Like any other collegiette, we sometimes have trouble getting our behinds to the gym. As winter drags on, it's especially difficult to make the trek. Like, more difficult than keeping Justin Bieber out of trouble. We guarantee you that every girl has used at least one of these excuses to avoid breaking a sweat. 

1. “I think I pulled a hammy the last time I was at the gym.”

2. “I’ll just work out at home.”

3. “Judge Judy is on and I can’t miss that again.”

4. “My sports-induced asthma has been acting up lately.”

5. “I have cookies in the oven and don’t want them to burn.”

6. “I only work out on days that start with T or M.”

7. “I ate really healthy food today, so I don’t neeeeed to go to Crossfit.”

8. “I can’t find my sneakers.”

9. “The gym is dangerous.”

10. “I’ll just watch the Olympics and maybe I’ll get some cardio in vicariously.”

11. “I want to swim laps but public pools are disgusting.”

12. “I don’t want to put my contacts in.”

13. “All of my sports bras are dirty.”

14. “My hair looks good today and I don’t want to mess it up.”

15. “I’m just going to watch one more episode.”

16. “The cute boot camp instructor isn’t teaching today.”

17. “I have so much homework to get done.”

18. “The only group fitness class I like is aerobics, but the gym hasn't offered that since 1997.”

19. "I just ate my weight in cake."

20. "I showered this morning and I don't want to have to shower again."

21. “I’m just not feeling it today.”

Whatever the reason, we’ve all probably made one of these excuses to avoid working out. However, we should probably just suck it up and put our sneakers on.

I don't know many Norwegian fairy tales, but after seeing Brandon Sun's Fall/Winter 2014 collection, I'm certainly interested to learn about "East of the Sun and West of the Moon," which inspired his line for the season. Sun's collection, his first runway show after years of presentations, featured a variety of leathers, metallics, and Blackglama furs--while he has begun to make a name for himself for his work in fur, it should be known that his non-fur pieces are also incredibly innovative and enticing. One of the pieces that stood out was actually two dresses in one--a black silk gazar draped dress with a spaghetti strap entwined with a tweed overlay dress that had a sleeve. I also loved--perhaps "loved" is an understatement because when I saw it I audibly gasped and had to actively avoid shouting "YAAAAS!"--this deconstructed chunky sweater with a scandalous-fabulous open back, worn with grey gabardine trousers (I will admit, though, that I could have done without the mink pom-poms on the front). There was also a delightful asymmetrical gray floral jacquard dress with crystal underlay paired with a grey chunky knit coat, a high-meets-low culture combination perfectly blended for both comfort and style (which is totally my jam). In addition, I enjoyed the way Sun used Ndbele tribe inspiration to make exciting leather pieces like pencil skirts and sleeves for dresses. Take a look at the full collection on Style.com here. 

Makeup, by Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas, featured dewy skin and matte eyes (shades of gray, brown, beige) and lips (in wine tones). Nails were a deep red-brown. Hair incorporated some of that Norwegian/Ndebele inspiration with occasional small tribal braids spread throughout sleek, straight hair. 

I left the show and thought to myself, oh! How refreshing! I have been visually challenged, I have opinions, and I have new thoughts on what fashion can be. Because isn't the worst feeling leaving a show and having nothing at all to write about? 

Take a look at some pictures from behind the scenes and during the show here, all photos by moi. 

Working out at the gym can be daunting sometimes. There are so many different machines that trying to use them can be confusing. Since we understand that sometimes you don’t want to leave your dorm room or embarrass yourself in the gym while trying to figure out how to set up the machine, we’ve compiled a list of strength-building exercises that require nothing but your own body to do. Whether it’s the freezing cold or the complexity of the machines that's been keeping you from the gym, now you can get a workout in the comfort of your room—no excuses!

1. Jump Squats

Jump squats are a great way to mix it up when you want to challenge yourself. These squats will not only work your glutes, legs and abs, but they’ll help to build muscle in your entire body.

1. Start by lowering your hips into a squat so that your glutes are parallel to the ground.
2. Once you’re squatted in position, jump up and land back into the deep squatting position that you started in.
3. Complete three sets of 10 reps.

Amy Morton, CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) and owner of Amy's Personal Training, suggests that “when you land, make sure you immediately [go] down into a deep squat. When doing this exercise you want to emphasize the squat versus the height of the jump. Of course you want to try to jump up high, but landing into a deep squat and exploding up out of a deep squat is what makes this exercise a good one.”

Morton also suggests that you “focus on taking your arms back when you land and driving your arms forward as you explode out of the squats.”

2. Tricep Dips

For women, the arms can be one of the most difficult areas to tone. Tricep dips can help tone and strengthen your triceps, which are the muscles at the back of your upper arms. Doing these dips can also work to strengthen your abs and core.

1. First, find a place that can support your weight, such as a chair or even the edge of a bathtub.
2. After you find a good support, place your hands on the edge and let your body weight fall into your arms while keeping them locked. Extend your feet so they are straight in front of you with your heels on the floor and toes facing up.
3. Lower yourself towards the floor until you create a 90-degree angle at your elbow, then push back up. “Focus on going down to 90 degrees at the elbow; no more, no less,” Morton says.
4. Complete 3 sets of 10 reps.

