CL’s Guide on How to Make the Best of Your Winter Break

With most college semesters coming to an end, many co-eds are looking forward to relaxing at home after a crazy week of finals.  As needed as a unwind session on your couch is, don’t let that be the only way you spend your break. CL wants to help you make the most out of your winter break.

Find an internship, it’s not too late!  Although it may be difficult to find one in a large corporation now, look for one in local companies.  Don’t be afraid to make a phone call to a local business to display your interest in the field.

Earn some extra cash by getting a job outside your major.  It seems that most college students are low on cash; utilize winter break to earn some money.  Find someplace to work that’s outside of your field, but with something that you’re still interested in.  For example, I am a Communications major, but I just applied to a pet store because I love dogs.  This is the time to explore other interests and passions.

Take a class.  If you are low on credits, enroll in a college course at a local college.  It is less stressful to take one class during break than to overload your schedule for next semester.

Pick up a new hobby.  With all the free time you have, find something new that you want to try.  Go to the gym, take cooking classes or learn how to knit.  Find a fun, new way to use your time.

Travel somewhere new.  Although not everyone has it in their budget to fly to a tropical island during winter break, take a day trip with your friends and family.  Go to a local city, a nearby tourist attraction or a ski resort for a day full of fun memories.

Reach out to someone you have lost contact with.  As high school friends go their separate ways for college, often times they become distant with each other.  As the holidays approach, remember good spirit and cheer and contact them.  They will most likely feel appreciated and be excited to rekindle the friendship.

Bond with your family during winter break.  Although everyone is excited to be reunited with their friends, don’t forget to spend quality time with your family.  Show your appreciation for them by spending some nights in with them, or by going out to the mall or movies together.  Don’t overlook their presence- they are excited to have you home, too.

Make a New Year’s Resolution-and stick with it. Determine what you want to accomplish this New Year and how you are going to succeed in it.  Be specific in your plan and with your goals.  Create incentives for each step along the way.  The more passionate and determined you are, the more likely you are going to succeed.

There are many things that you can do in order make your winter break fun and worthwhile.  Be sure to take advantage of this break.  What are your plans for this winter?

 

Nicole is a CL intern who goes to Marist College.  She is a Communications major with a concentration in Journalism and PR.  Nicole is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, Marist Ambassadors, and Communication Arts Society.  She enjoys running and hanging out with her sorority sisters and friends.

CL’s Guide on How to Stay Motivated to Workout During the Cold Winter Months

Warm holiday cookies, gingerbread houses and hot chocolate can be a dangerous combination when it seems like it is too cold to workout.  It is difficult to stay motivated when staying in bed and watching holiday movies seems much more appealing than facing the winter weather.  So how can you stay on track with your workouts when everything seems to be working against you?

Schedule a specific time to workout.  I recommend making it during the day when it is warmer out, as opposed to when the sun is down and it is just too cold to leave your house.  Creating a routine makes it more natural and a typical part of the day, such as breakfast or dinner.

Shopping spree!  Go shopping for new workout clothes, whether it is for the gym or its extra layers to run outside in, to get motivated to use them.  You don’t want to spend the cash and then leave them sitting in your bureau.

Remind yourself that you want to indulge in sweets during the holidays.  If you keep to exercising, you won’t feel guilty snagging that extra cookie at your family holiday party.

Use incentives.  Tell yourself that you if you keep to running every day for a whole week then you will splurge on that new shirt you want.  The reward system will keep you motivated to achieve that goal and is a fun way to celebrate your accomplishments.

Turn off the television.  At some point, we all get entranced by what is on TV- whether it is an NCIS marathon or the 25 Days of Christmas on ABC Family.  If you find that you are wasting your time sitting on the couch watching TV instead of working out, turn it off or set a limit for how long you will allow yourself to watch it.

Mix it up. Find other ways to workout, as opposed to your typical run or gym time.  Bundle up and go skiing, snowboarding, ice skating or cross train at a local pool.  Exercising does not have to be boring.

Remember how much work you have put into exercising in the past month or year.  It does not take long to fall out of shape; you do not want all your hard work to have been wasted on sitting in your house, too afraid to face the cold. As a strong co-ed, remind yourself how much you have accomplished and what you plan on achieving in the future.

