25 Facts About Senior Editor, Tiana Blue

Name: Tiana Blue

Position: Senior Editor/Features Writer

University: Rising junior at Penn State University

 

Organizational involvement: Currently none now that I am transitioning up to Penn State’s main campus, University Park, after two years at our Altoona campus. I’m looking to start fresh my junior year and possibly go Greek!

Pets: How sad is it (literally) that I’ve never had one?

Nicknames: Someone once told me they’d call me “spider” because of how long my legs looked and how high I jumped when doing a jete in dance class several years ago. Throughout the years, though, it seems nickname’s for me become anything involving the color blue. Or, people will simply call me by my last name, which really is Blue. Awesome, right?!

Dream job: Working for a major men’s lifestyle magazine (which I am technically doing at the moment, just as an intern).

Favorite color: I have a tough time deciding and have even gone as far as taking online quizzes to figure it out. I’ve narrowed it down to blue (go figure) and pink. I always denied that blue could potentially be my favorite color because I’ve gotten the question “Is blue your favorite color?” countless times since childhood. Pink just makes me happy.

Favorite candy: Sweet Tarts and Starburst: rotting my teeth since I was a pre-teen. I don’t want to just choose one!

Favorite movie: Animated–The Little Mermaid. With real people–Clueless.

Favorite cuisine: Anything edible.

Favorite season: The end of summer heading into fall. The weather is perfect and everyone’s happy!

Coffee vs. Tea: Tea is definitely gross. Coffee wins!

PC vs. Mac: I’m looking to join the Mac side of life, but I have a PC for now. I’m indifferent on this question.

Coke vs. Pepsi: Coke, for sure.

Stripes vs. polka dots: I didn’t notice this until my roommate pointed it out, but I’m actually a little obsessed with striped things.

 

3 words to describe me: Tall, stylish, dedicated.

3 words to describe my style: Stilettos, tucked-in (see shirt in left photo), and city.

You will find on my desk: Fashion magazines, my giant book of graffiti (I love graffiti art), a cup full of coins I’ve saved throughout the year… The last interesting thing would be my “Manila Envelope of Memories,” containing tons of items I’d collected during sophomore year that I connect to, of course, special memories. 

You will find on my DVR/Tivo: Nothing, since I don’t have either.

You will find on my iPod: I primarily listen to Pandora. I don’t have enough motivation to get my own music after having to wipe-out all my songs due to a virus a while back. But I have Mark Rose’s cd “Wonderful Trouble” and the soundtrack from an event I went to along with variations of techno, house, and dubstep songs I stole from my brother about a year after having to delete all my music. I’ve been scarred ever since! 

You will find in my refrigerator: (According to my dorm fridge) Chinese food, yogurt, chocolate, and variations of to-go boxes from dinners. 

I have a slight obsession with: See aforementioned discussion about stripes. That, and shoes.

 

I dislike: When people don’t have goals or do have goals, but don’t strive for them.

My friends would say I am: Motivated, laid back, and easy to talk to.

I am most happy when: I’m around people who fully accept me and when I’m in New York all while simultaneously writing, because writing is my biggest passion.

Most people are surprised to know I am: 5’9

A classy co-ed is: A respectable woman, one who is tolerant of all kinds of people, stylish in her own rite, undoubtedly confident, and goes after what she desires. She sets her eyes on many prizes and works hard to obtain all of them. If this is you, welcome to the team.

Tiana Blue is a senior editor and features writer  for College Lifestyles. She enjoys bargains, a good empanada, being New York-bred, and taking off her stilettos after a long day’s work. 

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3 Reasons You Should Say “Yes” To Summer Romance

Warm weather-induced endorphins (the stuff that makes you happy) mixed with the rush of college students coming home for vacation makes summer lovin’ sound so appealing. Unless you’re just getting out of a messy situation (that makes romance sound less appealing), turning down the chance of being swept off your feet is nonsense! You’ll soak up three life lessons by riding the wave of summer love slowly and carefully.

1. Learn To Seize Opportunities

Passing up the potential for a rewarding relationship equals denying yourself of something fun on purpose. How boring! Go to a carnival with your next door neighbor who did a bit of growing up since last summer. Take a chance by starting up conversation with the cute lifeguard at your local pool. In other words, as Cher Horowitz (“Clueless,” anybody!) would say: “Carpe diem!” Translation: Seize the day!

