Happy Finals Week!

Finals are here,

but don’t you fear!

Instead give a cheer,

a long break is near!

…etc, etc, etc!

Stressing over finals?  Chances are, your friends are too!  Use one of your study breaks to create an exam pick-me-up.  Inspired by a gift given to my sorority sisters, you too can easily provide a little cheer to brighten a day!

Key words to remember when picking out gifts: useful, happy, inexpensive, creative, tasty

At our closing chapter meeting of the semester, all sisters were given a cup filled with goodies along with a pick-me-up poem explaining the gifts.

Goodies included in our pick-me-up:

Similar to CL’s TSM Campaign, you can brighten a friend’s day in just a matter of seconds.  Make a point to show someone you care this week — it may seem small to you, but to them it will mean the world to know that they are being thought about.  Happy Finals Week!

Abby Bryant is an intern with College Lifestyles™.  She is a senior marketing major at Georgia College & State University® and is the president of her sorority, Sigma Alpha Omega®.  She wishes all CL readers the best of luck on exams, and a happy finals week!

Christmas Cookie Party

Christmas traditions always add a dose of jolly to the holiday season.  A favorite tradition in my house each Christmas is the annual Cookie Party.  Started many years ago by the family of my mom’s best friend it is an event that has been, and will continue to be, passed down for generations in my family.  As Mom says, “it is a special tradition since childhood.”

So what exactly is the Cookie Party?  My mom bakes a crazy amount of sugar cookies shaped in all different festive shapes.  From reindeer to Christmas trees, and angels to snowmen, we have it all.  When I was younger we used to invite a table-full of friends over to join in the fun.  Now we have narrowed the party to mom, two of my closest friends, and myself, but it is still a blast.  Mom sets our plates up with about a dozen cookies, and we eagerly get to decorating.  Cookies are decorated with colorful icing and toppings galore.  Chocolate chips, coconut, sprinkles, raisins, M&Ms, you name it – there are no limits.  The Cookie Party provides good fun with great company, and Christmas wouldn’t be complete without it.

How can you have your own Cookie Party?  My mom was gracious enough to be willing to share her “famous” recipe with the College Lifestyles world!

Nannie’s Sugar Cookies (originally my grandmother’s recipe)

1 cup butter

1 cup sugar

2 eggs, beaten

1 ¼ teaspoons vanilla extract

2 ½ cups flour (plain)

1 teaspoon baking powder

½  teaspoon salt

Cream butter and sugar—-add beaten eggs and vanilla—-sift flour, baking powder, and salt—-mix together —- bake @ 350° for 10-12 minutes until golden brown

*Makes about 5 dozen*

J.T.’s Buttercream Icing (my mom’s own recipe – named after our dog, because dogs love Christmas, too!)

2 cups powdered sugar

½ cup butter, melted

½ cup milk

1 tsp vanilla

Various food colorings

Pour powdered sugar into mixing bowl —- add butter and mix together —- add milk and vanilla —- stir until well blended —- divide icing into bowls and color as desired

(Consistency may vary – to make icing thicker add additional powdered sugar, to make icing thinner add additional milk)

To bake cut-out cookies roll chilled dough onto a floured surface —- cut with floured cookie cutters and place on greased pan

*Tip: Don’t own a rolling pin?  No worries – use a floured, smooth-edged cup to roll your dough*

My advice?  Have fun and don’t set any limitations!  It’s all about making memories that are guaranteed to last a lifetime.  Crank up the Christmas tunes (check out CL’s Christmas Soundtrack) and ready, set, decorate!  Merry Christmas!

Interested in the latest red and green fashions?  Check out my latest post “Rocking Reds and Greens this Holiday Season.”

Abby Bryant is an intern with College Lifestyles™.  She is a senior marketing major at Georgia College & State University® and is the president of her sorority, Sigma Alpha Omega®.  Her Christmas wouldn’t be complete without the Cookie Party!  Have holiday traditions of your own?  Let us know about them!

Rocking Reds and Greens this Holiday Season

The holidays are here and it’s time for fashion cheer!  As red and green are commonly considered two theme colors for the month be sure to incorporate them into your winter wardrobe.

