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Your Friends Might Drink More Than You Think

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This post shares results from our Complete College Life Survey Series where we collected over 10,000 responses from women at 300+ colleges.  Check out even more of the results here.

We hear that college is full of drinking and drugs, but is it really?  Most college women (81 percent) are imbibing, but drinking responsibly may not be the norm—over half of college women report having thrown up from drinking.  In better news, less than 10 percent of college women smoke cigarettes (yes!), and of those who do, most report smoking them “rarely.”  When it comes to marijuana, three out of 10 college women are smoking, though most still report doing so “rarely.” Ten percent of college women have tried an illegal drug other than marijuana, but very few do other drugs regularly.

Infographic by Vikki Burnett

Don't miss the rest of our survey results - check them out here


How She Got There: Elizabeth Firgeleski, CEO & Founder of A Global Friendship

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Name: Elizabeth Firgeleski
Job Title and Description: CEO and Founder of A Global Friendship
Website:www.aglobalfriendship.org
Instagram Handle:@aglobalfriendship

What does your current job entail? Is there such a thing as a typical day?

There really is no typical day, and much depends on the time of year and what we have going on. One of the many upsides of running a grassroots organization is that you get to wear many hats, sometimes even in the course of a single day. I lead our board of directors, so my work day may entail meetings with board members, planning with staff our project activities, working on the budget, leading our fundraising initiatives, and then some. Although managing so many responsibilities at one time can be tiresome at times, this aspect of my work is also very fulfilling – it's helped me to grow professionally on many levels, and gives me a sense of ownership and decision-making power over project activities and their impact and the direction in which I want to take the organization.

What is the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is being a voice (and witnessing the benefits thereof) for those without voices. We all know the tremendous feeling of knowing that someone has your back, that someone is there to advocate on your behalf when you are silenced or denied a forum for speaking out on injustices that inhibit one’s own empowerment. I am so fortunate to have been given the opportunity to extend these feelings of support and trust in others to the women we serve through our programs.

What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?

My very first entry-level job was in fashion – I worked as a fit model. I found myself in this position as a result of my genetics, and having a ‘perfect size’ body. But I found this work unfulfilling and eventually spent my free time volunteering for cancer research and as a canvasser on the streets of New York City for other causes that I deeply cared about. I quickly became a top fundraiser because I strongly believed in the mission of the organizations I canvassed for and had the magnetism and interpersonal skills to easily connect to potential donors and convey messages in a way that resonated with and inspired people.

Many college women are looking at careers outside of the United States. Since your work with A Global Friendship has taken you all over the world, what advice do you have for women looking to work in a different country?

When leaving familiar territory and heading out to work in very different socio-cultural settings, it is crucial as women that we equip ourselves with mountains of self-confidence and unwavering trust in our own personal capacities. At the same time, maintaining self awareness and an open yet introspective mind that regularly recalls the purpose of our international career and lifestyle are also essential. Additionally, it is very important to be patient with others and with ourselves as we leave our comfort zones and face language barriers that can be exhausting and cultural differences that challenge our own world views.

When we visit new places, each day may bring about a unique and unfamiliar challenge; no two challenges are alike, but fortunately, with each new challenge comes new lessons and unexplored possibilities, and as a result of which limitless potential is revealed to us.

Additionally, what tips do you have for young women who want a career that makes a difference in the lives of others?

You have to be 100% confident and believe in, and [be] committed to, your own vision and the mission that you represent and allow to become a part of you, whatever mission that may be, as there are infinite ways in which you can help others. Think deeply on the sector that suits you best or that you’re most interested in, given your background, skills, and/or passion, and research the organizations doing great work within those sectors, in terms of their approaches and/or impact. Network with those linked to the organizations you are interested in, or the field you want to be in, with the intention of professional growth and better understanding the skills you should develop to excel in your field/job of interest. Don’t be afraid to reach out to others, ask lots of questions, and don’t hesitate in building up those skills and experience!

One of the most beautiful things in this world is to make someone else smile, and there are few things that feel more rewarding. So go for it! This world needs more people creating positive change.

What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?

There are so many great pearls of wisdom and quotes out there that have helped me out along the way at different times whether it be by encouraging me to believe in myself or motivating me when the wall between me and success just seemed way too high and wide. Above all else, I would say LISTEN TO YOURSELF and TRUST YOUR GUT. You know yourself and your journey in this life best, and only you can tap into your deepest creative and compassionate mind.

What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?

All of my successes were built on the shoulders of failures/mistakes. Mistakes are necessary for growth and I value them because of the lessons that ensued. One mistake in particular that I made was wanting to see the good and believe in everyone, and refusing to properly assess whether or not potential volunteers had the genuine and unwavering passion, stamina and determination to fulfill the tasks that needed to be accomplished as AGF staff volunteers. I realize now, in hindsight, that it would have been better to wait it out and more rigorously vet for and find the right people for the job rather than so easily trust everyone that presented themselves to me as potential AGF volunteers.

What has been the most surreal moment of your career thus far?

A moment that left me feeling truly grateful and yet dumbfounded at the same time was when I realized the meaning behind the fact that masters and PhD candidates were expressing interest in documenting the activities and impact of AGF in their international development classes and/or in their theses. In this moment, it hit me that AGF’s work had a cascading effect with the potential to bring in and impact the lives of many more people than I had initially expected.

What do you look for when considering hiring someone?

Integrity and ethics are huge to me – when I assess the potentiality of new hires, I look carefully into whether or not individuals hold deeply within their hearts the values that AGF embodies. Aside from aligned values and a solid character, new hires should have equal amounts of passion and work ethic.

What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?

