We all know that running is a fantastic workout, but we don’t necessarily know the best way to run. If you always run at the same pace, that doesn’t mean that you’re training poorly—it just means that you could be training better! Mixing up your speed will help you get fitter and faster in less time.

Next time you lace up your sneakers to get in a little cardio, try this “stoplight” method from Women’s Running instead. Think of this workout in three speeds: green (easy), yellow (moderate), and red (difficult). You can do this workout on a treadmill or on your runs outside, as long as you have a watch or phone to time yourself. Good luck, collegiettes—we know you can do it!

So there’s this girl you hang out with. She’s really cool and so much fun to be around, but there’s just one problem: She never asks about your life, and she makes everything about her. When you need her, she’s not there, and she often chooses other people over you. Are you in a one-sided friendship? It sure seems like it. Check out how to deal with these confusing situations.

How to tell if your friendship is one-sided

According to Jan Yager, Ph.D., an assistant professor of sociology at the City University of New York and author of When Friendship Hurts, there is a general rule for friendships: “Just as it takes two people to want to begin and cultivate and maintain a friendship, it takes both friends wanting to improve the friendship and valuing the friendship [in order to create balance],” Dr. Yager says. We laid out the signs that your friendship doesn’t fit this description.

It’s all about her

A healthy friendship should be an exchange, with both friends giving as much as they take from each other. According to Melanie Ross Mills, a life coach and author of The Friendship Bond, if your friend is self-absorbed and never considers your wants and needs, you’re in a one-sided friendship. She is gaining more from the friendship than you are, and she could be manipulating you.

Erica*, a student at Juniata College, knows this situation all too well. “Oftentimes, I feel as though [my friend] is the one doing most of the talking,” Erica says. “When she talks, I ask questions and listen. I'm rarely asked about my own life, and if I do talk about myself, she's not listening and is usually texting.”

A good friend should be “extremely aware of the other person’s needs, especially in college, when there’s so much going on,” Mills says. She should “have a mental timer in [her] head for how much time [she] talked about [herself],” and ask you questions about your life to balance it out and show she cares. If your friend always makes the conversation about herself, this is a red flag.

In more extreme cases, your friend might make you feel like she can’t deal with her issues without your help, but never reciprocates your caring attitude.

“I once had a friend who basically only really talked to me when she was having some sort of crisis, which was about 24/7,” says Caroline*, a senior at Franklin & Marshall College. “She would make me feel super guilty if I couldn't solve all her problems for her. She would call me or IM me in tears, and then I would have to deal with all her emotional drama and baggage until she was somewhat functional again.” This kind of neediness is a definite sign of an imbalanced friendship.

You want different things out of the friendship

Just like in any relationship, two people can enter a friendship with different expectations. “For example, one young woman could want a best friendship and the other young woman could want a casual friendship, or only one of the young women could want a friendship of any kind,” Dr. Yager says. “So it could be whether or not both women want to be friends with each other as well as whether both women agree on the level of commitment and intimacy to their friendship.”

Sometimes friendships start out reciprocal but fade with time. “I discovered this my freshman year with one of my roommates,” says Tiffany, a sophomore at the University of Arkansas.

Tiffany’s originally awesome friendship became so one-sided that her friend was basically using her. “She started shutting herself away from me, but still accepted all of the little things I did for her,” Tiffany explains. “I slowly started to realize that I was becoming a ride or someone to sit with in the dining hall just so that she would feel comfortable. I guess somewhere down the line she became bored with our friendship.”

It’s probably time to reconsider your friendship if it gets to the point where your friend doesn’t contribute anything to it anymore.

How one-sided friendships happen in the first place

Your friend might be getting something out of the friendship that she’s not willing to let go, Mills explains. This could be anything from the status you bring her to the clothes you let her borrow. A common mistake is to choose a friend for the wrong reasons, whether you’re the one using your friend or she’s the one using you.

If you’re on the giving side of the friendship, you might also lack confidence, according to Mills. “When you have low self-esteem, you are not able to stay in places [i.e., friendships] that are good for you,” she says.

For Dr. Yager, both people having different expectations is one of the most common explanations behind one-sided friendships. “It's so easy to find oneself in a one-sided friendship, whether at college or at work or at any other phase in one's life, especially a temporary one, like college,” Dr. Yager says.

But there are many other factors that come into play. For instance, “timing is important,” she explains. “If one woman is just too busy with college and perhaps a part-time job or even a boyfriend … it could just not be the time to become her friend.”

Unfortunately, sometimes the problem is more personal. One collegiette could simply have enough friends already or, worse yet, dislike the other one.

How to avoid this situation

When making new friends, “look for consistency,” Mills says. “Look for someone who really cares. Sometimes you might not be choosing the best people to help you develop [who you are]. Both people need to be as invested as each other, both willing to do what it takes.”

Your sense of self-value is equally crucial in order to avoid finding yourself in an unequal friendship. According to Mills, “sometimes you have a strong sense of who you are and feel comfortable giving without expecting anything in return,” especially if you know your friend isn’t able to give back. In this situation, you know what you’re doing and you’re fully willing to help your friend through a hard time.

On the other hand, sometimes being needed this much is filling a gap for you, and you might not recognize it. For instance, you could give gifts for the praise it brings you in return.

In order to avoid this situation, “You can do a self-check,” Mills says. “Look at your motives: ‘Am I disappointed when I don’t get appreciated in return?’” We all need to feel loved, secure and significant, but you should never rely on one person for all three.

“Internal strength is so important,” Mills says. “Know who you are and what you have to offer, and identify what others have to bring to the table.”

If you spot any signs that a girl you like isn’t 100 percent ready to be your close friend, simply “don’t let her into your trust,” Mills says. She could be fun to be with, and that’s great! It’s all about being able to distinguish between true and fair-weather friends. As long as you can make that distinction, it’s totally okay to hang out with a girl whom you wouldn’t necessarily trust as a close friend.

What to do when your friendship is one-sided

If she’s distancing herself

If your friend seems less invested in your friendship than she used to be, it’s probably a sign that she’s grown and evolved into someone else. Mills’ advice is to keep her around, but to “move her to a different type of friendship.” So instead of considering her one of your besties, try to think of her as a “comfortable friend”: someone who’s nice to hang out with. If you do this, “your expectations will change,” Mills explains. “And sometimes, you don’t have to communicate this shift to your friend.” It’s a decision you make for your own good, and if she doesn’t expect more from you, she doesn’t need to know about it.

If you want to fix the friendship

If you’ve been very close to your friend for a long time and your relationship starts to feel one-sided, it might just be a phase. “Depending upon what else is going on in [your friend’s] life, the friendship can be more or less important to [her],” Dr. Yager says. “[You] can discuss it and see if there's a way that the friend who is less invested in the friendship could show more concern.”

Getting your friend to understand that she isn’t giving enough to the friendship will not be easy. “Be honest without freaking her out,” Mills says. “You don’t want to come across as needy.”

Put yourself in your friend’s shoes, as she could be going through a hard time. Express concern; don’t blame her for anything. Mills suggests saying something like, “I’ve missed you; let’s get lunch and talk about what’s going on with you.” If you make it about her—especially if she is in fact having a hard time—she will be more likely to meet you halfway.

If you need to let her go

If you’ve been reaching out to your friend time and time again and she always turns you down, you might want to take a hint, according to Mills. “Go where you’re wanted,” she says. “Believe that there’s someone better for you. Find people who will help you grow or who you can help grow.”

If your friendship is truly toxic, there’s no easy solution. “You just can’t stay in it,” Mills says. “Respect the person as you want to be respected and ask yourself: ‘How would I want to be treated if someone was breaking up with me?’ You wouldn’t want them to withdraw without talking, so be honest, don’t leave them wondering and don’t be mean.”

