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Summer Workout Necessity: Under Armour Charged Cotton

Charged Cotton YouTube Pics
This is no ordinary cotton. Warm summer weather offers plenty of opportunities for exercise, but climbing temperatures can leave fitness fanatics sweat-soaked and uncomfortable. So, the innovative designers at Under Armour have developed the world's first performance cotton: Charged Cotton. It features the same lightweight feel of regular cotton but is both moisture-wicking and INCREDIBLY fast-drying (dries up to 5 times faster than ordinary cotton!).  It's perspiration's worst nightmare.  Full posts →
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Ways to Wear Your Favorite T-shirt…in a Stylish Way

During our daily Internet perusal, we came across a great How-To article on College Fashion. The idea? Incorporate your favorite, comfy T-shirt into a variety of fashion-forward outfits! Their advice ranged from layering a T-shirt with a cute jacket to pairing your go-to top with a flowy maxi-skirt. We loved their ideas (adding a vest? genius!) but couldn’t fight the urge to share a few of our own! Keep reading for our own T-shirt tips.

Layer with a Loose Cardigan – Adding a loose cardigan over you favorite t-shirt not only takes your outfit up a style notch, it’s very practical. Layering is perfect for dealing with the spring time’s varying temperatures, not to mention unpredictable gusts of wind. We chose to pair our t-shirt with a pair of shorts and fringed ballet flats for a slightly bohemian, completely simple look.

 

Throw on a Scarf – Need a quick fix for a plain outfit? Throw a loose scarf over a T-shirt and – voila! – instant spice. We decided to kee it casual with a pair of Levi’s jeans and Zoe & Zac ballet flats and were ready in no time to head to class or the library. You’ll only add about 30 seconds to your routine!

Accessorize – When in doubt, add some jewelry. Whether you line your arms with bangles, like the one below from Forever 21, or layer some chunky necklaces, appropriately placed accessories are sure to step up your outfit. Tuck your shirt into a pair of belted shorts, add some wedges (like the ones pictured, by American Eagle), and you’re ready to head out with friends. It’s not only easy, it’s comfortable AND affordable.

Do you have a go-to method for wearing your favorite T-shirt in a stylish way? Post a comment below and share it with us!

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Garnier Beauty Brigade

April is Earth Month – a time to grow your green lifestyle, to celebrate the environment, and to keep the world healthy!  So, did you know you can easily keep the world glowing with a Shampoo?  Seriously – Lather. Rinse. Save the World. Many Shampoos clean up your hair, but dirty up the environment, leaving nasty chemicals in our water supply.  Garnier Fructis Pure Clean is different – the formulas are 92% biodegradable and contain no silicones, parabens or dyes so you can love the earth and love your hair! The bottles are green, too.  Made from PET, the most widely recycled plastic, and 50% recycled plastic so you’re helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions and saving resources.

Garnier has also teamed up with TerraCycle to help keep beauty products out of landfills by recycling them into fun, new items (like coin purses, pencil cases and tote bags).  Not only that, when beauty waste is sent to TerraCycle for recycling, money is donated to charities and non-profit organizations!

Want to Get Involved?

  1. Join the Garnier Beauty Brigade® at terracycle.com.  It’s totally free to sign-up!
  2. Collect enough personal care and beauty products to fill up a box or bag.  A list of accepted products can be found here.
  3. Download a pre-paid shipping label from terracycle.com.
  4. Ship the box to TerraCycle by affixing the pre-paid postage label and dropping it off at a UPS location.

You need a shampoo and conditioner that doesn’t weigh down your hair or the environment, so this Earth Day, pick up a bottle of Pure Clean and join the Beauty Brigade®. Get involved and help make a difference.

For more detailed information please check out the Personal Care and Beauty Brigade FAQ.

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The 25 Healthiest Colleges in the U.S.

We all know which schools are considered the “smartest” and which schools offer superior athletic teams, but do we ever pay attention to which schools are considered the healthiest? Luckily, the people over at Greatist decided to take it upon themselves to see how different schools are doing their part to provide students with a health-conscious environment. Using a rigorous scoring process, they narrowed it down to the 25 Healthiest Colleges in the US. We’re taking a look at a few of the schools that made the cut.

#11 Yale University: Did you know that aside from a diligent student population, Yale also boasts an on-campus garden? Perhaps this is why the university is highly-rated for its offerings of healthy and organic foods! They get an A+ for food from College Prowler, a website dedicated to college reviews for students and by students.

