No, not the guy on the side of my actual relationship — I don’t have a real boyfriend either. I had boy reserved for cold New York nights when I felt particularly needy for human affection. Hey, no one is immune and dating is difficult. Any single girl in the city who refuses to date “just anyone” for the sake of having a boyfriend will say the same. Which is why I have a backup boyfriend, someone who can play the role when you need a night of pretending. I’ll call him Smith.

Smith is a few years older than me, incredibly intelligent, beautiful and in a band. You’re thinking, “Why the hell isn’t he your actual boyfriend?” Well, I have a long (and rather entertaining) history of dealing with men like Smith. They weren’t all assholes. Just most of them. Smith isn’t an asshole, though. He’s incredibly affectionate, mature and most importantly honest. And the sex? He’s a passionate (albeit slightly melodramatic) artist, so it was theatrical, violent and absolutely mind blowing. His flaw? Smith is first and foremost in love with himself.

He once asked me, “What if we tried this? Tried actually trusting each other. It could be great.” To which I responded, “Unfortunately, Smith, you will never make me feel like I’m the only girl in the room. And I don’t think you have the capacity to love anyone as much as you love yourself.” “Well, should I love you more?” You get the idea. He’s the perfect Mr. Right Now. Or he was. Until he dumped me.

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It’s true! We do! And it’s as jam-packed full of awesome as your regular CollegeCandy is. Except it’s delivered straight to your inbox. You don’t even have to muster up the energy to type in a URL — you just have to open up your email inbox. So now when you’re in desperate need of procrastination to avoid that ridiculous PoliSci paper, CollegeCandy is just a click away. Since it comes out on Tuesdays and Thursdays, it’s basically the perfect excuse to take a break when you have to get work done, but really wish it was Friday.

The newsletter has gotten a major makeover lately — basically, it got some kickin’ plastic surgery and it is ready for its close up… wit you, girl. Give it the attention is desperately needs and sign up here!

Prince William and Kate got a puppy!

Weirdest relationship ever.

Five things to talk about before the big move in.

Learn how to wear shorts with tights.

Justin Timberlake‘s finest fashion moments.

5 break up myths.

Superbowl ads and their mismatched marketing.

Daniel Radcliffe puts on his serious face.

How much do A-listers really make?

One big trend from last season that has carried over to this year is python print! Like other animal prints, python adds a fun edge to your outfits. Whether you choose an allover python-print dress, a pair of python pumps, or a fun belt, just remember to keep the rest of your outfit simple!

Here are some of my favorite python pieces, all of which are as affordable at just $20 or less each! Read More »

Over the past few decades, the way people date has drastically changed. Instead of being limited to your social circle or areas that you frequent, now it seems like the whole world is your oyster to date. You could try creating an online profile and choosing someone based off their looks and common interests. Or you could try speed dating, judging someone based on a few minutes of conversation. But would you try dating someone based on their smell?

Yes, you read that right. Judith Prays, an Atlanta-based artist, held her first “Pheromone Party” in late 2010. Forty people were invited to the party. Twelve of those people “hooked up” (no definition included). Six of those (that “hooked up”) began relationships. The odds aren’t all that bad. So, how does sniff and date work? Read More »

Question?! Answer: Ask Tuffy Luv.

Dear Tuffy Luv,

I love my life. I’m really happy. Everything is great. I go to a good school and I’m doing well. I have a wonderful boyfriend whom I love. I have great friends who I hang out with all the time. The problem is my roommate. She doesn’t like me. I don’t know why. I’ve done my best to be nice with her but she just doesn’t like me.

It started about a week after we moved in together. My best friend and I were supposed to live together in the dorm we lived in last year, but she was on the waiting list for a study abroad and she got it at the last minute over the summer. So I moved in and met my new roommate, let’s call her T, and at first we got along fine. But it seems like the more we live together the more I get on her nerves. She studies a lot so I try to be quiet, but I live here too! When I come in late at night, I’m always quiet, but she says just the door opening wakes her up. She wakes me up in the morning when she gets up really early, but I’m not complaining! Read More »

We all have habits. Sometimes people hail them as being good — like rescuing orphans or helping old ladies across the street — while others…well, they’re less good. I feel like people (parents, grandparents, best friends, etc.) are always telling me “that’s a bad habit, you should stop!” And while I’ve had some un-stellar habits (like nail biting) that were admittedly probably not very good for me, I still have quite a few that I don’t believe I need to kick.

