Staying in touch with your boyfriend over summer

Trying to manage a relationship while balancing such things as academics, a job, a sorority, and other organizations can be hard. Summer may be just as hard if you are in a long distance relationship, travel, or keep a busy a schedule. Here a few tips on staying in touch with your boyfriend over the summer:

 

Good Morning Texts

Sending a simple good morning text will let your guy know he is the first thing you think about when you awake. This lets him know he is important to you. Sending a good night text to compliment the good morning text is another way to let him know you are thinking about him.

Skype/Oovoo/Facetime

Sometimes texting and talking on the phone is not enough when you haven’t seen your significant other in a while. If you aren’t able to make a visit to see him, thanks to technology you can still see him via the internet on your phone or computer.

Date Night

If possible you and your guy should dedicate one day out of the week to go on a date. It can be something simple like renting a Redbox and cooking dinner. Regardless of what you decide to do for a date, be sure to be spontaneous throughout the summer to keep your relationship new and fun.

Facebook/Twitter/Social Networks

Social networks are a great way to stay in touch with your boyfriend because it allows you to catch a glimpse of their life through posts and pictures. It provides another way for you to communicate with him while allowing other people to see the love you share amongst each other.

 

 

Sherelle Black is a senior at Louisiana Tech University majoring in journalism with a minor in marketing. She is president of her chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and likes to dance and hang with her sorority sisters in her spare time.

Summer Party Playlist

Summer is finally here!  Now it’s time to crank up the tunes and get the party started. Here are my suggestions on songs to bring summer in whether whether you are partying by yourself or having a house party.

 

 

Boyfriend- Justin Bieber

Young, Wild, & Free- Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa featuring Bruno Mars

We Found Love- Rihanna

Mercy- Kanye West

Part Of Me- Katy Perry

Rumor Has It- Adele

Take Care- Drake featuring Rihanna

Starships – Nicki Minaj

Payphone- Maroon 5 featuring Wiz Khalifa

Wild Ones- Flo Rida featuring Sia

Right By My Side- Nicki Minaj featuring Chris Brown

 

 

Sherelle Black is a senior at Louisiana Tech University majoring in journalism with a minor in marketing. She is president of her chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and likes to dance and hang with her sorority sisters in her spare time.

 

A Classy Sunglass Warehouse Intern: Krista Weber dishes the secrets to finding the perfect pair of sunglasses

After what may have seemed like a long winter for some classy co-eds, spring has finally arrived and bringing tons of new spring trends! With the sun glaring down and temperatures rising, every classy co-ed should own a pair of trendy sunglasses. Don’t waste your time looking through magazines or spending hours at a department store looking for the right pair, but instead take advice from Krista Weber, an intern at Sunglass Warehouse. Krista is a fashionista who attends Butler University where she is a member of Delta Gamma Sorority.

CL: What is your definition of a classy co-ed?

KW:  I would define classy co-eds as college students who stay true to who they are and enjoy keeping up with the latest fashion trends

CL: How do you stay classy?

KW: I stay classy by wearing cat eye sunglasses because they have a classic look but also help me keep up with my retro style.

CL: How does Sunglass Warehouse fit or cater to the needs of classy co-eds?

KW: Sunglass Warehouse caters to the needs of classy co-eds by staying on top of the latest trends and providing multiple sunglass styles to fit anyone’s personality and taste.

CL: What are the top trends for sunglasses this spring?

KW: Top sunglass trends this spring would definitely be cat eyes, brights, and round oversized sunglasses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CL: What are some tips to finding the perfect pair of sunglasses?

KW: To find the perfect pair of sunglasses, it is important to keep your face shape in mind as well as the color of your hair and skin. Sunglass Warehouse, has a free widget called The Sun Authority. The widget provides ways of identifying your face shape using images for comparison and then provides sunglasses suggestions accordingly. For example, I have a heart-shaped face, just like Reece Witherspoon, and cat-eye styles, which feature wide angles at the top of the frames, help to balance the jaw line. Generally, shapes that are wider on the top than the bottom work well as they minimize the forehead’s width and help balance the face. Frames with rimless bottoms or a straight top line will have this effect, such as aviators.

CL: How do you wear your sunglasses?

KW: I wear my cat eye sunglasses with a classy animal print spring scarf, jean button down, red jeans, a colorful cross body and a Fedora Hat. This is a very trendy look for spring!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My personal favorite are the aviators! What’s yours? Be sure to leave a comment and let us know!

