CL’s Five Easy Ways to Get Healthy NOW!

As classy co-eds return from spring break rested, rejuvenated and reenergized, it’s time to get motivated and start working towards healthier lifestyles. When forming a new habit, it’s best to take it slow and start with something manageable so you can ease into your new routine. Here are five fun and simple tips that will get you on the right track to your fitness goal.

 

 

Motivate yourself to hydrate.

It’s important to drink lots of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated and your system cleansed. Buy a fun water bottle to take to classes or a pretty glass to keep on your desk at home. You’ll be so excited to use your new cup you’ll have to force yourself to stop drinking!

Challenge: Try to drink at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water every day.

 

Ditch the bus.

It’s spring, and the weather is beautiful. Instead of waiting around for the bus or driving to class, throw on some sassy sneakers and walk to campus, or hop on your bike to get an in-between class workout. Enjoy the scenery and get your blood pumping!

Challenge: If weather permits, walk to class every day this week.

 

Go shopping.

When I’m in a workout slump, nothing gets me more excited to hit the gym than new, cute workout gear. Whether it’s a bright new sports bra or cozy yoga pants, treat yourself to some new threads as a reward—and promise—for getting back to the gym. Don’t allow yourself to take off the tags until you’re actually going to your workout.

Challenge: Clean out your closet. If you have any work out clothes that are starting to look shabby, throw them away. When you look good, you feel good.

 

Pack a (healthy) snack.

Sometimes our busy campus lifestyles make decisions like grabbing a bag of chips over putting together a fresh salad easy, even though we know the consequences. Before you go to bed, pack some healthy snacks for the next day. A bag of baby carrots, apple slices or string cheese are nutritious treats you can grab on the go. For more portable snacks that are good for you, check out Ellen’s article on snacking right while traveling.

Challenge: Invest in some colorful reusable containers for your snacks. You’ll have fun filling them with healthy treats and do some good for the environment, too.

 

Phone a friend.

No one wants to go it alone! Find a workout buddy that has similar fitness goals to you that you can work out with. If someone is holding you accountable you’re more likely to achieve your goal, plus you can catch up on girl time.

Challenge: Make plans to workout with a friend this week. If you cancel on her, you have to do 50 pushups.

Alexandra Esposito is an intern at College Lifestyles ™ and is so excited to start running outside now that it’s spring! She’s a senior studying journalism and film at the University of Kansas, a Copy Chief for the University Daily Kansan and the Secretary of Omega Phi Alpha at KU. In summer 2011, she interned with the editorial staff at Martha Stewart Weddings in New York City. 

Pin It

Alex and the City: Introducing CL’s New York City Intern Guide

When I was nine years old my grandparents took me to the place where they grew up, New York City. I instantly fell in love with the contagious energy you can feel throughout the hustle and bustle on the streets and made it my goal to live there some day. A lot has changed in my life since that trip. I’m seven years older and my career aspirations have changed from whale trainer to Broadway singer to journalist. One thing has stayed the same. I am still absolutely in love with the Empire State.

This past summer affirmed my career path decision and post-graduation living plans. I scored an Editorial Internship with Martha Stewart Weddings. I worked and lived in the city for three months. I fell in love with magazine editing and gained an amazing amount of experience, both in and outside the office. I learned what it was like to be a real New Yorker.

This wasn’t my first time living in the city. Two summers before I spent a month in New York, taking a summer intensive course at Parsons The New School for Design with a close friend who is also named Alex. She, coincidentally, also interned at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia with me this summer! AJ and I are New York buddies. We’ve shared the most incredible adventures in the city together. We’ve watched Fourth of July fireworks by rooftop, mastered the Subway, watched Anne Hathaway perform at Shakespeare in the Park and even spent a day off of work at the beach!

I want to share my insider tips with classy co-eds who are interning in New York City so their internship experience can be as much fun and rewarding as mine was. If you’re living, visiting or interning in New York City, be on the look out for more Alex and The City posts soon! I’ll share helpful tips, like how to do NYC grocery shopping on a budget or how to commute around town efficiently, as well as fun tips, like how to fine free and must-attend events or how to work a sample sale (yes, they really do exist!)

