Moving Out With Ease!

 

Moving out can be a hassle, especially if you don’t know what to expect! Whether you’re a move-out pro or a first time mover, here are some things to keep in mind to make things go as easily as possible.

Call in the Troops: Moving in or out by yourself can be a nightmare because it will take you a lot longer.  If you’re one of five, now is the time to recruit the little bro and sis to come help get your stuff. It will go so much faster if you’re not alone. No matter how small your room is, never underestimate how much stuff you really have. I know in my room, when I get all my stuff put in, it looks like I don’t have that much. But when it comes to moving out, I realize how much stuff I actually have, so make sure you get some extra hands to help you out!

 Take into Account Travel Distance: My family’s house is 20 minutes away from my dorm, so it really isn’t a problem if I throw stuff in a bag and pack it in the car. However, if you have a car or plane ride home, you need to make sure that however you pack your stuff is stable and secure. For example, don’t just put your left over cleaning supplies all in on box. You might want to tape them up so they don’t spill or contaminate anything else you might have in the same box. If you really feel like there isn’t any possible way to get all your stuff moved out, seek out a storage facility that can hold it for you. At the University of Delaware, local storage facilities offer student discounts so since it’s so common for students leave their dorm stuff there for the summer.

 Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: As an avid environmentalist, you know I couldn’t make a good moving post without reminding you to be an environmental steward. If you take your time packing time as a sort and clean up time simultaneously like I do, don’t just throw away stuff that can be recycled or given away. Make a pile of recycling stuff and stuff that can be given to those in need. Drop it off at a homeless shelter when you get home! It’s a nice gesture, and it’s an eco-friendly way to get rid of your stuff. Also, check to see if your local school has a move-out program- you might be able to make some extra cash for the stuff you can’t use anymore!

Moving out can is an exhausting experience, but it’s necessary, so get ready for a ride! One of the most important things about getting ready for a move is having a good night’s rest, so you’ll be able to move as quickly as possible. I hope you had a great semester and good luck with your move!

Photo via incareofdad.com

CL Loves Coola’s Organic Suncare Collection

Since I’ve begun my healthy skincare journey my bathroom countertop is filled with an assortment of drugstore and high-end products, which promise to smooth my skin, protect it from the sun, and keep it hydrated. I was convinced I couldn’t find a product that would help my dry skin, prevent the occasional breakouts, and be healthy for the environment at the same time. Then I found Coola: Organic Suncare Collection!

Their new collection of fabulous Environmental Repair Plus products features the Clear Recovery Foam Wash ($26), Fresh Relief Face Serum ($68), and Calm Glow Eye Gel ($56).

 

What I Love: I used Coola’s Clear Recovery Foam Wash twice a day for three weeks and every time my face felt refreshed and toned. The lavender scent was invigorating and the foam is gentle and lightweight. Next, the Fresh Face Serum is the perfect moisturizer! Seriously, usually after I moisturize I am left with unappealing small white flakes on my face after 10 minutes (my skin is that dry). However, Coola’s face serum leaves my skin firm without feeling tight and a little goes a long way. My mother instilled in me very early to start protecting the area around my eyes and I always put some sort of eye cream on. When I tried the Calm Glow Eye Gel, I noticed it helped reduce the puffiness around my eyes as a result from all the late nights up studying and I liked it was oil-free.

It’s Green: Coola makes all their products without  Paba, Paraben, Petroleum or Phthalate. They blend natural ingredients such as Japenese Seaweed, Willow Bark, Radish Root, Rose Flower Water, and Alfalfa Extract to protect the skin. Many of their products contain SPF also. These hypoallergenic products are enriched with vitamins, nutrients, and age-defying antioxidants. I just can’t get enough of this line. I feel like my pores are open and I can travel to a warm or cold climate without having to change my skincare routine (I just traveled to Texas, this is a fact ).

The products are a tad pricey but ladies this is an investment in clear glowing skin. Think about how much money you spend a year on trying out new products that you end up throwing out because they fail to meet your skincare needs. It’s rare to find a line like Coola and when you do, don’t let it pass you by.

I’ll be updating my skincare progress in one month and will be previewing Coola’s Mineral Sunscreen to help you gear up for summer!

 

Disclosure: A special thanks to Behrman Communications for sending College Lifestyles the Coola Environmental Repair Plus Line to help facilitate this review.

Amber Ferguson is a fashion/health intern at College Lifestyles (TM). She is a sophomore at Prince George’s Community College studying English. She’s obsessed with reality TV & loves traveling. Follow her on Twitter @Ms_AmberDawn.

CL Interview with José Alejandro Flores!