Creating a start-up can be challenging – complication after complication may arise which can often be discouraging. Perseverance is paramount, and I encourage any young woman to continually ask herself what motivates her, what is constantly on her mind, and where she sees gaps that need to be filled in terms of access to and utilization of services and overall well-being of vulnerable populations. There are numerous ways in which one can create positive change in this world, but all of them begin with a simple question that we must ask ourselves – “What is my inner voice/intuition telling me?” I was fortunate enough to have listened to my inner voice – the founding of AGF was the result of this. We need to more often trust in and listen to ourselves, and surround ourselves by supportive individuals who believe in us, because beautiful things will happen when we do just that.

Here’s What You Missed During Last Night's GOP Debate

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The final Republican debate before the Iowa caucus aired Thursday night on Fox News. One major thing was missing this time—Donald Trump. Without the boisterous candidate there, the other candidates, like Ted Cruz, Marco Rubio and Chris Christie, had a chance to speak up about policy. If you didn’t get to tune into the event, here are the top five moments from the debate.

1. Everyone missed Donald Trump…Sort of

Donald Trump decided to skip the debate this time over a feud with Fox News over Megyn Kelly. The other candidates sort of, kind of, maybe missed him, too! Ted Cruz decided to fill in for Trump’s usual insults and taunting, saying, “Let me say I'm a maniac and everyone on this stage is stupid, fat and ugly. And Ben, you're a terrible surgeon. Now that we've gotten the Donald Trump portion out of the way…”

Meanwhile, the “low energy” Jeb Bush, as Trump has often referred to him, chimed in on missing Trump. “I kind of miss Donald Trump. He was a little teddy bear to me,” he said.

2. The stage was also definitely quieter and more polite without Trump

Without the billionaire blasting his fellow candidates with insults, the politicians in the GOP had a chance to answer the debate questions in the way they probably practiced. They usually turned any tough question into a tried-and-tested response on defeating the Democrats, boosting the economy and defeating ISIS. Trump's absence also freed up a lot more speaking time for the other candidates—As you can see from this NPR graphic, Cruz and Rubio really got their chance to shine with over 13 minutes of speaking time each.

RELATED: How to Vote in The Primaries in College

3. Ted Cruz got the most heat as the frontrunner

Ted Cruz probably would have thanked Donald Trump for showing up to the debate—He took a lot of the criticism and tough questions reserved for the GOP frontrunner and non-establishment candidates. He even called out the bias, commenting, “I would note that the last four questions have been: Rand, please attack Ted. Marco, please attack Ted. Chris, please attack Ted.”

Cruz took the questions well, though, and even poked fun at Trump’s absence, saying, “If you guys ask one more mean question, I may have to leave the stage.”

4. They apparently all have one mission in life: to stop Hillary Clinton

While the very-split GOP candidates do not often agree with each other, they can all come to a conclusion on one thing: They must not let Hillary Clinton win the presidential election.

"One of her first acts might be to pardon herself,” Rubio said of Clinton.

Christie went on to say, “What we need is someone on that stage who has been tested, who has been through it, who has made decisions, who will sit in the chair of consequence and can prosecute the case against Hillary Clinton on that stage.”

5. “Folks, It’s not too late. Enough said.”

This quote from Ben Carson’s closing statement perfectly summarizes the last debate. With Iowa caucuses a mere five days away from the event, the many Republican candidates will soon be narrowed down into just a single person. There's still time to research the presidential hopefuls and make an informed vote when the time comes!

Who do you think won the GOP debate?

11 Ways to Make Your Space Feel Cozy This Winter

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As the temperatures drop, so can your morale. Don't let the cold get you down; make your space feel especially cozy this winter!

1. Fleece tie blankets

Fleece blankets are complete lifesavers once it gets cold, and nothing beats having one that actually means something to you! Choose your own fabric, cut, tie, and you have a cozy blanket to wrap yourself in when the nights feel especially cold.

2. Deck the halls with tons of Christmas lights

Christmas lights can warm up any space. If your room is missing that extra glow, deck your walls with colored or white Christmas lights.

3. Decorate a tree for each holiday—not just Christmas

Still can’t bring yourself to take down your Christmas tree? Keep the lights up, and change out the decorations for each upcoming season. For now, place some old Valentines on your tree to prepare for V-Day.

4. Make a blanket fort

You’re never too old for blanket forts! Layering sheets over your coffee table and TV set will turn any space into a secret hideaway.

5. Hang a tapestry from your ceiling

Hanging a tapestry on your ceiling is the perfect way to make your space feel especially warm and cozy this winter. Command strips and a cute tapestry will help to cover your boring white ceilings, too.

6. Make a curtain headboard

Curtains aren’t just meant to cover your windows anymore. Fill up the empty space behind your pillows with a luxe curtain. A curtain headboard can quickly take your bedroom from drab to fab.

7. Lofted bed fort with hammock

Have a lofted bed but aren't sure what to do with the extra space below it? Attach a hammock and white lights, and you have the ideal place to cuddle up with a good book!

8. Make your own body pillow cover


 

#dormroom #collegelife #vintagerevival

A photo posted by Jessica Fernandez Pall (@jessicalpall) on

Body pillows can add some much needed comfort to your small dorm bed. Try to find a fabric that will compliment your color scheme, and make your own body pillow cover.

9. Mason jar oil lamps

Admit it, in the back of all of our minds, we’ve always been intrigued by the thought of making our own candles, but are too lazy to go about getting the materials and taking the time to actually put them together. You really just need some floating wicks, water and vegetable oil to make this cozy and cute lamp!

10. Add a faux fur rug

Is your dorm or apartment lacking that beautiful thing we call a carpet? Add some warmth to those cold floors with a huge fuzzy rug—that you can make yourself! You’ll never have to worry about stepping onto the cold, hard ground ever again.

