Schuyler Bailar, 19-year-old from McLean, Virginia, was originally recruited for the women’s swim team at Harvard University. But after coming out as a transgender this year, he will now compete on the Harvard men’s team.

“It’s half terrifying and half exciting,” Bailar told the Associated Press. “I’m just kind of embracing it with open arms.”

Initially, Bailar struggled with joining the women’s team because he wanted to swim but also stay true to himself. Seeing how conflicted Bailar was, the Harvard women’s coach and the university decided to offer Bailar a position on either the men’s or women’s swim team.

“I was blown away,” Bailar said. “I had no idea how to respond.”

Ultimately, Bailar decided to join the men’s team, despite the fact that he had to give up some of his competitive goals. On the women’s team, Bailar’s times would have broken records. However, competing as a man will make it more difficult to reach similar goals.

“I just want to be a boy,” Bailar remembered thinking. “I can’t live this in-between thing anymore.”

Bailar is currently in the midst of a full transition, a decision met with support from his friends and family. For the next two months, he will continue to train for the team.

“My goal is just to contribute something to the team and be a good teammate and a good friend,” he said. “I have no idea what my body can do.”

While there's no way to permanently shrink pores (which is definitely a good thing—they are there for a reason) we completely understand the struggle of wanting a smoother, cleaner, and more flawless complexion. Pore size is genetically based, but that doesn't mean that certain lifestyle choices and beauty habits aren't adding to the enlarged effect. We've compiled some of the biggest causes of unsightly pores and exactly how to reverse their effects, so all you have to do is sit tight and take some notes. 

The Problem: Sun Damage

Solution: Collagen and elastin, two major ingredients found in your skin, work to keep your complexion renewed, resilient, and elastic. Unfortunately, excess sun exposure can wreak havoc on collagen and elastin, damaging them to the extent that they can no longer support your pores. When pores go unsupported, they sag and in turn look a lot larger. So, if you're ready to repair your skin, you can look for collagen-boosting products and ingredients, but prevention is always the best option. Slather on some facial sunscreen, making sure that it's totally oil-free (a clogged pore is a bad pore, as you'll learn soon!). We recommend Neutrogena's Clear Face Liquid Lotion Sunscreen ($11.49 at Neutrogena.com). 

The Problem: Excess Exfoliation

Solution: Exfoliation is the answer to every skin problem, right? Wrong. Unfortunately, you've probably only been hearing half-truths. While exfoliation is necessary to shed dead skin and remove build-up in your pores, too much exfoliation may actually worsen the problem! It's all about balance, which means that you should only be exfoliating one or two times a week, max. The problem with anything more is that it can inflame or upset your skin, leading to angry pores (we're sorry pores, we'll be gentler from now on!). Gentleness is key, which is why exfoliating cleanses for sensitive skin work best. Rather than use rough cleansing beads, try a soft cleansing brush like Olay's Pro X Advanced Cleansing System ($39.99 at Target).

The Problem: Activity Level

Solution: Here's the good news: we applaud you for your daily trip to the gym, and couldn't be prouder of your dedication! Now, the bad. Unfortunately, any makeup you're patting on before your barre class or cross-fit session is going to dirty up your pores faster than you can run those sprints. The excess sweating that inevitably occurs during any workout is going to clog your pores and trap whatever makeup is there beneath it—yuck! While it may be hard to go bare-faced, your pores will seriously thank you. As our favorite gym mantra reminds us, no pain, no gain. 

The Problem: Excess Oil

Solution: Excess oil is a pore's worst enemy. It may be time to replace your cleansers, moisturizers, and even your sunscreens with oil-free alternatives if you're devoted to smaller pores. Of course, realistically, no one wants to ditch their entire beauty routine and waste perfectly good products. If you can't let go of your beauty bag staples, make sure that all of that oil is removed as soon as the day is done. The heat involved in a salon steaming treatment can loosen solidified oil trapped in your skin, but if you're more of an at-home kind of girl, don't fret! Oil's biggest enemy? Charcoal. That soot is specifically made to cling to and extract all of the bad stuff causing a traffic jam in your pores. From oil to dirt, products like Biore's Deep Cleansing Charcoal Pore Strips ($6.29 at Target) and Deep Charcoal Cleanser ($5.99 at Target) work wonders for clearer skin. After all, there's a reason Biore's slogan is "free your pores!"

The Problem: Summertime Clogging

Solution: Summertime is particularly dangerous for pore flare-ups. Oily sunscreen, melted makeup, and extra sweat are all seeping in (ahh!). Don't even try to get away with sleeping with your makeup on—we know the sultry smudged eyeliner is appealing, but while you can fake that look, you can't fake smaller pores! Establish a thorough nighttime routine that includes makeup removal and cleansing. Opt for products that contain salicylic and glycolic acids (which combat enlarged pores and acne) and retinols (which boost collagen). Look for products that boast being non-comedogenic, which is science slang for not clogging pores. One of our personal favorite products is 40 Carrots' Carrot + Creme Cleanser ($15 at Walgreens.com). It isn't drying so it's totally safe to use daily, and the carrot cake smell is heavenly. Just remember, it's best to use a makeup remover first and then cleanse, just to make sure everything is gone.

The Problem: Picking and Popping

Solution: We aren't going to pretend that picking and popping isn't temporarily rewarding, and even sometimes addicting. But that's just the problem. If you're constantly irritating your face, it's going to flare up like nobody's business. If you absolutely must pop a blemish, experts recommend using a sterilized needle. But since that sounds kind of scary, your best bet is to leave your pores alone altogether. On that note, whenever you're touching your face, make sure your hands are clean. If you haven't realized already, the clearer your skin the better when it comes to smaller pores. 

The Problem: Inflammation

Solution: So, we've reached you just a little too late—you've exfoliated to the extreme or you've picked until your pores completely rebel. All hope is not lost! It's time to find a calming cream to settle down the agitation. Aveeno's Ultra-Calming Daily Moisturizer ($13.99 at Soap.com) is the perfect match for your pouting pores. It's got SPF 15 to help prevent pore-enlarging sun damage, and is non-comedogenic, oil-free, soothing, and redness-reducing—basically, a pore saver in a bottle! And to make your makeup slide on silky smooth, try a blur cream like Benefit's The POREfessional ($31 at Sephora). These primers minimize the outward appearance of pores by temporarily filling them in. 

