About Campus Correspondent

A Classy Co-Ed in her own rights, the Campus Correspondent is a co-ed who embraces all that is 'classy' and 'chic' about campus life.

Your Guide to Staying Chic While Traveling

Posted on May 13, 2013 by Campus Correspondent

travel, classy co-ed, classy women, College Lifestyles

Courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net

People-watching in the airport might bring sights of baggy sweatpants, slippers and even pajamas. Don’t let yourself be that person, looking like you rolled out of bed and drove to the airport for your flight. Just because traveling is not always the most comfortable event, doesn’t mean your outfit has to be sloppy. Remember – you are in public; keep outfits classy by following some of these ideas.

Put on those streeeeetchy skinny jeans.

Skinny jeans with a lot of stretch feel like pajamas but look more appropriate. A great pair can be found at JcPenney. Opt for a black pair that will go with anything and look sleek in any setting.

polyvore set by Jessica Fecteau

Slip into comfy ballet flats.

Running after your flight when you’ve overslept has never looked so good. Slip into these stylish Aldo ballet flats for comfort that is chic without being bulky. Your feet will melt into these soles, making it hard to take them off when going through security.

Invest in a cargo jacket with large pockets.

Army-style jackets are all the rage right now and with spring upon us, they are the perfect light essentials for traveling. Find one with large pockets to quickly put your I.D. and flight ticket in to save time recuperating after security.

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Fashion Influence from Trinidad: DIY Head Wraps & Dresses

Posted on April 10, 2013 by Campus Correspondent

Photo Credit: Alison Forde

Over Spring Break I had the oppurtunity to study abroad in Trinidad and Tobago! The people in the Caribbean were so friendly and so colorful! The Island was a hurricane of bright screaming prints and personal style.

My group had a great time learning how to use wrap dresses and head scarves in an instucted course. With this article I am going to give you the secret to care-free beach dress!

Trinidad and Tobago are a blend and mix of cultures and people. Much like back at home Caribean fashion is rich with styles of passed generations and heredity influence. The origins of the islands start with African slaves that brought over these head scarves and wrap dresses.

This care-free, easy style is perfect on the beach to contain those wind swept locks. Use a cotton fabric for a stiff controlled look or chifon for a flowy casual event.

Michelle, our instructer wears one everyday and showed us a few looks! Follow these steps and you’ll be looking Trini at the backyard BBQ in no time!

Photo credit: Alison Forde

First was the rose bud head wrap. For the girly-girl this wrap is delicate and feiminine.

1) Take a piece of fabric- the key to any of these looks is having an even edge. When cutting fabric make sure that it is the same length on both sides.

2) Put the fabric on over the forehead and make it tight, create your own spin by having bangs or a few strands of hair hang loose to curl.

3) When around the forehead take the two ends, cross them behind the head to cover the back and bring the remaining two pieces back to the front. They should be narrow, decide what side you want the rose bud on. If you want the bud on the left move the fabric to the left side ( or vise versa on the right).

4) Take the two and wrap around each other tight enough ‘till they sit in a circle. And in three easy steps you have your hair under control in the island way.

The next wrap is a bow for the hippie chick in all of us.

1) Take your fabric and twist it tight into a tube

2) Take the middle and put over the forhead – in the traditional hippie way.

3) The ends of the fabric are wrapped in a bow around the back of the head. You can either curl or straighten your hair for whatever look suits your personal style.

Photo credit: Alison Forde

Michele also showed us a few dresses that require no sewing, pins, or hassel! Here are three looks that are so easy you will be smiling all summer.

1) The green dress is a long square of fabric. Wrap around the body and tie in a knot up at the top. Let the rest of the fabric ends hang for a relaxed and fun look.

2) The floral dress is actually two pieces on top of one another for a skirt and tank top combination. Take the fabric, wrap around your waiste and tie. The top is a little bit tricky, first put the fabric around your neck. Make sure the rest of the fabric on both sides is even (lay on the front of the body), the neck should be exactly in the middle. Take the left cross it over to the right, the right to the left and pull tight. This creates a collar around the neck and thins out your waste. Tie the ends in the back in a knot so you can tuck them in to the top or tie in a bow for a girly look. In no time you have a DIY halter dress.

3) The easiest look is the skirt but offers endless possibilites to your outfit. Grab any fabric you like, again wrap around the waist. Instead of being completley even cut the two strands at the top will be used to tie. Just take fabric shears and cut about five or six inches in about an inch down, do not cut away. These two rectangle strands are the tie that keeps the skirt on your waist. Tie the ends in a knot tight so the skirt does not fall down. You can wear a tank top, bandu, or bikini top for a mix and match beach wear.

Remember Caribean street style is all about color and vibrancy. Deja, a girl we met, always had on bright strips and neon skirts. To look like a Trini go for the bold and never blend into the backgound! The prints that Michele used were livley with folral patterns. Even the fabric in the airport screamed at you to notice. If you want to stand out this summer look to the Trinis! You will stand out easier than you ever have before.