The mantra of New York City summer internship experience was work hard, play harder. Life is what you make it. No matter where your summer internship is, it is important to remember that this is the time to embrace every moment. Life has the potential to be an adventure if you let it, so don’t be afraid to try something new or step out of your comfort zone. Your internship will get you there, but it’s up to you to make the most of it.

 

Alexandra Esposito is an intern at College Lifestyles ™, a senior studying journalism and film at the University of Kansas, Copy Chief of the University Daily Kansan and the Secretary of Omega Phi Alpha at KU. In summer 2011, she interned with the editorial staff at Martha Stewart Weddings in New York City. 

Pin It

V-Day DIY Apartment Decor: Book Page Heart Wreath

With Valentine’s Day less than a week away, it’s time for crafty co-eds to spice up their apartment walls with some fun holiday decorations. For an easy and classy DIY project with great results, try this wreath made out of book pages, inspired by Flower Patch Farmgirl. Use this wreath to brighten up your front door, make a romantic centerpiece on a table, or give to your favorite bookworm!

 Materials:

An old book with thick pages (I got mine at Goodwill for $1.50)

Scissors

A Styrofoam wreath

Loaded hot glue gun

A heart-shaped paper punch (you can also cut out the hearts by hand, but this will take a lot more time)

Red or pink ribbon

 

Steps 

1. Cut enough strips of the book pages to wrap around the wreath completely.

2. Wrap the strips around the wreath, slightly overlapping. Fasten with hot glue in the back of the wreath.

3. Use the paper punch to punch hearts out of the book pages. The book I used had some black-and-white illustrations in it, which made really pretty hearts and added dimension to the wreath.

4. Lightly fold hearts in half to create a 3-D effect.

5. Glue the hearts to the wreath in different directions to get that shabby-chic look.

6. Cut a foot of ribbon and tie in a tight bow.

7. Glue the ends of the ribbon to the back of the wreath. Allow glue to dry and hang.

You can also make this wreath with hearts cut out of red or pink paper, magazine pages or newspaper. For more V-Day DIY ideas, try Debra’s dorm décor projects and be sure to check out CL’s V-Day Challenge!

Alexandra Esposito is an intern at College Lifestyles ™ and is excited to celebrate Valentine’s Day eating sushi with her boyfriend, Drew! She is senior studying journalism and film at the University of Kansas, a Copy Chief for the University Daily Kansan and the Secretary of Omega Phi Alpha at KU. In summer 2011, she interned with the editorial staff at Martha Stewart Weddings in New York City. 

Pin It

Easy to Make DIY Glitter Heels

From Louboutins to Toms, sparkles have been making a big statement in footwear this season. Why spend money on a new pair of glitzy heels when you can transform a beat up pair in your closet? Here’s an easy DIY project to make your very own pair of sassy glitter heels.

Materials:

Newspaper

Glitter (use one color for a solid look or mix glitters for a multi-color effect)

Mod Podge 

Paper plate

Paintbrush

Heels (they don’t have to be new, use this DIY to give a scuffed or stained pair a makeover.  You can also use flats, boots or other types of shoes)

Directions:

1. Protect your workspace with a few sheets of newspaper.

4. Allow the paste to dry completely then fill in any holes or uneven patches with the glitter-paste.

5. Allow 24 hours to dry, then pair your sparkly shoes with a fun outfit and take them out for a night on the town!

I’d say the project was a success! When I started, I was going to cover the entire shoe, but after covering the platform I thought they looked super chic and classy, so I decided to leave the rest of the shoe black and glitterize the heels instead. I used faux suede shoes with plastic heels. Both materials worked well with the glitter paste.

Love glitter? Check out Tiana and Debra’s DIY glitzy party ideas!

Alexandra Esposito is an intern at College Lifestyles ™ and a senior studying journalism and film at the University of Kansas. She is a Copy Chief for the University Daily Kansan and the Secretary of Omega Phi Alpha at KU. In summer 2011, she interned with the editorial staff at Martha Stewart Weddings in New York City. 