When deciding what to say, “You want to emphasize that you're ending the friendship because the way the two of you interact isn't working, not [because] you're rejecting her personally,” Dr. Yager says.

Don’t jump into the conversation while bitter or angry. “Explain it in a way that doesn’t hurt or shame her,” Mills says. “Explain that you’re transitioning.”

Although direct communication is almost always the best solution, “you also have to be mindful of whether or not you live in the same dorm or are in classes together, so that more subtle ways of dealing with the friendship might work out better than a dramatic confrontational ending,” Dr. Yager says. This could mean “‘being ‘busy’ with the hope that the toxic friend will get the hint.”

If guilt is keeping you from letting go of your friend, remember that “you need to be wise in who you invest in,” Mills says. “You can only invest so much and in so many people. Invest in yourself first so you have it to give.”

As for a friend who is worryingly needy, keep in mind that you cannot fix her. Instead, suggest she get counseling. This dysfunctional codependence is too much for you, and you need to outsource. However, this is a very difficult conversation to have. It will only work if she is willing to help herself.

“She won’t do the work if she doesn’t want to do it,” Mills explains. “You could offer to go with her.”

As for bringing up counseling in the first place, Mills suggests that you reframe the concept. Say “tools” instead of “counseling” or “help.” This is so important, because professionals are third parties who know better than both of you how to work through this situation.

In Tiffany’s words, “realizing that you're a victim of an unreciprocated friendship is really hard, but you learn from it!” People will move in and out of your life, and you should know that that’s okay. Experiencing a one-sided friendship will help you understand who your real friends are, and that in itself is special.

“Hold onto those friendships,” Mills says. “Don’t take them for granted, because they are few and far between.” If you’ve found great people who make you feel loved and important, so be sure to keep those people around!

*Names have been changed.

Saying that this week’s episode of The Bachelorette was intense would be a huge understatement. Kaitlyn was still dealing with the fallout from her off-camera romp with Nick, which slightly overshadowed her dates and dismissals of a few more would-be husbands. Throughout the evening, we couldn’t help but think that we were watching a bad romantic drama. The giant swells of violin music, the constant jealousy, guys storming off defiantly... Here are 13 moments we could’ve sworn came straight out of the movies.

1. They all (think they) love her

The Bachelorette always has to take things one step further than necessary, so Kaitlyn upgraded from a love triangle to a love hexagon this week. We really don’t buy that five guys are in love with her, but it would just be too boring if every one of them didn’t at least pretend to be, right?

2. The background music

Never has music been more extreme than it was during this episode. The insanely loud, melodramatic violins had us feeling like these people were heading off to battle rather than taking an all-expenses-paid jaunt around Ireland.

3. Ben H., the unlovable virgin

As if we didn’t have enough going on already, of course we needed Kaitlyn to jump to the crazy conclusion that Ben H. might be a virgin… just because he said he’s looking forward to talking in the fantasy suite. Ben H. was all too happy to announce he’s done the deed before—is it just us, or did she look relieved?

4. Joe’s cold goodbye

We know this franchise likes to stir up trouble, but what we’ll never truly know is if Joe was scorning Kaitlyn or producers when he stormed off in his oddly childish final moments on the show. We like to think Joe’s blindsided embarrassment justifies his somewhat harsh behavior, but editing sure made him look like a real jerk.

5. Kaitlyn’s nervous—and drawn out—confession

Kaitlyn felt she had to tell Shawn what happened between her and Nick. Except when she opened her mouth to speak nothing came out for a while. After all, getting to the point would be far too simple and completely ruin the moment’s suspense.

6. The excruciating silence

We understand that you’re shocked, but say something, Shawn. For the love of Chris Harrison, say something!

7. Shawn’s “I want you” speech

The night’s biggest shocker came when Shawn decided to forgo all Bachelorette guidelines to react in a mature, adult manner. And as he was telling Kaitlyn how much he wants her we were surprisingly transported to a scene from The Notebook. Gosling FTW!

8. Nick fuels the fire

Even when Nick was on Andi’s season, he just didn’t know how to keep his mouth shut. Ever heard of internalization? You could practically see the guys’ blood boiling as Nick went on and on about his confidence in his relationship with Kaitlyn, while the camera panned around to catch every clenched jaw in the room.

9. Oh, the confidence

Nick’s confident. Shawn’s confident. Is anyone else left at this point? Not according to this episode. But you know the guy who boasts is usually the first to fall on his face.

10. Shawn can’t trust Kaitlyn

Flip-flopping through your feelings is a staple of romantic dramas, and Shawn wouldn’t want to disappoint the audience. He couldn’t stand the idea of accepting Kaitlyn’s rose until she answerd his questions about Nick. He can trust her; then he can’t. We’re going to need you to make up your mind, okay?

11. Jared puts on a brave face

Aww, poor Jared. We forgot you were here for a second. While telling Kaitlyn goodbye, we were pretty sure Jared was just as okay as he said he was. But as soon as the rejection van’s sliding door closed came the waterworks. A real man is always strong in front of his lady, even if she’s not his lady anymore. (At least that’s what we learned from all those Nicholas Sparks films.)

12. Nick and Kaitlyn eat the most awkward of breakfasts

Gone are the days when an episode ended with a rose ceremony, so suddenly we were off to the first overnight date with Nick. We really want to extend a humble thank you to whoever edited out the bedroom portion of their evening because we’ve had about all of their sex life we can take at this point. But apparently these dates now culminate with the couple being forced to eat breakfast together. Did anyone else hear crickets as Nick and Kaitlyn scarfed down room service in their jammies?

13. Shawn and Nick’s uncomfortable faceoff

This moment felt staged on so many levels. Yelling over each other, Shawn politely holding the door for the camera man to follow him into Nick’s hotel room, the extremely close quarters, and the abrupt need for confrontation. Ugh, cool down fellas.

What did you think about the dramatics of this week’s episode, collegiettes?

What’s better than a iced coffee on a hot summer morning? Try Starbucks’s cold brew, the company’s newest coffee drink, recently added to all locations across the country.

While this isn’t news for Starbucks lovers in the Northeast (they’ve been enjoying the new artisanal blend since March), now everyone can try this unique twist on traditional iced coffee.

What makes cold brew different from regular iced coffee? For one thing, it’s slightly more expensive (about 50 cents more) but has a unique flavor, with hints of chocolate and citrus. It’s also not as strong as other blends, making it a smoother alternative for those who don’t like the bitterness of regular iced coffee.

How it’s made is also a little different as well! Regular iced coffee is brewed like hot coffee and cooled, while cold brew uses cold water and coffee grinds, brewed over 20 hours. Baristas have to make full day’s worth of cold brew at a time. Usually one batch uses 5 pounds of coffee, which produces about 60 cups.

So next time you stop by your local Starbucks, ask for the cold brew instead! Add the same flavor and cream as you would with regular iced coffee and enjoy its refreshing, smooth taste. 

Relationships can be messy, especially in the beginning. After all, committing to take care of another person can be difficult if you jump into a relationship too quickly or without taking a second to reflect on what you want from your campus cutie.

So what should you think about before change your Facebook status to “In a relationship”? Here are five things to consider:

1. Get involved for the right reasons.

One of the simplest questions to ask yourself is why you want a relationship in the first place. Is it because you really like this person, or are you trying to distract yourself from other problems?

Dr. Jane Greer, a New York-based relationship expert and author of What About Me? Stop Selfishness from Ruining Your Relationship, acknowledges that there are definitely some not-so-awesome reasons for entering a relationship. “Some wrong reasons for getting into a relationship are agreeing to go out just because he's more invested in it than you are and is making you feel guilty, starting a new relationship only because all of your friends are dating someone and being with someone just to feel secure with a partner rather than for the feelings you have for that particular guy,” she says.

