So here’s a playlist to nights spent whispering to each other until you fall asleep, waking up to discover your friend snores and growing up.

What songs remind you of your friends? What is the number one thing that every girls night needs? Tell us in the comments!

Playlist: 10 Sad Songs For Indulging In Your Sadness

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With all that said, I’ve had my fair share of drama at concerts, and the most frustrating incidents are usually the most easily avoidable. After attending so many shows, and a lot of trial and error, I’ve figured out what is needed to have the most hassle-free concert experience ever. This advice is definitely valuable whether you’re a seasoned concert-goer or you’re attending your first gig sometime soon. So here’s what I wish I knew before my first concert.

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Have A Game Plan

Just deciding that you and your friends are going to go to a concert together isn't enough of a plan. Know ahead of time when you'll arrive, if you want to stand in the pit vs. the balcony, etc. If you and your friends differ, you have to come to a compromise unless you want to be grumpy throughout the show.

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Charge Everything

Please, charge your phone to full battery before you head off to the show. It is really inconvenient and stressful to have a dead battery at a show, especially if you need to make phone calls, texts, or take photos. Here's my advice if you're bringing your smartphone: Set your phone to airplane mode whenever you can. You'll save a lot of battery life. Also, if you're bringing a digital camera make sure that battery is check to make sure that you have enough space left on your SD card.

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Pack Light

Don't bring your everyday purse that is probably filled to the brim with your bulky wallet, scraps of paper and that old candy bar that you could have sworn you already ate. Take only what you need and put it in a smaller purse. My essentials include my phone, ID, money/credit card, lipstick and a camera.

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Forgo A Coat

Even if it is cold on the day of the show, only bring a lightweight jacket at the very most. Once you're inside the venue it is going to get really hot, especially if you're standing in the pit. The last thing you want is to have to carry around your big ol' coat while you're trying to rock out.

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Don't Wear Anything Uncomfortable

Look, I've been known to forgo practicality for the sake of style many times in my life. But listen to me: A concert isn't the place to do that, especially if you're standing for a majority of it. This is particularly important in the case of footwear. Don't wear high heels that you know pinch your feet after a couple of hours, and don't wear open toe shoes. Wear a pair of shoes that you love but don't mind if they're stepped on and won't kill your feet. I usually wear my Docs or a pair of flats.

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Arrive Early

If you want to get a great spot, arrive early. How early will depend on the particular act that you're seeing, but at least make sure you know what time the doors open. Depending on the act and venue, you should either arrive at least an hour early. The earliest I've arrived for a show was 8 hours. Do what you can, just know that unless you're at a gig with assigned seats, the good spots are taken early.

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Buy Your Merch First

That's yours truly in that pic. I almost always buy merch at a gig, especially shirts. I try to buy them as soon as I get inside the venue (well, after my spot in the very front of the stage is saved!). Why? Because sizes run out and it is far more crowded around the merch table when the show ends. Just get it out of the way as early as possible so you don't have to worry about it later.

Bring Your Own Pen

If you want anything signed, please bring your own pen. Don't assume that another fan will have one, and definitely don't assume that the members of the band have one. And make sure there is plenty of ink!

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Be Patient If You Want To Meet The Band/Group/Singer After The Show

If you want to meet the band/group/singer after the show, you have to have some patience. And you'll likely have to wait outside. Once, I stood in freezing cold rain for nearly two hours in the middle of December to meet my favorite band, Arctic Monkeys, after their show. It was totally worth it. Don't worry about being the only person standing around; there will likely be other people waiting for the band too. Make some friends, mingle, etc.

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Know What You're Getting Into

Concerts are fun, but not if you're taken by some unpleasant surprises. Just use a little common sense. If you're seeing a very high energy group and you're not into getting pushed around, don't stand in front of the stage. If you're wearing a dress or skirt, know that it can ride up if people are pressed against you. If you decided to bring your expensive handbag, know that somebody can spill beer on it. Somebody will probably step on your foot at some point; don't freak out. Know that nobody has an obligation to move just because you're short...just remember little things like that and the concert will go smoothly

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What’s your favorite concert experience? Are you seeing anyone in concert soon? Do you prefer large venues or small ones; seated or non-seated? Tell us in the comments!