Women’s Short Wool-Blend Coat – A must-have for every classy co-ed, this coat can be purchased at Old Navy for $69.50.  I own one quite similar to this and have already gotten much use out of it now that cold weather has arrived.  Red will give you both a cute and sophisticated look and will be a perfect way to show your love for the holiday season.

Satin Bubble Dress – I was pleasantly surprised by all of the dresses I fell in love with from Charlotte Russe.  This bubble dress is a staple item for holiday parties.  While many tend to model black or metallic dresses during the holiday season, make an expression of your individuality in this gorgeous green for only $39.50.

Popcorn Knit Scarf – An ideal way to stay warm and fashionable simultaneously, this scarf can be purchased at Gap for $24.50.  Match it with a cream or black knit sweater and your outfit is ready to be shown off.

Women’s Beaded Button-Front Cardigan – Jewels and a sweater all in one?  It does exist in Old Navy‘s $32.50 seasonal cardigan.  Being such a versatile piece it is highly likely that this will be hanging in my own closet before the season ends.

Womens Thermal Pajama Pant – You may have heard it said before, “always wear cute pajamas to bed… you never know who you’ll meet in your dreams!”  Hold on to this saying and purchase this cozy pair of holiday pajama pants found at Target for only $12.99.

Happy holidays and happy shopping!

Need an excuse to wear your new buys?  Read Alyssa’s “Ideas for Planning a Classy Holiday Party.”

Abby Bryant is an intern with College Lifestyles™.  She is a senior marketing major at Georgia College & State University® and is the president of her sorority, Sigma Alpha Omega®.  Fun holiday fashion is one of her favorite ways to bring in holiday cheer.

Homemade Hot Chocolate

My friend Rachel shared with me a wonderful recipe for homemade hot chocolate – her trick is too good not to share.  If you read my last post, Six Snacking Substitutes Towards A Healthier You, you will recall that I provided a substitute for hot chocolate.  Please don’t mistake me – hot tea is most definitely the healthier choice of beverage; however, hot chocolate is a must during the holiday season.  As mentioned in my previous post, make sure to enjoy this delicious treat in moderation.

Ingredients: Milk, Chocolate Chips, Marshmallows (optional), Whipped Cream (optional)

Step 1: Measure Milk – pour milk into the mug you will be using and fill a little below your desired fill line Step 2: Heat Milk – pour milk into a pot on a medium-high heated stove top, constantly stir and wait for milk to boil Step 3: Add Chocolate Chips – slowly add desired amount of chocolate chips ( ¼ cup – ½  cup should be sufficient) until fully melted into milk Step 4: Enjoy! – carefully pour your hot beverage into a mug and indulge in your treat (toppings such as marshmallows and/ or whipped cream can be added, if desired)

Abby Bryant is an intern with College Lifestyles™.  She is a senior marketing major at Georgia College & State University® and is the president of her sorority, Sigma Alpha Omega®.  Homemade hot chocolate is one of her favorite holiday treats and she hopes that you enjoy it, too!

Six Snacking Substitutes Towards a Healthier You

As the holiday season rapidly approaches, our calorie intake seems to increasingly rise throughout the weeks.  Sure, you should most definitely enjoy holiday yummies, in moderation of course.  Make up for your increase in “not-so-healthy” food by substituting snacks with healthier options.

Reduced fat wheat crackers are an excellent substitute for tortilla chips.  Did you know that they taste great dipped in salsa?

Calorie Count Per Serving, Calories From Fat Per Serving: Reduced Fat Wheat Crackers/130,36 , Tortilla Chips/138,59

Frozen yogurt serves as a healthier option over ice cream.  It will leave you feeling lighter, too.

Calorie Count Per Serving, Calories From Fat Per Serving: Frozen Yogurt/110,18, Ice Cream/ 120,54

One of my favorite new discoveries!  Don’t let their funky colors fool you; veggie straws are delicious!  Substitute them for cheesey puffs (of anything of the like).  They are even made with real vegetables.

Calorie Count Per Serving, Calories From Fat Per Serving: Veggie Straws/130,60, Cheesey Puffs/150,90

Ok, so a chocolate craving is unsubstitutable, but oftentimes the craving you are experiencing is for a warm drink, not chocolate.  When this is the case, trade out your hot chocolate for a cup of hot tea.  Tea comes in many flavors and when combined with Splenda remains calorie-less!