Jackie*, a senior at Wesleyan University, didn’t think about her reasons for getting involved with her then-boyfriend, Conner*. “I had just gotten out of a pretty serious relationship that lasted over three years, and I met Conner about a month later and immediately decided to date him because I missed the companionship,” she says. “It ended up being the quintessential messy rebound relationship. We didn’t mesh well at all, I subconsciously compared him to my ex-boyfriend and, looking back, I feel like I just wasn’t fair to him.”

Overall, Jackie wishes she’d given more thought beforehand to why she wanted a relationship in the first place. “If I’d just stopped to think about it, I would’ve realized that I was doing it because I was hurt, not because I was invested in any type of future with Conner,” she says.

So how can you make sure that you’re not jumping into things too quickly? Dr. Greer suggests you go out with a couple of people to ensure that this relationship is the one you want. “Before college women invest all their time and energy into a single relationship, they should give themselves the opportunity to date multiple guys and be open to different types of people before settling down,” she says. Have a little fun hanging out with many different people!

2. Know how long you can see yourself with this person.

We’re not saying you have to be ready to marry this guy or girl, but are you looking for just a semester fling, or do you want something serious and long-term?

Jen*, a junior at the University of Colorado Boulder, knows how awkward it can be if you don’t answer this question before you really begin your relationship. “I started dating a guy named Lucas* in early June last summer and never really thought about where I wanted to take it, instead assuming it’d just be a summer fling,” she says. “Not knowing what I wanted led to a lot of arguments and fights about defining the relationship, which in turn spoiled a lot of the fun we could’ve had as a couple.”

Obviously, how long you see yourself being with a person determines how much time and energy you’re going to want to put into the relationship, so it’s important to figure out!

3. Make sure you know what your potential significant other wants, too.

As essential as it is to know where you stand, it’s just as crucial to make sure you’ve been talking with your beau and know what he or she is looking for, too. A breakdown of communication early on in a relationship is dangerous, so chat with your SO about the state of your relationship often.

Building on her experience, Jen wishes she had asked Lucas what he wanted a lot sooner. “Since I was vaguely interested in a summer fling, you can imagine how sticky the situation got when Lucas started talking about us visiting each other at school in the fall and spending Thanksgiving and Christmas together,” she says. “I really wish I’d said something about my intentions sooner.”

Jen emphasizes the importance of knowing where the other person stands when making your own decision about a relationship. “Had I been smart enough to ask Lucas sooner, I would’ve seen that he wanted something super serious and I didn’t,” she says. “In retrospect, I probably wouldn’t have starting dating him if I knew that.”

4. Know if you have enough time for a relationship.                                                                                                   

To state the obvious, relationships take a lot of time and energy, so if you don’t think you can give a serious time commitment to your campus cutie, you may want to reconsider whether or not you date him or her.

After all, dating isn’t just about going on actual dates (which do take up quite a bit of time as is). There’s all of the texting and calling you’ll be doing, the events you’ll be going to together, and just the general amount of time it takes to get to know another human being.

Dr. Greer reminds collegiettes of the importance of staying centered when in a relationship. “It's important to balance it out with spending time with friends and participating in campus activities,” she says. “College girls need to be open to possibilities and opportunities before making a decision on a relationship, and, once they're in one, they need to devote an equal amount of time to the boyfriend, their friends, their hobbies and schoolwork.”

Not sure how to see if you have enough time? Rachel, a junior at Florida State University, recommends talking to your beau before things get serious. “One thing I wish I’d done in a couple of my previous relationships was talk to my guy about how much we wanted to communicate and hang out on a daily and weekly basis,” she says. “It can be so exhausting spending all of your free time texting someone or turning down other things to hang out with your boyfriend if that’s not what you want.”

Rachel emphasizes that boundaries are extremely important. “You need to figure out how much communication you need from the other person,” she says. “Do you need to be in contact 24/7, or will just a quick ‘good morning’ text do on most days? Relationships aren’t always about the big romantic gestures; they’re about the little things, too.”

5. Know what sacrifices you’re willing to make.

Building on whether or not you have enough time for a relationship, how much time for other things are you willing to give up for your significant other? After all, just because you have the time doesn’t mean you want to be using it. Are you okay with spending 30 minutes every night talking to him on Skype if it’s long distance or having a date night with him every weekend? After all, Skyping takes away time from homework (or binge watching Netflix), and date nights mean less time with friends. How are you going to fit in everything?

Jackie had this issue with Conner. “Since I’d just gotten out of a really long-term relationship, I wanted something light and fun, but Conner wanted something way more serious,” she says. “He wanted us to text all the time and hang out several times a week, but I wasn’t willing to give up all of my extracurriculars and friend time to do things with him that much. It created a rift in our relationship pretty quickly.”

Rachel also notes that sacrifices can range from small to pretty serious. “I’ve dated long distance before, and that’s a huge sacrifice both time-wise and financially,” she says. “In contrast, I also once sacrificed eating meat so I could date a guy who was a staunch vegetarian! Honestly, sacrifices vary a lot, but you just have to make sure that you know what they are and whether or not you’re ready and able to make them.”

Not eating meat for a guy? We’re not sure we could do that!

Overall, getting into a new relationship can be scary, exciting and difficult all at the same time. By taking a step back and asking yourself some crucial questions, you can avoid some heartbreak and have a much healthier relationship from the start!

*Names have been changed.

Just when we thought it couldn’t get any worse than mean girl Regina George, Alison DiLaurentis flew onto the scene and rocked our worlds! Underneath her golden locks are mental files full of secrets. Behind that pretty smile is her weapon of a tongue, ready to manipulate anyone who crosses her path. There’s much to hate about this queen bee, yet there’s no denying how captivating, clever and gorgeous she is. You may be quick to think, “I could never be like Alison!” After all, she is a little sketchy and she definitely has had no trouble with being, well, a b*tch! But before you jump to conclusions about being more of a Spencer, Emily, Aria or Hanna, you may want to check out these 22 surefire signs you are not only the head honcho of your friend group, but you’re the Alison D!

1. Sugar-coating isn’t even a thing in your eyes

2. You don’t just change your look every now and then, you change your whole identity!

3. You consider lying to be an art form

And you've perfected said art. 

4. You have no problem with spilling the beans

5. If you didn’t know all of their deepest secrets, your friends may or MAY NOT be your friends

6. You’re not even fazed anymore about people constantly trying to hurt (read: kill) you

7. You’ve ruined perfectly good furniture without even batting an eyelash

8. You don’t even need a resting bitch face to be the HBIC! 

Your smile is much worse! 

9. You’ve got plenty to hide

10. But you generally don’t have time to keep up with all of your prized possessions

11. You’ve assigned your friends roles

12. And you have a legion of loyal followers

Who are all dressed to perfection, might we add! 

13. You know a thing or two about stroking an ego

14. And you’ve handed out threats like their compliments!

15. You have been known to lend out a favor or two

But not for free of course....

15. You’re nothing without something to hang over someone’s head

16. Your friends are swooning over your man candy older brother!

17. You’re considering “liar” as your first tat! 

Just waiting on mom and dad to give you the green light.

18. You always tell your girls what you’ve heard through the grapevine

19. You tend to think you’re untouchable

20. You can’t help but remind your friends what all you’ve done for them

They're beyond ready for you to retire that bit, ugh!  