3. Leg Lifts

1. Leg lifts can be challenging, but that’s because you’re working so many muscles. By doing these, you’re working to tone your abs, legs, glutes and core.
2. Begin by lying on the floor on your back and placing your hands by your side, keeping your legs straight out in front of you.
3. Now, keeping your hands straight out by your side, lift both legs off of the ground (without bending your knees) to at least a 90-degree angle.
4. Then, lower your legs as close to the floor as possible without actually touching it, hold for a moment and lift back up. Morton says to “make sure you take your leg up as high as you can and then all the way back down and don’t go too fast. Keep it slow and steady.” 
5. Complete three sets of 12 reps.

4. Reverse Leg Lifts

This exercise focuses primarily on your glutes and lower back. It works to lift your butt so you can get just a little closer to being Beyoncé.

1. To do this, kneel down on all fours, supporting your upper body with your forearms.
2. Keeping one knee on the ground, raise the other behind you so that your foot is parallel to the ceiling.
3. Bring that leg back down, keeping it bent, and lift it back up. Try working to keep a steady rhythm and not letting your leg rest back on the floor between reps.
4. Repeat this with both legs.
5. Complete three sets of 15 reps for each leg.

5. Reverse Crunches

Reverse crunches are a fun and more challenging version of your standard crunch. This crunch essentially works all of the abdominal muscles, but largely the rectus abdominis, which is the muscle that gives you the six-pack look. By doing this exercise, you can finally get those abs you’ve always wanted.

1. Start by lying on your back with your arms straight by your side.
2. Lift your legs and bend your knees so that your thighs are perpendicular to the floor and your calves are parallel to the floor.
3. Lift your legs toward your stomach, pushing your body off of the floor. At the height of the exercise, your legs will be over your chest.
4. Come back down to the starting position and repeat. “Don't go too fast,” Morton says. “You will get better results doing these slowly with good form rather than flying through them with incorrect form.”
5. Complete three sets of 12 reps.

6. Reverse Elbow Plank With Leg Lifts

This exercise is a challenging twist on the classic plank. You will have to be strong through this one—you’ll feel the burn! This exercise will tone your arms and legs while challenging your core.  

1. Begin lying on your back with legs straight out in front of you.
2. Press into your heels and lift your body off of the ground, trying to keep it in one diagonal line. Keep your arms straight behind you with your palms facing your feet.  
3. Alternate lifting one leg off the ground at a time. Try to do this slow and steady in order to fully get the benefits.
4. Complete three sets of 15 reps for each leg.

7. Calf Raises

Calf muscles tend to be ignored in most workouts, but toned calves make for great legs! This exercise is so simple, it won’t even seem like a workout, but your calves will definitely thank you for doing this one.

1. Start by standing with your toes on the edge of a step.
2. Lower your heels, then rise up on your toes. That is one rep.
3. Continue doing this at a steady pace.
4. Complete three sets of 15 reps.

You can do these simple strength-building exercises anywhere, so not wanting to go to the gym is no longer an excuse—sorry (but really, you’re welcome)! Mix some cardio with these exercises and you’re bound to be Victoria’s-Secret-Model status by spring break!

Working out at the gym can be daunting sometimes. There are so many different machines that trying to use them can be confusing. Since we understand that sometimes you don’t want to leave your dorm room or embarrass yourself in the gym while trying to figure out how to set up the machine, we’ve compiled a list of strength-building exercises that require nothing but your own body to do. Whether it’s the freezing cold or the complexity of the machines that's been keeping you from the gym, now you can get a workout in the comfort of your room—no excuses!

1. Jump Squats

Jump squats are a great way to mix it up when you want to challenge yourself. These squats will not only work your glutes, legs and abs, but they’ll help to build muscle in your entire body.

1. Start by lowering your hips into a squat so that your glutes are parallel to the ground.
2. Once you’re squatted in position, jump up and land back into the deep squatting position that you started in.
3. Complete three sets of 10 reps.

Amy Morton, CSCS (Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist) and owner of Amy's Personal Training, suggests that “when you land, make sure you immediately [go] down into a deep squat. When doing this exercise you want to emphasize the squat versus the height of the jump. Of course you want to try to jump up high, but landing into a deep squat and exploding up out of a deep squat is what makes this exercise a good one.”

Morton also suggests that you “focus on taking your arms back when you land and driving your arms forward as you explode out of the squats.”

2. Tricep Dips

For women, the arms can be one of the most difficult areas to tone. Tricep dips can help tone and strengthen your triceps, which are the muscles at the back of your upper arms. Doing these dips can also work to strengthen your abs and core.

1. First, find a place that can support your weight, such as a chair or even the edge of a bathtub.
2. After you find a good support, place your hands on the edge and let your body weight fall into your arms while keeping them locked. Extend your feet so they are straight in front of you with your heels on the floor and toes facing up.
3. Lower yourself towards the floor until you create a 90-degree angle at your elbow, then push back up. “Focus on going down to 90 degrees at the elbow; no more, no less,” Morton says.    
4. Complete 3 sets of 10 reps.

3. Leg Lifts

Leg lifts can be challenging, but that’s because you’re working so many muscles. By doing these, you’re working to tone your abs, legs, glutes and core.