Party Planning Basics: A CLassy Co-ed’s Guide

There comes a time in every CLassy Co-ed’s college career when she is faced with the challenge of planning the perfect party. Throwing and attending parties is just another part of college life and who doesn’t want their party to be fabulous? With the combined powers of planning and organization, your party can go off without a hitch. Follow these party-planning basics to throw a smashing event and avoid getting a host’s headache.

Choose a theme

Choosing a party theme is both the easiest and most important step of the party planning process. Sometimes, the theme has revealed itself before you even decide to have a party.

Let’s say, for example, you cannot wait for the release of the newest Twilight movie. Why not get all your fellow members of Team Edward together and watch the previous installments before going to the midnight premier? Perhaps Halloween is around the corner and you need to show of your amazing Nicki Minaj costume. Themes stem from whatever inspired you to have your party in the first place. The more specific the theme is, the easier it is to complete the rest of the planning steps so choose wisely. Once you have chosen a theme, decide how you can include it in the following party elements.

Get Organized

The next step is to make a “party essentials” checklist. Include items such as guests, food and drink, decorations, equipment and anything else you will need. Decide how the elements on your list are going to express your theme. When someone enters your party, the theme should be obvious. A well-executed theme will be reflected in multiple elements of the party such as the decorations, music, guest attire and food and drink. Search the web for DIY decorations, recipes and other ideas that fit your theme. Some helpful websites are:

• Pinterest.com
• MarthaStewart.com
• CollegeLifestyles.org

Once you’ve added the final touches to your list, decide on a budget. Choose a host (or two) to help make the party come to life.

 Who’s attending?

No one likes to party alone. That’s what we call a partying problem. It’s best to invite guests to your party.

Make a list of all the people who will enjoy your theme as much as you will. For example, it would be awkward to invite a Harry Potter-only fan to the Twilight party. The people at your party are a huge factor in determining the party’s mood, so be sure to invite people you and your hosts know will be a lot of fun, and know how to party responsibly.

Edibles and Drinkables

 After you have decided your theme and number of guests, decide what you’ll be serving at your party. Throwing a party without some sort of refreshments for guests is not very host like, plus, cooking is one of the most exciting parts of party preparation.

If you’re not providing a full meal, it’s nice to serve drinks and a light snack. Whether you’re serving a meal or appetizers, it’s vital know how many you’re feeding and how much food you’ll need. Nancys.com, the website of the party food experts, has a helpful party planning section that will help you determine your food-to-guest ratio and what to serve. Remember, serving food and drink may become costly. To save money, turn the party into a pot-luck event.  Ask individuals to sign up their ‘party creation’ on a Facebook page for added fun, variety, and food!

Location, Location, Location

You can’t have a party without a place to party. When scouting locations, think about how many people will be attending. If the place is too big, your party will feel empty. If the place is too small, your party will look well attended, but your guests will feel claustrophobic. If you’re having the party at someone’s house, be sure to get the OK from all the roommates because it’s important to respect people’s space. You may also want to talk to neighbors about noise levels. If you’re worried your neighbors will be bothered by your party, invite them and they will be having too much fun to complain! Once you find the perfect location make sure it will provide everything you need for your party such as a music system, a refrigerator and seating. Your location must support the items on your “party essentials” checklist.

You’re invited

 Get the word out well in advance, so your guests have time to clear their schedule for your event. Encourage guests to let you know for sure if they’re coming so you can be prepared to entertain the correct number of people. Remember the Facebook invite rule. “Attending” means “maybe attending,” “maybe attending” means “not attending,” and “not attending” means “why did you even bother inviting me in the first place?!” It’s easier to get a more accurate head count if you ask your guests if they’re coming in person, or by text, so the pressure’s on to give you an honest response. Make it known if guests are allowed to bring friends and significant others, and ask that you’re told in advance so you can add them to the guest list. Because college offers a wide variety of parties, be clear on what’s going on at your party. Is there going to be drinking? If so, is it BYOB or will drinks be provided? Do guests need to wear a costume or formal attire, or is it casual? Help your guests help your party go according to plan.

