Vlogging 101: 5 Simple Rules to Become A Successful Video Blogger

Platforms like YouTube and the ever growing and never-ending transformation of the World Wide Web have created so many different opportunities for both the young and old to share their thoughts, memories, talents, and a recently erupting phenomenon tutorials with the globe at the click of a couple buttons. Since sharing talents is so simple, what makes a vlogger successful? Although, I wouldn’t call myself a vlogger (though I have dabbled a bit) here are some quick rules or tips on making sure your vlogging path goes unmatched.

1. Pretend Like You’re Talking to a Friend: It’s easy to get intimidated by the camera, even when it’s the PhotoBooth on your Mac that you love, oh so much. As soon as you hear the sound of the camera starting, your body tenses up and you see everyone in the world with their eyes on you (even if you’re recording alone). To get over this mini-fear, first mute the sound on your computer or hand-held camera, and more importantly, just pretend like you are having a conversation with a friend and showing them how to do something. Trust me, it helps!

 

2. Practice Makes Perfect: As cliché as this saying might sound, it is 110% true. Before every segment of my video blogs, I did at least 10 tries before I got it right. Practice is the key to perfection. An amazing way to practice is to type out a script pre-shooting. Just as you woud write out and spend time on an article on your blog, you should also write out your script for the vlog.  The same amount of work and thought should go into it, so when you practice it’ll be perfect.

3. Be Yourself: There are so many video bloggers out there now, and many have bigger fan bases than one can fathom, but that doesn’t mean you should try to be them. Look at them for inspiration, but avoid imitation. Don’t try to be funny if you’re not, don’t try to act ditzy if it isn’t you… just be you and the rest will fall into place.

 4. Get Creative: With the power of technology, and wonderful gadgets like iPhones, you can make a video within seconds and upload it to your blog or YouTube. However, what makes a vlogger succesful is the creative guts behind the scenes. Make the video fancy, and that does not mean being an expert videographer. All you need are some simple and easy-to-use applications like iMovie, and you are well on your way to getting creative!

5. Be Confident: You create your own destiny. If you’re not confident in yourself, how can anyone else be confident in you? Own it, work it, make it happen.

Intern Kitchen: Chicken Flatbread – Just Like Olive Garden’s!

While I am not actually Italian, my stomach thinks it is. I absolutely love the Olive Garden. Currently, my favorite dish there is the chicken flatbread. So, improvising, I attempted to recreate it. The results were delicious.

Ingredients:

• 1 Pillsbury pizza crust
• 1 container Alfredo sauce
• Grilled chicken, thinly sliced
• Basil, thinly chopped
• Red pepper, thinly sliced

Procedure:

1. Grill chicken, but not too crispy.
2. Heat Alfredo sauce until warm.
3. Pour over Pillsbury pizza crust.
4. Put chicken, basil and red pepper on top.
5. Heat in oven according to Pillsbury pizza crust instructions.
6. Enjoy!

Debra Schreiber is a senior journalism and Spanish major at Duquesne University, and a Senior Writing Intern for College Lifestyles. She loves to cook Italian food, and she loves to bake.

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Love It: Tracy Stern SALONTEA Review

Spring, Summer, Fall, or Winter.  From its luxurious scent to delicious taste, the College Lifestyles office embraces tea any time of the year.  From a cup on the go, to organizing amother/daughter or sorority tea party, our new ‘go-to’ tea is Tracy Stern SALONTEA ‘The Writer.’  (And yes, my one year old daughter will be having her first tea party soon!)

The Tracy Stern Salon ‘ The Writer’ Tea consist of black tea leaves with cinnamon, clove, and cardamom give ‘The Writer’ its sophisticated and chic taste – similar to the characteristics of our CL team!

While I love ‘The Writer’ tea, Tracy Stern SALONTEA offers various varieties including:  The Musician, THe Society Hostess, The Romantic, The Fashionable Dandy, The Artist, and The Lover.

When brewing Tracy Stern SALONTEA, be sure to pay close attention to the directions.  While we steep conventional green tea bags for 1-2 minutes,  ‘The Writer’ steeps for 3-5 minutes.  One can then add cream, sugar, and/or honey.  (Etiquette tip:  If planning a tea party, sugar cubes are preferred due to neatness). 

Tracy Stern, founder of SALONTEA, developed as a lifestyle brand that encompasses a fusion of fashion, style and art and TEA blended into distinct yet interconnected categories. She uses tea to bring people together and believes that everyone should experience life through simple defining luxuries, from preparing the perfect cup of tea, to creating the most elegant and effortless tea party.  One can purchase her tea by visiting her website OR NYC location.

Disclaimer:  We’d like to thank the team of Tracy Stern SALONTEA for supplying samples for our review.  Opinions of the product are all our own.

 

Shelly Marie Redmond, MS, RD, LDN is the Editor in Chief of College Lifestyles.  An avid tea drinker, she loves the classiness and sophistication of a modern day tea party and is the proud owner of Tracy Stern’s Tea Party Book!

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5 No-Meat Super Bowl Treats

Celebrating your favorite team (Go Giants!) doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a healthy diet. Here’s 5 healthy Super Bowl snacks that’ll set your football gathering away from the rest!

1. Hummus dip and tortilla chips- Hummus is a delicious snack packed full of protein and vitamins. It’s the perfect complement to tortilla chips or even pita bread.  Create your own version by adding different ingredients like tomatoes or feta cheese.  Hummus is something you can either buy at the store or prepare yourself.  If you’re expecting a lot of people, sometimes it’s better to make it from scratch to get more for your money.