While large pores are a pain, they can be minimized with a change in habits and a little bit of patience. Stick it through and you'll be virtually pore-free in no time.

Many of us have a slight addiction to binge-watching TV shows, but it doesn’t take long to run out of LGBTQ+-friendly stuff to watch on Netflix. Looking to find something new? Check out a web series!

Each of the shows we’re recommending features at least one LGBTQ+ character and has LGBTQ+ issues as at least one of its central themes—and it treats it in a way actually directed at queer audiences. No token gay characters here. Here are just a few of our favorite web series out there.

1. K&A

Taking place in Boston, K&A is a comedy about two best friends (Karly, straight; and Alex, lesbian) that can be found on YouTube. Too dependent on each other to really find love with anyone else, the two have a bunch of odd adventures, like that time they go to the gynecologist and learn that queer girls can, in fact, get STIs, and the time they attempt a detox. Throughout the five-episode series, they spend time getting weird with each other and, yep, doing a decent amount of drinking.

What really makes this show worth watching is that it manages to embed important topics (STIs and alcoholism in the queer community) within strange conversations and humor. Lines like “My vagina feels like an avenger” will keep you coming back for more.

If you like comedy sketches and strong female characters, K&A is the show for you.

2. Little Horribles

There’s nothing like a show that opens with a lesbian sitting on a toilet with a cookie on her leg and another in her mouth.

Little Horribles is a comical web series that came out in 2013 that chronicles the decisions of a super-awkward, super-imperfect lesbian. She’s the type of woman to sleep with a woman and then call her friend (the ridiculously cool Issa Rae, whom some of you might know from her web series Awkward Black Girl) to tell her that she may have found the woman to mother all of her future children—and then get dumped by her in the morning.

Available on YouTube, the show is totally body-positive and honest in its portrayal of queerness and what it means to be a human in general. The women look like people, coming in all shapes and sizes—you don’t see that often on your TV screen—and everyone feels like a real person just struggling through dates and stilted conversation.

You’ll totally feel for Amy as she talks too much about tulips on first dates and goes to the movies by herself (only to hang—and totally bond—with a bunch of old people).

If you like shows like Girls and other half-drama, half-comedies, you’ll love Little Horribles.

3. F to 7th

Telling the story of an older lesbian and her “descent into pre-middle age,” F to 7^th is a comedy that currently consists of two seasons. The show follows Ingrid, who is doing some self-exploration and dealing with her own sexuality after her bisexual girlfriend breaks up with her and her friends tease her for being butch but not wanting to admit to it. But don’t let that fool you into thinking this is a drama. Instead, this show hosts a quiet sort of humor, so you’ll love it if you fawn over shows like Arrested Development.

Since most shows that openly deal with sexuality tend to focus on people in their twenties or younger, this show is a welcome change. In episode two, Ingrid is called “a quiet case amongst dykes” for acting more stereotypically masculine, leading to a humorous discussion about the use of terminology like “butch.” The show even goes as far as to discuss the ability of women to be misogynistic. However, these conversations never feel like they’re going too far or beating you over the head with their messages. Pretty much everyone is too invested in Ingrid’s sex life and gender identity, an issue that is coated in comedy.

This is a good watch for anyone who likes politically correct shows but still has a sense of humor.

4. Carmilla

Carmilla, a modern adaptation of the novella by J. Sheridan LeFanu, tells the story of a queer collegiette and her fellow queer-girl friends, and their realization that their university is more supernatural than it once seemed. The show kicks off when Laura’s roommate disappears overnight. Her new roommate, the semi-sketchy Carmilla, is the roommate from hell. The realization that Carmilla is maybe a little strange occurs when Laura steals Carmilla’s soy milk to retaliate… and blood comes out of the carton.

This show will suck you in (no pun intended) because of the incredible bond between the friends and the way that the characters are so well developed. You can watch all 36 episodes of the first season on YouTube.

An added bonus for those who love to dive headfirst into a new show, Carmilla uses social media to connect with viewers and is active on Twitter, Instagram and Tumblr.

This series is a must-see for anyone who has followed other adaptations of Carmilla or who loves mysteries—and some serious unresolved sexual tension.

5. Kelsey

Kelsey, a web series with 14 episodes, is about a totally weird girl and her friends. Fresh out of a long-term relationship, Kelsey is dating around (a lot) and trying to figure out what kind of person she actually wants to be with. Obviously, hilarious mishaps ensue.

The show kicks off with Kelsey failing pretty badly at moving on after her breakup. She makes a miserable attempt at a dating profile, dances alone in her apartment to “Can’t Touch This” and is then dragged to a bar by her hyper-diverse group of friends, where she experiences basically one of the worst kisses in the history of kissing.

A winning Kelsey line? “She’s Cameron Diaz, I’m an ogre and Pixar movies do come true.”

Kelsey is a must-watch for anyone who likes comedies about groups of friends. Each of Kelsey’s friends is quite a character, and you’ll wish you had friends like each of hers to get you through a breakup—even if it means getting set up with someone who would Hoover away at your bottom lip.

6. The 3 Bits

The 3 Bits is unique in that it follows three young siblings—two of whom who are queer—through their separate lives, devoting three episodes to each for a total of nine episodes. With themes like sex, drugs and family woven throughout, it’s sure to be an interesting watch for anyone with a thing for blunt characters with messy histories.

As The 3 Bits creators say, because it’s a web series, the show doesn’t have to bend to the desires of executives or advertisers. They get to “weird out”, which basically means talking about real-life experiences, totally unfiltered.

Mommy blogger Madison will make you laugh out loud—and cringe a little, too—as she challenges everyone who has ever judged a mom for not being good enough to her kid. She is a feminist in her own way, constantly talking about what it means to be a woman versus what it means to be a man.

Roman has recently stopped selling weed to become a gardener. You’ll admire her quiet nature and sweet heart. The moment she gets all dressed up to take her girlfriend on a date, you’ll swoon, and you’ll fall even further when you find out about her messy past—and messy present.

Henry, the third sibling, is introduced with a bang—no pun intended—via an orgy. He and his roommate, who is also queer, are trying to figure out whom to invite to their orgy through a hilarious exchange, considering that neither of them seem to have any idea what they’re doing.

This show is great for the stranger collegiettes who are looking for a show to weird out with.

Now that you’re armed with a new stash of inclusive web series ranging from comedy to supernatural, go grab your laptop and curl up for a few good hours (or days) of LGBTQ+ TV-watching!