Party Time

Your party is finally here! Clear your schedule the day of the party, so you have time for set-up and any last minute errands. A few hours before your party, go over your checklist one last time to ensure yourself that everything is ready to go. Now, get ready, take a deep breath and be prepared to enjoy your party. Your organization, planning and hard work are going to pay off and your party to going to be a blast!

Alexandra Esposito is an intern at College Lifestyles ™ and a senior studying journalism and film at the University of Kansas. She is a Copy Chief for the University Daily Kansan and the Secretary Omega Phi Alpha at KU. In summer 2011, she interned with the editorial staff at Martha Stewart Weddings in New York City. 

Meet a classy CL intern – Alexandra Esposito

 

 

 

Name: Alexandra Esposito

School: University of Kansas. Rock Chalk!

Major: Journalism

Year in studies: senior

I have been with College Lifestyles since: Spring 2012

Organizational Involvement: I’m a Copy Chief of the University Daily Kansan, Secretary of Omega Phi Alpha Community Service Sorority and Universal Pictures’ Campus U Representative.

Pets: At home I have two adorable dogs, a wheaten terrier named Peachy and a zuchon (part shtizu part bichon frise) named Scruffy and at school I have a betta fish named Sumo.

My friends say I am: Crazy! I am definitely the friend who makes every one laugh. They also call me “Mom” and “Martha Stewart” because I’m always baking or cooking for them or planning get-togethers and celebrations.

Astrological sign: Pisces

My personal style is: Preppy and eclectic. I like to mix new pieces with things I find at vintage and thrift stores.

Favorite clothing stores: Anthropologie and J. Crew

Favorite movie: “It Happened One Night” I watched it in my 1930s film class and fell it love with it!

Favorite book/author: “The Coldest Winter Ever” by Sista Souljah

Favorite quote: “The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter.” –Mark Twain

My screensaver is: the painting “Suprematism” by Kasimir Malevich

On my IPod you will find: A wide variety of genres from Lady Gaga to Tony Bennett.

Must have beauty product: Tokoyo Milk hand cream. My favorite scent is “Everything and Nothing” from the Dark line.

I have a slight obsession with: Weddings! I’m not engaged, but over the summer I interned at Martha Stewart Weddings Magazine and got bit by the wedding bug. I love searching for DIY wedding ideas on Pinterest.

I dislike: Cilantro. I’m allergic to it, which means it tastes like soap to me. Ew!

Last movie I watched: “We Bought A Zoo” It was AMAZING!

Last book I read: “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett

My definition of a classy co-ed: A classy co-ed is a woman who wants to have a dignified presence on her campus. She balances school, social life, extra curricular activities, relationships and a healthy, fun-loving lifestyle. She wants to enjoy every moment of her college experience. She wants to make friends, have an impact on her campus, be involved in campus life, gain an education and be prepared for the real world and a job after graduation.

Why I am excited about being an intern with College Lifestyles: I am excited about writing for a publication that helps college women survive and enjoy the craziest and best four years of their lives. I love giving advice to my younger sorority sisters, and my real life sister, and I think writing for College Lifestyles is an amazing opportunity to get to share what I’ve gained from my college experience with other classy co-eds!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alexandra Esposito is an intern at College Lifestyles ™ and a senior from Leawood, Kansas, studying journalism and film at the University of Kansas. She has spent eight semesters as a member of the University Daily Kansan staff and is currently the paper’s Copy Chief. She is also the Secretary of KU’s chapter of Omega Phi Alpha. In summer 2011, she interned with the editorial staff at Martha Stewart Weddings in New York City. 

CL Guide to Your Best Smile: Take Care of Your Teeth

You use them every day of your life and they make an initial impression when you smile. You need them to survive and to grin for pictures, but sometimes you don’t give them the attention they need and deserve. College student’s teeth fall victim to neglect and abuse. Students forget about dental health because of late nights when brushing gets skipped, poor diets and the common coffee and soda addiction.