Comments Of The Week: All About Music!
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Well, apparently listening to sad songs can help you get through a break up, so maybe my love of reveling in mopey music is more legit than I thought. So whether you’re going through a bad split, feeling down or just want to listen to some whiny songs, this is the perfect time to check out our latest playlist. Includes No Doubt, Hole, and Arctic Monkeys.

Let’s Make Out: 10 Songs For A Fun And Frenzied Make-Out Session

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What about music that is actually as fun and frenzied as an actual make-out session? Here’s some of my favorite songs that I think would be fun to make-out to. Whether you’ve got plans with your boyfriend/girlfriend this weekend or just want to listen to some good music, this playlist will definitely keep you company. Playlist includes Best Coast, Beyonce, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and more!

What songs do you think are perfect for make-out sessions? Are you into listening to fast songs or slow jamz? Tell us what you think in the comments!

Flashback: 15 Summer Songs From The ’90s To Jam Out To

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The ’90s gave us a ton of amazing music (um, hello, where would I be without the Spice Girls?) and my favorite decade also gave us a lot of super fun summer songs. What are summer songs, you ask? They don’t have to be about summer – they just need to be upbeat and fun and something you can jam out to in the sunny weather. So, get yourself ready for the warmer temperatures by blasting these ’90s summer music faves. Get ready for a ton of memories to come back to you. (Disclaimer: some of these songs are from the early 2000′s. I know. But they were too good not to include.)

“Summertime” by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince

This is obviously the ultimate summer song. It should be on replay at all of your summer parties. It’s chill and relaxing and makes me want to go to the beach!

“Steal My Sunshine” by Len

As soon as this song came on, I started bopping my head around at my desk like an idiot. Because that is what this song makes you do.

“Butterfly” by Crazy Town

This is one of those songs that is sort of okay, but once you listen to it, it’s stuck in your head all day. Which is just like, ugh.

“Summer Girls” by LFO

With lyrics like these, who needs poetry? I mean, a genius OBVIOUSLY wrote this. Whatever, it was catchy, right?

“Miami” by Will Smith

Sigh. Have I mentioned lately how much I miss ’90s Will Smith? Because I do. So much.

“The Thong Song” by Sisqo

This might be one of the worst songs in the world. But still annoyingly catchy.

“Who Let The Dogs Out” by The Baha Men

When I was younger, I saw this band live and I thought it was pretty much the coolest thing that could ever happen to me. I don’t know why either. But I mean, who comes up with lyrics like these?! Why was this so popular?!

“All Star” by Smash Mouth

Okay, FINE. You caught me. I’ve just been searching for a way to include this song in a roundup since I started working at Gurl. It’s just that I used to know all of the words and my friends and I would ride around on our bikes and sing the whole song during the summer. Okay, I’m done now.

“Boombastic” by Shaggy

Pretty much a hookup classic. Why aren’t songs like this anymore?

“Fat Lip” by Sum 41

This was my freakin’ anthem when I was a little emo girl skateboarding around the block with my super cool guy friends. Don’t judge me.

“S Club Party” by S Club 7

I’m not the only one who watched their show obsessively, right? Right?!?!

“Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix A Lot

Where would we be without this song? No, seriously, I’m really asking. Where would we be?

“California Love” by Tupac

Tupac’s California song definitely beats out Katy Perry’s for best Cali song, am I right?

“MMMBop” by Hanson

When this song came out, I literally thought I would never love a man as much as I loved these boys (Then later on I was introduced to Ryan Gosling and learned the REAL meaning of true love).

“Genie In A Bottle” by Christina Aguilera

Just like you had to choose between BSB and NSYNC, you also had to choose between being a Britney fan or a Christina fan. I was on Brit’s side. Because, obviously.

Which of these songs was your favorite? Did you forget about any of these? What did I miss? Tell me in the comments!

15 of the best love songs from the ’90s

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Real talk: I LOVED Pitch Perfect. Did I maybe buy the DVD and watch it four times that weekend? Obviously, yes. So if you’re like me, then you’ll totally get Hayley’s latest crush on… Ester Dean!

