So let's cut to the chase, because we SWUGs have no time to waste when a nap and a bottle of Pinot are calling our name! Senior year is in full swing and by now you're probably a full on SWUG (Senior Washed-Up Girl) even if you didn't realize it. In fact, we've all been SWUGs in the making for a while now. The closer we got to the end of college, the more we started trading our jeans in for sweats, parties in for the comfort of our own rooms, and boys in for pizza. And are we ashamed of it? Heck no! We're about the SWUG life and we're proud. In fact, if these 19 signs apply to you, then you're one too!

1. You're in bed by 10 p.m. most nights with no intentions of waking up before noon

2. And you will not allow anyone or anything to ruin that precious sleep

3. Food is your number one priority! 

4. You have no desire for hook ups

Unless of course it's a 2 a.m. visit from the Domino's delivery boy

5. You know you can't miss class so you pregame it to make it bearable

6. You're chronically late and will make zero efforts to change that

7. And there's no way you're showing up in anything but sweats

Cue the shit show!

8. In fact, you've been recycling those same yoga pants and that sweatshirt for weeks now

9. As long as you can BYOB (of Pinot that is) you're down to consider leaving your room

10. But if you do make it out, you'll use any lame excuse to leave early

11. And heels?

Just no!  

12. Routinely wearing makeup too?

Just more no! 

13. You're recognized by supermarket employees because of your weekly wine purchases

14. And the walk to get said wine is the most exercise you'll be getting

15. So you're convinced wine is your true soulmate

We cannot stress enough the importance of wine in a SWUG's life

16. You're counting down to the minute how much time you have left at school

17. But you've had the thought that you're not going to graduate at least 43 times this week

18. "I'm too old for this" is currently your most used phrase

19. But most importantly, napping is the highlight of every day

Well, second to drinking wine of course! 

A Chipotle restaurant in the Cleveland Circle area of Boston closed temporarily on Monday, after 80 Boston College students reported getting sick, likely from eating at the Mexican Grill. The number of students who visited the BC health services quickly rose to 120 on Tuesday, and then 141 on Thursday, according to the Boston Globe. Reuters confirmed that the outbreak had been caused by norovirus, a virus that can spread through food and causes severe vomiting and diarrhea. Infected individuals usually get better on their own within two to three days.

Almost all of the BC students who experienced symptoms consistent with norovirus had eaten Chipotle over the weekend. Identifying a pattern, the school alerted the city. According to the Boston Globe, a health inspector was sent to the restaurant, finding three violations to food safety: meat was not kept hot enough, an employee had come to work sick and customers seemed to suffer from food poisoning after eating at the location. The restaurant was closed for sanitation until further notice, as an emergency measure.

This is not the first time Chipotle has come under fire for spreading illness. An outbreak of E. coli, a more serious virus, affected patrons of the chain in at least nine states around the country (in places as diverse as Oregon, Illinois and Pennsylvania) just last month. Worse yet, this week's incident was not unique: Chipotle food reportedly infected close to 100 people with norovirus in Simi Valley in August—Just innocent people tryna get their burrito fix. So what gives, Chipotle?

The company's founder, Steve Ells, did apologize for the BC incident Thursday.

"This was a very unfortunate incident, and I am deeply sorry it happened," he said on the Today show. "When we reopen, that restaurant will be completely sanitized and every single employee will be tested to assure they do not have the norovirus."

Sometimes, relationships can be so stressful that you may want to pull your hair out. But you have worked way too hard for that hair to be pulling it out! Not all relationships are meant to last, but when you find the one, you will never want to come down from cloud nine. We gained some insight from Dr. Carole Lieberman, Media Psychiatrist and bestselling author, and collegiettes into ways to keep your relationship going strong.

1. ​Express your appreciation 

It is always great to be appreciative in your relationship. We are sure you’ve heard the phrase, "It’s the little things that count." Whether you give a simple thank you for a small gesture or purchase your SO’s favorite thing just to see a smile on their face, the more the merrier. "We all suffer from appreciation deprivation, so when you express appreciation to your significant other, it shows them that you notice what they have done for you and care enough to take the time to thank them," says Dr. Lieberman.

"It is important to show your significant other appreciation," says Makala Brent, a senior at the University of Maryland, College Park. "Everyone needs to be reminded that the effort they are putting in isn't in vain. Sometimes the things that are unsaid show that appreciation best." Even the most simple gesture of a kiss or cracking a joke in hopes of a smile are more than enough. Sometimes people think their SO knows how much they love them, but the truth is, a reminder every now and then is well worth it!

2. Have the best time doing almost anything

Fancy dinners and expensive outings might be nice for some, but do you tend to appreciate and have more fun when you just stumble across plans? Whether you decide to stay in for the night and watch a movie or be spontaneous on an adventure in your town, you just enjoy being around each other. "Anyone can have fun doing special things like going to a concert of your favorite band," says Dr. Lieberman. "But, if you can have a great time, even when you're just hanging out and doing nothing, it shows that you find each other special enough."

"I definitely look forward to lazy weekends with my man,” says Alexandra Givan, a senior at the University of Maryland, College Park. "We never have to have something elaborate planned, just being in each other’s presence is a good time. D.C. date nights, a chill night with Netflix or just eating junk food together…it doesn’t matter." We don't know about you, but roaming through the city at odd hours of the day with your SO can create some of the best memories. Don't feel pressured to always have secure plans or to have to spend a ton of money when you go out. Save your money, get creative or just let your plans flow. 

Makala is in complete agreement with this. "Conversation flows freely and an overwhelming sense of contentment warmly embraces you," she says. "The ability to be happy with little is a true testament to the strength of your bond." Amen to that.

3. Equally support each other

Even in a relationship, you may feel down sometimes. Your SO should be there to uplift you and remind you that your dreams are valid. You should support one another so that you can stand alone and be strong enough when you aren’t there to support each other. "It's important for a relationship to have an equal give and take, not where one person is always needy of support and the other one is always giving it," says Dr. Lieberman. We could not have said it better! As long as you're getting as much support as you put in, your relationship should reap the benefits, for sure.

"Support does not mean enablement," says Makala. "In fact it is the exact opposite. When a person supports you, he or she advises you even if that means deterring you from a situation that is potentially harmful." Sometimes you may not recognize how much your SO does for you, but it is good to be there for them through the good and bad times. If your SO is having a rough time, remind them that the journey is always important. 

"One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is to show up for the people who show up for you," says Alexandra. "Support plays a huge role in making your significant other happy. Whether it’s motivating them to achieve their dreams or supporting their new and risky endeavor, the way in which you support your significant other and the level of support you provide can definitely affect your relationship." Cherish those who were with you at your lowest and still chose to love and support you when it may not have been easy to do.

Related: 5 Signs Your Relationship is Built to Last

4. Communicate well

You should be able to talk about just about anything with your SO. You should be straightforward with one another and not be afraid to be vulnerable and share your feelings. "Communication is key, not only for everyday things, but especially when there are bumps in the road of your relationship," says Dr. Lieberman. "It's important to be open about how you feel in order to clear up any misunderstandings."

Communication is possibly the hardest, yet most necessary aspect of a relationship. Without an open line of communication, issues that start small will grow and create a life of their own. "A person who is invested in you will listen intently and talk through the issue with you," says Makala. "It is important that both parties are direct in their needs or wants, yet receptive to the other person's perspective and thoughts." Communication can only better your relationship and show you things that you never saw to begin with.

5. Accept critcism

When someone criticizes you, you may be quick to cut them off because you don’t agree. When your relationship is solid and love is in the air, listening is always worth it. "You have to be able to admit that you are not perfect and that sometimes your partner is really right about things," says Dr. Liebermnan. "If you can accept criticism, you can move on to a better relationship." We are constantly evolving into the people we are meant to be. You may not want to alter an attitude or behavior sometimes, but if you do, you may realize that you became a much better person from it.

