About AllisonC

Allison Cohen is a junior at the University of Connecticut. Follow her on Twitter @alli_cohen. To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds be sure to follow College Lifestyles on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Professional Protocol: Business Dinner

Posted on September 27, 2012 by AllisonC

The big day has finally arrived! No, I’m not talking about a marriage proposal or college graduation; I’m talking about your boss inviting you to a business dinner. Now personally this hasn’t happened to me, but when I sat down and thought about the possibility of the situation, a million questions popped into my mind. What would I wear? Should I bring something to contribute to the meal? If of age, is it appropriate to bring a bottle of wine? Do I bring my significant other? You get the jest. I did some digging to find out the basics of attending a business dinner. Here are some tips I came across while searching for some answers.

Don’t get butterflies: depending on your professional relationships, seeing your boss outside of the workplace is like seeing a dog walk on its hind legs. The key to keeping it cool is to remember: your boss invited you. He or she obviously sees something in you that they like, so own it! But remember, there is a difference between cockiness and confidence: stay humble.

Don’t be late: if you know you’re going to be late, call ahead at the restaurant. Let them know the name of the party that you’re meeting and make sure they relay the message that you will be tardy. When you finally get there, apologize once and take responsibility for your actions. DO NOT continue to profusely apologize. Things happen. Apologize and get on with the evening. If you’re not going to be late, get there five minutes early. If you’re early you’re never late.

Wear something business casual: according to TLC, the guidelines for business casual include keeping it neutral, keeping it covered and classic. If it’s something you would wear to a frat party or a bar, don’t even think about wearing it. Shoulders should be covered, skirts should not be too much shorter than the knee, and sandals are a no-no. For some gorgeous business casual looks, check out this College Lifestyles article!

One more important thing: sit up straight! Keep your shoulders back and consciously maintain fabulous posture. If you carry yourself like a confident, classy woman, your boss and co-workers will take the suggestions you make more seriously. You are there for a reason. Keep that in mind. You go, girl!

So, congratulations on being presented with this incredible opportunity! Take these tips into consideration, and make the best of the evening. Learn as much as you can, ask questions and stay calm. Keep representing classy, fabulous and educated women in a positive light!

Sorority Chat: Avoiding Drama in the House

Posted on September 19, 2012 by AllisonC

During the process of Panhellenic Recruitment, one of the most exciting times is getting to see all of the houses. You get a taste of their personalities; see how they express themselves and you get to connect to something intimate in their life. One of the questions I both got asked the most and got asked when going through recruitment on the other side was, “When can you live in the house? I really want to live in a sorority house!” The answer varies for all sororities, but it is a possibility for all.

Houses all over the country are different. Some of them are practically mansions and others are essentially dorm buildings, only occupied by members of the sisterhood. Whether the house is located on a “frat row” or somewhere randomly on campus, there are both positive and negative aspects of living in the house. While this sounds scary, this is true for all situations in life.

Yes, the perks are great – different closets to choose from, friends to talk to all the time – but don’t be fooled,it has the ability to get messy. Women are known to be dramatic by nature. So, what steps can we take to avoid drama in the houses we are living in?

Save the drama for your mama: Literally. Keep your concerns to yourself until you can call your mom or someone that you can trust. Remember, people never forget the words you say, so use them wisely.

Don’t sling the mud: For most women, words are the male equivalent of throwing punches. But unlike men, women don’t get over things so easily. Men can throw a right hook one minute, and then be shaking hands the next. Keep in mind, words hurt. They easily cut to the core of young women whose self-esteem is still developing. Keep it to yourself and like I said, call your confidant.

Keep it classy: like Coco Chanel said, “A woman should be two things: classy and fabulous.” If you consider yourself a classy woman, you should not let your anger get the best of you. Take a deep breath, count to 10 and handle whatever drama comes your way with class.

Whenever you’re feeling like you just need to let go, go for a run, read a book or go turn on music. Getting caught up with drama in the house will not end well for either party. If you choose to stay out of it, no one can say anything mad about you. Stay neutral, stay positive and focus on the perks and be happy with your sisters!

For more articles on how to keep it classy within your sorority and in general, check out these incredible College Lifestyles articles: How To: Live Your Ritual Everyday and How To: Call Your Landlord with Problems. If the pressure is getting to be too much, make sure you check out this CL article on keeping your mental health positive. Drama can get to the best of us. Make sure you’re keeping yourself healthy!

How To: Maintain Frizzy Hair

Posted on September 11, 2012 by AllisonC

With summer coming to a close and the cool fall weather sweeping in, there comes this purgatory called humidity. Frizz balls everywhere are crying out in agony, begging for this mess to come to an end. Well, as the master-of-frizz myself, I am here to save the day! I have done some extensive research, on both my hair and through various sources, on how to beat this dreadful beauty disaster that the majority of women, but especially college women, all over the world face. Here are some fabulous ways to both maintain and stop future frizz from occurring.

