Important Vitamins Every Fit Girl Should Know About (SPONSORED)

Hello, beautiful! I partnered up with the company care/of to bring you this amazing collab about one of my favorite things in the world: vitamins, of course!

Call me nerdy, but I LOVE reading up on different vitamins, minerals and supplements and the positive effects they can have on your body. So, naturally, when I learned about care/of's personalized approach to vitamins, I just HAD to get my hands on a subscription.

care/of takes an individualized approach to vitamins and minerals by offering a quiz to determine what vitamins, minerals and other supplements might benefit you and your lifestyle. It takes every aspect of your life into consideration, from what state you live in, to whether or not you eat fish, to how much alcohol you drink, and then offers its personalized recommendations in the form of a "pack."

When you subscribe to care/of, you then get mailed thirty of those individual "packs," aka a month's supply. care/of makes taking your vitamins simple because instead of opening four bottles in the morning and carefully counting out the right dose, care/of does the hard work for you - all you have to do is tear open the pack and swallow!

Between my specialized diets (from vegetarian, to vegan, and now pescatarian) and various health concerns, I've learned a lot about vitamins over the years and what they can do for you. Some people, like one of my favorite YouTubers, Nikki Phillippi, even believe that vitamins can rescue you from serious illness when all else fails. I'm not sure how far my faith in vitamins goes exactly, but I do think they're an important addition to (note: NOT replacement for!) a healthy diet.

care/of's personalized vitamin quiz also taught me a lot about vitamins and their various properties. For example, I learned about the important role of vitamin D in our bodies - and how difficult it can be to get it when you live above the equator. After I learned that, I did some more research and found out some shocking statistics. Did you know that at least 10% of people living in the U.S. suffer from vitamin D deficiency (according to Google)? I certainly didn't!

If you're interested in fitness and health even a little bit, vitamins should be on your mind. Whether you're a hardcore vitamin enthusiast or just getting started, I hope you'll learn something new from the information I've compiled about vitamins. But first, let me tell you about my personalized packets from care/of and what I take every day to keep my body healthy and strong...

What's in my pack...

Every morning when I tear open a packet of care/of vitamins, six pills tumble out for me to take. Those pills supply me with the vitamins I need to make up for deficiencies, strengthen my bones and overall just take care of my body in a positive, healthy way! 

So, what's in one of my morning vitamin packs from care/of? I'm going to tell you, of course, but first a word of caution: since care/of focuses on an individualized approach to vitamins, my pack will most likely look different from yours. It's in no way a medicalized recommendation for what you should or have to take to be healthy and happy - your body is your body, and only you (and your doctor, who you should always consult before taking a new supplement) know it best!

That being said, each one of my care/of packs contains each of the following:

1. Three capsules of calcium. Calcium is important for everyone, but especially important for women, since our risk of osteoporosis is higher than the risk for men. I take calcium because I don't eat much dairy, even since quitting being vegan, and our body doesn't absorb plant-based sources of calcium as well as it absorbs the calcium from animal products.
2. One capsule of vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is one of those pesky vitamins you can only get from eating meat and dairy - and since I don't eat meat and don't love eating dairy, I don't always get the amount of B12 I need to stay healthy and happy.
3. One capsule of iron. Often, when women don't eat meat, they don't get enough iron in their diets - especially since iron is another vitamin that isn't absorbed as well from plants as it is from meat. Since I'm pescatarian, I take an iron supplement instead of digging into a steak to keep my levels where they need to be. NOTE: please consult your doctor before taking iron supplements, since you can overdose if you're not careful! 
4. One capsule of probiotics. There's lots of emerging research to support the importance of this gut-healthy bacteria in our immune system. However, as a woman, let me just say that it's especially important to keep that healthy bacteria in balance! I started taking probiotics two years ago, when I had my first yeast infection (of many) - and ever since then, I truly believe that probiotics have helped both my digestion and my vaginal flora function at their best.

While everyone's vitamin regimen is different (and uniquely personal to them), this is simply what I like to take to look and feel my best. 

The Top 10 Vitamins (and Minerals) for College Girls

Now that we've talked about what's in my personal pack, I'm going to share with you the benefits of ten major vitamins that all college girls should know about. When I say you should "know about" a vitamin, I don't necessarily mean that you should take it as a vitamin supplement - but you should at least understand its importance in your diet and take care to ensure you're getting enough of it in your life.

1. Vitamin B. Technically, there's many varieties of Vitamin B - but they're all equally important to keeping your body working its strongest (not its hardest). Vitamin B performs many essential functions for women, but I'd especially like to point out that it keeps your energy up and your hormones in check, warding off hormonal mood swings and mental health changes like depression.
2. Vitamin D. Vitamin D was your parents' perennial favorite excuse for getting you to go outside as a kid - and for good reason. 42% of Americans are deficient in this crucial vitamin, meaning they don't reap its bone-strengthening, osteoporosis-fighting properties. 
3. Calcium. Bad news, ladies: as early as your twenties, you'll start losing bone density. And that yogurt you're eating right now? It's not enough calcium to get you through, despite what all those Got Milk? commercials led you to believe in your childhood. So, do your bones a favor and start popping those little white pills, please! (With a doc's permission, of course.)
4. Iron. While iron is an important component of your blood, be careful with this mineral, since there's such a thing as "too much of a good thing" when it comes to iron. Chances are, if you have heavy periods or don't eat meat, you could stand to get some extra iron in your diet. Otherwise, skip this supplement and keep on doin' you, boo!
5. Folic acid. Technically, folic acid is a type of B-vitamin - but I'm treating it separately to stress its importance for young women! Folic acid prevents 70% of birth defects, meaning it's super important to start stocking up while you're still young and sprightly. While many bread products are fortified with folic acid nowadays, it's still not a bad idea to choose a multivitamin containing folic acid if you're someone who likes a multi.
6. Omega-3 fatty acids. You've heard a lot about omega-3s in the news lately (hint: it was probably in an article about avocados), but why do you need to eat omega-3s? Well, despite their importance, your body can't make omega-3s on its own, so it needs a dietary source of this fat instead. There's plenty of omega-3 fats in foods like fish, but if you'd rather keep Swimmy in a tank than cook him for dinner, companies like care/of also produce supplements...they even sell a vegan substitute for the traditional fish oil! 
7. Magnesium. If you care about your body at all, make sure you're getting enough magnesium in your diet! If not, you might be at higher risk for painful inflammation and risky health concerns like heart disease, diabetes and osteoporosis.
8. Probiotics. Probiotics are quickly emerging as a new vitamin trend, but they've always been an important supplement for women to take at any age. The healthy bacteria in a probiotic wards off unpleasant health conditions like yeast infections, urinary tract infections and constipation. As Dr. Shel, MD, writes on his blog, "When you have a healthy gut, not only is your digestive system in order, but your immune system is stronger, too." Not to mention that the gut, as your body's number one producer of serotonin, is closely linked to mental health as well! 
9. Biotin. Want shinier hair and stronger nails? Thank biotin, aka vitamin H, for that supermodel glow you see on magazine covers: biotin improves your body's infrastructure of keratin, the protein that makes up your hair and nails. Many women nowadays are taking biotin in the hopes of growing longer hair faster, but I happen to think the health benefits alone are reason enough! 
10. Antioxidants. Protect your skin, heart, eyes and brain by stocking up on antioxidants - aka vitamins A, C and E. These vitamins eliminate harmful free radicals to reduce the effects of aging and ward off disease. So, three cheers for these three antioxidants! 