"Sometimes, it is [harder] to swallow the truth from someone you consider a close confidant than a stranger," says Makala. "It is an unexplainable oddity the way that we want to confide and spill all our problems to our loves, yet we cannot accept their advice when it doesn't quite line up with our plan." We understand that many may struggle with this though.

"Just because [your SO is] supposed to love you 'flaws and all' doesn't mean they can't help you work on some of those flaws," says Alexandra. "Taking a step back and looking at things from a different perspective is helpful when trying to deal with constructive criticism in a relationship." For those SOs that try to push you to your limit, take it as a gift. They are only helping you get to a better you.

6. Be intimate

The feeling of being close with your SO trumps all. Intimacy in your relationship will not be comparable to any other situation you've ever been in. It's a chance for you to see a deeper side of your SO. "Intimacy in sex and in relating emotionally are fundamental to a good relationship," says Dr. Lieberman. "If the sex isn't great at first, you can make it better by being sensitive and open, and telling your partner what you like and don't like. But, let's face it, if the sex doesn't happen or isn't mutually satisfying, then you should try to go back to being 'just friends.'" We just layed it all out on the table for you! The connection of being intimate is like no other feeling. Sometimes, words don't do justice for how much you love someone. Show them so well that you don't have to tell them. 

"Intimacy, to me, is the unique language a person uses with his or her significant other," says Makala. "It can be silly at times. It can be deeply passionate and intense. And at other times, it is calm yet extremely comforting." Did Makala just get you in the mood or what? Your intimacy with your SO will be completely unique to your dynamic and connection. It's much more than what people think it is. It's truly getting to know a person deeper than the surface. No one can duplicate it, replicate it or imitate it.

7. Allow them to have "me time"

Sometimes, people need their space. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you are mad at one another, but maybe you should take a night to hang out with your friends. Be amazing as an individual so you can be even better together. "One of the most frequent complaints that guys have is that their girlfriend insists upon being together all the time and doesn't allow them to be with the boys," says Dr. Lieberman. "Both of you need 'me time' in order to have a more exciting 'together time.'" Even though the guys may feel this way, you need your personal time too! After a long week of work, you may not want to stay in the house and have a movie night. You may want to throw on that black fitted dress and head to the bar with your girls.

"It is never okay to cage anyone in for the sake of your own insecurities," says Makala. "Having friends outside of the relationship is healthy. Building a strong friend group will allow you to maintain strong connections and have relationships that are not solely romantic."

Alexandra agrees! "Personal time and time with friends is super important," she says. "You don't want to be the person who is super obsessed with their significant other and can't function without them. It's always good to stay connected with your crew, whether you're in a relationship or not." Keep a balance between the time you spend with your SO and your friends and keep those "Squad Goals" alive!

8. Trust each other

Don’t get us wrong; trust can be very shaky in relationships. Understand that there are going to be ups and downs from time to time, but always try to work through them. We’re all human. "It's often harder for girls to trust guys because you know what other girls are capable of when they want to steal your guy," says Dr. Lieberman. "But, it's important to give your partner the benefit of the doubt and trust them, unless and until you see definite evidence to the contrary. Even then, give them an opportunity to explain." Sometimes, we have to learn to hear the truth no matter how it may make us feel. Be open to listen, respond with care and grow in your experiences. Trust should be the building block that your relationship builds upon.

"If you can't trust your partner, it can be really hard to build the confidence you need to sustain the relationship," says Alexandra. "Distrust also leads to jealousy, arguments and a whole list of complications. Be honest, open and communicate effectively to develop a great level of trust amongst one another. Learn to forgive and move on, and remember that in order to trust your significant other you have to trust yourself."Honesty really is the best policy and will strengthen your relationship in the end.

Relationships take a lot of patience, dedication and pure love. The desire to have a healthy and strong relationship will only lead to you and your SO spending the best times of your life together. Take these tips and learn to love fully and not be ashamed. Here is a secret: that's how you keep the quality ones close for the long run.

Finals week is coming up, which means work, studying and, more importantly, procrastinating. We can't help it. As hard as we try, YouTube videos of babies eating limes will always grab our attention more easily than statistics. Keep reading for a list of things we all do to procrastinate.

1. Watch every season of The O.C.

2. Argue with your friends that Seth Cohen is in fact way hotter than Ryan Atwood.

3. Creep on your friend's mom's friend's daughter's prom pictures.

4. Sit on your couch with your roommate in complete silence.

5. Read through and laugh at your own tweets.

6. Find a picture to Instagram and just stare at your phone waiting for likes.

7. Online shop until you overdraft.

Related: 25 Signs You're So Over This Semester

8. Check Facebook on your phone, then go on your computer and look at Facebook there, too.

9. Watch Friends bloopers from seasons one through 10.

10. Get into the weird part of YouTube.

A three-year-old who smokes a pack a day? Damn.

11. Cook a five-course meal for the first time ever instead of getting takeout.

12. Catch up on the past few episodes of The Kardashians and rant to your roommate about how Kourtney needs to cut Scott some slack.

13. Paint your nails and change your color choice at least three times.

14. Straighten your hair one strand at a time.

15. Try on every outfit in your closet to plan what to wear to a party you're going to in three weeks.

Related: 16 Things Not to Say to a College Student During Finals

16. Check your hair for split ends.

17. And just generally stare into empty space.

The most dreaded week in a collegiette’s semester is officially upon us: finals week. If you’re anything like us, this means endless nights in the library, drinking more coffee than is likely healthy and trading our most stylish ensembles for comfy, casual looks—but have you ever thought about what your go-to finals week outfit says about you? We have some ideas:

1. Sweatshirt and leggings

Bow Drape black crew neck sweatshirt
nordstrom.com
 

 

Pink trousers
victoriassecret.com
 

 

UGG Australia cuff boots
nordstrom.com
 

 

JanSport knapsack bag
tillys.com
 

Some might call the sweatshirt, leggings and Uggs look ‘basic’—but you know better. Leggings and a sweatshirt are a tried-and-true finals week classic because they just work when you’re too busy to spend hours putting together an outfit. If this is your preferred finals week ensemble, it’s likely that you’re the type of #GirlBoss collegiette that doesn’t let anything get in the way of her straight As. You’re no-nonsense and to the point, and can almost always be found with a cup of strong, black coffee in your hand. That major chem exam doesn’t know what it has coming!

2. Athleisure

Adidas Originals white shirt
net-a-porter.com
 

 

Splendid
theoutnet.com
 

 

Nike shoes
nike.com
 

 

Vegan handbag
urbanoutfitters.com
 

Did you go to the gym or did you just wake up like this? The world may never know—but, if we had to guess, not only did you just get back from your stress-relieving morning yoga class, but you also likely have a green juice in hand. You’re all about staying active, eating clean (we wish we had your willpower!) and you probably have a totally #fitspo-worthy Instagram account. That, or you just have a major thing for those Adidas Originals logo tees. (We can totally relate!)

3. Boyfriend jeans

 

Beige cardigan
yoins.com
 

 

Uniqlo button up shirt
uniqlo.com
 

 

Zara destroyed jeans
zara.com
 

 

ASOS pointy toe flat
asos.com
 

 

Topshop black bag
topshop.com
 

When people ask you how the heck you manage to stay so put-together during exam week, you just giggle a little bit internally. You’re as freaked out over finals as everyone else, but you know the powerful secret of boyfriend jeans—the comfiest way to look like you have your life together, even when you feel like you don’t. You’re the die-hard fashionista of your friend group, and for you, finals week isn’t an excuse to let your personal style suffer. You threw out your last pair of sweatpants after your last season on the track team in high school and never looked back—even your pajamas are chic. You feel your best when you look your best—as they say, dress well, test well!

What’s your finals week style this semester, collegiettes?

