Despite the positive strides made for the transgender community in 2015, such as Caitlyn Jenner's being awarded Women of the Year and Laverne Cox being the first transgender celebrity to get a wax figure made of her, the year has also seen a violent outlash toward the community. 

According to the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, at least 22 transgender and gender non-conforming people have been killed this year—most of them people of color. This is the highest record since the advocacy group started tallying this number a few decades ago. 

Two national advocacy groups, the Human Rights Campaign and the Trans People of Color Coalition, have reported an "epidemic of violence" against transgender people. Fifteen percent of transgender homicide victims were killed by their significant others, as shown in the report. 

"We all grow up with this myth that you can be whatever you want when you grow up," Yvonne Siferd, director of victim services for Equality Michigan, told the Boston Gobe. "When you do grow up and become your authentic self, the fact that you could be targeted for just being you is terrifying."

Stories of victimized transgender individuals are horrifying. Tamara Dominguez, 36, was run over by an SUV several times. The driver fled the scene. She's not the only one to make headlines. Amber Monroe, 20, was also shot in Detroit, and Zella Ziona, who was shot by her boyfriend because he was embarassed by her presence in front of his friends. Keyshia Blige was shot while driving in a car with her friend. 

The names and stories of those transgender people who were lost this year are memorialized on the International Transgender Day of Remembrance website. The event itself is held every Nov. 20 to honor people who have lost their lives due to violence toward the transgender community. 

Over the past week, groups have been popping up on Facebook claiming to be "white student unions" affiliated with universities. One of these groups is Union of White NYU Students, which posted its first status last Friday night.

The group, previously named NYU White Student Union, changed its name after facing backlash that they weren't affiliated with the university. The Washington Post reports that more than 30 of these groups have shown up around the country at universities such as the University of Missouri and the University of California, Berkeley.

"Several schools, including the University of California, Berkeley, the University of Illinois and Penn State University have condemned the pages claiming to be affiliated with their respective institutions, which have since been removed,"the Huffington Post reports.

To address the situation, NYU released a statement on Monday stating that the Facebook page is not affiliated with the university:

"These kinds of pages have cropped up at a number of universities that have sought to have a real dialogue about race and inclusion. There is no such organization as this at NYU. We call on all parties to contribute thoughtfully and respectfully to the discourse on race and to reject efforts to derail or distort the conversation."

Despite the statement and backlash, the group continues to post material claiming to be a valid student organization.

Many of the pages include a similar "about" description claiming to welcome students of European descent (and allies) to let their voices be heard. Many believe that these groups do not have an actual presence on college campuses, but simply exist online to antagonize people pushing for better treatment of people of color.

Cultural appropriation has become a hot topic recently—Last month, ASOS came under criticism for selling bindis as Halloween merchandise. And let's not forget Miley Cyrus' controversial decision to sport dreadlocks at this year's VMAs. While recognizing cultural appropriation is important in eliminating ignorance and offensive practices, it's hard to distinguish the difference between appropriation and appreciation. 

At the University of Ottawa, Jennifer Scharf was faced with this issue when she learned that her yoga class, aimed to include students with disabilities, was being suspended by the school's Centre for Students with Disabilities (CSD). The Washington Post reports that the center emailed Scharf saying some students and volunteers were uncomfortable with the way in which yoga was practiced, and cautioned her on the cultural sensivity of yoga.

Specifically, the CSD stated the following during an email exchange with Scharf: "Many of these cultures are cultures that have experienced oppression, cultural genocide and diasporas due to colonialism and western supremacy, and we need to be mindful of this and how we express ourselves and while practicing yoga." 

Although Scharf replied suggesting that she change the focus to stretching and fitness rather than yoga, ultimately the CSD kept their decision to suspend Scharf's class. Since its decision, the CSD has received a ton of negativity via Twitter and other social media channels, as reported by the Huffington Post. Some tweets defend yoga's roots in British culture and accuse India of appropriating the activity. Others believe that the University of Ottawa's decision is plain ridiculous and an overreaction. 

The complaints that caused Scharf's class to be halted were kept anonymous, but there has been public criticism against the widespread adoption of yoga in Western countries. In 2008, the Hindu American Foundation launched an initiative called Take Back Yoga that denounces the commercialization of the yoga industry. The campaign's webpage proclaims that as yoga becomes ubiquitous, "the underlying meaning, philosophy, and purpose of yoga are being lost". But does that mean that classes like Jennifer Scharf's, which are primarily geared towards encouraging fitness and mental health, deserves to be labeled as inappropriate?

For all you yogis out there, food for thought. 

photo credit: Beach Yoga 1 via photopin(license)

In a 2-1 decision, a federal appeals court shut down a Wisconsin law that would require abortion providers to get admitting privileges at hospitals. Planned Parenthood and Affiliated Medical Services filed a lawsuit stating that the restriction, instituted in 2013, is unconstitutional. Appeals courts in six other states have already repealed similar statutes, leading the Supreme Court to consider the issue in the current term.

According to the ruling, the law would only restrict women’s access to abortions, which is a danger to women’s health. If the law were upheld, Affiliated Medical Services in Wisconsin would likely be forced to close because their doctors do not have admitting privileges, resulting in crowds and long waits at Planned Parenthood.

Those who support the law (mostly Republicans) say its intention is for women who experience complications post-abortion and need to be hospitalized. Judge Richard Posner, who opposed the law, believes there was “no rational basis for the law,” and “didn't provide any health benefits for women seeking abortions and was clearly designed to close abortion clinics,” according toThe Associated Press.

The Supreme Court has agreed to consider a case in which abortion providers are required to have admitting privileges and pay for costly facilities—And their decision should put cases such as the one in Wisconsin to rest nationwide. We’re glad that not only was this unconstitutional law repealed, but that court judges are speaking out against obvious efforts to endanger women’s health!

Thanksgiving is unlike any other day of the year—we who worship food get the chance to overstuff ourselves with no sideways glances or double takes. Food receives all the glory, and we avoid any judgment. Win! For those of you who aren’t afraid to let your foodie flag fly on the regular, below are 8 articles of clothing that properly demonstrate your immense, undying love for food.

1. I want a pizza that

Oh… you thought that because we adore Thanksgiving we must be excellent cooks? Think again. We’re revealing our cardinal cooking rule with this Wildfox tee shirt dress ($88).

2. Destination: guac bottom

We may not agree with it, but believe us—we know guac is extra. With this adorbs Dogeared pouch from Shopbop ($24), we can totally stash leftover chips. Because who are we kidding? There just won’t be guac left when it’s all said and done.

3. Sundae special

No gal’s wardrobe is complete without a few printed dresses. And no human being’s life is complete without ice cream. Jackpot: ModCloth’s ice cream-printed dress ($79.99)!

4. But first…

One of our go-to sayings is now on a pair of socks; apparently, dreams really do come true! Whether we’re roaming around campus or lounging in leggings and a sweatshirt, we’ll most definitely be wearing these tube socks from Arthur George by R. Kardashian ($18). P.S. you’re not a true fan if this is the first time you’re hearing about Rob’s sock line.

5. The brunch club

What could possibly be better than breakfast? BRUNCH. Because you eat the same foods but much later in the day. You can thank Topshop’s Brunch Club tee ($38) for keeping the legacy of brunch alive.