Want your first month of vitamins at half price? Use the code HM50 at takecareof.com! 

15 Fall Gym Bag Essentials (SPONSORED)

Hello, beautiful! It's fall, y'all - which means it's time to talk about my autumn beauty and fitness essentials.

This idea sort of sprung off my original one, which was to do an update on my What's In My Purse? post from January 2017. Ultimately, I decided to make this more health and fitness-based because the health brand NatraCure kindly reached out and provided me with a free product from their line, which you'll see below!

NatraCure is a great company if you're someone who's athletic or interested in working out. Personally, I'm a runner, and I was looking for something to help me rehab a recent injury in my left ankle - which is how I wound up receiving their Flexi-Kold Pack (a #2 seller on Amazon!). But more on that later, ladies ;) For now, here are my top 15 gym bag essentials that every girl needs this fall to leave the gym with that healthy glow:

1. Water Bottle

Seriously guys - hydration is SO important to maintaining a healthy, happy body! Drinking water is important all year round, but especially in the fall and winter months, when the cold weather can dry out your skin, chap your lips and leave your organs feeling parched.

2. Wet Brush

The Wet Brush is hands-down the best hairbrush I've ever tried. My hair is naturally wavy and, as a result, often tangly and unruly - especially after working out. Nothing works out those kinks after my post-run shower better than a Wet Brush, which is specially designed to be used on wet hair - without the breakage that other brushes might cause.

3. Dry Shampoo

My favorite fitness meme says "I think my hair is 90% dry shampoo at this point" - because it's so true! When you're running straight from a sweat sesh to class or work, dry shampoo is your best friend for absorbing excess oils from your dirty mane. I got the one photographed above from Bed Head by TIGI for free at the Her Campus College Fashion Week event in Boston, but my all-time favorite dry shampoo is the Batiste Cherry Dry Shampoo. Not only does it work great, but it smells good enough to eat!

4. Sea Salt Spray

If your hair gets a little dull and limp after a workout, you're not alone. My hair often needs a pick-me-up from being pulled back in a tight ponytail or messy bun. So, to add texture back into my messy, lifeless hair, I turn to the Beach Babe Sea Salt Spray by Not Your Mother's hair products. This product smells great, works great and creates flirty mermaid waves like no other I've tried.

5. NaturaCure Flexi-Cold Ice Pack*

* Disclaimer: I received this product for free from NaturaCure in exchange for an honest review! 

As I mentioned before, NaturaCure reached out to me to ask if I would be interested in a free product, and I, of course, said yes, both because of my interest in fitness and my need to rehabilitate my sprained ankle. Their representative recommended the Flexi-Cold pack, both because it's a number two seller on Amazon and because it can easily be conformed to wrap around various body parts. My biggest surprise when I received the Flexi-Cold pack in the mail was how big it actually was! Unlike the others I'd been using before, this pack was large enough to wrap around my entire sprained ankle, as well as the injured calf muscles. Plus, its thick fabric covering ensures that the ice pack is never too cold for my bare skin.

6. Self-Tanner

This one might seem like a pretty strange addition to your gym bag, but hear me out: a gradual self-tanner highlights all the hard work you do in the gym by slimming you and contouring your bod. Since I'm about as tan as an ice cube, I like the Jergens Natural Skin moisturizer, which tans gradually with daily application. I love it because it's super natural-looking and pretty much streak-proof, so self-tanner newbies like me literally can't go wrong.

7. Tone It Up Booty Band

Bored of your typical butt workout? I definitely recommend trying Tone It Up's booty bands! Using these along with their online workouts (like this one or this one) will totally kill your glutes next Leg Day. This light-resistance one was provided free in my TIU tour bag, but the ones on Toneitup.com range all the way to heavy and cost just $12 for a set of three! 

8. Baseball Cap

I like to joke that there's two types of girls at the gym: headband girls and baseball cap girls. I happen to fall into the latter category: I can't go out on a run, or to one of my mom's kickboxing classes if I'm not wearing a ball cap to hide my sweaty hairdo. This one also came from the Tone It Up tour, but if you don't already have one, you can usually find pretty cute and cheap ones in the Dollar Spot at Target.

9. Athletic Tape

My advice for any kind of injury is to take it slow, tape your affected body part during physical activity and always ice it immediately after. When you have an injury or a problem body part (such as a "bad knee"), athletic tape is an absolute must for any kind of physical activity. In the case of my ankle, taping it relieves some of the excess pressure from my joints so I don't feel as much pain after exercising. You can pick up a roll of cheap, cute athletic tape at any pharmacy or sports store - I got mine for around $6.00 at my local CVS. 

10. Ribbon Hair Ties

I'm the queen of losing my hair ties, so I carry extra ones with me wherever I go. The ribbon hair ties are my favorites because they straddle the line between normal hair ties, which always get tangled in my hair, and scrunchies, which always slide out of my hair. And besides, you can't deny it: they're completely adorable!

11. Gym Bag

I LOVE this bag that I got with my VIP ticket to the Tone It Up tour - in fact, I love it so much that I use it all day long! But that's the great thing about the perfect gym bag: it's roomy enough, and cute enough, that it can do double-duty with both your favorite outfit and your comfiest sweats. 

12. Nike Free Runs

My Nike Frees are the best workout shoes I've ever owned. They're comfy, light and breathable, so your feet aren't drowning in sweat by the end of a tough workout - yet they're still stylish and versatile enough to take you from the gym to class. And on that note, a quick athleisure style tip: If you're in a rush from the gym to another destination, bring a flannel along in your bag to toss over your gym clothes for a look that's straight out of Cosmo!