1. Begin by lying on the floor on your back and placing your hands by your side, keeping your legs straight out in front of you.
2. Now, keeping your hands straight out by your side, lift both legs off of the ground (without bending your knees) to at least a 90-degree angle.
3. Then, lower your legs as close to the floor as possible without actually touching it, hold for a moment and lift back up. Morton says to “make sure you take your leg up as high as you can and then all the way back down and don’t go too fast. Keep it slow and steady.” 
4. Complete three sets of 12 reps.

4. Reverse Leg Lifts

This exercise focuses primarily on your glutes and lower back. It works to lift your butt so you can get just a little closer to being Beyoncé.

1. To do this, kneel down on all fours, supporting your upper body with your forearms.
2. Keeping one knee on the ground, raise the other behind you so that your foot is parallel to the ceiling.
3. Bring that leg back down, keeping it bent, and lift it back up. Try working to keep a steady rhythm and not letting your leg rest back on the floor between reps.
4. Repeat this with both legs.
5. Complete three sets of 15 reps for each leg.

5. Reverse Crunches

Reverse crunches are a fun and more challenging version of your standard crunch. This crunch essentially works all of the abdominal muscles, but largely the rectus abdominis, which is the muscle that gives you the six-pack look. By doing this exercise, you can finally get those abs you’ve always wanted.

1. Start by lying on your back with your arms straight by your side.
2. Lift your legs and bend your knees so that your thighs are perpendicular to the floor and your calves are parallel to the floor.
3. Lift your legs toward your stomach, pushing your body off of the floor. At the height of the exercise, your legs will be over your chest.
4. Come back down to the starting position and repeat. “Don't go too fast,” Morton says. “You will get better results doing these slowly with good form rather than flying through them with incorrect form.”
5. Complete three sets of 12 reps.

6. Reverse Elbow Plank With Leg Lifts

This exercise is a challenging twist on the classic plank. You will have to be strong through this one—you’ll feel the burn! This exercise will tone your arms and legs while challenging your core.  

1. Begin lying on your back with legs straight out in front of you.
2. Press into your heels and lift your body off of the ground, trying to keep it in one diagonal line. Keep your arms straight behind you with your palms facing your feet.  
3. Alternate lifting one leg off the ground at a time. Try to do this slow and steady in order to fully get the benefits.
4. Complete three sets of 15 reps for each leg.

7. Calf Raises

Calf muscles tend to be ignored in most workouts, but toned calves make for great legs! This exercise is so simple, it won’t even seem like a workout, but your calves will definitely thank you for doing this one.

1. Start by standing with your toes on the edge of a step.
2. Lower your heels, then rise up on your toes. That is one rep.
3. Continue doing this at a steady pace.
4. Complete three sets of 15 reps.

You can do these simple strength-building exercises anywhere, so not wanting to go to the gym is no longer an excuse—sorry (but really, you’re welcome)! Mix some cardio with these exercises and you’re bound to be Victoria’s-Secret-Model status by spring break!

Spring semester is in full swing, and the summer internship hunt is on. Or maybe you’re a senior approaching graduation way faster than you’d like and you’re starting to panic about finding a job. No matter what step you’re on in terms of your career, you should make a trip to your school’s career center this semester. We know it can be rough to face the reality of job- or internship-hunting, but professionals at your career center can help you out in more ways than you realized. We’ve come up with a few reasons collegiettes should make a visit to their college’s career center ASAP.

1. You Can Perfect Your Resume

This one is basic but oh-so-important. Often, your resume is the first thing an employer will see when you apply for a job, so it needs to get across all the most important information about you and your experience in the most concise, easy-to-read manner possible. If an employer has hundreds of resumes to go through, yours may not get more than a two-second glance, so it’s important to catch his or her eye. Who better to help you do this than trained career professionals?

Irene, a senior at Boston University, visited two different career centers: her school’s general career center and one specific to her major. “First, I talked about my resume with someone who specialized in communication, which helped me decide how to best phrase my accomplishments in past internships,” Irene says. She then took her adjusted resume to the general career center, where the advisers provided her with guidance on formatting it professionally.

If your school only has one career center, make an appointment with one associate, and then ask if he or she can recommend anyone who specializes in your specific career field. Some career center associates work more with certain industries than others, and they know their way around those specific job markets. Getting two perspectives will help you achieve the best results!

Your resume carries a lot of weight when you apply for jobs. It has to convince an employer that they should call you in for an interview and hire you, so one poorly-worded phrase can make a huge difference. Even just having a professional proofread it for typos could make the difference between you getting hired and not.

Once your resume is perfected, ask a career center associate if the center has professional resume paper you can print it on. Resume paper can be expensive, and while it’s not mandatory, it can make your resume stand out. If your resume is the one thick, sturdy sheet of paper in a pile of hundreds of flimsy ones, it’s more likely to get noticed by an employer. Many career centers allow students to print on resume paper for free; see if your school’s career center is one of them!

2. You Can Find an Internship

Whether you have no clue what you want to do with your life or you already have your dream job planned out, your career center is a great resource for locating a job or internship. Make an appointment with a career counselor to discuss what you might be interested in doing or to figure out which internships or jobs you should apply for.

Katherine, a junior at the University of Rochester, went to her career center for help finding an internship. “The counselor was also able to give me the contact information of an [alum] who had done an internship I was considering, so I could email her for advice on the application,” she says.

Your career center has worked with a ton of students in the past; the career centers employees often know people you can talk to who have gone through exactly what you’re doing and are willing to help.