Dental health requires daily upkeep and awareness. Dr. John Hay, a dentist with 23 years of experience, said that maintaining healthy teeth is linked to more than just brushing. Hay said a wholesome diet can benefit your teeth more than the type of toothpaste you use.

The British Dental Health Association states that every time you eat or drink something sugary, your teeth react by producing bacteria in the plaque, which is a sticky film that can irritate gums. Plaque with bacteria creates harmful acids and the longer the food is in your mouth, the more bacteria will grow and accumulate.

“The frequency and duration of consumption of food and beverages, like starchy carbs and soda, are bad for your teeth,” Hay said. “They are acidic and contain more ascorbic acids, which wear down the tooth enamel.”

Soda is often referenced as the main issue when it comes to cavities and tooth care, but it turns out that “healthy” drinks can pose similar problems for your teeth. Ascorbic acid and sodium bicarbonate are red flags on the ingredient list.

Hay said that beverages like Lipton Green Tea are seen as healthy because they contain large amounts of vitamin C, but in reality they have more enamel-eating ascorbic acid than some sodas.

“There are many dietary misconceptions about dental health,” Hay said. “A good example is that candy like Sour Patch Kids and Cheetos are worse than Hershey’s chocolate because they are sticky and sit in your mouth for hours, causing bacteria to grow.”

Alex Zimmerman, a hygienist in Leawood, Kan., said that although the diet is a main concern for dental health, good old brushing techniques are still essential. The American Dental Association states that brushing helps remove plaque.

Zimmerman said that brushing must be done correctly for you to reap the benefits and keep your teeth clean. The American Dental Association states that you should place your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle against your teeth and make sure to move the toothbrush over the inner, outer and chewing surfaces.

“Divide your mouth into four sections and brush for 30 seconds in each,” Zimmerman said. “You should brush your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time.”

Brushing cleans the general surface of the teeth, but flossing is a necessary step in obtaining oral health. The American Dental Association states that tooth decay-causing bacteria can still linger between teeth where the toothbrush bristles can’t reach.

Zimmerman recommends flossing one time a day and ideally two times a day if you can. The best time to floss is right before bed, so that bacteria isn’t sitting in your mouth while you sleep.

Flossing is all about technique. The American Dental Association describes the proper flossing technique as a gentle sliding between the tooth and the gum.

“Flossing and brushing are essential, but mouth rinse is important to clear up any remaining bacteria and protect against Gingivitis, a disease that inflames the gums, ” Hay said. “In general, you should rinse once a day, preferably before bed.”

Hay said mouth rinse brands that do not contain alcohol are best because alcohol wears down tooth enamel, the protective coating on your teeth. Listerine Zero doesn’t contain alcohol and is made with organic oils.

Your pearly whites need daily care and deserve your full attention. The American Dental Association said that a person’s smile outranked eyes, hair and body as the most important physical feature. Not only are teeth essential for a beautiful smile, but oral health is important for disease prevention. Do the daily deeds to flash your best smile.

“It’s really pretty simple, “ Zimmerman said. “Avoid starchy food, brush twice a day, floss and rinse to prevent cavities and disease, and have better-looking teeth.”

Maggie Young is a junior at the University of Kansas majoring in journalism. She stays on top of her dental health by flossing twice a day and brushing with an electric toothbrush.

CL Beauty by Confidence: The Mom Perspective

The Beauty by Confidence campaign has a mission to instill a positive self-image in college women. Women are encouraged to say one positive statement about themselves every day. Women should embrace their physical characteristics and appreciate their bodies. The BBC campaign emphasizes the importance of a healthy self-esteem and a positive perspective on life. At the core of all these values is a highly appreciated group of women – mothers. The moms are the ones who teach and inspire their daughters to adopt this lifestyle. I asked a variety of moms, including CL’s CEO and founder, Shelly Redmond, how they bring the mission of Beauty by Confidence into their daughter’s lives.