First, in order to fight it we must understand it. Frizz occurs mainly because of two things: moisture and genetics. According to WebMD, the outer layer of your hair, or the cuticle, is composed of layers that look like shingles. When you brush your hair, those shingles lift causing the illusion of frizz. Dry hair, due to genetics, is more prone to humidity. When moisture enters the cuticle, the shingles yet again lift.

There are many ways to avoid the plague that we classy women call frizz.

Don’t brush your hair: Again, it will lift those shingles, causing frizz. This isn’t to say don’t brush your hair ever, but there is no need to brush your hair if it is already tame. If you feel the need to smooth it out, just do a quick run through with your fingers.

Purchase a conditioner high in protein: According to WebMD, conditioners high in protein will make your hair stronger, decreasing frizz while at the same time increasing shine. Win, win!

Use a smoothing serum: A smoothing serum of some sort is extremely beneficial to both maintaining frizz and increasing shine.

Personally, I use two products: If I have curled my hair and I want to make sure that my curls stay silky smooth, I use John Frieda’s Frizz Ease Hairspray. But, if I’m getting out of the shower and I haven’t yet dried my hair, I squirt a pump of Garnier Fructis’ Anti-Frizz Serum into my hands and run them through my hair. The pump is so easy and eliminates getting oil all over everything, and it is perfect for college life. It doesn’t take up any space in a dorm room! The serum lasts for hours and my hair is less likely to puff up compared to when I don’t use anything.

I went ahead and asked some fabulous CL ladies their tricks of the trade. Here’s what they do to keep their locks smooth and sleek!

“I use a few drops of Biosilk on my already straightened hair. I flip my head over and work the product from my scalp to the tips. It keeps my hair looking flawless all day!” Emily O’Brien- Hofstra University

“Must have my CHI!” – Shelly Marie Redmond, EIC

“Miracle 10 works wonders in a way no other product has for my hair. Pantene works pretty well, too. Garnier just makes my hair greasy.” – Debra Schreiber, Duquesne University

“Use a little Moroccan Hair Oil when drying your hair! It cuts down on a lot of volume though.” – Sarah Elizabeth Gooch, Penn State

“Moroccan Oil! If you see my hair, it’s definitely my favorite! I have big 80s hair so I need all of the help I can get!” – Natalia Weiner, Loyola University Maryland

“To maintain my frizz, I follow the CG method! I only use conditioner in my hair. Every other day, I rinse out my conditioner and apply it to my hair again. This routine allows my hair to stay moisturized and when my hair is moisturized, no frizz comes. I love walking around with flawless curls! I use Tresemme naturals conditioner and L’Oreal Ever crème conditioner. I never mix these products together but they are my choices for when I am ready to apply more conditioner. The biggest tip to this routine is: Once you apply the conditioner, don’t rinse it out!” – Charlene Alexander, USF

So, the next time you’re having a bad hair day don’t blame your straightener…blame genetics and humidity! For more great tips on how to embrace your inner beauty, frizzy or not, check out this great CL article on the beauty by confidence campaign!

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: Keep it CLassy and Fabulous on Facebook

Posted on August 22, 2012 by AllisonC

Even Ron Burgandy wants you to be classy. Photo credit: google images.

These days Facebook has become more than a pseudo MySpace. It’s a place where you can promote your work, reconnect with people after high school and college and most importantly, it is an open portal for outsiders to see right into your life. Along with Twitter, you can essentially know what anyone is doing at any given time. In order to use your Facebook to positively benefit your life and career, keep it clean and professional. Before you post that risqué comment or picture on your page, be sure to ask yourself these questions.

Photo credit allposters.com.

Would you want your grandparents to see the content on your page?

So your best friend snuck that picture of you dancing on top of a table with a red solo cup onto Facebook. If your cute little grandparents saw that, even if you have a fabulously open relationship with them, would you be slightly embarrassed? If your answer is yes, where do you go from there? Recently, Facebook has been upgrading their privacy policies. If a friend posts a photo of you that you aren’t happy with, you cannot only remove the tag, but you can also ask them to remove the picture. Remember: just because the picture isn’t shown on your page doesn’t mean that it’s removed from Facebook.

My friends and I being classy in Portugal!

Would you want a future employer or a university admissions office to see the things on your page?

Let’s get real. No one wants to change their last name on their profile while they are applying for a job or to college. There are many options to hiding the “incriminating” things in your picture. I love using the retouch feature on my photo uploader. It is easy to blur things out that I wouldn’t want an employer seeing. While a red solo cup doesn’t necessarily have alcohol in it, one usually assumes that that’s the case. So just to be safe, I blur those out. Another option is to just not upload the picture! If that one picture is more important than a college acceptance or a potential job offer, put it up. If it’s something that you can keep for yourself and take it out later in life and laugh, then that works too.