For more on study abroad check out this article: http://collegelifestyles.org/2013/01/study-abroad-greece/

Photo credit: Alison Forde

Alison Forde is a Junior from West Virginia University studying public relations and anthropology. She is an aspiring traveler and magazine editor. To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds be sure to follow College Lifestyles on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter

CL Reviews: Purely Posh

Posted on March 4, 2013 by Campus Correspondent

Finding a brand which features both subtle and bold cosmetics can be difficult, but look no further ladies, College Lifestyles™ has found Purely Posh. This fabulous online boutique carries all natural cosmetics and skin care products and I had to try them. When the Purely Posh box arrived at my door it was like a mini post-Christmas treat.

Trio Eye Shadow ($20): Who doesn’t love a great eye palette? With five colors to choose from, I went with the Coco-Black for a natural look. I love how the coordinating shades can be worn separately or together. I wear these shadows for work and always use the dark brown shade to fill in my eyebrows. This is also fantastic for perfecting the ever popular smokey-eye.

Mineral Eye Lights Eye Shadow ($7): Loose eye shadow is here to stay. I got the Kitschy color and it’s the perfect shade of mint. This will be great for a St. Patrick’s Day night out or a girl’s night in the city. I wet my eye shadow brush with water before applying the shadow for a more pigmented effect. What I love about Purely Posh is they have so many colors to choose from. I’m definitely going to order the Heartache and Thunderstruck colors next.

Truly Natural Lipstick ($12): Lipsticks can be a hit or miss. Some are either too shinny or glittering. I usually don’t wear a lot of red but I [got] the Vintage Merlot color and absolutely adore it! This deep wine red matte lipstick goes on smooth and is really vibrant. The ingredients include coconut oil and shea butter.

Purely Posh is offering a 10% discount exclusively for College Lifestyles™ readers for 2 weeks. Use code: collegelifestyles

Be sure to follow Purely Posh on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest!

***Disclaimer: We’d like to thank Purely Posh for their Trio Eyeshadow, Mineral Eye Lights Eyeshadow and Truly Natural Lipstick for review and the opportunity for this reader discount. As always, opinions are our own.***

Correspondent Kitchen: Vegetarian California-Style Chicken Pizza

Posted on March 3, 2013 by Campus Correspondent

As a vegetarian I was so excited to try a pizza with some meat on it (even if it is faux). Pizza for vegetarians can get a little boring. So I wanted to spice up the same old vegetables with some new flavors. The chicken pizza is perfect for just that, grab a box of Morning Star Buffalo Chicken and be prepared to get hooked! First bit of this slice was a delicious blend of flavors. It was creamy, spicy, and juicy. The lemon in the California-style reminded me of summer dishes. The melted cheese is just the right compliment to the chicken and tomatoes. Try out this zesty blend!

Ingredients:

Pre-made or ready stone fire pizza crust. (you can also make your own home made crust from frozen bread dough, in this case 16 ounces is a good size)
1 Tablespoon finely shredded lemon peel
1 Tablespoon lemon juice
1 Tablespoon melted butter
5-10 pieces of morning star buffalo chicken, chopped
¼ cup cut dried tomatoes
2 fresh tomatoes, thinly sliced
4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Directions:

First get the tomatoes and lemon ready. Grab a clean cutting board and thinly slice the tomatoes and cut into bitable pieces. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze a tablespoon worth of lemon juice out. Finely shred the lemon peel.
Next put the sun dried tomatoes in a pot on the stove. Boil them for two minutes in just enough water to cover. This will make them soft and warm. Drain well.
Mix the butter, lemon juice, and lemon peel in a bowl. This is the coating for the chicken. I took the veggie buffalo chicken and microwaved them for only 20 seconds (just to make them soft enough to cut). Cut the veggie chicken in small pieces and add to the mixture. Let soak for a few minutes. The lemon and spicy buffalo coating make a zesty flavor. Add the rest of the butter lemon mixture on top of the pizza to get more of the lemon flavor (remove the lemon peel bits).
Now add all the ingredients onto the dough. First sprinkle on the cheese, add as much tomatoes, chicken, and lemon sauce as desired on top. The more that’s on the more various flavors come out!
But pizza in the oven at 375 degrees for 14-16 minutes or until the chicken is soft and the cheese is melted and bubbly, yum!

Makes 8 small slices or 6 medium slices

Originally I tried out this recipe with a parmesan alfredo sauce, but the taste was a little bitter and sort of clashed. Instead I would just put a lot of cheese on the dough to melt it as a sauce. There are so many other ingredients to taste you will not even miss a pizza sauce. You can try so many different variations with this pizza, so make it your own! If you are not a fan of the spice flavor in the chicken there are plain chicken nuggets offered by morning star. Don’t be afraid to experiment.

Check out this article for more vegetarian ideas.

