Dorm Essentials: Storage

Posted on August 31, 2012 by LeslieA

Dorm rooms might as well be a synonym for cramped spaces but it is the price you pay when you decide to live on campus. Instead of stressing about the lack of space, try and make your space work for you. Using storage is the simplest if not most effective way to make the most out of what you have.

Shoe Organizer
Classy co-eds love their shoes but it is impossible to bring them all to school if you have nowhere to put them. Bed, Bath and Beyond’s Crystal Clear Over-the-Door Shoe Bag allows you to store 26 pairs of shoes while hanging them on the inside of your door for $19.99.

Jewelry Separator
If only every piece of jewelry matched with every outfit. Unfortunately it does not. Use the jewelry separator to keep your jewelry organized. The Neatnix 6 Compartment Jewelry Organizer sold at Sears for $19.99 has compartments for necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings to help keep you organized and give you the ability to have all of your jewelry in plain sight. You can also store your DIY jewelry and jewelry making accessories.

Hair Organizer
Clutter also occurs in the bathroom, especially when co-eds are straightening, curling and blow-drying their hair in the same vicinity. Luckily Bed, Bath and Beyond has the Polder Style Station Hair Care Storage for $19.99. This allows you to hold the all the electrical hair products in one spot without having any cords left around. The Polder Style Station can hang on your towel rack as well as on a shelf.

Storage Drawers
These bins can be used for nearly everything. You can store clothes, food and even toilet paper in them. Storage bins come in multiple sizes with different amounts of drawers. Depending on the space you have, you can decide which size is best for you. Many reasonably priced stores sell these storage bins and they also come in different colors. The Sterilite 3-Drawer Wide Cart is only $18.97 at Walmart.

Taking a small space and keeping it classy can be a challenge but using these items can help. These storage items allow you to have more room for other essentials you may need to live a fabulous life.

Leslie Alston is a junior majoring in Communication Studies and Women and Gender Studies at Pace University. Follow her at @more_or_LESSlie. To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds be sure to follow College Lifestyles on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter)

College Lifestyles Readers Survey: Back to School

Posted on August 31, 2012 by Shelly Marie

Introducing the College Lifestyles Readers Survey!

The first two weeks of every month (starting the 1st day ending the 2nd Saturday of each month), we will post a ‘themed’ survey wanting to learn more about you AND bring you, our classy and fabulous readers, what you want!

We will compile the results and bring to you the results on the last week of each month!

Back to School anyone? The September Reader Survey is appropriately themed ‘Back to School.’ From dorm to apartment life, roommates, school supplies, organizations, and your preferred commute, we want to know your Back to School likes and dislikes!

Voting starts now and ends on September 15th!

Need a little motivation? Individuals who take our readers survey have a chance to win a copy of ‘Eat Well and Be Fabulous,’ written by our Editor in Chief, Shelly Marie Redmond, MS, RD, LDN.

Take our back to school survey by clicking here!

Or, you can copy and paste the following into your web browser: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CLs-back-to-school

*Winners of the book and results will be posted to our website on September 24th. Winners have 7 days to contact our office via email (info@collegelifestyles.org) to claim their copy of ‘Eat Well and Be Fabulous.’

How to Be Classy: Dealing With a Tough Professor

Posted on August 31, 2012 by AllisonC

With school kicking off over the past few weeks, it’s becoming more real that yet another year has passed. College women these days have a lot on their plates. Not only are we dealing with peers, bosses and screaming children, we soon will be facing an influx of all kinds of professors. A positive relationship with a professor has the potential to be a great opportunity, but what happens when we get stuck with a tough professor? I asked a few college women what they do to handle the pressure of a professor who is giving them a hard time. Here’s what they said. Feel free to leave your own comments on this article, as I’m sure that many of you can commiserate with these stories!

“I had a very tough dean to work with through my thesis process. While working on my thesis, I would turn it in at an assigned time throughout the process, where she and the committee would make recommendations (mainly grammar, etc). While I appreciated the corrections, it got to a point where I would make the corrections, and then the next recommendation would be to ‘go back’ to the old way. When I went back to the old way, the next recommendation would be to correct to what was corrected. Very frustrating and my thesis literally turned into pages of scratches and red marks. Finally, I took all the copies of the thesis and compared the corrections with the dean. I wish I could say we hugged and became BFFs, but not the case. She simply shook her head and continued making corrections. I did finish, I did graduate, and my thesis was published. What I learned from the experience is to always save your work (to compare corrections), but also sometimes you won’t have an incredible relationship with everyone.” ~Shelly Marie Redmond, EIC

“My freshman year I had a tough professor. She just expected a lot from her students. The easiest way to make them [your professor] happy is to show you care about his/her class and work your hardest. They will probably notice and appreciate it. That professor is now my advisor and a great resource!” – Ariana, 20, Syracuse University

“I once had a professor that didn’t lay out exactly what he wanted from his students. On my first paper for him, I didn’t do well. He gave us a checklist of the things he expected AFTER our first paper was due. I didn’t agree with his comments, but in order to get a good grade I adjusted my writing and began to get better grades. Some teachers don’t like a student’s style of writing and we shouldn’t take it personally! I just realized I couldn’t please everyone but I still worked hard and did my best in the class. –Kaitlin,19, Providence College

So next time you’re dealing with a tough professor keep these things in mind:

Keep calm: don’t get frustrated. Once you lose your cool, the battle is over and your professor has won. Call your mom, your best friend or someone you trust and vent to them. Who knows, they may have some words of advice AND you’re also not breaking down in front of your professor. Remember to keep your relationship professional!

Go to office hours: showing that you care about the material in the class may help improve your grade and relationship with your professor. At the same time, you may learn more than you think you know.

Don’t worry: if doing these things doesn’t fix your concerns, don’t freak out. Keep doing what you’re doing and try your best. Talk to someone higher up in the department, study and work hard and pair up with someone else in the class to compare your work. It’s not the end of the world, and you will survive at the end! I always say, “It will all be okay in the end, and if it’s not okay, then it isn’t the end.”

For more articles on dealing with everyday college issues, check out how to handle parking tickets. If this is your first time going away to college, check out this article on understanding the move-in process and this article on what you should be bringing to your first day of class!

Allison Cohen is a Sorority and Lifestyle Writer. She is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, a lover of hiking, running, and traveling, and is obsessed with her weenie dog, Maverick.

How-to: Create a Classy Bucket List

Posted on August 31, 2012 by Tiana Blue

A group of guys turned 100 to-dos into a #1 New York Times bestselling book and later an inspirational documentary series on MTV called The Buried Life. You’ll watch one list take terminally ill patients–played by Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson–around the world (including motorcycling along the Great Wall!) in The Bucket List. Case in point: If you’ve got big dreams but no motivation, follow these next 10 points and let your new, classy bucket list nudge you in the right direction.

1. Who are you?

Sometimes life gets in the way of you clearly seeing who you are, but spending quality alone time examining your thoughts and beliefs and chiming into your spirit will help the process. It’ll make figuring out what you want much easier.

2. Who do you want to be?

Assuming you have an idea (or a bunch of ideas) of who you want to be when you grow up, use the almighty bucket list as a stepping stone to get there. Dreaming of CEO assertion or having the drive of a successful entrepreneur? Jot down “Brainstorm business ideas. Finalize a name by the end of 2012.” This provides a concrete goal and a time constraint, which should boost your motivation to make it happen.