6. Waffles, friends, work

Speaking of brunch, pancakes and waffles also exist to make life a little more worth living. And how cute is Betsey Johnson’s pancake mix crossbody bag ($78)? Follow-up question: does is come with pancakes and/or waffles?

7. Burger up

If you’re going to wear a ball cap, it better have a hamburger on it. Opening Ceremony’s cap ($40) is essential to every food lover’s wardrobe.

8. Matters of the health

So some of you like food but also like to remain healthy? We guess it’s not the strangest of ideas. Here’s a punny lettuce sweatshirt from REVOLVE Clothing ($64) to satisfy your cravings.

Which of these pieces speaks to your inner foodie, collegiettes?

We have all come to know and love the epic rom-com, Love Actually. With the holidays approaching and the college-to-home drive looming, it's the perfect opportunity to relive this holiday classic.

But is it possible that we have been missing a huge plotline in this movie? Don’t worry, it’s not your fault. According to Nylon, a same-sex relationship developed throughout the movie; an older lesbian couple played a role in the original script, but their story was ultimately cut from the film.

For those of you familiar with the movie, Karen’s son’s headmistress had a scene with her terminally ill partner. Many people complain that if any scenes should have been cut, this certainly should not have been the one, especially because one main criticism of the film was its lack of same-sex couples.

Dying of curiosity? We know we are! Check out the deleted scene below.

Thanksgiving, one of the best holidays to come home for, is right around the corner! With food, football, friends and family, we all have something to be thankful for. By the way, did we mention all the food?

1. Turkey stock

Recipe fromChow

One of the most versatile foods you can make with your Thanksgiving leftovers is turkey stock. Stock, or broth, is used as a base in multiple varieties of soups and cream sauces. This stock can be used to supplement chicken stock and works with several of the recipes seen below.

The trick to making great turkey stock is to fully clean the bones of the turkey. Although this sounds a little gross (who wants to touch slimy meat?), it’s definitely worth donning a pair of gloves and stripping down the bones. You’ll be so proud of your yummy turkey stock that you won’t even care!

Ingredients:

• 1 turkey carcass
• 2 medium stocks of celery, coarsely chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, quartered
• 1 medium bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 6 sprigs fresh thyme

Directions:

1. Break up carcass with a meat mallet or cleaver so it fits in a stockpot (at least 15 quarts), and then add remaining ingredients.
2. Add enough cold water to cover the bones by two inches and bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer, skimming occasionally, until turkey flavor comes through in the stock.
4. Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a large, heatproof container. Let cool to a room temperature, then refrigerate or freeze.

2. Turkey pot pie

Recipe from Allrecipes.com

This turkey pot pie takes all the best parts of Thanksgiving leftovers—the turkey and veggies—and puts them into one convenient package. What makes this pot pie so great is the sauce. Made of both broth and milk, the creamy sauce is thick with a smooth texture and salty undertone. If you want to make more use of your Turkey Day leftovers, substitute the 1 ¾ cups of chicken broth for turkey broth instead.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups peas and carrots (freezer mix)
• 2 cups chopped green beans
• 1 cup celery
• 2/3 cup butter
• 2/3 cup chopped onion
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 3/4 cups chicken broth
• 1 1/3 cups milk
• 4 cups cubed turkey meat
• 4 (9-inch) unbaked pie crusts

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).
2. Place the peas and carrots, green beans and celery into a saucepan. Cover with water, bring to a boil and simmer over medium-low heat until the celery is tender, about eight minutes. Drain the vegetables in a colander set in the sink and set aside.
3. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and cook the onion until translucent, about five minutes. Stir in flour, salt, black pepper, celery seed, onion powder and Italian seasoning; slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk until the mixture comes to a simmer and thickens. Remove from heat; stir the cooked vegetables and turkey meat into the filling until well combined.
4. Fit two pie crusts into the bottom of two 9-inch pie dishes. Spoon half the filling into each pie crust, and then top each pie with another crust. Pinch and roll the top and bottom crusts together at the edge of each pie to seal, and cut several small slits into the top of the pies with a sharp knife to release steam.
5. Bake into the preheated oven until the crusts are golden brown and the filling is bubbly, 30 to 35 minutes. If the crusts are browning too quickly, cover the stew with aluminum foil after about 15 minutes. Cool for 10 minutes before serving.

3. Fried stuffing bites

Recipe fromDelish

These stuffing bites are a snap to make and are great to have in the fridge when you want to do some late-night snacking. If you love to stay up late and watch movies while eating leftovers (who doesn’t?), then this is the recipe for you. Cranberry sauce optional!

Ingredients:

• Leftover stuffing, cut into cubes, about 2 to 3 cups
• 2 eggs
• 2 teaspoons milk
• 1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs

Directions:

1. Preheat oil in a pan.
2. In a small bowl, whisk eggs and milk. Coat each stuffing cube with this egg wash, then dredge in the bread crumbs until fully coated and set aside.
3. Once oil is at temperature, fry stuffing bites in batches until golden brown, about four minutes time. Drain onto a paper towel.

4. Turkey soup

Recipe from EverydayMaven

This hearty turkey soup is another great recipe to use with your newfound turkey-stock skills! If you want to use up more leftovers than just the turkey and the turkey stock, substitute the vegetables in this recipe for leftover carrots and potatoes from your family’s feast. When putting precooked vegetables into the soup, remember that they will cook faster than raw ones. To avoid that overcooked potato-mush texture, drop the leftover veggies in the broth five to 10 minutes before the soup is done.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 medium onions (or 1 extra large), finely chopped
• 2 medium stalks celery, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
• 1 pound sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½-inch cubes
• 3 sprigs fresh parsley
• 2 sprigs thyme
• 8 cups turkey stock (you already know how to make that!)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds cooked turkey breast meat, cut into ½ inch cubes
• 3/4 cup frozen sweet peas (unsalted)

Directions:

1. Place parsley and thyme on top of a cheesecloth and fold over sides. Roll until tightly sealed and secure with a rubber band or piece of string.
2. Heat a large soup pot over medium heat. Once hot, add butter and then chopped celery, onion and 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally for 10 to 12 minutes.
3. Add cubed sweet potatoes, herb bundle and turkey stock. Stir to combine and raise heat to medium high. Bring to a boil.
4. Once boiling, lower heat to a simmer and cook eight to 10 more minutes until sweet potatoes are fork-tender.
5. Add ground black pepper and remaining kosher salt if necessary. Toss in cubed turkey meat and frozen peas. Continue cooking for three to four minutes until turkey and peas are warmed through.
6. Remove herb packet.

5. Leftover omelet

Recipe from Food.com

Omelets are a wonderful way to use leftovers because there are so many options. As long as you have eggs, cheese and fillings, you can make an omelet! Fiha Adbulrahman, a first year at Rutgers University, says her favorite way to use Thanksgiving leftovers is to “take the turkey scraps and some of the vegetables to make an omelet with cheese.” The best part? After making the omelet, “I pour gravy all over it!” Fiha says.