Alison Forde is a Junior from West Virginia University studying public relations and anthropology. She is an inspiring traveler and magazine editor. To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds be sure to follow College Lifestyles on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

The Do’s and Don’ts Of Being Facebook Official

Posted on February 2, 2013 by Campus Correspondent

Sure, you’re dating, but are you Facebook official?

It seems like a modern relationship isn’t really an OFFICIAL relationship unless your Facebook profile page says so.

When it comes to deciding whether or not you need to be FBO, here are some classy do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

DO:

Check your sources.

You meet a cute boy or girl in class and what is the first thing you do? Facebook stalk? Probably. And there’s no shame to it since most people turn to social media for all sorts of creepin’.

But just because someone’s status doesn’t say “In a Relationship” doesn’t mean they aren’t in one. Don’t pursue a relationship or crush on someone just because their status says single.

Ask your partner what they want to do.

You can set your status to either be “In a Relationship” or “In a Relationship with … “. Ask your significant other what they prefer before jumping the gun and switching over your status.

DON’T:

Enter a relationship just to make it FBO.

It seems like a lot of people meet someone they initially really like, they date for three weeks, then boom, it’s FBO. Do you really like this person? Or are you looking for some “likes” on your page or to prove to your ex that you’ve really moved on?

Dating is a thing. You can take your time with it. You can take months with it. Go on several dates. Spend a lot of time together and make sure you don’t want to kill this person after all of this time together. THEN, make it FBO.

People shouldn’t feel like they need to rush into any relationship so they can switch over their Facebook potential.

Become upset at your partner for not being FBO.

If your significant other fails to go from “Single” to “In a Relationship” online, they’re not secretly cheating on you. You would need some serious outside evidence to support that claim.

Some people say they don’t change their status simply because they just don’t care about publicizing it on social media; not because they’re trying to hide you.

What if Facebook didn’t exist? Would you really care if your relationship was defined? No one would know about it unless they asked you or you talked about it, right?

Which leads to – defining a relationship. It can be tricky. No one knows when to speak up, “what you are,” and what the other person is thinking unless you are both open with each other (which is highly suggested if you want this to work out).

Approach your relationship status as if Facebook was nonexistent. Figure out how much you like this person, and tell them with confidence. Pretending that Facebook is nonexistent also means tell them in person, and not on social media.

Editor’s Note: Check back later this month for a special edition Out of the Mounts of Men piece on making it FBO!

Looking to start a new relationship? Check out a little advice from College Lifestyles™.

Already in a relationship? CL has you covered with Valentine’s Day looks!

Jessica Fecteau is a juniorfrom Central Michigan University. Follow her at @jessfect. To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds, be sure to follow College Lifestyles on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Quick & Easy Super Bowl Vegetarian Chili

Posted on January 30, 2013 by Campus Correspondent

I don’t know about you but every Super bowl party I have attended or hosted, chili is always on the menu! If you are looking for a great chili to serve at your Super Bowl gathering this weekend, try my personal vegetarian chili.

I love that this dish has a little bit of a kick to it, but it isn’t over powering for the most sensitive of palates. When eating this hearty bowl of chili, I do not miss the meat at all….and I don’t think you will either! I give this recipe a game day high five!

Quick & Easy Vegetarian Chili

Ingredients:

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (14.5 oz) stewed tomatoes, undrained
1 can (15.5 oz) of corn, drained (If you can find fire-roasted corn, try that for an added kick)
1 can (15 oz) each of dark kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15.5 oz) Light kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15.8 oz) great northern beans, drained and rinsed*
1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce (if you like your chili more “watery”, use a second can of tomato sauce)
1 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder OR 1 package of chili seasoning

*Feel free to use whatever beans you want – black beans, pinto beans, navy beans, etc. The ones in the recipe are my personal favorites.

Directions:

Pre-prep by opening all the cans of the ingredients.
Dump beans into a strainer and rinse. Shake water off and pour into pot.
Drain corn. Pour into pot.
Pour both cans of tomatoes into pot.
Stir together and then add tomato sauce.
Add in chili powder. Stir together.
Let simmer on stove until heated through.

Now you have a great cozy dish perfect for Super Bowl Sunday, and game day, or even a chilly day. Top the chili off with your favorite toppings including chives, sour cream, shredded cheese, cornbread, oyster crackers, etc. Personally, I top mine with cheese, basil and a side of cornbread.

In addition to a party favorite, this is a great dish to simmer on the stove while doing laundry or prepare in the crock-pot! Leftovers? Don’t worry, it tastes better the next day! Enjoy!

Danae Zarbuck is a dietetics graduate from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL, and is currently a graduate student and dietetic intern at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, LA. You can contact her at danae.zarbuck@gmail.com

Correspondent Kitchen: All-in-One Christmas Present + Recipe

Posted on December 21, 2012 by Campus Correspondent

Photo credit Mary Friesz

Are you having a “AHH! Christmas is in 5 days and I still need to buy a bunch of presents, but I’m broke!” moment? Me too! No worries… this Christmas gift and recipe will solve your problem!