The boys of The Buried Life.

3. What do you fear?

Being afraid is entirely mental and it’ll hold you back. Focus on the feared object/idea/action hard enough and boom, you have anxiety. Think about how babies crawl onto unknown territory or naturally swim if tossed into a pool. It’s because fear hasn’t registered into their developing little brains! If public speaking catches your tongue, force yourself into public speaking forums. Start with, “Write 12 poems. Read one poem at least once at month at poetry readings.”

4. What do you enjoy?

Turn the notches up on what gives you breadth and joy. Enjoy running? Get doused in colored powder throughout The Color Run, a 5K marathon of sorts where the point is fun, not how fast you go. Love heights? Ride the tallest coaster in the world, Kingda Ka, at Six Flags Great Adventure, and do it this week, this month, or at least this season. It won’t take an entire year to conquer something you love!

5. What’s missing?

Does your life feel complete right now? No? Fill in those blanks. Maybe you need to be honest with a childhood crush. Or it might be smart to switch your major. Either of these probing issues can be life changing decisions to make. Place them on your bucket list and get them done.

6. Think long term

You can make a seasonal bucket list with long term goals. Prep a list for fall 2012, but include some items which might take longer than one season to accomplish. In other words, keep your eyes on the prize even if it’ll take you a few years to gather the funds, support, or even courage to do so.

Participants in The Color Run!

7. Stop telling yourself “No”

As you get older, it becomes easier to say “that’s impossible.” Tap into your inner child who thought it was possible to be dentist by day and Sailor Moon by night! Let your imagination go, and come up with some outrageous ideas. The crazier the merrier.

8. Be selfish

Travel alone all summer if you never got to study abroad in college. You have free reign to make yourself into a better you.

9. Be Selfless

While it’s ok to be selfish sometimes, don’t forget to be selfless. If a young neighbor is an only child, hangout with them once a week or whenever you’re home from college. Have fun, teach ‘em something valuable (how to fish, how to play volleyball—whatever it is you do well!). They’ll hold onto those memories, and you’re making them a better person this way, too. It’s a cycle.

10. You have seven months to live…

What would you do with it? Not sit down and wallow in misery! You’ll write a memoir even if it never gets published, you’ll smash a guitar on stage live and you’ll be a mascot for one night at a high school football game. And it’s all because you can.

Tiana Blue is a junior at Penn State University. Follow her at @tawlglass. To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds be sure to follow College Lifestyles on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

Saying Goodbye to Summer: 4 Ways to Beat The Blues

Posted on August 31, 2012 by Casey

There is nothing like the smell of fresh school supplies, the look of a newly decorated dorm room and the thought of a whole year’s worth of adventures ahead to get you excited for the upcoming school year. As fun as it is to be back on campus and reunited with your old friends, it’s not easy saying goodbye to the lazy days of summer.

Are you looking to start this semester with a bang? Follow College Lifestyles’ four tips to beat the summer blues!

Jump into a new activity

Attend your college’s activities fair and sign up for a club you never considered joining before. Changing up your routine when you go back to school allows you to start the semester off with an open mind. The club you joined on a whim may turn out to be where you meet your best friends for life. College is about discovering who you are and taking chances – developing a new hobby or passion through a club is the perfect way to do this.

Get organized early

It’s easy to get overwhelmed in the fall because you are transitioning from spending lazy days at the beach to practically living in the library. This is where planners, organizers and calendars come in handy. Purchase one before classes resume. This dry erase calendar clings to your wall and adds flair to any dorm or apartment. Color code items based on importance or subject. Cross them off after you complete them, and don’t forget to write down assignments and important dates once you find out about them. Never miss an appointment again!

Tip: Looking for more back to school supplies for a fabulous fall semester? Pick up some of these dorm room must-haves to start your year off on the right foot.

Set goals

Seeing your goals and aspirations written down on paper makes you that much more likely to achieve them. You can’t hide from something that is constantly in your face. At the beginning of the semester, write down one major goal you wish to accomplish. Then, each week, write down smaller goals that will help you get there. Tackling what you want to do in smaller, more manageable chunks makes you twice as likely to attain your bigger goal in the end. Tack up your goal sheets where you can see them. Write them on bookmarks if you enjoy reading, or put them on colorful sticky pages that can be placed in your planner or on your laptop. With those constant reminders, your dreams are bound to become a reality!

Find your fall niche

What gets you most excited about the changing of the seasons? Is it the fashion? The food? The leaves turning colors? Discover what makes you happiest about the autumn months and embrace it full force. While the weather may be getting colder and the days shorter, that doesn’t mean you should have to feel bored and depressed. Fall in love with fall by going apple or pumpkin picking, taking photos of the changing scenery, baking warm and delicious pies or modeling the latest fashion trends that are both cozy and cute. The more negatives you turn into positives, the easier it will be for you to beat the summer blues.

Casey Galasso is junior at Marist College. Follow her on Twitter at @omggcasey. To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds, be sure to follow College Lifestyles on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

What to Wear: Presentation Attire

Posted on August 27, 2012 by ShanaeF

Hello ladies, the time has come to say goodbye to beach trips, shorts and long summer nights. It’s time to return to homework and presentations. One thing that helps me is knowing that I look great while I’m presenting. Here at CL, we’ve laid out some options to help you look your best when you’re the center of attention.

Stay classy with a great pair of slacks, heels and/or flats and a satchel. There’s a pair of slacks out there for everyone such as, the wide leg trouser or straight leg chino. Below are a few options from J Crew. Pair them with a nice button down blouse or a dressy shirt with a cardigan along with a length appropriate pump for a great presentation ensemble.

J Crew Scout Chino $39.99

J Crew Black Trousers $59.99

J Crew Pencil Skirt $98.00

Aldo Lillig Pump $40.00

Aldo Romelia Pump $90.00

Don’t forget ladies, keep it light with the accessories. Add a beautiful leather satchel and the perfect heel you’ll feel great and confident enough to rock your presentation.

5 Foods for Your Late Night Study Session

Posted on August 27, 2012 by KaleighD

Courtesy of collegestudytips.net

As much as we hate to admit it, we’ve all had at least one exam we had to pull an all-nighter for. The later it gets, the more appealing chocolate ice cream, chips and cookies start to look. Pretty soon our healthy food kick goes down the tubes. Well, fear no more! Here are five foods that sports dietitian Jami Mascari suggests will satisfy your hunger without throwing away your diet.

Courtesy of hercampus.com

Crunchy Peanut Butter Bananas: This crunchy snack is for all you peanut butter lovers. Take your favorite high-fiber cereal and roll it onto a peanut butter covered banana. This protein packed snack will take the edge off while you hit the books.
Apple Yogurt Dippers: Slice n’ dice some apples and dip them into your favorite low-fat yogurt. This yummy snack will appease your sweet tooth cravings without loading your body with sugars.
Bagels: Who says you can’t eat carbohydrates while eating healthy? Take a small or medium sized bagel and toast it to perfection. Spread low-fat cream cheese and top with sliced strawberries to make the perfect study snack.
Turkey Roll Ups: Take a light String Cheese stick and roll it into low sodium turkey slices. This snack is a quick and easy way to stop your tummy from grumbling.
Chocolate Milk: Go ahead and pour yourself a glass of chocolate milk made with skim or reduced-fat milk. Accompany this chocolaty beverage with your favorite fruit!