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup evaporated milk
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 teaspoons butter
• 1/3 cup cooked turkey, chopped
• 3 teaspoons onion, finely chopped
• 4 teaspoons tomato sauce
• 3 teaspoons green pepper, finely chopped
• 1 slice processed cheese, torn into pieces

Directions:

1. Combine eggs, evaporated milk, salt and pepper. Beat well.
2. Combine turkey, onion, tomato sauce and green pepper.
3. Melt butter into 8-inch skillet, preferably with rounded sides, over medium heat.
4. Pour into the egg mixture.
5. Let cook without stirring until it is about three-quarters cooked, with just the top not cooked.
6. Carefully loosen with metal spatula and turn.
7. When the underside is cooked, spread the turkey mixture on one half of the omelet.
8. Spread the torn cheese pieces over the turkey mixture.
9. Fold omelet over to cover the filling.
10. Serve as soon as the cheese is melted.

6. Leftover cranberry sauce muffins

Recipe from Kitchen Treaty

These muffins are a wonderful breakfast for the morning after Thanksgiving so you can get your leftover game started bright and early. They are also a great vegetarian meal for those who don’t share the turkey love.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup and 3 tablespoons rolled oats (3 tablespoons are for the tops)
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 1/2 cups leftover cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 egg

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Grease a 12-cup standard–size muffin tin (or add liners).
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup oats, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda and cinnamon.
4. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cranberry sauce, milk, vegetable oil and egg.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until blended.
6. Divide the batter between the 12 muffin cups, about ¾ to all the way full.
7. Sprinkle with the 3 tablespoons oats.
8. Bake for 20 minutes or until the tops spring back when you touch them and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out dry.
9. Let cool for about five minutes, then serve.

7. Mashed potato pancakes

Recipe fromJust a Taste

When you think you might not be able to take another bite, put the mashed potatoes down and save them for this great recipe. Making these easy potato pancakes is not only a creative way to use your leftovers, but they’re so easy to make that you can cook them with your younger cousins who are visiting!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups chilled leftover mashed potatoes
• 2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped scallions, green and white parts
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 3 tablespoons plus ½ cup all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil for pan-frying

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, stir together the mashed potatoes, cheese, scallions, egg and 3 tablespoons flour until combined. Using your hands, divide the mixture into 12 portions. Roll each portion into a compact ball, then flatten it into a pancake about ½ inch thick.
2. Place the remaining ½ cup flour in a shallow dish and carefully dredge each pancake in the flour.
3. Heat three to four tablespoons of vegetable oil into a large sauté pan over medium heat.
4. Fry the pancakes in batches until they’re golden brown and crispy on both sides, three to four minutes. Add more oil to the pan as needed between batches.

One way to show how thankful you are is eat all your leftovers before they spoil. Use these tasty recipes to devour all your leftovers creatively. Don’t forget the slice of pie for dessert!

Each year, new trends are unleashed to take the fashion industry by storm. While these trends are often amazing, sometimes, they can leave us feeling like our wardrobe is lacking any authenticity or individuality. If you feel this way too, collegiettes, don't worry! We have compiled a list of the best and easiest one-step ways to totally transform your day-to-day look this winter. Even better? We've enlisted the help of some experts, too.

1. Add a belt over your coat

Topping your coat with a belt adds a touch of sophistication to your look. It also gives your body some extra shape while you’re all bundled up! By adding a belt of your choice to an outfit that reflects your own fashion sense, you can take your style from average to amazing! “Dress authentically to who you are––this is key to everything,” says Katelyn Milley, a personal stylist. To add even more versatility, pair your coat with different belts for different days of the week. Don't be afraid to get creative! We LOVE this blingy belt from Topshop.

2. Wear bright colors closer to your face

Sometimes, color is underrated in fashion––but this shouldn't be the case anymore! The eye is automatically drawn to colors that stand out, so opt for a bright hue close to your face in order to look more awake after that all-nighter and draw attention away from the face.

"Wear colors that look beautiful with your hair, skin, and eyes," Milley says. When you find the perfect color to complement your complexion, you'll notice your face glows. Wearing a pop of color can be intimidating, but don't let that stop you from making a great fashion statement. Besides—how cute is this neon sweater?!

Related: 4 Ways to Make Your Cold Weather Fashion Stand Out from the Crowd

3. Layer scarves of different styles and sizes

With cold weather upon us, this tip can definitely be used to your advantage! Layering is huge in fashion right now, so why not layer your scarves? "I'm a bit in love with the idea of adding layers to any outfit," says Anna Katsanis, a stylist at Atelier Management. "Buy what you love and make it your own!"

We recommend pairing an infinity scarf with a traditional scarf to battle the cold weather and look fabulous doing so. Combine this affordable super trendy blanket scarf with a knit infinity scarf and make heads turn this winter!

4. Apply a killer lipstick

Lipstick is the most underrated accessory. With thousands of different shades in existence that are applicable in only seconds, every collegiette can find the perfect match to easily transform her daily look. "I think of makeup as an accessory, too," Milley says. "There is so much power in a bright pop of lipstick! Makeup is an outfit finisher, for sure." Looking for your own perfect shade to amplify your look in one simple step? Check out this MAC lipstick ($17) available in hundreds of hues.

5. Combine grunge with glamour

One of the greatest things about the fashion industry today is its versatility––long gone are the days of confinement to one style. Every collegiette should be mixing it up this year, whether it be modern with classic, or (our new favorite) grunge with glamour!

Adding grunge, street elements to high-end pieces is an easy and amazing way to transform your look, according to Katsanis. She recommends pairing an oversized denim jacket with a fitted dress! "I like mixing soft feminine touches with hard masculine pieces, loose fit with more tailored pieces," she says. "The idea of old and new, modern and traditional really excites me!" Why not try a velvet button-up skirt like this one from Zara? It's the perfect combination of edgy and chic.

6. Sport a layered necklace

Layered necklaces have made quite the comeback recently. These necklaces literally take seconds to put on and can easily convert any outfit from ordinary to extraordinary! Katsanis emphasizes the importance of staying true to yourself when choosing the perfect necklace to purchase or wear. "Add a personal touch in everything you wear," she says. This multi-layered necklace from Lucky Brand is a must-have accessory this year.

7. Change up your everyday purse

Purses are one of the best accessories ever. They require no prep time at all; you just grab them and go! Swapping out purses during the week is another easy way to transform your look. "Changing up your everyday purse will give your wardrobe a boost," Milley says.

This year, when it comes to handbags, going hands-free remains a hot trend. So, when shopping for your new bag, stay in style and search for a great cross-body bag! Check out this adorable one from Nine West—it's guaranteed to be your new favorite.

8. Rock a sweater over your favorite dress

Sweater weather is upon us and if you want to dress up your new, cozy sweater in a simple way, throw it over your favorite dress! Katsanis recommends pairing an off-the-shoulder sweater with a summer dress for another fantastic way to stay on trend and layer your wardrobe. "Experiment with layers and fun details!" Milley adds. Test out different sweater-dress combos until you find a look that is authentic to your style. Need some extra inspiration? This knit sweater from Tobi ($42) is perfect.

9. Pair tights with shorts

Combine a great pair of tights with some super cute shorts. "I love the idea of adding shorts over tights with a leather jacket, but keeping the look monochromatic," Katsanis says. This simple step is the best way to show off your sexy legs all winter long!

Try this sheer pair with opaque thighs from Urban Outfitters ($14) and fool everybody this winter!