Here is a super easy, quick, and thoughtful present that your friends and family will love! Everyone I know LOVES brownies, so instead of baking up a dozen batches, I decided to gift them what they need to make their own delicious, HOMEMADE brownies using a recipe I have tweaked from all of my favorite brownie recipes.

There are two parts to this recipe. First, you will assemble the jars to give as gifts using 1 quart mason jars and items you can find in your pantry. Second, your friends and family that are amazed at your creativity will bake the delicious treats.

1) Brownies-in-a-Jar PART ONE

Ingredients that will go in the jar:

2 cups white sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (I like Hershey’s)
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

Wash and dry mason jars, rings, and lids. Let dry completely.
Mix together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Using a funnel (or a flexible cutting mat rolled into a funnel shape), add about half of the cocoa and flour mixture to the jar. Tap to even your layer.
Using the funnel, add 1 cup of the sugar. Tap to even your layer.
Using the funnel, add the remaining cocoa and flour mixture. Tap to even your layer.
Using the funnel, add the remaining 1 cup of sugar. Tap to even your layer.
Add the chocolate chips to the top of the jar. If it looks like there is not enough room, press down the chips as you add them; they will all fit.
Put on the lid, twist on the ring, and your jar is complete!
Attach PART TWO of these directions so your friends will know how to make the brownies!
Optional: Add a piece of fabric tied with a ribbon over the top of the jar for a more festive look.

2) Brownies-in-a-Jar PART TWO

Ingredients that are added before baking:

1 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 eggs

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Thoroughly spray a 13 x 9 inch baking pan with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, mix oil, vanilla, and eggs until well blended.
Dump contents of jar into the wet mixture. Mix until combined (batter will be thick).
Spread into prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the pan comes out clean.
Cool on a cooling rack (if you can resist).

Looking for more holiday themed recipes? Check out the College Lifestyles Holiday Cooking Guide!

Kelly Kaminski is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH and is currently a Dietetic Intern and graduate student at Louisiana Tech University.

Study Abroad: Italy

Posted on December 10, 2012 by Campus Correspondent

Studying abroad is an opportunity that is once in a lifetime. It is rare that one is able to completely immerse oneself in a new culture and live in a completely different country for six months by themselves. Studying abroad is a true test of independence for many college students and it is the responsibility of the student to make the most out of their experience.

Lexi Neaman, a Senior Public Relations major at the University of Maryland, says, “Study abroad was an amazing opportunity and I couldn’t imagine my college experience without it! I got to see parts of Europe, meet new people, and take interesting classes”. Lexi had the opportunity to study abroad in the spring of her Junior year.

A popular destination for study abroad in Europe is Italy. It is rich in culture, history, and delicious food. Italy is very diverse even as you examine the culture of Northern Italy versus Southern Italy. For example, in Northern Italy the cuisine features heavier foods because it is more landlocked. In Southern Italy, it is surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea therefore the cuisine features more fish and lighter foods.

One of the prime destinations for study abroad in Italy is Florence. Florence is located in the Southern region of Northern Italy and is known for being in Tuscany. Although it is a fairly small city, there is a lot to discover while visiting. Rachel Friedman, a Senior Government and Politics major at the University of Maryland who studied in the city during Spring 2012, describes the city as, “A small, beautiful, medieval city rich in culture, history, and great food!”

Florence was the epicenter of the Italian renaissance and to this day still captures this traditional essence. During my own visit to Florence, I was able to visit multiple historic landmarks, learn the history of the city, and try signature Italian dishes. The currency in Italy is the Euro and is easily accessible and can be exchanged at any place of exchange such as a bank. The best way to learn or brush up on your Italian is to immerse yourself in the culture and maybe learn some basic vocabulary.

The must see sights in Florence are the Ponte Vecchio, which is the famous bridge in the city. The Duomo, which is the famous cathedral in the heart of Florence. As well as the Piazzle Michelangelo and the Pitti Palace, which was the residence of the famous Medici family.

Florence has an enormous amount of traditional Italian restaurants. Just to note a few of them, Le Campane specializes in pizza, Acqua al 2 is famous for assaggi or small “tastings” of dishes, and Cantinetta Antinori features and upscale take on traditional Tuscan favorites

Florence also has great shopping and is known for their leather products and gold jewelry. The leather market, San Lorenzo Market is the prime location for leather products but make sure to try and bargain. The Ponte Vecchio is the place to go for gold jewelry; there you will find many handmade and unique pieces. Other than that, there are many boutiques along the main squares of the city that also have great shopping.

It might be unexpected but it is advised to pack a winter coat and scarf for chillier days. As well as a good pair of walking shoes because walking is the easiest way to get around the city because it is small. If students are curious about getting a job, they should contact the school or program they are studying on in order to set something up. A great resource for news in Florence is, http://www.theflorentine.net/index.asp, which is an English-speaking news magazine in Florence.

