I was one of those kids that never really got homesick when I was in college. While my friends would have occasional breakdowns and cry about not being with their families or their hometown friends, I never spent too much time dwelling on what I could have been missing at home – I was too busy doing everything else. But now, as a fully functioning member of real life, I think I’m suffering from my first adult case of homesickness.

Maybe it’s the advent of fall or just the general time of year – back to school – but everything just feels off. While everyone on the East coast is talking about the leaves starting to change, I’m anxiously awaiting for some kind of sign that a seasonal change is about to take place. While I’m looking to head back to school next year, Facebook is blowing up with status updates about first day of classes, professor quotes, and new discoveries out in the real world.

And as the world turns, well – I just feel like something is missing.

Despite running around like a chicken with its head cut off interning in Los Angeles and studying wayyyy more than I ever did in college for one little test known as the LSAT, I feel like what little downtime I have is making me feel like I’m missing something out there – but I can’t necessarily put my finger on it.

Yes, college is over. No more Solo cup littered lawns, boys in bowties for no reason, the dining hall’s Swedish meatballs, the anxious anticipation for traditions, and the engaging class discussions. It’s over, and I don’t really wish I could do it over again. So, what is this feeling? Maybe my body feels like I should be back in some hardwood floored dorm room watching the leaves fall onto the quad, and it hasn’t synched with my mind that certainly knows I don’t really want to be there.

Maybe I’m just waiting for something to happen. This whole LSAT process involves a lot of practice – a lot of constant build up. Since things are up in the air until my mailbox has admissions letters, maybe this feeling will stick around – and I should just accept it.  But boy, it’s making me homesick, and living out in California is one of the most interesting experiences. Some days, I feel like the luckiest person alive – living mere minutes from the beach. And then other days, I feel like I’m being swallowed by this soulless place.

Knowing this humors me though. The minute I go back home, whether it’s to live or to visit, I know I will be ready to leave again. To find something new.  Maybe everything I wanted was right in front of me throughout the last four years, and now everything I want is scattered across the United States – including myself.

All in all, this dilemma of homesickness and the feelings of something missing makes me think everything I’ve ever read about being a twenty-something is right: you really are always on the search for something, and there’s no one telling you how or when or where you’ll find it.

So maybe that’s what I’m homesick for – the certainty and routine that life in college can provide. Well, that and 3-day weekends. Those were nice.

You got a big, bad internship this summer? Living in a big, bad city? Not a clue what to do? CollegeCandy’s got you covered. We’ve got ladies in all pockets of the U.S.A. and we’re gonna be your private guides to the biggest internship destination cities around: New York, Chicago, D.C. and Los Angeles. If you’re looking for the best place for a deal, the best weekend excursion, or best bars to drink (with a fake), stick with us.]

Ah, Los Angeles. The city where dreams come true; where any long-legged, doe-eyed girl can become an actress; and where you can make it big, REAL big!  Yes, that may be a slight exaggeration, but L.A is a place of delicious food, great culture, and really, really cheap bars. While you may think running into Julia Roberts and George Clooney is like catching a bus (it is – but you try catching a bus in L.A.), celebrities aren’t the only thing that make up this wonderful city. That’s why I’m here to guide you through L.A, like a true Angelino. We all know about the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Grauman Chinese Theatre, but what makes this city so great is the little quirky gems that only locals know (and rarely share).

Put on your sunglasses and get ready, the Cali sun isn’t so forgiving.

Best Cupcakes: Heard of Sprinkles? Yes you probably have. It’s where the West Coast Cupcakes craze originated, right at the heart of it all: Beverly Hills. Their famous red velvet cupcake is, in my opinion, the best piece of heaven you will ever have in your mouth. People have compared these cupcakes to crack, because they are just so damn good. You might wait an hour for 5 cupcakes, but it’s so worth it.

Have Your Hot Dog and your Celebrity Sighting Too: If you watch Entourage, you’ve heard of Pink’s (Hollywood) Hot Dogs. It’s where everyone from the hottest celebs to those D-list go to get their hot dog fix. Right off Melrose Ave, the added bonus of getting your tasty hot dog here is you actually might see a celebrity stuffing their face with a wiener. What a sight.

