. In his undies. 

Octavia Spencer had the best reaction.

4. BEST: He didn't let John Travolta forget last year's mistake

Remember when John couldn't pronounce Idina's name? NPH didn't let that one slide, joking that Benedict Cumberbatch is "the name you get when you ask John Travolta to announce Ben Affleck." John may have redeemed himself, but that moment definitely won't be forgotten anytime soon.

5. WORST: The briefcase gag

Poor Octavia Spencer got wrapped up in a flat joke about NPH's Oscar predictions. Sorry bud, but it dragged on for too long. Octavia was a good sport about it, though.

6. WORST: Flat jokes

He made David Oyelowo read some jokes aloud in his British accent. There was clipped applause. Fortunately, NPH recovered with a little giggle and all was forgiven. 

We get that Ellen is a hard act to follow—but did Neil Patrick Harris live up to your expectations as host?

We get it: Finding a skincare regimen that actually works for you is basically the equivalent of finding true love on Tinder – you’ve heard that it happens, but you can’t for the life of you figure out how to do it. How often are you supposed to wash your face? Which products are you supposed to use? And how, oh how, are you supposed to stay fresh-faced and rosy-cheeked in the middle of winter?!

Treating your skin to some TLC shouldn’t be hard – and it definitely shouldn’t be a secret how to score a gorgeous complexion. Want the inside scoop? If you suffer from acne-prone skin, follow these four steps to up your skincare game and help kiss breakouts and uneven skin tone goodbye!

1. First thing’s first, exfoliate!

Start and end your day the right way with the essential first tool in your skincare arsenal: exfoliating cleanser! Removing dirt, impurities and dead skin cells will give you the clean slate you need to score healthier-looking, head-turning skin. Plus, it’ll resurface your pores (and minimize their appearance to boot) so they’re ready for an even deeper cleaning in the next step.

You want to use a cleanser that’s strong enough to kill acne-causing bacteria, but isn’t so harsh that it creates redness and irritation — that’s why we love Proactiv+’s Skin Smoothing Exfoliator from the Proactiv+ 3-Step System. This 4-in-1 daily cleanser efficiently (and gently!) removes impurities using benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid and exfoliating beads, all while leaving you with super soft, smooth skin. Make sure to exfoliate twice per day (morning and night), then rinse with warm water and pat dry before moving on to your other skincare products.  Then rinse with warm water and pat dry before moving on to step two.

2. Focus on your pores

If you have a love-hate relationship with your pores, we feel you; the struggle is real! When you’re having a clear streak with your skin, you love your pores and can’t wait to show off your flawless skin, but the moment you spot a few sprouting blemishes, you feel like you want to hide under a paper bag (or just lock yourself inside with Netflix and Nutella). Enter Proactiv+’s Pore Targeting Treatment!

The pioneering remedy is a lightweight, leave-on gel that uses Smart Target™ Technology to deliver benzoyl peroxide directly to your pores, killing acne-causing bacteria at the source and helping prevent new breakouts – obviously a must! You apply it one to three times per day – it’s best to start with one and work your way up. Don’t even worry about it leaving your skin dry or flaky – like the other products in the 3-Step System, the Pore Targeting Treatment is formulated with glycerin to help skin retain moisture for a soft, healthy glow. Basically, you’ll finally pull off that dewy-skin look that’s so popular on the red carpet and in your favorite TV shows (Pretty Little Liars, anyone?).

3. Lock in moisture

Repeat after us: I will moisturize. I will moisturize. I will moisturize. If this isn’t your mantra this season, you need to reevaluate your life choices – there’s nothing you need more in the winter (and to be honest, year-round) than a high-quality hydrator! Take it from those who tend to get chapped, dry skin: If you aren’t moisturizing one to three times per day, you’re doing your skincare wrong. Try Proactiv+’s Complexion Perfecting Hydrator, which is basically the best hydrator our skin has ever encountered, thanks to its soothing properties.

Before you even get the chance to fret about irritation or dryness, the hydrator will solve your worries. It also corrects uneven skin tone, unwanted redness and excess oil, so that’s a bunch of bonus points right there. Aside from making our skin look great, high-quality hydrators like the Complexion Perfecting Hydrator make you (and your skin) feel fabulous too, which is really what it’s all about! It’s soothes and brightens, making you feel like you’ve literally put on a whole new fresh face! It must be the moisturizing complex – or, you know, it could be the skin-brightening complex, skin-conditioning complex or skin mattifier. All of them sound like pretty darn smart choices for our skin to us!