Don't freak out, collegiettes, but it looks like the team behind the Cruel Intentions musical is adapting The O.C. on-stage. The catch? The musical is set to run for one night only, on August 30th in Los Angeles. Such a tease.

There is a Twitter account for this dream come true, with game-changing updates like this one:

Not to mention this call for suggestions, which you simply cannot pass up:

Rick Cosnett will be playing Sandy Cohen, while Drew Seely takes on the role of Luke Ward, and Christine Lakin takes on that of Kirsten Cohen. The rest of the cast has yet to be announced.

What better way for Seth, Summer, Ryan and Marissa to reunite? We can't wait to find out who plays them!

Are you excited for The O.C. musical, collegiettes?

Lots of cool things come with being a grown up. When it comes to our clothing, though, sometimes we just want to be a kid again. We may have longed to escape the juniors section when our moms were badgering us through an onslaught of department stores, but it wasn’t all bad. In fact, here are 9 juniors lines we’ll never stop shopping.

1. Nordstrom

Nordstrom makes it easy to find what’s in with trend forecasts from brands like Topshop and BP.

2. Kohl’s

Kohl’s gives you an array of girly pieces to choose from at prices that are always marked down.

3. Lulu*s

This shopping site has something for every type of girl, whether edgy, boho, or classically chic.

4. Target

Why drift into the drab prints and silhouettes found in the women’s section? We’d much rather stick with the punchy, laid-back items that Xhilaration and Mossimo Supply Co. have to offer.

5. Dillard’s

Cheaper alternatives to loveable women’s brands like Gianni Bini make shopping the juniors section a no brainer.

6. Pacsun

It’s always summer at Pacsun, and we’re so not ready to give up this store—at least until we try out Kendall & Kylie’s new line of Cali-inspired pieces.

7. Wet Seal

With almost everything $15 or less and a plus size line to boot, Wet Seal keeps our closets and our wallets happy.

8. Love Culture

With a wink to pricier brands, you’ll feel like a (much better dressed) teenager again in these on-the-nose, near knockoff styles.

9. Forever 21

It’s still acceptable to shop here once we’re long past 21, right? 

Which juniors lines do you still shop, collegiettes?

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!

So Beyoncé (and her homemade "7/11" music video) couldn't get any cooler, right? Wrong. In what is arguably the greatest show of support for the recent legalization of gay marriage, Queen Bey remade the video in rainbow colors and posted it to her Instagram.

In this epic 15-second clip, the singer flaunts her signature moves, making us want to be her BFF even more with each new awesome outfit—from this rainbow boa + T-shirt combo...

To this rainbow flag superhero craziness.

We didn't expect any less from the superstar, who is a passionate LGBT rights advocate, and has even appeared on the cover of Out magazine in 2014. She just keeps on giving.

How amazing is that? We're ***speechless.

Whether you’re taking a summer class, working a part time job or killing it at your internship, everyone is looking forward to the holiday weekend. Finally, we have a chance to relax and spend time with people we love, including our SOs.

This weekend is the perfect time for a date night, but it’s easy to opt for seeing fireworks with everyone else. Nothing against fireworks, but there are a ton of other fun dates to have this weekend that are just as patriotic! Check out these 4 Independence Day dates to go on—in addition to seeing fireworks.  

1. Go to a minor league baseball game

What’s more patriotic than eating a hot dog and watching America’s favorite pastime? Whether you follow baseball or not, the atmosphere of a live game is exciting and fun. It gives you a chance to learn more about the game (or show off your awesome sports knowledge), eat a lot of delicious food and rock a baseball cap. Because most major league games are expensive or sold out, check out your local minor league team! Tickets are guaranteed to be cheaper, plus they probably have 4th of July promotions and events. If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll even end up on the kiss cam.

2. Check out a microbrewery

If you and your SO are over 21, you can find a local microbrewery and attend a beer tasting! Microbreweries primarily produce specialty or craft beers, so what you’ll be sampling is way different than something you would drink at a typical college party. Sometimes, a microbrewery will have a restaurant associated with it so you can grab a quick meal to go with your beer. Before you go, make sure to do a little research on a microbrewery’s website and check out its beer menu. Some places specialize in IPAs or specific types of beer, so you want to make sure there’s something on the menu you’ll actually like! Here’s how to find a microbrewery near you.

3. Run a 5K

Before you dismiss this idea, give it a chance. Sure, waking up early on a weekend to go running doesn’t sound super appealing to most of us, but 5Ks can be super fun especially if you have a running buddy! The great thing about 5Ks is that they’re only about 3 miles (don’t worry, you’re not running a marathon here), and races during 4th of July weekend often encourage costumes and offer prizes or giveaways. Plus, you’ll feel great after a quick morning workout and can grab brunch afterwards. So break out your America gear and running sneakers and find a 5K near you!

4. Snuggle up at a drive-in movie

Call it old-fashioned, but there’s something incredibly romantic about going to a drive-in. You can avoid the sticky floors at a traditional movie theater, and it’s more exciting than just watching something on Netflix (though we do love a good Netflix sesh). You might have to search a little bit to find a drive-in near you, but you can also check out your local town’s community events for movies in the park or something similar. Can’t find anything close? You can also make a projector for your iPhone, hang a sheet in your backyard and have your own private screening!

4th of July weekend provides the perfect time to go on a date with your SO. Don’t settle for just going to fireworks; try one of these patriotic and fun dates instead! 

This article has been syndicated to Her Campus from Lean, Clean and Brie by Brienne Peers, a Her Campus Blogger Network member. Read the full post here.

What are your 4th of July plans? Mine are still up in the air and I am hoping to be able to spend the holiday weekend in Silver Lake, but I am still not sure how it is all going to work. Just going with the flow with it this year!

Regardless of whatever I end up doing, one thing is for sure and that is I will be celebrating the independence of our country and celebrating red, white, and blue. I actually don't have any outfits that are particularly patriotic like I did in elementary school. I actually think my whole family had matching independence day t-shirts for a while. But, being the foodie I have become, it is the perfect occasion to deck out my meals for the occasion. How could I not?

The first start to celebrating the fourth of July is to whip up a batch (or two!) of these overnight oats the night before and enjoy the day of. Breakfast ready shortly after you wake up? Always fine by me!

These overnight oats are not only simple to put together, but they are also dairy free, gluten free (if using certified g-free oats), and vegan. Oh! And they are going along with my #1 summer rule this year—eating all the fresh fruits available.