Want to know more about exchanging foreign currency once you are abroad? Check out this College Lifestyles article: http://collegelifestyles.org/2012/10/study-abroad-exchanging-foreign-currency/

What was your favorite historical site in Florence? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Elyssa Morris, Author

Elyssa Morris is a Sophomore from the University of Maryland. Follow her at @MissElyss. To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds be sure to follow College Lifestyles on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Campus Correspondent: Sorority Recruitment at the University of Maryland

Posted on December 10, 2012 by Campus Correspondent

The University of Maryland is a picturesque college campus with green luscious lawns and red brick buildings. Located in College Park, Maryland it is about 10 miles outside of Washington D.C.

A unique quality that the University of Maryland offers is a Greek life that is a close and supportive community. Although having many chapters, they all come together as one whether it is supporting one another’s philanthropy event or making connections during classes.

Deciding to rush can be a big decision and everyone’s reasons are different. At such a large school like the University of Maryland, joining the Greek community helps to make a big school a lot smaller. Others may want to expand their friend groups and some may have been dreaming of sorority life every since they were little. For sophomore Jessica Evans, this surely was the case, “Since I was a little kid I wanted to rush because my dad was in a fraternity and I wanted a community out of a big school and growing up I always knew the benefits of being in the Greek community.”

Formal recruitment occurs in the beginning of Spring semester at the University of Maryland. All 15 chapters will be recruiting at this time. There are four rounds of recruitment and it will span over the course of two weekends. Anyone is eligible to sign up as long as they have at least 12 credits and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. Signing up for formal recruitment is a simple process and can be done online at: https://secureapp.icsrecruiter.com/ICS/GM/v3/Pan/Web/Enrollment/RegistrationV3b.aspx?UID=UMRYLD

Before formal recruitment starts, PNMs will be randomly assigned a Rho Gamma who will essentially be their group leader when visiting all the houses. Rho Gamma’s are anonymous current members from all the chapters that help PNMs through the recruitment process.

During formal recruitment, there are four different rounds. The first round is a House and Values, which starts on January 25 and lasts two days. During these two days, potential new members will go to every single chapter, meet a few sisters, and get a tour of the house. After the end of the second day, potential new members will have the opportunity to rank their bottom four chapters. The second round is Philanthropy round, which starts on January 27, where PNMs will visit a maximum of 10 houses and learn about the philanthropies of those chapters. The third round, Skit round, will take place on February 1. During this round PNMs will go to a maximum of six chapters where they will see a skit created by each chapter. The last round, Preference round, will take place on February 3. During this round PNMs will go to a maximum of three chapters. This round is the most serious round and lasts for the longest amount of time. This is when PNMs will get a real sense of what each chapter is like and they make their final decision based off of this round. If a PNM does not end up getting a bid to a chapter, they have the opportunity to go through informal recruitment in the fall.

Moriah Gendelman, a sophomore at the University of Maryland rushed in the Spring semester of 2012 and is now a member of Sigma Delta Tau. She exclaimed, “I loved rush! I really liked meeting new people and thought it was really interesting seeing the different types of girls in each chapter. I noticed that a lot of people found it very stressful but my whole outlook was that if it was meant to be it would happen. I found the whole process to be tedious but overall it was a learning experience.”

A big part of recruitment is deciding what outfit to wear for what round. If you are wondering what to wear or need some ideas, check out this College Lifestyles article! http://collegelifestyles.org/2012/08/sorority-looks-from-fash-boulevard/

Elyssa Morris, Author

DIY: Peter Pan Collar

Posted on December 2, 2012 by Campus Correspondent

During the Thanksgiving holiday, I really wanted to jazz up my simple white shirt and I was inspired by a YouTube video to create a new accessory. I have been obsessed with the latest fashion trend that shows any top with a Peter Pan collar, so I decided to make my own version! This is a fashion forward look seen on the runways, red carpet, and in magazines. The Peter Pan collar is a great way to make a statement for the holiday season, but no one wants to spend a lot of money to spice up her wardrobe. This DIY project shows you how making your own Peter Pan collar in an easy, versatile, and cheap way!

Materials:

Colored felt
Pen
Tacky glue (or a hot glue gun!)
Scissors
String
A large container of pretty pearls

Directions:

Download this cut-out from this link!
Fold the felt piece in half and trace the cut-out onto the felt.
Carefully cut out the traced collar and remove it from the rest of the felt.
Unfold the collar and arrange the pearls around the outer parts of it.
Glue down the pearls around the edge in any pattern you like! Then add a lot of glue in the center and just randomly drop pieces
Let the collar sit for a few hours and then glue two equal pieces of string to both sides of the collar.
Wear your new accessory over a cute top!

Check out another College Lifestyles™ DIY project! http://collegelifestyles.org/2012/10/diy-quotes-on-canvas/

Correspondent Kitchen: Fruit Pizza for the Holidays

Posted on November 28, 2012 by Campus Correspondent

Life is busy with classes, tests homework and social activities. Who has hours to dedicate to baking homemade desserts? Try this quick and easy fruit pizza (obtained from Allrecipes.com). This sweet treat has only three ingredients in addition to your favorite fruit topping. It is SO easy to make! Try it for your next movie night or holiday dinner party.