These are the “bad” habits that, according to some people, I should kick…but, please. I’m keepin’ ‘em.

Do you have any “bad” habits you refuse to give up? Read More »

What It Is:

Mary Kay Cream Eye Color in Pale Blush, Beach Blonde and Apricot Twist

Why This Should Be in Your Bag:

Cream eyeshadows are a great and versatile tool to have in your makeup bag. They can be used on their own, to give a shiny wash of color, or as a base to give longevity to your powder shadows or amp up their pigmentation. I love using cream shadows when I don’t have much time to do my makeup; they help me to look polished and are so quick!

Mary Kay is a brand you don’t see much of on beauty blogs. It’s sold through consultants, as opposed to the internet or giant beauty chains, and is often overlooked. However, I think this brand has a few gems to offer and I can’t wait to share them with you!

How To Use It:

Just like most cream eyeshadows, the Mary Kay Cream Eye Color come in small, round pots with twist-off lids. I prefer to apply them with my finger, but any stiff, flat brush will do. The initial swipe of color is slightly sheer, but fear not, you can build these babies up to your liking.

Like I alluded to earlier, you can also use these as a primer or base to intensify your shadows and make your look long-wearing. Check out the swatches below to see how the shades compare.

(L-R: Apricot Twist, Pale Blush, Beach Blonde)

CC Rating: A+

I have to admit, I was totally hesitant about the Mary Kay Cream Eye Colors. MAC Paint Pots, which are pretty much the holy-grail of cream eyeshadows, don’t really work on me and end up creasing or melting away. However, I was pleasantly surprised! Beach Blonde lasted ALL DAY on me, with no creasing for at least 6-7 hours.

Application was also a dream. I find Benefit’s Creaseless Creams to be a bit too slippery, but Mary Kay Cream Eye Color was thicker and made it easy to apply a proper layer. They reminded me of Maybelline Color Tattoos, but didn’t dry down the second they were applied; I was still able to work with it a bit. My favorite thing has to be that they are so pigmented – sheer cream eyeshadows drive me insane!

And the prices is also a winner for me. At only $13.50, these are cheaper than all of the alternatives I’ve mentioned (except the new Maybelline Color Tattoos). If you’re a cream eyeshadow lover or looking for a new base, you need to check out Mary Kay Cream Eye Color!

[Need some new makeup but not sure what to buy? Check out Alex's other beauty reviews here.]

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is part of Stieg Larsson’s Millennium Trilogy. Published posthumously, the three books follow Mikael Blomkvist and Lisbeth Salander, solving mysteries and kicking butt!

The first book was recently made into a movie, and because I think it’s wise to read the book before seeing the movie (and due to overwhelming reader response!), we decided to feature it as our January Book Club pick. Now, how will these monthly book club discussions work? First, I’m going to give you my opinion on the novel and then, you’re going to discuss below, using the comments section. Tell us your general thoughts on the novel, if you agree or disagree with my points or, if you want to get really literary, you can start discussing themes! Also, don’t forget to let me know which book you want to make our February pick. I’ll be announcing that on February 3^rd, so keep your eyes out! Read More »

This months Maxim headlines are quite the gems if you’re looking for a few laughs, which is appropriate because funny-girl Katrina Bowden from 30 Rock is on the cover. I used to really like her too – such is life.  I’m pretty sure Tina Fey would never appear in Maxim. My favorite headlines are, and no I’m not joking, “Is Everything Better With a Monkey?” “We Go Camping at Occupy Wall Street!” and “Women Who Want to Use You For Sex (and Where to Meet Them).” February is also a bonus month for our favorite men’s magazine, it comes with a “Hometown Hotties” insert in Maxim Lingerie talking about their favorite things to wear during sexy time.

Apparently, every month Maxim has a column called “The Helpful Hottie,” where their Maximum Exposure host April Rose tries to answer burning questions about women and sex, and gives stellar advice.  One man writes in about his fear of sex in public, even though his girlfriend is just wild about it. April’s advice? Spending a night in jail is worth the nookie – it’s a “badge of honor.” April, is it still a badge of honor when the creepy guys in jail try to make you their bitch for the night? Then you get two rounds of public sex! Read More »