11. Make a bean bag chair

These Lovesac bean bag chairs look like a cozy cloud, but if you can’t afford to shell out enough money to buy one, we have just the solution for you. Make your own bean bag chair, as shown here, and you’ll easily turn any cold space into a comfy place to relax!

It's time to kick back, relax and enjoy this winter in your cozy space, collegiettes!

How to Handle Your Casual Hook-Up on Valentine’s Day

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You finally got the courage to talk to that cute guy from your class, and one night at the bar, he made a move. You’re both having fun, but you decide to keep it casual without any real commitment. When your friends ask about him, you respond that you’re “hanging out” and nothing more, and you feel confident in this answer… until February rolls around. That’s when you realize that fun and flirty has the potential to get really awkward.

Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love and friendship, but it’s more commonly known as the Hallmark holiday to get romantic with your SO or drink wine with your best friends. It can be fun whether you’re single or taken, but can be tricky for those of us whose relationship statuses aren’t so clearly defined. If you’re casually seeing someone, Valentine’s Day can get awkward. Here’s HC’s guide for how to handle your casual hook-up on February 14.

You’re not official, so you don’t have to do anything special

The biggest source of your anxiety probably comes from wondering if you have to do something special with your casual hook-up on Valentine’s Day. There’s definitely pressure to be romantic on February 14, but if you’re not official, the experts say celebrating Valentine’s Day together isn’t required.

“A gift would be nice, but definitely not necessary if you’re not in a defined relationship,” says Dr. Ish Major, psychiatrist and dating expert. “You’re not obligated to see each other, get together, go out or even hook up on that day. It’s not a ‘relationship,’ so it’s likely not exclusive.”

If you want to keep things strictly casual with your hook-up, consider doing something else on Valentine’s Day, whether it’s a chick-flick marathon with your girls or pampering yourself with a pedicure. You might be involved with someone, but you’re technically single, so show yourself some love instead!

Small gifts are okay to give

On some level you probably care about your casual hook-up, so if you want to get him or her something small, make sure it’s more funny than romantic.

“If you are not in an official relationship, but see something that reminds you of the person, it is a lovely gesture to give it to him or her,” says Jodi RR Smith, etiquette consultant and president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting. “However, if you want to keep it casual, keep the gift on the light and funny side and under $20. When in doubt, a card is a great way to do something without it being too much.”

Dr. Ish encourages erring on the side of caution so you don’t send the wrong message. “Be careful [with gifts],” he says. “You don’t want to send the wrong message that could change the dynamics of what you have. It’s a balancing act.”

For example, instead of getting your casual hook-up a teddy bear holding a heart that says, “I love you,” give your hook-up some of his or her favorite candy or a funny card. You want to send the message that says, “I care about you” versus, “I’m madly in love with you.” A good rule of thumb: If you would feel uncomfortable getting the gift from your casual hook-up, don’t give it to him or her.

Giving gifts can get potentially awkward, especially if one person doesn’t reciprocate. If you decide to get your casual hook-up a small gift and you don’t receive one in return, don’t take it personally. “Remember the phrase: ‘Nice but not necessary,’” Dr. Ish says. “[The person] you’re hooking up with might be shy about giving gifts for Valentine’s Day because they don’t want to send a too strong of a message. It doesn’t necessarily mean they don’t care about you or think less of you; it just means they’re unsure of what, if anything, to do.”

On the flip side, if your casual hook-up gets you something for Valentine’s Day and you’re caught empty-handed, don’t freak out. Instead, stay calm and thank him or her sincerely. “Look him or her in the eye and say, ‘Thank you so much for thinking of me!’” Smith says. “Remember: A gift is not given with the expectation of getting.”

Don’t be afraid to talk about Valentine’s Day plans

The best way to avoid awkwardness on Valentine’s Day is to just have a conversation about it. You might feel uncomfortable bringing it up depending on how long you’ve been hooking up or how casual the relationship is, but if you don’t want to keep guessing, bring it up casually without adding any pressure.

“You can say, ‘Hey, I wasn’t planning or expecting anything but I just wanted to double-check. Are we doing anything for Valentine’s Day?’” Dr. Ish suggests. “Keep it casual; keep it light. But do ask. [There are always] expectations or lack thereof, so it’s better to talk about them early than letting the day come and having it turn into something awkward.”

Want something a little subtler? Instead of flat-out asking, make a joke about how over-the-top convenience stores get with the holiday or ask what he or she’s doing that weekend in general (Valentine’s Day is on a Saturday this year, so it won’t be super obvious what you’re getting at). It would get the conversation started so you can gauge how your hook-up feels about the holiday, and then you can decide to make plans or not!

Whether you want to do something for Valentine’s Day or not, talking to your casual hook-up can be a lot easier than trying to guess what will happen on February 14. As long as you’re clear about how you feel and your expectations for Valentine’s Day, you can avoid the awkwardness!

If you find yourself somewhere between “just friends” and “in a relationship” with someone, Valentine’s Day can be a tricky situation. Before you rush to define your casual relationship or end it, keep these tips in mind so you can successfully avoid any awkward encounters on February 14! 

These Are Sandals You Can Feel REALLY Good About

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When Francesca Kennedy saw small children drinking contaminated water in her native country of Guatemala, she knew she had to do something. So she created Ix Style—a brand inspired by local Mayan textiles and leather craftsmanship that sells gorgeous products handmade by local women. When you buy an Ix Style product, you are providing clean drinking water to children through water filtration systems, rain collection units and wells.

Ix Style has partnered with Her Campus to offer five lucky winners a pair of beautiful woven leather sandals! 

Help solve the Guatemalan water crisis—Enter to win today!