There are hundreds of one-step ways to amplify your daily look. Don't be afraid to create your own trends, experiment with layers, and have fun! "Confidence is the secret to any outfit," Katsanis says. We could not agree more!

Since 2003, One Tree Hill has taught us a ton of lessons about life, love and friendship. Here are the most important love lessons we learned:

1. Even if relationships have a rough start, they can grow into inseperable bonds.

2. Sometimes, you fall in love with someone totally unexpected.

3. Love triangles are never fun.

4. If it doesn't feel right, it likely isn't.

5. Sometimes, you'll get your heart broken.

6. One day, you'll find someone who's meant for you.

7. It is possible to find love again.

8. Tragedies can make your love even stronger.

9. There will always be a bad boy that's no good for you.

10. There are fewer bonds stronger than family.

11. Forgiveness can be extremely powerful.

12. Sometimes, people change.

13. You'll always find your way back to the person you're meant to be with.

14. Sometimes, you don't end up with who you thought you would.

15. Friends should always come first.

Which love lesson taught you the most, collegiettes?

The holidays are one of the most exciting times of the year. The twinkling lights, classic movies and endless holiday parties are enough to make you feel giddy for months.

However, as amazing as the holidays are, they can also be stressful, especially if you’re living on a recent graduette’s budget. Between gifts for your family, best friends and significant other, your bank account can really take a hit if you’re not careful!

Don’t start stressing just yet, though. We’re here to help make Christmas shopping affordable with easy money-saving tips so you won’t break the bank this season.

1. Make your own coffee

We know you love coffee runs and you can’t imagine starting your mornings any other way. Especially now that your favorite coffee shops are serving delicious holiday flavors, it’s hard to drive by without stopping in to get your caffeine fix. But that $3 a cup adds up, so in the weeks leading up to Christmas, do a little DIY and make your own coffee! To have a cheaper cup of coffee that still tastes like the holidays, use peppermint-flavored creamer (or create your own flavored add-ins!) and you could save $15 a week.

2. Keep a money-spending log

Keeping track of how much money you’re spending month to month is a great way to determine if you’re overspending in areas where you could be saving. Though you should be doing this regularly anyway, if you haven’t started, the holidays are a perfect time to be logging your expenses, especially because it’s easy to lose track of what and whom you’re spending money on during this season. Download a money-management app for your phone and update it regularly to see where you stand financially.

iSpending is a simple app that allows you to see your monthly, weekly, or annual income and expenditures all on the homepage. Just input your income and expenses manually and categorize them as you see fit. Unlike other apps, iSpending allows you to make your own categories (you’re not restricted to categories already set up in the app) and generates helpful pie charts so that you can see exactly where your money is going.

If you’re looking for an app with more features, CashTrails is the way to go. It offers passcode protection, photo attachments (if you like to keep track of receipts, products you bought or paychecks that you’re inputting) and allows you to create groups to separate your business expenses from your personal expenses.

Having your expenses laid out like this is a great way to visualize how much money you have left over after all of your mandatory expenses (such as rent, car insurance or student loans) have been paid. It can also help you decide which costs you can briefly put on hold for the holiday season, such as dining out, ordering fast food and doling out money for cab fare.

3. Open a holiday spending account

Many banks offer Christmas Club programs, which are special accounts you can set up to safeguard your money strictly to use for the holidays. Setting this money aside not only ensures you have a holiday budget, but it also gives you a realistic look at what you can afford to spend. Not to mention, depending on when you open the account, your savings may grow with interest, too!

Ashley Oliveira, who works at Provident Bank, talked with HC about these holiday saving accounts. “Provident Bank doesn't require a minimum balance, and you can start at any time without having to pay back previous months,” she says. “Anyone who is interested can set the amount they want to save and how often to have the money transfer from their checking account into a Holiday Club Savings Account.”

Oliveira also explained why this special account comes equipped with a fee. “The purpose of the fee is to discourage the individual from withdrawing money, which in turn, will allow the person to save the money for Christmas,” she says.

4. Do a Secret Santa gift exchange among your friends

Your network of friends has only grown since graduation, so the list of people you need to buy gifts for can feel never-ending. Chances are most of your friends are feeling the same way, so gather your friends together in groups and hold a Secret Santa gift exchange, which means you can still all get into the holiday spirit without having to buy 20 individual presents.

“Last year my friends and I, who are all recent grads, participated in a Secret Santa gift exchange,” says Kimberly Horner, a 2013 graduate of The College of New Jersey. “Since we each only had to buy one gift, we saved a ton of money; plus, it was really fun!”

5. Make a do-it-yourself gift

When all else fails, DIY, DIY, DIY! A homemade gift shows the recipient how much time you put into the gift and can range from sentimental to silly—plus, you can also personalize the gift specifically to someone’s preferences so he or she gets exactly what he or she wants. Check out our DIY gift guide for ideas!

6. Hold a potluck instead of a dinner party

As you’re planning your holiday events this season, you might be thinking of having a sophisticated dinner party (since that’s what we do now that we’re in the real world, right?). But the work and money that goes into throwing an event for 20 of your besties adds up: From festive decorations to holiday-appropriate plates for the five-course meal you’d love to serve, what started as a budget-friendly night (hey, you decided to stay in rather than go out!) might end up being the equivalent to renting out a private room in a restaurant. Yikes.

Instead of bearing all the responsibility, loop your friends in and do the dinner potluck-style! Once everybody RSVPs, set up a Google Doc to determine who will be bringing what—and for those who aren’t top chefs, offer the option of bringing over silverware or decorations, too. Saving money on your holiday event means you’ll have more money to spend on gifts, which we’re sure your guests won’t complain about.

7. Take advantage of store offers and coupons

There’s no shame in sifting through sale racks or taking advantage of discounts when shopping for Christmas gifts! And though we don’t recommend procrastination, many places will offer blowout deals on festive merchandise the closer you get to the holidays, so if you do end up doing last-minute shopping, take advantage of these sales.

To be the first to learn about these deals, sign up to receive emails from your favorite stores. If you don’t want an inbox full of retailer emails, check sites like Racked, which posts exclusive sales and codes usually only found in brands’ emails (so you don’t have to subscribe to them). If you’re shopping online, be sure to check RetailMeNot before hitting the checkout button, or even download their app to be alerted when your favorite stores are running promotions.

8. Make a list and stick to it

It’s easy to spend too much during the holidays, even if you have good intentions—you might be walking through a local boutique and happen upon something you think is just perfect for your friend back home, or you’re at the mall to grab one item and end up picking up 10 because you thought of that many more people you want to get gifts. In other words, you might find yourself impulse shopping, even if it is for others.

Instead, make a list of all the people you need to buy gifts for so you can budget out a realistic amount of money to spend on each person on your list. Think ahead of time what you want to get for everybody so you don’t splurge on a luxe beauty collection for your former college roommate and then realize you don’t have enough money to buy your sister the pair of shoes she’s been wishing for all year.

Whether you decide to make your own gift, set up a special account to save money or cut down on spending temporarily to save up for holiday gift shopping, there are tons of small things you can do to stretch your dollar this season. Just remember, the holidays are a wonderful way to remind your family and friends that you appreciate them, so try not to stress out, and make sure that you enjoy this time of year!