 

Thank goodness, she understood “just eat healthy and exercise” was a great way to live. We talked about outward appearances more based on her classmates’ choices. – Mrs. Mellard

I remind them every day that they are beautiful, but most importantly, they are smart.  Dream big-you can do anything you can dream. – Mrs. Loats

We always let them know that they were loved and that they were beautiful both inside and out. We tried to focus on positive inner qualities, such as kindness, honesty, high moral standards, instead of focusing on physical attributes. – Mrs. Mies

I think one thing I did raising my girls to have a positive self-image is to show them unconditional love.  If they became unhappy about something with their bodies, I would point out that everyone had something they were unhappy about…whether they wanted to be taller, or shorter, or have more beautiful feet! Your point to say one positive statement about themselves every day is just like what I tried to do.  I would help them focus on what made them so great! It could be their smile, their sense of humor, their creativity or their grace in caring for others. – Mrs. O’Grady

I think one thing we stress is that everyone is different in how they look and in their personalities. As long as you are doing things to try to stay healthy, that is more important than your body shape or size. As you pointed out, we try to remind them of their good qualities and remind them that it is what is on the inside that matters. – Mrs. Krause

One of the most important gifts I can give Mireille is the gift of being confident in who she is. I vowed to never, ever talk bad about myself. I vowed to love Mireille for the wonderful person she is. I vowed to every day tell her I love you, hug her, and tell her she is beautiful. As she gets older, I will leave her little notes saying the same. I will love how her hair may be a mess one day, and I will refuse to smooth it out. I will love how she will probably have red hair (it looks that way!), green eyes, and porcelain colored skin, and I will refuse to spray tan, dye her hair, or get her blue contacts to give her the barbie doll look. Today, I see little girls (and boys) not hugged or told how much they are loved and I see the damage it causes them. While I can’t protect Mireille from a ‘mean spirited’ comment like ginger kid, I can empower her to say, ‘I love my red hair’ and not think twice about it. – Shelly Redmond, CL CEO and founder

Moms know best. Learn from the pros and practice Beauty by Confidence every day. You possess beauty and talent that the world needs.

Maggie Young is a junior at the University of Kansas majoring in journalism. She hopes that the Beauty by Confidence campaign inspires girls to live with a positive self-image. 

Food Tips: CL Interview with Big Girls Small Kitchen

College Lifestyles interviewed the food connoisseurs Phoebe Lapine and Cara Eisenpress, the founders of Big Girls Small Kitchen. Big Girls Small Kitchen is a food website with recipes and cooking tips for young women. The site provides information on how to do everything from making the most of your leftovers to frying an egg. Small Kitchen College is segment of Big Girls Small Kitchen that relates specifically to college women.

Here is what the food-savvy ladies of BGSK said:

College Lifestyles: What inspired the creation of Small Kitchen College?

Big Girls Small Kitchen: We launched Small Kitchen College back in March 2011 as a virtual little sibling to Big Girls Small Kitchen. Cooking brings people together, even if it’s done in a dorm room, and we wanted to take our original mission of providing accessible, affordable recipes for twenty-somethings and apply it to a younger generation with even fewer kitchen resources! Small Kitchen College gives current students and recent graduates, who may or may not yet have access to their own kitchens, the tips, tricks, and recipes they need to scrape together a satisfying meal for themselves, and for friends.

CL: What is your top tip for healthy cooking?

BGSK: We love using whole grains. It’s important not to deprive yourself of the things you crave. For us, that craving would be carbs. Brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat pasta are great ways to stay healthy and still eat your comfort dishes. Some favorites include: Brown Rice Jambalaya; Nutty Quinoa Cakes; Moroccan Chicken Salad Sandwiches on Whole Wheat Pita

CL: What are two nutritious snacks that are perfect for on-the-go girls?

BGSK: Homemade Sweet Potato Chips if you’re making the snack yourself, and sunflower seeds if not. We give a run down of the healthiest vending machine snacks, and sunflower seeds are top of our list!