21. You should have considered majoring in drama

22. But most of all…everyone fears you and still wants to be you!

UNIQLO has always been a very consciously-crafted brand. It’s simple, it’s versatile, and most importantly, it’s SO comfortable. In short, UNIQLO has never been shy of its own vision. It is fully committed to its nonconformity, and thus it is unsurprising that they are perhaps the largest mainstream retailer to partner with a Muslim designer to produce a line of clothing that fits the religion’s cultural demands. Headscarves and modest pieces are now on offer online as part of the Hana Tajima LifeWear Collection. Hana Tajima is a designer from the UK who converted to Islam when she was 17 years old.

A successful designer, Tajima’s partnership with UNIQLO is a successful mix of modern and traditional. While the garments align with more conservative coverage requirements, they maintain the classic UNIQLO balance of form and function, proving that modesty can be so, so chic.

Spoiler alert: your love life is not a Nicholas Sparks classic.

1. The Notebook: Noah asks Allie out with a grand, romantic gesture that’s impossible to refuse.

Your life: A guy shows you he’s interested in you by drunkenly grinding up on you at a frat party.

2. The Notebook: Noah and Allie’s first date is a movie (totally normal)... but then they go dancing in the street and basically fall in love instantly.

Your life: You and a guy have a “first date” in a dining hall. You eat questionable meat loaf and text other people the entire time.

3. The Notebook: Allie and Noah’s first kiss is straight steamy. No first kiss has ever gone that well.

Your life: Your last kiss was with that cute guy from your calc class (you think?) at the bar. It was a little sloppy, but it still counts, right?

4. The Notebook: Noah writes Allie a letter every. Single. Day. For a year.

Your life: The guy you've been hooking up with finally responds to your text from yesterday... at 2 a.m.

5. The Notebook: For Noah and Allie, fights last about 3.2 seconds and are immediately resolved with kisses.

Your life: A fight with your boyfriend usually ends with you ugly-crying and the silent treatment. For three days.

6. The Notebook: Noah says cute, overly romantic things, all the time, forever and ever.

Your life: The last time a guy said something nice to you was when he told you your shoe was untied. It was super thoughtful.

7. The Notebook: When Noah and Allie get intimate (you know the scene), it’s passionate, in the perfect setting and completely un-awkward in every way.

Your life: Seriously hooking up means squeaky dorm-room beds, paper-thin walls and that awkward conversation about condoms. Oh, and then your roommate walks in.

8. The Notebook: Noah fixes up an entire house for Allie, just because. And then he takes her on a romantic boat ride through a pond of swans. SWANS.

Your life: One time, a guy bought you a drink, flirted with you all night, asked for your number and then never contacted you again.

Basically, The Notebook is the most romantic thing that’s happened to our generation, and no real romance can ever compare.

Probably because our boyfriends aren’t Ryan Gosling.

As a wise woman once said, "I like my money right where I can see it... hanging in my closet." That wise woman was Carrie Bradshaw and she knew a thing or two about fashion. While she was also quoted stating that she owned $40,000 worth of shoes, a new study published by Alliance Data reported average closet totals as being a bit less.

The company (which owns several store-branded credit cards, such as those at J. Crew and Victoria's Secret) discovered that a quarter of respondents estimated their closet worths to be between $1,000 and $2,499. 23 percent say they own between $2,500 and $4,999 worth of closet cargo—at at the higher end of the spectrum, nine percent reported a total of over $10,000, the bracket where we would find Ms. Bradshaw.

Shirts and shoes were estimated to make up the largest percentage of that price, with 37 percent of women owning 25 to 49 blouses and 32 percent having more than 25 pairs of footwear. Jeans take up the least amount of the budget with over 60 percent of women owning less than 10 pairs.  

What about you—what do you think your closet is worth?

So you're finally going on a movie date with that cutie you've been ogling, and you aren't sure what movie to watch. Of course, you want to impress them with something interesting that won't have them falling asleep 10 minutes in, but you don't want anything too bizarre. And you definitely, DEFINITELY don't want to watch anything that would make that date totally awkward. To help you out, we've compiled a list of movies it's best to stay away from on a first date!

1. Closer

What’s worse than a movie about couples who obsessively cheat on each other all the time? This will definitely make your date question your movie taste… and your relationship.

2. The Break-Up

The name of this movie explains every reason you don’t need to see it on a first date!

3. He’s Just Not That Into You

Especially if that first date is a dud, you’ll realize just how relevant the title is.

4. Knocked Up

Hey, let's try this cool thing called don't scare your date away before they even know you! This is no doubt a hilarious movie, but probably not suitable for a first date. 

5. Blue Valentine

What a beautiful movie about a seemingly nice relationship... that slowly deteriorates into a painful mistake. Do yourself a favor and don't watch this with your date!

6. Temptation

The grass isn't always greener on the other side—at least, this seems to be the main thing we can learn from this movie.

7. Titanic

Besides the fact that Titanic is almost 4 hours long, THIS intense of a love story probably isn't the best thing to watch when you're first getting to know your date. 

8. Gone Girl

A movie about a pyscho serial killer plotting on ruining her husband's life isn't exactly the best first impression you want to leave. 

9. Teeth 

So your date asks what movie you two are going to watch and you tell them it's about a girl with teeth... inside of her you-know-what...?

10. The Human Centipede

Watching a deranged surgeon suture three people together to create a "human centipede" sounds so romantic, doesn't it?

11. Requiem for A Dream

We love psychological thrillers just as much as the next person, but this graphic of a film might not be the vibe you want to leave on a first date! 

12. The Notebook

Definitely not a scary movie, but it is guaranteed to make you (or even your date) cry! Save the waterworks for a little later on.

13. Fatal Attraction

A cute little movie about a woman who becomes crazy obsessed with another woman's husband is guaranteed to win us a second date! (CAUTION: extreme sarcasm.)

Is it really summer if you don't take a trip to the beach? The only downside about beaches is that some of them are tourist traps, filled with food trucks and seaside stands that serve nothing but sugary and greasy foods. You've spent months getting your bikini body ready for those sweet summer days, but that shouldn't mean that you have to throw all of your hard work away over one snack. You can still stick to your well-balanced diet while you spend a day on the sand with a little help from these on-the-go, healthy beach snacks! 

1. Dried fruit

Dried fruit is great for a day at the beach because it doesn't spoil as quickly as some fresh fruits. Can you imagine trying to eat an apple or banana that has been sitting in a hot bag all day? Yuck. Not to mention that some fruits are already naturally sweet. Dried fruits such as cranberries (185 calories per serving) contain phytonutrients that help prevent diseases. Another good choice is dried apricot (156 calories per serving) since it contains a hefty amount of vitamin A, vitamin E and potassium. Whatever you choose, check the product labels to make sure that you're not buying any fruits with added sugars!

2. Frozen cherries

Living Swell creator and health expert, Peggy Hall, suggests bringing a plastic baggie full of frozen cherries with you, as an alternative to ice pops and other not-so-healthy frozen treats. "They're like little popsicles, full of antioxidants," she says. "And they don't drip or melt like real popsicles do." Frozen cherries also protect you from the sun. "Cherries are great for your skin," Hall says. "They act like sunscreen from the inside out to protect your skin from sun damage." To make them, take pitless, fresh cherries and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Put them in the freezer for a few hours until they're hard. Then pop a few in a plastic baggie and keep them in an ice cooler while you hit the beach! 

3. Trail mix

Trail mix is perfect when performing any sort of physical activity because it's full of so many energy-dense ingredients such as nuts and raisins. The great thing about trail mix is that it can go so far beyond the nuts, raisins and chocolate that we're all so used to. Try adding sunflower seeds to your mix for an added dose of nutrients like vitamin E and copper, or banana chips that act as natural sweeteners. Just be sure to stick to a serving size of less than a cup, because mindlessly munching on salted peanuts and chocolate can cost us extra calories. A simple mixture that's great for a beach day is a combination of macadamia nuts, dried pineapple, white chocolate chips and coconut flakes. But there are a ton of other trail mix combinations too! Check out this recipe guide from Greatist. 

