CL’s Top 5 Hostess Gifts For The Upcoming Holidays!

Tis the Season! Its that time of year again to be thankful and spend time with friends and family. Each year brings something new, and maybe this year you are going to a friend’s Thanksgiving dinner, or meeting a boyfriend’s family for the first time, or simply traveling to spend the holidays with family that live far away. No matter what the circumstance, it never hurts to bring a little “thank you” gift. CL is here to guide you with a few ideas!

 

Wine: The classic bottle of wine is always a fantastic hostess gift! Don’t worry whether to get red or white, the gift will speak for itself. Liquor stores typically have wine sales around the holidays, so look for discounts and specialty wines just for the season!

Dip: Everyone loves a bowl of chip dip! And if you feel like putting forth the extra effort, which of course your hostess would appreciate, make your own! Try this simple recipe for Calico Cheese Dip:

Ingredients

4 cups of shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1 can chopped green chilies

1 can sliced ripe olives, drained

4 green onions, sliced

3 medium tomatoes, seeded and diced

½ cup minced fresh parsley

1 envelope Italian salad dressing mix

TortilIla chips

Directions: In a mixing bowl, combine the cheese, chilies, olives, onions, tomatoes and parsley. Prepare salad dressing mix according to package directions; pour over cheese mixture and mix well. Serve immediately with tortilla chips.

Find more recipes at allrecipes.com

Bars: Nothing says “thank you for hosting!” like a pan of homemade bars! The delivery of any kind of bar- pumpkin, brownies, lemon, or some sort of family recipe, is something that any hostess would be thankful for.

Cookie Tins: If you are looking for a last minute hostess gift, a cookie tin is perfect! A variety of cookies suits anyone’s tastes, and will definitely be a hit at the party!

Glasses: There are a variety of unique drinking glasses that would make fabulous hostess gifts. Fancy champagne glasses are always classy, or perhaps a set of drinking flutes. Provided someone else brought the wine, your gift will be a success!

What are your favorite hostess gifts to give or receive?

Chelsea Hay is a junior at the University of North Dakota majoring in Communications. She is a proud sister of Alpha Chi Omega, and loves hanging out with friends, reading, laughing, and going to hockey games!

CL Guide: How to Plan a Kentucky Derby Days Party

It may not be time for Derby Days but it never hurts to prepare early, right? Or if you’re really in the mood to be classy, just throw a Derby Days party for the heck of it! CL is here to help you plan the ultimate party, no matter what time of the year!

What To Wear

The most important part of your ensemble is the hat! Derby goers typically wear a large-brimmed hat with lots of frills that draw attention (in a good way, of course), and are tilted to one side. Plan your outfit around the hat.

The dress code for this event is business casual. Women should wear dresses or pant suits, and men should wear collared shirts- jackets are optional.

How To Decorate

If the party is outside use a red and white checkered tablecloth on a picnic table outside. If you can’t wait until its warm to host your party, decorate a table inside and bring the warm weather to you! Garnish the tables with spring flowers or roses (real or fake). If you happen to have any knick-knacks lying around, feel free to use them for a more festive atmosphere!

 

 

What to Serve

Classic Mint Julep

Ingredients

• 3 fresh mint leaves
• 1 tablespoon of mint syrup
• Crushed ice
• 1 ½ tablespoons bourbon (or ice tea for a virgin drink)
• Cocktail straw
• 1 fresh mint sprig

Grind mint leaves into a chilled julep cup. Pack the cup tight with ice and drizzle syrup over it, and then pour the bourbon. Insert the straw, place the mint sprig right next to the straw. Serve with a smile.

Country Ham and Biscuits

Ingredients

• Frozen tea biscuits
• Thin slices of country ham
• Flavored butter and mustard blends

Bake the frozen tea biscuits and fill with country ham that has been browned in a hot skillet 1 or 2 minutes on each side. Guests can dip their biscuits with their choice of flavored butter or mustard blends.

For more recipes check out Southern Living’s Guide to Kentucky Derby Recipes.

What’s your favorite themed party? Are there other dishes you would share at a Derby Days party?

Chelsea Hay is a junior at the University of North Dakota majoring in Communications. She is a proud sister of Alpha Chi Omega, and loves hanging out with friends, reading, laughing, and going to hockey games!

CL’s Exclusive Interview with America’s Next Top Model Winner Whitney Thompson!

Whitney Thompson is not only America’s Next Top Model’s Cycle 10 winner but also undoubtedly, a role model for all women. She is the first full-figured winner of the show, and continues to flaunt her beauty wherever she goes. I was honored to have the opportunity to interview her about her fashion and what she has been up to since the show in 2008.