#14 Rice University: At Rice, student meal plans are unlimited which means plenty of opportunity to put together healthy and balanced meals. In addition, they offer an extensive well-being resource site and have a ton of health and fitness events put together by the rec department. Maybe this is why they have the happiest students according to the Princeton Review!

#18 Stephen F. Austin State University: This Texas university offers a lazy river, a rock wall, and sand volleyball courts – perfect for the active student. Health-conscious students also have extensive access to nutrition information on the school’s dining website.

#19 Tufts University: Need a little TLC before a long night of studying? Stop by the Tufts University Health Center where the school offers chiropractic treatment and

massage therapy. The majority of students – about 70% – deem this service both convenient and high-quality! I feel relaxed just thinking about it.

#22 Oberlin College: Students at Oberlin are often grateful for the wide variety of vegetarian, vegan, and organic meal options available on campus. They also have the option to take part in a co-op which includes cooking and eating with a group of students with similar preferences. Parents of students can feel at ease knowing there is a 24-hour nurse line open for any health situation that might arise.

For the complete results, check out the full article here. Do you think your school should be on the list? Post a comment below!

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Fresh Goals for Spring: Remain Fruitful, Fit and Fashionable.

College is the time to perfect a healthy, productive, and fashionable lifestyle. Though procrastination frequently permeates most college campuses, it is up to us to overcome our own habitual idleness. By staying active in our studies, exercising regularly, and taking care of our bodies, we will be able to look and feel our best. Check out our list of goals to help you get started!

How to Stay Fruitful:

  • Purchase a planner and stick to the deadlines you set
  • Join study groups and remain actively committed to class-related responsibilities
  • Determine which time-management area you struggle with and outline a plan to improve

How to Stay Fit:

  • Join an exercise class to attend 2-3 times a week (many schools offer these for free!)
  • Find a work-out buddy to help you stick to your fitness goals
  • Choose your food wisely and pay attention to portion control

How to Stay Fashionable:

  • Try ‘thrifting’ or other ways of bargain shopping (check our Style on a Budget blog for ideas!)
  • Find clothes that complement your personality and make you feel comfortable
  • Remember that looking put-together and polished is a valuable asset (especially on interviews!)

Which of these goals are you going to start working toward? Do you have any suggestions of your own? Post a comment below!

Written by Guest Blogger, Deunbra I. – Houston’s Motivator Extraordinaire

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New Music? No Problem!

Tired of hearing the same songs over and over? We’re here to help you on your hunt for new and fun music! Check out some sure-to-please sites for getting your music fix (legally!).

Fresh New Tracks: Talk about variety! With a seemingly limitless supply of free music, interesting blog posts, and awesome interviews with rising artists, Fresh New Tracks seems to have it all. You definitely won’t mind killing some time browsing through.

Good Music All Day: It’s music for students, from students. The site provides the best (legally!!) free music on the web. The music team is made up of student bloggers from all across the US so when you visit the website, you’re bound to hear a little bit of everything. If you are looking to spend some time discovering new music, this website is definitely worth checking out!

The Kollection: Started in June of 2010, The Kollection has quickly grown to become one of the largest hubs for discovering and sharing new music. From hip hop to dubstep to indie rock, The Kollection has no musical boundaries. The site also has its own separate blog space, so be sure to check that out as well!

Where do you go in search of new music? Post a comment below and we’ll check it out!

Written by Guest Blogger, Katy L. – Texas Tech’s Music Master

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DIY Dorm: Painted Glass Jar

As someone who is always on the hunt for an easy way to add spice to my room, I am so excited to share this project with you. While browsing the design blog, Poppytalk, I found my inspiration for the newest edition of DIY Dorm. Why not take bottles and jars meant for the recycling and turn them into something beautiful and colorful?  I decided to start with a small, empty jar and turn it into a pencil holder. Keep reading for tips and instructions!

What You’ll Need:

1 Glass jar
Acrylic paint
Paintbrush (optional*)

What You’ll Do:

1) Remove the label from the jar you’ve chosen. (Tip: In my experience, a stubborn label can usually be removed with a Brillo pad, water, and soap if needed.) Rinse out any remaining contents and let dry.

2) Add a dollop of paint to the inside of the jar. Slowly rotate and swirl it around until the entire inside is covered with the paint. This may take a few dollops, depending on the color and thickness of the paint. (Tip: I used a paint brush to help spread stubborn patches.) Let dry.

3) Add any other additions to the outside of your jar, whether it be stenciled letters or appliques.

Add some water and fresh flowers or an electric candle to add some mood lighting to your room. I went with a stylish pencil holder but it is up to you! Either way, you’re left with a quaint new edition to your dorm. Enjoy!