 

 

 

 

 

Sherelle Black is a junior at Louisiana Tech University majoring in journalism with a minor in marketing. She is president of her chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and likes to dance and hang with her sorority sisters in her spare time.

 

Intern Kitchen: Tasty Spring Break Snacks!

As many classy co-eds are embarking on their spring break trips or preparing to do so, I started thinking about all of the spring break trips I have taken. Regardless of how long the trip took, I always had three items available to me: music, snacks, and my cell phone. While all three were dear to me, without my snacks by my side the trip would have not been pleasant. Here are my favorite spring break snacks:

 

Pretzels: This healthy snack is great for trips as they are small and can fit easy into Ziploc bags. For those co-eds who like to mix healthy food with sweet things like chocolate, will love Nestle’s chocolate and white chocolate covered pretzels.

Candy: Riding or driving around in a vehicle for a long time can be very draining, which is why I liked to bring candy along to help perk me up. Chocolate candy is never a good choice when it comes to trips, as they are subject to melt under hot conditions or get smashed under luggage, so I would suggest bringing candy that does not contain chocolate or other things that can melt. My favorite candy to bring is Sour Patch Kids.

Drinks: I loved bringing my favorite soda along for the rides as it saved me money and prevented me from having to making extra stops. I kept it cool by packing it in a small cooler filled with ice. If you are unable to pack your favorite drinks in a small cooler, quench your thirst with drinks such as Gatorade or other soft drinks you wouldn’t mind drinking when they get hot.

Chips: Chips always seemed like a quick fix to my hunger pains on my vacation trips. They were easy to pack, contained a lot of flavor, and most importantly easy to store away. My favorite bag of chips to bring on trips is Sour Cream and Onion chips.

Cookies: If you are like me you can’t go long periods of time without something sweet in your system. To fix you sugar rush pack small cookies preferably ones without chocolate in them. I would suggest sugar cookies or trefoil Girl Scout cookies!

Fruit: If you still working on getting your perfect beach body, you can stay healthy by taking fruit along with you. Don’t bring any fruit that will taste bad if not refrigerated.

Cereal or cereal bars: When I was little I ate cereal all of the time! I would even bring it in Ziploc bags to school to eat as a snack. So it should come as no surprise that I still put it in Ziploc bags and bring it along as a snack. It’s really easy to pack a lot in one bag and to consume on the road. If you are a classy co-ed who has to have milk with their cereal, I would try a cereal bar.

 

Sherelle Black is a junior at Louisiana Tech University majoring in journalism with a minor in marketing. She is president of her chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and likes to dance and hang with her sorority sisters in her spare time.

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How to Say NO

We all have those friends, family members, and people we don’t know or who are acquaintances who make us feel like we are obligated to loan them money or let them see our class notes. Although it may be hard to say no, here are a few do’s and don’ts to help you out:

 

DO

• BE HONEST – It can be very tempting to lie, but it is always best to tell the truth. Your family members and friends will have more respect for you when you give them an honest answer. Also, being honest prevents them from thinking it is ok to continue asking you for these items. Telling the truth will help you get out of this sticky situation without feeling bad about your decision.

 

• OFFER HELP- Even though you will not be giving your notes or loaning money, you can however help them in other ways. For instance, you can guide your classmate needing notes to the proper chapters and pages the notes were taken from or give them an outline of the notes versus the whole thing.

 

• SUGGEST OTHER OPTIONS- You never want to leave somebody you care about hanging, so be sure to suggest some other options to help them out. Give the person in need of money lists of places willing to loan or people you know willing to help them. Tell the person in search of class notes to talk to the professor, read their book or look online for a possible study guide or PowerPoint for the chapter covered in the notes. By suggesting other options, you make the person feel as if you still care about them even though you decline your help.

 

• ASK QUESTIONS- Before you decline your help, be sure to ask them why they need it. They may be in serious need of your help due to an illness, family emergency, or other unplanned emergencies. If you feel you are the only one who can help this person get back on track, I strongly suggest you lend a helping hand.

 

DON’T

• BE RUDE- Since you are already declining to help them, don’t add insult to the injury by being rude. Decline their offer in the kindest manner possible and remember to be honest, offer help, suggest other options, and ask questions.