College Lifestyles: How would you describe your fashion style?

Whitney Thompson: My style definitely changes as I grow up. I’m much more laid back than I used to be. When you have to wear crazy clothes and high heels everyday, you begin to appreciate flip-flops and maxi-dresses.

CL: What inspired you to audition for America’s Next Top Model?

WT: I was actually discovered in LAX on spring break, freshman year of college. I was just buying a candy bar and some woman walked up to me and asked if I would want to be on the show. Initially, I didn’t, but I’m glad I changed my mind.

CL: Can you lend any advice for individuals who seek a modeling career?

WT: Have an angle. Anyone can be pretty. What separates you from everyone else? Find that answer and run with it. You must stand out.

CL: What is you most memorable moment on America’s Next Top Model?

WT: Well, winning, obviously. We had to wait for hours back stage while the judges deliberated. It was horrible! We started singing Disney songs to lighten the mood.

CL: How did you balance school and modeling?

WT: I wasn’t modeling in college, just high school and it certainly wasn’t easy. You just have to make a decision and know what your number one priority is. You will have to miss class to shoot and if you make school your priority, you will miss jobs for class. They are not really compatible, so perhaps online classes are the best choice if modeling is your passion. However, it would be unfortunate to miss out on the college experience.

CL: What’s your favorite product that you sell on your website ShopSuperModel.com?

WT: The “Boyfriend’s Shirt” scented candle is probably my favorite. People love the candles because they are massage candles, meaning that when they are lit, the wax melts into a heated massage oil. We have nine different fashion-themed scents, but “Boyfriend’s Shirt” is our best seller. They start at only $9.99 and a dollar from every candle goes to the National Eating Disorders Association.

 

CL: Aside from your website, what other projects have you been working on?

WT: Obviously, I am still an international plus sized model, signed with Wilhelmina Models and I am currently working on developing a new dating website that celebrates curvy girls. I also speak at Universities all over the country on healthy body image and learning how to love your body just the way it is. My message is that Healthy is beautiful. Beautiful is not a size, an age, or a procedure. If you want me to speak at your college, contact Marc Marcuse at www.ReelManagement.com

CL: College Lifestyles is always promoting our Beauty by Confidence campaign and by becoming ANTM’s first plus size model winner, your confidence has truly shined. Do you feel as though you have inspired others?

WT: Certainly. It’s nice because my fan mail isn’t just, “I like you because you’re pretty”. I get letters saying, “I wore a bikini for the first time today because of you”, or “My daughter finally sought help for her eating disorder because of you” and words like that motivate me everyday to continue on in this industry. My fans constantly inspire me.

Whitney is an inspiration to all, so if you feel like you need some inspiration yourself contact her personally on twitter @WhitneyANTM, reach her through ShopSupermodel.com  or message her on facebook!

Chelsea Hay is a junior at the University of North Dakota majoring in Communications. She is a proud sister of Alpha Chi Omega, and loves hanging out with friends, reading, laughing, and going to hockey games!

6 Fabulous Ways to Wear a Necklace

Everyone can wear a necklace in the simplest way, perhaps its time to dig up those old necklaces and wear them in a new trendy way! CL is here to help you co-eds, with fresh ideas on bringing out the best in your fashion.

 

If you’re going to wear a simple necklace, like this one, try something new with your wardrobe. A bold, chunky sweater would be the perfect way to spice up your daily ensemble!

 

A simple way to shorten a long necklace is to tie a knot at the end. It is a classy way of being courageous with your style and taking a risk!

Another easy way to trim the length of a necklace is to wrap it around twice. Instead of having it dangle so low, you can show it off even more where people can really see it!

Why buy new headbands when you can use a necklace you already have?! Either wrap it around twice or bobby pin it to the back of your head for a perfect fit. One way to be even more striking is to use an old vintage necklace like this one made of buttons!

Wrap your necklace around your wrist to make thick bracelet. This is perfect with ¾-sleeved shirts or a cardigan. Try a necklace with eye-catching stones like this one to enrich yourself in the the fall fashions!

Layering different necklaces is an effortless way to enhance an outfit. Go for similar color tones and styles to really make a statement. Just be careful not to get them tangled together!

Here are a few classy ways of making an old necklace seem new again! How do you spice up your wardrobe with accessories? Do you wear necklaces in a unique way?

Chelsea Hay is a junior at the University of North Dakota majoring in Communications. She is a proud sister of Alpha Chi Omega, and loves hanging out with friends, reading, laughing, and going to hockey games!

Take a Look into this CL Intern’s Classy Closet!