According to Rachel Tannenbaum, associate director of student programming at Barnard College Career Development, many students don’t realize the kind of resources their school provides for them. She says most schools even have their own job or internship posting sites for their students. “Many students delay logging on because they either do not know about it or how to use it,” Tannenbaum says. Your career center can show you awesome websites like these, so head in and see what you’ve been missing!

3. You Can Find a Mentor

Your career center can give you access to a whole new network. Every school has alumni who have gone on to achieve great things. “A college’s alumni network is a rich but often underutilized resource for students,” says Tannenbaum. “Counselors at your career office can facilitate the meeting, mingling and learning between yourself and an alumnae of interest.”

Ask a career development associate if he or she can put you in touch with an alum in your field. The alum may be able to help you land a job or internship, or at least tell you how he or she made it in the industry and provide some advice. Your career center wants to help you connect with alumni, and often has structured programs to facilitate these connections.

Alumni are a great resource because they’ve been in your exact position and have worked their way up from it. They know what you’re going through and are usually happy to help students of their alma mater. Make an appointment at your career center to see how they can help you build these alumni connections, and check out our article about networking with alumni!

4. You Can Practice Your Interview Skills

We all know interviews can be terrifying. You never know if you’ll connect with the interviewer, or if they’ll stick to traditional interview questions or go for ones that are a little more out there. It can be difficult to prepare for an interview, but your career center can assist you with this.

“Career service professionals will get into character and provide a simulated interview experience,” Tannenbaum says. “Also, many offices will even tape the interview so you can see with your own eyes how you’ve performed.”

It may seem scary or embarrassing, but your career counselors are there to help you; they know what kinds of questions you may be asked and can help you work out the best possible responses.

5. You Could Get a Grant

Having an unpaid internship can be difficult for a lot of students to manage. That’s why many schools offer internship grants. With an internship grant, you can apply to receive a few hundred or a couple thousand dollars depending on your school and which semester you’re doing your internship.

Visit your career center’s website to see if you can find some preliminary information about what types of grants are available and to which students. Make an appointment at your career center to discuss the application process and requirements; these processes can be tricky to navigate, so it can be extremely helpful to discuss them in person.

Katherine visited her career center to learn more about internship grant opportunities. “[I] found out my school has a program that gives students grants for internships on a first-come, first-serve basis,” she says. “This isn’t a program they really advertise on the website, but the career counselor was eager to give me information about it.”

Even if you’ve never heard about one, visit your career center to see if they offer a grant program like this. Being an unpaid intern can be hard on your budget, so a grant can make a world of difference!

6. You Can Master LinkedIn

Plenty of students are intimidated by the concept of LinkedIn. While we collegiettes love to Instagram and tweet all day long, the idea of a professional social network can be a little daunting. However, LinkedIn is the perfect way to make connections in your field. Get a head start and make an account now if you don’t already have one!

The key to LinkedIn is understanding how it differs from other social media sites. Career counselors know how you can use it to your advantage. “Not only can career service professionals show you how to use [Linkedin], but also how to brand yourself with a strong online profile,” Tannenbaum says. Make an appointment with a career counselor to find out the best way to take advantage of this awesome networking tool.

7. You Can Figure Out Your Future

If you have no idea what you want to do with your life, you’re not the only one. Plenty of collegiettes struggle to figure it all out. What do you want to do after graduation? What do you have to do to meet your professional goals? You may have a lot of questions about how to pick out the right path.

Fortunately for you, career counselors are trained to help you make all these decisions. “Whether it’s through an in-depth counseling session or via a career assessment such as the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator, you will leave your career services office with a greater sense of how your values, skills and personality align with potential career paths,” Tannenbaum says.

The career center is there to help guide you down your professional path. If you’re having a hard time figuring out what kind of job you want, what you should major in or anything else career-related, a career counselor can walk you through your difficulties and help you make the decisions that will benefit you most.

So, collegiettes, if you thought you didn’t need to visit your career center, think again! Your school’s career development office is full of people whose job is to help you get a job. Check out your school’s website for information on how to contact professionals at your career center, or drop by the office and schedule an appointment with a counselor. Making a visit this semester will give your career the boost it needs!

The fashion world, as I've likely written before, has a complicated relationship with wearability. On the one hand, you can really wear anything in the street, like a clear plastic miniskirt or a six-inch high snowboots. Fashion is, after all, an art form and its interpretations accordingly have a wide range. On the other, you have fashion that is a little more functional like, say, leather leggings, chunky knit sweaters, and cashmere wristwarmers. The latter items are all from Tess Giberson's Fall/Winter 2014 collection, "Each Touch," which, to me, is not only wearable and functional, but beautiful. In my mind, this is what the best collections are: if I leave thinking I could easily stack my closet with these items and feel wonderful wearing them, then I'm all about it. And, granted, everyone's lifestyle is different, but I found yesterday that my lifestyle matches the girl Giberson has in mind: she's stylish but she's on the move; she needs her comfort to be fabulous and functional. It's classic American sportswear, with a twist. Or, as hairstylist James Pecis quotes Giberson, "like L.L. Bean in a game of Telephone." Take a look at the entire collection here on Style.com.

