I am fully aware that Christmas isn’t for another 4,394,668 seconds, but since every other store in the world is getting ready I figured I should start to compile my wish list. You know, in case anyone wants to buy me something other than socks. Grandma, I’m looking at you!

Growing up I hated Christmas, mainly because my birthday is three days after it, but also because growing up with a sister your age meant twin gifts. Which, if anyone I ever know has twins I promise not to do. What are twin gifts you ask? Same gift but in a color suited to the person you’re giving it to. Not only were my sister an I (who are not twins) giving identical presents by relatives, we were also (as four siblings close in age) given quad. present by our parents. The only one to survive the identical gift curse was my little sister. Although she got enough red headed step child taunting from the rest of us to make up for it.

Now you may be thinking I am a spoiled brat and should be grateful for anything I get. Au contraire, mon ami. You see, I come from the school of thought: If you don’t have anything meaningful to give, don’t give anything at all. I hate that during this time of year it’s all about what greatest and latest gadgets we can get (which is sometimes meaningful) rather than what can I get that really means something to this person (*cough* like a blue tea pot filled with mementos *cough*).

Without further adieu here are my top things that Santa should really consider bringing me. After all, I’ve obviously made the nice list…

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Sometimes when people tell me that I should unplug my chargers when I’m not using them, or that I should not run my A/C as much as I do (I live in Florida!), I just brush it off. I understand and care about global warming and climate change, but it seems like such a big thing that nothing I do will help. BUT GUESS WHAT??? Climate change could ruin Starbucks! I’m going to start unplugging everything in my apartment because I don’t know what I’ll do if I can’t get my Java Chip Frappuccino in 20 years.

While we all know that college students rely on Starbucks to get them through all-nighters and early science labs, celebrities reply on Starbucks even more. I can’t go a day without seeing a paparazzi picture of some celebrity sipping through a green straw. What are these celebs going to do if climate change kills Starbucks? Maybe then their maids will have to make them coffee. GASP!

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I don’t like any mystery when it comes to my food (Is that a hair? No? It’s part of the salad? That’s interesting…), but secret menus from restaurants is something I do like! Ordering becomes a food-themed treasure hunt at these restaurant — from Starbucks’ secret size, to candy-based smoothies at Jamba Juice (sort of hypocritical but I’m not complaining). These 10 restaurants have more to offer than meets the menu-reading-eye!

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Adele is reconnecting with the guy who inspired ’21′: good or bad idea?

The secret to successful online dating

Starbucks partners with Alexander Wang?

The dark side of ‘The Avengers’ cast

Celebrity romance upgrades and downgrades

Maggie Gyllenhaal is a generous friend

Chord Overstreet is one Hot Teacher

10 Cheap dates to spice up your relationship

Ryan Gosling snuggles up to a bulldog

I’m graduating in less than a month. And even though that means I have some pretty great things to look forward to it also means that I’m leaving behind a pretty good life and some pretty good friends. And that’s the reason I’ve been sporadically crying for weeks a little bit upsetting. So instead I’m going to try to look on the bright side. I’m graduating. There will be a celebration. There will be a party. And that means there will be gifts. (There are also a lot of other things to look forward to after graduation.)

And while most of these gifts won’t be nearly as great as the list I’ve compiled in my head (and rightly so), I still feel like sharing it with you ladies. Mostly because I just want to daydream about these awesome graduation presents, but also because maybe one of my relatives will find this article after winning the lottery and feel bad about getting me a crappy high school graduation present all those years ago and surprise me with one of them.

But anyway, back to the point. After day dreaming about my graduation celebration I’ve compiled a list of dream gifts. Not gifts I expect to get. Not gifts I think I should get, but gifts I wish I could get. And now I’m sharing them with you. Get ready to drool ladies.

1. MacBook Air
This one is actually pretty practical. For a long time now I’ve been a PC girl, or a Dell girl to be more precise. But after four years and more fried hard drives and/or motherboards than I care to admit, I think it’s time for a change. Now that I’m out of college I no longer have to worry about my papers being compatible with my teachers and I want to make the switch to a Mac, but not just any Mac, the MacBook Air. It’s tiny and portable, and so, so pretty.

2. A Trip to Greece
Ever since I read The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants I’ve wanted to visit Greece. And every time I see it in a movie (Mamma Mia, My Life in Ruins, and lots of other chick flicks) my desire to visit the country only increases. There’s just something about it that appeals to me, ancient and beautiful, and full of gorgeous guys with great accents. A one way ticket is fine, thanks.