 

• JEOPARDIZE YOURSELF- Sharing class notes isn’t as big as a deal as loaning money, but it still can make you feel bad about yourself. Classy co-eds are known for going to class and being attentive so they can get the best notes. Therefore, why should they share their notes with someone who does the exact opposite? They shouldn’t and most importantly they shouldn’t jeopardize themselves by giving their notes to a classmate who may not even return their notes to them. When it comes to loaning money, never loan to anyone you are not sure will pay you back. Also, never jeopardize your financial situation by loaning money you don’t have yourself. Don’t be afraid to say no when saying yes could harm you.

 

 

Remember if that person is truly your friend or cares about you, regardless of your answer they will still feel the same way about you.

 

 

 

Sherelle Black is a junior at Louisiana Tech University majoring in journalism with a minor in marketing. She is president of her chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and likes to dance and hang with her sorority sisters in her spare time.

 

 

 

Five Spring Break Destinations!

After a long and cold winter, many classy co-eds are anticipating spring break! Here are five spring break locations to consider:

 

Miami

Miami is known for attracting college students with their sunny beaches, shopping opportunities and unique wildlife.

Attractions:

• Beaches- enjoy the beauty of the ocean while getting a nice tan.
  

  ca. 2004, Miami Beach, Florida, USA --- Hotels on Miami Beach --- Image by © Alan Schein Photography/CORBIS

• Seaquarium-  visit the animals of the sea and see exhibits featuring dolphins, whales, sea turtles and many other fascinating sea animals.
• Everglades- explore the home of 14 endangered species by walking, camping or canoeing.
• Coral Gables- be a fashionista and shop along the boulevards or taste the finest cuisines at one of their restaurants.
• Little Havana- witness the Hispanic culture for yourself by tasting the food, hearing the music, and by visiting the various monuments filled with Hispanic history.

 

 

 

 

Costa Rica

Along with Miami, Costa Rica is notorious for its beaches but is also known for its beautiful national parks and gardens.

Attractions:

• Arenal Volcano- Visit one of the most active volcanoes the country has to offer. If you are lucky enough you might get the opportunity to experience one of its eruptions.
• Helicopter Tour- Make sure to see Costa Rica from the sky! See all of the island’s natural attractions as well as view other monuments from a bird’s eye view.
• Whale Watching- Among the most beautiful endangered creatures are whales. During your trip be on the lookout for the Humpback Whale as it makes it way pass Costa Rica for migration.
• Zip Lining- Have fun by soaring through the air as you zip line through Costa Rica’s tropical areas and experience the sensation of an amusement park ride.
• Scuba Diving- encounter coral reefs, tropical fish, sharks and even lava formations as you scuba dive into the waters off the coast of Costa Rica.

Cozumel

Visit Mexico’s largest Caribbean island and enjoy the sights of jungles, various animal species and the festive culture of the isle.

Attractions:

• Atlantis Submarine- Aboard a 48 passenger submarine and witness life underwater as it takes you 100 feet below surface.
• Deep Sea Fishing- This activity requires no experience, but luck as you try to catch the best sporting fish in the Caribbean while aboard a yacht.
• Stingray Beach-Encounter stingrays in a different way as you interact with them by touching them, feeding them while you snorkel.
• Cozumel Country Club- Golf at this first-class country club and enjoy the wildlife and beautiful scenery it has to offer.
• Mayan Steam Lodge- Familiarize yourself with the Mayan culture as you reap the benefits of the traditional sweat bath.

 

South Padre Island

Located at the tip of Texas, South Padre is the perfect destination for spring break if you are looking for some fun in the sun!

Attractions:

• Coca Cola Beach- If your spring break falls between March 7-24, be sure to go to Coca Cola Beach 2012, a free event with music, water balloon contests, tug-o-war, dance contests and much more.
• Sandcastle building- While on the beach be sure to sandcastle building lessons from an expert! Learn how to do everything from a simple castle to a monumental castle with doors, windows and other unique features.
• Dolphin Watching- Take a dolphin cruise and watch as the dolphins appear and show off their graceful dives.
• Casablanca Lounge- Like Casablanca? Visit this themed lounge and see what South Padre’s nightlife is all about.
• Air Padre Kiteboarding- If you are adventurous, make sure you take kite boarding and kite surfing lessons to get your adrenaline pumping!
  

  The sandcastle I helped build when I visited South Padre

Aspen

While many co-eds want to spend spring break in warm areas, you may want to change it up a bit and go somewhere chilly. Aspen, Colorado is the perfect location to make the best out the cold weather!