Brunch it Up: While the ladies of The Hills hit up some of L.A.’s hottest brunch spots, they have definitely missed the all time best brunch in L.A. Or maybe even the country. The Griddle Cafe, located in West Hollywood, is unreal. There are no other words. You could go for one of their healthy and totally tasty egg dishes or you can live it up and indulge in the culinary masterpieces those breakfast geniuses are cooking up in the kitchen. My favorite: the french toast coated in Nutter Butter cookies. No, I am not joking. I have been dreaming about that dish since I ate it last summer and I’d camp out for days just to get a bite of it again.

Get Your Tan On: Yes, us Californians do love our beaches…and there are tons of them! But nothing beats the scene and people at Venice Beach, where you can not only get nice and crispy, but also participate in a range of activities: Henna tattoos, skating on the boardwalk, ice cone dipping, and have the most interesting people come up to you for money (I’m looking at you, Mr. Naked Man with dreadlocks).

Nightlife: Los Angeles has a pretty insane bar scene that stretches across this expansive city. If red carpets and velvet ropes aren’t your thing, though, there is still plenty to do. If you’re looking to unwind and grab a drink, Backstage Bar & Grill is the place to be. Known for its food and karaoke, tons of Angelino scram to this bar whenever the Lakers are playing. And if you just want to stroll and enjoy the night, tons of little boutiques in Echo Park might just seal the deal. You’ll find everything from Lady GAGA inspired glasses to some interesting people weirdos. Just walk in packs and you’ll be OK.

Hidden Shopping Gem: Most tourists don’t know about this spot, but here at CollegeCandy, you guys know we always get the scoop. The best place to shop here in the City of Angels is not Rodeo Drive or The Grove, but rather, the Santee Alley in downtown L.A. It’s like New York’s Chinatown but so. much. better. Yes, it’s in an alley and yes, that seems sorta shady, but this little pocket of shopping heaven is a gold mine waiting to be exploited. The stalls are packed with everything you could ever want – trendy dresses, accessories, shoes, bags – at super cheap prices. And I’m not talking horrible Louis Vuitton knock-offs. I scored two pairs of gladiator sandals, eerily similar to $80 Steve Maddens, for $20. TOTAL.

Get Cultural: If you’re super artsy and into museums, LA’s a ton of museums that are to die for. The Getty is a privately owned museum that is known for its eclectic collection, while the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Arts (the MOCA, for short) houses some of the most famous paintings and artworks (Giacometti, anyone?) in history.

Freebies: Hollywood is known for its glitz and glamour, but living in LA also means spending loads of moolah. If you’re looking for some free but really great entertainment then head to the world famous Amoeba Music, a record store that also doubles as a place for famous musicians to do a sit-in show. Don’t believe me? Thom Yorke stopped by a couple of summers ago and performed a free, one hour set. Hail to the Chief, bitch!

If comedy is more your thing, why not go catch a free taping of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno? You do have to enter yourself for tickets (3-4 weeks in advance is probably best), but it’s free and a great way to spend your afternoon. What could be better: celebs + comedy + music.

And if you want to stay in shape but can’t afford an L.A. gym, head over to Runyon Canyon for an early morning hike. You’ll break a sweat, tighten that butt and get insanely beautiful views of the city.

Got anything else people have to see in L.A.? Share it below!

Is bitchiness contagious, cuz Jordana definitely caught it.

So it’s finally time for Fashion Week. Fashion Week that happened a year ago, but a big moment for those designers who made it through, nonetheless. It’s been a long journey. 12 challenges and ots of lost talent along the way (we’re talking mostly to you, Ra’Mon!). But after last night’s episode, I can honestly say that those judges finally did some good…er…judging.

So let’s give a big thanks to Cindy Crawford. You go, girl. And, DAMN, you look good.

Last night’s challenge was to find some inspiration at L.A.’s Getty Center. I’m not quite sure what that place was or what the purpose of it is, but the mayor was quite proud of it so I went along for the ride. Each designer could choose anything in there to inspire a look and then go to it.

I’m not sure what happened along the way, but it seems that Christopher must have taken a wrong turn somewhere and ended up at a David’s Bridal booth at the Renaissance Fair. The “dress” he put together was heavy, ugly and pretty infuriating if you ask me. And you’re reading this post, so you definitely asked.

"Why'd I get stuck with the weird guy?"

As Chris was constructing this monstrosity, he confessed: “I know my place…I’m the wacky, weird guy.”