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The IT List: Bright-Eyed and Fresh-Faced

Brighten up and look alert.

In college, it seems we never have enough time or sleep. However, this doesn’t mean you have to step out without looking your best! With these quick and easy tips, you can roll out of bed and head to class without looking like you just woke up.

1. Brighten Up: Being a student often means late nights at the library and out with friends. Just because you’re tired, however, doesn’t mean you have to show it!  Give your complexion a warm glow with a luminescent highlighter (we love Benefit’s Watts Up!) on your cheeks and brow bones. You’ll look fresh-faced and ready…even for your early morning classes!

CoverGirl NatureLuxe Gloss Balm

2. Ditch the Dark Circles: Late-night studying got you down? Ditch the under eye luggage that comes with being a night owl with this Anti-Puff Eye Roller from Garnier. Simply roll it under your eyes to get a bright-eyed and alert look at any time.

3. Beat the Bed Head: Struggling with a serious case of bed head and need a remedy ASAP? Why not try a dry shampoo? Simply spray over hair, wait a minute, and comb through. Formulas, like Suave Professionals Dry Shampoo Spray, absorb the oils that make hair look greasy and leave hair looking freshly washed.

4. Flash your Pearly Whites: Looking happy is the best way to convince everyone – including  yourself – that you’re ready to take on the day! Perfect your grin with CoverGirl’s Award-Winning NatureLuxe Gloss Balm.  This lightweight sheer color (with SPF!) has just a hint of shine that will attract all attention to your best asset – your smile! Pick it up at select campus bookstores.

Think you’ll be trying out any of these tips? Let us know what regimen you use to keep yourself looking fresh in the comments below!

Written by Guest Blogger, Natalie B. – Indiana University’s Beauty Guru

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Must Read: All Work, No Pay by Lauren Berger

Finished triple-proofing your resume for errors and picking out the perfect interview outfit? Consider stopping by your University’s on-campus Barnes & Noble bookstore and checking out All Work, No Pay by Lauren Berger, the Intern Queen.  What makes Lauren the “Intern Queen,” exactly? During her four years of college, she held 15 internships in the public relations, entertainment and media industries…queen status, if you ask me. All Work, No Pay is a quick read with lots of headers that make it easy to find key information on everything from business cards to writing samples. The book reiterates the traditional importance of concise, one-page resumes and handwritten thank-you cards, but does offer some new advice as well. Keep reading for my three of my favorite tips from the Intern Queen’s book:

1. Want a recommendation on your LinkedIn page? Don’t send the generic message to your former boss. Customize the message with a personal greeting and this powerful line straight from the book: “I had such a great experience interning for your company and would love for future employers to learn more about what I accomplished.”

2. Research, research, research! Look at a company’s ‘About Us’ page to find the mission statement, client list, background information and staff bios. Knowing as much as possible about the company you want to work for will make your cover letter and interview stand out above the rest. Consider this your first assignment and do your homework!

3. Don’t apply to any internship that is available. Apply extensively, but make sure you are looking into positions that you are truly passionate about. You’ll get more out of the experience and so will your employer.

All Work, No Pay offers an abundance of advice about landing the best internship for you, whether you’re an interning newbie or next in line for the Intern Queen throne. Check out the book at B&N stores and online.

Written by Guest Blogger, Kim O. – USC’s Master Intern

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Download Worthy: Seesmic

Updating and managing multiple social network accounts can get time-consuming. With Seesmic, the easy-to-use-app, you can view and update your Twitter, Facebook, and Google Buzz all in one spot! You can also receive message notifications and share photos and videos as Facebook, and Google Buzz are all fully integrated. It’s also the best Twitter for Android client, with a simple, streamlined interface that includes all of the usual features like multiple account support, lists, retweets, Twitlonger, and conversation thread views.It’s available on both Nook and Nook Color tablets and comes at an unbeatable price – FREE!

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MANteresting Puts a New Spin on Online Pinboards

Pinterest, the online pinboard network that allows users to share ideas, pictures, recipes, etc., is hot on most college campuses. Currently, Pinterest caters to a largely-female audience but the time has come for something more masculine. Introducing: MANteresting.com. This new social site gives the men of the world a place to call their own. This generally male-oriented social bookmarking site encourages users to “nail” images to their “workbench” and “get inspired by awesome content”.

So men, be prepared. While your girlfriend is busy pinning, you’ll be nursing your new addiction to a site of your own! Do you think you’ll start sharing all your ideas at MANteresting.com? Post a comment below!

Written by Guest Blogger, Jacinda C. – Texas A&M’s Authority on all things Social Media

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