Ix-Style

Ix-Style

Tinder Messaging Just Got Way More Fun

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Rejoice, Tinder users—The app's latest update allows you to send GIFs in your messages. Not convinced this will save your life? Watch the video below to see a mohawked boy stress out over the perfect message for his match before finding a way to say it all with GIF (hint: "saying it all" involves a lot of eyebrow wagging)!

Using GIFs is especially easy, too. There's a blue button labeled "GIF" next to the box where you type a message, and upon opening it, there are typically "introductory" GIFs.

However, you're not limited to whatever GIFs initially pop up. In fact, you have access to GIPHY's entire library, with a search option included. So get ready for your online dating life to become a ongoing personalized listicle.

Sean Rad, Tinder CEO, said in a statement, "At Tinder, we’re on a mission to create more meaningful connections. With that in mind, we’re excited to give our users more ways to engage with each other and express themselves. We’re tapping into the hugely popular trend of GIFs, powered by GIPHY, and allowing users to interact with potential dates in a more nuanced and compelling way than with verbal language alone." 

The app's update also included the ability to upload photos to your profile from your camera roll, instead of just from Facebook. 

Needless to say, we're ready to start swiping.

You Might Finally Be Able to Buy a Barbie That Looks Like You

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Every body is beautiful, and after over 50 years of being critcized for marketing the same homogenous Barbie dolls, Mattel finally listened. On Thursday, the toy company revealed to the world three new Barbie dolls, each with a different body type: tall, curvy and petite. In addition to the announcement of Barbie's new bodies, Mattel also announced that the iconic doll will now come with a variety of skin tones and hair textures.

"For more than 55 years, Barbie has been a global, cultural icon and a source of inspiration and imagination to millions of girls around the world," Mattel's President and Chief Operating Officer, Richard Dickson, said in a press release. "Barbie reflects the world girls see around them. Her ability to evolve and grow with the times, while staying true to her spirit, is central to why Barbie is the number one fashion doll in the world."

The changes come as a response to the frequent requests from consumers for dolls to be more diverse, and to reflect a greater number of the infinite ways girls can look. As Victoria M. Massie writes in Vox, whether or not you see yourself represented in the toys you play with can affect your self esteem. Only making white, stick-thin dolls makes it seem like that's the only way to be beautiful. For two years, the company has been looking into ways to transform the doll, giving her an image that is more realistic. Just last year, they introduced more skin tones and hair textures, as well as a new, flat-footed Barbie that can put her feet into flat shoes as opposed to high heels.

"We are excited to literally be changing the face of the brand,"said Evelyn Mazzocco, senior vice president and global general manager of the Barbie brand. "These new dolls represent a line that is more reflective of the world girls see around them—the variety in body type, skin tones, and style allows girls to find a doll that speaks to them."

According to Mattel, by the end of the year we should expect to see 33 new dolls. The 2016 Barbie will come with four total body types, seven different skin tones, 30 hair colors and 22 eye colors to choose from. The new dolls are now available online starting at $9.99 and will be hitting the shelves March 1. 


Beware: McDonald's Mozzarella Sticks Are Serving Up a Surprise

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The big cheese (sorry) of fast food restaurants is currently under fire, thanks to a Twitter trend highlighting the greatest of all woes: cheese-less mozzarella sticks. 


Say it ain't so, Ronald, say it ain't so. But alas, our fellow mozz lovers have indeed been robbed of their precious cheesy prizes, at least according to ample online rants. 


We should've known that the $1 menu item (sold as a tasty trio of sticks accompanied by marinara sauce) was just too good to be true (insert bawling emoji here). The culprit of this blasphemy? Over-zealous ovens that baked out all of the cheese, reports Delish, based on a statement made by McDonald's. 

But wait. What's this? An array of ooey-gooey cheese-filled sticks do exist? 


As it turns out, our friends at BuzzFeed conducted their own research on the topic (bless you, Buzzfeed), only to discover that in-tact mozzarella sticks are being sold.

The takeaway? If you're all for the thrill of risk-taking, order up a triad of these mysterious menu items yourself. Just be warned—you may be in for a not-so-happy meal (pun absolutely intended). 

Kendall Jenner & Gigi Hadid Are Now an Item

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It seemed like things were heating up between Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik, but as it turns out, maybe not. Zayn did an interview with Beats 1 Radio on Thursday where he mentioned that he and Gigi are actually just “good friends.” Maybe they are, but with everything the two have been doing lately (like Gigi having Zayn as her lockscreen, holding hands in public and Gigi starring in Zayn’s “Pillowtalk” music video), we just assumed that they were more than “good friends.”

Enter Kendall Jenner, who is more than proud to proclaim Gigi as her girlfriend, even if Zayn won’t. Gigi’s BFF posted a string of tweets proclaiming her adoration and went so far as to coin the duo's couple name.



Even being in Spain can’t stop Kendall from pumping her bestie up. And, of course, Gigi responded in kind.


Who needs a boyfriend when you have an amazing bestie? #KenGiForever

It's Real! The 'Gilmore Girls' Revival Has Been Confirmed

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This is it. It's really happening! Netflix and actress Lauren Graham have confirmed that the Gilmore Girls revival, which is being called a four-episode miniseries, is actually happening.

Okay, calm down, breathe deep. What does this mean?

According to E! Online, Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino will be executive producing the miniseries. Shooting will begin on February 2 and is supposed to end in the spring. The confirmed stars who will be part of the series are Lauren Graham (Lorelai), Alexis Bledel (Rory), Kelly Bishop (Emily), Scott Patterson (Luke), Sean Gunn (Kirk) and Keiko Agena (Lane). The series is being produced by Dorothy Parker Drank Here Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television.