Attractions:

• White River National Forest- visit the top recreation forest in the nation and enjoy all the 2.3 million acres the forest has to offer.
• Glenwood Hot Springs- here you will find the world’s largest hot springs pool and have the opportunity to water slide, play mini golf and relax at a spa.
• Aspen Highlands- if you like to ski, Aspen Highlands has 700 acres of uncrowded slopes for you to venture upon.
• Aspen Santa Fe Ballet- be entertained by a performance by an international dance company or sign up to take ballet classes yourself.
• Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory- give your taste buds a real treat by trying Colorado’s fudge, caramel apples and other assorted candy.

Sherelle Black is a junior at Louisiana Tech University majoring in journalism with a minor in marketing. She is president of her chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and likes to dance and hang with her sorority sisters in her spare time.

 

Four ways to bring Mardi Gras to your sorority!

As a college student in Louisiana, I live for Mardi Gras! Mardi Gras is a celebration beginning on or after Epiphany and ends on the day before Ash Wednesday. Fat Tuesday, which is the last day before lent begins, is the final day for Catholics to treat their selves to the coveted object or obsession they are about to give up for lent. Typically, Fat Tuesday is the day everyone associates as Mardi Gras, due to the extensive celebrating that occurs that day. This year Mardi Gras falls on Feb. 21! If you cannot make it to New Orleans to join in the festivities, why not bring Mardi Gras to your sorority? Here are four ways to bring Mardi Gras to your sorority.

 

Masks- No Mardi Gras celebration is complete without masks. During Mardi Gras an individual’s mask represents their personality. All you and your sisters need is a plain mask, glitter, sequins, and anything else needed to show off everyone’s individualism! To guarantee your sorority has the best masks around, spice it up and have a contest for the best mask!

 

Beads- Beads are the must-have accessory for Mardi Gras. Throughout Mardi Gras people wear a variety of colorful beads to display their festive side. Traditionally beads are treasured during Mardi Gras, as they are usually the result of winning a contest or souvenirs of the parades they attended. Get your sisters in the spirit of Mardi Gras by having a game night where you give beads as prizes for the winners. Remember the more beads the better!

 

King Cake- No celebration would be complete without dessert. King Cake is a cake that is filled with cream cheese, cinnamon, praline, strawberry, blueberry or other common fillings and twisted in the shape of an oval. It is typically topped with icing and sugar in the colors of Mardi Gras (purple, green and gold).  When eating this be sure to look out for a tiny plastic baby that has been embedded in the cake. As tradition has it if you find the baby in your slice you must buy the next king cake! Ingredients PASTRY: 1 cup milk 1/4 cup butter 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast 2/3 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C) 1/2 cup white sugar 2 eggs 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour FILLING: 1 cup packed brown sugar 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 2/3 cup chopped pecans 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup raisins 1/2 cup melted butter FROSTING: 1 cup confectioners’ sugar 1 tablespoon water

Directions Scald milk, remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of butter. Allow mixture to cool to room temperature. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in the warm water with 1 tablespoon of the white sugar. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes. When yeast mixture is bubbling, add the cooled milk mixture. Whisk in the eggs. Stir in the remaining white sugar, salt and nutmeg. Beat the flour into the milk/egg mixture 1 cup at a time. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 2 hours. When risen, punch down and divide dough in half. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease 2 cookie sheets or line with parchment paper. To Make Filling: Combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, chopped pecans, 1/2 cup flour and 1/2 cup raisins. Pour 1/2 cup melted butter over the cinnamon mixture and mix until crumbly. Roll dough halves out into large rectangles (approximately 10×16 inches or so). Sprinkle the filling evenly over the dough and roll up each half tightly like a jelly roll, beginning at the wide side. Bring the ends of each roll together to form 2 oval shaped rings. Place each ring on a prepared cookie sheet. With scissors make cuts 1/3 of the way through the rings at 1 inch intervals. Let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 45 minutes. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Push the doll into the bottom of the cake. Frost while warm with the confectioners’ sugar blended with 1 to 2 tablespoons of water. Courtesy of allrecipes.com

 

Parade- To get the full affect of Mardi Gras, you must have a parade. Mardi Gras parades consist of large and vibrant floats filled with candy and of course lots of beads! Unlike most parades, Mardi Gras parades are often hosted by Krewes, or private clubs, preparing for Mardi Gras season all year. Be sure to give your float a name, theme and dress up in costume!

 

You and your sisters are destined to enjoy Mardi Gras this February with these simple easy-to-do steps to bringing Mardi Gras to your sorority. So, as we say in Louisiana “laissez les bons temps roule” or “let the good times roll!”