No, Christopher, you’re the mentally and stylistically challenged guy who somehow snuck by this far and took a spot from someone who really deserved it. Hell, even Nicolas deserved to make it further than you and he made these. Your sense of style is non-existent, and you’re far too literal with your designing. Really? You drew green flowers on your dress to represent the moss? Welcome to 4th grade, Chris.

And then there’s Jordana. Between her emotional ups and downs (one minute she’s Meana Irina’s BBFF [bitchy BFF] and the next she’s sobbing from some spiritual moment with a painting) she finds her inspiration in a Monet. Or was it a vagina? Because from here it looks a lot like a vagina. A big vagina dress.

"It's like a pencil in a hallway...."

Don’t tell you don’t see it. I saw it the moment that girl came strutting down the runway. And I think the judges saw it, too. Hence their decision. With Paris Hilton doing her thing at Fashion Week, there isn’t room for any more giant vaginas in Bryant Park.

Zing!

Anyways, let’s get to the good stuff. Well, the better stuff, at least. Everyone’s designs looked a hot mess this challenge, but it’s good to see the judges still made the right choice when it came to sending the top 3 to Fashion Week. Althea, Carol Hannah and Irina (even if she’s a giant bitch) have been consistent throughout the season. They all have a unique style and, being that I was betting on Althea from the beginning, I can’t wait to see what these girls bring to the Big Apple.

Well, besides Irina’s ‘tude, Carol Hannah’s nervous laugh and the nipples that inevitably show in all of Althea’s designs.

Wow, I’m actually excited to watch next week! Who ever thought that was possible?!

I came into college with a well thought-out plan of what I wanted to do with my life. I wanted to go to film school, live in Los Angeles, be a writer for television and maybe one day direct movies.

I never figured a boyfriend into my whole equation.

So now that I have one it feels like I have to somehow stick to my plan and ambitions while figuring in someone else’s. It’s MUCH harder than it sounds.

I’m from a medium sized city that was boring as hell growing up. I couldn’t wait to go to a big college in a big city to get away. I like being busy, I like having a lot of people to befriend, and I love being so close to Austin’s famous sixth street and live bands. I’ve always been a city girl and I want to stay a city girl. Matt, on the other hand, is a homebody. He’s from a small city and would much rather go back to live there (or somewhere like it) after college. He hates big cities because the driving is too dangerous, crime is high, and he is very content staying at home every night. Even though we’re in the same major, he wants to work at small town TV stations while I want to work in Hollywood.

Big difference in opinions…so what do we do about it?

I bet you’re thinking that this is supposed to be the part where I shed my somewhat wise opinion on the matter, but honestly, I don’t know what to do either. I want to be my own woman but if I’m going to stay with Matt the rest of my life (and that’s my plan) there’s going to have to be some sacrifices. It comes with the territory. And these sacrifices aren’t even something I mind. Yeah, when I started out on this journey I had big, lofty goals of Hollywood, but things have changed and now I’ve got something else (something wonderful) to consider in my planning.

I’ve laid the ground rules out and Matt and I have come to a few conclusions. He’s agreed to put my career first because he can pretty much work anywhere with what he wants to do. That means that it’s up to me to choose which city works best for me and he’ll make it work. That being said, I’m not going to force LA down Matt’s throat knowing how he feels about it, so I’m going to look everywhere but LA first.

And that’s where we’re at. He’s making concessions for me and I’m making concessions for him. We’re both holding onto our futures and our plans, they’re both just a little different than how we first imagined them. And I don’t know how this is all going to work, but it’s working for now and that’s all that really matters.

Anyone out there got some advice for people in this sort of situation? Have you given up your future to follow someone else? Has someone done that for you? Share!

This week we hit up the West Coast as we examine the two hottest schools in Los Angeles- the University of Southern California and the University of California- Los Angeles. Amidst the beautiful SoCal climate and a city rife with movie sets and superstars, private USC and public UCLA compete to find out which is most elite in the City of Angels.

1. Superior Sport

USC – The Trojans are known as “the football school” and have been awarded the NCAA national title in football eleven times, including back-to-back titles in 2003 and 2004.  They are perennially ranked in the Top 10 football programs in the BCS by ESPN, USA Today, and other publications. And Trojans have taken home the Heisman Trophy seven times.
UCLA - Meanwhile, the Bruins are known as powerhouses in basketball–also earning eleven NCAA titles. Seven of these championships were won consecutively, from 1967-1973.  UCLA is also the all-time leader in total NCAA national titles across all sports.

