Winter is almost upon us! Some of you may be excited about the prospect of snowball fights, skiing, and having an excuse to cuddle more. If you’re like me, the second the leaves start to change color, you are ready to pull out the heavy coats and wool gloves. And, like the fashionistas out there, we are all excited for the new coats and jackets that we get to bring out! For all those cold-sufferers out there, here are a few tips to help you stay warm this winter:

1. Boots, scarves, and winter coats. In order to survive the winter, you will absolutely need to invest in the best winter gear you can afford. It is really easy to find really cute winter wear that will keep you warm. Just be on the look out!

2. Space heater. These little babies can really pack a punch when you are sitting at home, working in the office, or even when you are going through your morning routine in a cold bathroom.

3. Electric blanket. Nothing helps you sleep at night when it’s cold outside like cranking up your electric blanket or electric mattress pad. If you live in a particularly drafty bedroom, you might even consider getting both. Just don’t heat them up so much that you turn into a toasted human marshmallow by the time you wake up.

4. Regular exercise. Exercise is one thing that typically gets put by the wayside during the winter months. Not only can you not go outside to exercise, but daylight hours are shorter. Shorter days often means that you feel more tired and sleep more. Don’t let the winter blues get to you. Make a concerted effort to go to the gym at least three to four times a week. You can run on the treadmill, lift weights, or even do a dance class to help you get those muscles moving. You will appreciate it when the summer months come!

5. Learn to layer. It’s fortunate that the layered look is so “in” right now. One of the best, and cheapest, ways to stay warm in the colder months is to layer your clothing. Try these combos: tank top, long-sleeve shirt, t-shirt on top, complete with a scarf; t-shirt, sweatshirt, beanie; leggings, jeans, boots.

6. Hot chocolate and soup. Drinking or eating something liquid and warm really does help take the chill off. Make soup a regular staple in your diet. You could cook up a big pot over the weekend and eat it all week long. Not only is it healthy, but it will help you stay warm even on the coldest days.

7. Gloves. Gloves get their own category because hands are particularly susceptible to cold and thus deserve special treatment. If you find your fingers going numb after just a few minutes outside, you’re going to have to suck it up and invest in some real gloves. If you plan on spending significant time outside, you are going to have to invest in the bulky, thick gloves of skiers and construction workers. If you want something a little more classy for casual wear, you can try polyester, fleece or spandex gloves. Stay away from the cheap little knit gloves—they won’t do a thing in keeping your fingers warm when it’s zero degrees. You can match your gloves with your scarves for a cute look!

About the Author
Tiffani Azani is a freelance writer for MyCollegesandCareers.com. My Colleges and Careers is a great resource for those looking to earn a college degree and land one of the top careers in their field. Finding time to fit school into an already busy schedule can be difficult, which is why getting an online degree can be incredibly convenient for many looking to improve their style of living.

Having a bad hair day in college seems to happen more often than not. It happens to the best of us in college. Sometimes, you don’t even notice it until you are in class. It may because of all of the late-nights and early mornings that students have. Many students wake up minutes before class and don’t have time to realize that they have a bad case of bed head. Being a student in college is hard enough―and adding the stress of dealing with bad hair is no fun. Here are 10 tips to help you deal with those bad hair days.

1) Get a good haircut
One of the most important things to remember when trying to avoid a bad hair day is the haircut that you get. Getting a good haircut will save you a lot of hassle when you are trying to do your hair. Your haircut sets up the foundation to when you style your hair. Getting a good cut will ensure that you have less bad hair days.

2) Dryer Sheets
If you have a lot of fly aways, try rubbing your hair with dry sheets. It will reduce the static in your hair and leave it smelling good.

3) Hat
If you have an especially bad hair day―use a hat. Wear your college team colors.

4) Ponytail
Putting your hair up is a great way to avoid hair disasters. You could even put your hair in a bun for a more polished look.

5) Hoodies
If you want to hide your hair, and want to stay really comfortable, a hoodie is the way to go.

6) Styling mousse
If your hair is out of control, try rubbing some styling mousse on it to help it look more in control.

7) Curling Iron
A curling iron might help you if you want to go for a messy look. If your hair is already curly, a curling iron can help you tame your mane.