3. The iPhone 5
I’ve wanted the iPhone for a very long time. But not enough to give up my Verizon service plan. So I held off on entering the world of the smart phones for a while. Until last summer. When I finally caved and got the Blackberry. Just a few months before the iPhone came to Verizon. So now I have a 2-year Blackberry plan, and can’t upgrade without paying for the iPhone in all its full price glory. Something I will not do. I will, however, accept gifts.

4. A Shopping Spree
Come on, how could I pass up the opportunity to ask for a full-fledged shopping spree? I mean I’ll be a college graduate soon. So that means I need a college graduate’s wardrobe. Wish means I need to do lots and lots of shopping. For lots and lots of shoes business attire. It doesn’t have to be the whole mall, just Macy’s will be fine…please?

5. A Lifetime Supply of Starbucks
Just because I’m giving up all-nighters that doesn’t mean I’m giving up my caffeine fix. In fact, now that I’ll have to wake before the crack of dawn I’ll need my morning macchiato more than ever before. But trenta venti caramel macchiato’s don’t come cheap, especially on a post-grad budget. So if someone else could fit the bill I’d really appreciate it.

What about all the other seniors out there? What are your dream graduation gifts? Do any of these graduation gifts belong on your list?

Although it may not feel like it (what up gloves in March), but summer is coming. And with summer comes tank tops, short shorts and bikinis. You know you want to start getting in shape for all those beach photos, but you also know you’re not ready to cut out all your favorite snacks. After all, what is life without ice cream or cheese? What is a night out without beer followed by the drunk munchies.

Here are some suggestions on how to make your favorite and most unhealthy foods a little bit healthier. Although it’s not exactly the same, these options are still tasty AND they don’t include that guilty feeling in the pit of your stomach when you wake up the next morning spooning an empty pizza box. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself in June, when you’re feeling totally fabulous in that new string bikini.

You don’t need to give up your favorite junky foods while you’re trying to slim down — just keep these tweaks in mind and you’ll be cutting down on a lot of unwanted calories!

It’s probably the latter. But still, I can’t help but think that there are certain shopping experiences that really would be made easier if they could be done with some booze in hand…

1. Swimsuit shopping. Bring on the shots. If it were up to me no woman would ever have to endure such a horror sober. Take a shot of tequila before trying on any one piece. Two for tankinis. Three for bikinis. By then, they’ll all look great.

2. Holiday shopping. Holiday shopping is super stressful and extra annoying because you don’t even get to keep any of the stuff that you spend so much time picking out. You’re giving it all away. So next December get your peppermint mocha or eggnog spiked before you start your shopping.  I think it will go a lot more smoothly…

3. Lingerie Shopping. Similar to the swimsuit shopping experience, except the lingerie doesn’t stay on for nearly as long. Go with wine for this shopping experience. Take your girlfriends and have a little bit of a fashion show, and sip some red wine as you do. It’ll relax your nerves for when you buy the lingerie… and for when you use it.

4. Shopping for School Supplies. With book prices these days drinking while book buying should be mandatory. For every $50 you spend, take a shot. For every $100, chug a beer.  Do it before you head out on a Thursday night and you’ll kill two birds with one stone- school supply shopping and pregaming.

The possibilities for such occasions are endless. Tell me ladies, which shopping experiences do you wish you had a drink in hand for?

Happy Presidents’ Day, ladies!

That’s why your classes were canceled today, in case you were wondering. And why mattresses are “60% off TODAY ONLY!” So while we sleep in and high school students get a week off, and the rest of the world remembers all the great things our nation’s leaders have done for us, I’m going to  do some remembering of my own, but remembering a bit closer to home…

Remember (see I told you) when you were a little kid and you use to have to write those essays about what you did over summer vacation, what you wanted to be when you grew up, and oh yeah, what you would do if you were president for a day? Well, I’m finally getting around to writing mine. (Because I don’t know what else to do with myself now that I’ve finished my senior thesis.) In honor of Presidents’ Day I present to you, the top ten things I would change if I were president.

Disclaimer: This list is not to be taken seriously. These are not serious suggestions nor are they things I would ever actually consider doing if I were in such a situation of power. It’s just a little bit of fun.

10. Instead of the president’s most trusted advisors the cabinet will include the hottest guys in the U.S. Sure they may not be the brightest advisors a girl ever had, but they will sure make the work day a lot more enjoyable (And I’m sure they’d give quite a few of our past presidents’ advisors a run for their money.) First issue of discussion: who has the hottest abs? Well, I guess you’ll just have to take your shirts off and discuss.