With the blink of an eye, summer has faded away and winter is creeping its way back again. But with the cold weather comes the holidays. Want to add some extra warmth to your home away from home? Bring some coziness to your dorm with these cute holiday light designs!

1. Lighted headboard

In most dorms, there’s that awkward wall space behind your pillows that's difficult to decorate. Headboards and posters can definitely add a little flair, but thankfully Meg Diamond shows you how to get this lighted headboard for a relatively low price. All you really need is some tape, Command strips or if you’re brave, some cork board tacks. Voilà! You have your perfect headboard, which also acts as a night light for before-bed reading.

2. Light-strung picture collage

The wall on your side of the dorm is a crucial display of who you are. What you choose to display can really set the tone for a semester. What better way to make your dorm as home-y as possible than by lining your wall with holiday lights? Hanging pictures from the lights, like Kindesign did, is a great way to make sure your side of the room takes on a personality of its own.

3. Faux Christmas tree

Lightspace Move has the perfect solution for the girl without space for a tree. What a cute and resourceful way to add some holiday cheer to your room! Don’t have the wall space to make it happen? Deck the halls by putting this tree on your window. Tape and lights are all you’ll need to complete this project. Not only will it take up minimal space, but it can help spread good holiday vibes to those walking around the quad outside your dorm.

4. Lighted canopy

Do your parents have those random tube holiday lights sitting around the house? Have you ever seen them actually used? No? In that case, this lighted canopy DIY from Handmaidtales is finally giving those long-retired lights a purpose. This canopy can be placed over your bed (making the perfect reading light) or over your desk to give it a more inviting vibe.

5. Spotlight map

Have you been bitten by the travel bug? Use holiday lights to check off just where in the world you’ve been or hope to go. Hazel & Ruby even shows you how to personalize these maps with minimal effort. Hang the finished product over your desk for some inspiration when your ever-present wanderlust kicks in.

6. Icicle lights

Teen Times proves that icicle lights can transform your room from simple to simply elegant in an instant.

7. Lit up bunk

White walls and close spaces can make a bottom bunk feel especially bland. Adding globe lights and an excessive amount of blankets and pillows, as Grosgrain did, can transform any boring bunk into a haven of comfort. Globe lights, however, can be pricey. Want to get a similar look but for half the price? All you need is a set of holiday lights and some ping pong balls. We'll even show you how to make the discounted version of these cute lights.  

8. Desk lamp swap

Desks with shelving in college dorms are a blessing in disguise. There’s so much room for storage and so many options for decorating. According to Vagabomb, you should line your desk with any color of holiday lights and ditch the desk lamp! This lighting will make your desk feel less like part of a stuffy dorm and more of a welcoming place to study at.

9. Statement windows

Vagabomb proves that windows can be a source of light at all times of the day. As soon as you dress those dull windows up with dangling lights and sheer curtains, you’ll feel like you’re walking in a winter wonderland.

10. Starry sky

When you were younger, did you ever put glow-in-the-dark stars on your ceiling? Well, this holiday light decor idea from Kindesign is the college version of those glow-in-the-dark stars. With a few Command strips and tape, this can easily become a reality. Soon enough, you’ll be sleeping under the stars every night.

11. Lighted waterfall wall

This curtain of lights from Propinsanity is ideal for jazzing up that awkward space that you have no idea what to do with. Around the holidays, you can even attach various ornaments to create the perfect festive decoration. Thankfully, Architecture Art Design has given us an amazing example to model ours after!

Which of these holiday light decor ideas will you be trying, collegiettes?

Affirmative action may be in trouble in the Supreme Court due to a case with the University of Texas. This is the second time in three years that the court is ruling about the constitutionality of affirmative action in college admissions.

The lawsuit was brought on by Abigail Fisher, a white student who was denied from the University of Texas at Austin in 2008. In 2012, when the case originally reached the Supreme Court, it was sent back to lower courts for review. Fisher graduated from Louisana State University, but did not drop her case against University of Texas. Fisher claims she was denied admission because of her race.

This ruling could affect affirmative action in the college system nationwide.

Already, eight states have banned affirmative action and race altogether as a factor in college admissions. Enrollment of minority students has gone down since the bans in several of those states.

“Most of the black scientists in this country don’t come from schools like the University of Texas,”  said Justice Antonin Scalia. “They come from lesser schools where they do not feel that they’re being pushed ahead in classes that are too fast for them.”

This argument stems from the idea that some students of color are "mismatched" to a college system that doesn't fit their academic standards. The argument about "mismatch" and whether affirmative action is effective is likely to crop up in the rulings going forward, although it has previously not been a part of the court's decision-making on affirmative action. Several politicians and advocates have denounced Scalia's comments as racist.

"We were alarmed and extraordinarily disappointed to hear a justice of the Supreme Court make comments that were laden with racial prejudice and that were based on an assumption of racial inferiority," Janai Nelson, associate director-counsel for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, told the LA Times. "There is no other way to slice it. To suggest African Americans are unable to compete in the competitive institutions of higher learning is insulting and blatantly contrary to the evidence."

Meanwhile, black college graduates have approached the Supreme Court case with humor, using the hashtag #StayMadAbby.

Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. brought up the admissions policy of the University of Texas, which automatically grants admission to students in the top 10 percent of their high school class. These students account for 75 percent of the student body at the university. Justice Alito noted that this policy affects diversity indirectly, because many of the state's high schools are already not diverse. 

Justice Elena Kagan has been excused from the case because she defended affirmative action as President Obama's solicitor general. 

"I thought that what they’re looking for is leaders in diversity, not just of race, but of experiences generally,” said Justice Sonia Sotomayer. She argued that colleges and universities are not considering race any more than other factors that influence classroom diversity.

The court's official ruling is expected by June. 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year to share with the three Fs: friends, family and, of course, food. Don’t sacrifice any hard work at the gym for decadent holiday treats; opt for healthy alternatives instead. After you’ve decorated the tree and perfected your wish list, relax with a favorite holiday movie and one of these healthy Christmas snacks.

1. Grinch Fruit Kabob

Not only is this a cute and simple snack, it’s also good for you! Fruits are full of nutrients that are under-consumed, such as potassium, fiber and vitamin C.

Recipe from MOMables

Ingredients:

• Mini marshmallows
• Strawberries, tops sliced off
• Banana, peeled and sliced
• Green grapes
• Toothpicks

Instructions:

1. Wash and cut your fruit.
2. On each toothpick, assemble your kabob as follows: one mini marshmallow, one strawberry, one banana slice and one green grape.

2. Cinnamon Apple Chips

With no added sugar, these cinnamon apple chips combine our favorite fruit with a little sprinkle of holiday flavor. An apple a day, as they say!

Recipe from Trial and Eater

Ingredients:

• Two apples
• Cinnamon

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Thinly slice the apples, removing any seeds.
3. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
4. Bake for one hour. Flip the apples. Bake for another hour.
5. Let apple chips cool, and eat!

3. Pita Trees

A festive take on a classic snack, these guacamole pita trees are sure to be a popular appetizer at any holiday party. Not only that, the avocado in guacamole is rich in vitamin K, an essential vitamin for blood clotting.

Recipe from Charlotte Parent Magazine

Ingredients:

• Whole-wheat pita pockets cut in triangles
• Guacamole
• Diced tomatoes
• Pretzel sticks

Instructions:

1. Spread guacamole on pita triangles.
2. Sprinkle diced tomatoes on top.
3. Stick pretzel sticks into pitas.

4. Healthy Chocolate Peanut Butter Balls

Though chocolate and peanut butter may not sound healthy, these peanut butter balls replace a primarily sugar-and-butter-filled recipe with a more natural one! It keeps the healthy fats and protein found in peanut butter while replacing refined sugar with dates.