Calorie Count Per Serving, Calories From Fat Per Serving: Hot Tea/0,0, Hot Chocolate/138,27

Next time you want peanut butter as a snack, try combining it with apples rather than crackers.  It provides a fresher taste and helps add to your fruit intake per day.

Calorie Count Per Serving, Calories From Fat Per Serving: Apples/65,2, Crackers 80,36

Craving breakfasty foods?  Choose a granola bar over a milk and cereal bar.  Granola bars offer a filling snack for almost half the calories of a milk and cereal bar.

Calorie Count Per Serving Calories From Fat Per Serving: Granola Bar/90,18, Milk and Cereal Bar/160,36

Keep in mind that each of these suggestions are a generalization of the listed food.  Calories can vary, and what is written here provides an overall idea of healthy substitutes.  Questions about calories?  Check out Calorie Count.  For more nutritious ideas, view Leslie’s post, College Eating Made Easy and Simple.

Abby Bryant is an intern with College Lifestyles™.  She is a senior marketing major at Georgia College & State University® and is the president of her sorority, Sigma Alpha Omega®.  She likes to make substitutes in her diet that are both healthy and delicious.  She would love to hear your ideas, too!

The Super Saving Seven: CL’s Gift Guide for the Holiday Season

‘Tis the season!  Known as the ideal time for giving, sometimes our wallets choose to disagree with this concept during the holiday season.  Tackle this obstacle by making a crafty homemade gift.  There are so many possibilities – let your creative juices flow.  Whatever your gift is for, know that it is possible to celebrate Christmas in a crunch, birthdays on a budget, and give a little “happy” on any holiday.  Cheers to giving!

Personalized Wine Glass

Materials Needed: Wine Glass, Stickers, Paint Pens, Self-Stick Jewels

Approximate Cost: $5-$8

A personalized wine glass is a great gift and doesn’t have to be limited to a 21^st birthday present.  There are many ways to decorate wine glasses.  In the featured picture my friend decorated the wine glass with colorful stickers.  I enjoy decorating wine glasses for friends by writing their name or monogram with a paint pen and placing self-sticking jewels all around the glass.  (Tip: purchase self-sticking jewels, rather than ones you will have to glue yourself – this will save you from a big mess!)

Painted Mini-Canvas

Materials Needed: Mini-Canvas, Various Colors of Acrylic Paint, Paint Brushes, Paint Pen(s)

Approximate Cost: $8-$10

So cute and classy, these little paintings make a beautiful gift.  Mini-canvases are perfect decorations for bedrooms and bathrooms and can be customized to match any room.  Paint something meaningful on the canvas – a quote, Bible verse, or funny saying – and remember that oftentimes the less, the better.  (Tip: when writing text on your canvas use a paint pen – this will keep your canvas looking neat)

Name Ornament

Materials Needed: Ornament, Shellac (if ornament is wooden), Paint Pens, Ribbon or String

Approximate Cost: $3-$6

My mom created a dove-shaped (my sorority’s mascot) ornament for me my freshman year of college, and it has found a place in my room every year since.  An ornament can make a great Christmas gift, and if painted neutrally enough, can be displayed all year round!  This gift is pretty simple to make – paint the ornament and include your friend’s name on it to make it more personal.  (Tip: if using a wooden ornament spray shellac on it first – this will keep the paint from running everywhere)

Sparkley Card

Materials Needed: Colorful Paper/Cardstock, Stickers, Glitter, Glue

Approximate Cost: $2-$4

Homemade cards are one of my favorite things to make.  They are so inexpensive, and can mean so much more than a store bought card.  Be creative – the sky’s the limit on this gift!  Don’t forget to add a meaningful note to let your friend know how much you love them.  (Tip: draw a creative design with glue and sprinkle glitter over it – such a small touch can add so much pizzazz!)