9. Replace the White House bowling alley with a White House spa. Seriously, I mean I don’t know what the previous presidents were thinking. Who relaxes by bowling? Especially with those horrible shoes. Thanks but no thanks. I’ll take a massage table, some scented candles, and a facial any day.

8.  Instead of vacationing at Camp David I’ll vacation at Disney World. Why vacation at a country retreat when you can go to Disney World – the greatest place on earth? I don’t know about you, but if I’m gonna be spending a week surrounded by rodents, I prefer mine with squeaky voices and comically oversized shoes.

7.  Upon completion of their degrees, college students get their tuition back. My gift to college students everywhere. If they managed to make it through four years of partying hard work and dedication to their studies they deserve a reward. I would know.

6.  There really will be a Starbucks on every corner. And of course, the president drinks for free. What? I’d need to stay caffeinated, okay? Have you ever seen me with less than sixteen ounces of caffeinated caramel goodness in my system? No. You haven’t. And there’s a reason for that.

5. Margarita Mondays will become a nationally observed holiday. Okay so maybe margaritas all day wouldn’t be the best idea. But at least a mandatory margarita during a mandatory 5 p.m. cocktail hour on Mondays. It will boost everyone’s mood and make it all the more interesting for those that have to return to work after their drinks. Don’t you think?

4. Add zebra stripes to the white house. Come on. The place hasn’t been painted since 1800. It could use a bit of a spruce up.

3. State of the Union address will involve a rundown of the previous year’s fashion trends. Okay so I don’t actually have a legitimate excuse for this one, but I just think that it would be more fun to go back and pick out the best and worst fashion mistakes of the past year than to discuss the nation’s successes and failures. Not necessarily as productive, but definitely more entertaining. Especially if my Secretary of Style, Joan Rivers, was sitting behind me.

2.  My presidential salary will include a special shoe shopping budget. This is totally reasonable. I mean I’ll be attending tons of important functions every week. That will require lots and lots of cute outfits and lots and lots of cute shoes to go with said outfits. And if my budget allows for those shoes to be Louboutins, Jimmy Choos, and Manolo Blahniks, then so be it. I am serving my country, after all.

1. Make CollegeCandy the required reading material for the entire universe. If not for the entire United States population (I’m not sure I want my mom gettin’ this on her Google Reader) than at least for all the college girls out there. It’s for their own good, I assure you.

[Check out Jenn's other musings-in-the-form-of-a-list here.]

Four weeks. And it’s nearly over. Wow.

I have to say this has been an amazing experience. Like I said at the start, I’ve never been a huge coffee drinker. A cup of tea suffices if I have an 8am class; I’m not one of those people who needs coffee to literally function. Nevertheless, it’s not been easy.

This week hasn’t been too bad, at least compared to the previous weeks. No jet lag, no trips round London, no horribly early starts. There have been a few moments when I almost caved. My homework assignments seem to have appeared from nowhere meaning that only two weeks in I’m already stuck in the library. There were a couple of moments where I walked past the coffee shop and thought “should I…?” but forced myself to walk past. I have gazed enviously at the hands clenched around paper cups in my early morning classes, I have wistfully imagined the extra surge of life a coffee would give me in such classes. But I was strong. And now it’s over.

I have learned a lot from this experience. I was thinking back today and I think over the course of the month I have only drank two or three energy drinks. I tend to turn to them a lot in moments of weakness as the sugar-free ones are calorie free and I like my coffee milky (read: fatty). However, even when faced with the prospect of one a few times, I have chosen to just carry on. This challenge has taught me the importance of an early night, especially when I have an early start. I was sick for a few days last week and I was overwhelmed by an urge for coffee. I chose sleep instead, which I’m sure was a much better cure.

Another important aspect is the calories I’ve saved. I’ve been dieting since New Year and it’s easy to forgot how even those 100-calorie skinny lattes build up. I definitely think giving up coffee has helped me with my weight loss goals.

Finally, the money aspect. I think I have visited the coffee shop twice in the two weeks I’ve been back. They don’t have the kind of tea I like and I’m rarely in the mood for hot chocolate. It was all-too-easy to grab a coffee in a morning and not think about three dollars here or there. I haven’t been keeping track but I’m sure I’ve saved at least $10 a week not drinking coffee. Not a lot, sure, but it’s $10 more for me!!