Photo courtesy of google images.

If your current employer saw your Facebook page, would you be embarrassed to face them in the office on Monday?
Look, at some point in our lives we all play hooky, fake sick and head to the beach for the day. If you’re calling in sick, make a point to not upload pictures of you feeling phenomenal on social media websites. Some employers have been known to check on their employees, just to make sure they aren’t wasting the company’s time and/or money (if you get paid vacation). Just keep your secret to yourself! Don’t forget: being sneaky is only fun if you don’t get caught. Check out this article on how to keep in professional and classy on a job interview!

So make sure that when you’re on Facebook, you’re keeping it classy, fabulousand professional. Facebook is just another fad like the rest of these social media sites. Would it be worth it to alter someone’s perception of you or lose a potential employment option? The decision is yours. Use the web wisely!

You can find more ways to stay classy and fabulous without breaking a sweat here and here!

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.

Allison Cohen: Returning Writer…Meet Me Again!

Posted on August 16, 2012 by AllisonC

Name: Allison Cohen

Just hanging out in Sevilla, Spain before a bullfight!

Position: Health and Lifestyle Writer

College/University: University of Connecticut

Year in studies: Junior

Major/minor: Communications and Spanish

Organizational involvement: Member of Kappa Alpha Theta, Director of Strategic Fundraising for HuskyTHON

I show my school spirit by: going to football and basketball games! There, I wear all blue and white with paws on my cheeks and glitter, glitter, glitter!

My favorite thing about Fall is: Boots, tea and looking forward to the first snow!

For Halloween I will be: I don’t know yet. I usually don’t know until the weekend before, and then I scramble to put it together. It always seems to come together, but I never learn from the year before!

Neon pants – yay or nay? For me, nay. I’m not that outgoing with my wardrobe but I think if appropriately done, other people could definitely pull it off.

Twitter or Facebook? Both, but I’m more partial to Twitter. It doesn’t suck you in as much… Feel free to follow me! @alli_cohen

I love Pinterest because: not only is it a fun/productive procrastination tool, but it makes you want to work out like crazy and eat as many desserts as you can make at the same time. I’m not even mad about it, just impressed.

My favorite color is: yellow.

My pup and I saying hi!

My go-to accessory is: my Tory Burch chair purse. It goes with everything.

My favorite store is: Nordstroms.

My favorite food is: japanese. I love me some sushi!

My favorite movies/TV shows are: Movies: The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Step Brothers and basically anything with Will Ferrell in it. TV shows: Dexter, Breaking Bad, Law & Order: SVU, and more!

My favorite book is: I have a few favorites, but some that stick out in my mind are Room by Emma Donoghue and Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay.

My favorite magazine is: Cosmopolitan.

My pet is: Maverick, a long-haired, miniature dachshund and the love of my life.

My favorite quote is, because: In the end, it will be okay and if it’s not okay, then it’s not the end. -Anonymous. I don’t know who said this, but whenever I’m having a rough time I always keep this in mind and it gives me the hope to go on.

My role model is, because: my mother. This sounds so cliche, but she is my hero, my best friend and the strongest woman I know. If I grow up to be half the woman she is, I will be extremely lucky.

I spend my weekends…: with my friends, family and my boyfriend. I love to surround myself with people that make me laugh!

My family and I on the highline in NYC.

I take a break from studying by…: calling my friends, boyfriend or family (see a pattern here?). It gets my mind off of my work and my butt out of the chair for a few minutes!

I de-stress by…: working out or taking a long walk!

My secret talent is: that I’m a really, really good singer. But only in the shower or when I’m driving a car.

My friends describe me as: loyal, loving and driven.

My favorite College Lifestyles article is: Group Interview: Do websites like TSM portray an accurate representation of Greek Life or do they promote stereotypes?

Why I am excited to be an intern for College Lifestyles: I was surprised at how much I loved being a summer intern for CL, and I’m back with a vengance! I can’t wait to show the readers the writing skills I have obtained over the summer. I couldn’t have don it without my editor, Alli, and the rest of the CL Team!

My definition of a classy co-ed: sophisticated, chic, organized and modest.

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

The Sorority Recruitment Series: Peer Pressure

Posted on August 15, 2012 by AllisonC

As it’s August, many things come to my mind: going back to school, the start of fall, and most exciting of all…Formal Panhellenic Recruitment! With recruitment season coming up, nerves are running high, recruitment songs are being belted and wardrobes are getting full. Along with sleek and sophisticated outfits and bellies full of butterflies comes pressure. Going through formal sorority recruitment can be taxing on your emotions, but in the end worth it.

Photo courtesy of Mississippi State University.

Open your mind: When you walk into the door of your first chapter, just keep your expectations low. If you don’t expect anything, you can never be disappointed! As hard as it may be, especially if you’re a sophomore or a freshman who is familiar with the school and know the “reputations” of each sorority, go into each party with an unbiased opinion. Look at every chapter as an opportunity to make a fabulous first impression. If everyone likes you, then YOU can make the choice you want!

