But what’s an over-worked, underpaid and grumpy girl to do (besides wallow in self-pity and take out her frustration on her poor parents)?

Have no fear. The ladies here at CollegeCandy know how you feel (because we’re feeling it right now) and we want to share our tried and true pick-me-up tricks that won’t burn a hole in that pretty wallet of yours. It’s summer time and you deserve a little love.

Dive in, pamper yourself and thank us later:

Jump into a hot bubble bath.
Since it’s nearly impossible to get a good bubble bath in in college (like you’re gonna lay down in that nasty tub), we often forget what a good bubble bath can do for a girl. It’s luxurious and relaxing, and it won’t cost you a dime. Toss a little Epsom salt in there, light up some candles, turn off the cell phone and turn up the Guster, and you’ve got the whole afternoon to unwind.

Turn off the cell phone and prop open a book.
Yes, the mere thought of going off the cellphone grid for an hour may leave you shaking, but sometimes you just gotta disconnect. And there’s no better way to do that than with a book.  Reading a book will give your mind a rest, free from all that mundane work and life stuff that bogs you down daily. Need a book suggestion? We’ve got plenty.

Go for a stroll at the park
Working in an office all day will put a damper on anybody’s spirits. And what will lift that haze? A little time outdoors. Put on your cutest sundress and hat and step your cute wedges out the door. Nothing will calm you down more than nature, and, let’s be honest, a little Vitamin D never hurt anybody.

Dress up and look great, for no reason!
I do this anytime I’m feeling down. I hop into my closet, grab my favorite dress and go about my day. Who cares if I’m just going to Starbucks to drink coffee and stare at the cute boys studying for the LSAT? Dressing up makes me feel confident and sexy – two things that will make anyone feel good.

Indulge
There’s something to be said about digging into an ice cream sundae/Sonic Blast/DQ Blizzard. Somehow those little cups of goodness make everything else melt away. Should you make this a daily habit? Not unless you want to add cellulite-stress to the list of things you’re already worrying about. But giving in and treating yourself once in awhile will do wonders to your mood.

Get a manicure ($12 or less!)
This is honestly my go-to whenever I’m feeling less than stellar. No matter what I do, getting a manicure is the cherry on top. It’s the easiest way to feel a little more fabulous, a little more posh, and that massage chair will run even Mel Gibson’s bad mood right outta town.

Get a tan
I don’t know what it is, but a sun-kissed glow is like Red Bull for your mood. You feel fresher, more vibrant and more beautiful than ever. Grab your iPod and some magazines, slather on the SPF (let’s do this safely, ladies!) and give yourself a few hours in the sun. Hell, even a spray tan will do the trick and leave you feeling fabulous about yourself.

Got anymore tips on giving yourself a little love? Share them below!

Although I have fallen in love with Lush’s unique products and packaging, it is the company’s goals and mission that keeps me coming back (and spending the extra cash).

They make it their business to use fresh ingredients, make the products by hand (how many places actually do this anymore?), not partake in animal testing, and protect the planet by making the products ‘green’ or vegetarian/vegan friendly. With minimal preservatives in their products, I have truly been refreshed by the products I have tried and I believe that using fresh products like seaweed and avocados has made a difference in the way these bath bombs and gels work.

Buying cosmetics is important to every girl, but in the current state of the economy, spending money on lavish products may seem silly. However, with a company promising to help the environment and its customers with the freshest and hand-made products, dishing out the extra few bucks is worth it… especially when it comes to these guys:

Shampoo Bars: This is probably my all-time favorite beauty invention. Instead of traditional liquid shampoos, these bars come in a circular form and all you have to do is lather the bar in between your hands and then apply it to your hair. Want direct contact? Just rub it on your scalp, and prepare for the suds to take over. Although each bar is 1.9 oz for $9.45 (a little steep, especially in this economy), I promise that they last over and over again (if you follow directions and don’t keep them submerged in water). According to Lush, these bars last “for around 80 washes, saving three plastic bottles along the way.”