Courtesy of footage.shutterstock.com

Next time you catch yourself up late cramming for a test, make yourself one of these tasty snacks. Healthy treats will help ease your appetite without leaving you with feelings of regret.

Kaleigh Dickson is a senior at Louisiana State University. She is studying Broadcast Journalism and is a member of the LSU gymnastics team. Follow her on Twitter @kaleigh_kayy. To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds be sure to follow College Lifestyles on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Intern Diaries: Must-Have Dorm Snacks

Posted on August 27, 2012 by Debra Schreiber

Courtesy of thedailygreen,com

We classy co-eds know some days, cafeteria food just won’t cut it. We need snacks to get through our day, chocolate when things get rough, and a little late-night food for the library while we’re cramming for finals. Check out and see what the College Lifestyles interns favorites are…

My must-have dorm snack is…

“Granola bars,” – Stephanie Coppola, Editor.

“Individual bags of fat-free popcorn,” Mallory Hatten, Writer.

“Popcorn,” – Angela Skane, Writer.

“I’m a sucker for peanut butter. I keep a jar of Peanut Butter Co.’s Dark Chocolate or Cinnamon Raisin peanut butter to snack on. It’s delicious all by itself!” –Kirsten Henning, Contributor.

“Kellogg’s Sea Salt Cracker Chips.” – Diane Ferrer, Writer.

“Mixed nuts. They are so tasty and satisfying and can fight off hunger for hours,” Natalie Raymond, Writer.

“Cherry Chocolate Torte Larabars or Oikos Greek Yogurt,” Blakely Grimm, Writer.

“…I love light pop corn as a snack,” Shaundra Boyd, Editor.

“It’s not really a snack, but the Naked Protein Zone smoothie,” Caity St. John, Editor.

“Popcorn! It’s so easy to make and tasty. Plus, if you buy the right kind, it’s healthy too!” – Ariana Romero, Editor.

“Pretzels. Preferably Flipz so I can get my chocolate fix,” – Tiana Blue, Editor.

“Hummus with pretzels, chips or vegetables,” – Rachel Crocetti, Writer.

“Carrots and celery,” – Maya Devereaux, Writer.

“Granola,” – Sarah Albert, Editor.

“Pretzels,” – Rachel Osman, Editor.

“Laughing Cow spreadable cheese,” – Teresa Conde, Social Media and PR.

“Protein powder,” – Carolyn McMahon, Writer.

Courtesy of ronmartin.net

“Trail mix!” -Jenna Ballard, Contributor.

“Almonds!” – Emily Lamielle, Writer.

“Sour Patch Watermelons,” – Kaleigh Dickson, Writer.

“Popcorn,” – Samantha Schafer, Social Media.

“100 Calorie Packs of kettle corn,” – Allison Cohen, Writer.

“Fruit, especially dragon fruit and bananas,” – Natalia Weiner, Contributor.

“Cookies…I have a sweet tooth,” – Shanae Hatchett, Writer.

“Chobani Yogurt,” – Leslie Alston, Writer.

“Brookside Dark Chocolate Covered Blueberries. These make their way across the Atlantic and into my secret hiding spot every semester,” – Tariro Mzezewa, Writer.

“Hummus and bell pepper slices,” – Victoria Baldonado, Social Media.

“THINaddictives. These are biscotti made cookies with cranberries, chocolate, or pistachios. They are super delicious and great for on the go!” – Meghan Keane, Writer.

“Almonds! Perfect snack for anytime.” – Sarah Gooch, Social Media.

“Cheddar Goldfish,” – Kimberly Anastos, Social Media.

“My must-have dorm snacks are apples and peanut butter,” – Pauline Lacsamana, Writer.

“Poptarts,” – Kristyn Anguiano, Social Media.

“Roasted almonds,” Kayla Divelbiss, Writer.

Courtesy of myrecipes.com

“My new infatuation is low-fat yogurt parfaits with fresh fruit and granola! Health and tasty, yum!” – Shaniece Sanford, PR.

“Raw almonds,” – Dustin Divelbiss, Writer.

“Whole grain toast with peanut butter,” – Annaliese Pepper, Social Media.

“Pizza Lunchables,” – Ashley Offenback.

“Granola bars and fresh fruit,” – Kristen Tomkowid, Writer.

“My must-have dorm snack is kettle corn popcorn,” – Courtney Smith, Social Media and Advertising.

“M&M’s,” – Jessica Molinari, Writer.

“Cheezits,” – Martha-Raye Adjei, Editor.

“Mott’s Fruit Snacks,” – Emily O’Brien, Social Media.

“Pretzels,” – Rebecca Holliday, Social Media.

“Unsalted Snyder’s Pretzels…yumm,” – Raquel Santos, Writer.

“Wheat Thins and vegetable cream cheese,” – Nicole Veenstra, Writer.

“Pringles,” – Karlaa Williams, Social Media and PR.

“Pretzels,” – Gillian Reid, Writer.

“My dorm room is always stocked with peanut butter, Nutella and cereal,” – Casey Galasso, Writer.

Courtesy of uludagsozluk.com

Debra Schreiber is a graduate from Duquesne University. Follow her @debstyle89. To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds be sure to follow College Lifestyles on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Dorm Essentials: Vision Board

Posted on August 26, 2012 by PaulineL

One of the best things about going back to school is decorating your dorm! Your room is the place where you will truly be able to express yourself and feel comfortable. What better way to express yourself than with a vision board!

Photo from soul-restoration-2.com

What is a vision board?

A vision board is a collage of pictures, phrases, words or items that represent you and your goals. Vision boards are for inspiration; think of it as a vision of the future if you will. These goals can be either short-term or long-term. By seeing these images on a daily basis, you will keep the motivation to reach those goals and desires.

Photo from Hubpages

How to make your own
Start off with making a list of things you would like to accomplish and see during the semester. Do you want to beat the freshman 15? Try getting clips from fitness magazines and inspirational quotes to keep you going. What about breaking out of your shell to approach that cutie you met during orientation? Try posting some pictures that display confidence and inner beauty.

Not sure what else you might have on a vision board? Running a marathon or beating your usual running record are both great fitness goals. If you’re hoping to grow socially, maybe you’ll want to emulate Mila Kunis’ sassy and confident personality or join new campus organizations. Vision boards are perfect for new beginnings, such as the college journey for freshmen! Your options are endless, as long as you think about what you truly want in life.

Photo from freshandprecious.blogspot.co

After jotting down some hopes and dreams, the materials to use are:
1. Poster board
2. Magazines

3. Scissors
4. Glue
5. A creative imagination!

Next, you start cutting out clippings in magazines that represent your vision. Then you arrange and glue these clippings in whatever order your heart desires. You can even group them into themes such as social life, health and academics.Keep in mind that vision boards, along with your desires and goals, may change over time. Why just have one vision when you can have two (or even more)!

Thetas and their vision boards at Indiana University.

Pauline Lacsamana is a junior at Quinnipiac University. Follow her at @paulinelacs! To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds be sure to follow College Lifestyles on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Bridesmaid? We Have Some Trivia For You!

Posted on August 26, 2012 by Shelly Marie

While many of us are returning to campus, the likelihood of us knowing someone (a friend, sorority sister, and/or family member) getting married this fall is pretty high. A bridesmaid planning a wedding shower or party? Use these fun ‘wedding history’ facts in a great wedding trivia game!