How do you stay motivated during the cold winter months?

Nicole is a CL intern who goes to Marist College.  She is a Communications major with a concentration in Journalism and PR.  Nicole is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, Marist Ambassadors, and Communication Arts Society.  She enjoys running and hanging out with her sorority sisters and friends.

Dorm Decor for the Holidays

Tis’ the season to deck the halls, and for most of us that means the residence halls.  Decorations help remind us of the upcoming holidays during the stressful final weeks of the semester.  CL wants to help you make your dorm rooms full of holiday cheer in a cheap and chic way.

Paper snowflakes- The last time you made a paper snowflake may have been in kindergarten, but like naptime, they are making a reappearance in college.  Just grab some computer paper, fold, and cut away.  You can hang it on the walls, from the ceiling and on your door.  If you’re daring, you can even opt for the three dimensional ones.

String of lights- Check with housing before hanging to make sure it is not a fire risk.  Lights make any room more cheery and festive.  It adds a certain holiday glow to the room.  We recommend keeping them up all year round actually, that’s how much we love them.

Small, fake Christmas tree- No matter what holiday you or your roommates celebrate, decorating a Christmas tree is always fun.  Add decorations and homemade ornaments that fit your personalities.  Last year, in honor of our Hawaiian roommate living with us in New York, we draped leis on the tree.

Garland- Garland is an inexpensive and easy way to brighten up a room with holiday spirit.  Wrap it around bed frames, banisters and doors for a quick, festive look.

Paper Chains- Another childhood craft that can be used as a decoration.  Cut out strips of green and red (or blue and silver) construction paper.  Wrap them around each other to create a colorful chain to hang from your ceiling.

Personalize Santa Hats or Stockings- Go to a local dollar store and buy Santa hats and glitter glue.  You and your roommates can decorate and personalize your hats and stockings and place them around your rooms and as decorations.

Get creative- Use paper and just get creative! Host a snowman making contest out of computer paper, or each design your own paper Santa hat.  No matter how ridiculous it sounds, just have fun making holiday themed crafts together.

Most importantly, have fun!  The holiday season is about spending time with those important to you.  Have fun decorating with each other while wishing each other happy holidays.  What’s your favorite holiday decoration?

 

Nicole is a CL intern who goes to Marist College.  She is a Communications major with a concentration in Journalism and PR.  Nicole is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, Marist Ambassadors, and Communication Arts Society.  She enjoys running and hanging out with her sorority sisters and friends

Celebrate the Upcoming Holidays with your Sisters

The next few months are filled with holidays and feelings of cheer, gratefulness, sharing and giving.  Some of the best people to share those warm feelings with are your sisters.  Learn how you and your sisters can come together and celebrate the holidays.

Potluck dinner- Have your own Thanksgiving supper on campus.  Whether you have a sorority house or you are using a sister’s house, invite each girl to contribute a certain dish.  To make it more interesting, ask your sisters to use a family recipe or a dish representing their heritage.  It shows that no matter how diverse we are, there is a certain bond that connects us to be grateful for.

Thanks jar- At your meeting this week, pass around a jar and ask each sister to submit what she is thankful or to thank a specific sister for a simple act.  It is a nice reminder to count your blessings and show your appreciation for each other.

Secret Santa- It is unrealistic to buy gifts for your entire chapter, but it is nice if you can give one to at least one sister.  Secret Santa is a great way to get your sorority excited for the holiday.  It also allows girls to be creative and learn more about each other if they are given a sister that they do not really know.  Try to keep it at a $15 limit or DIY because many sisters are on a budget.

Donation Tree- Ask your college activities if you can set up a fake Christmas tree in the student center.  Work with a local shelter or children’s center and ask the children to write down something they want on a paper ornament. Hang the paper ornaments onto the tree and ask the students on campus to take one and buy that gift for the child.  Together, everyone can deliver the gifts for a deserving child.  Philanthropy and spreading the holiday spirit makes everyone closer.

Holiday Party- As a sisterhood event, gather your sisters for a fun holiday party.  Bake holiday themed goods and hand out candy canes.  You can ask your classy guests to dress in holiday colors, or make it more formal with dresses.