Adele and Taylor Swift make up the duo of our dreams—can you just imagine Adele's soulful voice with Taylor's ultimate break-up anthem lyrics? We're still waiting for the day these two powerhouses officially team up, but until then, little did we know, we've already gotten the next best thing.

In a recent interview with NPR, Adele revealed that "Send My Love (To Your New Lover)" is totally Swift-inspired. Uh, what?! 

“‘[I Knew You Were] Trouble’ came on the radio … I was like, ‘Who did this?’” she said. “I knew it was Taylor, and I’ve always loved her, but this is a totally other side—like, ‘I want to know who like brought that out in her.’”

Turns out, it was producer and songwriter Max Martin, and Adele wasn't stopping until she'd tracked him down. “[Martin] came to London, and I took my guitar along and was like, ‘I’ve got this riff,’ and then ‘Send My Love’ happened really quickly,” she said.

Give the song a listen—it's got all the catchiness we'd expect from a song inspired by T-Swift, and combined with Adele's gut-wrenchingly amazing voice? Pure magic.

By this time next year, we'll have even more to be thankful for—Beyoncé is launching her own fashion line. Sir Philip Green, who owns British high street brands Topshop, Dorothy Perkins and Miss Selfridge, is teaming up with the pop star to create a brand new collection. We're not talking a limited edition collaboration—we're talking an entire brand.

Sadly, we don't have any super-revealing details at this point; we do know that the streetwear line will be sold in 20 different countries (Queen Bey is going big, because why not?) and word is it'll be available starting spring 2016. Until then, we'll be going back through Bey's outfits over the years and planning events that'll be worthy of her one-of-a-kind style.

There are two types of people in this world: those who enjoy working out and those who would really rather not. Well collegiettes, it’s time to rethink fitness. With these seven simple steps, you can go from couch potato to fitness fanatic and make working out your favorite part of the day. Don’t believe us? Try it for yourself!

1. Think about the benefits

Before you even put that sports bra on, it’s important to reconsider what fitness means to you. Being “in shape” is not just synonymous with looking good—it’s about feeling good too! We talked to Melanie Ludwig, personal trainer and owner of Prestige Fitness in New Hampshire to figure out just what working out is all about. “When your body is in better condition, just like when a car is tuned up correctly, it will run better,” she says. Think fewer colds, more energy and a good night’s sleep—and that doesn’t even begin to cover it.

According to the Mayo Clinic, regular exercise boosts HDL (that’s the good kind of cholesterol) and lowers triglycerides (that’s the bad). This combo ensures the blood is pumped with less effort and more efficiency through your body, helping to decrease your chance of cardiovascular disease. Exercise can also stimulate chemicals in your brain to improve your mood. Even just a thirty minute walk can leave you feeling happier.

To begin feeling the benefits, Ludwig suggests that you walk or stretch for ten minutes for each hour of studying. “When you get back to your desk refreshed, you will be able to study longer and retain more knowledge,” she says.

2. Set goals, but start small

Everyone has to start somewhere, and for each person, that starting point is different. Justine SanFilippo, health coach and author of Lose Your Inches Without Losing Your Mind, makes nutrition and wellness as simple and easy as possible for clients. “I always recommend to start with just 15 minutes per day,” she says. “Maybe go for a walk, walk the dog, take the stairs instead of the elevator, try an exercise video or app or do some bodyweight exercises in your living room.” Start with SanFilippo’s recommended 15 minutes a day of your favorite active activity and then work up to 30 minutes or more! The American Heart Association recommends just 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day to reap huge health benefits. 

SanFilippo recommends taking advantage of the free initial personal training sessions most gyms offer to gain access to a professional that can help get you started with a personal workout plan. “You are never obligated to sign up for more sessions, and you can get more comfortable in the gym very quickly,” she says. Before your session is up, sit down with the professional to set small goals and simple workout plans that you can do on your own.

Starting small keeps your goals realistic. Harvard Medical School recommends waiting at least 48 hours between strength training sessions to let muscles recover. If you’ve never picked up a set of weights before, going straight for the 20-pounders isn’t going to do you any favors. You could even pull a muscle. Master the five-pound dumbbells and then slowly (but surely!) work your way to heavier and harder weights once the original dumbbells get easy.

3. Ditch the gym—yup, you heard that right! 

Maybe that free personal training session was just the confirmation you needed to know you can’t stand treadmills and will be ditching the gym for good. Don’t think you’re off the hook that easily! Lauren Velez, a junior at the University of Texas - Austin, used to have to force herself to go to the gym. “I eventually decided to stop making mundane gym trips and start doing things I actually liked,” she says. When you stop forcing it, the rest will come naturally. Pick your poison: whether it’s kickboxing, Zumba, or even just treading water in the pool with friends, find something that makes exercise feel less like a workout, and more like a fun break from the rest of your day.

4. Recruit a workout buddy

Getting yourself motivated is half the battle—instead, find someone else to motivate you! And in return, you’ll do the same for them. Katie Schlaikowski, a senior at Winona State University, could never stick to a workout regimen. This time, she recruited a workout buddy and began putting gym dates with her roommate into her schedule. “She’s definitely been my motivator,” Katie says. “We push each other to learn exercises, run faster and get out of bed to go to the gym.”

Ludwig suggests enlisting a friend for a positive influence and a little friendly competition. “Sometimes a friendly wager is fun with a friend,” she says. “Whoever loses five pounds first has to take the other one out to lunch—a healthy lunch.”

5. Pencil it in

“Time, or should I say, lack of time, is the most common reason people cite for not exercising,” Ludwig says. Just like Katie started putting workouts into her schedule, the best way to fit working out into your schedule is to actually schedule it in. As far as time goes, head to the gym when it is least busy. That way, you don’t have to worry about seasoned gym-goers watching you workout or fighting for time on the machines. For college gyms, that means the time between late morning and early afternoon, when most classes are still in session.

Pull out your planner and pencil in three weeks worth of your favorite workout class, or even just an evening walk. If it is written in from the beginning, you are more likely to schedule everything else around your new fitness habit and actually stick to the workout plan. 

6. Kick it up a notch

Once your routine starts to feel easier, give your workout a boost! “When things get easy, increase the intensity or lengthen the time you exercise but try not to do both at the same time,” Ludwig says. Let’s say you run on a treadmill and have been doing two miles in 40 minutes. Step it up by raising your incline, increasing your time or kicking up your pace. Pick one factor to work on and once that becomes a breeze, move on to the next challenge!

And instead of focusing on the same workout ever time, try mixing it up a little. “One day I’ll do a boxing class, another I’ll take a spin class, another I’ll just do weights in the gym, another I’ll do a Crossfit class, and another day, I just take my dog on a long walk or hike,” SanFilippo says. “By changing up your workouts, your body is always guessing, so it keeps getting stronger and never gets bored.” If your campus offers fitness classes, find some that interest you and put them into your planner. Bonus points if you recruit a friend to come with you!

7. Don’t be a sore loser… literally

There’s no way to sugar coat it: you will be sore. “The best thing to do is actually keep moving the next day,” SanFilippo says. “Take a light walk, stretch, drink plenty of water and even include coconut water for the potassium and to reduce cramping.” Get up and move around to help stretch your muscles out and reduce the lactic acid—after all, that’s what’s making you sore in the first place! Be careful not to go hardcore for an entire week straight though! Taking a day off every few days is a great way to let your muscles recover before your next workout session.