4. Fight acne

Facemasks are probably our favorite step of a skincare routine – they’re basically the closest we get to a spa treatment on campus! So for the ultimate icing on top of a successful cleansing session, we recommend the Proactiv+ Skin Purifying Mask. With maximum strength sulfur medicine, this mask can be applied two to three times per week after using the Skin Smoothing Exfoliator. It works great as either a 10-minute full-face treatment or, when needed, as an overnight spot treatment for breakouts.

There’s nothing quite like waking up to find your pimples are practically invisible – or at least, much more healed than the night before! It’s important that once you find a must-have mask like this one, you don’t let it go; make sure to work it into your skincare routine to achieve the ***flawless look and feel you deserved all along!

Get your game face on with the help of game-changing products – now that the secrets are out, there’s no excuse for settling for skin you aren’t in love with. Aside from treating acne and improving your complexion, the Proactiv+ 3-Step System is the best way to kick your skincare confidence into high gear, and you totally deserve to feel like a rock star on the red carpet when you step out every day (even if you’re just heading to a lecture class or the library). Bet you won’t even be able to resist snapping a selfie – we definitely can’t!

February 22 to 28 is National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. We'll be sharing information about this important issue throughout the week, from what to do if you or a friend is suffering from an eating disorder to how to love your body just the way it is! Be sure to check out all of our content here.

If you’ve recently noticed that your friend’s eating patterns have been off and you think that she might have an eating disorder, you might feel powerless. This could be a difficult situation for both you and your friend, but with the correct information and the right tools, you’ll be well equipped to get her through it. Experts told us the telling signs that your friend’s relationship with food is unhealthy, and they explained what you can do to help.

How to tell if your friend has an eating disorder

With all the fitness and nutrition fads we see in college, it can sometimes be hard to tell if your friend is adopting wholesome habits or an unhealthy relationship with food. You might notice radical changes in her behavior straightaway because you know her so well, but you could be missing more subtle indicators of anorexia, bulimia and other eating disorders.

Vanessa Richard, a registered dietitian and nutritionist at Louisiana State University’s student health center, recommends browsing the National Eating Disorder Association website for more information, but she lists the following as some of the most common warning signs:

• Constant dieting
• Avoidant eating or restrictive eating
• Obsessive thinking about food, calories, fat grams or carbohydrates
• Purging by vomiting, laxative use or exercise
• Loss of control eating or binge eating
• Inability to eat foods that others (or restaurants) have prepared
• Poor body image or low self-esteem
• Compulsive exercise
• Low body weight

All of these symptoms could suggest that your friend has an eating disorder, whether she only displays one of them or a combination.

“My best friend had an eating disorder for about three years,” says Robin*, a senior at the University of Tampa. “When I noticed she was losing a lot of weight at first, I didn't know what to say to her. I didn't want to hurt her feelings or make her feel uncomfortable, so I chose not to say anything.”

Although telling your friend that you are worried about her is scary, you should gather up the courage to do it; you could really help her. For Mary Anne Knapp, a staff therapist at Pennsylvania State University’s Counseling and Psychological Services, “the most important things to do are to show you care in a supportive and non-judgmental way, know campus resources and offer to support your friend to get help.”

If she is getting progressively thinner, this could be a cause for concern. However, you should be aware that “someone with an eating disorder can look healthy, be in a normal weight range or even be overweight,” Richard says. “Someone experiencing anorexia may be underweight, but those struggling with binge eating and purging or disordered eating are likely not underweight.”

How to approach her if you think she has an eating disorder

If, like Robin, you feel powerless upon noticing your friend’s struggle, know that you do have the tools to support her. Paige*, a junior collegiette at the University of Texas at Austin who suffered from an eating disorder, says her friend was crucial to her recovery.

“Had my roommate - who also doubles as my best friend - not intervened, I definitely would not be where I am today,” Paige says. “The first extremely helpful thing she did was (strongly) suggest that I see a therapist. While I was highly against it and terrified of speaking to someone, she never stopped bringing it up.”

Richard agrees that you should “be armed with resources to help that person get to professional help on campus or in the community” and offer to accompany her, but warns that you should “be prepared for defensiveness or denial. [However,] doing something is better than doing nothing, even if your friendship is on the rocks.”