Recipe fromDAMY Health

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of dry roasted peanuts
• 1 cup of pitted dates
• 3 scoops of protein powder (optional)
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut (optional)
• 1/4 cup ground flax
• 3 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1/4 cup water
• 2-3 70-percent dark chocolate bars
• Bamboo skewers (optional)
• Crushed candy canes (optional)
• Unsweetened shredded coconut (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place dark chocolate in a double boiler and let melt until completely smooth.
2. Add dry roasted peanuts to your food processor and blend until it is peanut flour.
3. Add protein powder and pulse until blended.
4. Add unsweetened coconut and ground flax and pulse until blended.
5. Add the vanilla extract, almond butter, dates and water. Blend until it reaches a cookie dough texture.
6. Remove the dough from the food processor and place in a bowl. Begin rolling protein balls into 1-inch balls.
7. Place balls on a plate.
8. Using bamboo skewers (or two spoons), cover balls with melted chocolate individually.
9. Place chocolate-covered balls spaced out on a waxed-paper-covered plate (or tray for easy removal) and sprinkle with your topping of choice.
10. Place in the freezer for a few hours or overnight.
11. Serve straight from the freezer.

5. Maple Gingerbread Popcorn

Who doesn’t love sitting next to a fire with a nice, big bowl of popcorn? Since popcorn is low in calories and coconut oil has healthy fats, this recipe is the perfect healthy snack to accompany your favorite holiday movies. It’s also naturally vegan and gluten-free!

Recipe from Real Food Real Deals

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup organic popcorn kernels (generates 15 cups popped)
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Pop the popcorn.
3. Place the solid coconut oil in a large roasting pan or on a cookie sheet that has sides. Put the pan in the oven until the oil melts.
4. Remove the pan from the oven and add the maple syrup and spices. Stir to combine.
5. Add the popped popcorn to the pan and stir so that the popcorn is evenly coated.
6. Bake for 6-8 minutes, stirring every couple minutes. Once it starts to brown a little, it's done.
7. Remove and cool on a wire rack.

6. Low-Fat Gingerbread Cookies

Get a low-fat substitute for classic holiday dessert with these gingerbread cookies! By replacing most of the butter with applesauce, you get some fiber and vitamin C without the added fat.

Recipe fromSkinnytaste

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 1 egg
• 1/3 cup dark molasses
• 3 cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 1/2 tablespoon egg whites
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• Pinch of cream of tartar

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter, sugar and applesauce until smooth.
3. Add the egg and molasses and mix well.
4. In another large bowl, combine flour, baking soda and spices.
5. Add to sugar and molasses mixture, stirring well.
6. Divide the dough into two flat balls; cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours.
7. Generously dust the surface of your working area with flour before rolling out the dough. Work with one ball of dough at a time; keep the other refrigerated while you do so.
8. Roll the dough out to 1/4 or 1/8-inch thickness; sprinkle a little flour on top of the dough if it's a little sticky. Cut the gingerbread with a cookie cutter shape of your choice.
9. Place cookies 1 or 2 inches apart on a Silpat-lined baking sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes.
10. Mix the egg whites with lemon juice.
11. Combine with powdered sugar, mixing well. If the icing is too thin, add more powdered sugar; if it's too thick, add a drop of lemon juice.
12. Add to a piping bag to decorate cookies when cookies are cooled.

7. Dark Chocolate Peppermint Truffles

This four-ingredient recipe tastes like a decadent truffle but doesn’t use one drop of heavy cream or melted chocolate! At 27 calories each, this dairy-free treat can also be made vegan by replacing the honey with light corn syrup or agave.

Recipe from Amy’s Healthy Baking

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 3 tablespoons honey (or agave)
• 1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, stir together all four ingredients.
2. Chill for at least 30 minutes, or up to three days.
3. Working with a heaping tablespoon at a time, roll the chocolate mixture into a ball, and place on wax paper or in individual mini muffin paper liners.
4. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

If you’re watching your health this holiday season, don’t worry! The holidays no longer have to be a source of temptation with these seven snacks. 

The cringeworthy headline flashed on the screen. As I begrudgingly read “14 killed in San Bernardino shooting,” I couldn’t help but pray to myself over and over again, “Please don’t let the shooter be Muslim.”

He was.

I came to painfully expect the subsequent days, filled with mosques receiving threats and being vandalized. In 2015, I have received text messages from my friends asking if my mosque is okay, and telling me they are grateful I don’t wear a hijab because that would make me an easily identifiable target. As a second-generation Muslim-American woman growing up in this age of radicalism and xenophobia, I am constantly torn between proudly standing up for my beliefs out of love, and quietly assimilating out of fear.

When 9/11 happened, I was a 6-year-old girl living in a small town in Indiana, and I lacked the ability to comprehend why my first grade teacher pulled me aside that day and told me, “Hannah, I want you to tell me if any kids are mean to you, okay?” I didn’t understand why people would hold prejudice toward me because the perpetrators of the attack claimed to share the same religion as me. To this day, I still don’t understand why.

As Islamaphobia in this country becomes more widespread, and radical notions such as Trump’s proposals to force Muslims to carry ID badges and to bar all Muslim entry into the United States gain popularity, it’s hard to keep the same sense of nationalism that has been instilled in us American children since grade school. Muslim-Americans like myself are having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that same country that raised us is now the one that wants us to wear a glaring red sign on our foreheads that claims, “I am not a terrorist”—As though it is something we need to verify in order to peacefully exist.

As a Muslim woman in America I feel as though I am always under pressure to validate my religion to others, as if it cannot stand alone on its own two feet. I often feel the desire to attach a clause at the end of the answer when asked, “Are you Muslim?” The statement, “Yes—but not that kind of Muslim” has nearly slipped off my lips time and time again. I’m ashamed of feeling the increasing need prove to the world that I am not the oppressed, submissive uninformed foreigner that society wants to paint me as.

The media has no issue portraying Muslim women as hypersexualized, fetishized, erotic figures, or oppressed, submissive women clouded by our naivety. But for some reason our society struggles to see Muslim women as feminists, thinkers and innovators. They want to save us from the prison bars they believe we live behind, when in reality most of us don’t need saving. We don’t need politicians to use us as pawns in political agendas under the facade of a moral crusade, reducing us to nothing more than a stereotype rather than living, breathing Muslim-Americans.

I refuse to be labeled by my faith and culture for the comfort of others. While I proudly wear the hyphenated label Muslim-American or Pakistani-American, I do not let it define my life in its entirety. I am more than a hypothetical ID badge that tells the world my faith but not who I am as a person. My religion doesn’t need justification, and I don’t need saving from it—It’s this lack of understanding about Muslims and the non-western world that creates this widespread fear and xenophobia. We’re a religion of over 1.7 billion people—Learn about our cultures, learn about our religion, learn about your neighbors. Learn about the people you work with, attend school with, see out on the everyday streets. Because the inevitable truth is: it’s impossible to hate somebody that you understand.

If there's one thing Kanye excels at, it's dropping major words of wisdom. He's taught us to love ourselves (like, REALLY love ourselves), follow our dreams and believe in our own talents. Here are some of his best quotes from 2015:

1. “I appreciate everyone’s opinion but I refuse to have a lesser opinion about myself.”

2. “It's not the concept of time, time with your family, time with your friends, the little time that we do have on earth and what we do with that..time is the only luxury. It's the only thing you can't get back. If you lose your luggage...you can get that back. You can't get time back.”

3."Clothing should be like food. There should never be a $5,000 sweater. You know what should cost $5,000? A car should be $5,000. And you know who should work on the car? The people that work on the $500,000 cars. All the best talent in the world needs to work for the people."

4. “Three years ago, after this interview I would have been on a train back to Paris to see the last of the shows and get that inspiration. Now I’m on the first flight back home to see my greatest inspiration, my daughter.”

5. “To let your life be controlled by public opinion would be like asking to sit in traffic for the rest of your life.”