4. Kale chips

Kale has grown in popularity recently, which lead a lot of us to discover the countless ways to incorporate it into our diets. One way to eat kale is to turn it into chips. According to Hall, kale chips can provide you with essential nutrients, plus they're extremely easy to make! "Two cups of kale can give you 200% of your required Vitamin A," Hall says.    "[It's] considered the 'beauty' vitamin for skin." To make your own, toss four cups of kale in one tablespoon of olive oil and season it with 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Then roast it on a cookie sheet in a 425-degree oven for 15 minutes or until crispy. Then, toss them in a plastic bag to enjoy them as an alternative to potato chips. 

5. Raw vegetables

Raw veggies have the reputation of being unexciting to eat, but the great thing about them is that they require no preparation, and they're packed with nutrients and antioxidants, like fiber, Vitamin A and Vitamin C, that help boost our immunity. Some vegetables, like cucumbers and celery, are packed with water which means that they can help keep you hydrated. To add some flavor to your raw veggies, pack some low-fat dressing or hummus in a cooler for the day. 

6. Homemade minty lime-ade

This drink, which was provided to us courtesy of Hall, is pretty much a mojito without the added calories that come from alcohol. Luckily, we still get health benefits from the limes and mint. "Limes are high in vitamin C and mint is a natural diuretic for a flatter tummy," she says. "Stay away from artificial sweeteners in soft drinks and water enhancers, as these chemicals can cause your tummy to bloat, not a good look for a day at the beach!" To make this tasty substitute for unhealthy soft drinks, squeeze a few limes and mix the juice with an equal amount of water to make your own ice cubes. Then, put the lime ice cubes in a mason jar or bottle, fill with water and add a few crushed mint leaves. Hall suggests adding Stevia or maple syrup if you want to sweeten it a bit.  

7. Citrus fruits

Fruits like oranges, grapefruits and tangerines contain phytochemicals that help you stay safe in the sun. We're not saying that you should skip putting on the sunscreen, but the phytochemicals, which are just nutrients found in most plants, can help to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. As a bonus, heat can help these fruits sweeten naturally. 

Summer can make it so easy for us to break out of our healthy eating habits and indulge whenever we feel like it. As long as you take note of the list above, you'll be taking a guilt-free trip to the beach in no time! 

Depending on where you're interning, it can get pretty hot in the heart of summer. So what are you supposed to do if open-toed shoes are frowned upon in your office? Luckily, there are plenty of cute and professional flats out there that just so happen to be totally breathable! We picked our 6 favorite pairs:

1. Adrena Sandals, $83.90 at Dolce Vita

These flats are essentially closed-toe sandals, i.e. the obvious choice when it's scorching hot out, but you still have to follow a dress code. Plus, they're kind of beautiful, so there's that. Some black dress pants, a pretty blouse and these shoes could quickly become your go-to work outfit.

2. Derby 'Punch' Oxford, $109.95 at Nordstrom

Oxfords give your outfit the perfect edgy touch, while being totally work-appropriate. These ones are perforated, so you can get through those hot summer days just fine. They would look awesome with dress pants and a simple blouse.

3. Perforated Faux Leather Flats, $15.90 at Forever 21

To liven up a drab outfit, why not throw on some metallic flats? This super affordable silver pair is both fun and understated enough for you to pull it off at work. Nail business casual with some dark skinny jeans and a colorful blazer.

4. Earth Breeze Flat, $94.99 at Zappos

Nobody wants to wear all black when it's 90 degrees out. With this hot pink pair, you don't have to! We love them with a midi skirt and simple tee.

5. Soludos Classic Canvas Stripe Espadrille Sandal, $55 at Urban Outfitters

Bring some sunshine into the office with these stripey espadrilles. For a more laid-back workday look, wear these with some lightweight (but not see-through!) white pants and a pretty cotton T-shirt. The canvas is totally breathable, too!

6. Ankle Strap d'Orsay Flats, $48 at Humble Chic

With their ankle strap and perforated front, these d'Orsay flats are versatile and will stay cool throughout the day. You can soften them up by pairing them with pastels, or create a sleek look with an all-black outfit.

Which pair will you be rocking at your summer internship, collegiettes?

The first year out of college is a trial period—it is truly your first time in the real world. It is normal to move back home, be unemployed for a bit, and not know what you really want. During that first year, every part of your life changes, yet you’re free to make plenty of mistakes because no one will judge you—you’re learning. However, in your second year out of college, it’s assumed that you’ll have your act together (or at least be closer to it). Yet, it’s easy to hit a sophomore slump and feel stuck—how do you know if what you’re doing is right? You don’t need to stress out if you’re still unsure about most things. You can, however, reflect on your time out of college so far and evaluate your experiences, which will help you figure out your next steps. Here’s a guide to help you set goals in five areas of your life now that you're well into your second year in the real world.

1. Do you have the right job?

If you loved your first job out of college and could stay there for the rest of your life, you’d be pretty lucky. If you’re like most post-collegiettes, however, you probably won’t stay at the same company, or at least in the same position, for too long. During your first year out of college, you really get to experience the job market. You become used to the 9-to-5 (which can take months). When that first year is done, there are a few things you can do to start figuring out future plans for your second year out of college.

First, make a list of what you like and don’t like about your current job. Do you like the corporate environment and the feeling that you’re part of something larger? Do you really hate that you have to sit in a cubicle and stare at your computer all day? If your list consists of mostly negative things, it’s time to brainstorm new opportunities. What environment do you see yourself in if you could make the change? For example, would you rather work with real people than with a computer? Ask yourself these questions, and jot down your answers. 

If you’re happy with where you are, congrats! While you may decide to stay at your current company, you should still be making goals for yourself so you can continue to grow. Do you want a promotion? Do a little extra work on a group assignment or take on a side project that would help your boss or the rest of your team—and starting taking note of accomplishments you had a direct part in, so that you can bring them up when it comes time for an annual review. Do you want to participate more in meetings? Make it a goal to say 3 things in your meetings going forward, big or small. Do you feel like you don’t really know your co-workers well? Make more of an effort, whether that means setting up a coffee date with your manager or taking part in company activities, such as going to weekly happy hours or running in a work charity race.

If you’re unhappy with your current job, it’s time to start looking! The nice thing is that you do have a job, and can keep it until you get another offer, so don’t stress on how long it takes! Finding a job is hard work, and even harder when you’re juggling a full-time position already. Set aside a few hours a week to update your LinkedIn and resume, and browse job postings in your free time. If you’re considering going back to school, find resources before you make the big decision. You can talk to alumni at your school, or go to information sessions at schools in your city—the more information you gather, the better informed you will be.

Sarah, a second year post-collegiette in Chicago says, “I was unhappy at my job, but comfortable. I loved my boss and my team, but I knew I wasn’t following my true interests. After a year, I decided to make the change and switch jobs. It was difficult to have that talk with my boss, but I felt relieved once I followed my true passion.”

2. Do you like where you live?

When you move after your first year of college, you’ll have fun no matter where you are—it’s your first time truly on your own and you feel like the opportunities are endless. After a year, your feelings might start to change. Do you like living in a big city? Would you prefer to be in a smaller town? Do you live with your parents and want to move out?

If you want to move apartments, start looking online! Websites like Street Easy, Craigslist, and Apartments.com can help with your search. 