Meanwhile, the Lexus Gauntlet is an annual all-sports competition between the two schools sponsored by Lexus. Points are awarded for every victory (particularly in head-to-head match ups)  in NCAA-sanctioned competitions, with the school with the most points declared as the winner. (There is also a separate Lexus Gauntlet awarded to the winner of the Stanford-Berkeley rivalry.)  In the eight years of Lexus Gauntlet tradition, USC has walked away with five titles.

Three credits to: TIE.  The two schools pulled a draw in NCAA titles in their respective predominant sport.  On the one hand, the Lexus Gauntlet record gives the Trojans the edge, but UCLA also has the most NCAA titles of any school. Too close to call!!

2. Terrific Traditions

USC – Trojans can’t withhold their affections for Traveler, the magnificent white horse ridden by a student in full Greek armor at every football game, and Tommy Trojan, the iconic statue of the school’s mascot found on campus. But Songfest, an annual talent show in which frats & sororities compete against one another to benefit the charity TroyCamp, is a highlight of the social calendar. When it comes to hatin’ on their crosstown rivals, some USC students once set loose thousands of crickets on the UCLA campus.
UCLA - Like the Trojans, UCLA also has its own child-oriented charity called UniCamp.  Students donning blue and gold love exhibiting card stunts (flashing the university logo, for instance) at basketball games and occasionally dousing Tommy Trojan with UCLA-colored paint.

Three Credits to: USC, for the campus-rockin Songfest.

3. Hottest (LA) Hood

USC - Located in University Park, USC is adjacent to the Los Angeles Coliseum and sits on Figueroa Street, which connects the school to the Staples Center and historic Chinatown.
UCLA - The Bruins are located in the Westwood Village section of Los Angeles, a wealthy and scenic section of town that is home to several vintage movie theaters and stretches of beautiful homes.  Oh, and the Playboy Mansion is just a hop, skip, and jump away!

Three credits to:  UCLA - who doesn’t want to party with Hef?

4. Ass-kicking Alumni

USC –  Neil Armstrong, Will Ferrell, Whitney Port
UCLA – Lo Bosworth, Francis Ford Coppola, James Franco

Three credits to: Let’s see…Whitney is SO much cooler than Lo on The Hills, and while Will Ferrell can make me pee my pants, I’d rather have James Franco in them. It’s another close one, but I’m going to have to go with UCLA because others have walked on the moon, but only FFC could have directed the masterpiece The Godfather with such genius.

5. Acceptance Rate Agony

USC- 22% of over 35,000 applicants were accepted for the class of 2012.
UCLA-  22.7% for the university with the largest number of applicants in the United States (over 55,000!)

Three credits to:  USC…by a nose!!

And the diploma goes to: …its a TIE! Seriously, its too close to call who wins this rivalry. Both schools boast terrific academics, athletics, and high-profile alumni–how can you choose? For all of you Angelenos out there, what do you think?

I’ll be honest – if I didn’t read CollegeCandy, I never would have known about MTV’s new show, House of Jazmin. I’d like to say it’s because I don’t bother with the dribble on MTV, but the real reason is because I get so engrossed in the drama on MTV shows that I am forced to fast-forward straight through the commercials and miss everything that is comin’ up.

So I watched this new show, AKA MTV’s answer to the loss of Lauren Conrad. MTV’s attempt at another show that might possibly gross as much money for the network as The Hills. MTV’s response to people who complained about how scripted/fake/annoying The Hills is.

And what did we get?
A real girl who is driven and talented and adorable.

And boring!

I am the first person to stand up and throw stuff at the TV during an episode (or full day marathon) of The Hills; I hate all the BS drama and how fake of a life LC and her friends are living in L.A. I’ve been begging for something more realistic to show people what life is really like in the real world, but now that I have it I realize why it’s never been done before.

It’s just really boring. There is a reason I don’t have my own reality show and it’s because it would consist of a lot of me sitting in front of my laptop or eating cereal out of the box in front of my TV. It’s not TV-worthy, and either is Jazmin’s life.