Photo courtesy google images.

Stick to yourself: It’s only a couple of days. Focus on yourself. Go to the gym, read a book and prepare for classes. Don’t listen to whatever everyone is saying. If you feel you are better suited for a different sorority than your best friend that’s okay. It doesn’t mean you’re not best friends, it just means that you had a different experience during recruitment. Remember, this is a decision that lasts for a lifetime. Make sure you make the one that’s best for you, not for who is buzzing in your ear. You can still be friends with women in other chapters, in fact you should be! If you join sorority A and your best friend joins sorority B, your friendship can be just as strong as it was before! You guys may even have more to talk about, improving your friendship.

When you’ve followed those steps, relax! There’s not much you can do, but be yourself. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I truly believe that the Panhellenic Recruitment system works. People will end up where they belong, but only if they are themselves, and not conforming to what they think people want them to be.

Photo courtesy Belmont University.

Still not feeling as relaxed as you want to be? There is always someone to talk to. That’s what your recruitment counselor is there for, as well as the Panhellenic President and the Greek Life Advisor in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. If you’re not feeling too comfortable talking to people you are just meeting you can always call your mom, your best friend, your biological sister or someone close to you. Don’t let the pressure consume you. This is supposed to be one of the greatest experiences of your life, so you may as well enjoy it!

So, congratulations on taking the plunge of signing up for recruitment. While it is a nerve-wracking experience, it also has the potential to be the greatest week of your life, leading you to amazing opportunities and friendships in the future. Stick to these tips, and you are sure to end up right where you belong. I know I did!

My pledge class on bid day last year.

Want tips on how to make a great first impression? Check this out! How about great tips to stand out? Click here! Finally, if you’re feeling uneasy about joining a different sorority than your best friend, read this. It definitely eased the tension in my friendship!

Allison Cohen is a junior at the University of Connecticut. Follow her at @alli_cohen. To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds be sure to follow College Lifestyles on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Positivity Series: Yoga 101

Posted on August 8, 2012 by AllisonC

Have you ever had an off day, and nothing you seemed to do could shake it? Maybe your go-to is listening to music or taking a run, but today it’s just not working. How many of us have explored yoga and really examined it? What is downward dog actually doing for not only our body, but our mind? According to WebMD, almost 11 million people are enjoying the positive benefits of yoga in their everyday lives. If you’re already one of them, or you’re not and want to become one, check out this article and see what this practice is actually doing for your body, mind and soul.

What yoga does for your body:

According to WebMD, yoga can improve many aspects of the physical makeup of your body. Yoga forces your body to stretch into different poses, releasing the build up of lactic acid in your muscles. In turn, this has the ability to release a good amount of stress, tension, and fatigue in your muscles. Your muscles aren’t the only things that are benefitting from these stretches. The stretching of your soft tissue can eventually help to increase your flexibility.

Photo courtesy of google images.

There are many different types of yoga, but the more challenging types such as ashtanga and power yoga, can help you increase muscle tone. The poses are held for long periods of time, building up your physique and stamina.

With the build up of muscles and the release of lactic acid, your posture and breathing will improve as well. The benefits are different for everybody, but there are many benefits at that!

What yoga does for your mind:

When I go to a yoga class in my town, the instructor always says at the beginning of the class that we should let whatever happened before and what will happen after this practice just go. We always set an intention. That could be sending the positive energy to someone who needs it, perhaps they are sick or having a bad day, or the intention could be to give 100% in each pose. Either way, yoga gives you the ability to free your mind from worry or unwanted thoughts and just gives you an hour or so to yourself. Ultimately, this break from the real world can reduce stress, and if practiced enough, can impact you to think positively in your daily life, and not just in the yoga studio.

What yoga does for your soul:

While yoga has a great impact on your physical body and mental health, don’ forget that it is just plain fun! Whether you’re posing in a wheelbarrow, tree blowing in the wind or a sun warrior, your soul will be doing back flips and smiling from ear-to-ear. Make sure you consult your doctor before starting this practice. Also, be aware that if it hurts don’t do it! You will be sore after your first class (the good kind of sore), but while you are actually in the pose it shouldn’t feel painful. If it is, you are going too far into the stretch… your body needs to adjust to your newfound flexibility gradually over time! Yoga is about seeing and doing the best within yourself. If you can’t go as deep into a stretch as the person next to you, don’t worry about it! It’s all about getting your 7 inner energies, or chakras, in balance. According to mindbodygreen.com, the 7 chakras include the root chakra, the sacral chakra, the solar plexus chakra, the heart, throat, crown and third eye chakra. So if you fall, laugh it off!

The 7 chakras. Photo courtesy of mindbodygreen.com.