Picture Frame

Materials Needed: Simple Picture Frame, Picture, Colorful Paper/Cardstock, Stickers, Self-Stick Jewels

Approximate Cost: $3-$7

First make memories, then savor them.  A framed picture can be a constant reminder of a fun time you’ve shared with a friend.  Spice up your picture frame by adding letter stickers (like the pictured frame), or a personal favorite, jewels to the outer rim of the frame.  (Tip: angle your picture – this will add to the “fun” feel of the frame)

Earring Holder

Materials Needed: Wooden Picture Frame, Roll of Window Screen, Stapler, Ribbon (Optional), Hot Glue Gun (Optional)

Approximate Cost: $3-$5

Possibly the best discovery my roommate and I have made all year.  Earring holders have made great gifts for so many of our friends.  Pop everything out of the frame so that only the frame is left.  Measure the opening and cut your window screen accordingly.  Tightly stretch the screen across the back of the frame and staple so that it holds firmly.  Some frames come with a saw-tooth holder which can be held up by a nail, or you can opt to use a push pin to support your earring holder on a wall.  You can also hot glue a piece of ribbon to the top two corners of the earring holder for easy hanging purposes.  (Tip: glue a piece of ribbon over the staples on the back – nobody will see this part, but when giving it to a friend it looks nicer to have the staples covered)

Flower Hair Pin

Materials Needed: Bobby Pin, Felt, Thread, Scissors, Button, Hot Glue Gun

Approximate Cost: $1-$3

I loved receiving this gift, and I wear it often.  Simply cut up pieces of felt into the shape of flower petals.  Stitch these together to form a “flower” and add a different colored piece of felt below to represent a leaf.  Hot glue a button on top to look like the center of the flower.  Hot glue your flower to a bobby pin, and there you have it, one of the cutest hair accessories you’ll ever see.  (Tip: use different colors for each part of the flower – this will allow the detail to stand out more)

General Tip: Over time you will accumulate “leftovers” from your gift-making projects.  Create a designated space for all of your leftovers, and if your roommates are willing ask them to combine theirs, too.  Together, my roommates and I have compiled 3 small drawers and about 4 plastic tubs full of craft materials.  This saves the hassle of having to purchase new items, gives the opportunity to be creative with what we have, and best of all saves money on purchasing new materials.

For more great gift giving ideas, check out Maryn’s latest post on gifts “styled with love.”

Abby Bryant is an intern with College Lifestyles™.  She is a senior marketing major at Georgia College & State University® and is the president of her sorority, Sigma Alpha Omega®.  She enjoys making personalized homemade gifts and plans to be creative in her giving this holiday season.

Teal Diva: Super Ideas of How to be a Supportive Friend

After being diagnosed with ovarian cancer at age 32, Teal Diva founder Shannon Routh is ready to “paint the world teal” and inform everyone of the “Silent Killer”.  Sharing the facts are easy, but sharing the experience brings a whole new light to the disease.  Shannon says, “I am a real person.  Most times when you hear about a person with cancer they are either young or older.  I am a person that may not do everything right but (I) live an ok lifestyle.  According to those close to us, this shouldn’t have happened to me.  My husband and I married in our late twenties and were coming up on our 3^rd wedding anniversary.  The opportunity for us to bare children is gone, but the opportunity to adopt isn’t.”

From talking to Shannon personally, she shared that there were days she could not have gotten through without the constant support of her family and friends.  When a friend is diagnosed with cancer Shannon offers words of advice: “Don’t lose touch, don’t be afraid of them.”

Shannon’s 6 Support Tips:

1. Offer to go to appointments – Simply your presence can make a world of difference.  Having someone to talk to in the waiting room, or to hold your hand in the examination room, can make doctor’s appointments significantly better.

2. Throw a girls party – Get creative!  Throw a “teal-themed” party and have a blast with your closest girlfriends.

3. Send encouraging cards – Despite the fact that we live in a technologically advanced world, take time to send “snail mail.”  It can remain as a keepsake for years of encouragement.

4. Offer to clean her house – Cleaning for your friend gives her one less worry and gives her more time to do the things that she enjoys.

5. Start a “food chain” – This will give your friend a reason to get out of bed and a chance to catch up one-on-one with friends, while saving her the trouble of cooking dinner.

6. Create personalized awareness bracelets – Create a teal bracelet with a phrase that represents your friend.  When purchasing, make sure to order enough to share with all of her friends.  Have her friends wear the bracelet when they travel, and make sure they remember to take a picture with it wherever they go.  Shannon says a friend of hers did this and she came out with many funny pictures of where the bracelet had been.