2. Learn To Live

Sometimes your girlfriends don’t always know best. They’ll steer you in the wrong direction to protect you from the inevitable—getting hurt. But guess what? You get nothing out of dodging heartbreak-bullets. Instead of attempting to avoid problems before they even arise, let life transpire.

3. Learn About The Art Of Storytelling

Post-summer storytelling is the cliché part about flings that makes it all worthwhile.  Don’t let August creep up on you without having a few juicy chronicles to show for it. Just look at how far Nicholas Sparks got with The Notebook! Jot down details of your fling and who knows, you just might conjure up a bestselling novel.

Tiana Blue is a senior writer and editor for College Lifestyles™. This fourth semester sophomore at Penn State is a print journalism major with a penchant for food, stilettos, and the city that never sleeps.

 

 

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Goodwill Hunting: How To Shop At Second-Hand Stores

Skillfully scouring through heaps of belts, piles of heels, and shelves of knickknacks from decades past is as easy as it sounds. It may appear intimidating–platforms from the 70s tend to do that to people–but see the racks of endless treasures as items in a vast and vibrant playing field. Looking to channel Brigitte Bardot á la the 1960s or in need of a funky costume? Head to a local shop full of hand-me-downs needing revival and keep these tips in mind.

Let the Clothes Speak

Go shopping with less of a plan. Wait and see what the store has to offer! If your eyes are set on finding a sheer, ruffled top, you might miss the vintage medallion that would work perfectly with those studded heels you recently bought! And don’t let shiny paillettes on a nearby cocktail dress blindside you–walk toward the sparkle. Let magic happen. Or, at least be open to letting magic happen–you won’t be disappointed.

Embrace the History

Get completely wrapped up in what makes a beaten-up fringe boot or a metal charm bracelet what it is. Consider these questions: Who brought this here? Where did this come from? Who wore it first? Think through your prospective purchase and the object will become that much cooler. Your next vintage-buy could’ve came straight from an “Old Hollywood” stars’ dressing room!

Look Ridiculous

Every era brings along trends which should never resurface again. As tragic as these said fashion-embarrassments are, delve into the entire experience by traveling back in time and trying on something crazy. Take pictures with your girlfriends at your discretion (remember, once photos go viral, good luck convincing your friend to take it down).

There’s Beauty in Imperfection

Embrace a missing rhinestone or two from a belt or a scuff mark on a leather jacket. It adds personality and age to a classic piece. Besides, anything can be altered and updated once it’s in your hands. If you can’t bare the scratch on the brim of your vintage Ray Ban’s, see if an eyeglass store can clean it up or fit you for a new frame. Problem solved!

Tiana Blue is a Senior Writer for College Lifestyles™. This fourth semester sophomore at Penn State is a print journalism major with a penchant for food, stilettos, and the city that never sleeps.

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3 Post-Interview Need-To-Dos

Cheers! You successfully pushed past adrenaline, anxiety, and bullets of sweat, finishing the interview off strong. You’re feeling great, smiling at employees, and walking out the front door as if you just clocked out for the day. However, getting home and kicking your feet up on the coffee table isn’t the last phase of this process. The interview may be over, but give your future boss even more incentive to hire you by taking action with these three effective tips.

The Thank-you Letter

A thank-you note, either handwritten or sent by e-mail, clarifies you can finish what you’ve started. It’s a formal address to the interviewer, so be punctual by sending the note within 72 hours after the interview. If it’s handwritten, make sure it’s in the office by the third day.

Thank the interviewer (duh) for choosing you as a candidate, and then discuss your enthusiasm about the prospective job—just don’t over-do it… it’ll sound forceful. If you made use of your leather notepad, you won’t have to remember details from the interview (names, opportunities, etc) to mention in the thank-you because they’ll be right there! Also use this letter to ask a question or two and express an idea, further showing your interest and dedication. A quick Google search will provide you with a few sample letters if you aren’t sure where to start.

Wait Patiently

Don’t be bothersome by calling and e-mailing incessantly. Has anyone been hired yet? Can I interview for another position? How many candidates are being considered? Slow down and resist the pesky questions! If the interviewer gave you a two-week time frame in which you will hear back from them, give ‘em time. If no time was allotted, follow-up calmly about a week after the interviewer will have received your thank-you note.

Classy Rejection

Let’s face it, you won’t obtain every job you interview for, and that’s ok! Breathe and accept that some opportunities aren’t meant to be. A suggestion from cnn.com states to send another thank-you note post-rejection to stand out in a positive manner. Who knows, maybe the second letter will make them reconsider or keep you in mind for the future.