There are many ways to get involved in yoga. Check out your yellow pages, your school’s classes to see if they have yoga classes or your school’s clubs to see if you can get involved that way too. If you are feeling a little self conscious, a DVD yoga class is a great alternative . Remember to enjoy the moment, your body and your mind. Namaste.

For more tips on how to do good things for your body and mind, check out these awesome articles on apps for fitness motivation and the benefits of meditation!

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.

Product Review: Olioboard

Posted on August 1, 2012 by AllisonC

I was watching Dr. Oz while on the elliptical the other morning at the gym (typical), and there was a segment about redesigning your living space. Sometimes, it’s hard to envision the perfect set up for your dorm room or apartment in your mind. That’s where Olioboard comes in. The Olioboard website says “Olioboard is an online, interior design moodboard creator that allows members to create spaces using real products from all their favorite brands.” Read more to get the inside scoop on this valuable online tool.

Moodboard creator. Photo courtesy of olioboard.com.

To start designing your dream room, you simply click “Create+.” From here, you can drag images onto your moodboard. There are many different tabs to create whatever kind of living space you choose, such as a bathroom, living room, or bedroom. Products to furnish and decorate your area are available from major vendors such as Crate and Barrel, Ralph Lauren, Urban Outfitters and more.

“Create+” screen shot. Photo courtesy of olioboard.com.

You can create sets, add images to your Olioboard, and even save your masterpieces by making an account. I sat down and made an account and a moodboard. At first, it took me a few minutes to adapt to adding and removing items, sizing them and finding just the right places for everything. After I got the hang of it, I designed my picture perfect apartment, and have some items to get to furnish my new apartment in August! It is an extremely invaluable tool if you are an indecisive and not very visionary oriented person, like me.

Every two weeks, Olioboard hosts design contests that are sponsored or community created. If you enter and win the sponsored contests, you can win great prizes from these companies, such as store credit or store items!

An example of a design challenge: the beauty spa design challenge. Photo courtesy of olioboard.com.

If you’re not in the mood to create a moodboard, you can always shop around the site. Olioboard lets you view all of the items that are available to make moodboards with. Browse by category, brand, popular items and popular sets. If you find an item or set you like, Olioboard will direct you to the website where you can purchase it. Locating the trendiest new home décor items is just a few clicks away with this great website!

For more ways to spruce up your living space, check out this article on Target’s UStyler and this article on great D-I-Y projects that are eco-friendly as well!

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.

The Best One Night “Stand” You’ll Ever Have

Posted on July 25, 2012 by AllisonC

What would you say if I told you that just by dancing, you could save the lives of ill children all over the country? Well, it’s true! Dance Marathons are exploding all over America. Dance Marathon is an event that occurs nationwide to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, or CMN Hospitals. Every school that has a CMN Hospital in their area and is involved with the CMN Hospitals has their own version of a Dance Marathon. For example, Florida State University, Auburn University and Depaul University have THON’s.

Image courtesy of jkelleyphoto.com.

At my school, the University of Connecticut, we are affiliated with the Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, or CCMC. We stand for 18 hours for those children who can’t. HuskyTHON is a yearlong fundraising event that all leads up to one night of great energy, wonderful people and even more wonderful kids. During the opening ceremony on the night of the event, we bring the children from CCMC and their families into HuskyTHON with a big celebration! There is music and high fives and cheers that you can hear for miles. We then introduce the families that our sponsored by some of our teams and then we kick off the beginning of the 18 hours of standing. There is a bounce house for the children (and even some of the college kids), games, and more. We dance, laugh, and bond with these children, or heroes, as we like to call them. We have a different theme every hour to keep the morale and energy going. There is a rave hour, Disney hour and more. Every hour on the hour we do a morale dance. It is a 10-minute dance that is composed of clips from a multitude of different songs. It helps the time go by, and when everyone hears that first song they get so excited! At the end of the 18 hours, we reveal the number in dollars of money we have raised. It is so emotional to know that you are a part of something bigger than yourself and that helped raise funds to save children’s lives. Last year we raised $304,000.00, and we can’t wait to raise more this year!

Photo courtesy of helpmakemiracles.org.

I am a part of the management team for this event, and as the Director of Strategic Fundraising, I can tell you we have some big things in store for this year. We are hosting a 5K in conjunction with our Recreation Center, a Mr. or Mrs. HuskyTHON pageant, and a basketball tournament. These events are a great way to keep the excitement about HuskyTHON up during the months leading up to the event. Your school may have events like this in place. If they don’t, step up to the plate and suggest some of these events. You can even offer to plan them and know that you were a major part of helping save lives.