I have definitely learned from this challenge that I can cope without coffee. That I can power through the day with my own natural energy without having to resort to a jolt of caffeine. Like I said, it hasn’t been easy, but it’s definitely encouraged me to walk past the coffee shop without succumbing to the lovely smell. I definitely encountered many obstacles this month with long days of traveling, early flights and jet lag, but I’ve done it. I probably won’t give up coffee forever because I do enjoy it, but I will be cutting down how frequently I drink it (from several times a week to maybe just once or twice). I would definitely encourage everyone to give this a try, even for a week. You’ll be surprised how much natural energy you have lurking inside.

[Check out the other One Month Challenges we've taken on. And if you've got a challenge you want to tackle (and be held accountable for), email us and we could feature you next month. Come on - it's good for you!]

Yes, it’s a coffee so large, I’m not even sure I’ll be able to see over it. But hey, I mean that’s just one con, among endless and endless amounts of pros. You thought Four Loko got you going? Think of what you can do on 31 ounces of iced caramel macchiato!

….No? Can’t think yet? Haven’t hit up Starbucks for your daily caffeine requirement? Don’t worry, we have (twice) and we’ve got 31 things you can do with those 31 ounces:

1. Do an entire semester’s worth of homework in one night.

2. Start your own sorority. You know, build the house from the ground up, petition for recognition from Pan-Hellenic, and initiate new members. You should be done before sunrise.

3. Write out 15 finals in one hour. Just think of all the Blue Books!

4. Save some money on Spring Break! No need for air fare. Just fuel up and fly on over by yourself. Just you know, pack light.

5. Set up your audition packet for The Bachelor. Be sure to include a singing number, a dancing number, your special talent, five photos of yourself, and a video of yourself crying, laughing, expressing your undying devotion for the love of your life, getting into a cat fight, and going absolutely, completely insane. Then, you know, sew six or seven pageant dresses for the cocktail parties.

6. Work on your average WPM (words per minute, yo!). They thought 100+ was good? Psh! You’re up to 1000+! Amateurs.

7. Rotate the earth backwards on its axis. What, did superman think he was special or something?

8. Facebook-stalk everyone on your floor the first night back.

9. Petition for the legalization of Four Loko. After all, look at the benefits of caffeine? It can do WONDERS!

10. Solve that whole global warming problem. A few patches in the ozone layer here, a few patches there, some repositioning of the polar ice caps, and you’re good. You might even have some spare time to grab a muffin to go with that coffee of yours.

11. Finish my senior thesis for me.

12. Pull an all-nighter to start and finish that paper. On second thought, pull an all-monther.

13. Make your own formal dress, sequins and all.

14. Enter one of those “win what’s in your cart after five minutes” supermarket contests. Then use your earnings to solve world hunger. Someone’s got to do it, right?

15. Apply for an after-school job as an auctioneer. Or the spokeswoman for the new, 2011 Micro Machines.

16. Have one of those forbidden parties at your parents’ house…and use the Trenta cup to collect all those empty cans.

17. Train for and run a marathon…in one day.

18. Have the kind of night that would make for a really awesome Morning After story.

19. Graduate a few years early.

20. Start and finish your Christmas shopping early. Like, you know, years in advance, early.

21. Run on over to Hollywood and give Angelia and Johnny a piece of your mind for being so damn sensitive.

22. Grab your boyfriend and start practicing.

23. Start your own pub crawl. Except it wouldn’t be so much a crawl as it would be a marathon. Sip. Shot. Run. Sip. Shot. Run. Anyone? Well, I’m in.

24. Spa night! Makeovers for everyone… ON CAMPUS!

25. Spend a day creating your own reality TV show! Come up with a concept. Hold auditions. Shoot the pilot and send it (or run it) on over to MTV. I’ll be looking out for your new show, College on Caffeine.

26. Spend the first few nights of classes getting your hands on all the syllabi on campus. Create a study guide for each class. Sell them to make some quick cash.

27. Revamp your wardrobe. Go through your clothes, mix and match. Try pairing some different pieces together. Plan out some outfits. For the rest of your life. Find your wedding dress, your formal dress, a few bridesmaid dress ideas for your BFFs, your child’s first Halloween costume…

28. Two words. SPEED DATING!

29. Spend a few hours organizing EVERYTHING. Clothes. Books. Files. Shoes. Trash. Food. Just clean it all up. Oh, so that’s what your floor looks like? You didn’t remember that did you?

30. Start your own nonprofit organization. Who needs Habitat for Humanity? You can build houses for the homeless. And you can do it in one night. By yourself. With your bare hands. Obviously.

31. Take on a few or fifty of our DIY yourself projects.

Oh and when you’re done, take a big-ass nap.