Decorating- Deck the halls of your sorority house! Give everyone a project to do, whether it is setting up figures on the lawn or wrapping garland around the staircase.  Play Christmas music to get everyone excited for the holidays.  If your chapter does not have a house, such as mine, do some holiday crafts together, such as wreath decorating or personalizing a Santa hat.

Holiday Show- Find a nearby show that celebrates the holidays.  Look for a reenactment of the nativity in a local community.  Even if a sister does not celebrate Christmas she can still appreciate the presentation.  My college offers trips to New York City and every year tickets to the Christmas Spectacular.  Look at theaters and cities close to campus to see what is offered and take a fun trip there together.

We want everyone to remember the importance of the holiday spirit.  How do you and your sisters celebrate the holidays?

 

Nicole is a CL intern who goes to Marist College.  She is a Communications major with a concentration in Journalism and PR.  Nicole is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, Marist Ambassadors, and Communication Arts Society.  She enjoys running and hanging out with her sorority sisters and friends.

DIY Sorority Gifts for anyone, anytime

With so many sisters, it seems like a savvy sorority girl always needs to come up with a good, inexpensive gift.  Whether it is for initiation, Big/Little week, graduation or the upcoming holidays, there are many DIY gifts to use.  So gather your markers, glitter, brushes and paint and get ready to create.

Jewelry box:  Go to a craft store and buy a wooden jewelry box.  Some even have frames that you can put pictures of you and your sisters into.  A jewelry box is perfect for a chic co-ed because it holds all of your dearest treasures, including your sorority pins and lavalieres.

 

Wine glasses: Personalized wine glasses are fun and classy.  Write your sister’s name on it and decorate it with her favorite colors using fabric paint.  Add a few gems to glam it up.

Picture frames:  With the amount of pictures taken within the sorority, frames are always practical.  On the frames you can include your sorority’s name, motto, “big and little,” sisters or your favorite sisterhood quote.  Show your sister what she means to you.

Bracelets:  Bracelet making can be a lot more sophisticated than it was at camp.  Find beads that fit your sister’s personality and string them on thin wire instead of string.  Make it your sorority colors to keep it symbolic of your sisterhood.

Mirror:  When your sister looks in the mirror, encourage her to do so with a smile.  Painting her a mirror and personalizing it with her favorite things and the sorority reminds her of her support system.  Encourage Beauty by Confidence.

Ornament:  Ornaments comply with the holiday season, but they can also be kept up all year.  Find a cut out of your sorority’s mascot at a craft store and decorate it.  Or purchase a clear ornament.  With a brush, apply a coat of glue.  Apply cut up tissue paper carefully to the wet ornament.  Place another coat of clear glue and let dry.  It creates a unique, creative ornament!

Painted canvas:  Purchase a small canvas and paint a sisterhood quote, your sorority’s letters or your sorority’s mascot.  It is a thoughtful room decoration for your sister.

Clipboard: Is your sister the president of your sorority?  Or is she just very busy with her schedule?  Buying a plain clipboard, or desk organizer, and painting it can make her bland everyday tool a cute accessory.

Pillow:  If you are crafty or you want to try your backstitch, make a monogrammed pillow.  Cut two 8″x8″ pieces of felt.  Cut a large letter shape from a different colored felt.  Center the letter on a piece of felt and backstitch in place using thread.  Backstitch around the 8″x8” felt with the letter, working ¼” in from the edge, using thread.  Using running stitch and thread, stitch the front and back together, placing your stitches close to the backstitch line. Add the fiberfill before closing.

Mug:  Help your sister start the day right with a personalized mug.  Most mugs can be decorated on with permanent markers or paint.  It can be sentimental, witty or cute!

When it comes to DIY gifts there are many options to choose from.  Pick a gift that you will have fun making because your sister will enjoy receiving it.  Remember to always add the personal CL lady touch!

CL’s Halloween Safety Tips

With the excitement of Halloween comes along horrors- not just in the ghost and ghoul form.  The days leading up to, and including, Halloween can get crazy with all the costumes and parties.  CL is here to help you to be a smart and safe co-ed on campus during these festivities.