There will also be several new characters joining the project, including Lane's two sons, 9-year-old twins Stevie and Kwan. Other new characters are 30-something Paul, who was described as a "good boyfriend," the high-end men's magazine editor Jim, the good-looking 20-something Damon, a blue-collar character called Dwayne, a Peruvian couple named Berta and Alejandro, and Nat Compton, a man who doesn't smile. There will also be 13-year-old Dewey, Portuguese nanny Clementina, 7-year-old Tim and his 5-year-old sister Gabriela, and a commune of hippies.

The miniseries is tentatively called Seasons, because each 90-minute installment will represent one season of the year, set in the present day. 

There are so many things we still don't know. Is Rory single? Is Paul her "good boyfriend?" Will Melissa McCarthy sign on? Will any of Rory's former boyfriends be in the series? Will the miniseries cover the passing of Richard Gilmore?

We don't have answers to those questions yet, but let's hang in there. With the Palladinos at the helm, maybe we'll finally get those final four words we've been waiting for.

This #WomenNotObjects Campaign Shows the Reality of How Women Are Shown in Ads

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"Sex sells" is a phrase we've all heard before—and we've seen it play out in the media and the advertising space. From American Apparel using near-naked models to sell their clothing (as if that makes sense at all) to food companies thinking it's necessary to use sexual innuendos to make their burgers appetizing, they're all around us. Despite there being a multitude of studies that conclude that sex doesn't actually help sell products, companies surely haven't caught on and continue to objectify women left and right. 

New York City advertising firm Badger & Winters takes a stab at this unfair portrayal of women in their new video, “We Are #WomenNotObjects.” The video takes sexist ads and accompanies them with outrageous statements like, “I love giving blow jobs to sandwiches,” and “I love sacrificing my dignity for a drink,” that call attention to how ridiculous the ads themselves are. While it's important to note that Badger & Winters is a company that wants your business, it does seem that they want to attract business for the right reasons. In the past even they've been guilty of creating sexist and objectifying ads for Calvin Klein, but hopefully this video is now their way of saying "enough is enough" and making a promise to not do so again while urging other companies to follow suit.

The video ends with statements such as "I am your mother, daughter, sister, co-worker, manager, CEO" and finishes with the powerful statement "don't talk to me that way." The sentiment of the "I am" statements is to make the consumer of these products realize that the women within these advertisements are not just models, but people who are real people. And while that seems obvious, the way they are posed can sometimes make it easy to forget—and that's the intention. These women—and the women who view these ads—are being told that they exist only to be sexual and pretty and that's something we wholeheartedly don't agree with.

What do you think of the #WomenNotObjects campaign? Tell us in the comments!

8 Things All Girls Do When They're Home Alone

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Let's face it, as collegiettes, we usually have to fight for our alone time (especially when we're at home on break). Once it finally happens, these stages are inevitable. 

1. Come to the realization that you are, indeed, by yourself

Where's mom?

2. Blast some music and dance

After all, no one's watching!

3. Pants are no longer required

Who needs pants?

4. Pausing when you hear the dreaded door

This always happens when you hear a knock at the door.

5. Feeling Bored?

Then you check yourself out in the mirror!

6. Going with the pants thing...

It is acceptable to parade around in your underwear.

7. Stuffing food in your mouth because you can

No one around to judge you!

8. Take your talents to the shower

Ferris knows what's up.

We Can't Get Over How Cute Louis Tomlinson's Baby Is

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If you’re still getting used to the fact that our beloved Louis Tomlinson is a DAD, here are some adorable photos to help you adjust!

The One Direction musician and stylist Briana Jungwirth welcomed their son into the world earlier this week. Both shared adorable and heart-warming Instagrams of their newborn, showing how excited they are about their newest addition! The two also revealed the name of their little one: Freddie Reign. We seriously can’t handle this level of cuteness!


 

Meet my little lad, Freddie 

A photo posted by Louis Tomlinson (@louist91) on


 

1/21/16. Freddie Reign. Love of my life

A photo posted by Briana Jungwirth (@brianaashleyjungwirth) on

One Direction has gone through a lot of changes in the past year, but this is one change we are sure is for the better! You can already tell how much love Freddie is surrounded by and we can’t wait to watch how the first One Direction baby grows up. We just hope there are a lot more cute Instagram photos involved! 

Beyoncé Steals the Show in Coldplay's New Music Video

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As we all know by now, Beyoncé absolutely owns everything she does, and each time without fail, she amazes us with the final product. Today was no different because she totally slayed yet again, when she appeared in the music video for Coldplay’s single, “Hymn for the Weekend.”

When it was announced that Coldplay wanted to collaborate with B on their single, it seemed like the perfect match. After hearing the song and now seeing the music video, we are sure of it.

Besides looking like a complete goddess in the music video, Bey also delivers beautiful vocals that are seamlessly able to amplify the single, which is featured on Coldplay’s latest album, A Head Full of Dreams.

It seems like the perfect time to release this song. For one, it is the ultimate anthem to listen to in anticipation of the upcoming weekend. Plus, it only makes us imagine how stunning Beyoncé's performance—with a special guest spot by, you guessed it, Coldplay—will be at this year’s Super Bowl 50.


Valentine’s Day Dinner Recipes for 2: How to Cook a Romantic Valentine’s Day Dinner

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Rather than brave the Valentine’s Day rush at a fancy-schmancy (read: overpriced) restaurant out on the town, you and your sweetheart have decided to stay at home for a much more personal V-Day dining experience.

While your SO is thrilled that you’ll be cooking up a tasty, home-cooked meal, you’re frantically scrolling through your boards on Pinterest trying to find a recipe quick and easy enough for you not to mess up, but delicious enough that your sweetie will believe that you’re a master in the kitchen.

Have no fear! Here’s an incredibly simple recipe for a perfectly scrumptious Valentine’s Day dinner for two that will make your SO want to kiss the chef.