Hair, designed by James Pecis using Phyto products and T3 tools for Beauty.com, was an elegantly tousled, partly open chignon. Makeup, by Dick Page for Shiseido, was minimal, save for a softly smudgy eye and a soft pink lip. 

Inspired by Giberson's childhood in New England, the collection included leathers, winter coats, lush, chunky knits, plaids, and much more. Her color palette included ever-classic black and white, with touches of grey, burgundy, olive, and cadet blue. Favorite pieces included a white, tailored, knee-length shirtdress, a long, plaid button-down skirt, a burgundy reverse jacquard cardigan, and a hand-knit birdseye neck warmer. I imagined myself not only dashing through the city in pieces like these, but stylishly curling up in my cabin upstate next to my fireplace with my husband Daniel Craig. Giberson's collection was easily a new genre of "comfortable luxury." 

For some behind-the-scenes shots and snaps of my favorite ensembles during the show, click here. All photos by moi. 

Good news Pitch Perfect fans – The Barden Bellas are back for more! Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson have signed on to reprise their roles as adorable Beca and hilarious Fat Amy in the much-anticipated sequel.

Universal Studios confirmed that Elizabeth Banks, who appeared in the original as one of the musical judges, will make her directorial debut for the film. The script will be written Kay Cannon, who also wrote the original.

Mark your calendars for May 15, 2015 — We’re expecting this to be aca-awesome! 

Whether you’re in a relationship with a new guy or have been together for months, Valentine’s Day can be a fun way to show your love and appreciation for your significant other. But before you plan the elaborate V-Day gift and dinner, check out what these guys had to say about Valentine’s Day! Here’s a hint: they’re (almost) as sappy as we are!

On Valentine’s Day as a legitimate holiday

Valentine’s Day is a commercial holiday—no doubt about it. But turns out guys aren’t as cynical as you’d expect. Some actually sort of like it!

“I think that it’s just another way for greeting card companies to benefit from couples spending money on gifts on each other. However, it’s kind of cool to have a special day for couples to celebrate (as long as they don’t overdo it with all the manufactured Valentine’s Day stuff.) – Ryan, a sophomore at University of Washington

“Why not have a day to celebrate love? I think the people who decry the commercial overtones are just miserable, even if they make good points. Let someone have a day to be extra happy.” – Luca, a sophomore at SUNY Geneseo

But then there are the cynics… So, collegiettes, when it comes to V-Day, guys are as across the board as we are.

“I’ve never really celebrated it so when that day comes, I don’t really care. So I guess to me, it’s not a holiday. Just like any other day.” – Morris, a sophomore at Johns Hopkins University

“No, I think Valentine’s Day is a made-up holiday by the chocolate/flower industries and restaurant owners to sell their products.” – Daniel, a senior at Columbia University

On giving and receiving gifts

Gift-giving for guys is rarely easy, especially on Valentine’s Day, since the typical fare (flower, chocolates, teddy bears) often seems cheesy and overly-sappy. The takeaway? Boys don’t necessarily expect gifts on this holiday, though most do plan on giving their significant others gifts. So don’t stress too much if you’re debating whether or not a gift is appropriate. Guys like effort (think homemade) and know money is often tight in college.

“I’d probably give her a gift. I don’t care that much. I’d prefer her gift to me to be not something tangible. I’d want my gift to be her to do something special. Something new in the sexual realm, for example.” – Morris

“No I really don't need a gift, I feel like this day is more about spending time with someone you love rather than gifts.” – Ryan

“Some couples like corny gifts. If that’s you, then sure, get a stuffed animal or some kind of trinket. Flowers are great, too. But, come on, expensive jewelry? I don’t know. Just because it’s Valentine’s Day? It seems more romantic to give a gift on a day that you find to be important as a couple.” – Andrew, a sophomore at Boston University

“I think it's best for you and him to set a monetary limit if you plan on exchanging V-Day gifts. This lessens the pressure on the guy especially, who is already probably dropping fat stacks on a fancy dinner. The gift should be tailored to what a guy is interested in or what his hobbies are. If he likes movies, buy him some DVDs or a subscription to Netflix. If he likes to party, pick out a nice bottle of liquor. If he follows sports, get him a jersey for his favorite team or tickets to a game. Try to pick out something that you can both enjoy and use to create a shared experience. Concert tickets for a musical artist you both enjoy, for example.” – Mike, a senior at Kent State University

On romantic dates

Most guys agree: going on a date seems to be the gold standard for Valentine’s Day. Whether it’s an intimate dinner, a classic dinner-and-a-movie or something a bit more unusual, guys typically like going on V-Day dates and will take the reins in planning them.

“If I went on a Valentine's date I would probably do something small, like go see a movie and probably have dinner afterwards. Also probably like a walk afterwards too.” – Ryan

“Despite knowing that Valentine's Day is a big scam, I still enjoy using it as an opportunity to show my significant other that I love her and bring some excitement into our love life. A romantic dinner is a must. However, if we were to watch a movie it would probably be at home rather than a theater. Would want to spend as much ‘alone time’ with my significant other as possible.” – Daniel

“I’d want something very causal for Valentine’s Day. We’d spend the afternoon taking a walk somewhere if the weather’s not too bad, maybe catch a movie, and then grab dinner at a place that both of us would be excited to eat at before we spend the night at whichever dorm/apartment/house is more comfortable.” – Andrew

“If you're in a relationship with someone you should want to go on a romantic date on Valentine's Day and treat your woman right. While plans should be more aimed toward what the female would want to do, there should be some compromise. Dinner and a movie seems like a win-win for all involved.” – Mike

“Last year I made dinner and we danced to a mix CD. In general, I’d probably want to do something weird, something different, not usually considered a date. Or, I’d be more than happy holing ourselves up and watching movies while cuddling the entire day.” - Luca

On spending V-Day single

Like us, single guys also tend to get a little envious on Valentine’s Day. But most don’t care. So if you’re single, take a cue from these guys and ignore the handholding on the quad! Check out these tips for having a great V-Day regardless of your relationship status!