These are just six simple, supportive, and super ways to be a wonderful friend.  Your act of kindness will be a ray of sunshine that lasts for a day, but will be remembered for a lifetime.

Curious to hear more about Shannon’s story and how her organization Teal Diva came to be?  Don’t miss out on my two latest posts: “Teal Diva: Shannon’s Story” and “Teal Diva: A Survivor’s Story of Finding Her Inner Diva”.

Abby Bryant is an intern with College Lifestyles™.  She is a senior marketing major at Georgia College & State University® and is the president of her sorority, Sigma Alpha Omega®.  She finds Shannon’s tips creative and fun, and would love to hear your support ideas, too!

Teal Diva: Shannon’s Story

Imagine taking the vacation of a lifetime and upon your return being haunted with the three most feared words to come from a doctor’s mouth, “You..have..cancer.”  The combination of these three words can change your life in an instant.  Just this happened to Teal Diva founder Shannon Routh.  In the summer of 2009 Shannon took a trip to France with her sister and mother.  The trip was a dream come true, but the unexpected pain that arose during it was not.  While there, Shannon experienced sharp pain in her lower abdomen (that increased as she neared her monthly cycle) and was unable to use the restroom (symptoms she describes as similar to those experienced during your monthly cycle and during a urinary tract infection).  Upon her return to the United States she made a doctor’s appointment to find out what exactly was going on.  To her shock, in September 2009, at the young age of 32, Shannon was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.  She immediately became a survivor and over the last year has undergone six cycles of chemotherapy.  On February 16, 2010, Shannon was declared cancer free.  Just this month she had a CT Scan that’s results showed no sign of cancer.

Shannon’s hope is that after hearing her story, you too will want to spread awareness.  “Know the symptoms and don’t ignore the signs (it is so easy to do).  Tell a friend…a family member.”  Don’t limit spreading awareness solely to by word of mouth; there are plenty of ways to rock the color teal, through both clothing and accessories.  As Shannon advises, “don’t be afraid of getting your toe nails painted an odd color.”  Her desire is for everyone to know that “cancer does not discriminate;” it can happen to anyone.  “Ovarian cancer is a silent killer because the symptoms are so similar to things we as women face daily/ monthly in our lives.  There is no screening for ovarian cancer.  Many think going to your annual visit, you are ok but your pap smear tests only for cervical cancer.”

Throughout the entire experience, Shannon has had faith through it all.  She says that her faith has not only remained, but in fact has grown stronger.  “I did not ask why as a question, but (rather) why as an opportunity.  I know that God will not give me more than I can bare and I knew He had plans for me throughout this experience.  I leaned on that understanding a lot.”  I am convinced that if we all had this attitude, the world would have a much more positive outlook on life.

Shannon serves as a role model for many, and an inspiration for all.  Don’t miss out on the story of how her organization Teal Diva came to be:  ”Teal Diva: A Survivor’s Story of Finding Her Inner Diva.”

Abby Bryant is an intern with College Lifestyles™.  She is a senior marketing major at Georgia College & State University® and is the president of her sorority, Sigma Alpha Omega®.  Shannon Routh is a special friend that Abby has enjoyed getting to know over the last five months.  Abby admires Shannon’s story and hopes that all readers are now inspired to spread awareness about ovarian cancer.

Teal Diva: A Survivor’s Story of Finding Her Inner Diva

Have you ever wanted to discover your “inner diva”?  Shannon Routh did just that when she was diagnosed in September 2009 with ovarian cancer.  Instead of letting the disease get the best of her, she chose to create a support organization for women in their 20’s, 30’s, and early 40’s.  Only days after her diagnosis Teal Diva was born.  “Ovarian Cancer is more common in women over 60,” Shannon says.  “Not a lot of info for a young woman diagnosed or a young couple (is available).  An avenue for people to share is so therapeutic.  (I wanted to) give back to the local non-profits that you don’t hear about, the non-profits that exist solely off of prayer.”