With this in mind, Richard recommends that you first show your friend that you are there for her. “Your goal is to say, ‘I love you,’ ‘It hurts me to see you suffer’ and, ‘I’m here to support you and help you get the help you need,’” Richard says. “Sit down with [your friend] privately at a neutral time and share your concerns with [her].”

Richard says you should talk to your friend in person and when the two of you are alone, except in the case of an emergency. “I suggest avoiding a high-stress time, such as right before a big test or project is due, unless you see your friend engaging in high-risk behaviors and you are concerned for your friend’s safety,” she says. “If you feel like someone is at risk to harm oneself or others, addressing the concern immediately or involving someone else who can help is always best.”

This is a difficult situation for both you and your friend: She could get very offended when you bring up the subject, and you might not know how to deal. The best way to approach her is to focus the conversation on your concern for her and never to make personal attacks or statements that she could interpret the wrong way.

“Address specific behaviors about what you have seen, not the person as a whole,” Richard says. “Use ‘I’ statements rather than ‘you’ statements. Avoid accusations and questions like, ‘Why are you doing this to yourself?’” Make sure she knows that you are worried about her and ready to help her in any way she needs.

Paige’s friend insisted that she talk to someone about her issues, and it was the best thing she could have done. “She knew that I needed help and that I was past the point of being able to help myself,” Paige says. “So, despite how embarrassed or scared I felt, I went. I didn’t know it then because I was so wrapped up in my problems, but, looking back, I desperately needed therapy. She, as someone I love and trust, made it her responsibility to get me there—and she did.”

Since this is such a sensitive subject, you will need to be very gentle, Richard says. For instance, “if you have heard your roommate purging after meals, you could say, ‘I have heard you throwing up after you eat, and I am worried that it is going to hurt you. Would you be willing to talk to someone about it to find a healthier way to lose weight and deal with stress?’” Richard says. Or, more generally, try using a variation of, “‘There are resources on campus and I am glad to go with you to an appointment.’” Your friend’s situation is difficult to understand, but you should always try to be as kind and supportive as you can.

As a close friend, you’re in the best position to notice her concerning habits and make her realize that she needs help. We promise that in time she will understand, even if she’s originally angry.

How to react if your friend tells you about her eating disorder

For many of us, understanding eating disorders is difficult. That’s why you should do everything you can to not judge your friend and to encourage her to talk to you about her illness if and when she wants to.

“It was really hard for me to put myself in [my friend’s] shoes, and it still is even to this day,” Robin says. “Since I'm a person who loves myself, food and life, it was so hard to try and understand what she was going through. My friend would always tell me, ‘I know you probably don't understand how I feel, but that's okay. Just be here for me.’” So Robin found it in herself to help her friend in every way possible, even though she couldn’t relate to what her friend was going through.

It’s important to acknowledge that “if a friend comes to you for help, she has probably been thinking about getting help for a long time, and it is a huge step,” Richard says. “Sit and listen. Tell your friend you are glad [she] shared [her] struggle with you and you are here to support her. Try not to problem-solve, but let her know that you will help her find the right help and be there along the way, that she is not in this alone. Make sure she knows you will respect her privacy.”

This situation is primarily about your friend, but don’t forget to look out for yourself as well, because you will be affected emotionally, too. “One of the things I've struggled the most with as the sister of someone with an eating disorder is realizing that it is not really a choice,” says Sophie*, a recent graduate from Boston University. “I see my emaciated sister and want to shake her and say, ‘Just eat something!’ but I have to remind myself that it is not that simple.”

Family and friends of eating disorder patients often suffer from seeing their loved one harm him or herself, so “it's important to monitor your own feelings as you try to help,” Knapp says. “Being patient with yourself and your friend can help you stay centered. It's normal to feel some frustration if you experience roadblocks. Your friend may come and go from therapy and have relapses under stress. It can be hard to witness these fluctuations in motivation and recovery.”

If you start to feel helpless, sad or angry, take a step back and remind yourself that these emotions are completely normal. Although your friend’s recovery can be a long process, it will be well worth it when you see your friend healthy again.

What resources should you and your friend turn to?

You, her other close friends and her family are your friend’s first resources. If she doesn’t feel ready to seek out therapy, you could see a counselor yourself, like Sophie. “My sister has struggled with anorexia for the past seven years—she’s been to treatment twice and continues to struggle with it today,” Sophie says. “The best advice I could give would be to see a professional yourself and ask how best you could help in the situation.”