Keep your money and identification on you at all times.  Even if you trust the people you are at the party with, they may have invited friends for the Halloween weekend that you do not know.  Wear a wristlet or a small messenger bag so you don’t have to worry about misplacing it.  You can even decorate your bag and try to work it into your costume!

Don’t leave candles unattended.  Sometimes we decorate with holiday themed candles or glowing lanterns.  Or we may have a carved pumpkin lit up by a candle. No matter the case, never leave the candle unattended.  When getting dressed in your costumes and getting ready to leave make sure you remember to blow out the candle.  If there is going to be a crowd at your house, put out the candles beforehand so they don’t get knocked over.  Unattended candles can definitely lead to an unwelcomed spooky Halloween.

Stay off the roads.  Halloween at college often results to excessive drinking.  Be aware of people partaking in reckless activities, especially drunk driving.  Try not to be in the roads, whether you are driving or walking, at night.

Make sure your costume is practical and functional.  If you are going to be outside make sure you are dressed warmly.  The party isn’t going to be as fun if you are cold!  Wear flats if you are not used to wearing heels.  Try not to wear long dresses that people may step on in a crowd.  Incorporate bright colors into your costume so people can see you in the dark.

Inspect your treats.  We have heard this safety rule every year since we were children.  Throw away candy that looks like it was tampered with.

Know who you are talking to.  With people wearing masks and costumes in a crowded, dim-lit party identifications could be lost.  Make sure you know who you are with, what they are wearing and how to find them.  Don’t wind up trusting someone you don’t know!

Don’t eat too much candy! Okay, so it isn’t a real danger, but it is definitely a precaution to take for Halloween.  Enjoy your sweets, but don’t overload.

Following these precautions and being safe allows savvy co-eds to have fun on Halloween with minimum worries.  Taking these simple steps will help eliminate unwanted Halloween scares!

 

Nicole is a CL intern who goes to Marist College.  She is a Communications major with a concentration in Journalism and PR.  Nicole is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, Marist Ambassadors, and Communication Arts Society.  She enjoys running and hanging out with her sorority sisters and friends.

CL Girl’s Night In: Movie Party

We all appreciate a night in where we can relax with the girls.  One of the best ways to do so is with a Movie Party.  Whether it is a brand new movie or one that is tried and true, everyone can get excited over a movie night.  CL is here to help with essentials for a movie party.

Old fashioned popcorn holders:  With, of course, popcorn in it.  It gives the old movie theater feel that everyone loves.

Decorated cupcakes:  Bake cupcakes together and decorate them with themes from your movie.

Chips and Dip: Simply a party must.

Glass Soda Bottles: Another aspect that gives off an old fashioned feel.

Movie Trivia:  At the end of the movie, compile a list of questions based off the movie.  Split up into groups and see who was paying attention.  Winners get goodie bags!

Costumes:  Have your guests dress up in character!  They can dress up as someone in the movie’s time period or as a specific character.

Decorations: No decoration can be too cheesy for a movie night! Put up cutouts of movie reels, clapboards and scenes from the movie.  Hang red and black crepe paper and rope lights to give off a movie theater feel.

Movie:  With so many movie options, what do you choose?  Know your fabulous guests, do they appreciate comedy over romance, are they thrill-seekers?  Some movies that can be used to create a fun theme are Pirates of the Caribbean (pirates), A League of their Own (baseball), Legally Blonde (pink, sororities and law), The Lion King (childhood memories and the jungle), 27 Dresses (any outrageous dress), Harry Potter (witchcraft and wizardry) and Grease (Pink Ladies and T-Birds).

Movie Party nights are a great way to relax and have fun with your girls.  What are some of your favorite movies to watch?

The Greek-Gear Girl Essentials

As a trendy sorority lady it is important to have the essential items that represent our sororities.  College Lifestyles is here to help you show off your Greek girl pride.

Click the pictures of the items to purchase from GreekGear.com

Lettered Sorority V-Neck T-Shirt: Most of us already have t-shirts with our letters embroidered in it.  What makes this shirt better though is its cut; a v-neck cut makes the shirt more feminine and form fitting.  Glam it up with a fun letter pattern!

