Link Love

Happy Monday! Enjoy these reads to start your week!

Media & Feminism

It’s almost summer (or so I hear), which means a lot of nonsense about “bikini bodies.” This piece on loving (or at least ignoring) your cellulite will remind you that a lot of it is nonsense.

Speaking of bikinis and the like, NPR had an interesting piece examining sexism in two very different places: the Middle East and Latin America.

Pretty Little Liars can be a very silly (but entertaining) show on many levels, but Hello Giggles reminds us it does nail one thing: the workings of female friendships.

How Jennifer Garner’s career transformed from Alias to moving maternal figure.

Money, Money, Money

Bad news if you’re going to be borrowing more student loans: rates are going up (again).

And in case you forgot, student loan debt is costly to the economy as whole, not just students.

Need some encouragement to pay off loans and stay on budget? This handy millennial finance infographic from Greatist will help.

Misc.

Pretty cool: the Beatles waiting for traffic to shoot their Abbey Road album cover.

Any list reminding me why Florida is awesome is guaranteed to make me homesick.

It’s spring so these tips for buying flowers on the cheap is especially timely. Then use these tips to make your flowers last longer.

~ Sarah

Link Love

Media & Feminism

In observance of International Women’s Day this past weekend, a look at the myths about violence against women.

This was interesting: why do women’s magazines want our bodies to be “toned” when we need them to be strong?

Fashion

I didn’t think I needed another blazer, but this College Fashion article on styling a navy blazer has me rethinking that.

Katie from Style On Target put together this awesome DIY statement necklace.

ShopStyle has some tips on how to make Claire Underwood’s chic style your own.

Not about fashion, but still stylish: the Ruche blog explores some of the meanings behind your favorite flowers.

Etc.

Admittedly, the numbers in this Washington Post article seem off, but the point remains the same: student loan burdens are preventing millennials from buying homes, damaging the economy as a whole.

Lastly, while I wouldn’t necessarily call this piece from Thought Catalog uplifting, it will make you want to grab your passport and buy a one-way ticket across the globe.

~ Sarah

International Women’s Day

In the States, March marks Women’s History Month and much of the global community observes March 8th as International Women’s Day. It’s been observed for over a century and celebrates the many advancements that have been made in gender equality, while also continuing to inspire and remind people everywhere there is more work to be done. (And before you ask, yes there is an International Men’s Day — it’s observed in November.)

So I want to take today to think about the women who inspire me the most. There’s my mom, who has pretty much always been there for me to provide love and encouragement. There’s my tia, who I haven’t seen in almost three years but is always so warm and welcoming to me when we have a chance to connect.

And of course, I have my friends. Whenever I see my girlfriends back home in South Florida, I’m left inspired and rejuvenated by their accomplishments and their passion for my life. I couldn’t ask for a better group of women to keep me grounded (especially after some of us have known each other for almost a decade!). My Fordham friends aren’t slouches either — college is nothing if not an accelerated period of growth. Suffice to say we’ve seen each other at our best and at our worst. It happens, and it’s something to appreciate.

I guess it’s a coincidence that the next couple weeks is treating me a few visitors! One of my college roommates is visiting next weekend, and the following week, three of my best friends from home are making the trip up to Philly to see my new city and me. I couldn’t feel more special — or be more excited.

~ Sarah