As for finding professional help, “do some research about what resources are on campus and in the community,” Richard says. “Check to see if your campus has a counseling service or eating disorder treatment program.  If there is not a campus treatment program, a counseling center can connect you to the right community resources.”

You have the ability to help your friend follow a counselor’s advice. “During my recovery time, there was a phrase my therapist wanted me to constantly reinforce in my head: ‘If you don’t love it, don’t eat it. If you love it, savor it,’” Paige says. “After sharing this with my roommate, she always made an effort to remind me of it. If she saw me hesitate about eating something she knew I really wanted, she would give me an encouraging look.”

If your friend doesn’t feel comfortable speaking to a counselor in person, “calling a hotline, such as the National Eating Disorder Association Helpline, can also be a tremendous resource,” Richard says.

Whether your friend trusted you with her disorder or you confronted her, don’t tell anyone else about it unless it’s absolutely necessary. “It is important to respect someone’s privacy,” Richard says. “However, if you suspect things are worse than the person is letting on, or if you see a problem worsening, talk to a family member of your friend, RA, campus counselor or someone from your campus care team.  Let [your friend] know when you talk to someone else about it so they do not feel betrayed.”

Finally, you should be aware that your friend’s disorder could be extremely harmful to her health. “Unless the situation is life-threatening, you can't make someone enter treatment against their will,” Knapp says. “However, in a life-threatening emergency, you may need to act immediately to get your friend to a help center if they are suicidal or appear to be losing consciousness.” As long as you know that these very serious consequences are possible, you will know to keep an eye out for signs and react quickly if needed.

For extra information and support, you can turn to the following websites and helplines:

• List of eating disorder support groups
• The National Eating Disorder Association helpline
• Crisis Call Center
• Safe Helpline
• Eating Disorder help guide
• Guide to helping someone with an eating disorder

Unfortunately, eating disorders are all too common, with 25 percent of college-aged women reporting that they use bingeing and purging to manage their weight. For this reason, you might find yourself having to assist a close friend in her internal struggle with food. With these guidelines, you should have the tools necessary to support her and get her through this difficult time in her life.

*Names have been changed.

Think you might be suffering from an eating disorder? The National Eating Disorders Association has a free and confidential screening to help you determine next steps. If you're looking for more information, be sure to call the NEDA helpline. Looking for ways to help spread the word? Find out how you can get involved on your campus.

Whether it's a popular musician or a historical figure, everyone has someone she looks up to. You may have a quote by this person written in your planner or even a poster of him or her up on your dorm wall. It doesn't really matter if this person has won three major music awards or a Nobel Peace Prize; what's important is that they light a fire under you to live fully and well. So the question is, who inspires you?

In honor of Black History Month, Regions Bank is hosting its fourth annual Regions Riding Forward® Scholarship Essay Contest where students can write a 500-word essay describing an African-American who has inspired them for an opportunity to win a $3,500 or $5,000 scholarship. The deadline to submit your essay is February 26th, so don’t miss out!

If writing is one of your passions, consider this a sign that you should apply! There are no specific guidelines as to which African-American you should write about —it’s all up to you! Perhaps a song has inspired you to live each day with nothing but gratitude. Or maybe an actress’s acceptance speech helped you realize that your dreams of being an actress are attainable. Whoever it may be, Regions wants to hear how you’ve been inspired and why this person should be celebrated!

In order to enter, you must be either a high school senior or college freshman, sophomore or junior and be a legal resident in select states. Any eligible student of any gender or race can apply to win! Sixteen high school seniors will be awarded a $5,000 scholarship and 16 college freshmen, sophomores and juniors will be awarded a $3,500 scholarship. Check out the Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Essay Contest website for all the details, including eligibility requirements, prize information and the Contest Official Rules.

Though the clock is ticking, you still have plenty of time left until the Feb. 26 deadline! We hope you seize the opportunity to write about someone you’re truly passionate about—we sure will!

Sponsored by Regions Bank.

Ten Wesleyan University students and two visitors to the school were treated this past weekend after apparent overdoses on the psychoactive drug Molly. Though specific details of the incident were not revealed to the public, the vice president of student affairs at the top-ranked liberal arts school announced Sunday that one student was in critical condition at a local hospital. Later that evening, police announced that two students were in critical condition, while another two were in serious condition, according to the Associated Press.

Though Molly isn't a new drug, its presence on college campuses has been of growing concern ever since a number of fatal overdoses sprouted up at various schools across the country in 2013. When taken, Molly, officially known as MDMA or ecstacy, produces feelings of euphoria and emotional warmth. As with other stimulants, like cocaine and amphetamines, Molly yields similar physical effects—increased energy, heart rate and blood pressure. 