13. Hand-Weights

Even if the gym has weights, it can never hurt to own your own set of light 3-5 lb hand-weights, whether for towing along to the gym (so you don't have to compete for the weights you want on busy days) or for doing at-home workouts on your own. Click here, here or here to test out a few of my favorite strength workouts using lightweight hand-weights - they'll have you feelin' the burn in no time! 

14. Journal

As with any of your goals in life, you're more likely to achieve your dream body if you write down measurable, actionable steps to get there. Many fitness pros suggest journaling your workouts and your meals to help you stay accountable - and I would add that it's especially important during the fall and winter months of holiday temptation! For example, keeping a fitness journal definitely makes me less likely to binge eat mini Kit-Kats on Halloween. You can also consider the mind aspect of your overall health and write down any thoughts you might have about your body as you're working out; whether those feelings be negative or positive, I tend to think it's always healthier to get it all out. 

15. All-Natural Hygiene Products

Let's face it: if you're a person who menstruates, you wouldn't want to be surprised by your period at the gym only to find you didn't have a pad or tampon on you. Personally, I opt for all-natural, chemical-free tampons because I think a healthy lifestyle works inside as well as out. There are lots of brands and subscription services on the market nowadays for healthier hygiene products, but my hands-down personal favorite is L. It's the cheapest subscription service for this type of product that I've ever found, and they make it incredibly easy to modify, skip or cancel your orders. 

Want more fitness advice from me, Haley Marie? Click here to join my 14-Day College Body Challenge, a whole body health and fitness program designed exclusively for college women.

For just $15 ($25 regularly priced; $10 off with my promo code HALEYMARIE18), you'll get:

• 14 exclusive daily workouts!
• my 25-page nutrition guide based on the most current U.S. guidelines
• your #HMBCBC fitness test to track your progress
• my never-before-told story of orthorexia

Click here to sample your first College Body workout 100% FREE! 

10 Makeup Palettes You Need from Sephora

Hello, beautiful! Another beauty post is overdue here on Haley Marie Blog, so I thought I would take my favorite hobby as of lately - aka putting things into my Sephora cart and never buying them - and let it inspire me.

IDK about you, but makeup palettes are some of my favorite things to look at on Instagram, Pinterest, Amazon and beyond. There's simply something so beautiful about a pristine, untouched palette that hasn't been touched by brushes yet - and as much as I love drugstore makeup, let's face it: sometimes you just have to splurge for Sephora.

These are the ten makeup palettes I'm currently coveting from Sephora and why I love them so much. This post makes great inspiration for your next impulse buy, an attainable goal to save up for or even making your Christmas wishlist (because you can never be too early, am I right or amirite?). So, let's talk about everything I've been loving lately and why you, too, should be crushing on these cult-classic palettes!

1. Tartelette Tease

If you love the Tartelette palette but can't really see yourself using all five million and one shades that come with it, the Tartelette Tease palette is the one for you! This eyeshadow palette comes with six neutral shades ranging from Crush (a glittery golden-bronze) all the way to BFF (a matte, almost mauve brown). Another plus? At $23.00, the Tartelette Tease palette is almost $40.00 cheaper than the original Tartelette. So, I would definitely advise putting this budget-friendly shadow set on your to-do list this fall! 

2. Anastasia Glow Kit

Anastasia is a cult-classic brand for their amazing brow products, but did you know their range extends far beyond brow powders, pencils and gels? The Anastasia Glow Kit comes with four shimmery shades of bronzing and highlighting powders, so you can contour your face without losing your natural sheen. Get it at Sephora for $40.00 for a glow that will last all night long! 

3. Becca Ombre Nudes Eye Palette 

For someone like me who prefers a natural eye look, the Becca Ombre Nudes palette is pretty much shadow #goals. With this palette, you get five shades of matte, natural-looking shadows ranging from a light peachy tan to a rich chocolate brown. It's the perfect eyeshadow palette for someone who wants to experiment with the "no makeup" makeup look, or a safe bet for someone who wouldn't normally wear eyeshadow but wants to try it. And, bonus, this palette can even double for contouring or filling in your brows - the description says so! 

4. Kat Von D Shade + Light Eye Contour Palette

This palette by Kat Von D is perfect for the makeup commitment-phobe who doesn't want to commit to just one look! With matte shadow colors ranging from deep black to ballerina pink, you'll find a shade to suit every mood in the Shade + Light palette. Even so, this palette is still great for someone who wants to experiment with bolder looks without leaving her comfort zone, since - with the exception of black and reddish-brown - all the colors remain fairly neutral.

5. Too Faced Brow Envy Kit

If you're anything like me, you're probably attached to your brows - like, to the point when you're terrified to wax or pluck them for fear of over-plucking. In that case, the Too Faced Brow Envy Kit is a great palette for you! This kit is the complete guide to filling in your brows, so you can finally get those Cara Delevigne-esque arches you've been dreaming of. Not only do you get two different shades of brow powder, but you also get setting wax, highlighter (for your browbone) as well as mini styling tools like tweezers and a spooly brush. So, if you've ever dreamed of tweezing and filling in your brows on the go, here's the palette you've been waiting for!

6. Stila Convertible Color Lip & Cheek Palette

Finally, a blush palette that can do double-duty! In my opinion, great lip color palettes are way too few and far between - so naturally, I was super excited to discover this convertible lip & cheek palette from Stila. I mean, who wouldn't want to make the most of their products by letting them do double-duty?! This palette comes in two different shades: the first, Sunrise Splendor, which comes with five glossy pinkish tones; the second, Sunset Serenade, a collection of more orange and brown tones. If you're a fan of cream blush and a bold lip, I highly recommend this palette as a wonderful way to multitask when you're doing your makeup! 

7. Smashbox Drawn In, Decked Out Shadow + Highlighting Palette Set

This set from Smashbox comes with not one, not two, but three incredible palettes ready to do all your hard contouring and highlighting work for you! Between the three, you get three highlight shades and 16 shadows, so you'll never have a dull moment with this set. Plus, all of Smashbox's products are cruelty-free and free of parabens and sulfates, so you can feel good about your beauty choices - even if that purple eyeshadow wasn't the best idea for broad daylight.

8. Stila Perfect Me, Perfect Hue Eye & Cheek Palette

No matter your skintone, Stila has the eye & cheek palette for you - its Perfect Me, Perfect Hue palette comes in four shades ranging from fair to deep, with customized shades perfect for your beautiful skin. With five matte and shimmery shadows and two blush colors, this palette will carry you from day to night in no time. Since it's so compact and chock-filled with useful products, I highly recommend this product for travel or study abroad to maximize your packing potential!