Here at CL, we really admire people who take initiative to save the world. Meet Mr. José Alejandro Flores, owner and creator of the eco-friendly VOS flip flops.  Mr. Alejandro took the time out to speak to us on his business and the heart warming story behind his humanitarian efforts.

CL Interview with José Alejandro Flores

Q: Here at CL we admire fashion statements that save the world! Out of everything VOS chose to sell, why flip flops?

 A: I was inspired to initially start with sandals during my extensive travels in Brazil and other South American countries more than a decade ago. I coupled this enlightenment with my lifelong humanitarian involvement in the realms of healthcare, education and the need for footwear amongst individuals which I was exposed to through the beautiful game of soccer and my world travels.

Q: What made you want to start such an inspirational product?

 A: Having the opportunity to travel the globe over, I have always been keen to noticing the array of humanitarian needs that are prevalent in

various regions of the world. The inspiration to integrate healthcare & education into our social initiative was born through my exposure to the need of the same in communities around the globe as a linguistic translator for medical teams and instructors which provide this attention to communities to raise their quality of life.

Q: Who is your hero, and why?

 A: My lifelong hero is one my grandfathers, Carlos Enrique Flores Gálvez. I had the blessing to live with him for more than 20 years growing up in a multi-generational environment. The endless storytelling occasions and life experiences which were shared and built during my adolescence lead to molding much of my core values and characteristics which I currently convey as an adult in my day-to-day life.

Q: How did you come up with the name VOS?

 A: The name VOS is an inspiration of a Spanish language expression used throughout the Central and South American regions of Latin America. In the aforementioned regions of the world, the word “vos” is used colloquially in many countries and it actually means “you” in the pronoun form. I was inspired to create a brand from this expression due to the fact that it is very easy to say across the gamut of languages and it represents so much more than a name, it represents “you” and “you” represent VOS.

Q: It looks like the VOS shoe is as close to sustainable as it comes. Not only are they recyclable, some of the proceeds go to people worldwide who can’t afford shoes. What else would you like VOS to do in the future?

 A: In addition to providing footwear to individuals worldwide who can’t afford shoes, we are already providing basic healthcare and education on the natural rubber plantations where the sustainable raw material is cultivated for VOS products.As for the future, VOS would like to further our humanitarian involvement in the realms of healthcare and education along with exploring other arenas in which a significant impact can be made positively to communities in need around the globe.

Q: With the whole Victoria secret scandal not too long ago, more people are looking for a high-quality socially responsible products. Do you think people are starting to care about the costs of the fashion industry, or is it just a passing fad?

 A: Yes, I do think that people are starting to care more and more about the costs of the fashion industry as our global community is becoming ever more interconnected. Every action in one region of the world creates counteractions in other regions of the world and in an era where extensive information is available at everyone’s fingertips through the Internet, conscience consumerism is here to stay. That’s why we at VOS say, “We don’t want to change your lifestyle, we want your lifestyle to help change the world.”

Q: What is the significance of your right step/left step initiative?

A:It is a dual step commitment that VOS has made to affordably help change the world though basic healthcare, footwear and education. We take the “left step” and go back to the natural rubber plantations where the sustainable raw material is sourced for VOS products, and provide the communities with basic healthcare and education. Then we take the “right step” and give a pair of shoes away to someone in need of footwear for every pair that we sell.

Q: What kind of impact do the FLIPS made with natural rubber have on the environment?

A: Natural rubber is a renewable raw material naturally produced by the Hevea Brasiliensis rubber tree. One of the unique aspects of natural rubber cultivation is that of its role as an important carbon sink due to the extra energy required to produce the latex inside the tree. In contrast to a synthetic rubber plant, which consumes energy and produces carbon dioxide to convert pure energy into elastomers, the natural rubber plant converts carbon dioxide into an elastomer.

Q: What type of facilities can allow you to recycle FLIPS?

 A: We designed a recycling program in conjunction with our partners at Soles4Souls, to provide close to 900 recycling bins across the U.S. where VOS products can readily be recycled. The venues range from shoe store locations to other brick-and-mortar options as the closest location to a U.S. resident can easily be found by a simple zip code query found on the VOS website or our partner’s site as well.

Q: And lastly, do you have any advice for a college student who wants to make the world a happier, greener place?

 Q: Yes, always remember, you may not be able to change the entire world, but you can definitely change the world around you.

Thanks Mr. Alejandro Flores for taking time out to talk to me about your amazing business! Please visit the VOS website

for more information about purchasing these amazing—and not to mention life-saving, pairs of shoes!

 

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.