From Ester’s amazingness as a singer to her talents as a songwriter, Hayley is spilling all the reasons why Ester is so crush-worthy (plus, exactly which super popular songs she’s written!). Watch now to find out, and don’t forget to tune back in tomorrow at 4 p.m. for another new episode of What’s Up With Hayley!

Have you seen Ester Dean in Pitch Perfect? Are some of the songs she has written also some of your favorites? Tell us in the comments!
 

Hayley’s take on last week’s celebrity news stories.

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I’ve seen just as many crazy, ridiculous apps out there as I have really bad dating advice. And somehow, magically, this app manages to combine both into one huge tip on how NOT to get his attention. 

HowAboutWe.com posted a review of the app in question, called Equala, and I couldn’t resist letting you girls in on it. Equala is an app that basically connects to your Facebook profile and fills you in on what music other people are listening to. On Equala’s website, they market the app as a great way to “rely on your friends’ music to be the best radio station!” It would be an app you could use if you needed some new music, but weren’t sure where to look for it.

If Equala was just all about that, it would be fine. I mean, kind of stupid and pointless (you don’t need an app to see what music your Facebook friends like. All you have to do is… go on their Facebook), but fine. Except that’s not how they presented the app to HowAboutWe… and the issue I have with Equala is how it claims to help your dating life. 

The press release Equala sent to HowAboutWe suggests using the app as a way to get the attention of the guy you’re crushing on. Their way of doing that? By pretending to like the stuff they like, obviously. Here are the suggestions on how to get his attention from their press release:

Get familiar with his top jams. Listen [to them] yourself (or at least, pretend to).

Make sure you share on social media how awesomely amazing his favorite bands/songs are (discreetly, of course). 

When you see him next, use this musical insight as an icebreaker. For example, you cannot wait for their next show. You love the new single. You think their first album was absolutely epic in comparison to this one. 

Hook, line, sinker. He will be interested. Music is the way into a dude’s heart. (Um, sorry, since when?)

Ummmm. Where should I start? So many choices, so many choices.

Let’s see… while there is nothing wrong with using social media as a way to get to know your crush on your own, there is something wrong with pretending to like what your crush likes just to get his attention. News flash, Equala and anyone else who acts fake in order to get noticed: guys, and people in general, like individuality. No one likes when someone pretends to be someone they’re not just so they can get what they want.

Look, if you want to get a guy’s attention, don’t do this. Don’t pretend to like his favorite band just to impress him. Don’t talk about his favorite band to him like you’re sooo familiar with them when in reality you just looked up the lyrics to their biggest hit song two days ago. That’s not cool and it will probably backfire. Either he’ll know you’re not being honest and will be totally weirded out or he’ll eventually find out the truth and get totally weirded out. Either way – you end up looking lame. Do yourself a favor and stick to being passionate about what you like. A guy will be more into your confidence than into the fact that you like the same song.

Would you ever download this app and use it to impress guys? Do you ever pretend to like something your crush likes just to get his attention? Tell us in the comments. 

Is the Internet ruining your relationships?

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Source: ShutterStock

I’m pretty sure you don’t need to be convinced to start listening to music. No matter what kind of music you’re into, everyone has a favorite band, singer or song because music is, to put it lightly, amazing. It has the power to conjure up memories you thought you lost, it can make you happy when you’re feeling bummed out and it can speak to you in a way that no real person can. Oh, and it also has some other really cool benefits we weren’t aware of… until now.

A new study proves that listening to music while you’re sleeping not only helps you sleep better (insomniacs, take note), but it also boosts your brain power. Researchers found that “playing sounds synchronized to the rhythm of the slow brain oscillations of people who are asleep enhances these oscillations, which boosts their memory and improves the quality of their sleep.” What this means without all of the fancy doctor words is that when you listen to music with a rhythm that matches what’s going on in your brain, your memory is improved and you’ll have less trouble sleeping through the night.