When it comes time to move into your dorm or sorority house, it can be difficult to cram all of your stuff into a tiny little space. This year I left nearly half of my wardrobe at home when I moved into my sorority house for my third year of school. I made sure to bring the necessities and of course, my fashion favorites. Take a look at a few of the items in my closet I couldn’t live with out:

If I ever question what bottoms go better with a top, my go-to jeggings are always a perfect match! I fell in love with this pair at Nordstrom’s Rack, where you are always guaranteed to find a good deal. The best part about jeggings is the super comfy stretchy material that always fits perfectly!

I have always been a sucker for yoga skirts and floral prints, so this skirt is a match made in heaven for me. It flaunts all my curves in the right places and is one of my favorite pieces to wear out!

One way I like to throw in a little class to my ensemble is by wearing my Sperrys. I wear them to class, to work, and everyday in between! They are so comfortable and can be easily matched with so many outfits. When the snow falls, I may just have to invest in a pair of Sperry boots to keep up with my own trend!

This is a recent addition to my closet as of a few weeks ago when I stumbled upon it at Target. The array of different patterns and colors caught my eye, not to mention the incredibly flowy fabric. It’s a fantastic top for any day of the week!

This bag came to me as a birthday present from my mother, which she conveniently ordered online from Alloy. It’s the perfect size bag for traveling or shipping around town. I got it about three years ago, and to this day is still my favorite purse!

Each piece says a little something about my fashion style, but remember sophistication and confidence can go a long way to make any look classy! What are your favorite things in your closet?

 

Chelsea Hay is a junior at the University of North Dakota majoring in Communications. She is a proud sister of Alpha Chi Omega, and loves hanging out with friends, reading, laughing, and going to hockey games!

What to Wear to Coffee Shop Studying

When its time to get serious about studying, I cannot study in my house filled with distractions. If I actually want to be productive I prefer going to my local coffee shop and hashing out all the assignments and readings I need to do for the week. This can be done easily by rolling out of bed, gathering every thing I need for the day, and walking over to the nearest coffeehouse. However, I find myself more useful if I am more confident about how I look. CL will show you three ways to keep you head up while studying and feeling poised!

 

Laid Back Latte

If its time to do a little reading here, and a couple assignments there, being relaxed will put you at ease. A fitting pair of yoga pants and a stylish off the shoulder dolman sweater will prepare you for a day of studying. Throw your hair up in a cute messy bun, and don’t forget to swipe on some mascara!

 

Savvy Smoothie

Times can get tough when you’re cramming for tests, but a little pop of fashion never hurts, and it can also bump up the confidence. By keeping it casual with a pair of skinny jeans and a comfy shirt, you will definitely be able to keep your focus as you sip a cup of Joe.

 

Fashionable Frappauccino

When its time to do those big class projects, perhaps dressing like the classy co-ed we know you are will help you be more productive, and more professional at the same time. A fresh blazer should help you get your head in the game, matched with a sleek pair of jeggings will complete the look! Pin your hair back with cute clips to be sure you have no distractions.

 

Hopefully some of these ideas have sparked a boost of fashion as you study for upcoming midterms. When you raise your confidence level, you’re more likely to succeed- and what better way to do that than to dress up and feel classy! A coffee shop is a fantastic place to showcase your sharp style, and of course, get some work done. How do you stay comfy and classy while studying?

 

Chelsea Hay is a junior at the University of North Dakota majoring in Communications. She is a proud sister of Alpha Chi Omega, and loves hanging out with friends, reading, laughing, and going to hockey games!

CL’s Guide to Weekend Getaways on a Budget!

With all of the tests, assignments, events, sorority functions, boys, and drama that comes with the life of a college student, it can be overwhelming, and sometimes we just need a break from it all! Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway with your honey or a fun sisterhood weekend with the ladies you love the most, CL can direct you in the right direction with new ideas for weekend getaways on a budget. Here are four savvy vacations to ponder the next time you’re thinking about taking a little time off from life.

Ski Trips

Ski trips are a great weekend getaway during the winter! Find a ski resort close to where you live, and prepare for a weekend of fun! When you book your reservation, make sure you mention that it is a group of students because they just might give you discount. You can ski, snowboard, sit around a campfire, and enjoy the company surrounding you. Even if you don’t like the sport, it can still be a fun event that will allow you to explore a new place.

Water Parks

Water park resorts can be a wonderful way to relax. A weekend at Wisconsin Dells is a perfect example of a fun getaway! If this location is unreachable, there are plenty of other resorts just like this one! You can play at the park during the day, and relax at night in the hotel room or hit up the hot tub. This visit can be as romantic or as rowdy as you would like it to be. Either way, it is a guarantee everyone involved will have a fabulous time!