The Appetizer: Bruschetta

This appetizer is almost universally loved, it's incredibly easy to make and you can eat it with your hands—how sensual!

Ingredients

  • 1 French baguette cut into 3/4-inch slices
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) petite diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
  • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place bread slices on a baking sheet. Brush the tops of the bread with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Bake 12 to 15 minutes, or until lightly toasted.
  2. Combine the drained tomatoes, the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, basil, garlic, salt and pepper into a small bowl.
  3. Take the baguette slices out of the oven. Divide the tomato mixture evenly over the toasted bread. Serve immediately so your SO has something to munch on while you finish the rest of the meal!

The Main Course: Penne alla Vodka

There’s nearly no way to mess this up, and pasta is the perfect romantic dinner for two. It will look gourmet, but it won’t take all day to make. Plus, the luscious pink hue of the sauce is so holiday appropriate.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
  • 1 quart marinara sauce (San Marzano or Rao’s are both great)
  • 1/2 cup vodka
  • 1/2 cup cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
  • 8 basil leaves, julienned
  • 1 pound penne pasta

Directions

  1. In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chili flakes and cook until it starts to sizzle, about two minutes.
  2. Carefully pour in the tomatoes and the vodka. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring consistently, for 10-15 minutes, until reduced.
  3. Stir in the cream, Parmesan and half the basil. Cook until the cheese has melted and the whole sauce is a creamy rose color.  
  4. In the meantime, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the directions until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander.
  5. Toss pasta with sauce until combined. Cook for another minute. Garnish with a few shreds of Parmesan and the remaining basil.

The Dessert: No-Bake Cherry Cheesecake

You don’t even have to pull open the oven door for this one! The tart flavor of the cherries along with the sweet, creamy taste of the cheesecake is the perfect (and ridiculously easy) end to your Valentine’s Day feast.

Ingredients

  • 2 packages (8 ounces each) softened cream cheese
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 tub of thawed Cool Whip topping
  • 1 graham cracker crust (6 ounces)
  • 1 20-ounce can cherry pie filling

Directions

  1. Beat cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl with an electric mixer until well blended. Gently stir in whipped topping.
  2. Spoon mixture into crust. Refrigerate 3 hours.
  3. Top with cherry pie filling just before serving.

The Grand Finale: Chocolate Kisses

Instead of the traditional heart-shaped box of chocolates, whip up a batch of these dangerously delicious drinks to enjoy after your meal.


Ingredients

  • 2 shots chocolate liqueur (Godiva’s the best)
  • 2 shots crème de cacao
  • 1 shot vodka
  • 3 ½ shots half and half

Directions

  1. Mix all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
  2. Serve and enjoy!

‘Grease: Live!’ Will Look Very Familiar to 'Pretty Little Liars' Fans

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Ah, good old Rydell High. Home to Danny Zuko, Kenickie, Sandy, Rizzo, Frenchy and all the T-Birds and Pink Ladies. Now with one slightly eerie twist—Fox’s airing of Grease: Live! this Sunday will be filmed in Pretty Little Liars’ own Rosewood. The network musical will take place at Warner Bros. Studios, which is also where PLL is filmed.

Since our favorite Liars are no longer in high school, Rosewood High has been revamped to reflect Rydell High's ‘50s look. But that’s not all. The town church, where one too many unsettling events have taken place, and city hall will also be part of Grease: Live!  

Grease Live! airs this Sunday, featuring some familiar faces including Aaron Tveit as Danny, Julianne Hough as Sandy, Carlos Pena as Kenickie, Vanessa Hudgens as Rizzo and a bunch more. Hopefully, no one trades in a leather jacket for a black hoodie, if you know what we mean.

These two don’t exactly go together, but we’re still hopelessly devoted to both of them. (We had to.) 

7 Styles That Look Even Better With Second-Day Hair

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We can all appreciate the kind of wash day that leaves hair looking oh so fresh and clean. But has your hair ever looked a little bit too perfect? As it turns out, you might find your favorite up-do not cooperating or your curls not bouncing enough with just-shampooed hair. That's why we're here to show you how second-, third- and even fourth-day hair can serve as the optimal template for styling. Even better, with many stylists advising against daily hair washing, there's no reason not to get more life out of your last shampoo with these approved looks! 

1. Super High Top Knot

Do you have shoulder-length or longer hair? And are you looking for a style that can carry you through day four completely worry-free? This is it. Whether you opt for a trendy and messy top bun or something smoother, this look will have you out the door in no time.

Need some quick tips on styling? “I personally like to keep these in a neater state. A little baby hair around the edges or a few fly aways here and there is cool,” says Shaddah Elyse, professional hair artist and owner of The Platinum Studio in Baltimore, MD. And if you need a bit more help forming the bun, try using a bun shaper ($6, Nordstrom) to add more oomph to your likely-flat unwashed hair. “When the bun gets a little roughed up and still has a lot of definition, that’s perfect!” Elyse says.

To achieve this look, gather your hair in a high ponytail, slide on your bun shaper and begin to wrap your hair around. Use bobby pins to secure the ends of your hair and conclude with a finishing spray. 

2. Sleek Ponytail 

How about we channel our inner Beyoncé with this low and sleek look? Overall, ponytails are an easy, low-maintenance style that can easily take you from casual daywear to a night out on the town, and second-day ponies are no exception.  

“This can be worn higher up on the head or lower," says Elyse, but "[m]ake sure the back and edges are sleek and the ponytail is polished.” Here, the natural oils and any product build-up from second-day hair will work to your advantage, giving that shiny, smoothed-down look you're craving.