6. "Fuck what people say, fuck what they think. I feel proud to be in a family that has so many people breaking ground for the generations to come."

7. "I don't have a name for him, but what I hope for him is that he can feel purpose. That he can learn that he has the opportunities."

8. "We're not going to teach low self-esteem and hate to our kids. We're going to teach our kids that they can be something. We're going to teach our kids that they can stand up for themselves. We're going to teach our kids to believe in themselves."

9. "I will die for the art, for what I believe in."

9. "After I lost my mother, there was times I felt like, I would put my life at risk. I felt like sometimes I didn't have something to live for. Now I have two really special people to live for."

10. "Let me just explain something to everyone. I'm sorry. I'm a human being. I've got opinions, I'm not always right, I'm not always on time, I don't always say things in the proper way, but my intentions are always extremely pure. My purpose is extremely just."

11."I dislike the concept of chic being the highest compliment for a human being. I'd rather someone be nice than to be chic."

12. "If I had a daughter at that time would I have gone on stage and grabbed the mic from someone else?"

13. "It's not about me. It's about ideas. New ideas. People with ideas. People who believe in truth. And yes, as you probably could've guessed by this moment, I have decided in 2020 to run for president."

#kanye2020

Yup, you read that correctly. 22-year-old Lili Murphy-Johnson is aiming to change the stigma around menstruation with her collection of period-inspired jewelry.

"I wanted to create beautiful jewelry out of something that is conventionally seen by society to be shameful,” Murphy-Johnson explains.

Her London-based collection includes rings, hand-beaded panties and a charm bracelet. Whether you’d wear these pieces in public or not, the idea behind her collection is pretty cool.

Murphy-Johnson was inspired by her bad PMS. She wanted to create jewelry that would show how she felt when she was feeling emotional.

“My work explores how periods affect our bodies,” she told Broadly.

This artist is taking a big step in bringing periods out of a negative light.

"We need to be able to talk about periods more openly so that we don't have these problems,” she says. “That's what I want to do with my jewelry. I want to create something that can be worn without shame or disgust.”

What do you think, collegiettes? Would you sport this jewelry around campus?

College—it makes up some of the best years of your life. But what happens after graduation? When it comes to getting a full-time job, there are some things that you should keep in mind. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of five things you should do before entering the workforce full time. Whether you’re looking for a full-time job and haven't had any luck or you want some things to do before really entering the real world, these tips will definitely help.

1. Get an internship (or multiple!)

After graduating, you'll be able to focus on becoming more skilled in the field you are interested in—without stressing about midterms! That’s why it's not bad to do an internship or two first, especially if you haven't already. Internships are a great way to get your foot in the door, and you can look for internships in your area or even remote ones. Look for internships and fellowships while you are in college (and even after you graduate) in the career field that you hope to get a full-time job in. While most internships are unpaid, they will definitely give you the experience and skills you need before taking on a full-time job in the industry.

“I was careful to get involved in ways that made sense for my career,” says Alaina Leary, a first year graduate student at Emerson College. “I did a lot of freelance writing in addition to semester-long internships to gain publication credits and experience. I'm still in grad school, and not in the full-time job world yet, and writing for Her Campus is one way that I'm bolstering my resume and adding clips to my portfolio, along with editing and writing for several other print and online magazines.”

Like Alaina, Andrew Hindes, president of The In-House Writer, advises college students to focus on getting internships and fellowships in or related to their field well before they graduate. “I have seen that be the most successful recipe for getting a job when you get out, if you already have work experience,” Hindes says. “Especially if you apply for a company that you have already worked for, you are already ahead of the game.”

2. Do some freelance writing

Freelance writing is a fantastic way to build up your portfolio. First of all, you’re getting published (which is totally awesome, might we add). Depending on the publication, you could also be making some money freelance writing while simultaneously looking for a full-time job. Some freelance writers create their own rates, while others follow the rates of the publication they’re writing for. 

Kristen Kraemer, who graduated from Rutgers University in 2010, freelanced while looking for a full-time position. She says she found a lot of opportunities to freelance through word of mouth and on ed2010, a website that posts job and internship opportunities for college graduates and current college students interested in the publishing industry. “I think it’s a great way to build up your resume and get clips to show future employers no matter what career you’re going into,” says Kristen. “Being a freelance writer teaches you things like time management, self-motivation and determination (if you’re working from home, you need to have razor focus to make sure you’re completing tasks on time).”

Check out websites such as ed2010, Freelance Writing Gigs and Elance for freelance job listings.

Related: Contract Work: What You Need to Know Before You Take the Job

3. Volunteer

Volunteering is more than just a resume builder. It is also a character builder! Volunteering on your college campus and in your community will not only make you feel empowered, it will make others feel good as well.

Alaina says she volunteered while in college and after graduating in a number of ways. “I was involved with MassPIRG and Rock the Vote, getting people registered for the 2012 election,” Alaina says. “I helped out with writing for Habitat for Humanity and Hope for Limpopo, two charities with local chapters near my college. I also volunteered for the Great American Condom Campaign, handing out 500 free Trojan condoms on campus every semester, and educating college students about safe and consensual sex! We held events like sex toy bingo and safe sex quizzes, with prizes.” 

Kristen also notes that volunteering goes a long way in the eyes of an employer. “As far as volunteering goes, I’m very much attached to the community I grew up in,” Kristen says. “When Hurricane Sandy hit, I helped sort clothing donations for our community. When a friend’s father was going through cancer treatments, I helped out during a fundraiser my town had.”

Want to volunteer but don’t know where to start? Check out your county’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity or The Humane Society to volunteer locally, or visit the Global Brigades website for international volunteer opportunities.

4. Start a blog

One of the best creative outlets is blogging. There are many websites that offer opportunities to start your own blog absolutely free! This is a great way to self-publish, and it allows you to write about exactly what you are interested in.

“Find your niche, figure out who you want to write for (besides yourself), and how to come across just right,” Joy Johnson, the lifestyle blogger behind For the Love of Tuna, recommends. “Becoming a good writer doesn't just happen and you'll come across drafts and drafts of the same post that [don't] sound right, until finally you find the perfect words and a thousand other people agree. Don't be afraid to reach out to bloggers, because really, bloggers are awesome and super nice. All the best to you, newbies!”

5. Learn a new skill

After graduating, you will probably have some time on your hands before you start working full time. So, what better way to spend your time than learning something new? Acquiring a new skill will not only boost your potential and add another item to your resume, but it will also benefit you in the long run. Ever wanted to learn a new language or how to code? Now is the best time to do it!

Coding is considered to be the language of the future, and it is not as difficult to learn as you might think. It doesn’t take a computer scientist to learn to code, and you can learn the basics for free right from your own home. Websites like Code.org offer games, lessons and resources for you to learn how to code. Plus, Karlie Kloss endorses it, so what’s not to love?  

These new skills may become of particular interest to you, which, according to Chad Troutwine, co-founder of Veritas Prep, is something that employers love. “It may surprise people, but I pay close attention to the line at the bottom with personal interests,” Troutwine says. “It may not be enough to get someone hired, but fascinating hobbies can help secure an interview.”

Maybe you are looking for some resume boosters while you’re on the job hunt or you’re putting off being a full-time grown-up, but either way, these tips will help you along the way. 

When it comes to birth control, things can get pretty complicated. With so many different forms and methods out there, how’s a girl to know exactly what each one does and how it works--or doesn’t work? Here are some common birth control mistakes that you might be making.

1. You're skipping it entirely

There are a variety of reasons why some women choose not to use birth control during sex. Dr. Traci Brooks, the Medical Director at Cambridge Pediatrics, says that one reason is that some people are worried they could contract cancer if they do use it. However, she says that that isn't true, and that some forms of it can actually prevent women from getting certain forms of cancer.