Get the full recipe on Lean, Clean and Brie.

You’ve just laid your towel out on a lawn chair, showing off your new swimsuit that’s fresh off the rack. Slipping on your shades, you begin flipping through the pages of your summer read. You happen to look up just as he walks by. The lifeguard you’ve noticed for the past couple of weeks just got off duty, and you’re ready to get your flirt on. It’s summer, and it’s time to live! But how do you catch his eye? That’s where we come in!

Throughout these hot summer months, you’ll find yourself in a plethora of situations where you can broaden your horizons and meet new guys or girls. Here’s what to do if you find yourself eye-to-eye with a Grade-A stud in the upcoming weeks. Strap on your sun hats!

1. Buy him a coffee

A good way to meet guys in the summer is to establish a routine.  Go to one of your favorite coffee shops a few times a week to meet up with friends or read a book like the hipster you are.  Soon enough, you’ll start to notice some regulars, just like you.  If one of those regulars catches your eye, consider buying him an iced coffee to cool him off because he’s just that hot.

“I was at this coffee shop that I always used to go to by my house,” says Chelsea, a junior at Saint Louis University.  “I saw this really cute guy, so I bought him a coffee. I had seen him a couple of times before, but I didn’t know his name. So when his order was ready, I told the barista to announce his order by saying, ‘coffee for the cute guy in the grey shirt reading The Catcher in The Rye from the girl reading On the Road.’ We ended up getting coffee together a few times throughout the summer.”

The heat of the summer is the best time to try out your boldest move.  Buying a drink for the cute guy in the coffee shop could be the start to the summer fling you’ve always dreamed of!

2. Use a cheesy pick-up line on the beach

There are a few times a year when it is socially acceptable to use cheesy pick-up lines. Summer is one of them.  

Guys like girls who can tickle their funny bone with pick-up lines that are just cheesy enough to work.

“I was visiting a friend in Kansas City over the summer and he threw a party at his house,” says Peter, a sophomore at Creighton University.  “A couple of hours into the party, a girl walked up to me with this funny look on her face and asked me, ‘Is it hot in here, or is it just you?’ I was so surprised, but I ended up talking to her for the rest of the night.”

Even if it doesn’t work out, at least you were bold and you’ll have a good story to tell!

3. Send a flirty Tinder message

Summer is a great time to give dating apps and online dating a try. Without the distraction of school, you have more time to focus on finding someone to spend those hot summer nights with.

While dating apps may not be for everyone, some definitely make it work. “I never took Tinder seriously,” says Lindsay, a junior at the University of Missouri.  “But then I swiped right for this guy who made me laugh with a super cheesy pick-up line instead of making me cringe like a lot of the guys on Tinder usually did.  And then we just kept talking!”

Lindsay was just sitting on her couch one night when she met the right guy in an unusual situation. She recommends sending something silly or funny to hook a guy’s attention. For example, if you notice that he wrote about liking to fish on his profile, try sending something like, “There are a lot of fish in the sea, but you’re the only one I’d like to catch.” 

4. Approach the lifeguard when he’s off duty

Throughout the summer, you may find yourself babysitting to pick up some extra cash. On one of your daily excursions to the pool, you notice the lifeguard climbing down from his post and heading to the break room.  Now’s your chance to make a move!

After setting the kids up with some popsicles during a break from swimming, Morgan, a junior at the University of Mississippi, chatted up one of the lifeguards at her neighborhood pool.

“I asked him what events were coming up at the pool that I could bring the kids to,” she says. “When I saw him later that week at a poolside barbeque, we were able to talk more. Whenever I nanny, I still take my kids to that pool.”

Whether you’re babysitting or not, hanging out at your neighborhood pool and talking to the people who work there is a great way to not only make new friends, but also meet new guys that you may not have had the chance to talk to during the school year.

5. Give your number to that guy you met on a road trip

While a two-lane highway may not seem like the best place to meet the guy of your dreams, interesting things can happen on an open road with your friends.

“I go on a lot of road trips … so I’ve had a lot of time to hone my skills,” says Dani, a sophomore at the University of Missouri. “One time, my friends and I had the funny idea of fogging up the windows … and writing my phone number. We actually got someone to call me.”

6. Float on the river with a new group of guys

You may find yourself wanting to take a break from your summer internship and hit the water. Deciding to tap into that adventurous spirit, you head out to the river. While catching some rays and going wherever the current may take you, seize this opportunity to float closer to that group of boys who seem to be having a good time.

“I got a group of my girlfriends together to go on a float trip one day,” says Rachel, a sophomore at Columbia College. “We weren’t expecting to meet so many cool people, but a lot of my friends walked away from that day with some new numbers.”

With your friends drifting nearby, you’ll be in a totally comfortable position to approach some unfamiliar boys. And if things head south, float north!

7. Dance a little closer to that hottie at a music festival

A music festival is the perfect spot to meet someone new. Simply by being there, you’re showing that you have things in common.

“You meet so many great people at festivals,” says Cara, a senior at the University of Kansas. “I also love that there are also endless topics for discussion when you’re here. You can talk about the band that’s playing, the band that you’re most excited to see or you can talk about the sea of characters surrounding you.”

Amidst the cheering crowd, take this opportunity to lean into the cutie dancing next to you and ask him what he thought of the last performer. If the two of you hit it off and he strikes your fancy, don’t be afraid to ask him to go see your favorite band with you later!

Between the hot days in the sun and cool nights under the stars, summer is the best time to try out some new flirting tactics. Whether you’re at a party or just lying on your couch, it’s never to late to stretch your wings and tap into that flirting potential!

Celebrating Independence Day is an American rite of passage. Who doesn't love to put on that cute American flag crop top and head to the beach for some fireworks? Free things are all around you and you may not even realize it, so we made a little list!

1. Fireworks

Do we really even need to explain why these are great? So patriotic and beautiful! 

2. Festivals/Carnivals

These are always fun because you can take a group, go on some rides and eat some fried food, or just walk around and hang out! Totally free!

Most all beaches will have fireworks, so kill two birds with one stone! And if you have a boardwalk, a beach and fireworks, you're really ahead of the game!

We know going to your neighbors with your parents might not be your ideal July 4th experience, but it's free food and drinks! Maybe even convince your parents to throw a little shindig and invite some of your friends and family!