 

Sherelle Black is a junior at Louisiana Tech University majoring in journalism with a minor in marketing. She is president of her chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and likes to dance and hang with her sorority sisters in her spare time.

How to effectively transition to a new E-Board

Transitioning to a new E-Board can be difficult if your sorority’s old officers do not take the necessary steps to prepare the new E-Board for the long, but rewarding, journey of leading your sorority for the upcoming year.

Before the new E-Board takes over, or during the transition, the old E-Board should show the new officers how to hold meetings, organize events, and how to conduct business within the sorority. All E-Board members should be told what to say or do to effectively run a meeting. It’s important to inform the new E-Board of the rules and regulations, so that the meetings will continue to run smoothly.

Organizing service and social events are a huge part of sorority life. Therefore, the new E-Board should be shown where to find forms to rent buildings or props, given a list of contacts, and have a meeting with the old E-Board to discuss what events they were working on or events they wanted to do but didn’t have time to complete.

Besides teaching the new E-Board how to conduct meetings and organize events, the new E-Board should be taught how to conduct business within the sorority. This is a very important step when transitioning to a new E-Board. The new members have to familiarize themselves with all documents and rituals, and be shown how to fulfill their duties. Along with these important steps, make sure your sorority completes this checklist to effectively transition.

Checklist

•   Pass down important documents
•  Switch names on bank accounts
•  Notify nationals and school officials of new officers
•  Build a bond with the graduate advisor
•  Get to know fellow E-Board members

 

 

Sherelle Black is a junior at Louisiana Tech University majoring in journalism with a minor in marketing. She is president of her chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and likes to dance and hang with her sorority sisters in her spare time.

Extra! Extra! Read all about CL’s newest intern – Sherelle Black!

Hello Co-eds!! I’m Sherelle Black and I’m new to the CL team!! I can’t wait to share my ideas with CL as one of the sorority and college prep writers!

 

 

Name: Sherelle Black

 

School: Louisiana Tech University

 

Major: Journalism

 

Year in studies: Junior

 

I have been with College Lifestyles since: January 2012

 

Greek Affiliation:  Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated!

 

Organizational Involvement: President of AKA, vice president of Black Student Union, and managing editor of The Tech Talk

 

Pets: I have none at the moment, but I would love to get a small dog in the near future!

 

My friends say I am: a nerd with all the characteristics of a socializer: outgoing, a great dancer, the life of the party and hilarious.

 

Astrological sign: Sagittarius

 

My personal style is: very classy and feminine. I try to dress “dressy-casual” on most days. My definition of “dressy-casual” is a cute pair of jeans (or bottoms) with a dressy top and fancy accessories. My favorite accessories are my scarves and pearls. When going out, you’ll never catch me without my heels on!

 

Favorite clothing stores: Forever 21, Papaya, Wet Seal. I love these stores because they are very affordable yet fashionable.

 

Favorite movie: Love & Basketball

 

Favorite book/author: One of my favorite authors is Kate Chopin, but as far as books go I have too many favorites to choose from.

 

Favorite quote: “Let your dreams be bigger than your fears and your actions be louder than your words.” -Unknown

 

My screensaver is: A flyer to my AKA probate (showcase). The showcase was the first time I presented myself as an AKA.

 

On my IPod you will find: tons of R&B and hip-hop (mainly Drake and Chris Brown), with a little pop and country mixed in every now and then.

 

Must have beauty product: Fashion Fair base “Perfect Finish Crème Makeup”

 

I have a slight obsession with: desserts and Twitter!

 

I dislike: people who are dishonest and judge others, and liars

 

Last movie I watched: The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1

 

Last book I read: Persuasion by Jane Austen

 

My definition of a classy co-ed: Someone who lives every day to inspire others and creates motivation for them by carrying themselves as a dignified, intellectual, and charismatic young lady. She goes above and beyond and always thinks about others. She is a role model!!

 

Why I am excited about being an intern with College Lifestyles: College Lifestyles is filled with fun and interesting articles about everything a classy co-ed would need to know. I’m excited to add my ideas to the site and work with the other classy interns. It’s always been a dream of mine to intern at a magazine that values sorority life as much as I do.

 

 

 

Sherelle Black is a junior at Louisiana Tech University majoring in journalism with a minor in marketing. She is president of her chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and likes to dance and hang with her sorority sisters in her spare time.