Every school that participates in Dance Marathon has their own version. Some schools don’t stand for 18 hours, they only stand for 6. Some schools don’t stand the whole time but if you do you can have extra money donated from your sponsors. They also have different names. For example, The University of Maryland’s Dance Marathon is called Terp Thon, The University of Georgia’s is called UGA Miracle, etc. Another school that is well known for their Dance Marathon is Penn State. Penn State’s THON was the first dance marathon ever! While they aren’t in conjunction with the Children’s Miracle Network, they stand for 46 hours, and their proceeds go to the Penn State Hershey’s Children’s Hospital. There are many different versions of Dance Marathon. What does yours look like?

According to the Children’s Miracle Network, the money raised by Dance Marathons help treat over 17 million children each year, 98% of all children needing heart or lung transplants, 88% of all children with cancer, 76% of children with cystic fibrosis, 90% of all children with sickle cell anemia, 72% of all children with pediatric AIDS, and provide $2.5 billion in uncompensated care each year. Knowing that, how could you not want to be part of such an incredible cause?

Photo courtesy of google images.

HuskyTHON is one of the greatest nights of my year. It is a phenomenal experience, but at the same time, it is a rewarding event that one truly cannot understand unless you are a part of it. So, how exactly can you get involved with a Dance Marathon? It’s easy! Just go to your school’s website or involvement office and see if there is a Dance Marathon already implemented at your school. If not, be a leader! Click here to learn how to get started and bring an amazing new movement to your school. While it is fun, you get to meet kids from your school that you never have, make memories that will last for a lifetime, and most importantly save children’s lives. Remember, it’s for the kids. FTK.

What it’s all about: Me and my hero friend Ryan at my first year of HuskyTHON.

For more stories on how to do good at your school, check out this great article!

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.

Adventures Across The Atlantic: 6 Tips For Studying Abroad

Posted on July 18, 2012 by AllisonC

Study abroad: These days it is a term that is almost as frequent as Facebook or Twitter. Although it is contemplated, not all of those people actually take the plunge. Whether you dream of skiing La Sierra Nevada, eating macaroons on the lawn in front of the Eiffel Tower, or practicing your British accent while admiring Big Ben, there is a program for just about everyone.

Getting ready to play on the beach in Nerja, Spain.

Two months ago, I came home from the most incredible journey of my life. I spent 4 months in Spain climbing mountains to find gorgeous views, eating delectable seafood and meeting phenomenal people that will have a place in my heart forever. One of my roommates spent the summer on a cruise ship that took her to Africa, India, Vietnam, and many other places while my other roommate indulged in delicious Italian wine and pasta every day of the week. One thing we all agree on is that the only bad thing about going abroad is that eventually, you have to come home.

My friend and I kiting in front of the aqueduct in Toledo, Spain.

So I have one question for you: are you thinking about studying abroad? If so, here are a few key things that you need to know to be prepared to have the most memorable time of your life. If you’re not thinking about it at this point in time, maybe these tips will push you to think about it.

1. Don’t forget your Smartphone in America.

As our generation knows very well, technology is an incredible tool. A Smartphone is a pivotal part of staying connected with your family and friends back home. If you have an iPhone or Droid, download Viber. Viber is a free app that allows phone calls and text messages to be placed over the Internet. Another great app to download is Whatsapp, which allows you to text over the Internet as well. When you connect to WIFI (or as they say in Spain, weefee), you can call or text your family and friends and make them green with envy at how AMAZING of a time you are having!

2. Talk to the old timers.

I visited my best friend Aimee who was studying in Paris.

Once you decide on a program, get in touch with your peers that have done the same one before. Most people who go abroad LOVE to talk about their experiences, so they will probably be more than happy to answer any questions you may have. One of the most imperative things to know before you cross the sea is what the weather will be like. If I had known when I got to Spain that it was going to be 50 degrees every day for the first 3 weeks, I would have brought a heavier coat. Also, find out whether your program provides a prepaid phone to you while you are abroad to keep in touch with the other people in your program. If not, I highly recommend investing in one because you will not have access to WIFI everywhere.

3. Find out where you are living.

If you are living in an apartment, start saving your money early. Making your food abroad can get expensive over a few months. If you are staying with a family, bring a gift from your school or area where you live. It will make them feel special and grateful to know that you were thinking about them before they welcomed you into their home. It will set the tone for a great, and hopefully lifelong, friendship.

4. Become a hoarder.

Some products, makeup, for example or certain brands of clothing, don’t ship overseas. Be sure to stock up on the staple products in your routine. IMPORTANT: make sure that the place that you are going sells tampons. Be aware that in Argentina (and possibly other places) they do NOT sell tampons, so bring a few boxes!

I celebrated my 20th birthday while walking along the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. Casual!

5. Change your mentality.

As college women physical health, along with looking and feeling good is extremely important to the majority of us. WARNING: You are going to gain wait abroad. It is inevitable. Quite frankly, if you’re not gaining weight you’re not doing it right. Eat whatever you want, drink whatever you want, and don’t skip going out for tapas or crepes with your friends to fit in a run. It’s okay! As my mom says, “You can sleep when you’re dead.” The gym will be there when you touch down in America. Worry about your waistline then.