Her inspiration came from the fact that few support groups targeted she and her husband J.J.’s age range.  As Shannon puts it, “I wanted to be a voice for ovarian cancer.  My husband and I could not find information that pertained to our age group and what was going on with us.  We wanted to relate to other people.”  The organization’s snazzy name “Teal Diva” was formed by both Shannon and her husband.  “So many cancer non-profits are named after someone else (who maybe passed on).  We wanted our name to celebrate those living, and celebrate the memory of those that moved on.  When I think of Teal Diva, I think of every woman that has been affected by this disease.”  Shannon has now spoken publicly three times on behalf of Teal Diva.

My sorority was privileged enough to have her as our guest speaker at our annual Ovarian Cancer Walk.  Shannon’s story always touches me, whether I hear it from her through writing, during a speaking event, or my favorite, during a personal conversation.  You, too, can hear her story; she enjoys speaking and would be happy to have you contact her.  Shannon is one of the most inspirational women I know, and my hope for her is that her dream of one day “painting the world teal” becomes reality.  “I want someone to think of the color teal and think ‘ovarian cancer,’ in the same way we see the color pink.  I want as much emphasis to be put on ovarian cancer as cervical cancer and breast cancer.  I put Teal Diva solely in God’s hands.  I hope to go where God leads me.”

Curious to know more about ovarian cancer?  Know the facts!  Check out my recent post:

“Silencing the ‘Silent Killer’.”

Abby Bryant is an intern with College Lifestyles™.  She is a senior marketing major at Georgia College & State University® and is the president of her sorority, Sigma Alpha Omega®.  Her passion for ovarian cancer awareness only amplifes her support for Teal Diva.  It is an emerging organization that has grown near and dear to her heart, and she looks forward to seeing the impact it makes on lives for years to come.

Awareness Accessories – Let Your Voice Be Heard 24/7

Ovarian Cancer Awareness

During the month of September, College Lifestyles™ offered readers opportunities to increase ovarian cancer awareness in our articles “Silencing the Silent Killer” and “‘Teal’tally in Style – College Lifestyles’ Guide to Rocking the Color Teal This Fall.”  It is my hope that although awareness month is over, your knowledge of ovarian cancer only increases from here.  You may ask, what are good ways to spread awareness?  Take a look at the four awareness pieces I chose.  By wearing one (or two, or three, or all four!) of these accessories, you’ll be guaranteed to show off your support to all those you encounter daily.

Awareness Bracelets

Made popular in 2004 by the “LiveStrong” awareness bracelets that served as a fundraiser for the Lance Armstrong Foundation, you can find an awareness bracelet for almost anything under the sun.  In fact, today you can custom create your own silicone bracelets.  Show off your “teal pride” by wearing one that supports ovarian cancer awareness.

Awareness Ribbons

Awareness ribbons have become quite popular across my university’s campus, as I’m sure is the case with many college campuses.  Pink is among the most commonly spotted, in support of breast cancer, but teal ribbons have begun to make their debut on purses and book bags that I pass daily.  In hopes of raising awareness, my sorority sets up an information table once a month on our campus where we pass out free awareness ribbons, symptom cards, and teal ribbon temporary tattoos.  I love when people ask me what my ribbon stands for; it opens the door for me to share about the philanthropy I am so passionate about.

Silly Bands

Ovarian cancer awareness has become a part of the latest craze.  Silly bands are creative, discreet, and worn by people of all ages.  Trading silly bands has also become a popular new fad.  Trading an awareness ribbon band provides wonderful opportunity to share the facts of the “silent killer”.  These can be purchased directly from the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance’s website.

Teal Nail Polish

Typically we choose red, pink, or a neutral tone of polish to cover our nails, but try going out-of-the-box with a shade of teal.  While this is not appropriate for a business environment, try wearing this sassy color on the weekends.  Better yet, paint your toes teal.  They will be hidden during the work day, but visible when you are relaxing or enjoying a night of socializing.  An organization has been created just for spreading awareness through painting your nails.  Teal Toes® states that their mission is to raise awareness of ovarian cancer “by painting your toenails teal, the ovarian cancer color.  By getting your friends to paint their toenails teal too, and then by talking with people when they ask about it, to make sure they know the signs of this whispering killer.”

Abby Bryant is an intern with College Lifestyles™.  She is a senior marketing major at Georgia College & State University® and is the president of her sorority, Sigma Alpha Omega®.  She likes to add awareness accessories into her everyday wardrobe in hopes of spreading ovarian cancer awareness to all those she encounters.

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