Tiana Blue is a Senior Writer for College Lifestyles™. This fourth semester sophomore at Penn State is a print journalism major with a penchant for food, stilettos, and the city that never sleeps.

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Pre-Interview Checklist: 5 Things You Need To Do

Pat yourself on the back: you just nabbed an interview for your dream internship or job! However, stepping into the office and shaking hands (a manicure’s a must!) with your interviewer is hardly the beginning. Prior to the big day, ease those pre-interview woes by checking the following five tips off of your checklist.

 

Social Media Clean-up 

Knowing how to efficiently communicate digitally is vital (and why half the planet has either a Facebook or Twitter profile–and those are only the most well-known forms of social media communication). Because of human reliance on social media, posting incriminating words or photos onto a website is an afterthought. Be smart and stay ahead of the game by keeping suspect items out of your photos or not uploading any negative images altogether.

And it’s not just photos. Tailor your “About Me” section as if it were a cozy resume. For example, do include any books you’ve read and quotes that portray you in a positive manner, not in one which suggests all you do is party. Even if it is what you do, your boss doesn’t care to know!

Research the Company

Walking into the interview cold-turkey is the best way to be unprepared. What will you do when the interviewer wants your thoughts on how the company markets their products? Or what if the interviewer asks you what was your favorite magazine issue of 2011 and why? You’ll freeze up if you have no idea, but it’ll be smooth sailing if you invested time into company-scaping.

What’s the STAR Method?

Situation or Task, Action Taken, Results Achieved

In short, the STAR method is  a style of behavioral interviewing meant for throwing the interviewee off guard a bit, testing your ability to respond quickly, properly, and critically to specific questions. Not everyone uses this method, but it’s always best to be prepared. And remember, flip any flaw into a positive! If your weakness is time management, state how you enjoy taking on several duties and helping others because you have many skills, but you are also dedicated to quality task-completion.

Sample STAR questions:

1. How have you handled a situation in which the information presented to you was conflicting or there was no clear right or wrong answer?
2. Give me an example of a time when you were asked to do something you had never done before.
3. Tell me about a time when you felt it necessary to compromise your own immediate interests in order to be flexible and tolerant of another person’s needs.

Practice Makes Perfect

Now’s the time to make good use of your campus Career Center. See if it provides mock interviews for you to practice your vocals, body language, and facial expressions with a trained professional. Remember, career-oriented interviews will be different than an interview for Urban Outfitters.

And get comfortable with your bathroom mirror by reciting  responses in front of it. Although it may seem initially-awkward, being acquainted with your expressions in front of a mirror is best because “Your face will often speak louder than your words,” Ted Heckman said via careerealism.com.

Buy A Leather Notepad

Don’t shuffle into an interview with a large tote. A classy and stylish notepad is very professional and limits how much you will have to carry. It’s also a safe place to store a pen, jot down notes and questions before or during the interview, and for keeping copies of your resume and cover letter. You can buy one online or find them at your campus bookstore, but beware of the steep price tags.

As always, Walmart to the rescue! Walmart carries leather notepads at an alarmingly affordable price. Below is what one for 10 bucks looks like:

Do all of the above and your future boss will be eager to tell you…

Tiana Blue is a Senior Writer for College Lifestyles™. This fourth semester sophomore at Penn State is a print journalism major with a penchant for food, stilettos, and the city that never sleeps.

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5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Date A Co-Worker

You can bet temptation may arise while working in close quarters with attractive colleagues. But whether you fold clothes at a boutique or bus tables at a restaurant, hooking up with a co-worker is a certified no-no.  Are you lusting over a new employee? Read these next five tips before taking it any further.

 

Productivity

Having a boyfriend or girlfriend in college is distracting, no? Picture that, but let it interfere with another top priority instead—where you make money. Particularly during the beginning fairytale stage (ah, puppy love), you’ll want to linger around your beau and see what they’re up to, thus neglecting your work. You’re supposed to be impressing your boss, not showing him that you’re needy.

Professionalism

Having a relationship with someone you work with is neither appealing to your fellow employees nor your superiors who will have to watch your PDA or any explosive arguments. You were hired for your strengths and abilities and with the hopes that you can make tough decisions, including choosing to not fall in love with the closest cashier.

Also, some businesses have laws to abide by that include a policy in which employees aren’t allowed to date or marry co-workers or supervisors. Make sure you’re aware of these stipulations prior to signing a contract.