“It doesn't really sadden me too much because I am not actively looking for a girlfriend but it kind of makes me jealous seeing all the couples out and about.” – Ryan

“I’ve done it, and it’s fine. It doesn’t suck. Yes, I’d rather be with someone, but if you remember that it’s just February 14, it helps to go through the day like any other one. Maybe I’d watch a romantic comedy on TV if I were really bummed out. But hopefully I’ll have something more to do this year than that. “ – Andrew

“When you're single on Valentine's Day, you often feel like you're the only one without a date. That's so far from the truth! In college, there's definitely more people single than in a relationship. This fact should give you comfort. It's not a big deal if you don't have an official girlfriend or boyfriend. If you're afraid of being lonely, you can go out with a group of single friends... or even just talk to your mom or dad on the phone. Single or not, there's still plenty of ways to feel the love on Valentine's Day. Couples aren't the only ones who get to have fun.” – Mike

On their ideal Valentine’s Day

Now here’s the fun stuff: we asked guys across the country to describe their ideal V-Day—the who, what, where and when. Here’s what they had to say.

“Probably with somebody I love dearly and we would go away from all the other Valentine’s Day stuff and spend time just together. But in a very romantic setting. Like a waterfall or something exotic.” – Morris

“I would like to do a morning hike here in Washington. Maybe go to Gasworks Park afterwards and have a little picnic. After that we go see a movie afterwards and it wouldn't be like a rom com but I would like to see Zero Dark Thirty! Maybe a dinner somewhere and then we go walk around, enjoying the night and looking at stars. With who? No one in particular, but Anne Hathaway would be nice!” – Ryan

“Take a day off from work, perfect weather, tropical island, beach, beach view suite with Jacuzzi, meal from Michelin starred restaurant (as well as being lactose free), with the love of my life. Hey, it never hurts to think big right?” – Daniel

“Somewhere offbeat: we visit every coffee shop within an X mile radius and try their espresso shots. Then we get lost in the woods somewhere. Perhaps go shopping with the express goal of buying one thing for the other that they wouldn't wear otherwise. Then make dinner together, something big and involved. Finish with a movie, or maybe instead finish with learning a song together.” – Luca

“Flirtatious texts throughout the day. Dinner at an upscale restaurant in the evening. Next, a movie (either at the theaters or at home). Perhaps some drinks. And then after that, hopefully we just get it on.” – Mike

So there you have it, collegiettes! Don’t stress on this romantic holiday. Ask your guy about date ideas, plan something fun together and just enjoy the day!

Single ladies, this one's for you! Instead of stressing about your relationship status or watching The Notebook with a box of tissues, make a date with your couch and one (or all) of these feel-good chick flicks this Valentine's Day. 

1. Pretty Woman (1990)

This film has all of the ingredients of a modern-day fairy tale, and we never get tired of watching Julia Roberts get the princess treatment from Richard Gere.  

Memorable quote:  “I want the fairy tale.”

2. Easy A (2010)

As the ever-sassy and hilarious Olive Penderghast, Emma Stone reminds us why we love her so much. It's The Scarlet Letter for the 21st century (but unlike in your English class, you'll actually pay attention this time around!).

Memorable quote: “I want John Cusack holding a boom box outside my window. I wanna ride off on a lawn mower with Patrick Dempsey. I want Jake from Sixteen Candles waiting outside the church for me. I want Judd Nelson thrusting his fist into the air because he knows he got me. Just once I want my life to be like an '80s movie, preferably one with a really awesome musical number for no apparent reason.”

3. Clueless (1995)

Clueless isn't just a '90s chick flick; it's the'90s chick flick. Fabulous outfits? Check. Witty dialogue? Check. Adorable, young Paul Rudd? Check. 

Memorable quote: “Searching for a boy in high school is as useless as searching for meaning in a Pauly Shore movie."

4. Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)

When all else fails, we can always turn to this classic Audrey Hepburn film that makes us want to be a glamorous New York City socialite.  

Memorable quote: “People do fall in love, people do belong to each other, because that’s the only chance anybody’s got for real happiness.”

5. The Princess Diaries (2001)

If only we could all find out that we’re secretly the princess of a foreign country! Plus, this film has one of the greatest makeovers of all time.

Memorable quote: “Because you saw me when I was invisible." 

6. 27 Dresses (2008) 

If you’ve been in love with someone who doesn’t know you exist or had to listen to a friend gush about a guy while you’re feeling like you’re going to be #foreveralone, you can definitely sympathize with Katherine Heigl’s character!

Memorable quote: "Get over here."

7. Pitch Perfect (2012)

Everything about the movie is an ultimate mood-booster! It’s the perfect blend of funny and heartwarming.