If you aren't near a beach, head out to your  local lake! And if you're in a safe zone (and a state where fireworks are legal) ask someone with experience to let off some fireworks over the lake! 

 

If you're lucky enough to live by a city, hit the local hot spots and enjoy being an American with everyone else! Bar hopping or just roaming around (the free part) we guarantee you will have fun!
 

If you aren't feeling like going out, there is an amazing fireworks display right on your TV! Watch the Macy's fireworks display and feel that American pride right from home!

So many parades showing off our American pride, find out where the closest one is to you!

Americans are unlike any other, so this July Fourth show off your pride any (free) way you want to! 

While we all know it’s important to drink water to keep our bodies hydrated, we have to think about our skin, too! Between running to work, hitting the beach and hanging with our friends, it’s easy to forget how much the heat dries out our skin. Here are 6 ways to hydrate your skin all summer long. 

1. Take cold showers

This one shouldn’t be too hard, especially when the temperatures start to rise! When you take long, hot showers, the water tends to dry out your skin. On the flip side, cold water tightens your pores, which prevents them from getting clogged. Additionally, if you get a nasty sunburn (which can deplete your skin of moisture), a cold shower will soothe the burn while repairing skin cells.

2. Exfoliate a few times a week

Exfoliating is a great way to keep your skin hydrated because it removes all the dry, dead skin that accumulates. This helps rejuvenate your skin while allowing moisturizing products to sink in more deeply. Obvious places to exfoliate are your heels and elbows, but using a gentle scrub all over your body 2 or 3 times a week can be really beneficial (just don't over-exfoliate, which can damage skin). Here’s a natural 2-ingredient body scrub recipe that’s easy to make and smells delicious!

Ingredients:

• ½ cup coconut oil
• ¾ cup brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional)

How to make it:

1. Measure out the coconut oil and place in a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Microwave for about 20 seconds, or until it has a liquid consistency.
3. Add the brown sugar and extract. Mix well.
4. Apply all over body in the shower and rinse off well.

The coconut oil naturally hydrates your skin, while the sugar removes rough patches, so you’re guaranteed to feel silky smooth afterwards!

3. Moisturize in the morning and at night

The simplest way to hydrate your skin is to apply moisturizer! When it comes to your face, it’s important to keep your skin hydrated both day and night because dry skin is more susceptible to wrinkles and sun damage. In the morning, make sure your moisturizer is oil-free and contains a SPF. A great one to try is Neutrogena's Oil Free Moisturizer with SPF 15 ($12.99). It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and won’t clog your pores. Plus, it protects your face from the sun for up to twelve hours! At night, use something PM-specific, since your skin goes into repair mode when you're sleeping, and it's important to use a treatment that works with that process. Try Burt’s Bees Intense Hydration Night Cream ($17.99)—the formula will leave your face feeling soft and smooth when you wake up and improve your skin’s ability to retain moisture the next day!

4. Snack on fresh berries

It doesn’t matter if you love blueberries, strawberries or raspberries; fresh berries are great for healing dry skin. With antioxidants and vitamin C, berries help protect your skin from damage while repairing cells. The juice from berries also helps hydrate your skin, so it’s like you’re moisturizing from the inside out! Check out this berry smoothie recipe, perfect for sipping by the pool on a hot day!

In a blender, combine: 

• ½ cup vanilla soymilk (or milk of your choice)
• ½ cup fresh blueberries
• 1 cup fresh strawberries
• 6 ounces of non-fat vanilla yogurt (or yogurt of your choice)

5. Use products with aloe vera

You already know that aloe vera is a great remedy for sunburn, but that's not the only time you should be using it; it also can help keep your skin hydrated when used daily. Packed with vitamin C and E, aloe vera moisturizes your skin and improves its elasticity. We recommend Vaseline's Intensive Care Total Moisture Aloe Fresh Body Lotion ($3.99). Its lightweight and non-greasy formula is perfect for every day use. For best results, apply it to clean, slightly moist skin after you take a shower.

6. Apply a face mask once a week

Another way to moisturize your face is by using a face mask! They’re great for hydrating all your skin’s layers in just a few minutes. Just remember to only use a face mask once a week because overuse can actually dry out and irritate your skin. If you’re looking to buy a face mask, check out Freeman's Feeling Beautiful Cucumber Facial Peel-Off Mask ($4.29). The combination of the cucumbers and aloe will deeply hydrate your skin while the peel-away consistency will help eliminate dry skin and blackheads. Looking for something more natural? Try this recipe, which uses avocado and honey!

Ingredients:

• ½ very ripe avocado
• ¼ cup honey

How to make it:

1. Gently mash up the avocado in a bowl.
2. Add the honey and mix well.
3. Apply to face and let dry for 10 minutes. Rinse off.

How will you keep your skin hydrated this season, collegiettes? 

With popular health fads like the Paleo diet that revolve around protein, it can be confusing to determine how much of the nutrient we really need.  However, it’s important to remember that we do need protein, as it builds and maintains our body tissues; produces antibodies, enzymes and hormones all the while being the primary component of muscles, skin, nails, hair and internal organs; according to nutritionist, chef and author Patty James. So if you’re worried about the amount of protein you’re currently consuming or you’re not sure how to get it, we’ve got you covered!

The importance of protein in your diet

Protein builds and maintains different parts of our bodies—we’re actually made of it!

“Protein is found in every cell of the human body,” says Jennifer Calo, clinical registered dietitian and nutritionist at Compass Nutrition. The nutrient itself is comprised of building blocks called amino acids, and these are what are available in different food combinations.

“Having a decent supply of amino acids on hand is important so that your body can do whatever it needs to,” says nutritionist and dietician Susan Holmberg. Furthermore, if you don’t consume protein, your body will start pulling it out of your muscles and bones to keep your organs working. Overtime, without protein, the result can be fatal.

Controlling your protein intake

While everyone’s protein intake differs, the average American eats more protein than he or she needs, as studies by the American Heart Association show. While this may seem harmless, the American Heart Association also says that overindulging in protein-rich foods raises health risks for conditions like coronary heart disease, diabetes, stroke and several types of cancer. The reason for this is most often, the foods packed with protein are also packed with fat, the real cause of these health problems. However, overindulging on protein alone puts stress on the kidneys, potentially causing kidney malfunction, Calo says. Other risks include dehydration, due to the immense amount of water needed to break down protein, along with an increased risk of osteoporosis due to the calcium loss that occurs when protein metabolizes, Calo says.