Liz, a post-collegiette who just moved from NYC to San Francisco, says, “After college, I moved to NYC because I thought that’s where I wanted to be. All my friends from college were there and I got a great job. After a year, I realized that I wasn’t happy there—even though I had a good job. I wanted to move somewhere with a great city, but also space to hike and explore nature. I visited a friend in SF and fell in love—although it was tough to make the change, I’m glad I did. Sometimes you just have to take the risk, even though you won’t know how it will turn out.”

3. Are you happy in your relationships?

During your first year out of college, a lot changes, especially when it comes to your relationships. From moving away from friends and family to getting accustomed to the post-college dating scene, it’s hard to know where you fit in once you graduate. After a year in the real world, you realize that it’s hard to stay in touch with everyone, no matter how close you once were. It’s time to start thinking about what kinds of people you want to maintain a relationship with.

For your friendships—put reminders in your calendar once a month to contact that old friend who lives in California that you don’t get to talk to very often. It’s easy to forget things when life gets busy!

In terms of your romantic life—if you’re in a serious relationship, think about your future. Yes, it was fun to have an SO while you navigated your first year out of college, but how do you feel now? Can you see yourself being long-term with this person? If not, it might be time to move on, no matter how difficult that decision may be. 

If you want to be single, more power to you! This is the time to take advantage of your freedom and explore your new surroundings outside of college. You don’t need to date—just have fun and get to know what you like and don’t like about people. Even if you don’t want to date, don’t stop meeting new people! You never know what kinds of relationships (romantic or not!) you’ll build.

And if you want to start dating, that’s great too! Now that you’ve been out of college a year, you probably know more about what kind of person you are and who you would be interested in dating. If you’re having trouble meeting potential partners, try joining a group activity outside of work, such as a kickball team or writing group. Doing what you love and not thinking about meeting the “right one” is the best way to meet the one. It might be fun to meet someone at a bar your first year out of college, but by the second year you might be a little tired of that hookup culture that’s so similar to the one you had in college—but there's nothing wrong with celebrating your singledom, either.

Emily, a second year post-collegiette in NYC, says, “I met my boyfriend at a softball game! I joined a team after feeling like I wasn’t meeting the types of guys I wanted to at bars, and I loved softball growing up. You just have to follow your interests—you never know who you might meet.”

4. Are you taking care of your health?

While partying like you’re still in college can be fun, it will get exhausting and catch up to you by your second year out. Sure, you should still be able to drink and go out and have a great time, but as a second year post-collegiette, you need to make sure you are treating yourself well. This means making smart eating choices and taking care of your health. Make sure you are getting enough all the nutrients you need to stay strong. If you have moved to a new city, make sure you get a new doctor—yearly check-ups are important! As you get older, it becomes more difficult to stay on top of these things because you’re very busy, but if it takes putting a regular reminder in your phone, do it. In the real world, it’s also hard to stay active when you work a 9-to-5 (or even longer hours), but it’s extremely important to stay active—whether that means joining a gym, biking to work, or even forgoing the elevator whenever you have the choice. Depending on how much you like to exercise, you should be active at least 30 minutes a day (yes, taking the stairs counts). 

Jenna, who lives in Boston and has been out of college two years, says, “During my first year out of college, it was difficult to make time to exercise regularly—I didn’t know my schedule and I was still getting used to my new schedule with work. This year, I made it a priority to work out 4 times a week. I get my friends together to go for runs (otherwise I won’t go!). I suggest doing the same—it will force you to stay active.”

5. Are you saving or spending?

During your first year out of college, you learn all about budgeting—like, how many Starbucks coffees you can get each week or late night pizza runs you can make without breaking the bank. You quickly learn (probably after a year) that you need to create an actual budget for yourself. If you need help with doing so, apps like LearnVest and Mint will take your salary and spending habits into account so you can create your own personalized budget. With categories such as health, entertainment and home, you can figure out how much you should truly be saving and spending, which is difficult to stick to if you're not keeping track of your expenses.

Ashley, a recently graduated student living in Charlotte, NC says, “I never knew what I was spending my money on until I got the app Mint—it helped me realize that I was spending over $100 a month on coffee! I set a coffee budget as soon as I noticed and now only spend half that amount—which would be impossible to do without the app alerting me about my budgets each week.”

Thoughts of the second year of your post-college life really don’t seem so bad once you’ve reflected on the first one. Now that you know what you want, and have goals to accomplish, you’re ready to tackle them. It’s the real world, take two. Good luck—you got this, post-collegiette! 

Many of us have experienced it: the mid-summer blues and the struggle to wake up and head out to our summer jobs. Our arms are tired from scooping ice cream, we’re sick of the awkward tan lines left by our lifeguarding bathing suits and if we hear the words “summer camp color war” one more time we think we might scream. Whether you’re waitressing, working at the mall or babysitting, by mid-summer, it can get pretty tough to make it through the home stretch of your job. But before you quit your job in a moment of insanity or just serious stress, HC’s providing you with six awesome reasons to pull through. So collect your marbles and march on, collegiettes!

1. Your job is a resume builder

We all know how important writing the perfect resume is in getting your first after-graduation job. Adding summer jobs, even ones that are duds, will add to that resume perfection. So maybe it’s a little painful to bring yourself to your job every day this summer, but adding it to your resume might help you get your dream job one day. When that happens, you’ll be thankful!

For those collegiettes working part-time jobs scooping ice cream or standing behind a retail counter, these resume builders will show your ability to learn a skill set quickly and work cooperatively with others in a professional setting. Remember that even the smallest of jobs can connect back to the career you want for the rest of your life.

That’s what Kelsey, a junior at Indiana University, does with her summer job. “My daily tasks can become tedious, so I tried figuring out a way to stay motivated,” she says. “I try to connect each task with my personal and professional aspirations.”

Shannon Curtis, the assistant director at Assumption College’s Career Development & Internship Center, agrees that part-time jobs can add to your resume. “You’re not just listing off … the responsibilities you have in a summer role, but effectively communicating what skills are going to be transferrable to what you’re looking to do,” she says.

So if you work in retail and are looking to get into business after graduation, don’t just list on your resume that you folded clothes and worked a cash register. Talk about the customer service experience you received and the things you learned about operating a business.

Making connections from your summer job as a lifeguard to what you want to do in life can be tricky and might require some creativity, but it’ll add meaning to your work and strength behind your resume.

2. The perks of your job

Ah, yes, job perks: the exact reason why you chose the summer job you have. With employee discounts, free dinners at the restaurant you waitress at or the cutie you’re lifeguarding with, job perks are everywhere. Whatever your job is, try to focus on these small perks when you’re feeling down about your work!

“The discount from my retail job definitely did my wallet more harm than good for the first month I worked,” says Sarah, a freshman at Framingham State University. “After a little bit, though, it became the best thing ever. I don’t see myself leaving my job because I refuse to pay full price for jeans.”

3. You’re making money

Remember back in April when you ate cereal for three meals a day because you couldn’t afford anything else? Remember when you were excited for this job because then you’d be able to buy real food? Despite being sick of your job, you’ll be thankful when you return to school in the fall with a full bank account and the ability to buy real meals!

“I think about the money I will have and that’s about it,” says Kourtnie, a senior at Assumption College, about her waitressing job.

Remember that good customer service is key in making that paycheck fatter. Ice cream scoopers who work hard at making the best desserts will make better tips, retail workers who make their company more money will in turn get more hours and babysitters who have fun with the kids will certainly get asked back. Even when simply waiting tables for the summer, putting forth your best effort in exchange for good tips is definitely something you’re capable of doing.

Remember that the job market out there is tough—whether you’re working a big-time paid internship or taking orders at the local coffee shop, you’re lucky to have a paying job. So many people today aren’t able to get a job like you have. If you’re feeling the mid-summer job slump, try heading into work knowing that you’re lucky to even have a paying job that you’re sick of.