Via: Moissanite

What to Wear: Weekends

Posted on August 25, 2012 by Rachel Crocetti

The fall semester is just around the corner, and with it comes back-to-school shopping! Check out CL’s classy weekend staples to add to your wardrobe this year.

1. Boyfriend Jeans

Jeans have always been a weekend staple, but boyfriend jeans are guaranteed to keep you comfortable while chilling out on your days off. Not to mention, they are versatile! Dress them up for a night on the town by rolling up the bottom and rocking a pair of stilettos, or dress them down with a pair of comfy riding boots and a big sweater. Whatever your plans are for the weekend, boyfriend jeans are a go-to.

Courtesy of singapore.la

2. Leather Jacket

This is another perfect item for a cool fall day. A leather jacket goes well with just about anything. It can be worn with skinny jeans for a sleek, rugged look. Or you can pair a leather motorcycle jacket with a lace mini-dress for a sweet and edgy look.

3. Riding Boots

One of the most frequently worn shoes seen on campus for fall is riding boots. There are so many different styles- western, wedge, flat, etc. Create a comfy, warm weekend style with knee-high socks to wear to a football game for a casual look.

4. Short Sleeve Sweatshirt

Any time you hear the word “sweatshirt” you think automatic coziness. While it may seem easiest to throw on a huge sweatshirt with your school’s logo for the weekends, gain style points by layering a cute short sleeve sweatshirt over an oxford button down or a henley top.

What to wear: weekends by crocettirachel featuring destroyed jeans

5. Ballet Flats

Why wear heels when you don’t have to? There are so many chic ballet flats that are cute and cheap! Give your feet a chance to relax and find a cute pair in bright colors.

Eva Longoria rockin’ the casual look.
Courtesy of hbcubuzz.com

6. White T-Shirt

Ask a group of guys what they think a woman looks sexiest in and surprisingly enough, many will say “jeans and a tee”. What better excuse to rock one of our comfiest articles of clothing? A white t-shirt can be dressed up by tucking it into a pair of dark jeans with a skinny belt. Bonus points if you pair it with your leather jacket, and possibly some bonus attention as well!

Don’t let your style slack on the weekends…shop for these comfortable staples and you’ll be able to relax in style! For a few hints on what shoes to bring to school, check out Maya’s article, “Dorm Essentials: Shoes”.

Rachel Crocetti is a health and lifestyles writer for College Lifestyles. She is studying Journalism and Photography at Hofstra University. Rachel loves country music, cozy sweaters and exploring the city.

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Apartment Essentials: Not Your Sister’s Tea Party – The Health Benefits of Tea

Posted on August 25, 2012 by NatalieR

Photo Credit: health.howstuffworks.com

Don’t be so quick to pass off tea as your little sister’s stuffed animals’ favorite imaginary pastime or grandmother’s before-bed ritual. Tea, like water, saves you the calories found in sodas and juices and it packs a flavor that is anything but boring. With less caffeine, it is a great alternative to coffee and can be energizing or relaxing, depending on the variety you choose. For thousands of years tea has been linked to health and happiness in the East. More recently Western researchers have discovered tea may indeed be beneficial for our brains and hearts, and may even prevent cancer. While herbal brews are technically not considered teas, they may still boast health benefits of their own. However, keep in mind that they contain lower concentrations of polyphenols, the antioxidant responsible for helping us stay cancer and disease-free. To get the maximum health benefits from your future go-to beverage, stick to these 4 tea varieties:

Photo Credit:energytimes.com

•Green tea: Popular in China and Japan, this type is made with steamed tealeaves. It has been widely studied and found to have a high concentration of EGCG. In addition to its cancer fighting and cholesterol level-improving abilities, the antioxidants in this tea may burn fat (we’re all for strengthening our forces against the freshman 15).

• Black tea: If you need a mid-afternoon energy boost, skip the nap and sip on some black tea. Made with fermented tealeaves, black tea has the highest caffeine content. 75 percent of the world drinks this variety, and it forms the basis for many flavored teas and instant teas. Good news for your favorite smoky hangout spot: black tea may protect lungs from damage caused by exposure to cigarette smoke.

•White tea: White tea is not dried out or exposed to air. While further studies should be done to prove conclusiveness, white tea is suspected to contain the most potent anticancer properties.

• Oolong tea: This wilted tea may improve bad cholesterol levels. You may have heard of Wuyi, the variety of oolong tea that is heavily marketed as a weight loss supplement. However, stay skeptical of this one, as claims have not been backed by science. Chose it instead for its capacity to keep your skin clear and glowing.

Photo Credit:bigelowteablog.com

Reach for any of these varieties of tea rather than soda or plain water and let your body reap the health benefits. Read more about CL’s favorite kinds of tea here.

Photo Credit:colourbox.com

Natalie Raymond is a graduate student at Texas Christian University. Follow her at @nsr61590. To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds be sure to follow College Lifestyles on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Apartment Essentials: Utilize Your Space

Posted on August 25, 2012 by JessicaM

Photo courtesy of homedit.com

Decorating your new apartment is exciting, but chances are you don’t have much space to work with. It may be difficult to fit your new back-to-school clothes and shoes into your tiny closet and there may not be space for a big dresser. Don’t worry, though. CL has three helpful tips to help you make the most of your new, small space!

Under the bed storage: Why waste precious closet space with clothes that you don’t wear all the time? Putting storage bins underneath the bed is a great way to store clothes and shoes that aren’t in season. You can purchase inexpensive plastic storage bins in any size at Target or Walmart. They are a great way to save space and slide perfectly under the bed!
Photo courtesy of dianealbright.com
Desk Organizers: Storing school-related items in and on your desk is a good way to save floor space. Use the drawers in your desk to their maximum potential, but keep them neat! Stack your books and notebooks inside. Get a desk organizer for the top of your desk to store pencils, pens and highlighters. If you have left-over drawer space, use it to store any other items you may have. I use mine to hide cleaning supplies!
Photo courtesy of realsimple.com
Over the door: Over-the-door organizers keep clutter off the floor. Store your shoes and jewelry in one of these organizers from Target! They even come in cute colors and patterns that will make your room look even classier!

No matter how small your space is, there are plenty of ways to organize all your things and still have room for your classy décor. Be creative with your organization! Now that you have ideas on how to organize your small room, make sure to check out Kendall’s article on how to make your space feel larger!