How much is just right?

So how much do you really need? Registered dietitian Adrienne Raimo says too much protein for one person can be the perfect amount for another. While this complicates things, there are plenty of ways to determine how much is right for you!

Generally speaking, “your intake of protein should be approximately 25 percent of your daily caloric intake,” James says. Breaking that down, the average woman needs 50 to 60 grams of protein a day. With this being a very general number, you can use a protein calculator to estimate how much you need based on your individual body weight and your activity level.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that the only 100 percent accurate way to know how much protein your body needs is to ask your doctor, as there are plenty of other factors that determine how much protein you need, including age, activity level, health conditions and more.

Good sources of protein

According to Calo, there are a variety of options to get your protein for every time of the day. Broken down by meal, she offers several different yummy options to ensure you are getting enough protein. Additionally, each food has the approximated amount of protein listed, along with the total for the whole meal.

Non-vegetarian and non-vegan foods

Breakfast:

• Two-egg omelet (12 grams) with ground turkey breast (23 grams) and sautéed veggies (7 grams) = approximately 42 grams of protein
• One cup plain yogurt (12 grams) mixed with one cup berries (2 grams) and 1/2 cup Fiber One cereal (2 grams) = approximately 16 grams of protein
• One whole-wheat tortilla (4 grams) with two scrambled eggs (12 grams) and black beans, tomatoes and spinach (3 grams) = approximately 19 grams of protein
• Egg white frittata (17 grams) with mixed veggies (7 grams) and goat cheese (6 grams)  = approximately 30 grams of protein

Lunch:

• Large salad with mixed greens (1 gram), 4 ounces grilled chicken (21 grams), 1 tablespoon seeds (8 grams) and 1/4 cup feta cheese with olive oil and vinegar (4 grams) = approximately 34 grams of protein
• Tuna salad sandwich (16 grams) on two slices wheat bread (6 grams) = approximately 22 grams or protein
• Turkey burger (25 grams) on whole-wheat bun (6 grams) = approximately 31 grams of protein
• Whole-wheat pita (4 grams) with 3-4 ounces sliced turkey (23 grams), one slice low-fat cheese (8 grams) and veggies (7 grams) = approximately 42 grams of protein

Dinner:

• Turkey chili with kidney beans or black beans (33 grams) and shredded cheese (4 grams) = approximately 37 grams of protein
• Lettuce wraps with shredded chicken and avocado = approximately 29 grams of protein
• 4-5 ounces baked salmon or tilapia (23 grams) with roasted cauliflower and broccoli (3 grams) and 1/2 cup brown rice (3 grams) = approximately 29 grams of protein
• Grilled shrimp (23 grams), mixed veggies (7 grams) and one small sweet potato (2 grams) = approximately 32 grams of protein
• Grilled pork tenderloin (23 grams) with mixed greens salad (1 gram) = approximately 24 grams of protein

Snacks:

• Hard-boiled egg = approximately 6 grams of protein
• 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese (23 grams) with fruit (1 gram) = approximately 24 grams of protein
• 2-3 ounces turkey slices (23 grams) with whole-wheat crackers (3 grams) and one cup of yogurt (12 grams) = approximately 38 grams of protein

Vegetarian and vegan options

Breakfast:

• Tofu scramble with avocado and salsa = approximately 25 grams of protein
• One cup steel-cut oats (6 grams) with one tablespoon almond butter (2 grams) and chia seeds (4 grams) = approximately 12 grams of protein
• Smoothie with almond milk, banana and flaxseed = approximately 24 grams of protein

Lunch:

• Whole-wheat wrap (4 grams) with black beans (9 grams), quinoa (4 grams), hummus (2 grams) and veggies (3 grams) = approximately 22 grams of protein
• Lentil soup (11 grams) with whole-wheat roll (4 grams) = approximately 15 grams of protein
• Vegetarian split pea soup = approximately 14 grams of protein
• Kale (2 grams) and quinoa (4 grams) salad with walnuts (4 grams) and cranberries = approximately 10 grams of protein

Dinner:

• Butternut squash (2 grams) with quinoa (4 grams) and black beans (10 grams) = approximately 16 grams of protein
• Three-bean chili = approximately 26 grams of protein
• Brown rice (5 grams) with tempeh (10 grams) = approximately 15 grams of protein
• Black bean burger (11 grams) or veggie burger (11 grams) on sprouted grain bread (4 grams) = approximately 15 grams of protein

Snacks:

• Handful of almonds or pumpkin seeds = approximately 6 grams of protein
• Raw veggies (5 grams) with two tablespoons hummus (2 grams) = approximately 7 grams of protein
• A slice of wheat bread (3 grams) with a tablespoon almond or peanut butter (4 grams) = approximately 7 grams of protein
• One sliced banana (1 gram) with two tablespoons nut butter (8 grams) = approximately 9 grams of protein
• Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt = approximately 11 grams of protein
• One cup bean salad = approximately 10 grams of protein

All of these foods are not only rich in protein, but also filled with other vitamins and nutrients that your body needs!

Your body needs protein! However, it’s important to know how much is enough without overdoing it. With these different foods in your diet, you’ll be healthy and happy.  

It doesn’t matter if you’re hitting the beach or hanging with friends at a BBQ, you have to have awesome music this Independence Day! To celebrate the 4th, here are 7 playlists to rock out to all weekend long.   

For your road trip

One of the best parts of the 4th of July is hitting the beach. Of course, you, your friends, your family and everyone else in your state all have the same idea. Because it’s a holiday weekend, you know you’re going to hit traffic at some point. To make your drive a little less misreable, keep this playlist on hand. It has all of your favorite jams, perfect for singing along. So roll down the windows and rock on!

BBQ with family

Hot dogs, hamburgers and awesome tunes; what could be better? 4th of July is basically an excuse to barbeque with family members you haven’t seen all year. You’ll be the life of the party with this diverse playlist, with favorites you and your cousins love, plus some old school goodies for your parents, aunts and uncles.

Going out with friends

Whether you’re going to a house party or whether you'll be bar-hopping, this is the perfect playlist for a night out. It’s great for dancing and singing at the top of your lungs, guaranteed to make some unforgettable summer memories.

Rocking out in the morning

Our parents love to tell us about "when music was better in the good old days." Well, if you’ve ever listened to classic rock, you can see where they’re coming from. If not, give it a chance! You’ll be surprised how many classics you know, and they’re feel-good songs that you and your parents can rock out to over breakfast.