CL: What is your favorite quick and easy dinner recipe for college students?

BGSK: One of our first recipes developed for the site was a Cashew Chicken dish that you can make in the microwave! It doesn’t get quicker than that.

CL: How can students easily add veggies to their meals?

BGSK: Never underestimate the power of a side salad, at the dining hall or at home. Keep a box of greens handy and some homemade Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette, and you’ll always have a quick veggie side dish at your fingertips!

CL: What is one piece of advice that you would give to college students struggling to cook meals?

BGSK: Don’t be intimidated by your lack of money, equipment or skill—just get in the kitchen! If you’re just starting out, try cooking for one. If you mess up, you’ll be the only one witnessing the results. Once you get more practice ou can share all your wonderful creations with friends and really have fun with your cooking.

CL: What are two nutritious breakfast recipes that college girls can make within ten to fifteen minutes in the morning?

BGSK: Perfect scrambled eggs on whole wheat toast is your best go-to basic breakfast. If you want to get a little fancier, spinach pie quesadilla helps you get a good dose of veggies in the morning, and comes together in a flash.

CL: What is one cooking utensil that every student should have in their kitchen?

BGSK: A good chef’s knife! Here’s a list of 10 other must-have items for a first kitchen if you want to go from there.

CL: What is a good rule for navigating the dorm cafeteria?

BGSK: Get creative, and put those microwaves to work. There are many DIY dining hall meals that you can “cook” yourself right on the premises.

CL: What is a universal cooking tip that you feel every college student should know?

BGSK: The art of the olive oil “fried” egg. It’s a great way to add protein to any dish without having to go out and buy meat, which can get expensive.

CL: What is your favorite recipe?

BGSK: Cara: Pancakes are really amazing, and these Pumpkin Pancakes are perfect for fall. Phoebe: I love a great stew, and this Beef Bourguignon is always a winner.

CL: Do you have a favorite quote about cooking? If so, what is it?

BGSK: “Playfulness and passion trump propriety.” –Frank Bruni

CL: What do you see in the future for SKC?

BGSK: We have a new group of writers who just joined the team—now we have over 30 contributors! We’re excited to keep building our recipe database with accessible, affordable dishes for college students. We’ll also be visiting campuses this fall to promote our book, In the Small Kitchen, bringing our recipes to a dining hall near you!

Big Girl Small Kitchen is an excellent resource for college women to learn how to cook nutritious meals on a budget. Happy cooking CL ladies!

Maggie Young is a junior at the University of Kansas majoring in journalism and loves to cook healthy meals. Her favorite recipe on BGSK is the Arugula Caprese salad because it is light and refreshing. 

 

College Lifestyles Inspires with Beauty by Confidence

College Lifestyles women believe that beauty is defined by confidence. Check out the CL Beauty by Confidence campaign video. Each person has a unique way of developing their assurance and morale. Be true to yourself and get inspired to live with integrity, respect and beautiful confidence.

CL’s CEO and founder, Shelly Redmond and her interns spill how they live with Beauty by Confidence:

• Beauty by Confidence means seeing yourself the way you want people to see you. It’s believing in your strengths and working past your weaknesses. It emphasizes more good than bad. It’s trying to have a positive mental attitude in all aspects of your life. I try to look in the mirror and name at least three things I like about myself. If a negative thought crosses my mind, I make myself find three more things I like about myself. Girls must remember that confidence emits inner and outer beauty. -Nicole Smith

• The road to learning to love yourself can be a tough one. As long as the media controls the situation and tells us how we should look, no one will ever be just right. It doesn’t matter what you are labeled as, or what your hair looks like . Nothing screams beautiful more than a woman who carries herself with a confident air. The most attractive thing that a woman can wear is confidence. It’s so crucial to love who you are because it’s the only you that you have! -Tiana Blue