Photo courtesy of padstyle.com

Jessica Molinari is a junior at Hofstra University. Follow her on Twitter @jessmolinari. To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds be sure to follow College Lifestyles on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

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5 Fall T.V. Shows to DVR

Posted on August 25, 2012 by RachelO

The new X Factor judges; courtesy of FOX

The start of fall brings many exciting things for co-eds: the changing of the leaves, a new school year, and a chance for a new beginning. Although I always look forward to these things, my favorite part of fall is the new T.V. show season. I love getting my questions from season finales answered and discovering new shows that will soon become favorites. Here are five classy shows to DVR this fall:

1. Gossip Girl (Mondays at 9/8c on The CW)

Courtesy of The CW

Be sure to DVR the sixth and final season of Gossip Girl! All the drama from the show’s previous five seasons will be wrapped up in 10 episodes. Serena, Blair, Dan and the rest of the gang have been through so much over the years, and you won’t want to miss the show’s final farewell. (premieres Monday, October 8^th)

2. The Vampire Diaries (Thursdays at 8/7c on The CW)

Courtesy of The CW

If you’re a fan of vampires and the supernatural, you should definitely DVR this show if you don’t already! The fourth season will pick up where the dramatic third season left off and answer all of your burning questions. (premieres Thursday, October 11)

3. Glee (Thursdays at 9/8c on FOX)

Courtesy of FOX

The fourth season of Glee will bring several new changes. In additional to featuring the glee club at McKinley High, the show will follow Rachel Berry to New York City as she attends NYADA. Many of the old cast members graduated at the end of the third season, so the show will also feature several new characters. (premieres Thursday, September 13)

4. New Girl (Tuesdays at 8/7c on FOX)

Courtesy of FOX

The awesome comedy from last year is returning for a second season. The charming Zooey Deschanel stars as a schoolteacher who lives with three male roommates. If you love to laugh, be sure to hit record on your DVR! (premieres Tuesday, September 25)

5. The X Factor (Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8/7c on FOX)

Courtesy of FOX

Simon Cowell’s singing competition show is returning for a second season with some exciting new changes. Britney Spears and Demi Lovato will both be judges this season and mentor a group of singers. Even if you’re not a huge fan of talent shows, you have to tune in to see these lovely ladies in action! (premieres Wednesday, September 12)

You’re guaranteed to get hungry when watching these shows, so be sure to check CL’s Intern Kitchen series for some great healthy snack recipes!

Which shows are you excited to DVR this fall? Tell CL in the comments below!

Rachel Osman is a junior at Indiana University. Follow her @rachosman. To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds be sure to follow College Lifestyles on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

My First Semester: Understanding the Move-In Process

Posted on August 24, 2012 by EmilyLa

Photo Credit: parentsandcolleges.com

With September approaching as a first semester freshman, you are bound to be anxiously awaiting college life, packed and ready to move with all the dorm essentials. Before waking up for your very first 8 a.m. class, getting lost on campus, staying up until 3 a.m. to finish a paper and surviving finals exams, you must conquer college move-in. Your first move-in experience can be… well, chaotic! Follow these tips to understand the move-in process and arrive at college panic-free.

Label your luggage and boxes: One of the best ways to prepare is to label your luggage and boxes with your name, residence hall name and room number. The day will be filled with crowds of bustling college students and nervous parents; it won’t be hard for a box of dorm decor to get mixed up with a box of clothes belonging to the guy parked next to you. Be careful and label.

Photo Credit: etown.edu
Registration at Elizabethtown College

Check out the schedule and leave early: Because so many students are moving into the same area, universities generally schedule students to move in at certain times to avoid traffic. Check with your university and make sure you leave early.

Registration: This procedure varies at each university, but generally there is a desk set up by the residence hall where you can sign in and get your room key. You may also receive an orientation schedule.

Moving into the dorm: Depending on the university, your experience can be very easy with a lot of helpers, elevators and air conditioning, or it can be very difficult with no air conditioning and tiresome on your feet from climbing flights of stairs. CL interns shared what their freshman move-in day was like:

“We checked in and had to get in line for a cart to help move stuff only on the first day of move-in. The rest of move-in, you could check out dollies and move yourself in. The aides don’t do anything except push the carts. But it was a pretty simple procedure. Elevator use was very limited and stopped running at 8p.m. every night. They try to limit elevator use to one time per student but that’s a fail.” -Angela Skane, Lifestyle/ High School Writer, University of Florida

“As freshmen, there was an orientation team that directed you where to go on campus. When you parked they would come to your car with a cart, put your belongings in the cart, take it to your room and unload it. I practically had to do nothing. They also had people working the elevators so that only certain elevators would go to certain floors.” -Teresa Conde, Social Media/PR, Duquesne University

“Freshman year, we carried everything up three flights of stairs in the heat because that was the only way. Yikes! Sophomore year, we had carts, air conditioning and elevators in my new dorm. But I’m so happy I’ll be apartment living from here on out.” – Tiana Blue, Senior Editor/Features Writer, Penn State University

Meeting your roommate: Chances are you’ll meet your roommate while moving your things to your new room. Be fair about how you arrange it so she can enjoy half of the room, too. Be confident and friendly, and check out CL’s great roommate advice.

Photo Credit: uwalumni.com
College Move-In at University of Wisconsin

Get involved: After settling in and having said goodbyes to family, get out there and meet new people. This is your new home— get to know it!

Feeling blue? Check out this article to avoid home -sickness.

Emily Lamielle is a junior at Duquesne University. Follow her on Twitter at @_EmPaige _. To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds be sure to follow College Lifestyles on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

CL Reviews: Hair Irons

Posted on August 24, 2012 by Alli H

As the summer comes to a close, everyone has been running to their local Target to stock up on dorm accessories, school supplies, and a new wardrobe. One thing I know everyone will be taking with them to school is their flat iron. What about those who need a new one, or are simply interested in getting a better quality one?

Here are the pros and cons of a few irons on the market:

InStyler:

Pros:

-Has a rotating drum so it also works as a curling iron

-Adjustable heat (goes up to 410 degrees Farenheit)

-3 colors (classic silver, purple, or pink) and two barrel sizes (3/4” or 1 ¼”)

-Doesn’t crush hair between metal plates

-Ceramic Tourmaline (helps prevent damage to your hair)

Cons:

-Rotates in one direction, making it a little uncomfortable to do the other side of your head.

-Long hair can get tangled easily

-There is metal on the inside, which can damage hair over time

-Fine hair doesn’t always get the desired volume as shown on TV

Where to purchase:

http://www.instyler.com/ ($100-$120, plus S&H)

Walmart, Target, and other department stores also carry them.

CHI Original Iron:

http://www.aufashionstore.com/chi-original-1-inch-flat-iron-p-242.html

Pros:

-100% ceramic plates (doesn’t damage hair)

-Heats up to 450 degrees Farenheit

-Very reputable brand

-Uses far infared heat

Cons:

-Non-adjustable heat

-Have been known to break after a few months (there is a one year warranty)

-Only comes in black

Where to buy:

Farouck.com, Trade Secret, Ulta, Walmart

Price:

$70-$100, depending on where you purchase

StyleHouse:

http://stylehouseirons.com/full-size-styling-iron/

Pros:

-Adjustable heat (140-450)

-5 colors (Pink Zebra, Blue Mottled, Gold Leopard, Black, Purple)

-Has floating plates, making it a spiral curler and flat iron

-Dual Voltage

-100% ceramic

-Steams your hair, eliminating frizz (even in humidity), and acts as a natural hairspray…NO product (even hairspray) required

Cons:

-No automatic shut off

-Temperature is controlled by a dial, not digital

-Fairly new brand

-Takes a few tries to get used to the curling aspect (you don’t wrap the hair around the iron)

Where to buy:

Stylehouseirons.com

Price: $199.99

Conair 1 ½” Wet-Dry Straightener:

http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=321064071316864

Pros:

-Has floating plates

-Automatic shut off

-Heats to 400 degrees

-6 wet to dry settings

Cons:

-Ceramic coated (this means it has metal plates with a thin layer of ceramic, which gets worn away over time)

-One color (purple)

-If hair is too wet, it can damage the iron

-Takes a long time to dry hair

Where to purchase: any major department store

Cost: around $35

Gold’n’Hot 1” Professional Ceramic Straightening Iron:

http://www.dermauthority.com/tools/gold-n-hot-professional-ceramic-flat-iron-2-25.html

Pros:

-8 foot cord makes it easy to use anywhere

-Quick heating

-Finger rests (makes two handed styling easy)

Cons:

-Ceramic coated

-Can’t control heat (ranges from 200-400 degrees)

-Ceramic coating visibly chips after about 2 months, revealing metal underneath

-Has many poor reviews from previous users

-Cannot curl

Where to buy: Folica.com

Cost: $26.99

What iron do you use? Let us know what you think of these, as well as the one you use!