Favoritism

Let’s face it, you’d likely choose to work on a task with your spouse or would be less likely to report something wrong that they’d done, which could, in turn, cost you your job. Making the love of your life your favorite can also be a foundation for fights, as your significant other may eventually (and jealously) wonder why you might’ve chosen to work with another guy or girl over them.

Office Talk

Having a relationship within a place of already-gossipy employment gives your colleagues all the more reason to spread a rumor or two. People are bored at work and will stir up anything juicy to get through the day. Avoid it all by keeping it classy and keeping your dating-life separate from your workplace!

Tiana Blue is a Senior Writer for College Lifestyles™. This fourth semester sophomore at Penn State is a print journalism major with a penchant for food, stilettos, and the city that never sleeps.

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Guess What’s In This Interns’ Closet

I will always have room in my heart (and closet) for warm, natural hues. I hardly noticed the obsession I have with browns, clay colors, and greens until glancing at my wardrobe and realizing most of it is an assortment of earthy tones–nothing wrong with that! Without further ado, take a look at some items I can’t do without.

Being 5’9, it took a lot of convincing for me to buy these leather stunners, even after parading around the store going on and on about how much I wanted them. This was my first time purchasing 5-inch heels! I feel so confident with them on, which is what fashion is all about They look fabulous with any wash of jean and look particularly vibrant with my white, ripped jeans, which you will see in the picture below.

There comes a time when you can’t pass up on a certain item because you’ll never see it again. This cropped jacket was one of those items! I was shopping with a friend at Goodwill when we came across this piece. I especially love the buttons, which are made of some sort of wooden material. It has a very Native American feel to it and there’s no label on it of any sort, so I’ve always assumed it to be handmade. Who knows, maybe it was crafted in a colony (which would be awesome!).

The jeans were really inexpensive ($20), so I was skeptical about the fit, but desperate for a pair of white jeans. I tried them on (which I hardly do), and my mind was instantly changed–they looked perfect! These are my miracle jeans, as every time anything spills on them, the stains magically wash out (even after letting the stain sit for two weeks–I don’t like laundry!).

I always wear this sheer blouse with a black bandeau underneath. It has drawstrings along either side, but I usually connect them to the back and tie a bow.

These Steve Madden sandals have lasted me the past two years. There are chains and really shiny imposter diamonds along the denim fabric they’re made out of. They’re always an attention-getter! Check out an up-close view of them below:

I take a dance class every semester. This semester, I took ballet, requiring me to buy these Bloch slippers at a quaint dance store in Pennsylvania called The Dance Shop. I didn’t take a beginner level course because I enjoy a challenge. I’ve loved every minute of it!  The studio is the only place I get to wear my white, thigh-high American Apparel socks which are always a class favorite. They look very feminine with tights and a leotard for all of my tall dancers! You can roll them down, or keep them at full-length.

Summer is soon approaching, so let’s end this list with my favorite bathing suit! I’m looking to buy a bandeau or halter style top in black which will give a ton of contrast to the very vibrant bottoms. I hardly go to the beach or pool (hopefully that changes this season), but I always throw this on when I do!

Tiana Blue is a Senior Writer for College Lifestyles™. This fourth semester sophomore at Penn State is a print journalism major with a penchant for food, stilettos, and the city that never sleeps.

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4 Ways To Impress Your Boss

Leaving your mark at any job you’ve scored is crucial. But you won’t get to the top by letting others take all the credit. Give your boss reasons to remember you by practicing the following four habits of a fierce employee.

Be Innovative

In the interview, you answered questions about how you could contribute to the company. Well, don’t just talk about it, be about it! When you’re not shuffling off to meetings, put your thinking cap on and brainstorm ways your employer could improve existing projects and make old practices new again. Something that may seem a bit outlandish could be what gets you a promotion or a knock-out recommendation for your next job. An alteration in the logo, a new advertising ploy… Get creative!

Do It With A Smile

Smiling automatically makes others feel comfortable around you. It makes you appear more attractive and lightens the mood in a stressed environment. Your boss is sure to take notice as your ambiance takes a positive toll on your co-workers.

Lend A Hand

Helping others when and where it’s needed (even in the simplest of ways), shows you care about your job and fellow employees. If someone’s new to Excel spreadsheets, give them a few pointers (those cells could be so pesky to type into). Pick up another commitment and put your multitasking skills to work!