9. Urban Decay Naked Skin Shapeshifter

The Urban Decay Naked Skin Shapeshifter palette delivers exactly what it promises: versatility! The palette has two sides comprising of creams and powders. Each can perform triple-duty by color-correcting, contouring and highlighting, giving this product a huge bang for your buck. Personally, Naked is one of my favorite makeup lines of all-time (if not THE favorite), so I can't wait to get my hands off this skin-tastic palette from U.D.! 

10. Milk Makeup Shadow Quad

Last but not least, I couldn't help but feature one of Sephora's latest newcomers, Milk Makeup. Milk just got imported to Sephora from its home in NYC - but I can't help but be reminded of the K-beauty trend when I look at their clean, graphic packaging and simple products. Anyways, this shadow quad comes in two different tones: Day Goals, a palette of shimmery and nude neutrals, and Night Goals, a silver and mauve-themed palette that's perfect for a night out on the town. Even though it only has four pots per palette, I highly recommend Milk's Shadow Quad for a compact, minimalist take on the traditional shadow palette. 

Which palette can you not wait to try? LMK @haleymarieblog or in the comments below!

Sign up for my monthly newsletter and get access to the FREE printables library!

* indicates required

Email Address *

First Name *

What To Buy at Trader Joe's on a College Budget

Hello, beautiful! I wanted to write this post for many reasons. Firstly, I've been really struggling with my grocery budget lately, and secondly, I recently made a huge switch in my diet that I wanted to share with you all.

After six months of being vegan and seven years of being vegetarian, I'm transitioning into a pescatarian diet. I made this decision upon realizing that, because I'm sensitive to dairy (the main reason why I went vegan), I can safely eat dairy in a healthy way by taking lactose supplements like Lactaid. I also wanted to supplement my diet with a lean source of protein and omega 3s that I wasn't getting as a vegan - and for me, fish seemed like the most ethical way to incorporate this into my diet. To me, a pescatarian diet is a lot more mentally healthy as well, because it means I feel much less restricted than I did on the vegan diet.

In short, being vegan doesn't work for everyone for a number of reasons. Personally, I went vegan for ethical reasons, reasons that are still very close to my heart - but purely in the interest of my long-term health, I decided to transition away from it and into a different, more relaxed style of eating.

So, since I've recently become pescetarian, the way I grocery shop has become a bit different. Overall, I'm still primarily plant-based and like to rely on plant-based sources of protein; however, I'm now eating the occasional fish (once a day or less often, depending on my mood) and some sources of dairy, like Greek yogurt (if I'm feeling healthy) or a slice of pizza (if I'm not!).

Trader Joe's is my favorite place to grocery shop as a college student - and no, I wasn't sponsored to say that - because it's the most budget-friendly health foods store near BU's campus. It's a great place to buy staples like fish, frozen veggies and yogurt, which brings me to this week's blog post!

That's why today, I'm planning on highlighting some of my favorite items to buy at Trader Joe's (both specialty and non-specialty groceries) for both my wallet and my diet. Without further ado, here are some of my classic faves from good old TJs (as me and Ryan like to call it).

Tilapia

Okay, so one staple I've recently discovered on a vegan diet is tilapia. Seafood fiends often recommend this white fish to people who've either never tried fish before or don't like it (I was the latter before I became pescetarian) because it's very mild in taste and has a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. It's also a super versatile fish that's great for things like tacos - and at Trader Joe's, its prices are basically unbeatable, weighing in at around $6.00 for two large filets (for me personally, this comes out to about four servings). Now that's what I call a "catch"!  

Organic Fruit Wraps

Fruit Roll-up fans, this one's for you! Trader Joe's sells a much healthier version of my personal childhood fave for - wait for it - just 49 cents per wrap. The ingredients? Organic fruit purees and juice, with zero added sugar. And that's literally it! Not to mention, they taste amazing and come in a whole rainbow of different flavors, from mixed berries to apple and cherry. If I had to list a con, my only complaint would be that I could literally eat twelve of these at once if I wanted to.

Whole Grain Blend

One of my favorite things to buy from Trader Joe's for a quick meal is their frozen whole grain and vegetables blend. I don't know what spices they use in their recipe, but whatever it is smells and tastes amazing - plus, it's 100% dairy-free and great for your body! All you have to do is empty the bag into a large microwave-safe bowl and heat for about three minutes. Top it with a serving of tilapia, salmon or even grilled chicken, for all you meat-eaters out there, and a squeeze of lemon and you'll have yourself a cheap, speedy, healthy dinner that will fill you up for hours.

Pasta Arribiatta 

I'm not going to blindly pretend that Trader Joe's Pasta Arribiatta is the best thing in the world for me, but I will say that it's one of the most delicious things I've ever tasted before in my life. Before this pasta came into my life, I had never experienced the delectable delicacy that is spicy red sauce. Now that I know it exists, I simply can't go back to boring old marinara again. I dare you to try it for yourself and see if you can. (If so, lend me your secrets, because I've really got to stop eating so much of this frozen white pasta...)

Pumpkin Os

Trader Joe's pumpkin foods are a well-known seasonal spectacle for those who frequent the store. Though this may be an unpopular opinion, I happen to think that their Pumpkin Os cereal is by far the best pumpkin-themed product they offer - in fact, it's the one I count down to every year when fall comes around! For what it's worth, they're at least decently healthy, seeing as they're made with whole grain brown rice. However, what really counts when it comes to Pumpkin Os is the taste: diving into a crunchy bite of this tasty cereal just feels like biting into the sweet taste of fall to me!

Organic Produce

Okay, okay - this is pretty broad. However, it's hard to narrow down just one or two of my favorite fruits and vegetables when TJ's offers fantastic prices on just about everything! Trader Joe's produce is especially great to buy if you're someone who cares about buying organic whenever possible. As a college student who cares about buying organic, it's hard to find organic prices I can actually afford. I love that Trader Joe's makes buying (and eating, more importantly) organic fruits and veggies easy on my budget, so I can enjoy the healthy foods I love without worrying about the price.

Almond Milk

Trader Joe's shelf-stable almond milk is exactly the same taste and quality you would buy from name brands at the regular grocery store, if not better - plus, it's a huge staple in my diet! I like to buy the unsweetened variety to minimize the amount of sugar in my diet. I also typically like the vanilla kind, simply because I usually use almond milk purely in sweeter (rather than more savory) dishes, like my morning coffee or my breakfast cereal. 