Alli Heitzenrater is an alumna of Penn State Behrend. She is an editor for CL. She currently lives in Pittsburgh, PA, where she works in marketing. Follow her on twitter at @alliheitz. To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds, be sure to follow College Lifestyles on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Best and Worst of Panera Bread

Posted on August 24, 2012 by NicoleV

Courtesy of http://www.egisgroup.com

Known for its freshly baked bread and innovative takes on basic cuisine — sandwiches, salads and soups, to be exact — Panera Bread has a reputation for being both delicious and nutritious. However, even they have a few less-than-impressive items on the menu that should be swapped for a healthier alternative.

So the next time you find yourself craving a savory sandwich, salad or soup from Panera Bread, make sure you are armed with the knowledge of what to enjoy and what to avoid.

WORST:

Courtesy of http://media.thestar.topscms.com

Italian Combo on Ciabatta, Full
980 calories, 41 g fat (15 g saturated fat, 1g trans fat), 2620 mg sodium, 95 g carbohydrates, 5 g fiber, 6 g sugar, 58 g protein

Courtesy of http://www.tasteasyougo.com

Mac and Cheese, Full
980 calories, 61 g fat (26 g saturated fat, 1g trans fat), 2470 mg sodium, 75 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 14 g sugar, 33 g protein

Courtesy of http://ww.askville.amazon.com

New England Clam Chowder
630 calories, 54 g fat (35 g saturated fat, 1.5g trans fat), 890 mg sodium, 27 g carbohydrates, 3 g fiber, 2 g sugar, 8 g protein

Courtesy of http://ww.yelp.com

Steak & Blue Cheese Chopped, Full
790 calories, 54g fat (16g saturated fat, 1g trans fat), 1280 mg sodium, 35 g carbohydrates, 4 g fiber, 9 g sugar, 39 g protein

Courtesy of http://www.meemoskitchen.blogspot.com

Frozen Caramel Drink, 16 fl oz
600 calories, 22 g fat (15 g saturated fat, 0.5 trans fat), 190 mg sodium, 97 g carbohydrates, 0 g fiber, 82 g sugar, 5 g protein

Courtesy of http://www.imgfave.com

Frozen Mocha Drink, 16 fl oz
570 calories, 20 g fat (14 g saturated fat, 0.5 trans fat), 140 mg sodium, 94 g carbohydrates, 2 g fiber, 78 g sugar, 6 g protein

BEST:

Courtesy of http://www.randommealoftheday.blogspot.com

Strawberry Poppyseed & Chicken Salad, Full
340 calories, 13 g fat (1.5 g saturated fat), 330 mg sodium, 34 g carbohydrates, 6 g fiber, 22 g sugar, 29g protein

Courtesy of http://www.onefitfoodie.com

Low-fat Garden Vegetable with Pesto
150 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 930 mg sodium, 26 g carbohydrates, 12 g fiber, 6 g sugar, 5g protein

Courtesy of http://www.nosh.com

Smoked Turkey Breast Sandwich on Country, Full
420 calories, 3g fat (0.5g saturated fat), 1650 mg sodium, 66 g carbohydrates, 3g fiber, 3g sugar, 33g protein

Courtesy of http://www.biggestmenu.com

Tuna Salad on Honey Wheat, Full
510 calories, 16 g fat (4 g saturated fat), 1150 mg sodium, 63 g carbohydrates, 5 g fiber, 12 g sugar, 29g protein

Courtesy of http://www.yelp.com and http://www.goodhealthway.com

Brewed Tea (black or acai), 20 fl oz/32 fl oz
0 calories, 0g fat, 0 mg sodium, 0 g carbohydrates, 0 g fiber, 0g sugar, 0g protein

Courtesy of http://www.forkly.com

Vanilla Latte with Sugar Free Vanilla Syrup, 16 fl oz
100 calories, 0g fat, 105 mg sodium, 14 g carbohydrates, 0 g fiber, 12 g sugar, 9g protein

Curious about other fast food best and worsts? Check out CL’s guide to Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks!

Courtesy of http://www.longislandpress.com

Nicole Veenstra is a senior at Rider University. Follow her on Twitter @nicoleveenstra. To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds be sure to follow College Lifestyles on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

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Top 5 Tips on Balancing Your Life as a RA

Posted on August 24, 2012 by LeslieA

Photo credit: fisher.osu.edu

Whether you became a Resident Advisor for the free housing or you genuinely enjoy helping residents in anyway possible, a key factor to remember is that, this is a job. And it’s a job unlike any other. One of the most distinguishing differences between an ordinary job and being a Resident Advisor (RA) is that you are working and living in the same place. Having the same residence and workplace makes it difficult to establish a balance and difference between the two. Follow these classy tips to create the balance between your home and the workplace.

1. Make sure residents understand that your dorm room is your personal space. Although it is fun to have your residents in your room to talk with and watch TV, let them know that your room is not their personal lounge. Remind them that it is only acceptable for them to be in your room with your permission.

Photo credit: www.ceastudyabroadblog.com

2. Find a space to work on things pertaining to your job as a RA. Find a place such as the library or lounge to work, so you are not constantly in your room. This will help establish the difference between your dorm room and the place where you complete your RA duties.

3. Have your residents make appointments to meet with you and discuss their problems. Having your residents setting up a particular time and place to talk helps eliminate the possibility of you constantly being bombarded with their problems all at once. Making a schedule to talk gives you amble opportunity to help and assess the problems of your resident.

Photo credit:www.yantiapurnomo.blogspot.com

4. Try to finish everything you need done for your job during the day. If you treat your RA position as a real job, you would be completing all of your work in the office during the day and then going home. In this case, if you finish all of your work during the day you will not have to bring your work to your dorm room and will have time to yourself.

5. Make time solely for yourself. Making time for yourself is important! Go for a walk or get coffee. This is especially important when working and living in the same place. Making time for yourself allows you to separate yourself from the work place and gives you time to handle your problems as well.

Photo credit: www.planet-coffee.net

Remember that being a Resident Advisor is your job as well as your home. Do not stress at the lack of separation between the two but instead, follow these classy tips to help live as stress free as possible. Remember to always be professional and continue to stay chic!

Leslie Alston is a junior majoring in Communication Studies and Women and Gender Studies at Pace University. Follow her at @more_or_LESSlie. To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds be sure to follow College Lifestyles on Facebook, Pinterest, andTwitter)

Dorm Essentials: Fitness Equipment

Posted on August 24, 2012 by DustinD

photo courtesy of shine weightloss

Starting college is an exciting time in every classy co-ed’s life. Fresh faces, new places, a newfound freedom and responsibility all encompass freshman year. With this new territory usually comes the dreaded “Freshman 15.” But that doesn’t have to be you! If you are fully prepared ahead of time, you can stay healthy, fabulous and fit with little to no cost! Here’s a list of essential fitness equipment that you can utilize in your dorm room or another room with limited space.