Related: 6 Ways to Make Your Ponytail More Interesting

3. Days-Old Wash-And-Go

A wash-and-go almost always looks better the second day, thanks to lived-in, soft curls with the perfect amount of natural frizz. But how exactly can you make your wash-and-go last without falling flat? “This style is great on the second day because you get to sleep on it and rough it up a bit. This will make the look nice and big as the days continue,” Elyse says. Simply enjoy rocking your huge second-day locks!

4. Flexi Rod Styling

Thought your second-day hair would turn out great, but the exact opposite happened with no time to wash? Using a flexi rod set ($14.49, Target) will have you looking brand new in no time. “This is a style I do for my clients for low maintenance and longevity. This style is cute the first day but way better the second and third day. The style gets a little looser but still has definition. It has a more natural look by the second day instead of looking like neat Shirley Temple curls. We don't like those!” Elyse says.

Start out by de-tangling an old hairstyle, then choose your favorite lightweight hair cream and oil. Next, section off your hair and smooth the products in. Finally, take each section and wrap your hair around the flexi rod toward your face or away from your face—just be sure to keep all curls in the same direction! Overall, this style is very simple and the results will give you the shine and bounce that you need to revamp your second-day hair. 

5. Crown Braid

You may act like royalty, but do you look the part? This style is perfect for any French-braiding whiz, and the crown can help hide any oily patches that arise from leaving hair unwashed.

“Create a French braid or cornrow along the perimeter of your head, starting by either ear,” Elyse says. It's as simple as that! And with its regal feel and compliment-worthy finish, this style is one of the best ways to switch your bad hair day into a trendy and dramatic style that will have everyone staring for the right reasons. Best of all, your semi-dingy hair will hold the braid far better than newly-washed locks.

6. Waves

Waves are great when you want to keep your unwashed hair from looking flat. Achieve the look by using a large curling iron, a sea salt spray and the scrunch technique, or by sleeping in two to four braids. No matter what, the style will give your second-day hair a great textured look. “Who doesn’t love a beachy tousled wave or braid out? Everything that gives off a little frizz to it is always good,” Elyse says. And what better way to show off some frizz than with second-day hair? Save yourself from the hassle of using too many hair products by relying on your natural oils to bring out the shine and hold in your hair strands, and leave it to your semi-dirty hair to maintain that loose curl hairspray-free!

7. Fishtail Braid

Channel your inner bohemian princess and rock this sexy over-the-shoulder fishtail. The loose and messy texture is perfect for an effortless look, and imperfect second-day hair just emphasizes the care-free vibe of this braid.

But if you're worried about achieving this more complicated style, we are here to help! First, take all of your hair and pull it to the back or one side of your face. Then, after you secure your hair in a ponytail, start braiding. “Divide hair in two sections. Alternate taking a slither of hair from the outside of both sections. Tease the braid with a comb or pull the sides of the braid to give it a more edgy look,” Elyse says. Still confused? Take a look at this tutorial and remember that the more loose and tousled the braid, the better!

On days without a wash, you can either leave your dirty hair down in all of its glory or take advantage of its versatile texture and try something new! Either way, these hairstyles are sure to spice up second-day hair, leaving you looking styled and sassy (not unclean and undone). 

7 Ways to Treat Yourself on Valentine’s Day

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Being single on Valentine’s Day can be pretty liberating! Just think: You don’t have to coordinate new plans with someone who forgot to make dinner reservations or tell your date that the flowers he or she bought you actually make you sneeze like crazy. Spend the holiday giving love to the most important person in your life: you. Here are seven ways to celebrate yourself this Valentine’s Day.

1. Make yourself breakfast in bed

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, so take care of yourself first and foremost by having a hot meal ready and waiting for you when you wake up this Valentine’s Day!

How is it possible to give yourself breakfast in bed without getting out of bed to make it first? With a Crock-Pot, of course! These appliances are an amazing invention that makes cooking ridiculously simple. Your food cooks slowly while you go to class, study or even sleep.

The night before Valentine’s Day, throw the ingredients for your fave morning meal into a Crock-Pot and let it cook slowly overnight. When you wake up, your food will be warm and ready to eat!

2. Spend the day with your celebrity crush

Ever wondered what it would be like to spend Valentine’s Day staring into Brad Pitt’s eyes? Let this be the year you find out!

Kristen Wade, a senior at Duke University, says that watching her favorite shows and movies is one of her favorite ways to celebrate the holiday. “Usually on Valentine’s Day, I spend the day spoiling myself with a Netflix binge and some of my favorite chocolate,” she says.

Make a list of everything your favorite celeb has ever appeared in and spend the day watching his or her brilliance play out across the screen. Whether you’re re-watching all five seasons of Teen Wolf (because Dylan O’Brien is your spazz-tastic soulmate) or discovering those indie flicks that J. Law first appeared in, your heart is sure to fill with love as you watch your favorite actors and actresses with no interruptions.

3. Soak in a bubble bath

Today’s fast-paced world leaves little time to just sit back and relax, and, to be honest, you’re probably long overdue for a luxurious bubble bath.

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to remedy this situation. While showers are super convenient, nothing beats soaking in a hot bath for an hour or two. This fragrant pink bath bomb ($4.95 at LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics) will fill your tub with tiny hearts and cute flowers, turning the water a soft shade of pink (perfect for the holiday!).

Light up the space with a few heart-shaped tea light candles ($7.95 at Crate & Barrel), or choose your favorite scent from Pacifica’s collection of three-ounce soy candles ($6 at Pacifica) to add a touch of fragrance to the air. Take your favorite book with you to get lost in, or just close your eyes and let the water soothe you.

If you live in the dorms and don’t have access to a bathtub, you can still give yourself a relaxing spa day. Focus on your hair, skin and nails – things that can be easily rinsed in the shower. There are easy treatments you can do yourself using ingredients that can be found at your campus store. After a face mask, deep conditioning treatment and relaxing mani/pedi, you’re sure to feel more refreshed than ever this Valentine’s Day!