6. Most importantly…Get PSYCHED!

Being abroad will be the most incredible experience. Start an online blog, keep a journal, and take a million and one pictures. Don’t take any second for granted because when it’s gone, I promise you are going to want it back.

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.

Recruitment 101: Stand Up To Stand Out

Posted on July 4, 2012 by AllisonC

Where has the summer gone? It’ll be syllabus week before we know it. Before we get back to the grind of papers, assignments, and studying, let’s focus on something fun and exciting: recruitment! If you’re not yet in a sorority and you’re thinking about joining one, there are a few important things to remember when going through the recruitment process. The ultimate goal is to be invited to be a member of the sorority you fall head over heals for, also known as a bid. When you walk into your first sorority of the day, keep these tips in mind to help you stand out in order to get that chance of a lifetime.

First things first- Breathe. Why are you so nervous? Remember: you CHOSE to go through this process, and you could just as easily choose to drop out if you don’t like it. You’re just getting people to see who you really are, so have fun with it! Most importantly, be yourself. This process is all about expressing your individuality, and whether that’s through your wardrobe, accessories or attitude, make sure who you are as a person shines through. It is the key to getting yourself noticed.

Courtesy of Google Images.

Clear your head- Go into this process with an open mind. Unfortunately, sororities sometimes have negative connotations and rumors that are started by people that have biased opinions. Maybe one sorority isn’t what you thought it was going to be, or maybe you liked another one that you thought you weren’t going to. If you go into the process thinking, “I want this sorority,” you may sabotage your chances of getting a bid from the chapter that you really fit in well with. Furthermore, feel free to ask questions! If you have heard rumors, face the uncertainties head on. These women have been in your shoes before. A sisterhood isn’t just a 4 year commitment, it is a bond for a lifetime. You want to make sure that you join one that represents your values.

Have a positive attitude- Nobody likes to have a conversation with a Negative Nancy. Sisters want to give bids to women who bring something positive to their chapter, not to someone who is going to bring morale down.

SMILE!- This goes hand in hand with having a positive attitude. Smiling is contagious, and when a sister sees you smiling, they will smile as well and will remember how great you were! There are hundreds of girls vying for the same sport as you, and it’s the little things in this process that help you stand out as an individual. Smiling will look like you are enjoying yourself and that is what the chapter is aiming for!

DON’T talk about sorority women you know- It is okay to mention that you know someone who is in a sorority, but if you’re constantly talking about how great the sister you know is, it may sound like you’re sucking up or being fake. It also may make the sister you’re talking to feel like you just want a bid from her sorority because your friend is in it. On the other hand, If you are related to an alumni or active member of that chapter/sorority, feel free to mention that. You just want to make sure people know that you want to be there for the right reasons.

Courtesy of Google Images.

DO talk about how awesome you are- Like I said before, sisters want women that have something to bring to their chapter table. Talk about your extracurricular activities, your amazing academics, and things you are passionate about. The more they know about you, the better of a sense they will have about how fabulous of a person you are.

Dress Appropriately- This is one of the most important aspects of recruitment. By all means, do not wear something you would wear to the bar or a party. Business casual attire is a safe bet. It shows that you’re serious about rushing. You don’t need to wear designer clothing: it’s not about the brand. Keep in mind not to dress like you’re trying too hard. Women should wear something like represents themselves. Just show that you’re ready to get serious, able to help and make a difference, and that you’re in this process for all the right reasons.

Ask questions- During the first few days of the recruitment process, you will be asked a million questions about yourself. As you move from sorority to sorority you will get some repeats: don’t get frustrated or stressed out! One thing I tend to love when talking to Potential New Members, or PNM’s, is when they ask me something about myself. It’s not that I want to talk about myself, but it’s nice to know that someone cares, and that will definitely help you be remembered.

Be Yourself!- This is the most important tip. Panhellenic refers to the council that encourages communication and interaction between different sororities. Most women in the Panhellenic system believe that the recruitment process really works. You will end up where you belong based on who you are as an individual. If you’re catering to what you think they’re looking for A) you’re probably wrong, and B) you won’t be happy where you are in the long run because you’re not being yourself. Have fun with it. It will be an experience you will never forget!

My sisters and I on bid day 2011!

For more recruitment fun and tips, check out what to expect when going through formal recruitment, why sorority leadership matters, and how to be part of a Greek organization while having a non-Greek boyfriend!

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.

3 Awesome Avocado Recipes

Posted on June 6, 2012 by AllisonC

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “avocado?” Most likely the answer is guacamole. While guacamole is no doubt delicious, avocados have many different uses. Check out these recipes!

Not Your Ordinary Guacamole

2 Ripe Avocados, peeled and seeded

½ cup fresh cranberries, halved

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1 tablespoon agave nectar

2 tablespoons snipped fresh chives

¼ teaspoon coarse salt

½ teaspoon cracked black pepper

Photo courtesy of avocado.org.