Vegan Mozzarella

That's right: just because I'm pescetarian now doesn't mean I've completely reverted to my old ways! Since dairy still bothers my stomach, I'm trying to minimize the amount I'm consuming, even as a pescetarian. However, I'll let you in on a little secret: when it comes to the Trader Joe's Vegan Mozzarella Cheeze, I actually prefer the taste of the vegan version over traditional mozzarella! That's one major reason why I will always go back to this product. It's light, it's melty and it doesn't have that offensive over-nooched taste that so many vegan products seem to have. So, whether you're vegan or not, I cannot recommend this product highly enough! 

Almond Butter

At home, my mom always keeps a jar of Trader Joe's creamy almond butter in our fridge. As someone who doesn't eat meat and only just recently started eating fish, I like to rely on nut butters as a major source of protein, since they're one of the tastiest things you can possibly eat (in my oh-so-humble opinion, haha). While I love the taste of natural peanut butter, Trader Joe's peanut butter doesn't quite cut it in my opinion; it's a little more liquidy-slash-melty than what I'm normally used to...yet when it comes to their almond butter, OH. MY. GOSH. I could rave for hours about how much I live for their creamy natural almond butter! I'll eat it almost any way imaginable, whether that's spreading it on apples, spooning it on my morning oats or even baking it into some vegan blondies.

Quinoa

Quinoa is a superfood that's great for your health and perfect for subbing into recipes that call for white pasta or white rice. Unfortunately, quinoa's usully on the pricier side - we're looking at $8+ a bag, at least in the inner Boston area. Thankfully, Trader Joe's is the cheapest place I've found so far to buy quinoa. For just $6, you can get a fairly large bag of tri-color quinoa that lasts me several months at a time (though, admittedly, I don't eat quinoa all that often). So, cook up some Trader Joe's quinoa to top your next salad, use in a tasty take on stir fry or even top with fruit and cinnamon for a sweet breakfast dish! 

Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups

I don't get something sweet every time I go to Trader Joe's...haha, just kidding. I almost had you fooled, didn't I? But in all seriousness, Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups are one of my favorite sweet treats for when I've got a craving for chocolate. The outer layer of dark chocolate is so rich it melts in your mouth, and the salty-sweetness of the creamy peanut butter center...mmm! It gets my mouth watering just writing about it...

Frosted Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Another one of TJ's seasonal delicacies, the frosted pumpkin spice cookies are one of my all-time favorite vices at Trader Joe's - or anywhere, for that matter. These are basically the frosted animal cookies we all knew and loved in our childhood, with a spicy fall twist. The sharpness of the cinnamon and nutmeg blends so well with the sweet, creamy frosting for a treat I literally can't resist. Go ahead, try not to eat the whole box in one sitting...I dare you!

Two-Buck Chuck

Technically, I don't actually buy this product, since I'm not 21 just yet. However, I wanted to point it out because it's a great item to purchase on a college budget if you are of legal drinking age! Wines can get pretty expensive, especially if you're someone who likes to enjoy a glass on a nightly basis to help you de-stress (and get those antioxidants in, at least when it comes to heart-healthy red wine!) - and believe it or not, Trader Joe's so-called "Two-Buck Chuck" wines actually get great reviews. For just $2 or $3, that's an entertaining expense you can definitely afford no matter how tight your budget.

What's your favorite pumpkin item at Trader Joe's right now? LMK @haleymarieblog or in the comments below!

Sign up for my monthly newsletter and get access to the FREE printables library!

* indicates required

Email Address *

First Name *

How to Whiten Sensitive Teeth at Home (SPONSORED)

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, aka sponsored links designed to keep Haley Marie Blog alive. But don't worry - all of the opinions are still my own!

Additionally, as you will soon learn, Smile Brilliant sent me their product in exchange for an honest review of their services. I have tried to remain as impartial as possible when writing this post, and I hope it shows! If you have any questions, comments or concerns, feel free to let me know in the comments below.

Hello, beautiful! It's time to talk about something you probably don't think about a lot (unless you're self-conscious of it like me): your teeth!

I can personally attest to how your teeth impact the way you look and feel about yourself. I never felt confident in the way I looked as a child, when my mouth was crowded and my teeth were crooked. When I had braces, I felt hyper-aware of the painful metal wrapped around my teeth and couldn't wait to get them off. It wasn't until I got my braces off that I began to feel more confident in my smile - and then I started to think about whitening.

My family's plan had always been to have my teeth professionally whitened after I got my braces off, just like my cousin did when he got his removed. However, the dentist basically said that I was too young and my teeth were too sensitive for the ZOOM procedure. I was stuck with drugstore white strips that never worked and coffee stains galore from late nights studying at school.

That's why I was so excited when Smile Brilliant reached out to me to show you how you can easily get whiter teeth - without going to the dentist, or even leaving your dorm room! They sent me their whitening system for sensitive teeth so I could show you my whitening routine and give you my best tips for a brighter smile.

One reason why I'm so passionate about Smile Brilliant is that the brand is 100% cruelty-free and vegan! As a vegan, I love beauty and health products, but I don't want to compromise my animal-friendly lifestyle just to look pretty. Thankfully, Smile Brilliant doesn't work with or own any factories or labs that test on animals and derives all of their ingredients - including glycerin - from vegetable sources. So, I can get whiter teeth without feeling guilty, because I know that no animals had to suffer to bring me their products!

So, here's how I whitened with Smile Brilliant's vegan and cruelty-free whitening system for sensitive teeth, what I do #whileIwhiten and all my best tips for getting the happy, healthy smile you crave - without ever leaving your dorm room (I promise!).

How to Use Smile Brilliant

The Smile Brilliant system was created by dental professionals to help busy gals like you and me access the professional whitening tools used by dentists in our everyday lives! (Which is pretty cool, if you ask me.)

The first thing I did when I received the Smile Brilliant system was to take impressions of my teeth using the kit Smile Brilliant sent me. The kit consists of two putties, a base and a catalyst, that you mix in your hands and press into the tray. Then, you use the trays to take impressions of your top and bottom teeth and send them in to the Smile Brilliant lab, where Smile Brilliant's professionals begin to craft your custom-made trays for whitening! Yay!

In about a week, Smile Brilliant sent back my custom-fitted trays - and I've gotta say, they fit perfectly. I seriously have no complaints! So, now that you have your trays, it's time to talk about the good stuff: the whitening process.

Step One: Whitening Gel Treatment

The first step in the Smile Brilliant system is the actual whitening process. Before I even began, I brushed my teeth with just water and tried to dry them as well as possible (not pictured). Then, I grabbed my custom whitening trays and began to prep for the whitening process.