Big City

If you live in a small town and you need a rest, try something different and go to the nearest big city. Book a hotel, or even a hostel to save some cash, and enjoy city life! Shopping at the boutiques, dining at exotic restaurants, and of course, the fantastic nightlife at clubs, cafes, and museums. This would be a classy and fabulous girls weekend that will revive everyone’s spirits from college life.

Lakeshore Cabin

Contrary to the getaway above, if you live in a large city, perhaps a trip to lakeshore cabin or hotel would allow for you to unwind. Take a break from you’re hectic life, and enjoy the peace and quiet of the wilderness. Going on boat rides, grilling or roasting food, and cuddling up next to a bonfire will definitely put you at ease of your current life stresses. This would be the ultimate romantic trip to bond with your honey!

The best way to de-stress is to take yourself out of the situation, and in most cases that means leaving the physical environment of which you are stressed. Every college student is strained about one thing or another, and what better way to be relieved of those worries than by going on a mini-getaway on a college friendly budget. It’s a great chance to get away from real life for a little bit, and bond with the people you love.

Where do you go to de-stress?

Chelsea Hay is a junior at the University of North Dakota majoring in Communications. She is a proud sister of Alpha Chi Omega, and loves hanging out with friends, reading, laughing, and going to hockey games!

 

CL’s Guide to Communication for Couples

Every couple has their ups and downs- but the key to coming back up from those downs is communicating!  Here are a few tips on how to communicate effectively and maintain a healthy relationship. By using this advice your relationship with your loved one can be the best it can be!

Listening: When two people are communicating, it is important that both parties are mindfully listening. This is more than just hearing words; it is suspending your reaction and your judgment. By listening you are observing what your other half has to say, and truly understanding how the other person feels. Remember, being in a relationship isn’t just about sharing every emotion with your loved one- it is also about listening and lending support!

Collaborate: By collaborating in a relationship, both partner’s goals are satisfied! The idea is that neither party won nor lost the dispute, you both agreed upon something else. For example, he wants to order Chinese food, but you really want Mexican food. Instead of arguing about it, you could agree to go the new Italian restaurant. Rather than solving the problem “his way” or “your way,” the focus is on “our way.”  This way no one leaves the conversation with his or her feelings hurt.

Nonverbal Communication: Communicating with your honey is not just verbal, but also nonverbal. This includes posture, hand gestures, voice tone, and other body language- all things that clue in your partner about your feelings. You can create a sense of interest, desire, or portray how much you care, and a sense of disinterest, doubt, or uncertainty by the way you move, look, and listen. By sitting up straight and looking your loved one in the eyes, there is no question in their mind that you care about what they have to say!

Using Nonviolent Communication: When you encounter an issue in your relationship use words about yourself when you confront your partner, don’t blame it on the other person. Make an observation of the problem, describe how it made you feel, and what you need the other person to do. For example, if your sweetheart says they will call you later and never does, say something like, “I feel sad when you don’t call me after you said you would, I need you to text me or let me know some how you will be unable to call me.” This way you can conquer disagreements clearly and calmly!

Positivity: This is the number one strategy to keep a relationship going strong! Nobody wants to date a Negative Nancy! Be a support system for your other half and cheering each other on for things like interviews, intramural games, and class presentations! By doing this you will enhance your relationship and it will show the other person how much you really care about them!

I hope these tips will help the communication flow better in every classy co-eds relationship! By listening, collaborating, being aware of your body language, identifying issues properly, and staying positive you will be able to communicate successfully in your relationship!

Chelsea Hay is a junior at the University of North Dakota majoring in Communications. She is a proud sister of Alpha Chi Omega, and loves hanging out with friends, reading, laughing, and going to hockey games!

CL’s Guide to Preparing Your Wardrobe for Studying Abroad!

When it comes to studying abroad, it seems as if there are a million things on your ‘to-do’ list. When is the application due? How do I obtain a visa? Where will I live? And of course, how will I fit my life into a suitcase? As I prepare for my semester in Italy next spring I can’t help but contemplate which tops, dresses, jeans, and jackets should I bring? And lets not forget about my collection of shoes… So I turned to the savvy travel experts I like to call my friends, for the dos and don’ts of how to prepare my wardrobe for the semester ahead of me and many other co-eds!