*For a festive look, use strawberries and kiwi fruit.

Ingredients:

One (18 ounce) tube of refrigerated sugar cookie dough
One (7 ounce) jar of marshmallow cream
One (8 ounce) package of cream cheese softened (try low-fat to cut calories)
Any fruit of your choice (Ideas-berries, bananas, kiwi, grapes, apples)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350˚
On a medium ungreased baking sheet, smooth the refrigerated sugar cookie dough evenly across the baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven from 10 minutes, or until edges are slightly brown and center is no longer doughy
While the cookie is cooling, mix one jar of marshmallow cream and one package of cream cheese in a mixing bowl with a hand-held mixer until creamy
Once cookie is cool to the touch, spread marshmallow and cream cheese mixture evenly on the sugar cookie
Slice your favorite fruit and get creative! Make your cookie colorful with an assortment of fruit and try a unique design. You can even make the fruit pizza festive- red and green for Christmas or red, white and blue 4^th of July.

Need a beverage for your holiday gathering? Ring in the holidays with this easy and delicious hot chocolate beverage.

Katelyn Mustain is a dietetic intern and graduate school student at Louisiana Tech University.

Campus Correspondent Kitchen: Veggie Casserole, the Best Addition to any Holiday Party

Posted on November 28, 2012 by Campus Correspondent

Holiday season has officially begun with Thanksgiving just around the corner, which means it’s time to bring out your ugly sweaters and join in the holiday festivities. Every year for both Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner my mom makes her famous vegetable casserole. At a Thanksgiving celebration this past weekend I decided to debut this recipe and it was a hit! Super easy to make with rich creamy flavors and just the right amount of crunch on top. I would recommend this to any classy co-ed who needs to bring a dish to a holiday get together.

Ingredients:

2 – 16 oz. bags of frozen broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots blend
2/3 cup of light sour cream
2 cans of fat free cream of mushroom soup
1 large can of French fried onions
2 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese
Salt
Pepper

Directions:

Open bags of frozen vegetables and heat up in a bowl in the microwave for 5 minutes.
Mix together vegetables, sour cream, cream of mushroom soup, 2/3 of the can of French fried onions, 1 ¾ cups of the shredded Swiss cheese, pinch of salt, pinch of pepper in a medium casserole dish.
Top the casserole with the remaining 1/3 can of French fried onions, and ½ cup of shredded Swiss cheese.
Bake covered at 350 Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.
Remove cover and bake for 15 more minutes.
Serve and enjoy!

Campus Correspondent Kitchen: Slow Cooker Coq au Vin

Posted on November 4, 2012 by Campus Correspondent

With colder weather approaching, warm winter flavors are taking the place of the tangy summer flavors we all love. After a long day of classes the idea of cozying up to a movie and a home cooked meal appeals to all of us. This version of Coq au Vin offers all of the same rich flavor with only 320 calories per serving! The results were amazing, melt in your mouth chicken and tender vegetables.

Ingredients:

Nonstick cooking spray
3 pounds chicken thighs, skinned
1 envelope of onion soup mix
2 cups quartered fresh mushrooms
1 onion, chopped
3 medium carrots, cut into 3 ½ inch sticks
½ cup dry red wine

Directions:

Lightly coat a large skillet with cooking spray. Place chicken thighs in skillet over medium heat. Cook until brown.
Place chicken thighs in a 3 ½ to 4 quart slow cooker. Sprinkle with onion soup mix. Add mushrooms, onions, and carrots. Pour wine all over.
Cover and cook on low heat setting for 5 to 6 hours or on high heat setting instead for 2 ½ to 3 hours. If desired, serve with mashed potatoes.

Nutrition Facts:
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories                  320
Fat                            8g
Saturated Fat           2g
Carbohydrates        15g

To see the original recipe go to http://www.bhg.com/recipe/chicken/slow-cooker-coq-au-vin/

DIY: Quotes on Canvas

Posted on October 31, 2012 by Campus Correspondent

Are you looking for a decorative piece to add to your blank dorm room walls? Something that is simple, affordable and turns out looking store-bought?

One of my current obsessions on the Internet is the website Pinterest.com. This website offers users the ability to find pictures of the latest fashion trends, delicious holiday treats, adorable dogs and even simple craft ideas.

I was inspired by one pin I made in particular on a hot summer day when I wanted to craft some accessories for my future dorm room. I found this tutorial on making quotes on a canvas, and I instantly wanted to start my own project. Here is how the project works.

Materials:

Magazine pages
A paint brush
Acrylic paints
Vinyl letters
A canvas

Directions:

Glue down pieces of the magazine onto the canvas.
Apply the vinyl letters onto the canvas, spelling out a quote or even a song lyric that you love.
Paint your colored acrylic paint all over the canvas.
Wait approximately a minute or so and pull off the letters.
Use a clear coat of Mod Podge (optional) to give the canvas a shine.
Once dry, display using picture hangers.