My personal favorite is Karma Komba, which is supposed to help prevent tangles, but other bars work for other reasons like the Soak and Float which protects against dandruff and the Hard Solid Shampoo which is made for those that live in “hard water areas.” If you have to try one Lush product, I would recommend this more than anything else. Not into the bars? Lush also has liquid shampoos and conditioners available.

Bath Bombs: Lush is probably best known for its bath bombs, which come in two sizes (big and bigger). For example, there is the Big Blue bath bomb (6.3 oz) and the Big Big Blue bath bomb (28.2 oz). Either size is perfect to cut and divide up into a few baths, no need to use the whole bomb all at once. Once these amazing balls hit the water, your bath will explode into a sizzle of fizz and scent. Colorful and creative, each bomb has its own personality. With the Big Blue bath bomb, seaweed makes its way out of the ball and turns your bath into an instant ocean, while the Supernova bath bomb turns your bath into a party, complete with confetti.

Lush has a variety of bath bombs, so finding one that fits your mood or personality will be no problem. Unlike other bath bombs, Lush has a scent that will linger and stay long after the water is down the drain, and it will leave your skin feeling silky smooth beyond comparison to other similar products. Although these innovative bath time products make a dip in the tub extra fun, the only downside is that the seaweed, confetti, or other special ingredient may clog the drain.

Buttercreams: According to the Lush website, “Buttercreams are a luxurious blend of 15% soap – enough to get you clean but not make masses of lather – and 85% natural, skin-softening butters, glycerine, plant infusions and essential oils.” Although buttercreams can be used in the shower or the bath, it is best to use them cold. Put them in the fridge or the freezer and before getting in the shower or bath, cut a small chunk off and prepare yourself to be pampered. My only qualm with the buttercreams is that the scents like Heavenly Bodies, which is aimed at chocolate lovers, or Ring of Roses, which is covered in rose petals, doesn’t stay and the creamy, softness promised rubs off fast.

And these products are just a few of the extensive Lush product line. Want the most unforgettable bath that will actually keep its bubbles and scent an hour into it? Go for a Bubble Bar. Sick of the same old perfume? Try one of the company’s solid perfumes, which come in lip balm type pots. Guys, want to plan a special evening for your girlfriend? Get a massage bar and give her the spa treatment yourself. From body lotions to shaving creams to solid soaps, there is something for everybody. And with vibrant colors and clever names, shopping at Lush (whether in one of its stores or online)  will be a unique cosmetics shopping experience.

Move over Bath and Body Works, Lush is definitely here to stay!

If all your friends have dates, or even if you just prefer to go it alone for V-Day here are some great ways to treat yourself like a goddess! Your Valentines Day can be filled with chocolates, champagne and flowers without any help from a man.

Lush Ma Bar Bubble Bar – $7.65 lush.com

Lush’s Bubble Bars are super fun and decadent. It’s just like a bubble bath, only you crumble it under running water and, as it dissolves, your tub fills with bubbles.  They are hand-made with all natural vegan ingredients! While they come in all sorts of fun scents and shapes, the Ma bar Bubble Bar is perfect for your V-Day celebration because it combines decadent chocolate and toffee flavors.  Who needs a heart shaped box of Russell Stovers when you can soak in this deliciousness all night?

Jaqua Pink Champagne Body Butter – $22 jaquabeauty.com 

Now that you’ve indulged in chocolaty goodness, it’s time to raise your glass in a champagne toast to yourself. Jaqua has a whole line of delectable Pink Champagne beauty products. Their Pink Champagne Shea Body Butter is perfect after your bubble bath.  Smooth this over every inch of your skin to feel and smell purely elegant on Valentines day.

 Korres Wild Rose Mask – $27 sephora.com

Treat yourself to roses that won’t wither and die in a couple days.  The Korres Wild Rose Mask is gentle and great for any skin type. It smells wonderful and will leave your skin bright and glowing with radiance.  It’s even gentle enough to use on the delicate under eye area to diminish dark circles.  Just apply and let the mask work its magic for 15 minutes. Try it while you soak in your bubble bath! The steam will open your pores and let the product penetrate deeper.

