It seems like just yesterday I was packing my gloves, hats, and facemask to come back to school and start 2nd semester. And now, all of a sudden, it’s spring break. Time is of the essence and even though most people only have a few days or a week to pull themselves together, here are my last-minute spring break tips.

Invest in Sunscreen- I know. I sound like your mom. That’s because I’m quoting my own mom. But seriously its been months since your skin has been exposed to the sun. The only thing more tragic than coming back with cornrows from the Caribbean is returning to school with a 3rd degree burn and 4 inch blister on your face (true story).

Begin Drinking Dangerous Amounts- (And this is part of the blog where I veer away from anything my mom has ever said.) In just a few days you will be drinking more alcohol than your liver could ever imagine and unless you want to die, it’s essential you start building up your tolerance ASAP. I know that a lot of people have midterms this week but that’s no excuse to be letting your guard down. There should be beers at every breakfast and shots with every snack. If there is any point during the day where you could legally drive, you are not preparing yourself responsibly for whats going to happen during break.

Start Sleeping- When you’re not drinking, you should be sleeping. Sleep so much that you will never want to sleep again. Because you won’t be sleeping. Not for an entire week. Chances are that if you’re not in the mood to get some, your roommate will be. There’s no hope for any 8-hour nights in any spring break destination. Read More »

March is here! More importantly, Spring Break is here!!! And even though most of us can’t wait to get off campus and onto the beach, there are a couple more reasons why I love this month of March.

1) Red Cross Month

Obama’s Presidential Proclamation last Friday marked the 66th time March has been declared Red Cross Month, and in honor of it, the American Red Cross will launch the first national Change A Life contest, running from March 2-16 (so enter now!) Just go to RedCross.org and share your story of how the Red Cross has changed your life or someone else’s life, and you could win a trip for two to Washington D.C. to join Keith Urban on his Escape Together world tour concert!

2) Rebounding

In celebration of Red Cross Month, I’m going to introduce you to a new form of the rebound – not just for sex, basketball, or even the emotional one anymore. I’m talking about the heart-healthy, original pure form of the rebound: on a trampoline. It’s quoted by NASA as “the most efficient and effective exercise yet devised by man,” and you can do it at home whilst watching TV! Unlike jogging, which for many people can cause stress on the joints, rebounding is a zero-impact exercise and is suitable for all ages and abilities. Read More »

OMG OMG OMG. Spring break is here (or almost here?)!! It doesn’t matter if you are going to Mexico, Florida, or just heading home; it’s time for some vacay, baby! No more studying. No more class. NO MORE ALARM CLOCKS. For a whole week!

We’ve been preparing for this for weeks! Some of us have been building up that base tan with a little fake and bake, while others have been more focused on getting their livers ready for the main event with daily margaritas.

Can you tell we’re excited?

We have been freezing our asses off for months and now it’s finally time to throw on a bathing suit (and a dress to cover up the extra winter poundage) and head to the beach. Hell. yes. Let’s just hope we don’t make the same mistakes we’ve made in spring breaks past…

This week, the CollegeCandy writers weighed in on their biggest spring break regrets. We can all learn a few things from these bad decisions and poor planning: Read More »

Whenever I tell someone I’m going on vacation, they don’t tell me to have a safe trip or take lots of pictures. No. Inevitably, they say the same thing every single time:  “Bring me back something good.” Of course they mean a souvenir. Love getting them, but hate giving them.

Well, this spring break I’m doing things a little different; I’m going to think outside the box and break the souvenir norm. Who said souvenirs had to be “fun” or “safe”?

Gone are the days of snow globes, useless thimbles, ugly t-shirts and fragile shot-glasses. Instead, I have come up with five ideas of what to bring back from those sunny spring break cities. Whether you need gifts for your friends or mementos for yourself, these ideas will keep the memory alive for years to come.

1. A new last name: Why not pull a Mariah and come back with a hyphenate? There’s a reason celebrity vacations splash the covers of tabloids, and that reason is scandal. Nothing spells gossip like spontaneous beach-side nuptials. Friends and commitment-phobes alike will enjoy this souvenir, just remember to get Britney’s annulment lawyer before you sign your new name on the dotted line. Read More »

For college students everywhere, mid-March means the glorious time to break away from the monotonous second semester daily grind and go buck wild on sunny beaches for a week. Although I participated in most “college-esque” activities; sororities, student organizations, etc, having the stereotypical balls to the wall spring break was something I never did. And now, looking back on it, I’m proud of it.

Trying to convince my conservative parents that spending upwards of $1500-$2000 for a week’s vacation was a hopeless cause. All of my friends would say, “But alcohol is included in the package deal! All you can drink!” Yeah, I’m sure that will be a real selling point. “You see mom, I can binge drink with all that money…”

At the time, I thought I would look back on my college experience and wish I would have splurged on a crazy spring break experience. But now that I am more removed from the situation and college life, I’m actually kind of happy that I didn’t partake. Read More »

It’s almost time for spring break. And I thought I had everything I needed until I realized how brutally pale my skin was. So not cute.

Being bundled up from head to toe while walking around campus hasn’t helped the situation. Maybe I should have picked up one of those sun lamps for my dorm room?

So to get a semi-similar Jessica Alba glow, I decided to try self-tanner. Of course I feared that streaky orange look, but was pleasantly surprised when I tested out a few products.

My top choice is Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer. It is cheap, really works and only contains small amounts of sunless tanner, so you want to start using it a few days before your trip. On sale now for 5.48 at drugstore.com.

If you don’t have a few extra days to spare then these two can be done the night before you leave try these:

Tantowel: “The self-tan towelette.” Colorless and Odorless, you just wipe on the face, neck or body. I find them to be quick and easy and eay to pack and take with me. They cost $20 for a package of 10, tantowel.com . Or you can visit drugstore.com and pick up Comodynes tanning towelettes, an alternative, $13 at drugstore.com, usually priced at $15.

Mystic Tan: Available at most tanning salon. You just step in the booth, and turn around twice and the mist sprays your body. Barrier cream is provided before the application of Mystic Tan so don’t worry about dark spots on your hands, fingernails and feet. It will cost you about $20 bucks a session, a bit pricey both so much safer then a real tanning bed. Visit mystictan.com for locations.

Without a doubt these will be the top songs played on Spring Break this year. I know they’re on my iPod already. Are they on yours?

Nelly Furtado – Say It Right

Timbaland feat. Nelly Furtando & Justin Timberlake – Give It To Me

Akon – Don’t Matter

MIMS – His Is Why I’m Hot

Gwen Stefani feat. Akon – The Sweet Escape

Gym Class Heroes – Cupid’s Chokehold

Akon feat. Eminem – Smack That

Cassie – Me & U

Ciara – Like A Boy

Fergie – Glamorous

R. Kelly – I’m A Flirt

Red Jumpsuit Apparatus – Face Down

Ne-Yo - Because Of You

Christina Aguilera – Candyman