Lettered Tote Bag: There are many styles to decide from, but getting a bag is a must!  Keep your books in your bag and you can show off your letters everyday as you walk to and from class.

Sorority necklace/rings/bracelets: Turning your letters into jewelry allows you to wear them all the time in a simple and classy way.  Your letters will always be with you!

Sorority Greek Hats: Baseball caps are a cute way to wear your letters.  A Greek baseball cap can make your look more sporty and casual along with fun and playful.

Greek Lettered Hoodie: Keep warm and cozy with your sorority letters!  A hoodie is a college essential in general, and the best way to wear it is with your letters.

Sorority Charm Key Chains:  These key chains display your sorority letters along with your colors and symbols.  They are cute, fun and practical!

These are few of the many products that are available to chic sorority ladies.  What is your favorite way to accessorize and wear your sorority letters?

Nicole is a CL intern who goes to Marist College.  She is a Communications major with a concentration in Journalism and PR.  Nicole is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, Marist Ambassadors, and Communication Arts Society.  She enjoys running and hanging out with her sorority sisters and friends.

Diary of a CL Sorority Girl- The Big & Little Relationship

A sister is a forever friend.  This statement is definitely true for the bond between a “Big” and “Little.” A Big is a sister assigned to a new member within the first few weeks of their pledge period.  That new member then becomes that sister’s Little.

The Big-Little relationship creates a family lineage.  So the Big of the Big of the new member becomes the new member’s Grand-Big.  A Big can also take on two Littles, in which the Littles become each other’s twins.  Family trees can expand and continue for many generations.

The purpose of the Big during the new member period is to act as a mentor for their Little.  It is their duty to introduce their Littles to the sorority and help them adjust to Greek life. Bigs answer any questions their Littles might have regarding the chapter, the sorority, college or with life in general.

A Big is often the one who gives her Little her first set of letters along with many gifts and words of encouragement throughout the new member period.  A Little often gives her Big a decorated paddle at the end of the semester.  Although the Big may want to spoil her Little throughout the new member period, the role of the Big is not as a gift giver, but as someone to lean on.

A great way to get closer to your Big or Little is through family meals.  Get together with your Little, Big, Grand Big, etc. and get to know more about each other.  Discuss your ambitions within the sorority, college and after graduation.  Seek advice from your family if you plan on running for a position.  Your sorority family wants to help in any way they can and watch you succeed.

The bond between a Big and her Little is unique. The Big often becomes the Little’s first friend in the sorority, and her closest.  There is a large amount of mutual trust and respect in the relationship.  They rely on each other for advice and support.  As a Big, one tries to be a classy role model to her Little, in and out of the sorority.  The Little will turn to the Big for advice and encouragement.  Although the sorority as a whole works as a support system, it is your Big and Little who shine through the most.  The relationship consists of guidance, advice, laughter and support.

For me, and for many others, my Big is my closest friend in my sorority.  She has given me endless amount of support and has consistently been someone I can rely on.  I never knew what it meant to have a sister until I met her.  She will reach out to me when she knows that I am stressed or something is wrong, and I try to do the same.  My Big has helped smooth out my transition into Greek Life in a fun and meaningful way.  She is one person that I know that I can always count on and that I can trust.  I am proud to be her Little and I hope eventually my Little will feel the same way about me.

What does your Big/Little relationship mean to you?

What some other sorority ladies have to say about their Bigs and Littles:

“Big/lil is really being there for someone – on both ends – a big needs the encouragement for a job interview and a lil needs encouragement with the first big paper of her college career!” Shelly Marie Redmond, Alpha Sigma Tau, CL Editor & Chief & CEO

“I think the big/little relationship is the most important relationship a sister can have in a sorority. A big sister will always be there for you in good times and in bad. She is a shoulder to cry on or a person to laugh with. She is someone who you can always count on to be there throughout your life. Being a big sister is one of the best feelings about being in a sorority. I loved guiding my littles through the new member conference and spoiling them. When they became active members I loved seeing them succeed in the chapter. They are my closest friends in my sorority along with my big and the ones who I hope to keep as friends for the rest of my life,” Courtney Finnegan, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Zeta Chi Chapter, Marist College.