Beach day jams

If you don’t go to the beach (and Instagram something), did you even celebrate 4th of July? This weekend is the ideal opportunity to relax, unwind and soak up some sun! Paired with this chill playlist, you’ll enjoy the sand and surf all day long.

Poolside chilling

If you can’t make it to the beach, hopefully you’ll get to lie out by the pool! And what says summer chilling better than some country music? There’s always a handful of country songs dedicated to America, making it the perfect playlist for this weekend. Whether you’re a fan of Luke Bryan or not, country music is great way to get in the summer mood.

Throwbacks, just for fun

Warning: this playlist may cause spontaneous dance parties and off-key singing. No matter whether you’re visiting friends, catching up with family or hanging with your SO, everyone loves a good throwback playlist. These songs are guaranteed to bring you right back to your childhood, and we’re certain you still know all the words.

From driving jams to dance party mixes, we’ve got you covered! Celebrate America all weekend long with these awesome playlists. 

Whether it’s over the phone or over a college break, moms seem to always have a lineup of questions that would put the Spanish Inquisition to shame. By now they really should know that not only did curiosity kill the cat, but that collegiettes often tend to stretch the truth when it comes to relaying information about our social lives. Regardless of whether you are giving your mom the 101 about the cutie in your history lecture or you accidentally slipped up and dished about a late night out, the mom vs. social life conversation is sometimes a tricky one to navigate. Any collegiette who has had this conversation with her mom will be able to relate to these stages all too well.

1. When the conversation starts, she is super excited to hear about everything that you have been up to since the last time you two talked.

2. She wants to know every little thing that is happening in her favorite daughter’s life.

3. You tell her about your classes, your friends and your extracurricular activities as she listens intently.

4. She seems slightly confused (maybe even suspicious) about why you’re staying up until two in the morning most nights when you have 8 a.m. classes.

5. Then, it happens. You accidentally let it slip that your party-to-studying ratio might be a little bit party-heavy and her interest level is instantly increased to 100—and maybe not in a good way.

6. You try to back track by saying that you actually don’t really go out that much, but she’s not buying it.

7. She insists that you can tell her because, you know, she’s a cool mom.

8. Initially, she seems happy to hear that you actually have friends and that your Netflix account gets a break.

9. It seems to be going well, so you tell her about all the parties you and your friends have gone to and what frat houses you wouldn’t be caught dead at.

10. Everything is fun and games until she asks you how you have time for all of these parties with a full class load on your plate...

11. And how much sleep you REALLY get.

12. She then figures out how to tie in the fact that you never call her as an added attack bonus.

13. In an attempt to distract her from the fact that you are obviously failing as a daughter, you start telling her a hilarious story from one of your nights out.

14. Given the fact that she isn’t cracking up, you can tell that a lecture is brewing.

15. To prove to her that you actually do own clothes other than leggings, you show her one of your super cute “party” outfits, but she doesn’t seem impressed.

16. She keeps pointing out the fact that you are an adult and all that she wants is for you to make good choices.

17. At this point, you decide to steer the conversation in another direction and tell her about the guy that you have been dating.

18. Of course if you tell a mom about a boy, she’s going to want to know everything.

19. She tries to be nonchalant about it, but she obviously wants to know if you’re being safe.

20. Cool mom might make a cameo appearance again and you’re not sure how to feel about it.

21. But then the mama bear you know and love resurfaces.

Despite the ups and downs of the conversation, you are so glad that you can tell your mom anything and still have her unconditional love and support. However the next time she asks what you’ve been up to, you might want to be a bit more cautious about how much you let on.

Tan lines have recently become a standard of beauty; girls are constantly trying to obtain those streaks of color across their hips. Now, they’re taking it further and creating what they call #SunburnArt—using sunblock or stencils to cover patterns on the skin, and then tanning, or even burning, to reveal an almost “reverse” tattoo. It’s an easy way for girls to show how tan they’ve become this summer, while also revealing a cute design on their skin. The problem can be found in the damage to the skin that comes with sunburn art. By exposing the skin to harsh UV rays, and even aiming to become sunburned, girls are increasing their risk of skin damage tenfold.

Tina Alster, M.D., is the director at the Washington Institute of Dermatologic Laser Surgery, and she has some strong words when prompted about the new trend. “To use the sun to do that is ridiculous," she said. "I have people coming into my office all day long for sunspots and wrinkles, and these people will be doing the same in another 20 years. The problem is people don't see the damage right away, but everyone shows it down the line. Your skin never forgets. It serves as a memory bank for all the sun damage you acquire over the years."

Using the sun to create an imprint in the skin is a dangerous venture, and dermatologists warn against it. Intentionally sunburning the skin is incredibly dangerous and raises the risk for melanoma. Once the #sunburnart hashtag became more popular on social media, the senior vice president of the Skin Cancer Foundation, Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD, released a statement on behalf of the Foundation.

“The Skin Cancer Foundation strongly advises the public to avoid sunburns at all costs,” she stated. “A sunburn is not only painful – it’s dangerous, and comes with consequences. Sunburns cause DNA damage to the skin, accelerate skin aging and increase your lifetime skin cancer risk. In fact, sustaining five or more sunburns in youth increases lifetime melanoma risk by 80 percent. On average, a person’s risk for melanoma doubles if he or she has had more than five sunburns.” Using these statistics, the Skin Cancer Foundation hopes that their statement can deter at least a few from using sunburn art.

Research shows that it doesn’t matter whether you burn or tan—any exposure to UV rays will ultimately change the DNA in your skin. Deep tans and burns can fragment the collagen in the skin, and make it appear old. An increase in sun exposure will rapidly increase the speed at which the skin ages, which is not something that everyone thinks about when they tan.

While the “art” that emerges from sunburn art may appeal to some, it’s important to remember that there are other, safer ways to achieve the look. Perhaps look into a self tanner to use at home, like Loving Tan or Jergens Natural Glow. Both brands have perfected their formula to provide a natural tan that can easily fool others into thinking you spent hours in the sun. By using alternative methods and avoiding extensive tanning, especially the sunburn art trend, you can maintain healthy, glowing skin and prevent developing any kind of dangerous skin cancer.

