Even though summer should be all about relaxing and enjoying the sun, many of us are so busy with our own internships and work that we often forget to take care of ourselves. And even when we do, pampering on a budget seems almost impossible. (Um, hello $65, one-time facial). Pretty soon we’re pasty, tired and moody to boot.

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. Read More »

Chick Lit. We’ve all seen the books with their titles scrawled in cute fonts and the contact high of concentrated feminism that come with being in the near vicinity. Literary classics they are not, but that is what makes them perfect not-for-class choices.

Though chick lit catches flak for being notoriously breezy and light reading, there’s nothing better to pick you up after a bad day than a book about absolutely nothing. I will personally testify to the amazing power of chick lit, being that it saved me from waxing romantic about a “misunderstood, underestimated” ex-boyfriend who fits neither of those descriptions. As February 14th approaches, there is no better time to read chick lit, even if just to take a break from the steady downhill slide of The City.

1) Chick Lit inspires us to get off our couches, stop obsessing about our boyfriends (or lack thereof), and get going with life. When I finished reading The Devil Wears Prada, I felt like re-enacting the motivational montage where the main character of the movie starts turning her life around with self-help books (that actually work) and incredibly effective gym workouts (I want to go to whatever gym gets results that fast).

2) There is always a reliable disaster that will give us that ‘well at least that didn’t happen to me’ feeling. I had a hard time pitying myself for another single Valentine’s Day when the main character was suffering a spectacular firing, a nightmarish boss, or even worse man trouble than I had. Combined with my two favorite men, Ben & Jerry, chick lit is a proven mood lifter when things suck in life. Read More »

You may not be able to tell based on the recent increase in the size of my ass, but I am a calorie counter. In fact, some test even claimed that I might be slightly obsessed with my weight. I weigh my chicken before I put it in my salad, I measure out my fro yo and I always use sugar alternatives in my coffee.

Sometimes, though, I lose track of my goals and fall off the Diet Train. After weeks of avoiding anything battered, fried, or totally tasty, I may be found at the nearest BK picking up some fries. And a milkshake. And an apple pie, or two. Half an hour later, I will find myself feeling totally guilty and yelling at myself in the mirror before heading off to the gym to attempt to work off a fraction of the calories I just inhaled.

What? Is that not normal? Am I the only one who does that?

Yet even I, a self proclaimed crazy/calorie Nazi, do let myself enjoy a few delectable treats now and then. 100% totally guilt free. There are just some things in life that are too good to pass up, like sales at Marc Jacobs and wildly passionate sex….

Or these 5 Treats Totally Worth Eating No Matter How Much Weight You Need to Lose to Look Good In That New Bathing Suit:

1. Fried Oreos: If you have never had one of these you need to get up, buy a ticket to the Indiana State fair and get one. Yes, they are even worth traveling to the Midwest and fraternizing with Carnies. I can’t explain the goodness except to say that I ate 3 and did not feel guilty. For a second. I mean, come on, could there be anything better than frying an amazing cookie? I didn’t think so.

2. Olive Garden Breadsticks: The toasty bread and the smooth butter all tied together with a perfect blend of seasonings. MMM. I get hot just thinking about it. You don’t even need the soup or salad (though they are a nice helping of veggies to ease your carb-guilt). These sticks are worth every freaking calorie. Read More »