4. Your coworkers are awesome

Nothing ruins the workplace mood like the curmudgeon who heads in with a bad attitude. Remember that your job might be menial, but your fellow coworkers can be your friends. Instead of heading into your job with a bad attitude, try enjoying the company of those you work with!

That’s what Allison, a recent graduate from the University of New Hampshire, did with her summer job. “I was friendly and kind to fellow employees,” she says. “It felt good to make other people feel good, which helped me get through the rest of the summer.”

Being a positive person is infectious in a work environment, and knowing that you made at least one person smile is a good way to get through your job.

And remember that quote, “misery loves company”? It’s pretty true. Maybe the job you’re working at stinks, but the people you’re with don’t! Amy, a junior at Emerson College, dealt with her less-than-glamorous summer job by befriending her fellow employees. “Having a bad summer job is way more manageable when you have people to commiserate and complain with,” she says. “We learned to laugh together at how terrible the job was.”

However, it’s important to make sure you don’t cross the boundary of being an all-out complainer. A few qualms here and there are okay—just read the reactions of your coworkers. Make sure they’re not annoyed! No one likes a total downer.

And if the people you work with aren’t so stellar? Remember to always take the high road. Horrible coworkers are hard to be around and it can be tempting to be just as horrible back to them, but know that immature behavior can only come back to hurt you. Remember: cattiness and immaturity are things to leave behind when you clock in. Try to turn the other cheek, and if their behavior becomes unacceptable, reach out to your boss or supervisor for private mediation.

If nothing else, working with crappy people is a great way to learn how to deal with people you don’t like—a skill that is always applicable to future jobs.

5. You’re giving back

For collegiettes spending their summers volunteering, the light at the end of the tunnel might be a little bit harder to see. When the lack of pay for all of your hard work is the only thing you can concentrate on, try to remember why you decided to volunteer in the first place.

“I spent all last summer volunteering on this sustainable farm,” says Kate, a sophomore at Boston University. “It was wicked hard work, and most of the summer I was really mad I was working on a farm instead of at the beach because I wasn’t getting paid. But then I would always remind myself I was giving back to the environment.”

Whether you’re volunteering to build a resume, support a cause you believe in or simply to get good karmic vibes, remember that volunteer work can be life-changing. Instead of concentrating on a nonexistent paycheck or how hard the work is, think about all of the good you’re doing.

6. Networking, networking, networking!

Networking—we’ve all heard the word, we all know what it means and we all know that it’s super important. Remembering that every job is an opportunity to network is the best way to get through a job you don’t enjoy. It’s also a good way to remember to always put forth your best effort, because you never know who could be a reference for you in the future.

Nicole, a senior at Assumption College, keeps this in mind with her job. “I kept telling myself that I want to use this place as a reference/take advantage of connections, and I couldn't do that if I left/started half-a**ing my job,” she says. In a world where employment is a game of knowing the right people, it’s important to make sure those people are impressed by you.

It’s easy to think that a part-time summer gig won’t land you with many connections, so it’s okay to be lazy or provide bad customer service, but that’s not the case, collegiettes! When you’re working as a waitress or being a camp counselor, you never know whom you’re going to run into. A camper’s parent could be the CEO of your dream company, a customer at your restaurant could know someone at a school you’d like to teach at or your fellow retail worker’s cousin could work for the admissions department of a grad school you’re interested in. You should always try to do impressive work no matter how small your job may seem.

“Get to know people and learn a little bit more about them,” Curtis says. “Introduce yourself, put yourself out there … and make sure you’re branding yourself in a positive light.”

Don’t be afraid to take advantage of these networking opportunities by connecting with coworkers on LinkedIn or by exchanging emails. Showing interest in your field and an eagerness to learn more is great for personal branding and for impressing potential bosses.

And summer employees won’t just be networking with customers; remember to network with your boss, too. If you put forth your best effort in your job, your boss can’t give you anything but a sparkling recommendation.

Keep in touch with old bosses who might know higher-ups at the company or who can introduce you to a friend who works in your future field. Make LinkedIn your best friend to keep the professional connections coming. As for Facebook? “It depends on the relationship you have with your manager,” Curtis says. “I would recommend a more professional approach and keep it with LinkedIn.” If you’re on the fence of what’s appropriate, collegiettes, always err on the side of professional.

Remember, collegiettes: the mid-summer job slump is a natural thing. We’re all sick of waking up early, dealing with customers and seeing sunny days pass us by while we have to work. While the light at the end of the summer is coming closer into view, keep in mind the benefits of your job and remember that it’ll all be worth it.

If you've listened to the radio, turned on a talk show, skimmed the rave reviews in Rolling Stone and Billboard  (just to name a couple) or tuned in to the BET Awards on June 28, you've heard about Tori Kelly. Managed by Scooter Braun (who also reps Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande and Cody Simpson), the 22-year-old singer is taking the music industry by storm with the June 23 release of her debut album Unbreakable Smile. 

It's clear that a wide range of artists already love her....

...and here are 6 reasons why you should, too:

1. Let's get the obvious out of the way: THAT. VOICE. 

2. She's worked tirelessly for her success

Even though she's only 22, Tori's been through almost a decade of struggle to achieve her dreams. After competing on Star Search at age 10, she won America's Most Talented Kid in 2004 (and beat Hunter Hayes!) In 2010, she made it to the Hollywood Round of American Idol. Despite her television exposure, it was YouTube that helped launch her career. Tori began putting up covers of other artists' songs, but there was one in particular that went viral.

In 2012, Tori released her first EP, Handmade Songs By Tori Kelly, which she wrote, produced and recorded by herself. Tori began to do shows in cafés, one of which was attended by Scooter Braun who was clearly impressed with the star. 

3. She's already done killer collaborations

4. She doesn't take herself too seriously

5. She makes sure her fans always feel appreciated.

6. She's a proud foodie

As she told iHeartRadio, "Nobody loves food like Tori Kelly does." 

Whether you’re flying overseas to study abroad or taking a family vacation, it’s hard to look ***flawless after hours on a plane. Your hair is a mess, your makeup is smudged and your lips are overly chapped. Well luckily for you, we’ve found 5 beauty treatments you can do on the plane, no matter how long your flight is!

1. Treat split ends with argan oil

Say goodbye to frizz and flyaways with this super easy in-flight hair treatment! Once you sit down on the plane, put 4 to 5 drops of 100 Percent Pure Argan Oil ($16) into your palm and run your hands through the bottom half of your hair, focusing on the ends. Then tuck your hair into a loose bun using no-tug hair ties ($9 for a pack of eight) for the duration of the flight. When you take hair down at landing, you’ll have silky, natural waves!

2. Use a hydrating face mask

Sitting on a plane tends to dry out your skin. To avoid that, try using a hydrating face mask that sinks in so you don’t have to wash it off! We recommend The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Sink-In Moisture Mask ($23). Simply apply a thin layer to your skin and let it sit for 10 minutes. Then either remove the excess with a tissue, or simply rub the formula deeper into your skin. Your skin will feel soft and smooth the entire flight!

3. Condition your lips

Just like your skin loses moisture while you're on a flight, your lips might experience some major chapping. While your favorite lip balm could do the trick (but only if you keep reapplying), consider applying a long-lasting, overnight lip conditioner instead! We love C.O. Bigelow’s My Favorite Night Balm No. 306 ($7.50), especially for long flights. It moisturizes your lips for up to eight hours so you’ll be kissable all day long.

4. Fake a good flight’s sleep

Oh the joys of a red-eye flight. Sometimes you can’t avoid it, but it’s hard to get a good night’s sleep when you’re not in your bed. Since puffy eyes aren’t a good look on anyone, try Smoothing and Relaxing Patches with Soothing Cornflower ($21) to get rid of your dark circles and bags. They only take twenty minutes to work and instantly reduce fine lines and puffiness, perfect for when you skimp on your beauty sleep while in flight!