The Smile Brilliant  whitening gel comes in a syringe. Each syringe contains 3-4 applications, and each Smile Brilliant kit contains three syringes. (For reference, most people must complete 7-14 whitening sessions to see optimum results!) 

After you break the removable tip off the end of the syringe, you press the plunger to squeeze a thin line of the whitening gel along the inner front surface of your trays, aka the part of the tray that comes into contact with the front surface of your teeth. Then, all I had to do was wear the trays for between 45 minutes and three hours and wait for them to work their whitening magic! 

Step Two: Desensitizing Gel Treatment

After you've worn the trays long enough (generally, you should try to wear them longer for the best results but can remove them earlier if you experience sensitivity), you can take them off and rinse them, drying them as best as you can. You should also brush your teeth with your ordinary toothpaste before completing the desensitizing gel treatment.

Once your teeth and trays are clean, you can use the desensitizing gel treatment the same way you applied the whitening gel. I simply twisted off the removable cap and pressed the plunger to squirt a thin line of gel across the front inner surface of the trays. Then, I inserted my trays and waited for the cooling gel to relieve my sensitive teeth
. 

All in all, this part of the process only took 15-30 minutes - and then I was done!

After Whitening...

Post-whitening, your teeth might feel a little sensitive still - and that's okay! If you experience excess sensitivity between sessions, whiten your teeth every other day until you achieve 7-14 days of successive whitening. 

There are a couple things you can do after you whiten your teeth to ensure you have the best experience possible. First of all, you should not eat or drink for 30 minutes after completing the whitening treatment. Secondly, you should try to avoid coffee or tea for 24 hours after whitening. This is because whitening opens the pores in your teeth, and new stains can still enter those open pores. (For me, this is nearly impossible - I admit that I've cheated more than once so I could still have my morning latte! But it really does make a difference in lifting the stains from your teeth if you avoid staining drinks like coffee and tea.) 

Finally, don't forget to keep up this whitening treatment for 7-14 days as recommended: successful whitening requires consistency! Once you achieve your whitest possible teeth, it takes very little effort to maintain them for the rest of your life, so make sure you take the time to really do this process right to get those perfectly-pearly whites you dream of :)

The Results

Personally, I got great results using the Smile Brilliant sensitive teeth whitening system. I only experienced discomfort during one of my four or five whitening sessions, after which I decreased my whitening time to 30 or 45 minutes at a time. That pretty much solved the problem and allowed me to continue whitening as usual!

One thing I will say is that you shouldn't expect all staining to be removed by Smile Brilliant, or even by whitening through your dentist's office. Also, if you continue to eat staining foods and drinks, you might want to repeat this process once a year or so! (Since I can't go a day without my morning coffee, I'll definitely be repeating the Smile Brilliant system next September.) 

Still not convinced? Here's an "After" photo to show you just how great the Smile Brilliant system worked for me:

#WhileIWhiten

As I mentioned in the how-to, Smile Brilliant's whitening system takes some time to do its job. Don't get me wrong: I'm super thrilled with my results, and can totally confirm that Smile Brilliant works. However, 45 minutes to three hours is a long time to wait for a busy college student! 

That's where Smile Brilliant's hashtag #whileIwhiten comes in. Whitening your teeth doesn't have to be a single-tasking activity, people! You can easily multitask while you're wearing your trays to be as productive as possible while still taking care of your smile.

Don't believe me? I've got just the thing for you! Here are some real-life photos of what I do #whileIwhiten so you, too, can get a glowing smile without falling behind on work or school.

Beauty Rituals

Any other beauty routines you love to do before you go to sleep at night? You're in luck! In fact, Smile Brilliant even recommends whitening your teeth before you go to bed to avoid introducing any staining foods while your teeth are still sensitive.

One of my favorite beauty products lately has been the Jergens Natural Glow Fair-to-Medium Daily Moisturizer. This is an amazing self-tanning product for us pale girls because it allows you to build up color gradually without feeling like an Oompa Loompa. Wearing my whitening trays while I'm applying my self-tanner makes me feel totally put together like nothing else!

Previously, I've also used whitening my teeth as an excuse to have a spa night or self-care ritual before I wind down for sleep. I'll put my trays in, slather on a face mask and let it dry while I give myself an at-home manicure. Not only is it tons of fun, but it's also a lot cheaper than a day out at the traditional spa.

Catch Up on Reading

If you're catching up on readings for class, why not put in your trays and sneak in a whitening sesh while you're at it? Whitening is a great activity to do while you work on homework because it requires zero effort whatsoever: you simply stick your trays in and forget about them!

You could also try reading a book for fun while you whiten your teeth. Reading for pleasure is one of my favorite activities, but it's one I don't have time to do nearly often enough. Curling up with a book you can't wait to read while you whiten your teeth sounds like one of the best self-care nights ever, as far as I'm concerned!

Relax on Your Phone

Whitening your teeth should be a relaxing, beautifying ritual - it shouldn't stress you out! However, if you find yourself nervous or on edge about the results of your whitening process, you might want to pull out your phone and download a calming app or two.

Headspace and Stop, Breathe & Think are two meditation apps you could try which were recommended to me by my current therapist. Meditating while you whiten is one of the best combinations I can think of because you get to treat both your mind and body at the same time! So, grab your headphones, lay back and relax: as a busy college gal, I promise you you've earned a night off.

Best Tips for a Brighter Smile

Obviously, if you're interested in getting whiter teeth from your dorm room and learning more about Smile Brilliant, you're probably looking to achieve a brighter smile. As I can tell you from experience, whitening my teeth with Smile Brilliant changed my smile like nothing else - but that's not the only component of achieving those shimmery pearly-whites you crave.

To get a whiter smile, you've got to be committed to doing what's healthiest and happiest for your teeth (without going crazy, of course). By that, I don't mean swear off coffee forever and only brush your teeth with baking soda, but there are definitely some simple adjustments you can make to your daily routine to help your whitening process run more smoothly. Here are some of the tips I learned from my research that you might want to consider as you're working with the Smile Brilliant system:

• Drink green tea. Bad news: your favorite morning espresso might be one of the reasons why your teeth are never quite as white as you'd like! But the good news? Swap out that coffee for green tea and you'll get health and beauty benefits as well as a whiter smile. Click to try one of my favorite blends, the Tazo Zen Green Tea.
• Wear red lipstick. This is one of my favorite top-secret tricks for a brighter smile! While wearing red lipstick won't actually change the color of your teeth, it can make it seem like your teeth are whiter against the contrast of your bold lip. On the other hand, pink lipsticks might make your teeth seem yellower than they actually are. My Holy Grail red lipstick? The stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Beso.
• Drink through a straw. Believe it or not, what you drink out of matters almost as much as what you drink when it comes to reducing enamel stains. According to Cosmopolitan, drinking through a straw reduces direct contact with the surface of your teeth, keeping your newly-whitened smile shiny and bright all year long. All the more reason to sip your water through a cute tumbler cup (like these two from Lilly Pulitzer) than an ugly steel to-go mug! 

