After living in the wonderful world of college dorms for the past four years there seem to have been quite a few things I took for granted…without realizing I was actually taking them for granted of course. Yes there are drawbacks to living under the roof that educates you: curfews, no illegal substances, limited guests, no toasters…(you get the point, I’m sure).

But as soon as you realize that those little draw backs aren’t that bad — it’s BAM — you’re on your own and taking two and half-minute showers just to be able to afford your rent. That’s with the part-time job you scored three months after graduation, and not including your income from various odd jobs you’ve been getting. And even though you can now hang your pictures with nails, which I’m sure is a huge bonus, there are other restrictions that you will have to abide to. Needless to say there are very few things I wouldn’t be willing to part with in order to get back the comfy dorm room living I’ve grown accustomed too.

So here are some things you should be thankful for having while living away from home:

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We’re teaming up with the latest and greatest in affordable college fashion, Rent the Runway, to bring you the ultimate back to school giveaway. We stocked this contest with the most awesome prizes imaginable and we’re already jealous of the winner.

What are we giving away??

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Want a stab at taking home some of these amazing goodies? Enter here! Winners will be picked on Sept. 30th.

Oh and MORE good news! We’re offering $50 Chegg giftcards to 50 runner-ups. So we’re basically talking 65 winners.

WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL!

Yes, the school year just started, but man am I already stressed out. Even if you’re not in college, life is stressful. There’s always some sort of stress factor. I went to the dentist this morning, and my conversation went something like this:

Dentist: Do you have a lot of stress in your life right now?

Me: Um, yeah I guess. Why?

Dentist: I can tell you’ve been clenching and grinding your teeth in your sleep, which usually comes from high stress levels. Would you like to get fitted for a night-guard?

Seriously, that happened. No, I’m not getting a night-guard. But stress is a problem, and it causes other problems like breakouts and lack of focus. I had the opportunity to test out three really cool products: Clearogen, no!no! Skin, and 21 Drops. Watch below!

On my face: Smashbox Anti-Shine, Painted Earth Perfect Every Thyme Baked Mineral Foundation, NARS Orgasm Blush, Dior Blackout Mascara

Got something you want me to cover? Post it in the comments below. And don’t forget to follow us on YouTube and check out my other videos right here! And for more beauty related tips, check out my website and follow me on Twitter!

Get your back to school game face on!

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As summer is coming to a close, your final paychecks are hitting the bank, the bills for school are adding up and new clothing might some like a huge luxury. If you’re dying to add a few new pieces to your wardrobe, this weekend is the time to do it, as many retailers are furthering reductions on items, or even just offering 35%  off (Banana Republic what up!) on all items. Sure there are a lot of expenses related to school, but if you save some money by buying used textbooks, you have a little extra to go towards a new top. Here are some of my picks from the best of the end-of-summer sales.

Gap – Just in time for Labor Day, the Gap is offering up to 40% off items. That means nice tops meant for a night on the town for just $15. And these ones are a bit better quality than some of the discount stores, meaning they can take the abuse of having beer washed out of them again and again. If you’re thinking of applying for any jobs or have an internship this fall, the Gap is a great place to stock up on some basic pieces for your work wardrobe.

Mini Skirt / Cowl-Neck Top / Tux Tank / Studded Bag 

Forever 21 - While overall I’m not the hugest fan of Forever 21′s clothing (aka the quality), they do have a lot of really cute, fun pieces to incorporate into your wardrobe. With an additional 30% off sale items this weekend, I may even pick up a few things to perk up my wardrobe this fall. There’s no doubt that XXI is perfect for bold pieces on a budget, and with an added discount you’ll get better value if your item falls apart the third time you wear it.

 Abstract Skirt /  Drop-Waist Tank / Striped Top / Beaded Shirt 

Old Navy - Gap’s more affordable sibling currently has a sale of up to 50% off going on! If you want to stretch out the final weeks of summer with some new items, now is the time to pick them up. Or if you want to start thinking ahead to spring break it’s a great time to stock up on summer items for low prices. There are also a few pieces such as this grey sweater that you can wear both now, with shorts or a skirt, and later, by adding tights or wearing jeans.

Grey Sweater / Cropped Cargo Capris / Polkadot Tank 

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Newsweek just released their 2011 college rankings, and they’re pretty useless for prospective students. Top Schools for Activists? Boring. Best Schools for Foreign Students? I could just study abroad. Most Rigorous? Why would I want to challenge myself?

Here are five categories that Newsweek should have included on their list that prospective students would actually need to know about.

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With classes starting up again over the next few weeks for most universities, you’re probably gearing up by grabbing everything you need for back-to-school. Even if you’re not a first year, there’s a lot to buy: notebooks, highlighters and pens, textbooks, dorm essentials and so much more. But the good thing is, not all of it has to cost a lot! In fact, you can get tons of your back-to-school essentials for just $20 or less! Just take a look…

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