"Many people also worry that birth control causes cancer," Dr. Brooks says. "In fact, some forms of birth control actually protect you against certain types of cancer, like the pill protecting against ovarian or endometrial."

Birth control does more than just stop you from getting pregnant. It can protect you from different STIs and STDs, as well as other illnesses (like cancer) that aren't sexually transmitted. 

2. You’re using the wrong lube

Lubricants are an important part of safe sex, and they can help prevent pain and condom tearing during sex. However, certain types of lube can actually be counterproductive to birth control. Petroleum- or oil-based lubricants aren’t recommended, since they can cause break latex condoms down and get microscopic holes, increasing the risk of infection. Pharmacist Sally Rafie, the Medication Safety Specialist at University of California, San Diego Health System, says water-based lubricants are best to use with condoms.

“Water-based lubricants are a lot safer to use with condoms. Dr. Rafie says. “The latex and synthetic materials used in most condoms stays strong with water-based lubricants.”

A 2011 study led by Dr. Debra Herbenick found that women who used lubricants that were water- or silicone-based were found to be less likely to suffer from uncomfortable or painful “genital symptoms” (and enjoyed sex more!).

Dr. Rafie says that for couples who aren’t trying to avoid pregnancy, it’s safe to use oil- or silicone- based lubricants, but that silicone-based sex toys may not work with silicone-based lube.

3. You think you don’t need it because you identify as LGBTQ+

Many women who identify as LGBTQ+ might feel like they don’t need to use contraceptives if it’s other women they’re sleeping with. While sex between two women can’t normally cause pregnancy, the CDC notes that women who have sex with other women are not any less likely to contract sexually-transmitted infections than women who have sex with men just because of their sexual orientation. Safer sex options for women who have sex with other women include dental dams and female condoms. 

4. You’re relying on the pull out method

By now, it’s commonly accepted that using condoms is a way to have safer sex. According to a study from the New England Journal of Medicine, they can decrease the risk of contracting HPV and other sexually transmitted infections, along with pregnancy. Other forms of birth control like patches, pills or IUDs are also effective at the same things. Unprotected sex increases the risk of any of those things occurring by a very large amount, and although Family Fertility Plan states that the “pull out” method is used by 35 million couples worldwide, it’s not largely reliable. Sometimes it can work, but not always. While different

“Withdrawal is not completely ineffective,” Dr. Rafie says. “Some couples use it to effectively prevent unplanned pregnancy. But the failure rate is high. There can be sperm in the fluids prior to ejaculation.”

While different forms of birth control are more likely to prevent pregnancy or infection, it's also a matter of choice.

"Some couples are highly motivated to avoid an unplanned pregnancy, whereas others are open to the idea of a surprise pregnancy," Dr. Rafie said. "It's up to each woman to decide what works best for their needs at the time."

5. You’re listening to myths, not talking to your doctor

Dr. Jared Heathman, a Texas physician, says that a lack of sexual education leads to young people believing rumors they hear about sex and contraception, which can often be harmful. Even past grade school, people still pass around false information about sex, and misinformation about what’s safe and what isn’t is a huge problem.

“In medical school, I was once asked by an almost adult female if opening a coke bottle into the vagina would truly help kill all of the sperm,” Dr. Heathman says. “Thankfully, she was critical of the information and had an open conversation with a professional prior to testing the hypothesis.”

He adds that talking to your doctor is really important, because different forms of birth control work better for different women (but make sure to skip the DIY method he mentions above!).

6. You’re using spermicides exclusively         

Spermicides are a form of birth control where a diaphragm is used to insert sperm-stopping chemicals into the vagina.

Dr. Rafie says that using spermicides in combination with other forms of birth control can increase effectiveness, because they act as physical barriers between the sperm and the cervix..

“Spermicide doesn’t work very well on its own but using a lubricant with spermicide can really boost the effectiveness of barrier methods,” Dr. Rafie said.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, led by Dr. Lut Van Damme found that using cellulose sulfate gel, a form of spermicide, didn’t decrease women’s chances of catching HIV. The researchers concluded that it might actually increase the risk of catching the virus, though they didn’t state it definitively. Another study, led by Dr. Thomas M. Hooten found that women using a diaphragm with spermicides were more likely to contract urinary tract infections.

Like Dr. Rafie, both studies note that when used in combination with another form of birth control, like condoms or pills, spermicides are more effective at preventing both infection and pregnancy.

7. You're scared of the effects of long-active, reversible contraception

Birth control methods like hormonal implants, which are tiny rods inserted into your arm, or IUDs, which are T-shaped contraceptives that doctors place inside of your uterus, can sound pretty scary. However, Dr. Brooks says that hormonal implants or IUDs are among the most effective forms of birth control. She says that one of the reasons they're so reliable is that unlike condoms or birth control pills, you don't need to remember to use these methods each time you have sex.

"After [abstinence and sterilization] it would be the IUD or the hormonal implant (Implanon or Nexplanon)," Dr. Brooks says. "The most effective methods are the ones least dependent on needing to remember to use them."

Once they're implanted, most hormonal implants are good for up to three years, and IUDs last for three to six years.

8. You’re taking the pill irregularly

A lot of women miss their birth control pills on certain days or end up taking them at different times every day. Dr. Rafie says that can make them less effective or even create a hormone imbalance in the body.

“Missing two pills or more can lead to reduced effectiveness--and that’s a good time to consider taking emergency contraception (aka “the morning after pill”),” Dr. Rafie says. It’s important to take the pill at the same time every day to keep the hormone levels in the body consistent.”

She adds that there’s nothing wrong with missing just one pill and taking it ASAP. If it's more frequent than that, though, the pill could be less likely to stop a pregnancy, so make sure to stay on top of when and at what time you're taking your pills.

It’s extremely important to make sure the form of birth control you’re using is right for you. “There are many types of birth control, and some are more suited for some people than others,” Dr. Heathman says. “Discuss the available options with your physician.” The future of birth control is changing right now, with things like a male-birth control pill possibly on the way. Have fun and be safe, collegiettes!

As girls begin to become women, they discover a sense of self worth and develop a body image.

We carry our body image with us throughout our lives. Regardless of how we truly look, we have our own vision of ourselves.

The lucky ones have a positive body image––comfortable and confident in their bodies. They feel proud and appreciate their true selves. However, many girls develop negative body image. Feeling anxious and self conscious about their appearance, they convince themselves they are worth less than everyone else.

18-year-old model, Essena O’Neill, created a career for herself through social media. Recently, she dropped the ball when she spoke up about her views on social media. O’Neill shut down her social media accounts in order to address the issue social media is creating.

O’Neill––and many others––claims that social media is not always an accurate portrayal of life. To continue her movement, she released videos of the truth behind her “career” and the harm she inflicted upon herself to achieve the “perfect body.”

O’Neill expressed her history with extreme exercise and calorie restrictions in order to become thinner. She believed the thinner she became, the closer she was to being able to love herself.

These days, women everywhere have a tendency to connect their physical body and appearance to their value as a person. Young girls are aspiring to be like who they see on Instagram, and are going to dangerous lengths to get such results.

In a study done by Girl Scouts of the USA and The Dove Self-Esteem Fund, 63 percent of girls think the body image represented by the fashion industry is unrealistic. Even so, 60 percent say this is where they get the body image they strive for. According to the NYC Girls Project, 31 percent of girls admit to starving themselves as a way to lose weight.

The image of being “beautifully thin” has become a dangerous epidemic for girls reaching puberty. When the constant usage of social media is added into the mix, it is easy for young girls to develop mental health issues that can affect them for years to come.

A friend of mine battled her own eating disorder. “I believe social media played a big role [in it],” she said. “I was constantly exposed to people I would envy and I would obsess over pictures of their bodies. I would take screenshots of models whose bodies I wanted and set them as my wallpaper for inspiration.”  