Though the psychedelic effects of the drug make it seem appealing to users, the massive number of student hospitalizations at Wesleyan just this weekend prove that health risks are 100 percent real. Intake of the drug alone can result in any number of organ failures, or even cardiovascular system failure, but when combined with alcohol or other drugs, the risk factors increase exponentially.

Wesleyan president Michael Roth is urging any students with information about anybody who is distributing the drug to come forward before any more incidents occur, while the local police department is looking into information pointing to a bad batch of the drug.

Are you still on the lookout for that perfect moisturizer that'll keep your skin supple and feeling baby's-bottom-soft? There's a cult favorite cream that seems to be doing this for a lot of people... enough so, at least, for the moisturizer—the Righteous Body Butter ($22)—to be sold every 20 seconds. Um, need.

This amazing body butter is award-winning and contains shea butter and aloe vera to have your body feeling smoother than ever. Smear it on after your shower—preferably when your skin is still a little damp, which helps lock in more moisture!

Featuring sweet notes of rose, jasmine, peach, strawberry, amber and vanilla, not only will you have ultra-touchable skin, but you'll probably also be the best-smelling person in the room, too.

So will you be joining the hoards of people who are snapping this product up every couple of seconds? Let us know if you've tried this body butter!

Have you ever noticed how women on the red carpet seemed to get asked the same repetitive questions such as, "Who are you wearing?" and "How long did it take you to get ready?" Not to mention the ridiculous mani-cam they have to pretend to be interested in. The men on the red carpet don't get attacked with questions only referring to how they look, so why should the women? Many social media groups proposed the idea for #AskHerMore during this year's Oscars red carpet. 

Reese Witherspoon took it upon herself to encourage journalists to ask better questions by Instagramming a photo with appropriate questions to ask the leading ladies. In an interview with ABC, she noted prior to the Oscars, "We are more than just our dresses." Viewers and pro-feminist groups such as Amy Poehler's Smart Girls At The Party used Twitter to share their opinions and questions they'd like to see asked on the red carpet. Here are some of our favorites:

What would you want to ask these leading ladies, collegiettes?

We all need a little guidance now and then, so whether you’re stressed about a fling gone wrong, a recently wrecked relationship or how to handle a stage-five clinger, Real Live College Guy Dale is here to help you navigate the college dating scene.

So I slept with my ex-boyfriend's ex-roommate. We were both drinking but definitely not so drunk that we didn't know what we were doing. I had been really into him for a really long time and was thrilled when he asked if I wanted to hang out. After an amazing night and morning, we went back to real life, and now he says we can't continue anything because he feels too bad about the bro code. Does that mean he really does feel bad about it or just isn't that into me? He and my ex are not close, it was just an assigned situation and have not spoken to each other since they stopped living together. We have plans to hang out and "talk" this weekend and I really don't know what to expect. Help! –Confused at Cal

Cal,

While I totally understand the “bro code” (though trust me, it doesn’t really exist in real life — guys can be big backstabbers), I don’t understand this man’s logic.

He’s your ex-boyfriend’s ex-roommate. The key word here being “ex,” as in “former.” I’ll have to consult my Real Live College Guy Bro Code Bible (not to be confused with the very real official Her Campus book coming in April) on this one, but I don’t think there’s any issue here. No, wait, I know there’s not any issue here.

They don’t even live together anymore. I could see boundaries being crossed if that was the case, but they haven’t talked to each other since moving out, and above all else, he’s your ex-boyfriend. He has no control over whomever you sleep with, and his past living situations shouldn’t either!

Which brings me to my admittedly unfortunate underlying point: If the Bro Code is BS (and it is, especially in this case), why is he using it as his excuse?

Look, the two of you were drunk. It’s not that uncommon to sleep with someone in a drunken state and then regret it the next morning. And just because you were into him doesn’t mean he was really into you — he may have just wanted a one-night stand, and that’s okay.

Next time you two meet up, ask him where he’s at with the whole thing and see if anything has changed. If not, I don’t think you should bother pursuing anything. Honestly, I don’t see any reason to. This really seems to come down to a (possibly) drunken one-night stand that he appears to regret. I think it’s most likely that he’s using your ex (and the alleged Bro Code) as an excuse because he doesn’t want to come out and tell you that he’s just not that into you.