Here are the two canvases I created (and are currently hanging in my room)!

I used:

Two pictures from the dollar store
CraftSmart Acrylic paint from Michael’s
Vinyl letters from Michael’s
“Vogue” magazine ads

Want to see more College Lifestyles ™ DIY projects? Click the link below!

http://collegelifestyles.org/2012/09/diy-door-hanger/

Amanda Burrows is a freshman at Florida State University. Follow her at http://pinterest.com/burrowsac/. To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds be sure to follow College Lifestyles™ on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Recruitment: Marist College

Posted on October 20, 2012 by Campus Correspondent

Hello from the heart of the historic Hudson Valley, or more notably Marist College. Located directly on the Hudson River students are only a step away from a majestic sunset or ice covered river view. A liberal arts institution of about 5,000 undergrads, Marist College prides itself upon individualized attention and opportunities for excelling not only in academics but also in social activity. With the multitude of clubs and organizations on campus, it can be very overwhelming at the Activities Fair to decide which one to sign up for. In my personal opinion, Greek Life is the way to go! Greek Life supports philanthropy efforts, provides a support system to members, and forms life long friendships.

If those reasons are not enough to get you up out of your dorm to come to recruitment I don’t know what is! Every year, recruitment for sororities is in the Fall and Spring semesters. In the Fall only upperclassmen and transfer students can come attend our one night recruitment event. Recruitment for the freshman is in the Spring semester. The Panhellenic Committee plans this. In order to sign up a student must simply contact the head of that committee and receive the general information, which they will find on flyers scattered around campus.

Recruitment is three nights in the Spring and all potential new members attend every single sorority’s room every night. Panhellenic members take photos of the girls and have them fill out general information sheets to be given to each sorority at the end of recruitment. Each sorority creates a theme for their recruitment and forms fun and exciting activities based around that theme.

On the last night of recruitment, sororities go through all the potential girls and decide which ones they would like to give a bid to. The potential new members also fill out their own sheet with their ratings of which sorority they would prefer to receive a bid from. The Panhellenic Committee then matches up the bids with what each girl prefers and then delivers the bids to them.

Didn’t get a bid? Do not fret! At Marist we host an event called Open Bid. There are so many girls at recruitment that sometimes girls who would fit in a sorority get overlooked, so that is what Open Bid is for. Many girls come to Open Bid and receive bids and get into sororities! So what are you waiting for? Get out there and join Greek Life, you will not regret it!

Want more information on Greek Life recruitment? See: http://collegelifestyles.org/2012/09/sorority-life-fall-recruitment/

Lauren Hirschhorn is a junior at Marist College and a sister of Kappa Kappa Gamma. Follow her at @lmhirschh. To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds be sure to follow College Lifestyles™ on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Contributer Kitchen: Pumpkin Cream Cheese

Posted on October 13, 2012 by Campus Correspondent

Once Fall comes around I start craving anything and everything pumpkin-flavored. This is a really simple recipe for pumpkin-flavored cream cheese that is creamy, thick and full of pumpkin flavor. It’s the perfect cream cheese to smear on a whole wheat bagel before a busy day.

I got this recipe from LaaLoosh. In her recipe she uses 1 ½ teaspoons of pumpkin spice, but there were lots of comments saying it was too much. I only used 1 teaspoon and feel that was the perfect amount. The results were delicious and cost-efficient. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1 package (8-ounce) low-fat cream cheese, softened
½ cup of canned pure pumpkin
1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
2 tablespoons of brown sugar
Dash of salt

Directions:

In a large bowl combine all the ingredients.
Mix together until smooth and creamy.
Finally, pour your pumpkin cream cheese into your container of choice and store in the refrigerator.

If you like something with a little more crunch and texture, check out College Lifestyles™ Top 5 Granola Snacks at: http://collegelifestyles.org/2012/10/top-5-granola-snacks/

What is your favorite flavor of cream cheese?

Skylar Starbuck is a junior from New Mexico State University studying Secondary Education. Follow her at @skylarstarbuck. To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds be sure to follow College Lifestyles (TM) on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

CL’s 4 Last-Minute Group Halloween Costumes

Posted on October 26, 2011 by Campus Correspondent

With less than a week until Halloween, it is truly costume crunch time. If you have plans to rock the night with a group of friends, these easy group costume ideas can be thrown together with little time or effort. A little blast from the past inspiration, these store-inspired outfits turned homemade masterpieces are sure to make your group the focal point of the party.

The Spice Girls

Spice Up Your Life and pull out your favorite 90’s clothing to channel your inner diva. Have fun with vibrant colors, exciting patterns and huge statement shoes. Each girl can pick a band member and imitate their personality and sense of style.

Candy Bar Cuties

It may be too late to order the store-bought costumes, but candy bars are an easy costume to replicate. Compliment a solid color dress with a printed candy bar logo and throw on some statement heels. With this group of costumes, you can wear the candy and eat it too!