5. Get an insta-manicure with nail wraps

You forgot to paint your nails at home, and you’re on the plane to your cousin’s wedding. What to do? Since painting your nails and plane turbulence don’t mix well, nail wraps are a great alternative to nail polish! We recommend trying Sally Hansen’s Real Nail Polish Strips ($9.99). Not only are they super easy to use (just peel and stick!), they come in awesome designs and patterns. Plus, they last up to 10 days and can be taken off with regular nail polish remover.

What in-flight beauty treatment will you try, collegiettes?

Just about everybody in the U.S. tuned into the FIFA Women's World Cup final game this past Sunday to cheer on our national team, from President Obama to John Green, and the broadcast garnered a record 25 million viewers (the highest rating for a soccer game on a single network in the U.S.). The players received bountiful praise for their whopping 5-2 defeat of Japan in the final (the last time they won was back in 1999), with help from team captain Carli Lloyd who scored three of their five goals. It was also a farewell for veteran player Abby Wambach, who said 2015 will be her last year competing on the U.S. World Cup team. 

But even amid all the glory and celebration, a troubling reality of gender inequality is becoming visible. Consider this fact: The U.S. team won roughly $2 million for the World Cup title, whereas the men's champion team last year, Germany, received some $35 million for their win (and even more in endorsements). To put that amount in even more perspective, the U.S. women's team earned four times less than the men's team which lost in the first round of the FIFA World Cup last year. Top soccer players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi make millions of dollars every year, when the top paid female player, Marta Viera da Silva of Brazil, makes just $400,000. Alex Morgan of the U.S. team was estimated to have made $450,000 last year, mostly through endorsements and sponsors (because the National Women's Soccer Leagues caps the salary at just $200,000). And Wambach only made somewhere between $190,000 to $300,000. These women are ranked as the highest paid, yet they earn only a small fraction of their male counterparts. 

At the very least, the team's recent exposure has helped to underline this startling inequity, and there is now a campaign pressuring FIFA to dole out equal pay for the championship win (that you can sign). The worldwide popularity of the team will also help give them extra leverage to argue for better wages, though it is unlikely any changes will immediately occur. Of course, soccer isn't the only sport where women are paid less than their male counterparts--just about every other major sport has some type of pay gap. Perhaps this is just a small reflection of the greater divide which exists globally in all professions. We just hope that with more attention, this injustice might have a chance of being resolved (or at least lessened). 

Taylor Swift may be known for her breakup songs and famous friend group, but maybe it's time we focus on something else the pop star is doing. In December 2014, Taylor was named the most charitable celebrity in the world by DoSomething.org. While she supports many charities and foundations, Taylor is famous for helping out her fans directly. It's only July, and Taylor has already donated over $100,000 to people in need in 2015. 

Most recently, Taylor reached out to an 11-year-old fan who is battling leukemia. The young girl, Naomi, made Taylor's "Bad Blood" her personal fight song against cancer. When she was diagnosed, Naomi found out that she would be in the hospital for the entire course of her treatment. This means that she will miss Taylor's concert in August, which she received tickets to as her Christmas present. Her family posted a YouTube video called "Naomi's Bad Blood," hoping it would get Taylor's attention. Taylor responded with a donation of $50,000 to Naomi's GoFundMe account, set up by her parents to help pay for medical expenses. Under her donation she wrote, "To the beautiful and brave Naomi, I'm sorry you have to miss it, but there will always be more concerts. Let's focus on getting you feeling better. I'm sending the biggest hugs to you and your family."

Taylor's latest donation is her fourth major gift this year. After promising to give NYC public schools the proceeds of her single "Welcome to New York," she donated $50,000 in February. She also gave $1,989 to a fan who was struggling to pay off her student loans. And in June, Taylor sent $15,000 to the family of Texas firefighter Aaron VanRiper after a car accident that left them seriously injured.

While the 25-year-old singer loves to have fun at pool parties and post videos of her cats to Instagram, she is also doing some serious good. Not only do her donations help people in need and bring them joy, but they garner attention and additional help for the causes she supports. We're only halfway through the year, and Taylor is proving once again how charitable she truly is.

We all know those three small words. (No, not "I love you"— their dreaded counterpart: long distance relationship.) Those three words are enough to make us pull our lovers close and thank our lucky stars that we live within a five-minute walk across campus from them. But even if you’re lucky enough to share a campus with your boyfriend or girlfriend, summer brings with it a whole new breed of LDRs — the temporary long-distance relationship. Strap in for a summer-long rollercoaster ride (emotional rollercoaster, that is). We’re not saying it will be easy, but it could be worth it. 

1. You and your SO have decided that nothing can tear you apart. It's only for a few months, right?

2. At the end of the semester, you move back home into your childhood bedroom, and reality sinks in.

3. Personal hygeine quickly becomes a distant memory.

4. You feel personally offended by the PDA of others.

5.  You casually — or so you think — bring him up in every conversation until your friends start to get annoyed.

7. You start to feel like a private detective. 

8. "Date night" has taken on a whole new meaning.

9. Finally the day comes for him to visit. The “my house, my rules” mantra is in full effect, and you’re sleeping on opposite ends of the house this weekend.

10. You are forced to get creative when it comes to — er, "alone time."

11. On the bright side, you're finally utilizing that unlimited phone plan! 

12. You’re getting bored with your mundane daily texts and try to spice things up a little.

13. After months of anxiously waiting, your countdown finally hits single digits.

14. On the drive back to school you’re on top of the world. Nothing can stop you now.

15. You touchdown on campus and are finally reunited. Back to normal again… at least until winter break.

Months after breaking up with rapper Big Sean, Ariana Grande was spotted getting cozy over the weekend with one of her backup dancers, Ricky Alvarez. After TMZ posted footage of Ariana and Ricky hanging out at Wolfee Donuts in CA, people immediately became outraged—and with good reason. Aside from the PDA, the video also shows the couple engaging in a little game of truth or dare with the donuts on display. They appeared to be daring each other to lick and sniff the donuts, and had no problem doing so. As if that wasn't bad enough, the video also shows Ariana saying, "WTF is that? I hate Americans. I hate America. That's disgusting." Ouch, that's not very patriotic. 

Now, Ariana is publicly apologizing for her actions. In a statement released earlier today, she owned up to her impolite choice of words. According to Ariana, her statements were taken out of context. She explains that although she's proud to be part of this country, she strongly believes that Americans should be more health conscious about the foods that go into our bodies.    

"I am EXTREMELY proud to be an American and I’ve always made it clear that I love my country. What I said in a private moment with my friend, who was buying the donuts, was taken out of context and I am sorry for not using more discretion with my choice of words. As an advocate for healthy eating, food is very important to me and I sometimes get upset by how freely we as Americans eat and consume things without giving any thought to the consequences that it has on our health and society as a whole. The fact that the United States has one of the highest child obesity rate in the world frustrates me. We need to do more to educate ourselves and our children about the dangers of overeating and the poison that we put into our bodies. We need to demand more from our food industry. However I should have known better in how I expressed myself; and with my new responsibility to others as a public figure I will strive to be better. As for why I cannot be at the MLB show, I have had emergency oral surgery and due to recovery I cannot attend the show. I hope to make it up to all those fans soon. That being said let me once again apologize if I have offended anyone with my poor choice of words."

While her statement may have been sufficient to some, others are still outraged that Ariana only addressed her words, rather than her (pretty immature) donut-licking actions seen in the video. Are you satisfied with Ariana's apology?