Memorable quote: "Even though some of you are pretty thin, I think that you all have fat hearts."

8. Crazy, Stupid, Love (2011) 

Ryan Gosling. SHIRTLESS Ryan Gosling. Need we say anything else?

Memorable quote: "I will never stop trying, because when you find the one, you never give up."

9. 13 Going on 30 (2004)

It’s hard to not want to get up and dance along with Jennifer Garner to “Thriller,” and the '80s flashbacks are priceless.

Memorable quote: “Love is a battlefield.”

10. She's the Man (2006)

Amanda Bynes kills it as a dude in this hilarious movie, which features a hot, soccer-playing Channing Tatum. Yes, please!

Memorable quote: “Heels are a male invention designed to make a woman's butt look smaller. And to make it harder for them to run away."

11. Bridesmaids (2011) 

With Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy and Maya Rudolph, this movie is guaranteed to have you cracking up from beginning to end.

Memorable quote: “I don't associate with people that blame the world for their problems. Because you're your problem, and you're also your solution."

12. John Tucker Must Die (2006) 

You have to love a movie about three scheming girls getting sweet revenge on the guy who cheated on all of them. And props to Penn Badgley for somehow still looking good while rocking that hairdo!

Memorable quote: “I wish it could be simple, like a retro pop song: 'I want you to want me.' Boom, end of story, we all live happily ever after.”

13. Mean Girls (2004) 

No chick flick list would be complete without Mean Girls, our generation's favorite movie to quote. How many times have we watched pre-rehab LiLo take on the Plastics? THE LIMIT DOES NOT EXIST.

Memorable quote: “Calling somebody else fat won't make you any skinnier. Calling someone stupid doesn't make you any smarter."

1. You’ve always wondered what snow days were like…

2. …but hurricane days don’t faze you.

3. Even if you weren’t alive at the time, you can tell anyone what happened during Hurricane Andrew.

4. Flip-flops are your go-to footwear.

5. You go to the beach during winter break.

6. Publix subs are your lunch of choice.

7. You’ve had a class field trip to the Everglades.

8. You break out your Uggs and your winter coat in 60-degree weather.

9. You can comfortably wear boots and flip-flops in the same day.

10. You will always root for the Dolphins and the Marlins, no matter how bad they are…

11. …so you are especially grateful the Heat can salvage the reputation of Miami athletics.

12. You don’t have to worry about rain canceling your plans because you know it never rains for more than 15 minutes at a time.

13. You have never built a snowman, but nobody can touch your sandcastle-making skills.

14. The Miami Seaquarium jingle is always stuck in your head.

15. You had annual passes to Walt Disney World at some point in your life…

16. …and you have pictures with all of the characters.

17. You drive with the sunroof open or the top down 365 days a year.

18. You have always wanted a basement.

19. You have more bathing suits than sweatshirts.

20. Your winter has never lasted longer than a month.

21. You were basically required to learn Spanish in order to get around.

22. You went to Santa’s Enchanted Forest every Christmas season.

23. You’ve taken a picture at Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlour.

24. You are used to the weird and crazy headlines Florida creates.

25. Oranges are your go-to fruit.

26. You have been to bar and bat mitzvahs that were more elaborate than some weddings.

27. You learned to swim before you could walk.

28. You know you can always call paradise your home.

25 breakfast ideas (with just 4 ingredients!). [Life by DailyBurn]

The mostsignificant pop culture moments we’ve lived through. [College Times]

Celebrities read mean tweets about themselves. [Gawker]

Breaking up: a recovery timeline. [YourTango]

Passive aggressive Valentine’s Day cards. [BuzzFeed]

Life lessons you learn from owning a dog. [Thought Catalog]

Weirdest moments from the Olympic opening ceremony. [Jezebel]

Diet myths and their skinny truths. [Betches Love This]

The snowiestcolleges in the country. [The Huffington Post]

Late night hosts say farewell to Jay Leno. [Entertainment Weekly]

The Winter Olympics are off to a start in Sochi, Russia, where athletes were greeted with a plethora of Russian cultural references and stunning visuals on Friday at the opening ceremonies! Yet despite the joyous occasion, much discussion still continued throughout the week surrounding actor Philip Seymour Hoffman's death last Sunday, which occurred from a suspected drug overdose though no official autopsy report has been released.

Welcome back to NEWSFLASH, giving you the week's biggest stories!

Winter Olympics Begin In Sochi

The 2014 Winter Olympics opened in Sochi on Friday after years of preparation marked by both admiration and criticism from the international community.

The Games kicked off with a spectacular opening ceremony featuring key elements of Russian culture, including an opening sequence featuring a young girl whose dreams of the Russian alphabet gave way to memories of historically significant artists, writers and locations from the country.

But as predicted, warnings of security threats appeared almost immediately. Turkish authorities reportedly took a suspect into custody after a passenger on a flight said a bomb was on board and demanded that the crew direct the plane to Sochi. Athletes have also received threats, including two Austrian competitors who were warned that they could become possible targets for kidnappers.

The U.S. has already won two gold medals and one bronze, putting it in third place overall behind Norway and the Netherlands.

Actor Philip Seymour Hoffman Found Dead In Manhattan Apartment

Award-winning actor Philip Seymour Hoffman was discovered dead in his Manhattan apartment on Sunday, sending shockwaves around the world with the unexpected news.