Cardio (Using only body weight):

Marching in place
Jogging in place
High knees
Grapevines
Jumping jacks

photo courtesy of Good Housekeeping

Cardio Equipment:

Jump Rope- This is a great tool for a heart-pumping workout. You can purchase a jump rope for around $5 or $6, or you can “jump rope” by jumping and doing the motions with your hands.
Workout DVDs- These come in handy because many cardio DVDs require limited space, and usually run around $10.

Strength Training (Using only body weight):

Triceps: Dips on chair
Biceps: Triangle Wall Pushup
Shoulders: Reverse Plank
Chest: Modified Pushups
Abs: Plank or Crunches
Thighs: Squats or Lunges

photo courtesy of Holly Pinafore

Strength Training Equipment:

Resistance Bands- These are great tools to work on strength and build lean muscle, as they offer greater resistance than body weight on its own. Resistance bands are easy to store and will cost around $15.
Dumbbells- These are great for changing up your workout, and they will keep you from getting bored. You can purchase a good set for around $20.
Stability Ball- This is a great piece of equipment! Costing you around $25, stability balls can double as a fabulous seat for your desk. So put that chair away, sit on your stability ball while typing your term paper and voila!

The best workouts include both cardio exercise, which burns excess calories, and strength training exercise, which helps maintain and build lean muscle, so your body becomes a fat-burning machine. For more tips on effective dorm room workouts, check out this article on the “Top 3 Dorm Room Exercises.” Don’t worry about feeling silly performing these exercises in front of your roommate; just ask her to join you!

photo courtesy of college fashion

Dustin Divelbiss is an alumni from Louisiana Tech Unversity. Follow her at @dustindivelbiss. To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds be sure to follow College Lifestyles on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

How to Make Cocoa

Posted on August 24, 2012 by DustinD

photo courtesy of tweetsweet.com

Fall is fast approaching, and that means cooler weather, football and COCOA. Everyone loves a good cup of hot chocolate, but what if you could make a delicious, classy, healthy cup without the unnecessary sugar and calories? Look no further! Not only is this cocoa tasty and easy to make, but there will also be plenty to go around for you and your classy co-ed friends.

photo courtesy of gourmetdispensing.com

Ingredients

2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

Truvia or Stevia to taste (or any natural calorie-free sweetener)

2/3 cup boiling water

4 cups of whole milk (preferably organic)

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup cream (preferably organic)

(Makes 8 servings)

photo courtesy of radishesandrhubarb.com

Steps

Gather all of your ingredients.
In a saucepan, combine the cocoa and truvia. Blend in the boiling water and bring the mixture to a boil, while stirring constantly.
Simmer and stir for an additional two minutes, making sure the mixture doesn’t scorch.
Gradually stir in the milk and cream until heated through, but not boiling.
Remove from the heat and add the vanilla extract. Serve.

This recipe is fun and easy to make, and the ingredients can be found at any Target or Wal-Mart. If you prefer to make the cocoa in your dorm room, you may substitute your microwave for the stove. The cream and vanilla give it a nice exotic touch that is sure to wow your friends and satisfy your tummy while you tailgate on those cool fall nights. If you’re really feeling like Betty Crocker, you can pair the cocoa with this delicious recipe for Hummingbird Cake. Feel free to keep this recipe to yourself and tell your classy co-ed friends that it’s a secret that stays in the family!

photo courtesy of visualphotos.com

What to Wear: Sorority Fall Parties

Posted on August 24, 2012 by KaylaD

Autumn is an amazing time of year; especially for us fashion-obsessed. We get the chance to have some serious fun with layering and mixing and matching different jackets and boots. But when school starts back up, the pressure is on to keep your wardrobe on-trend and still have it reflect your own personal style.

For sorority girls, our back-to-school wardrobe is especially important because of fall parties. These will set the tone for the entire school year, so make sure that you are fully prepared, wardrobe included.Here are 3 ideas that will allow you to play different roles for the night. Most of the time, these parties will have a set theme or an overall vibe. Know beforehand what to expect and plan your outfit accordingly.

1. To showcase your girly side, pair a fitted denim shirt with a neutral flared skirt, then add a pop of color! Have fun experimenting with your favorite colors – the possibilities are endless!. If you’re stuck, the deep purple in the example below is ‘in’ this fall.

*For an even more flirty look, find a peek-a-boo denim top. Bare shoulders are underrated.2. To stay casual and classy, mid-wash jeans with brown boots add instant sophistication to any outfit. Keep the colors neutral but with small details and pops of colors with the autumns’ deep colors. For an extra For an added top-notch look, try to make your phone cover match your outfit. Prepared from head-to-toe!

3. Sometimes, we all want to have some fun with our style and bring out our inner “wild side.” Pair some fun print leggings with a super cool jacket. Throw on studded shoes, and add a colored clutch. Your look will scream classy, chic, and confident.

* Keep the accessories to a minimum. Too many ‘wild’ pieces will make you seem gaudy.Coming up with a new outfit does not require you to head out on a shopping spree. Many times you have the basic garments already in your wardrobe. Just simply piece them together to create a “new” look. Fall parties will be coming up and this is one way you can be prepared to show off your unique style.For a fun DIY fashion project, Check this out! Perfect for fall parties.

Kayla Divelbiss, Gradate from Academy of Design. Follow her @kaylajdivelbiss. To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds be sure to follow College Lifestyle on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Your Essential Clothing Pieces to Pack

Posted on August 24, 2012 by KaylaD

When packing, every girl’s first thought is to “pack light.” However, we all want to be prepared for any occasion that may come up, which leads us to overstuff our suitcase for a two-night getaway. And let’s face it, it’s full of items we won’t even look at twice.

So how do you pack light? Simple! You focus on the basic items that can be found in every girl’s closet. Mix and match to create tons of options with these fall essentials from head to toe.

1. Basic Square Scarf:

Pair this with jeans, dresses, jackets, and anything you want! It will give your go-to outfit an instant facelift, and you can wear a square 30 different ways, maybe even more. Stick to natural colors to get the most use out of it on your trip.

Inspiration on how to tie your scarf: Check This Out!

2. White or Black Basic Top:

This item will take you so far when creating your outfits. Pair with any bottoms you like to create a look for any occasion. Skinny jeans keeps the look casual for day, while a flared skirt adds some sophistication in the evening.

3. Basic Flared Jeans:

I love heavily threaded and embellished jeans. However, it is pretty obvious when you wear them two days in a row. When packing, stick to a basic dark-wash pair. Not only can you wear them repeatedly, they will make your legs look long and thin. Double Score!

These basic jeans can be found at Forever21

4. Colored Skinny Jeans:

Need to spice your wardrobe up? Fall is the perfect time to add a pop of color, so take advantage of all the amazing colored jeans.

These colored skinny jeans can be found at Forever21

5. Flared Skirt:

This versatile garment lets you go from day to evening by simply changing your shoes. Let your imagination have fun with this essential piece.

6. Nude Pumps:

Shoes, shoes, shoes! Ah, I absolutely feel like shoes complete an outfit! However, having this mindset when packing can get dangerous. So just pack nude pumps, which will go with any outfit you piece together.