2.Trail Mix- My personal favorite- I’m a big fan of salty snacks, and I love a trail mix full of spicy, sweet and salty tidbits mixed together . If you’re looking for a sweeter taste, add Chex Mix Cereal and your favorite sweet snacks like M&Ms, skittles or chocolate chips. Trail mix is simple recipe that adds color to a table full of food!

3.Dried Fruit- Dried fruit is a great snack, and another edible table decoration! Try a colorful mix of dried apricots, bananas and kiwi. It’ll light up the table andtame your sweet tooth rather quickly.

 

4.Pizza bites- One blog gives you the option of re-living a not-so-healthy childhood treat by having pizza bites. Well, the author also lets us know that pizza bites don’t have to be unhealthy! Veggetarian pizza bites are a delicious option for a snack that’s a little more filling—just fill them with your favorite cheeses and vegetables.

5. Organic “No Meat” Meatballs- This healthy snack might be a surprise to you if you’re not familiar with all the great no meat options out there for vegetarians and vegans. Although it’s probably more convenient to find no-meat meatballs at your local natural food store, there are some pretty awesome recipes out there.  If decide to make them at home, make them as big or as little as you want! If you choose a traditional no-meat recipe you can even whip up a savory dipping sauce.  Delish!

So if you’re a vegetarian,  a green enthusiast, or just looking for a change, these snacks will be perfect for your party. Check out CL’s last minute super bowl party post for more ideas!

 

Martha-Raye Adjei is an environmental studies major with a concentration in Sustainable Apparel at the University of Delaware. She hopes to become a journalist and sustainable apparel designer. In her spare time she likes to read, swim and watch TV

HOW TO: Host a Super Bowl Party

Are you ready for some football?  Whether you’re watching this year’s Super Bowl because you love football or you love staring at Tom Brady, a good party requires three things: food, drinks and friends.

If you’re anything like me, everything is last minute. With only one day until the Superbowl, this guide will prepare anyone like myself looking to celebrate this Sunday. From what to wear to what to serve, I’ve prepared a step-by-step guide to throwing your college friends a last minute Super Bowl party.

 

Football fashion:

Keep it casual and comfy. No one needs to look fabulous while screaming at a TV and hanging out in your living room. Thanks to Polyvore, here are two classy outfit ideas for game day:

Team theme:

If  you plan to decorate for your party, keep to the theme of the two teams playing. This year the  match-up is between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots. Since their colors are similar (this should be fun while watching) decorating is easy. Anything red, white or blue will suffice and satisfy all fans at your gathering. Who knew Fourth of July decorations would come in handy five months early?

Finger food:

Don’t get caught whipping up something in the kitchen and miss out on what could be another scandalous half-time show. Small finger foods are perfect for an evening of football. Start out with a  homemade hummus dip served with crackers or pita chips. More filling meals are double cheese chili  or these simple sliders. Football jersey cut out cookies  are a trademark at my family Superbowl parties. They’re easy to do and go with the football theme.

Themed spirits:

Although standard beer may be the trademark drink for the Super Bowl, other options include The Big Blue in honor of the Giants or Patriots Punch for New England fans. Be sure to also have a selection of drinks for those under 21.

When it comes time for kick-off, be sure to provide plenty of places to sit for your guests. This is the one day where being in the way of the TV is highly unacceptable. Choosing to set up a couple TVs may also be a key play at your party.

The Super Bowl only happens one day a year. With that said- kick back, relax and enjoy the game.

 

Jessica Fecteau is a  senior fashion, etiquette and apartment/dorm life writer and is a sophomore at Central Michigan University. Jessica loves fashion magazines, listening to indie/folk music and traveling to big cities.

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

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

Choose a theme

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

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

Get Organized

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

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

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

 Who’s attending?

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

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

Edibles and Drinkables

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

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

Location, Location, Location

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

You’re invited

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

Party Time

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

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

Here’s How to Throw Your First 2012 DIY Glitz Party!

Saying farewell to 2011 may have been difficult for some, but for you classy and optimistic CL readers, one digit change calls for a celebration! If sequins and glitter are some of your favorite things, get ready for a glimmer overload. When you arrive back to campus, round up your friends for a second new year celebration! 2012 is upon us–start the year off right with a few glamorous CL tips.

Decor

1. Balloons – Take a trip to your local Walmart or dollar store and you’re bound to find a pack of gold, silver, or black balloons. If not–and you’re really eager to have these matte-colored party accessories–anything, including balloons, can be ordered from online. Let’s hear it for Amazon.com!

2. Time For Shine - Since glitzy means turning up the notches on vibrancy, why not create a sequined tablecloth? Get a few yards of sequined fabric (or any kind of shimmery fabric for that matter) at a fabric store. It can be any color you’d like, but if you’re sticking with a gold, silver, and black theme, choose your color(s) wisely.  And try your best to not make a mess–this cloth should be saved for future reference!

3. Shimmery Leftovers – Don’t worry about getting a little carried away at the fabric store. The remaining sparkly material from step two can be used all over the rest of your apartment. Tack it up on your walls, cut out some holes and turn it into a shower curtain, or even fold it up horizontally and lay it along the top of your couch.

4. Come Prepared – Let your friends know that they’ll need to bring a champagne glass along with them. A tasty CL-tini can be poured into it later, but first, they’ll use a permanent marker to write any goals that they wish to accomplish this year. Inexpensive champagne glasses are sold at any dollar store, and permanent markers can be found at any store where art supplies are sold. To add some character to the glasses, stock up on some glitter glue and assorted craft materials such as feathers.

Dress Up

Put your most glittery heel forward at this glitzy party! Take a few style cues from the following classy ladies:

Need more DIY help? Read Debra’s article for more glitz party tips!

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.