Don’t Buckle Under Pressure

Proving to your boss that you are prepared for the unexpected conveys that you are aware, quick to respond, and able to handle anything. It’ll give them confidence that you can lead and take charge if needed. Next time the head honcho is out sick, make sure they’re e-mailing you to be in control of a certain task set for the day.

Tiana Blue is a Senior Writer for College Lifestyles™. This fourth semester sophomore at Penn State is a print journalism major with a penchant for food, stilettos, and the city that never sleeps.

 

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4 Ways To Know If You’re Ready To Room With A Friend

Having friends as roommates is the ultimate college experience. It’s guaranteed fun, excitement, and laugh-so-hard-you-cry moments….right? Not always. In fact, living with a friend you’ve never roomed with could take a toll on your relationship. Before going apartment hunting, keep reading to find out if you’re roommate-ready or bound to pull each others’ hair out.

See All Sides

PMS, stress, depression, exhaustion. Sounds miserable, huh? Communicate with your friend on their worst days, and see how well you tolerate their change of moods. This way, once you’re living in close quarters, you’ll know what to expect and when–preventing arguments–and you won’t be surprised to find out your girlfriend enjoys cutting her bangs when she’s angry or cries a river when she’s hormonal.

Current Arrangements

Take a look at how your roommate-in-question already lives by examining their habits.  This may include taking note of if they like to play their music loudly, if they enjoy having lots of company over and throwing parties, or how often they clean their place. If you thrive with a bit of organized chaos but they maintain a serially-tidy space (or if your habits clash altogether), have a talk and decide how you both can meet somewhere in the middle.

Ask Some Questions

Clear the air before those moving boxes are packed and shipped away. Sit down and have a chat about the following issues so there is an understanding of what living together will be like:

• How early do you wake up? When do you typically head to bed?
• How much time do you spend in the shower?
• How do you study–in groups, solo, often, not often?
• Who’s bringing what kinds of furniture?
• Are sleepovers with boyfriends OK?
• Are there any TV shows you must-see or will possibly need to record?
• When will we grocery shop?

Choose Wisely

You may be friends, but that doesn’t mean you’ll make great roommates–some people just aren’t meant to live under the same roof! It takes a lot of trust to live with someone and feel safe and content. If you can only depend on your friend half the time, maybe moving in together isn’t worth the effort.

Tiana Blue is a Senior Writer for College Lifestyles™. This fourth semester sophomore at Penn State is a print journalism major with a penchant for food, stilettos, and the city that never sleeps.

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Hit The Books On A Full Stomach With These 4 Study Snacks

Studying takes a lot of energy out of any co-ed. Heck, countless hours of review tires out professional scholars! But don’t fall asleep on that textbook (you can’t sell it back if it’s covered in drool). Wake up your cranium by snacking on the following foods.

 

Seeds

Since the food you chow down on determines how well your brain will function while studying, don’t stock up on guilty, greasy, salty pleasures. Grab something that’ll improve your memory and cognition–sunflower seeds–and something that’ll relax your hardworking brain–roasted pumpkin seeds. Follow these steps via duhlicious.com to learn how to make five different flavors of roasted pumpkin seeds!

Fruits 

Slicing fruits for a fruit salad is a quick solution to your hunger pains. A blend of mangos, blueberries, cherries, and bananas will give your taste buds exactly what they’re looking for–a dose of healthy flavors! Fruits such as avocado, pineapple, grapes, and peaches all help you to recall information quickly, which is just what you’ll need to ace an exam.

Yogurt

The health benefits originating from the amino acid present in yogurt, tyrosine, make having a cup of your favorite flavor of yogurt worthwhile. Tyrosine increases the amount of dopamine and noradrenalin released in your system, making you more alert. When you feel yourself dozing off, make sure a cup of this stuff is readily available.

Did Somebody Say Chocolate?

Ah, yes, chocolate. Many people enjoy this delectable treat, but will crave it even more once they find out it boosts your mood and helps you to concentrate better due to the release of endorphins. Dark chocolate, milk chocolate’s healthier counterpart, heightens blood flow to your brain, which increases your energy level and keeps your eyes from getting heavier.

As every classy lady knows, you should never go a day without at least a few glasses of water, so wash all your snacks down with H2O. Healthy snacking, CL readers!

Tiana Blue is a Senior Writer for College Lifestyles™. This fourth semester sophomore at Penn State is a print journalism major with a penchant for food, stilettos, and the city that never sleeps.

 

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