7. Beige Boots:

One of the best things about fall is our super comfy boots. Do not forget to pack these for your weekend getaway. A neutral pair will go everything.

These are basic garments you should consider packing for any fall trip. Have fun designing your own outfits to fit each occasion and your own personal style. Of course, accessories should not be left out, and never underestimate the power of hair and makeup. Changing these up with each outfit will also create a “new” look!

Check Out: 5 Hottest Lip Shades

Kayla Divelbiss, Gradate from Academy of Design. Follow her @kaylajdivelbiss. To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds be sure to follow College Lifestyle on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

5 Foods For: Healthy Dorm Snacks

Posted on August 24, 2012 by MeghanK

Photo Credit: health.com

Moving into college dorms can be a huge transition, especially when it comes to food. Adjusting to the college meal plan and meal hours can take time becoming confident with and we all want to avoid the freshmen 15. To help regulate the college diet, here are a few yummy snacks that won’t add too many extra calories!

Photo Credit: njshorefit.com

1. Oatmeal: Not only is oatmeal a quick and easy dorm room snack, but it’s also a tasty treat with huge benefits! Oatmeal is a great way to start the day before classes as it is packed with B vitamins and fiber boosting both energy and metabolism. For additional flavor add raisins, dried cranberries, chopped bananas, apples, or strawberries.

2. Yogurt: Yogurt is a handy snack to fill up the mini fridge and a fabulous source of protein and calcium. Plain yogurt is low in calories so adding a little granola or fruit doesn’t hurt. Be careful with flavored yogurts as their sugar content will be higher, however they are still a better snack then a row of cookies.

3. Hummus: Who ever thought crushing up chickpeas should be awarded a gold medal in dorm room snacks! The two main ingredients of hummus are chickpeas and Tahini, a sesame paste that is complete of fat and calories. Chick peas have no fat at all leaving hummus a sophisticated blend of nutrients and barely any fat. Hummus goes great with any cracker, chip, pretzel, or bread. It also comes in a variety of flavors adding almost no calories.

Photo Credit: peanutbutterlovers.com

4. Peanut Butter: Although peanut butter may be full of saturated fat, it also comes equipped with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Saturated fat is not completely harmful, as long as it is eaten in moderation. By adding one spoonful to a banana or apple the amount of fat intake is not harmful and adds just enough to keep you full. The body needs fat, and nothing is calorie free except for celery, which as a matter of fact tastes great with peanut butter too.

5. Fruits & Vegetables: As savvy co-eds we don’t need mom to remind us to eat our fruits and veggies. Fruits and vegetables are the healthiest of snacks, but can be a little scarce in college dorm rooms. Dried fruits are more convenient for the college lifestyle and budget, but over indulgence in these can do more harm then good. Stock up on your favorite fresh fruit or vegetables as much as you can.

You will only eat what you have and these are healthy, convenient, and within a college budget. Don’t forget to add these 5 foods to your savvy co-ed grocery list (or even replace a few with them).

Photo Credit: Facebook.com

Meghan Keane is a junior at Duquesne University. Follow her @meggdallas. To stay tuned for more articles for classy co-eds be sure to follow College Lifestyles on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter @collegelifestyl.

CL Contest: Stylish Bid Day Shirt

Posted on August 24, 2012 by Shelly Marie

Calling all Classy sorority ladies! College Lifestyles is excited to announce our Stylish Bid Day T-shirt Contest. Starting August 24th through the 31st, send College Lifestyles your bid day t-shirt pictures to info@http://collegelifestyles.org/. When emailing us, simply use the subject heading ‘Bid Day Contest – (insert sorority/chapter)’ and in your message area include:

Your Name
Your Sorority/Chapter
University

We will upload all pictures to our Facebook page for all to vote starting Sunday, September 2nd. Voting will end on midnight Saturday, September 8th. The winning chapter* will be determined by the picture with the most likes and will have their sorority and bid day picture featured on College Lifestyles. The 3 pictures with the most votes will receive a 20% off their next T-Shirt order from Adam Block Design and the winning chapter will receive 25 copies of ‘Eat Well and Be Fabulous‘ by Shelly Marie Redmond, Editor in Chief of College Lifestyles.

We can’t wait to see all of your fabulous t-shirt designs!

*Winning chapter and top 3 chapters will be announced on both our Facebook AND in a blog post on College Lifestyles at 9pm CST on Sunday, September 9th. Winners have 7 days to reach College Lifestyles (info@http://collegelifestyles.org/) to claim prizes.

What to Wear: 5 Fall/Winter Transition Pieces

Posted on August 24, 2012 by Angela Skane

Fall is creeping up on us, which means winter isn’t too far behind. We all know what this means–shopping! Check out these versatile items for fall and winter.

Blazers: They’re perfect for brisk fall days as well as chilly winter afternoons. Warm colors are best for the fall and winter seasons, unlike the bright and fun colors we were used to this summer. They are great for casual outings or days in the office.

Fall to Winter Blazers by amskane featuring h&m jackets

H m jacket
$47 - hm.com

ONLY blazer
$50 - bestseller.com

H m jacket
$47 - hm.com

Skirts: Weird as it may sound, skirts are great transition pieces! In the fall you can wear them normally, but as it gets cooler, add a patterned pair of tights or leggings underneath the skirt. Deep colors and prints are ideal for this look.

Fall to Winter Skirts by amskane featuring a skater skirt

River Island skater skirt
$25 - riverisland.com

Navy blue skirt
$19 - chiarafashion.co.uk

Uniqlo skirt
$7.74 - uniqlo.com

Scarves: Spice up a simple day outfit with scarves. Infinity scarves make a great accessory to a blazers. These fun rings can be looped around loosely for fall and a bit more tight for some warmth this winter. Chiffon scarves are a great option as well. Again, neutral colors are key.

Fall to Winter Scarves by amskane featuring a lace shawl

Jigsaw linen scarve
$46 - jigsaw-online.com

H M knit circle scarve
$13 - hm.com

Knit circle scarve
$21 - bestseller.com

Pieces tube scarve
$25 - nelly.com

Vero Moda long scarve
$4.92 - bestseller.com

BCBG Max Azria lace shawl
bcbg.com

Boots: Combat style boots are a funky addition to tons of outfits. You can rock them with a fall skirt, or keep feet cozy when by pairing them with jeans. Fold-over boots with tribal prints are already starting to make their premiere in fall shoe lines at Target and Sears.

Fall to Winter Shoes by amskane featuring wooden shoes

Kirra wedge heels

pacsun.com

Brown boots
sears.com

Wet Seal wooden shoes
wetseal.com

Backpack: Shoot for tribal print and neutral colors. These bags are convenient for fun fall days in the park(hyperlink to day dates). They are comfortable and stylish.

Fall to Winter Bags by amskane featuring zipper bags

Black Poppy cotton bag
pacsun.com

Studded bag
romwe.com

Zipper bag
romwe.com

Roxy bag
roxy.com

As you’re starting to pick up some new clothes for this lovely autumn season, keep this guide in your purse as a shopping reference!

Angela Skane is a freshman at The University of Florida. Follow her @AngelaSkane. To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds be sure to follow College Lifestyles on Facebook,Pinterest, and Twitter @collegelifestyl.