Hoffman, 46, was declared dead at the scene after being found that morning by friend and screenwriter David Bar Katz.

While an official autopsy is still pending, Hoffman seemingly died of a suspected drug overdose. The actor was found with a hypodermic needle still stuck in his arm and 70 small bags of heroin. Hoffman had previously gone through a rehabilitation program for drug addiction.

Hoffman’s funeral took place on Friday at the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola, attended by his family and closest friends, including actresses Cate Blanchett and Meryl Streep.

Philip Seymour Hoffman has long been considered one of his generation’s leading actors. He won an Academy Award in 2005 for his portrayal of Truman Capote in “Capote,” which served as only one of many major honors awarded to the actor.

My boyfriend asked me if I wanted to watch the winter Olympics opening ceremony with him.

Right. And after that, we can fist-bump and brew beer in the kitchen.

The Olympics are really cool, of course, but they’re just not my cup of tea – the only sporting event that I get really into watching is the World Cup. Still, even for those of us who couldn’t care less that club swinging and tug-of-war are Olympic sports, there are some really legitimate reasons to watch at least a few games this year.

Reason # 1: The USA looks rad in Ralph Lauren.

Their Christmas sweater-esque cardigans aren’t exactly budget-friendly (they’re $595 each! Yikes, you might want to hit up Urban Outfitters for an off-season ugly Christmas sweater from the clearance rack, instead).

Still, the team looks all-American, more than a touch preppy, and as well suited to gossip in a New England ski lodge as to taking home the gold in Sochi.

Reason #2: France is above it all in Lacoste.

The colors are muted and they’re definitely going for a more reserved, classic look here, but it’s not always important to take big risks and be daring.

Especially with a design challenge as difficult as designing team uniforms for the Olympics, where you have all sorts of very different athletic body types and are trying to find something that looks uniformly flattering on all of them, simplicity can sometimes be underrated. Leave it to the French to bring simple elegance back.

Reason #3: Germany takes the cake.

Period. So I might be a little biased (I’m half-German) but the colorful uniforms by Bogner are so daring, so upbeat, and so inspiring that I vote them the best-dressed team at the Olympics. The bright, positive vibe is exactly what the Olympics – an event that should be centered around good sportsmanship and inspiration – is all about!

I would wear it. Not that I have any Olympic Skills – but if pigeon shooting is an Olympic sport, can speed showering count, too? Or maybe sample sale excavating?
That’s a thing.

Reason #4: Norway misses the mark in the most entertaining way.

Please, what were they thinking? I suppose they figured that they’re the curling team, of all things, and perhaps if they make a joke of their uniforms, people won’t feel a need to poke fun at the sport? If anything can serve as a distraction, these suits can.

The other teams are a little less inspired, with South Korea going for practicality with plain puffer jackets and the Japan rocking a flight attendant-esque gray uniform, but everyone can’t be the Gaga of the Olympics.

You’re still only likely to find me race walking if (a) I’m late for class, (b) I have my eye on the short checkout line at the library circulation desk, or (c) I took the cab to the wrong terminal of the airport and have fifteen minutes until boarding. Nonetheless, these brilliant feats of design make me think twice about blowing off watching the opening ceremony next time – if only to see what they’re wearing!

Sick of eating cereal and ramen for lunch and dinner? Want to spend less money eating out and finally start cooking for yourself? Put down that frozen pizza, because HC’s Health Editor, Sammie Levin, is here to share her daily eats so you can get ideas for healthy, satisfying meals that are easy enough for any time-strapped collegiette to make. After you read Collegiette Eats, your taste buds, wallet and waistline will thank you.

Breakfast

For breakfast yesterday, I had two slices of toasted cinnamon raisin Ezekiel bread topped with banana, almond butter, cinnamon and a little bit of honey. This was my first time having the cinnamon raisin flavor of the bread and it was good - sweet but not too sweet, and a good bread-to-raisin ratio. 

Lunch

For lunch, I made a salad based on a recipe my mom sent me. It had baby kale, quinoa, dried cranberries, raisins and sunflower and pumpkin seeds, and I drizzled olive oil and honey on top. Light and refreshing! Adding quinoa to salads is a great way to get protein and fiber in the mix, plus it adds a nice texture.  

Dinner 

For dinner, I made a soba noodle stir-fry. Soba noodles are Japanese noodles made from buckwheat flour. They have about the same amount of calories as regular noodles, but more protein and fiber. And the best part is they only take four mintues to cook. I sautéed shrimp, asparagus and zucchini in olive oil, garlic and a little bit of soy sauce. I added all of that to the cooked soba noodles and mixed in a half cup of edamame and topped it with teriyaki sauce. In total, this dish only took about 10 minutes to prepare and it turned out to be really satisfying. I definitely recommend trying soba noodles if you haven't; they're pretty bland on their own but taste good as a stir-fry dish or in soups. 

You recognized all of The 16 Types of Drunk Girls.

Sorority girls loved 12 Reasons Why You Are Obsessed With Your Big.

Teeth, really? The 6 Most Surprising Things Guys Are Attracted To was certainly unexpected.

Too funny! Guys Guess How Much Bras & Tampons Cost.

If Coachella Was Just for College Girls was a lineup we could only dream about.