4. Take yourself on a shopping spree

If there’s something you’ve been eyeing but holding out on for some reason, give it to yourself as a Valentine’s Day present!

Aja Frost, a junior at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, is thinking of treating herself this year. “I’m planning on splurging on nice lingerie!” she says. “Usually I can’t justify shopping for underwear anywhere but the usual places, but this V-day I’m going to treat myself to a really nice underwear set and robe.”

Even if you’ve ben cutting back on frivolous purchases, we all need a little gift to ourselves every now and then. Treat yourself to something you’ve been wanting for a while. Maybe it’s time to splurge on a new handbag or find the perfect accessory to go with that cashmere sweater you got for Christmas.

5. Write yourself a love letter

While you may not have sent or received a love letter since high school, that doesn’t mean this time-honored tradition should fall by the wayside. Why not write one to yourself?

Write a letter that says everything you love about yourself. Maybe it’s your ability to always get those papers turned in at the last minute or how you’re always there for a friend in need. Write about things you’ve done that you’re proud of and the things you hope to accomplish in the future. You can read this letter again later when you need a reminder that you love and support yourself.

If long-form handwriting isn’t your thing, keep the message short and sweet. You can write things you love about yourself on slips of paper and place them in a mason jar. Use these to brighten your day whenever you’re feeling bummed. Writing them on Valentine’s Day, when they’re coming from a place of love, will make these little notes seem that much more special when you read them later.

6. Take yourself on a date

This is the ultimate solo Valentine’s Day pursuit – taking yourself out on a date!

You don’t need the company of someone else to enjoy a night out on the town. Get dressed to the nines in whatever stylish ensemble makes you feel the most confident.

Head out to your favorite restaurant and order your signature dish, knowing that no one else is going to be stealing any food from your plate. And you don’t have to worry about sharing dessert, either! Savor that triple chocolate cake all by yourself.

Afterwards, do an activity that you love. Take yourself to see that new French film that got rave reviews. Or go for a solo walk in the park while listening to your favorite music.

7. Indulge in sweets

If you have a sweet tooth, now’s the perfect time to give in to it!

Try your hand at one of these heart-shaped treats, or bake some delicious Valentine’s Day cookies (and maybe share a few with your single gal pals). Eat a whole bar of dark chocolate, and don’t even think about passing up dessert if you find yourself out on the town – that tiramisu is calling your name, and your name only. You have an obligation to fulfill yourself. This day only comes once a year!

February 14 might be the day of love, but that shouldn’t stop us single ladies from participating! Besides, the longest relationship you’ll ever have is with yourself. So show some self-love by celebrating yourself this Valentine’s Day!

We Need To Support The #OscarsSoWhite Movement With Our Money

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I'm not surprised that #OscarsSoWhite is trending. I'm not surprised that there has been an uproar in the face of the revealed nominations and the lack of diversity among them. I'm not surprised that people are applauding Viola Davis for her wise insight into the issue. 

Because, guess what—The whiteout of the Oscars two years in a row is a problem. And it's indicative of a larger conversation.

I don't want to let the Academy completely off the hook, but as Viola said, this is a bigger conversation than just the Oscars. Viewers love to use whatever's trending to throw a protest, and there's nothing wrong with protesting. But we need to back it up. We need to take a permanent stance. If viewers are upset that there aren't more non-white nominations in the Oscars, they need to be mad, every day, that there aren't more diverse films being made. They need to be mad, every day, when actors of color are paid less than their white counterparts. 

We have the power of our spending money to aid us in this protest. The average movie-goer may not think they have any power in the creation of movies, or in who is hired to produce, write, direct or act in these movies. But we do! We can vote with our money, by showing the industry that we'll pay for diverse content. 

We need to take #OscarsSoWhite and go beyond one protest, transforming that momentum into a full-on powerful movement for more diversity in the entertainment industry across the board: more people of color, more LGBTQ+ people, more women, more disabled people. 

In order for the Oscars to change and the Academy to change, we need a disruption of the movie entertainment industry. The Academy is committed to changing by recruiting diversity in their membership, but the entire industry needs to catch up, and fast. 

Viewers wield more power than we think we do, because the industry wants to make money. Historically, the industry has relied on market research to decide whether a venture is worth pursing. If the research shows that queer women don't spend money on products, it won't be a priority to advertise to them. If the research shows that upperclass white men are the ones spending the most money, that's who will be advertised to.

In addition to voicing our concerns, loudly and clearly, about the lack of diversity, we need proof to back it up. We need to show that we're willing to pay money for movies that are filled with rich, diverse representation. We need to prove that a movie produced by people of color acted predominently by actors of color will draw an audience. The same can be said for any other kind of representation viewers are hungry for: women in all areas of movie production, LGBTQ+ characters, disabled actors playing disabled characters, mental illness portrayed for more than the butt of a joke, stories about lower-income people...The list goes on and on. 

When toy companies released Star Wars game sets without Rey, the #WheresRey hashtag heated up, and critics across the internet were furious that the main character had been left out, likely because of her gender. People took action to go along with their online protests, by writing letters to the toy production companies and boycotting their products. It caused toy companies and marketers to retaliate and understand they'd made a mistake: Consumers were angry. They decided to release a new version of the Star Wars Monopoly with Rey included. We can replicate that kind of responsibility for diversity in the entertainment industry. 

We can't let the momentum die down after the Academy's decision to diversify their membership. We can't let it die down after the Oscars season passes. We can't let it die down next week, or next month, until we see accurate representation of all people on our screens. If we really care about it, we need to keep the momentum and prove that we mean what we say. 

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