P.S. Want to try Smile Brilliant's whitening system for yourself?

Luckily for you, I've got just the thing: Smile Brilliant has kindly agreed to give away one of their premium whitening kits to one lucky reader from Haley Marie Blog! All you need to do is visit the link below to enter the giveaway and maybe just maybe win a free Smile Brilliant whitening system kit ;)

Click here to enter to win $139 in Smile Brilliant credit!

Giveaway Rules:

• The giveaway is for a $139 Smile Brilliant credit.
• It's open to residents of the USA, UK, Canada and Australia.
• You must enter your email to win. The giveaway is hosted through Smile Brilliant's internal platform, so you don't have to worry about email privacy!
• A winner will not be chosen until we receive 25 entries, so be sure to enter today! (It's 100% free.)

Plus, even if you're not the lucky winner, you can always use my referral code haleymarieblog10 to get 10% off your order from Smile Brilliant. So, what are you waiting for? Click here to scope out Smile Brilliant’s products ASAP!

What's your best tip for a brighter smile? LMK in the comments below!

Tooth Whitening Gel

Dainty Jewelry Trends for Fall (5 Under $50)

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, aka sponsored links that help keep Haley Marie Blog alive. But don't worry - all of the opinions are still my own!

Hello, beautiful! Wow, it's been awhile since I last wrote a 5 Under $50 post - so here I am, trying to get back into the swing of things. Wish me luck on keeping it up! (And on that note, do you guys love, like or dislike my 5 Under $50 series? LMK @haleymarieblog or in the comments below!)

Today's post is all about one of my latest obsessions for fall: jewelry! Specifically, I'm in love with feminine, dainty pieces with thin chains and small charms. Basically, the smaller the necklace/bracelet/earrings, the more likely I am to love it.

My Back-to-School Beauty Lookbook

Hello, beautiful! I haven't done a traditional beauty post in a long time it feels like, so I decided that this week I was going to go back to my roots as a beauty and wellness blogger and put together a back-to-school beauty lookbook for you.

I surfed through every last inch of Pinterest to put together three super easy, super gorgeous looks for the back-to-school season. With just a few simple products, these looks will take you from day to night and back again in no time at all.

Don't forget to let me know your thoughts on these looks @haleymarieblog on social media - and especially tag me on Instagram if you decide to try any of them out for yourself! :) So, without further ado, here are my three easiest back-to-school beauty looks for you to wear and enjoy.

Bold Lips & Bronze Eyes

As "bold" as this look is by my standards, I love it because of how glowy and neutral it is! Even though you still get to have the fun of playing with lip color and bronzer, this look isn't so out there that people will stare (in a bad way, I mean) when you walk through the halls. Plus, in my opinion, there's no color palette more perfect for fall than these shades of gold, taupe and mauve. 

Featured products:

Too Faced Peach Frost Melting Powder Highlighter ($30.00)

Tartelette in Bloom Palette ($45.00)

Too Faced Brow Envy Kit ($39.00)

Too Faced Sweethearts Bronzer ($30.00)

Benefit Sun Beam Highlighter ($26.00)

bareMinerals GEN NUDE Buttercream Lipgloss ($18.00)

Bobbi Brown Natural Brow Shaper ($28.00)

Essie Nail Polish in Bordeaux ($9.00)

The "No Makeup" Look

More often than not, I tend to go for the "less is more" makeup look. This look is perfect for me because when I'm running late for class, I can do it in five minutes, and when I want to look a little more glam, I can add a few extras like nude eyeshadow or a my-lips-but-better lipstick. Best of all, this look enhances the most beautiful part of your body: YOU! 

Featured products:

Benefit Hoola Matte Bronzer ($29.00)

Lipstick Queen Nothing But the Nudes Lipstick ($24.00)

Becca Liquid Crystal Glow Gloss in Opal x Jade ($22.00)

Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara ($23.00)

Anastasia Tweezers ($28.00)

Anastasia Clear Brow Gel ($17.60 - get it while it's on sale!)

Tarteist Pro Cruelty-Free Lashes in Flirt ($12.00)

Charlotte Tilbury Rock 'n' Kohl in Bedroom Black ($27.00)

Kiki Health Raw Virgin Coconut Oil ($24.00)

Skin and Tonic Naked Lip Balm ($4.99)

Covergirl Clean Matte BB Cream ($8.49)

My Going Out Look

I don't know about you, but for me, a special night out is all about the glitter! I love being bold when I go out because it's one of the only times you won't get weird looks for taking a chance on a new product or makeup look. So, don't be afraid to try something you've never done before - and just go for it, girl! 

Featured products:

bareMinerals Invisible Bronze Powder Bronzer ($28.00)

NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder ($5.99)

Urban Decay Moondust Eyeshadow in Cosmic ($21.00)

Smashbox Be Legendary Triple Tone Lipstick in Red Ombre ($24.00)

Stila Smudge Pot in Black ($20.00)

Smith and Cult Lash Dance Mascara ($28.00)

NYX Liquid Crystal Body Liner in Crystal Silver ($4.49)

Urban Decay Urban Lash ($15.00)

Herbivore Coconut + Sea Salt Beach Wave Mist ($20.00)

NYX Face and Body Glitter in Crystal ($5.99)

What are your favorite makeup products for fall? LMK @haleymarieblog or in the comments below!

Sign up for my monthly newsletter and get access to the FREE printables library!

* indicates required

Email Address *

First Name *

10 Ways to Change the World While You're Still in College

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, aka sponsored links that help keep Haley Marie Blog alive. But don't worry: all of the opinions are still my own!

Hello, beautiful! If there's one thing I know all my readers share, it's the ambition and determination to be a force for change in the world. Whether it's majoring in bio so you can help cure cancer or joining a social justice organization to stick up for human rights, Haley Marie Blog is written for girls like you who want to change the world! 

That being said, it's easy to feel powerless when you're in college. After all, we're almost universally overwhelmed by studying, extracurriculars, work, tuition and student loans. (IDK about you, but my student debt is a lot bigger than I feel most of the time.)