1. Dice avocado and put in a medium bowl.

2. Add the cranberries, lime juice, agave nectar, chives, salt and pepper. Stir and add more salt and pepper to taste.

3. Place in a bowl and enjoy!

While avocados are high in calories, they are also high in monounsaturated fats. These fats help manage cholesterol and your risk for heart disease. For more savory guac recipes like the one seen here, head to www.avocado.org.

Skin As Smooth As Avocado

Avocado contains deep penetrating oil that is great for dry skin! Check this recipe out, provided by ehow.com, to get a great glow just in time for summer. (WARNING: This mask is not great for acne prone skin, seeing as how it is filled with natural oils that could clog acne-prone pores).

Photo courtesy of youqueen.com.

½ medium ripe avocado

1 tablespoon natural honey

1 tablespoon natural yogurt

1. Mash avocado with fork.

2. Add honey to the avocado.

3. Stir in yogurt.

4. Wash face with warm water and pat dry. Apply mask to your face and let it set for 15 minutes.

5. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and pat dry.

Hair Saving Avocado Recipe

Instyle Magazine has given us ladies a great recipe for dry hair! (How lucky are we?)

½ ripe avocado

Photo courtesy of quickhealth.net.

2 egg whites

1. Mash avocado with a fork until it is creamy.

2. Whisk in the egg whites.

3. Apply to hair and leave in for 15 minutes.

4. Wash and condition hair.
Your hair will be silky smooth with this inexpensive home remedy!

See CL’s article on mineral hygienics for great tips for your skin and this article for a girl’s guide to a great haircut!

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.

Grilling 101: How To Grill Great Veggies!

Posted on May 30, 2012 by AllisonC

With the season of summer BBQs rapidly approaching, what could be better than grilled vegetables? You may be thinking “vegetables are boring,” but there are some fun (not to mention, delicious) recipes to add color and zest to any plate. Not only are vegetables great for your skin, hair, and nails, but they are an easy way to help you feel full and keep your beach bod!

Grilled Vegetable Medley

2 small yellow squash, sliced

2 small zucchini, sliced

1 small onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, minced

1 1/2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon lemon-pepper seasoning

1. Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat. When hot, lightly oil the grate.

2. Combine the squash, zucchini, onion, and bell pepper in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with lemon-pepper seasoning. Stir to coat.

3. Place the vegetable mixture in the center of a large sheet of aluminum foil. Top with another large sheet of aluminum foil. Roll the edges of the foil sheets together to seal into a packet.

4. Place the packet on the preheated grill. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes, turning the packet every 5 to 10 minutes.

5. Unwrap the packet carefully. Serve and enjoy!

Want more recipes like this one? Check out allrecipes.com!

Grilled Corn on the Cob

There is the classic grilled corn on the cob with butter, salt, and pepper and then there is this savory recipe:

8 ears corn, husk and silk removed

1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1/2 cup melted butter

2 tablespoons minced garlic

1 teaspoon crushed rosemary

1 teaspoon rubbed sage

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves

1 1/2 teaspoons salt

1 1/2 teaspoons pepper

1. Soak corn in cold water for 1 to 3 hours.

2. Stir together vegetable oil and melted butter in a bowl. Season with garlic, rosemary, sage, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper.

3. Drain corn and pat dry. Spread butter mixture evenly over each ear of corn, and place each piece on a square of aluminum foil. Tightly wrap each ear and puncture to allow excess steam to escape while grilling.

4. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat.

5. Grill the corn cobs until tender, about 20 to 30 minutes, turning frequently. Remove from the grill and check for doneness; if the corn is not done, continue cooking an additional 5 minutes.

6. Unwrap carefully, and serve!

Click here for more yummy corn on the cob recipes!

Great Grilled Asparagus

16 stalks fresh asparagus

3 tablespoons olive oil

1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon onion powder

¼ teaspoon paprika

¼ teaspoon chipotle powder

1 small block of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1. Chop off the woody part of the spear near the bottom. Lay the asparagus on a platter or in a pan and pour the flavored oil over them and roll them around until they are well-covered. Let them marinate for about 5 minutes.

2. Preheat the grill to medium hot. Place the asparagus at a right angle to the grid of the grill grates so they don’t fall through.

3. Grill the asparagus, lid on, until they brown slightly on one side, about 5 minutes, roll them and grill for only 2-3 minutes on the second side.

4. Arrange on a platter when they are done, and let them cool for about 5 minutes.

5. Sprinkle with cheese, oil, and vinegar. You can substitute lemon or lime juice for the vinegar if desired.

If you want more tips on grilling asparagus, try www.amazingribs.com!

Enjoy these fresh recipes for a great summer feast! Check out CL’s intern kitchen to pair these vegetables with for a delicious summer meal!

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.