I don’t think this means you can start to listening to whatever kind of music you like – heavy metal or rock probably isn’t something with this kind of rhythm. As Dr. Jan Born says, “Importantly, the sound stimulation is effective only when the sounds occur in synchrony with the on-going sloe oscillation rhythm during deep sleep.” Unfortunately, the doctor doesn’t really give us any hints on what kind of music we should be listening to. In general, I would go with something relaxing and calm.

Another benefit of music? It can give us just as much pleasure as sex does. Say what?! Canadian scientists recently found that listening to music activates the same part of our brain that gets activated when we have sex or eat our favorite foods. And the more you love the song you’re listening to, the stronger the connection is. So, yes – music really can make us that happy.

What can we do with this information? Um, start listening to a lot more music! And, good news, the upcoming summer months are the perfect time to get into some new music and start expanding your horizons. Not only are a ton of our favorite artists going on tour (Beyonce, Selena Gomez, Rihanna, to name a few), but summer is also the season of music festivals. I guarantee that no matter where you live, there will be a music festival happening somewhere near by. And let me tell you guys, these are totally worth the money and time. Music festivals are the best place to get introduced to new bands, singers and genres (not to mention new friends) and they’re also just super fun.

In conclusion, if you’re having a hard time sleeping, you should try listening to music. If you’re looking to boost your memory (always helpful), listen to music. If you want to be happier… you guessed it… listen to music! Now you have three legit excuses to blast those headphones – just not too loud.

Has music ever helped you sleep better? What’s your favorite song right now? Who is your favorite band or artist? Tell us in the comments!

Can listening to music make driving dangerous?

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Other stuff you’ll love:

One music video for “Kiss You” wasn’t enough for One Direction – so here’s another [Crushable]

Curious to see where Clarissa Darling ended up? Start your countdown to this book’s release date [CollegeCandy]

J-Law continues her trend of being totally real by sharing what makes her nervous [Hollywire]

Presenting, Ariana Grande’s music video for “The Way” ft. Mac Miller [Global Grind]

I can’t look away from these “Actresses Without Teeth” pictures [BuzzFeed]

GIFs can explain anything… like how you feel waiting for spring break [Teen]

One of the catchiest promposal songs I’ve ever heard [HuffPo Teen]

Attention: stripes are a spring fashion trend! Here are cute ways to wear them [HerCampus]

Moon-inspired fashion that’s out of this world (I know, lame pun, but it’s true) [The Frisky]

Hey, you’re amazing! Here are tips to help boost your self-confidence [YourTango]

Ah, I forgot all about Pogs! Here are more toy trends that fell off the face of the Earth [Smosh]
 

Make your own gorgeous prom corsage!

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Of course, Nickelodeon is known for its animation, going back from Rugrats and Ren and Stimpy to Sponge Bob Squarepants and The Fairly Oddparents, so it’s only natural that we’d celebrate the 2013 Kids’ Choice Awards in a similarly animated fashion: with GIFs! Here are our favorite moments in motion.

Hey Katy Perry! What do you think of Big Time Rush?

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Good, because they’re falling for you. Literally.

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Katy and pal Selena Gomez were pretty shocked at Sel’s victory for Favorite TV Actress for Wizards of Waverly Place. So cute!

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Selena, tell us how you really feel.

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We think someone asked her where Favorite Male Singer winner Justin Bieber was…

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Gabby Douglas may not have gone home with a blimp, but she has a gold medal and got escorted on and offstage by Cory Monteith. We think she won in the long run!

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Did you know that all this green slime is edible? Josh Hutcherson may want to save it for the next Hunger Games installment (and Amanda Seyfried for the next time a French Revolution happens and she’s starving).

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So that’s how Darren Criss hits those high notes on Glee!

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Johnny Depp is imitating the blimp he just won.

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Sandra Bullock’s next Oscar-winning role will be for The Blind Slime. (We’ll be here all week.)

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Kristen Stewart looked adorable and was so excited to high five everyone before she got slime all over her fingers onstage.

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The Captain Obvious Award goes to…

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Ashley Tisdale thanks you for your time.

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What was your favorite 2013 Kids’ Choice Awards moment? Did you watch the 2013 Kids’ Choice Awards? What would you do if you ever got slimed? Tell us in the comments!

Reminisce on your own childhood with these ’90s throwbacks!

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