By the third day, the soreness should be at bay. Think of it as a reminder that you worked hard the day before and let it motivate you to keep working towards your goal. Soon enough, you will be able to do that same workout without any pain at all.

If your campus offers group fitness classes, find ones you like a write them into your planner. Recruit a friend to go for a hike every Sunday afternoon. Take up surfing. Download a new fitness app. Regardless of what activity you choose and how you motivate yourself, the key is to start slow and enjoy the activity you choose to do. Soon enough, you too will be the type of person who actually looks forward to getting your exercise. The first step is simply redefining just what “working out” means to you.

This article has been syndicated to Her Campus from Four Threads by Veronica Arrieta, a Her Campus Blogger Network member. Read the full post here.

I am NOT a morning person. The snooze button is my friend; sometimes I'll catch myself pressing snooze for an hour. It's terrible! And if I'm being honest, I've never really understood morning people. A few weeks ago I realized I needed more organization in my life, which meant taking the necessary steps to become a morning person [insert 6am wakeup calls here]. Here are some of my favorites that I'm putting into use.

1. Power down

Avoid watching TV, checking Instagram or eating a big meal too late at night. By powering down from technology one hour before bed, this will give your mind and body enough time to shut down. This was the first tip I read and I already wanted to quit—this is going to be a difficult one for me, hands down.

2. Reward yourself

Now that you're up earlier, this gives you time to catch up on your favorite bloggers or drink that extra cup of coffee without having to race out the door. I'm so guilty of rushing through my mornings, so this has definitely come in handy.

3. Exercise in the morning

Early morning exercise can help boost energy and adrenaline, not to mention, it'll just get it out of the way. 

4. Allow light in

As much as I love some blackout curtains, I know it's a curse for me. Natural light helps me wake up in the morning.

5. Have a glass of water on your nightstand

Water is good for you and I definitely don't drink enough (but that's a whole other post). When we're sleeping, we get dehydrated so drinking a full glass of water when you wake up will help refuel your body.

Read the full post here.

Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, it is important to look at your life and find the things that really matter. We all have a LOT to be grateful for...family, friends, a good nap. But here are the other 15 things we're so grateful for we really couldn't live without! 

1. Coffee

Okay, so this one’s not so secret but we just couldn’t leave it out. There is no way we would be able to drag ourselves out of bed for our 8 A.Ms without our caffeine.

2. Messy buns

Whoever decided messy buns could be worn fashionably deserves an award.

3. Leggings

So much range of motion.

4. Fuzzy socks

Especially with the cold upcoming months these little guys will be popping up more and more. Is there anything better than walking around on two happy clouds all day?

5. Candles

There is something about not being able to burn candles in our dorms that makes them so much more magical and mysterious.

6. Binge-watching Netflix

To keep up with The Vampire Diaries while it’s airing or to wait for the whole season to be uploaded to Netflix and watch it all in a week?

7. Quote tattoos

Some of us like scrolling through pretty tattoos on Tumblr, some of us like going to the tattoo parlor and getting "Carry On" tattooed on our ribcage. Either way, let's hope this is something we won’t grow out of, for everyone’s sake.

8. Our roommate's clothes

Our roommates have proved to be lifesavers when we’re just running low on clothing.

9. Full-length mirrors

We all had to learn the hard way that in college- these are a commodity. There’s nothing worse than realizing halfway through the day that your shoes DO NOT go with your shirt.

10. Phone calls with our moms

Whether we call her on the way to class when we’re bored or first thing in the morning, there’s nothing that lifts our spirits quite like talking to mom.

11. Fetty Wap

*Screams* 1738

12. When people compliment us

We may get uncomfortable and shrug it off but it truly does brighten our day when other people make us feel good about ourselves. Keep ‘em comin’ world.

13. Parents weekend

Parents weekend never fails to take us back to middle school. Your parents driving you around everywhere, paying for your things, going wherever you want to go. Seeing our families has a special way of lifting our spirits in the stressful world of college.

14. Parents weekend grocery shopping

Oh, did you think we failed to mentioned the parents weekend trip to the grocery store? Think again.

15. When people ask us about our school

Nothing makes us happier than having the privilege of talking about our home away from home. Even though we may get the same generic questions over and over again for four years, we never fail to obsess over our school.

If you haven't gotten the experience of watching She's the Man, you're seriously missing out. There are so many quotes from that movie that can be applied in real life, how anyone can go through their days without quoting it isn't really living. Here are some life lessons and relatable quotes from one of the best films of our generation!

1. The reason why heels were invented

Get your sprint on, ladies!

2. How to act like a lady

"Chew like you have a secret."

3. And sometimes, there's this hard truth:

Yikes!

4. How to lie on the spot

Better than blaming a raccoon, like Joey from Friends does!

5. Girls can do anything boys can

Aw, Paul, we know what you meant!

6. Guys are just as scared of bugs too, if not more!

Duke can hold us any day while a tarantula crawls on the floor!

7. Tampons are multi-purpose

They are expensive, after all!

8. How to end a bad relationship

*Drops the mic*

9. Even the most popular guy in school can be shy 

We've been there.

10. How to flirt

Your favorite can actually be feta cheese, too.

11. And the importance of flow

"We're flowin'!"

12. How to insult people

Buuuuuuuuuurn!

13. Sometimes, people are just out of our league 

That doesn't mean we can't try!

14. But, other times, we find love with someone who was there all along

You go, girl!

15. We learned what relationships are about 

We agree, Duke!

16. But that sometimes people can decieve us, too

It's a scary world.

17. How to speak in a guy's language  

"Later, G-Money."

18. How to give ourselves a pep talk

Always good to remind yourself before doing something new!

19. Always be true to yourself 

Even in disguise. *insert emoji with sunglasses here*

20. Sometimes our friends won't agree with who we like or date

But we say go for it anyway! 

21. And, the most valuable lesson of all, how to be sexy when answering our flip phones 

*Swoon*

While some movies are more influencial to society like Titanic or Selma, She's the Man has some pretty valuable life lessons hidden behind Amanda Bynes' guy voice and Malcolm's stalking. So, just remember, the next time you're trying to flirt with the cute guy in your history class, ask him what his favorite cheese is!

This article has been syndicated to Her Campus from The Fairy Princess Diaries by Jordyn Sifferman, a Her Campus Blogger Network member. Read the full post here.

When I first freed myself from my toxic relationship, I wrote and talked about relationship violence often. I talked about it to cope, I talked about it so people would know what had happened to me and I talked about it because I felt like emotionally I could and therefore I should. Eventually I stopped talking about it so much because in a sense, it felt like I had healed. I didn’t want to be that girl who was constantly rambling on about her bad relationship because by becoming that girl I felt as if the experience was somehow invalidated. So I don’t want to whine. I don’t want anyone reading here to feel bad for me. I just feel as if I should share my story just to highlight a point that I think a lot of us don’t realize.

Several years ago, I broke up with my humanitarian of a boyfriend whom I had dated for four years after moving to a new city. I didn’t realize it at the time, but I was really vulnerable. I hadn’t been without the emotionally intimate companionship a relationship offered for my entire adult life and I didn’t know how to process that sort of emotional loss. I fell into a new relationship and things got serious, fast.