While most victims of eating disorders become isolated and private in an effort to avoid attention, the signs are sometimes right in front of us. We should never hesitate to get them help. By educating young girls on the false reality that social media portrays, we can help minimize the possibly of these girls growing up to be women with low self-esteem.

As winter inches closer and closer and the holiday spirit begins to take over our bodies (which already left us stuffed from Thanksgiving), exams and papers become more and more anguishing to us and make us want to hide out in our beds for hibernation before going home.  But, never fear, collegiettes, somehow we find that force and will to live (for the next two weeks) and crank out that paper even when it doesn't make too much sense and go over what seems to be endless notes for that exam; but, that force can only be exerted through continual visions of distraction, namely puppies! Seeing the cuddling faces of such innocent little beings softens us so much that we are motivated to push through finals so that we can adopt the little furry animals for ourselves!

1. I mean, can you EVEN 

2. Awwww!

3. Not the eyes!! It's too much!

4. The one arm over the shoulder during sleep is a true testament to friendship.

5. Cuddling like there's no tomorrow.

6. Sometimes a good bed is all you need (and it's what we will all be dreaming of these next couple of weeks).

7. Stuffed animals make us all fall asleep faster, so don't bring one to your exam.

8. Keep giving face! Work it!

9. Not the sad faces!

10. Heart-shaped hugs do the most romantic naps make.

11. A smile is worth a thousand barks.

12. *Stop fidgeting*

13. Kisses and smooches!

14. Air hugs!

15. Now pose for the camera...click...click

So, collegiettes... Look at cute puppies and keep calm during the finals season!

When it comes to girls, guys tend to think they have it all figured out. They may not understand why we do the things that we do, but most guys feel pretty certain that they know, at least, what it is that we like and dislike. Yes, it’s true that some girls don’t mind when a guy takes the check at dinner, some girls love a bouquet of flowers and some girls consider any movie starring Sandra Bullock or Reese Witherspoon an instant classic. What isn’t true, however, is that these preconceived notions can be applied to all girls. Here are just a few assumptions that guys often make that definitely could not be said for the entire female population.  

1. We cheer ourselves up by buying ourselves a new outfit.

Believe it or not, we don’t think retail therapy is the answer to everything. Sometimes we even find shopping pretty annoying.

2. We’re in a bad mood because we’re on our period.

Maybe we did poorly on a test or we just got some bad news from home, or we simply didn’t sleep well last night. Whatever the case, we can think of dozens of reasons why we might be cranky that have nothing to do with our menstrual cycle.

3. We don’t know the difference between a first down and a touchdown.  

We’re not just attending football games to tailgate and scope out the tight end, you know.

4. We always order salads for dinner because we’re watching our weight.

How about you watch us eat this cheeseburger and these fries instead?

5. A perfect night in for us involves curling up with a Lifetime movie and a pint of Ben and Jerry’s and having a good cry.

Oh yeah, nothing more fun than cheesy, trashy made-for-TV flicks and a nice emotional purge. We’ll take the ice cream, though.

6. We post at least one selfie on Instagram a day.

Listen. We may post the occasional selfie or two, but we don’t need to get validation from the cyberworld about how good we look every day. 

7. We wouldn’t have any idea how to assemble a piece of furniture from IKEA.

We think we can handle assembling our own furniture, thank you very much. We can set up our own DVD players and paint our own apartments, too!

8. We think the Kardashians are fascinating.

Our idea of following current events spans beyond reality television, as hard as it may be to believe.

9. We take at least two hours to get ready to go out for the night.

We know it’s hard to imagine that we can get ready for a night out and look as good as we do in any less than two hours, but believe us, it’s possible.

10. We enjoy putting down other women (because it makes us feel better about ourselves).

Did you ever consider that we might already feel great about ourselves and don’t need to criticize others to feel that way?

11. We live for Valentine’s Day.

Hallmark cards, jewelry and public, mushy declarations of love? Some of us would be much happier with just a box of chocolates.

12. We love when a guy pays for our drinks and meals (and we’ve even come to expect it). 

We have jobs! We have checking accounts! What makes you think we’re always looking for someone else to foot our bills?

13. Our local Starbucks barista knows our order by heart because we go there so often.

Instant coffee from our dorm room works just as fine as a tall skinny vanilla latte.

14. We don’t know how to hold our liquor.

Contrary to popular belief, many of us know our limits and can drink in moderation.

15. We have a passion for all things pink and sparkly.

Just because we were wrapped in a pink blanket in the delivery room doesn’t mean we’ve carried a lifelong passion for the color.

16. Our number one priority is being in a relationship.

Yup, definitely our first priority – right above getting our college degrees and forging successful careers for ourselves.

This year was quite a journey for Kylie Jenner. Between her relationship (and breakup) with Tyga, a lip color line that sold out in seconds and several features on the covers of many magazines, if anything, she's been on the move.

Regardless of what Kylie is up to day to day, we can always count on her to bring her beauty A-game, especially when it comes to her hair. As soon as we began to love one color or cut, she'd switch it up. It was definitely hard for us to keep up with each one of her hairstyles this year. 

We did have a few favorites, so we've rounded them up here to recap part of Kylie's hair journey in 2015.

Layered Black Bob 

Kylie kept it classy with this sleek and sophisticated cut. The layers give it extra dimension and vibrancy. 

Long and Blonde with Dark Roots 

Can you say volume?! Despite the dark roots, Kylie went the blonde bombshell route for her epic 18th birthday party.

Black Bob with Teal Ends 

We could never forget one of Kylie's most iconic styles of 2015, and the hilarious Vine based on this look that went viral. 

Pastel Blue Waves with Dark Roots 

This summer, Kylie experimented with this stunning pastel blue. The cotton candy hue gives us sweet summertime memories. 

Sleek and Mint Green with Dark Roots

After taking some time off from bold color by sticking with black and blonde, Kylie went mint green in September. 

Long, Black Waves

We adored this totally glam style, and it definitely takes the cake as one of our 2015 Kylie favorites. As if she didn't resemble Kim enough already, this style had us doing a double take.

What were you favorite Kylie hairstyles and colors in 2015? Tweet us @HerCampus and let us know!

This year has seen the best and worst of fashion trends, but one fashion trend that's been coming back to the red carpet time and time again is the naked dress. We've seen them on everybody from Queen Bey to the Kardashian klan—they show off plenty of skin but are still totally classy... and they have us all wondering where we can find one and more importantly, where we can wear one of these. Well, the New Year is just around the corner, so what better way to flaunt all you've got than to wear one of these skin-baring numbers? Check out our favorites, below!

1. For Love & Lemons Luau Mini Dress ($183 at REVOLVE)

For those of you who will not get to experience an all-white New Year's Eve, this dress is the perfect way to add that holiday flare wherever you are. You don't really need to accessorize because the dress has plenty going on, but a pair of dainty studs and a nude heel will really bring the outfit together. 

2. For Love & Lemons Sierra Maxi Dress ($325 at REVOLVE)

Although this outfit is a little pricey, you can't say that this dress wouldn't be money well spent. The dress would be perfect for any New Year's Eve party and would certainly turn heads—in a good way, of course. A blush-toned heel would be the perfect finishing touch. 

3. Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet Sheer Tank Dress ($40.60 at Nasty Gal)

This dress is definitely a great choice because you have a lot of room to cater it to your liking. You can add practically any color under the dress and it also gives you a lot of room to accessorize as well. Try stacking bangles, or wear a statement pendant! 

4. Checked See-Through Sleeveless Dress ($12.49 at Zaful)

This dress is already so great on its own; all you need to do is add in a chunky gold cuff and a colorful heel would be perfect.

5. Laced on a True Story Sheer Dress ($73 at Nasty Gal)

This dress is definitely for all the boldest ladies out there, so if you're feeling like REALLY standing out with your outfit this New Year's Eve, then this is definitely for you. Adding in some bold, silver earrings and rings would give your outfit that extra flare. 