I watch MTV because I want to see music videos (ha! who am I kidding!?) be entertained by the bullsh*t. I wanna be swept away in someone else’s ridiculous dramz for a bit. Drama that is a-plenty on other MTV shows:

Drama on The Hills: Heidi and Spencer tell the world about Lauren Conrad’s giant…lady parts.
Drama on The Real World: Fork throwing, punching, someone getting sent home because he can’t handle a job running Spring Break in Cancun….

Drama on House of Jazmin: A model’s eyeshadow didn’t match everyone else’s in the show. Oh, and the bartender was late to the fashion show. (Although I can see how a party without booze is a serious issue…)

Hell, the only interaction Ms. Jazmin had with a male was the old man in the fabric store…when she was bartering for fabric.

I am impressed with Jazmin’s talent and success at such a young age – she’s a great role model for young women, which MTV needed – but I’m just not sure I’m sold on her show. As much as I hate on The Hills, I live for that stuff. My life is boring enough on its own – I don’t need to watch someone else’s.

But I will. I’ll watch it every week and see if it gets any better (or if Jazmin’s grandmother can indeed get those models to eat) and break it all down here.

Lindsay Lohan’s getting sued.

So what causes the beer belly, anyway?

Chase Crawford and Zac Efron say goodbye to man-bangs.

Just how bad are your health vices?

10 crimes committed against women by reality TV.

As far as men go, few come as manly as Harrison Ford. The legendary actor has starred in two epic sagas (as Hans Solo in Star Wars and as the title character in the Indiana Jones series), playing some of cinema’s favorite alpha-male roles with grit and wry humor. I’ve seen him stare death in the face more times than I can count, and his iron resolve is just about the sexiest effing thing in the galaxy.

But while Harrison has been a bona-fide movie star for over 30 years, no film of his could ever compare to his gold-standard portrayal of the Commander in Chief in Air Force One. If I had to estimate, I would say I’ve seen AFO over 20 times. The film has it all: cheesy dialogue, crazed Russian political zealots, fighter jets, and my boy Harrison grunting, “Get off my plane!” while choking a villain to death (auto-erotic asphyxiation, anyone?).  I honestly began dating someone in high school because we both loved Air Force One. Seriously. (The boyfriend and I parted ways, but I still love ol’ Harry.)

Harrison’s newest flick (opening today in theaters) is Crossing Over, about immigrants in Los Angeles, and co-stars Ray Liotta and Ashley Judd. Something tells me that I can expect to see my favorite silver fox’s steely gaze make me weak in the knees, regardless of what happens in the film. The man practically has a contract clause that stipulates he must play the strongest, most virile character in any film (and at age 66, he’s the only actor I know of who can pull it off with aplomb).

Speaking of contracts, Harrison hasn’t signed marriage papers with longtime girlfriend Calista Flockhart. Though the 1998 People Magazine Sexiest Man Alive has been twice wedded before, he hasn’t taken the plunge this time around. Perhaps he knows there’s a sprightly young gal like myself ready to eff? I can dream!

Vampires on the prowl in LA.

How many countries can you name in 5 minutes?

ABC cancels a whole bunch of TV shows.

Angelina controls the media.

How to get discounts on beauty products!

George Clooney looks like a hot mess.

Single ladies aren’t the only ones putting a ring on it

How to avoid having sex.

Chocolates for Thanksgiving.

Tips for studying for finals without losing your head.

Could the rumors be true?

Is Lauren Conrad packing up and moving out of The Hills?

LC recently stated, “It’s coming to a point where I love this show so much, but I’m ready to kind of walk away. I’ve been doing it for five years now. Five years on TV is a really, really long time.”

True story, LC. Not to mention the fact that the show is slightly unbelievable these days. Come on; why are you still going to school? You just presented a freaking EMMY! How is the show your real life when you are a celeb in real life, not a struggling college student interning for a monster? And it is kind of annoying that we are all forced to pretend to wonder what happens with you and your friends/boy toys when you are all over the gossip mags/websites/etc.

But still – I am totally crying.

If Lauren leaves the show, that means there will be. no. show. And that means that I will have nothing to live for (besides Gossip Girl, Ugly Betty, and The Office, of course). Who will I tear apart every week if Heidi and Spencer are no longer on TV? How will I feel better about myself if I don’t have Stephanie Pratt to compare myself to?

How will I go on?

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[Photo courtesy of our pal, JustJared.com]