I should have seen that my new partner was too excited about me too early on. I should have realized his claims of love and devotion were too much too soon. I should have rolled my eyes at his constant compliments and accolades. But I was twenty years old, feeling lonely and rejected and frankly, it just felt really good to feel pretty and accepted.

Early on my boyfriend at the time showed signs of possessive behavior; I’d never experienced a possessive boyfriend before so I didn’t know how to process it. He didn’t like the clothes I wore, yet I’d worn the same “skimpy” outfits when we first met. I couldn’t reason why he hadn’t disliked them then and suddenly did now. It became an argument every time I wanted to hang out with my friends or go out and I gradually pushed away my few male friends because it became too much of an issue to see them. There was clearly a jealousy issue; I just figured it would go away overtime as I demonstrated that I was loyal and trustworthy. I reasoned that the “little issues” we had were worth it because of all the good parts of our relationship.

Without going into too much detail, the jealousy and insecurity issues never went away. The possessiveness early on only foreshadowed the physical and emotional violence that was to follow. I would like to say that the worst part was a bit of physical pain in the heat of arguments but the emotional scarring and isolation from people I cared about was far worse. I felt like I was trapped in a snow globe; to everyone looking in it appeared as if I had isolated myself into my own happy little world, but I felt cold and suffocated, stuck in a tiny box I didn’t know how to break through from.

I say that anyone can become a victim of relationship abuse because it doesn’t always start with your boyfriend coming home drunk and beating you until your neighbor calls the police and you’re sent to the emergency room. Not all abusers are stupid or characterized by a lack of control. My abuser was incredibly manipulative, a skinny guy who loved dogs, who was popular in high school and who was studying photography. He didn’t start off “so bad” that I wanted to flee, he did just enough that at first I could forgive him. He did just enough that I could reason “my friend’s boyfriend doesn’t like it when she goes out either…” or “sometimes couples just fight, who could possibly know what really happens?” He would tell me he was “working on his jealousy” (though never admitting that this was brought on by his own insecurity, it was either always pinned on my “promiscuity” or that of his exes). I believe a lot of people who accept abuse are the kind of people that regular, kind-hearted people want as friends, I say this because we give people second chances. When my ex promised he was working on himself I couldn’t not give him a chance because I believe in working to become a better person. I believe in forgiveness.

It took two years, a neighbor calling the police, countless tears and my abuser hurting someone else I cared about before I was able to step back and see the situation with untainted eyes. I wasn’t just terrified, I was enraged.

Two years felt like a lot of wasted time for me, and for a while I was really angry at myself for letting me “waste” my last two years of college in such a miserable way. My grades had suffered, my social life had suffered, I was depressed and anxious. I was so angry at my abuser, and I admit I was angry at myself for not running from such a treacherous relationship sooner.

I’m not a weak person and I’ve never been the sort of girl who just goes with what her boyfriend wants. In fact, I think my sassiness, strong-willed nature and honestly bossiness is one of the main reasons no one would have suspected I was being abused. I had no trouble calling my ex out on a lie in public (he was a pathological liar), I would not just passively acquiesce when he tried to keep me from going to parties with my friends… I would argue and fight until I had no energy left to move let alone dance. Even now (in my healthy relationship) I’m independent. I’ve been called high maintenance (a princess). I think it was this part of me that made it difficult to see that I was so suppressed.

Anyone can be the victim of abuse.

Read the full post here.

We’ve all been there: waking up one morning to a pesky zit that just won’t go away. Breakouts will happen to all of us, no matter how much we complain about them. While there are countless creams and lotions you can use to treat a breakout, eating the right foods might actually prevent you from breaking out in the first place. From avocados to dark chocolate (yes, we said chocolate), you can eat your way to clear skin in no time! 

1. Dark chocolate

As if we need an excuse to eat more chocolate, having a small amount of dark chocolate a day can actually improve your skin. Packed with high amounts of flavonols, a type of antioxidant, dark chocolate can help protect your skin from UV rays and free radicals. It also helps nourish your skin to heal breakouts.

2. Tomatoes

Tomatoes contain vitamin C, which can help brighten your skin tone and reduce inflammation. They’re also loaded with the antioxidant lycopene; good for evening out skin texture and protecting against UV rays.

3. Garlic

From helping your heart and healing cold sores, garlic is great for your health in general. Specifically for your skin, the allicin found in garlic helps kill off the bacteria that directly cause acne! Can’t stand having bad breath? Simply rubbing a clove of garlic on your pimple can reduce the redness and inflammation.

4. Berries

Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, oh my! No matter what kind of berry you prefer, all have antioxidants and beta-Carotene that fight off free radicals. Berries can also help improve collagen production, which can improve your skin’s overall texture and tone.

5. Avocados

Guac lovers, rejoice! Chock full of vitamin E (great to reverse skin cell damage) and vitamin C (to reduce skin’s redness), avocados leave your skin looking healthy and glowing. So next time you’re at Chipotle, splurge and get some guac. Your skin—and taste buds—will thank you.

6. Water

We’ve heard it a million times: drink eight ounces of water a day. Well, there’s a reason why hydration is important. Water naturally flushes your body out and gets rid of all those yucky toxins that can cause breakouts. Add a slice of lemon for some extra taste and defense against bacteria.

7. Salmon

Known for its omega-3 fatty acids, salmon can significantly improve your complexion by helping decrease your clogged pores and inflammation. Plus it naturally moisturizes your skin and protects it from damage.

8. Sweet Potatoes

If you enjoy sweet potato fries, you’re in luck! Sweet potatoes are a good source of vitamin C, which helps produce collagen, heal zits and reduce stress (which may be causing your breakouts!). They also contain beta-Carotene, an antioxidant to protect against skin damage.

9. Watermelon

Not only is watermelon delicious, it also helps hydrate and moisturize your skin. Beyond that, it can also help reduce excess oil, one of the main sources of acne.

These skin-improving super foods are guaranteed to beat zits before they even pop up. Get healthy, clear skin from the inside, out!

You never meant to fall for him, but he’s so hot. Plus, you guys are constantly trading witty banter, and he gives you these looks like he’s Kanye and you’re Kim… but he’s your best friend’s boyfriend.

What was that? Oh, just the screeeech! of some massive mental brakes.

Being attracted to your best friend’s boyfriend is definitely in the Top 10 Trickiest Life Situations list. That’s why we’ve talked to the experts to determine exactly how you should proceed — because handling this the wrong way could make your friendship disappear faster than Britney Spears’s hair circa 2007.

How could this happen?

It’s actually pretty understandable why you might become attracted to your best friend’s other half. After all, you and your friend get along really well, and she and her boyfriend get along really well, so by the transitive property of romance, you and the boyfriend probably get along really well, too.

“If you and your best friend are very similar, you might have very similar tastes,” says Dr. Patrick Wanis, a human behavior and relationship expert. “You’re probably best friends because you have a lot in common, you have similar temperaments — and you could have similar taste in men.”

Plus, your best friend’s boyfriend is always around, so you have ample time to notice his sexy smile or awesome sense of humor. Dr. Wanis explains that the more time we spend with someone, the greater the chance of us falling for him or her. “Attraction occurs by bonding, and bonding occurs from doing things together and being together,” he says.

So being attracted to your best friend’s BF doesn’t make you evil — or even a bad friend. But there’s definitely a right way and a wrong way to handle the situation.