Anyway, the world kind of imploded this week. Cheerleaders were bashed for being cheerleaders, we had flashbacks to 7th grade when our sworn enemy put a dead fish in our locker, that awkward hook-up just became the top dining hall gossip, and we seriously forgot how to actually care.

To make matters worse, we found out that men cheat on us a lot, and John McCain almost didn’t make it to tonight’s debate.

A week like this makes us want to manufacture our own boyfriend, go shopping at American Apparel, find a much younger guy to toy with, eat some candy bar brownies, and eff Jeremy Piven.

At least we learned how to survive that 8 AM class. If nothing else, we’ll be early for the end of the world.

So what’s a poor girl to do?

Make some bitchin’ strawberry shortcake.

I have found that no matter what, strawberry shortcake hits the spot — especially with moms. It’s light, it’s fruity, it’s sweet, and with this recipe, it’s so simple you could whip it up while studying for that last final.

INGREDIENTS

2 quarts (32 ounces) fresh strawberries

1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar

1 12-ounce tube Pillsbury Golden Homestyle Buttermilk biscuits

1 7-ounce can whipped cream

Slice the strawberries into a large bowl. Sprinkle with 1/3 cup of the sugar, toss, and set aside.

Separate the dough into individual portions and place on a baking sheet, sprinkle the tops with the remaining sugar, and bake according to the package directions. Let cool on the baking sheet for 3 to 5 minutes.

Slice each biscuit in half. Place the bottom half on a plate and top with some of the whipped cream. Spoon the berries and juices over the cream and sandwich with the remaining biscuit half.

Extra points if you add a little champagne. I mean, come on, you know how many hours this woman was in labor with you??

So how can you give your momma want she really wants this season? Stay away from vacuum cleaners and anti-aging creams, and start your search with these ideas!

• Cashmere Robe ($295) – everyone knows cashmere is the best thing ever, and being able to snuggle into a robe made completely of the stuff after a nice shower? Totally worth it for a woman who went into labor for you.

• Kiehl’s Treatment Cream ($22.50) – around New York City, Kiehl’s is the sh*t. Top of the line and mixed with their own personal brand of ingredients, Kiehl’s products are a must for the classy woman. And really, who’s classier than your mom?

• Indoor Greenhouse ($179.95) – a high-tech indoor greenhouse is the perfect gift for a momma who’s green thumb isn’t as green as she’d like it to be. Most of these babies do all the work themselves, as she has to do is take credit for it!

• Origins Bubble Bath ($25) – who can say no to high-quality bubble bath?

• Martini Glasses ($19.99) – I’m not saying you drove your mom to drinking, but just in case you did…here’s a way to thank her for not giving you away during those teenage years.

• Totally Awesome Slippers ($39.99) – These ain’t no namby-pamby slippers, these are real sheepskin and leather. Her feet deserve a rest after all those years spent running after you.

• Ghirardelli Chocolate Box ($24.99) – Ghirardelli is the best tasting chocolate your mom has ever tried. For an extra special gift, include a signed agreement that you won’t eat any of it.

So 25% of women like to have sex with other women? 100% of soon-to-be disappointed men are convinced they’re getting a threesome tonight… (PinkNews.co.uk)

Speaking of disappointments, a Florida teen is going to jail for 30 days for posting naked pics of his ex on MySpace. But, who will check his messages while he’s gone?? (ABC 7 Sarasota)

Beethoven was killed, people! His doctor killed him! 180 years ago! Seriously, we should all care about this! (Yahoo)

Just in case you needed another reason to think that My Chemical Romance is pretty lame. (ABC 50 NY)

God decided he wanted to go all Ashton Kutcher on Australia and put bubble bath (or something)…in the ocean. Pure glee ensues! Lucky Australians. (TheSun.co.uk)