“Bring your favorite tops because they don’t take up too much space and can be switched around to give different outfits! I brought way too many heels- girls don’t really wear them when they go out which is totally different than Boston. But every city is different! Buy a cheap comforter, sheets, towel and toiletries when you get abroad. And don’t bring your hair dryer and hair straightener, you can get cheap ones and they have different plugs in Europe. Don’t bring too much jewelry or valuables- you can survive 3-4 months without every single pair of earrings! Bring travel sized toiletries for the first night, if you don’t have a chance to purchase them on arrival and don’t bring full size anything you can buy it all when you get there and that stuff weighs your suitcase down.”  -Sophie Fen, Boston University, studied in Germany

“I suggest not bringing bulky hooded sweatshirts or sweatpants. You are studying abroad, this is your excuse to dress up and look cute everyday! So you don’t even need the lounge clothes.” -Kelsey Curfman, University of North Dakota, studied in New Zealand

“I walked a TON and really wore out shoes so I had to buy more there. I wore boots almost every day, so get a good pair of boots! I wish I had more cardigans to make tops more versatile. I brought a formal dress and never wore it.  I was trying to decide if I should bring a winter jacket, but so glad I didn’t, so it definitely helps to know what the weather will be like!”        -Sarah Lauber, University of Wisconsin- Madison, studied in Spain

“When packing for Paris I was tres nervous! I stuck with the bare essentials: black skinnies, boots, black trench, a few of dark hats and scarves, a handful of saucy dresses, and heels that matched. I would recommend sticking with the basics when traveling to Europe to so that you save room in your suitcase and give yourself an excuse to stock up on European accessories and chic clothes!”  -Ayla Benjamin, University of Minnesota, studied in France

“Bring a backpack big enough for weekend trips, I would recommend one small enough so you can carry it on flights if you have to fly. Also, bring extra adaptors and convertors (one will most likely blow out if used the whole time) and an external memory drive or extra SD cards to back up your computer periodically, you dont want to risk losing all your pictures! Bring back up credit cards for emergencies- also make sure to let your bank know what countries you will going to before you leave so your cards dont get deactivated.”                                              -Nikki Olson, University of North Dakota, studied in Australia

Read more

CL’s Fall Semester Workout Guide

CL’s Fall Semester Workout Guide

It can be difficult to jump right into a workout routine when the school year begins, but it is important. Working out for at least one hour three or four times a week will bring down your stress level and raise your energy level.  

These classy co-eds gave CL the dish on their workout plans for this semester:

“Zumba dance class!” – Chelsea M. Hay, University of North Dakota.

Group fitness classes are not only fun, but also a great way to get motivated if you want that extra push! Zumba is a fantastic choice: it gives you a good cardio workout, a bit of an ab workout, and is one big dance party – you will barely realize all the hard work that you are doing! Other group fitness classes to check out are Hip Hop HUSTLE and Turbo Kick. Most colleges offer group fitness classes like these, so check out your school’s fitness center and pick up a schedule.

“Work out 3-4 times a week!! Cardio and weights!” – Lindsay Dressen, Drake University.

Three to four times a week with a combination of these workouts is a great idea. If you are an athlete or avid gym go-er, push yourself to go five to six times a week. Alternating between cardio and weights is very important: cardio will burn crazy calories and fat, but using weights is important for toning and building muscle.

Here is a workout guide for a week – try it out!

Monday: Let’s face it: as the first day of the week, Monday is a little hard to get through. Boost your energy by doing some cardio. Go for a brisk walk or a run around campus, or an indoor track; try a group fitness class that incorporates cardio.

Tuesday: Take a break! But if you are really in the mood to move, go for a walk or try a yoga class.

Wednesday: Being halfway through the week is exciting – pour some of that extra energy into some cardio! If you went for a walk or run on Monday, try a cardio group fitness class today, or vice versa.

Thursday: Today is the day to pick up some weights. First, check if your gym offers instructional sessions on how to use their weight lifting equipment – this is incredibly important in preventing injuries. If not, try a free weight session with some light to moderate weights.

Friday: Time for another restful day. Go for a walk if you feel motivated to move, or try some Pilates.

Saturday: Try a blend of cardio and weights today; a quick walk or run followed by some free weights.

Sunday: This is a good day to stretch out.

After you go through this two or three times, try rearranging the days to keep from plateauing (which is just a fancy way of saying that your body is too used to the workout, which makes the workout less effective). 

For more information on staying fit while in school, check out this Ask the Intern article.

And remember: ALWAYS warm up, ALWAYS stretch, ALWAYS eat enough, and ALWAYS drink enough water.

Debra Schreiber is a returning CL intern from summer 2011. She is a senior at Duquesne University, studying Journalism and Spanish. When she’s not studying, you can usually find her at the gym, reading or catching up on her favorite shows.

Next Page »