 

Go ‘green’ in style: 5 products for your dorm/apartment

According to dosomething.org, “about 80% of what American’s throw away is recyclable, yet our recycling rate is only 28%”. CL encourages all classy ladies to join in on the going green with style. To make the transition into a ‘greener’ life, CL scoured the web for  cool, hip, and stylish products you can use around your dorm or apartment. All of these products are 100% handcrafted and made from recycled materials.

 

 

 

Recycled record bookends- The one thing you will find in every college dorm/apartment is textbooks (and lots of them). Instead of leaving those lying around and cluttering up your desk you can organize them with these vintage bookends.

Uncommongoods.com- set of 2 for $40

 

 

Recycled glass reed diffuser- These cool air fresheners are not just pretty to look at but come in delicious fragrances. Choose from cinnamon-vanilla, chai, cranberry-pear, cucumber-melon, ocean, plumeria, rose and lavender. They’re a little on the pricey side but each scent lasts approximately four to six months.

Uncommongoods.com- oils and reeds- $15 diffuser-$50

 

Record coasters- These unique drink coasters would be a great conversation starter for any music lover and would look pretty cool decorating your table. The disks are sealed to keep moisture out and come in a variety of vintage records.

Uncommongoods.com- set of 6 for $18

 

 

Recycled chopsticks lamp- This lamp is elegant, chic and just plain cute. While living in China, artist Bryan Parks decided he could do something different instead of wasting chopsticks. This accent piece can easily add gracefulness to any room whether it’s your dorm or apartment.

Greatrecycledgifts.com- $38

 

 

Recycled bike chain coat hooks- Remember when you were younger and every time you peddled too hard your bike chain would pop off? Someone taught that chain a lesson. These unique hangers offer you a great place to show off your trendy coat or cute new purse. You can choose from three words’ imagine’, ‘welcome’ or ‘peace’.

Planetonegifts.com- $39.95

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

Minyvonne Burke is a fashion and lifestyle writer for College Lifestyles ™. She graduated from Point Park University and is currently pursuing her master’s degree at Hofstra University. She loves online shopping, cute bags and NYC.

 

 

V-Day DIY Apartment Decor: Book Page Heart Wreath

With Valentine’s Day less than a week away, it’s time for crafty co-eds to spice up their apartment walls with some fun holiday decorations. For an easy and classy DIY project with great results, try this wreath made out of book pages, inspired by Flower Patch Farmgirl. Use this wreath to brighten up your front door, make a romantic centerpiece on a table, or give to your favorite bookworm!

 Materials:

An old book with thick pages (I got mine at Goodwill for $1.50)

Scissors

A Styrofoam wreath

Loaded hot glue gun

A heart-shaped paper punch (you can also cut out the hearts by hand, but this will take a lot more time)

Red or pink ribbon

 

Steps 

1. Cut enough strips of the book pages to wrap around the wreath completely.

2. Wrap the strips around the wreath, slightly overlapping. Fasten with hot glue in the back of the wreath.

3. Use the paper punch to punch hearts out of the book pages. The book I used had some black-and-white illustrations in it, which made really pretty hearts and added dimension to the wreath.

4. Lightly fold hearts in half to create a 3-D effect.

5. Glue the hearts to the wreath in different directions to get that shabby-chic look.

6. Cut a foot of ribbon and tie in a tight bow.

7. Glue the ends of the ribbon to the back of the wreath. Allow glue to dry and hang.

You can also make this wreath with hearts cut out of red or pink paper, magazine pages or newspaper. For more V-Day DIY ideas, try Debra’s dorm décor projects and be sure to check out CL’s V-Day Challenge!

Alexandra Esposito is an intern at College Lifestyles ™ and is excited to celebrate Valentine’s Day eating sushi with her boyfriend, Drew! She is senior studying journalism and film at the University of Kansas, a Copy Chief for the University Daily Kansan and the Secretary of Omega Phi Alpha at KU. In summer 2011, she interned with the editorial staff at Martha Stewart Weddings in New York City. 

Pin It

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

Why You Shouldn’t Live Without A Diet Full Of Lemons

Who would’ve thought that these yellow little fruits were so vital to human health! If you want to add something new to your beauty regimen, maintain  a better immune system, or even have healthier bones, lemons can do all of these things for you–keep reading to find out why.

That age-old saying “one fruit a day keeps the doctor away” may not literally apply to all the fruits in the spectrum, but it certainly goes for lemons–your body has a deep, undying devotion to them! This citrus is an all-natural cure, proven to aid in many of your physical dilemmas, from pesky pimples and acne to the common cold and various viruses. How’s that possible? It’s simple–they’re packed with all the things that your body can’t function at its best without: vitamin A, C, and P, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and a healthy dose of acid.