Clueless is turning twenty this year, which is giving us all the feels.  There's a reason Cher Horowitz is still our favorite fashion icon—her determination and unapologetic attitude compliment her killer tartan in the most perfect way.

Now you never have to give up those witty one-liners and that stellar style—Her Campus is partnering with NYC based jewelry brand Ryan Porter to giveaway a Clueless-inspired prize pack!

Two lucky winners will receive three staples from the Ryan Porter Totally Clueless Collection—an "As If" beaded bracelet on a classy golden chain, an adorable "Totally Buggin'" zip pouch for all of your essentials and a "FULL-ON MONET" pencil to channel our iconic idol in class.

Ready to epitomize style and sass?  Enter now below!

Ryan Porter Giveaway

Fashion can be wacky, to say the least. But there are some things out there that are just plain weird. A sleeping bag you can wear? A cowboy boot, flip-flop hybrid? We’re all about taking a risk for style’s sake, but we can’t believe these 7 fashion items actually exist.

1. Mona Lisa Swanson tee

Want. Need. Have to have. We admit it’s a shocking visual at first, but this Shelfies tee ($27.09) is something we can no longer live without.

2. Cowboy boot sandals

We are so not cool with these boot sandals ($50). Like, where would you even wear them? Never mind. We don’t want to know.

3. Wearable sleeping bags

We don’t need a lame camping excuse to don Amazon’s wearable sleeping bag ($129.99). Whenever we feel like napping outside our apartments, this will be our new go-to!

4. Muscle-printed leggings

Despite what some thrifty designer thought, we’re not interested in seeing the muscles inside our legs displayed on the outside. Come to think of it, these spandex leggings from Amazon ($5.15) make us feel a little queasy.

5. Harness

Yes, we’ve heard that Taylor Swift thinks a harness—this one is $38 from Nasty Gal—worn over normal everyday clothes is the next big thing. But we’re not going to jump on this bandwagon quite so fast. We’re calling it: fad!

6. Hug me jacket

We think this odd outerwear was a bit of a failed experiment in 2012. After all, we don’t recall ever being given the chance to purchase a jacket that literally hugs you all day long.

7. '90s explosion sweater

This is the sweater to end all sweaters. We didn’t think you could fit this much weird into one piece of clothing, but boy were we wrong! And it can be yours for just $47.82 at Shelfies.

Will you be trying out any of these bizarre fashion items, collegiettes?

This article has been syndicated to Her Campus from Revamperate by Holly Wade, a Her Campus Blogger Network member. Read the full post here.

With 4th of July around the corner, I’m getting really excited! I’m headed back to San Diego for a family reunion—and there will be a pool and BBQ, which is really all I want for 4th of July.

But what do you bring to a 4th of July BBQ? Dessert! At least that’s what I bring because, let’s face it, that’s pretty much all I can make. These cute and delicious patriotic berry pound cake push pops are a great individual treat so you don’t have to worry about trash or having to cut anything up. These push pop containers are pretty easy to find these days.

Plus, I made these the easy way with pre-made angel food pound cake and made the whipped cream from scratch. With some cut up strawberries and blueberries, these are quick and easy to put together.

Ingredients:

• One loaf of pound cake (I purchased mine pre-made)
• Blueberries, strawberries and/or raspberries
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup sugar Push Pop containers

Read the full post on Revamperate.

As beauty enthusiasts here at the Beauty School Blog, it’s hard not to go a little overboard when it comes to testing out exciting new products. And we need to make sure we’re trying out a generous portion of our new cleanser, moisturizer or hair products, right? Not quite.

Since we also love saving money, we decided to look into how much of our favorite products we really need to use in order to get the optimal benefit. It turns out that we can use a lot less product while still achieving the same results. Check out these beauty “portion sizes” to get the most out of your products!

Facial Cleanser: Dime-Sized Portion

Murad Time Release Acne Cleanser - $32

This amount of cleanser should be enough to cleanse your face and neck without irritating or drying out your skin. This applies to liquid cleansers, but if you prefer a foaming cleanser, one pump should do the trick. 

Eye Cream: Penny-Sized Portion

Benefit Cosmetics "It's Potent!" Eye Cream - $34

Divide this amount between the area around both of your eyes, gently patting the cream with your ring finger underneath your eyes. Be careful not to overdo it with eye cream, since using too much will actually irritate your eyes and can complicate makeup application.

Moisturizer: Quarter-Sized Portion

Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion - $26

Apply a quarter-sized dollop to your face and neck to keep your skin hydrated and smooth. When using a night cream you may find that you can use even less, since nighttime formulas can be more concentrated than their daytime counterparts.

Shampoo: Blackberry-Sized Portion for Short Hair & Strawberry-Sized Portion for Long Hair

L'Oréal Paris Total Repair 5 Restoring Shampoo - $4.99

The amount of shampoo you need to effectively cleanse your hair depends on how long your hair is. Begin shampooing your hair at the roots and concentrate most of the product there, and slowly lather until you’ve reached about halfway down your strands.

Conditioner: Cherry-Sized Portion for Short Hair & Two Raspberries-Worth for Long Hair

L'Oréal Paris Total Repair 5 Restoring Conditioner - $4.99

Using too much conditioner will only weigh your hair down, so just use enough to make sure the mid-length and ends of your hair receive some TLC. For gals with extra dry locks, add an extra dollop as needed. When using a deep conditioner or a hair mask, you’ll want to apply a larger amount of product, about the size of an apricot, to make sure your hair is thoroughly coated and drenched with moisture and benefits.

Styling Cream: One to Two Pumpkin Seeds-Worth

Living Proof Frizz Styling Cream - $26

To avoid greasy strands, apply a few small pumps of styling cream about the size of two pumpkin seeds. Allow the product to spread evenly throughout your locks and comb if desired. With hair serums and oils, opt to use a little less, as they moisturize more deeply. Since every product is different, make sure you read the bottle as well to see what the brand recommends.

Mousse: Mandarin Orange-Sized Portion

Dove Style + Care Nourishing Amplifier Mousse - $3.49

Since mousse is still concentrated despite how light and airy it feels, you won’t want to overdo it. Otherwise, you’ll end up with the dreaded “mousse crunch” our middle-school selves knew all too well. Start small with a small handful of mousse about the size of a mandarin orange, and add a bit extra only if needed.

To keep your skin healthy and your hair looking ***flawless, follow these beauty portion guidelines!

What are some of your favorite beauty products? Are you guilty of using too much of your favorite products?