8) Shampoo and conditioner
Choosing the right shampoo and conditioner will help your hair. If you have limp hair, get a voluming shampoo and conditioner.

9) Satin pillowcases
If you really want to avoid bed head―try satin pillowcases. Because satin is softer, your hair won’t get as messy and you’ll wake up with beautiful hair.

10) Bobby pins
If you need help keeping things in place, get some bobby pins to help you. If you get bobby pins that match your hair color, no one will notice that you are getting some extra help.

Bad hair days are inevitable. With these 10 tips, you will be armed with what you need to combat those bad hair days.

About the Author
Neltje Ann Maynez is a freelance writer for MyCollegesandCareers.com. My Colleges and Careers helps people determine if an online education is right for them and helps them understand which online courses and online colleges they can choose from to reach their goals.

I go to college, and I see one thing as being the most common in a college student’s wardrobe: hoodies. They are a college student’s best friend. You can’t live without them. They are perfect when you need to throw something on when you are running out the door, or they are great when you want to lounge around in your apartment. I literally have a collection of hoodies—and I am always looking for more. My roomates and friends also love their hoodies. Here are 5 reasons why you should consider wearing a hoodie today.

1. They are comfortable
Hoodies are made to be extremely comfortable. Depending on the hoodie, they can be lined with soft fleece inside. They are perfect if you want clothes that aren’t too form fitting or uncomfortable.

2. They show school spirit
There are many hoodies that have your school’s logo on them. If you are going to any sporting event, hoodies are the way to go. They also serve a dual purpose because you will be comfortable while supporting your team.

3. They are warm
No matter where you have to go, a hoodie will keep you warm. The hood will keep your head warm and your hands can stay toasty in your hoodie pocket. If you are going out on a late-night hike, a hoodie can be a great idea to take along with you. You can tie it around your waist and when it gets cold, you can put it on.

4. You can dress them up
Hoodies look good with just about anything. If you are going out, you can pair a hoodie with some nice jeans. It will make you look like you aren’t trying too hard. Many designers also make really nice hoodies if you want to dress up your look even more.

5. It’s a great place to store things
As a college student, having a hoodie with pockets is a great place to store all of your things. You can put your cell phone in the pocket, your student ID, your keys, and you will have quick and easy access to them!

Hoodies are perfect when you are in college. You can wear them for just about anything. They are perfect for going on a hike or when you need to take a study break. They will keep you warm and you can put all of your things in the pockets.

About the Author
Neltje Maynez is a freelance writer for MyCollegesandCareers.com. My Colleges and Careers helps people determine if an online education is right for them and helps them understand which colleges are the best online colleges for them and their specific situation.

“The U.S. economy has been in recession since December 2007, the National Bureau of Economic Research announced on Monday. The result comes despite the economy not having suffered the two consecutive quarters of negative growth usually needed to characterize an economy as recessionary. The only negative reads on GDP in the US were in Q4 2007, when the economy fell 0.2%, while in Q3 2008 preliminary estimates suggest a 0.5% contraction. ‘Because a recession is a broad contraction of the economy, not confined to one sector, the committee emphasizes economy-wide measures of economic activity. The committee believes that domestic production and employment are the primary conceptual measures of economic activity,’ explained the report.” CEP News 

With the economy in a downwards spiral many families find themselves this winter struggling to make ends meet in turns of heating and electricity bills, but these families also have to figure out ways to keep food on their children’s plate and clothes on their back.  We’re here to offer a solution to the clothing problem today.

1.  Designer Clothing at Walmart prices:

Check out all of those local fashion boutiques that you never wanted to visit.  Chances are they’ll have something at an affordable price.  These graphic hooded sweatshirts below are only $20 and came from such a clothing store:

2.  Function over Form.

Just because it looks a little dated, doesn’t mean that it should stop you from buying your child warm clothing.  Fashion should take the backseat if you can’t find something that is both warm and style-icious.  

3.  Sales, Sales, Sales.

Take advantage of coupons, sales racks, and special deals like Black Friday which just ended last week.  There’s nothing wrong with getting clothing at a price that’s almost a steal.