6. Glamorous Fortune Favors Metallic Knit Dress ($48.00 at Nasty Gal)

What a better time to go all out than on New Year's Eve, right? This dress definitely bares it all, so if you're feeling confident, then this is the one. Pair it with some dangly earrings and a neutral pump!

So, which dress will you dare to wear this year?

So you’ve finally decided to part ways with the pill. Whether it’s been a long or short road for the two of you, one thing’s likely: you’ve probably experienced some changes since you started taking the pill, whether positive or negative. Going off birth control means your body will have to re-adapt, so don’t expect to return seamlessly to pre-pill status. But now that you’ve made the decision, there are some changes you should be prepared to experience since your body now has to re-adapt. Here’s what you should expect!

1. Your period might not return right away

Birth control pills may seem to work in a magical way, but they’re really taking on a powerful role—disrupting your body’s hormonal system in order to prevent pregnancy. So since going off the pill is imposing a new and big change for your body, it’s possible that your periods will be irregular in frequency for a while.

Rozalyn Yannaccone, a registered nurse practitioner at Bucknell University who specializes in women’s health, says there’s no need to worry, since having irregular periods is one of the most common sides effects of going off the pill. “If you stop taking birth control, the frequency of your periods may be irregular at first, since your body has to re-acclimate to its natural hormonal cycle,” she says. “For some, it may even be months before you get your period back, but if it’s been more than three months you should meet with your health provider.” Yannaccone says that while a missing period could indicate a pregnancy, it could also be a result of other issues, like a hormonal imbalance.

2. If you had bad PMS pre-birth control, it will likely be the same when off the pill

Any collegiette who has suffered from a bad case of PMS knows that it is the absolute worst. You feel like a bloated whale, you’re emotionally irritable and let’s not forget, you can barely do any physical activity because the bad cramps basically paralyze you. For those who go on birth control to keep PMS at bay, we have some unfortunate news for you: the pill may help, but it doesn’t cure you of it—which means it might come back.

“When you go off the pill, any pre-pill conditions you may have had will return,” Yannaccone says. “Some women decide to stay on birth control for this reason alone,” she explains. But don’t let this setback turn you off to the idea of stopping birth control, especially since it has great benefits, like reducing your odds of ovarian or endometrial cancer. Plus, there are many effective ways of alleviating or even avoiding PMS (remember your good friend Midol?).

3. You may experience new bouts of acne

If you thought acne was a horror of your past, you may want to think again. One of the reasons some women start taking birth control in the first place is to regulate their acne, but the truth is, the pill isn’t a permanent cure for keeping breakouts away. So if you saw a positive change in your complexion when you first started taking the pill, you may see a flare up in blemishes when you stop.

According to Yannaccone, taking birth control pills lowers the amount of testosterone in your body. Testosterone, she explains, causes a build-up of oil production, which in turn attracts bacteria to your skin. But if you didn’t experience skin changes when you weren’t on the pill, you won’t necessarily fall victim to new breakouts after going off of birth control.

4. Weight gained when you started the pill won’t come off right away

The relationship between weight gain and birth control pills is a fiery one. While many women may report no changes in their weight, some swear that they’ve packed on a few pounds after starting the pill. Yannaccone says that while there’s no formula that will indicate what happens to your weight, it may be harder for those who gained some pounds while on the pill to lose it, mainly because weight loss is simply a slower process than weight gain is.

“If you’ve gained some pounds over the duration of your time with birth control, it’ll be a struggle to lose weight once you stop taking the pill,” Yannaccone says. “But I warn patients that weight gain can be attributed to a number of things not having to do with the pill, like change in activity level or change in lifestyle.” So before pointing the finger at the pill for weight gain, think about any other potential change as being the culprit.

5. Your sex drive could return to its pre-pill status, but not necessarily right away

One of the main side effects women complain about when going on the pill is a lowered sex drive. Testosterone is the hormone that stimulates sexual desire and arousal in women, according to WebMD. And since we now know that birth control pills lower your levels of testosterone, it makes sense why women may experience this change. So will stopping the pill drive up your libido?

“Sometimes the pill has a longer-lasting effect on your libido, so if you stop taking the pill, you might not see an immediate change,” Yannaccone says. “Your sex drive will return, but it may return to a lesser degree.”

Since your body may experience many side effects like decreased libido when you go on the pill, it’s normal to expect the reverse side effects when you go off, but just know that it may not always be the case.

6. You could get pregnant right away

Given the literal meaning of the term birth control, the number one thing you must now take into consideration is your ongoing plan for contraception. “If you’re still sexually active, it’s imperative that you make sure you have other protection, whether it’s condom use or another method,” Yannaccone says.

Though your body has some adjusting to do once you stop taking the pill, your ability to get pregnant is very much intact, she explains. So while you may be ready to celebrate the benefits of ending your time with the pill, remember that you must now rely on other forms of protection!

Although these consequences may scare you away from ever deciding to go off the pill, don’t worry—Yannaccone reassures that no two women will ever have the same experience. So instead of fearing that you’ll never be the same pre-pill person again, just be prepared to potentially experience some of these changes!

It seems as though everyone is a self-proclaimed cat lady these days, but where's the puppy love? If you're getting gifts for the dog lover in your life, and getting them an actual puppy isn't an option, we've got 10 suggestions that are sure to make them smile. 

1. Pawprint Scarf, $15

This scarf will keep any dog lover as cozy as if they're cuddled up right next to a soft pup. You can buy the one pictured, or get one from Scarves for Paws, where all proceeds for the handmade scarves go directly to animal shelters. Get a great gift and help animals all in one!

2. Dachshund Mug, $10

This adorable "Hot Dog, Hot Owner," mug is a perfect addition to the kitchen of your favorite dachshund owner. Who wouldn't want to sip coffee out of this in the morning while they're feeding the dogs? Not a dachshund owner? There's a Dog Mom mug available too. 

3. Custom Dog Ornaments, $30

This shop will recreate your dog on a holiday ornament. Created with beautiful acrylic paint, it's the kind of unique and thoughtful custom gift that says you really know the person you're giving it to.

4. Plush Pug, $40

These plush pugs are so adorable! They'd make an especially great gift for anyone who's away at college or studying abroad, because they can cuddle up with this stuffed pug while they're away from their furry best friend.

5. Paw Print Necklace, $38

This sterling silver paw print necklace is the cutest way to show the world how much you love your dog. Any puppy lover can't resist saying, "Awww," and keeping their tail-wagging love close to heart.

6. Pit Bull Watercolor, $15

For the friend in your life who can constantly be found defending pit bulls against the masses, this pit bull watercolor is the best way to showcase their love of this unfairly stigmatized breed. 

7. Dog Breed Necklace

IvyByDesign sells necklaces of a variety of dog breeds, accented with a cutout heart. They're too cute, and make a great statement piece and conversation starter. Whether you've got a friend who loves Pomeranians, German Shephards, or Goldendoodles, there's a have a wide selection to choose from. 

8. I Prefer Dogs Mug, $14

What dog lover wouldn't agree 100% with this mug? We can't get over how true this is, and neither will the dog lover you give it to.

9. My Dog Rescued Me Pillowcase, $16

Ideal for the pup rescuer in your life, this pillowcase will warm the heart of your favorite frequent animal shelter volunteer, or anyone who has adopted in the past.

10. Wine & Beagles Shirt, $25

Because who doesn't want to just drink wine and hang out with their dog? This shirt is just telling it like it is.

No matter if the dog lover in your life is into big dogs, little dogs, Huskies, or Chihuahuas, there's something for everyone. When in doubt, get a gift that's custom to their favorite dog breed. Throw in a few treats for their dog, too, and you've made everyone's holiday season "pawsome."