Assess the sticky situation

How you react all depends on two things. First, how important is your relationship with your best friend? If you care deeply about her (which you probably do, hence the best friendship), then it’s in your best interests to move on.

“I would suggest not acting on your feelings,” says Kim Olver, a licensed clinical professional counselor and author of Secrets of Happy Couples. “We can develop [romantic] feelings for many people in our lives, but friendships with our female friends usually last a really long time.”

The second thing to consider is how your best friend’s boyfriend has been acting. In other words, has he been innocently treating you like a good friend, or has he been flirting with you and acting like you’re more than just platonic?

If the attraction is one-sided

If it seems that the feelings are going one way — from you to him — the next steps are relatively simple: The experts say you’re going to have to perform a one-sided breakup. No one but you will know you’re ending your “relationship” with this guy, for obvious reasons.

This requires some finesse — usually, when trying to move on, you sing lots of T. Swift songs, delete him on Facebook and practice the “out of sight, out of mind” approach. While Taylor will always have your back (and your broken heart), it would probably confuse your best friend and her BF if you refused to see him and/or blocked him on all social media channels.

“It was really difficult to move on from my best friend’s BF,” says collegiette Anna*. “My friend was, of course, always talking about him and always wanted him around.”

So you’ll have to get creative. Try telling your best friend you want to give them more “couple time” and you’d rather hang out with her solo. Vent your feelings to your mom, write in a journal or compose a letter you’ll never send. We’d advise not telling any of your other friends the situation, because this is one secret you can’t afford to let spread.

If the attraction is mutual

But what if he’s giving you reason to think he shares your interest?

“That’s a really complex situation, because you have two people that are attracted to each other, but you’re both betraying your best friend,” Dr. Wanis says.

You may be tempted to tell him that you’re into him and see where things go. However, there are only a couple possible consequences, and none of them are ideal.

If he breaks up with your best friend, you’ve just betrayed her for a guy. On the other hand, if he doesn’t break up with your best friend but says he likes you too, now there are two people being led on. And if he tells you his flirting didn’t mean a thing, you’ll have jeopardized your relationship with your friend for nothing.

You might see what we’re getting at. Even if you think he’s sending little mental hearts your way, pursuing him is even worse idea than making a sequel to The Hangover (which, let’s be honest, was a really, really bad idea).

“I actually went after my bestie’s guy, and it ended terribly,” says collegiette Kirsten*. “He told her what I had said, she got super pissed, and now neither of them talk to me.”

If you need more help convincing yourself to back off, look at it this way: Do you really want to be with the type of guy who falls for his girlfriend’s best friend? That’s Etch-A-Sketch sketchy. You can do better!

"I always say, 'Trust the person that you’re dealing with,'" Olver says. “When I say trust, I’m not using the usual, stereotypical meaning. Trust this person to be who they’re showing him or herself to be. If he’s flirting with you while he’s in a relationship, he’ll probably do the same to you, because that’s who he’s showing himself to be.”

The next choice, however, isn’t so black and white.

Telling your best friend — or not

If he’s giving you butterflies through no fault of his own (i.e., just being a nice guy), the experts say letting your best friend in on your one-sided crush is probably a bad idea.

“I’m all about being honest, but sometimes you need to be selectively honest,” Dr. Wanis says.

However, there’s definitely a case for telling your best friend that her boyfriend may be unfaithful. After all, she deserves to know that kind of information, regardless with what she may do with it. But before you decide to spill the beans, gauge how inappropriate her SO has been. If he’s just flirting, you may be better off avoiding his company and not saying anything to your best friend.

“The only reason I’d suggest saying something is if she asks why you’re not hanging out with them anymore,” Dr. Wanis says. “If she says, ‘Why aren’t you hanging out with John? Every time I bring him along you won’t come. Don’t you like him?’ Then you respond, ‘I do like John, but I think you guys should spend time together on your own.’”

What if things have gone further — like you’ve openly discussed your mutual attraction or kissed? In that case, Dr. Wanis advises telling your friend ASAP.

“If it comes out later and you didn’t say anything, the friendship will be ruined,” he says. “Tell her, ‘It will never happen again, and I want you to know because I care about you and I treasure our friendship.’”

There’s a good chance your best friend will be pretty pissed. But if she’s a keeper — and we’re guessing she is — being honest with her is more important than avoiding her anger.

Olver also recommends trying to view the experience as a learning process.

“Instead of focusing on the loss of a potential relationship, focus on what it has shown you about life, relationships and yourself,” she says. “Ask, ‘What am I looking for in a relationship? What are some traits and characteristics from this person that I like?’”

The knowledge will make finding your next relationship (hopefully with a single person) that much easier.

Getting over your best friend’s boyfriend will be hard, especially since you won’t be able to tell her about it. But try to remember that your friendship should take priority over a guy, especially if the feelings only go one way. Plus, we know two guys who are definitely available: Ben and Jerry.

We’ve all heard that three’s a crowd. Unfortunately, there isn’t a super-happy ending when you’re attracted to your best friend’s boyfriend. Your best bet is stay out of his way and try to move on. If you need to tell your best friend that’s something’s gone down, then put on your big-girl stilettos and do it. Whatever your circumstances, good luck, and may the next guy you fall for be single!

*Names have been changed.

We’ve heard it time and time again: leggings are not acceptable adult wear. But if that were true, then wouldn’t celebrities stick to that rule? They are our ever-so-reliable street style role models, after all. Seeing as they don’t take that responsibility lightly, we’ve rounded up 9 looks to put this argument to rest. Below, you’ll find celebs who have worn leggings in public and looked good doing it!

1. Gigi Hadid

Gigi has perfected that special mix of casual and put-together chic. We can totally see ourselves wearing this during the first week of classes.

2. Julianne Hough

Leather gives your leggings a style upgrade, as Julianne so flawlessly shows. There’s nothing slouchy about this office-ready ensemble.

3. Kristin Cavallari

Long sweaters and leggings go together like PB&J. Adding the leather tote and booties takes this outfit from the couch to the world outside the four walls of your apartment.

4. Kendall Jenner

You could wear a long tee over your favorite pair of stretchy leggings, but Kendall’s crop top makes them unexpectedly cool. The slivers of skin around her ankles and midsection elevate her look completely.

5. Jessica Alba

When we’re feeling a little snazzier, we have to ditch the solids and go for a printed pair like Jessica’s. Her coordination of the tailored jacket and red hot booties with the colors found in the print clearly display her style expertise.

6. Lauren Conrad

Why not go full-on sporty the next time you’re headed to the big game? LC’s jersey, ball cap, and sneaks are just right for trying out the one-of-the-guys trend.

7. Cara Delevingne

Note to self: an all-black ensemble that mimics Grease’s Sandy works in any setting. Cara proves that sometimes style can be found in simplicity.

8. Selena Gomez

You won’t find a messy bun and gym bag when Selena’s out in her leggings. And just tying a knot at the waist of her skin-tight top erases any possibility of boredom with this easy-to-copy outfit.

9. Blake Lively

Blake can do no wrong. Granted, this was for a high-fashion photo shoot, but the next time someone tells you leggings look lazy, pull this out for ultimate shock factor.

Which of these celebrity looks is your favorite, collegiettes?