The Brady Bunch

If you have a large co-ed group, make the Brady Bunch kids proud and sport your favorite 60’s wear. Once again, bright colors, unique patterns (you have complete permission to mismatch) and statement accessories are key! The outfits can be as involved or as simple as you want to make them—it’s all about personalization.

Twister Boards

Take out your Twister game board and spinner to fashion a custom dress and headpiece. You can add solid color accessories, hair color or fun shoes to make the outfit pop! Group members can pick a color, or you can choose to wear them all.

Meaghan O’Connor is a Writer/Social Media intern at College Lifestyles (TM) and is a Communications/International Relations major at the University of Michigan. She is a proud member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority and is known for her big heart and big dreams.

CL’s Sorority Girl Inspired DIY Halloween Costumes!

Posted on September 15, 2011 by Campus Correspondent

Image courtesy of luigi diamanti/freedigitalphotos.net

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It’s September and we all know what that means: cooler weather, shorter days and, best of all, the lingering feeling that Halloween is inching closer and closer. I love Halloween, but there is always the age-old question that comes to mind when thinking of the impending holiday: What will I be this year? Lucky for you CL readers, I have provided a list of ideas that are not only sorority inspired and very unique, but also hilarious.

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Princesses, Little Ladybugs, & Southern Belles…Oh My!

Posted on October 24, 2010 by Campus Correspondent

Boo! Time is ticking (120 hours left to be exact) until the Halloween weekend begins. Do you have your classy co-ed costume lined up yet, just waiting in your closet to be worn? If yes, get creative and start planning out your makeup and hair-do as well. If not, no need to be discouraged. There is still plenty of time! Perhaps you are hung up on whom to dress as or what to wear- after all, you deserve only the best and classiest attire for this special holiday! Above all, make sure what you wear screams classy and completely defies the “scandalous Halloween stereotype” (aka anything goes because it is Halloween). We all know, as classy ladies, that it is a sad and common predisposition to for some reason believe the date October 31^st equates to a reason to act and dress scantily. Instead of conforming to this college norm or distancing ourselves from the festivities, let us take this opportunity to ‘spread the class.’ Be the lovely lady who everyone smiles at and admires for sticking to her values of self-respect and true beauty by wearing a classy (and cute!) costume this year. Love may make the world go ‘round, but class is the glue which holds it all together and makes that love pure and genuine.

Put your classy thinking caps on! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Mysterious Masks- While wandering aimlessly through the aisles of Michael’s (typical), I happened to notice an entire section dedicated to white masks of all sizes. Think of this as a blank canvas! Similar to Mardi Gras, you can decorate these masks with all sorts of cute accessories, like feathers, jewels, symbols, ribbons, bows- the possibilities are endless! Then coordinate your outfit to match- flowy skirts, shimmery leggings, loud dresses. You can even substitute your biofinity lenses and change your eye color with Halloween contact lenses to make it look more exotic. Christine from Phantom of The Opera, anyone?
Disney Princesses- Thank you Walt Disney for creating beautiful, timeless princesses, whom we all adore. This look never goesout of style. Who does not love or in some lifetime want to be a princess? I know I do! You can buy many varieties of these costumes online or at Magic Kingdom, but I think it is much more fun to make it yourself! For any given princess there is a different, relatively easy look to acquire. For example, if you want to be Ariel from the Little Mermaid, wave your hair, add some sparkles to your cheeks and shoulders, and hot glue lots of sequins to a turquoise skirt. Then find yourself a ‘Sebastian’ and you are ready to go!
Timeless Gems in History- There are some women who should never be forgotten, for their legacies continue to transform even modern society. A few favorites are Audrey Hepburn, Lilly Pulitzer, and Jackie Onassis Kennedy. Perhaps I just have a minor obsession with the quirky, delicious, somehow perfect combination of pink and green together, but this Palm Beach look never gets old. Transform your favorite Lilly Dress into a full blown Halloween costume by “pinking” absolutely everything, from coral fingers and toes to fresh flowers decorating your hair to pink gloves or tights. As Lilly always said,…. …“Wear it well.”
Bugs are adorable- As long as you don’t choose a scary spider, dressing up as a little ladybug or other animal can be cute!Many places sell little girl headbands with bobble eyes or antennae, and since we are after all little girls in big girl bodies, we can still utilize these precious props! Pair the costume with homemade wings and black tights, and you’ll be the sweetest ladybug anyone has ever seen.
Goooo team!- Ever wished your school mascot could be a little cuter? You got it girlfriend! No matter what your mascot might be, take this opportunity to show everyone how much school spirit you have in and out of the football stadium. When else are you going to have the chance to make a wave, cardinal, or bulldog look classy in all its sparkling and girly glory? Never! If you are a gator, ditch the scales, and don a green tail and make a cute hat out of green flannel. Pair it with green tights and coordinating team colored attire, and your school will be recruiting you as the next mascot in no time!

Samantha Stratton is an intern for College Lifestyles. She will be dressing as Princess Belle this Halloween. Bonjour!