• Similar to many other young women, I have struggled with body image and self-confidence since my early high school days. In an attempt to ‘shape up’ and lead a healthier lifestyle, I lost quite a significant amount of weight with a healthy diet and light exercise. I thought that all of my body image issues would dissolve with my weight loss. I was definitely wrong. I became more critical of what my body looked like and forgot about what was truly important- the personality on the inside that makes your outside shine. To me, Beauty by Confidence means knowing that no matter what you look like, you are beautiful, unique and talented. It means being proud of the person you are (inside and out), and sharing that person with the world. To help me become more confident in myself, I don’t let the scale influence what I think about myself. I eat healthy foods and indulge every once and a while, I compliment my natural beauty, I practice healthy exercise habits and I continually remind myself that no matter what I look like (sweatshirts and glasses included), I am always beautiful. -Meaghan O’Connor

• Beauty by Confidence means going to the beach with no makeup or jewelry on and ending up with salty hair and smelling of sunscreen. Those are the traces of a good day. I achieve Beauty by Confidence in my life by looking as beautiful and as natural as I can. I choose what to wear because I want to wear it and I give smiles away anytime that I can. -Monica Perez

• Beauty by Confidence means knowing that you are beautiful, being confident in your body, and letting your confidence project out onto others. When you think and know you are beautiful, other people will recognize that and think so too. I achieve Beauty by Confidence in my life by working on becoming more and more confident in myself every day. I eat healthy and am regularly active because that makes me feel confident about my body. At the same time, I don’t stress myself out over maintaining a perfect body. I love my sweets too! I recognize that everyone is born with a different body type. I am given one body that I will live with for the rest of my life so I better learn to love and accept it. By accepting my body for what it is, I can stop worrying and enjoy my life! -Kathryn Oliva

• Beauty by confidence is an outlet to let other girls know that we all share in the same body image struggles and we all deserve to feel confident and beautiful. Girls should not feel bad or weird for feeling a certain way about their body image. – Jennifer Velez

• To me, Beauty by Confidence means embracing the body God gave you and valuing your uniqueness. I achieve Beauty by Confidence in my life by making sure I feel comfortable and pretty in my clothes. If my clothes don’t fit how I want them too, I know I will feel less confident and beautiful. When I feel good in my clothes, I like I can conquer the world! I also achieve Beauty by Confidence by figuring out what makes me unique, such as my freckles in the summer, the birthmark on my stomach or the scar on my knee. These things set me apart from everyone else and therefore I love them! They are part of my beauty! – Christina Hedges

• Beauty by Confidence means achieving what everyone wants in life: happiness. Looking good doesn’t have an impact unless you FEEL good about yourself and that is what this campaign pushes classy co-eds to do. A confident girl is not only beautiful, but happy! I achieve Beauty by Confidence in my life by reminding myself of the things I’ve accomplished daily whether it be eating healthy, working out or staying on top of my busy schedule. – Sana Ashraf

• Beauty by Confidence means that I am confident in my own body and happy with who I am as a person. I think beauty is more than just what is on the outside. In order for someone to be truly beautiful they need to shine inside and out. The recipe for beauty is love, happiness and confidence. I achieve Beauty by Confidence by reminding myself that I am healthy, happy and beautiful even when I am having a bad day. I try to focus on what I love about myself, rather than what I would change. I think my inner happiness – not what I am wearing or how skinny I am – is what truly makes me beautiful. Be silly, be happy, be a little crazy, be willing and be thankful, and your beauty will always shine through. – Jessica Fecteau

• To me, Beauty By Confidence is loving who you are and accepting your body for what it is. Everyone is beautiful inside and out. I achieve beauty by confidence by loving my imperfections and everything about who I am. If someone doesn’t like you because of an imperfection, then they weren’t truly a friend in the first place and aren’t worth your valuable time. – Michele Drago

• Beauty by Confidence is not only being comfortable with who you are, but owning who you are! When you do this, you will radiate! -Shelly Redmond, College Lifestyles CEO and founder

Be confident. Be beautiful. Be yourself.

Maggie Young believes Beauty by Confidence is a lifestyle women should strive to achieve. Life is to be lived and enjoyed. Women can reach a higher quality of life with beautiful confidence.

Next Page »