“My big was the reason I fell in love with Alpha Chi. She showed me what it meant to truly care about another person, to truly become invested in someone’s life and to look out for friends like family. She was a never-ending source of support, love and encouragement and was always there when I needed someone to talk to. She convinced me that being in a sorority was all about finding out more about yourself- not about trying to fit in.” Meaghan O’Connor, Alpha Chi Omega, University of Michigan.

“Being big & little means, to me, having someone I can look up to and aspire to be like. My big is a person I can vent to when something is bothering me – especially a problem involving my closest friends or a relationship. She can vent to me all she wants to, as well. It is a lifelong relationship and always wonderful to have one-on-one big/little time together. Even when your big has graduated, she is only a phone call or text away and will always be there to encourage and support.” Lauren Townsend, Phi Mu, Beta Nu Chapter, Bethany College.

“Big/little to me means making a friendship that, if properly cared for, can last a lifetime. I am obsessed with my little and love getting to know her. I feel like she looks to me as a mentor, and I love when she comes to me for advice. But having a big/little relationship also means having fun getting to know each other and someone that always has your back.” Megan Stein, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Gamma Theta Chapter, Drake University

“I feel like when you’re a big you’re supposed to pay attention, care for, and give respect to your little. It really shouldn’t matter what you get her or how much money you spent on her, but what kind of relationship you have.” Alex Kundrat, Pi Phi Ny Eta NYU.

“My Big relationship is the big sister I never had.  Whether I’m freaking out over a test and need to be calmed down, upset over something and need to vent to someone, need to borrow clothes, or just want a friend to go to lunch with- my big is there.” Kelly Wall, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Zeta Chi Chapter, Marist College.

Nicole is a CL intern who goes to Marist College.  She is a Communications major with a concentration in Journalism and PR.  Nicole is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, Marist Ambassadors, and Communication Arts Society.  She enjoys running and hanging out with her sorority sisters and friends.

Day Date Outfits: CL Guide

Going on a date can be nerve-wracking, but CL is here to help!  We want your date to see you for the classy co-ed that you are.  Here are some suggestions for what to wear on a stylish daytime outing.

Click the photos to purchase an item or to shop their websites!

Picnic:  Keep things bright! As tempted as you might be to wear a cute sundress, remember that you are probably going to be sitting on the ground.  Wear a colorful, ruffled romper or jeggings and a cropped top.  A cardigan is always a great addition.  Strappy sandals will look good with either outfit!

Sporting Event: Show off your spirit by wearing your team’s colors! A cute, simple v-neck is always good with jeans.  If you’re going to a college game, cut a basic t-shirt to show your creativity or check out Victoria’s Secret Pink Collegiate Collection to see if your university is represented.  Don’t forget to bring along a cropped pullover sweatshirt in case it gets chilly out.

Bowling: Cropped top or a tunic with your favorite pair of jeggings.  You want to be comfortable while bowling, but you also want to keep it flirty, fun and, of course, competitive.

Café/Lunch: A cute sweater or a plaid shirt is perfect for a laid back  atmosphere.  Add print into your outfit to show off your fabulous personality and show more edge.  Wear leather boots, laced heels, or flats.

Amusement Park: A colorful pair of jeans, leggings, or shorts will help keep things playful and fun.  Make your shirt a cool, neutral color to offset the boldness.  Or make it a complete contrast ! Wear sneakers or sandals that you are comfortable in, remember you’re going to be walking around!

Mall/Outlets: Wear black leggings with a cute floral top or a printed sundress.  You will look sweet and feminine, but it is an outfit that is simple enough for a mall trip. Your date won’t notice anyone in the mall but you!

Make sure you are comfortable and confident in what you wear.  We encourage you to make the outfits your own by adding personal flare and trademark accessories. Your date is excited to get to know and spend time with you.  Don’t be afraid to show off your classiness!  What are your favorite accessories for a daytime date?

Nicole is a CL intern who goes to Marist College.  She is a Communications major with a concentration in Journalism and PR.  Nicole is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, Marist Ambassadors, and Communication Arts Society.  She enjoys running and hanging out with her sorority sisters and friends.

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