Real and "real" women

Lots of people are really, really excited about Aerie's "real model" spring campaign. And yes, it's a huge step in the right direction in an industry that's incredibly focused on altering the bodies of already thinner, taller and more in shape than average women... but that's the point. These models are already thinner, taller, more in shape and therefore more conventionally attractive than the average women.

I admire Aerie for taking this first step, but can't help feeling that it still isn't enough -- there needs to be more attention to putting genuinely real women in print media and fashion advertising.

Study Break: Her Campus

Moving away from home for the first time can be scary and overwhelming! One website I’ve found to be helpful (and a great study break!) is Her Campus. The website features tips and articles about all aspects of college life, like surviving tough classes, navigating the college social scene, and staying healthy on campus. You can also read about specific schools on the website’s Pre-Collegiette Guide, written by real current students.

Check it out!

https://www.hercampus.com

Food for Thought: Mike's Pastries

Before making the long bus ride up to school I always make a pitstop in one of my favorite cities….Boston. My draw to Boston for it's amazing history and culturel is even more enhanced by the fact that Boston has more reputable colleges surrounding it than any other city in the World! Naturally the young adult network there is bar none. A good amount of friends from high school attend colleges there and we always make sure to satisfy our sweet-tooths. So, when I arrive in town my friends from Wellesley College ( a small women's college) always insist on going to Mike's Pastry. 

Mike's Pastry is located in the North-End of Boston…or Little Italy! When you enter the shop, be aware of the crowds, while your eyes glisten and mouth water over the pastries, you will easily lose your friends in the mob. 

When you finally get a cannoli in your hand you will find the marscapone rich and a crust with a perfect flake. 

Venture to the North End and order the chocolate chip! You won't regret it! 

Beating the Winter Chill

As a California girl, I was not at all prepared for New England winters. I had no choice but to learn to walk very quickly and layer up. I've found that hats and scarves make a huge difference. Also, when it gets really frigid (like today), I will even wear tights or thigh high socks underneath my jeans--big game-changer. It's always tough to strike a balance between staying warm while you are outside and not getting too hot when you're in the very heated classrooms. Anyways, here's what I'm loving right now...

New England Winter Essentials

Just Keep Swimming

photo via

When I first came to college, I had absolutely no idea what I was doing. I came from a small high school with a tight knit group of friends, and soon found myself lost. I had so much free time that I didn't know what to do with myself, let alone how to make new friends. I called my sister for advice, and she told me to be patient (something I'm not very good at), and give everything some time. As an older sister, of course she was right, and a few weeks later I felt like I had been on campus for years. Whether you're starting at a new school, a new activity, or are just feeling overwhelmed, don't give up! Pretty soon you'll feel like a pro, so like Dory says, just keep swimming!

A tidy dorm, a tidy mind...

The key: Unpack!

I am not the biggest fan of packing/unpacking but it's so important to make your dorm your own space. I always like having a couple of hours on my first day back to really make my dorm my own again. Make sure to take the time to organize your clothes and put away those toiletries. I also love decorating my room. There will be a post to come on decorations (I tend to go a little crazy).

Whether you are hanging out with friends, studying for a midterm, or just unwinding - it's so much nicer to do when your room doesn't look like this:

My floor before unpacking my suitcase.

Introduction: Shani B

Name: Shani B

Class Year: 2014

Major: Linguistics Modified with Women's and Gender Studies

HELLO my gorgeous viewers! 

My name is Shani and I am a senior at a small New England college. I was born and raised in Waltham, MA. My parents hail from JAMAICA and my heritage is EXTREMELY important to me. While in college I have been involved in many things. I am a founder of a new Caribbean group on my campus. I do a lot of singing on campus and I currently run my own singing group at church.  I have fallen head-over-heels in love with my sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and I am the current Vice President and Step/Stroll Mistress for my chapter. I have been stepping since high school so I love the opportunity to share my passion with my sorority sisters. So blessed to have such wonderful sisters! 

I love to COOK and BAKE...Jamaican food, American food, basically anything.

Oh! And my favorite color is PURPLE!