However, even if you don't have the time, resources or opportunity to become the next Malala or Melinda Gates, there are plenty of small micro-actions you can take while still in college to help make the world a better place. From getting involved on campus to practicing educated consumerism, here are ten ways you, too, can change the world from the comfort of your dorm room!

1. Join a service organization.

No matter what you're interested in, I can 95% guarantee your college offers a group for people like you - and if not, start one! Lots of service organizations have plenty of resources on their website to help you start your own chapter at your college or university. Some of my fave organizations? Girl Up, Generation Citizen and Peer Health Exchange, which all have chapters at BU.

2. Shop cruelty-free.

How cruel is your makeup bag? If you're a fan of brands like Benefit, L'Oreal or anything owned by Proctor & Gamble, you might be surprised at the number of animals harmed to bring you your favorite lipsticks and eyeshadow palettes. Thankfully, some of my favorite brands like Too Faced, Tarte, Wet 'n' Wild and NYX are committed to bringing you humane beauty products that actually work. To see some of my favorite products from these brands, click through their links - and for a full list of cruelty-free brands you can trust, check out this list from Cruelty-Free Kitty, which is constantly being updated with the latest news in cruelty-free! 

(P.S. Watch Hannah Witton's candid YouTube vid of her tossing her cruelty-free makeup products for an eye-opening laugh!)

3. Brew your own coffee.

Brewing your own coffee at home is great financial advice - but did you know it's also a great way to help change the world? The primary reason is because you can control what brands of coffee you buy, to ensure you're getting your fave beans fair trade. If you haven't heard of fair trade products before, Fair Trade Certified products come with a guarantee that the product was produced under fair labor practices, direct trade (instead of distributing product through a middleman or oppressive corporation) and without harmful agrochemicals or GMOs. For more information on Fair Trade Certification, click to check out Fair Trade USA's list of FAQs. (And pro tip: Starbucks coffee is also fair-trade if you're an espresso snob like me!)

4. Sign up for L.

To take your ethical shopping to the next level, donate those icky, chemical-laden tampons and Trojans under your sink and sign up for an L. subscription instead. L.'s pads, liners, tampons and condoms are organic and chemical-free, minus the gender cliches. For every box you purchase, one is donated to a female entrepreneur in a developing country (because in case you didn't know, AIDS and teen pregnancy are some of the top reasons girls drop out of school in African nations, where condoms can go out of stock for two-to-three months at a time). Personally, I use L.'s monthly subscription service, where for just $10.95 per month (and free shipping!) I can choose any combination of pads, tampons and liners I need (and also skip a month whenever my cabinet's looking a lil full). To get your second box of L.'s hygiene products 100% free, click here to sign up to try L.

Oh, and L.'s condoms get phenomenal reviews, too. (I can neither confirm nor deny, since I have a latex allergy; as of now, they only offer latex - but who can argue with "the best condoms ever"?) 

5. Buy school supplies from Yoobi.

Next time you need a notebook, highlighters or yet another pack of post-it notes for class, turn to a brand that will donate that item one-for-one to a child in need. Not only is Yoobi's stationery absolutely adorable, but it's a simple way to help the public school system thrive. For example, did you know that 99% of teachers purchase essential classroom materials out of their own pockets? So, feel free to treat yo self to some gel pens or throwback erasers - because, you know, it's for a good cause and all.... *Spends $50 on stationery I don't need.* 

6. Try alternative spring break.

Most schools have a program that allows you to spend your spring break traveling with a group of students to perform service in a different state, or even country. Though it might sound like a drag to give up your spring break, these trips can actually be super fun, life-changing experiences! One of my best friends from home went on alternative break last year in Tennessee with a group of her best friends - but even if you don't know the people you're traveling with, it's an amazing way to meet new people and explore a new place while helping those less fortunate than you. Search your school's website (try the community service center to start) for a preexisting program - or petition your university to start one if they don't have one already! 

7. Run a 5K.

We all know exercise is good for us, but my favorite type of exercise is exercise that benefits others, too! This fall, I'm captaining my sorority's team for the Samaritans, Inc. 5K. Samaritans is a Boston-based organization that works to prevent suicide through its 24/7 helpline and provides support services to those who have lost loved ones to suicide. (Click here to donate to Samaritans through our team - every donation helps, no matter how small!) Even if you're not a runner, you can join or start a team for a 5K and work your way up. (For an added bonus, train using the Charity Miles app, which tracks the miles you've run via GPS and donates money to a charity of your choice accordingly!) 

8. Start a Relay for Life team.

Last year, Relay for Life was hands-down THE most fun service event I attended through Theta (it's where I got to know my roommate Arielle!). There was walking, chatting, henna and games, as well as the most beautiful ceremonies to honor loved ones who lost their battle with cancer. I highly recommend seeing if your school has a Relay for Life and starting a team - and if you don't have a Relay for Life at your school, check out the Relay for Life campus page to discover even more ways to get involved.

9. Go vegan!

In case you didn't know, I have been fully vegan with no slip-ups for about five months now. However, the very first time I tried to go vegan, way back in high school, was after I saw the film Cowspiracy. I watched it with my best friend from home, who is also vegan/vegetarian, and was shocked to find the enormous impact that eating animal products - yes, even if you don't eat meat! - has on the environment around us.

If you haven't seen Cowspiracy yet, here are some facts from the film explaining why you should go vegan to help save the environment:

• Animal agriculture is responsible for 18 percent of greenhouse gas emissions - more than transportation exhaust! 
• Agriculture-related emissions are expected to increase 80% by the year 2050.
• Agriculture consumes 80-90% of the United States' water supply.
• 2,500 gallons of water are required to produce just one pound of beef.

If that won't convince you to go vegan (or at least adopt Meatless Mondays), then IDK what will, people.

10. Shop at Amazon Smile.

Of all the ways to change the world in college, this one might just be the easiest: instead of typing in www.amazon.com when you go to shop on Amazon (gotta love that Prime), go to smile.amazon.com. When you do, you'll be asked to select a charity you believe in - mine is the ASPCA - and Amazon will donate a small portion of each purchase you make toward that charity. However, while this is one of the easiest, most mindless ways to do some good in your everyday life and I 100% recommend it, you should also be aware that not all items on Amazon are eligible for Amazon Smile. So, if an item in your cart isn't Smile eligible, purchase it separately or consider shopping around for an alternative that is!

Want another easy way to get involved? Comment your favorite charitable organization below + challenge yourself to make a donation to someone else's charity! 

(I will donate $5 to the first charity posted.)

Sign up for my monthly newsletter and get access to the FREE printables library!

* indicates required

Email Address *

First Name *