Skin

The astringent quality of lemon juice does wonders for your skin and “makes it an ideal exfoliator,” says acnehelpline.com. It clears away the dead skin that builds up and gets clogged inside of your pores and can revive and soften your skin after just one use. Just be mindful that the acidity will make your skin more sensitive after exfoliating. To alleviate the sensitivity, stay out of the sun after your treatment. For more protection and to avoid getting dry skin, apply sunscreen and a moisturizer after cleansing.

What to do:

• Rub a lemon slice onto the breakout(s), blackheads, and to dry skin. This may have to be done in the evening or multiple times before seeing an improvement.
• Soften your cuticles by placing them into a bowl of water mixed with lemon juice.
• Soak your feet in a lemon juice bath for relaxation and regained softness.

Body

Consuming lemon water in the morning is the best time to do so according to ehow.com. Because of the vitamin C, a daily bottle of lemon water is beneficial in helping your body fight bacterias and any other foreign organisms that try to attack your immune system. Other than making your teeth and skeletal bones stronger, lemon water also improves your digestion, restores your body’s pH balance, and can cure that cough that arises when your body meets the winter cold.

What to do:

• Slice up several pieces of lemon and drop it into your cup or bottle of water!

You can also get savvy with this fruit. Next time you shove your ice maker into your freezer, cut up a few lemon slices so that they freeze inside of the water. These lemon-cubes will make for a perfectly sweet addition to an ice cold drink. Let’s cheers to health, classy 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.

 

 

A Classy Guide to a Green Halloween

 

Wanna be green this Halloween? I’m not just talking about ghouls and goblins. There’s tons creative ways to make great costumes and decor with accessories in your closet—and recycle bin. Here’s three tips for a fun and eco-friendly Halloween!

1.Take a hard look at your wardrobe. Look through all your drawers, closets and hampers for plain colored shirts, hats or any other accessory that might lend itself to a  costume. The comfiest costumes are made from items you probably already own. For example, this simple pirate costume is nothing more than a striped blouse, white skirt, and snazzy belt. Any black hat and pair of boots would complete this pirate look!

2.Go Second-Hand Shopping. If there’s a thrift shop nearby, you’re in luck! For those of you who aren’t sure what I mean, I’m talking about a store that sells used items. If you’re someone who’s been reluctant to buy second-hand clothes, just know a lot of timesthrift stores have some great quality pieces- you just have to know what you’re looking for! It’s a great excuse to go shopping and hang out with the girls—and you’ll be surprised how much money you’ll have left in your pocketbook. No thrift shop nearby? Organize a costume swap with you and your friends. Maybe you’ll get a hold of that sassy maid costume you’ve been looking for!

3. Never under estimate the power of a paper bag. Or plastic bottle for that matter. Don’t be afraid to get creative with plastic, paper, or any other recyclable. Check out these eco-friendly costumes. My personal favorite is the bat made from recycled umbrellas. Need décor ideas for a party? These adorable decorations from Green Your Décor are to-die-for. What can you do with a paper bag? The possibilities are endless!

 

Halloween is a fun time to dress up and have fun with friends. Be safe, have fun—and most of all– be green!

 

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

I Bet You Didn’t Know This About Eco-Friendly Fashion

Urban Renewal (Urban Outfitters): If you combine Urban Outfitters style, the city of Philadelphia and sustainable thinking, the outcome is the eco-friendly brand, Urban Renewal. Urban Outfitters finds deadstock, vintage, and surplus materials from around the world and then makes one-of-a-kind pieces right here in America. There are many different silhouettes of the same item but none are made out of the same material, so hurry because everything is limited!

Ascension Eco Fashion: Ascension is a sustainable and fair trade online fashion boutique based in the UK. It’s cool because it will ship anywhere in the world and transfer your prices from pounds to dollars (so you don’t have to figure out those awful exchange rates yourself.) The best part about Ascension though is the clothes you purchase from the website come from India, Nepal, Turkey and Columbia and are all ethically produced. Not many clothing companies can compete with that.

Kind Clothing Boutique: Kind is fairly new to the online scene of eco-friendly fashion boutiques, but what it lacks in experience it makes up for in creativity. All clothing is sustainable in style and design, not to mention beautiful. Kind also sells eco-friendly home decorations and paper products so there’s definitely something for everyone. They are just getting started so you may have to be patient with website changes but while you’re waiting, check out their blog! It gives advice on fashion, do it yourself projects, and shares funny videos. How’s that for procrastination?

CL’s Simple Ways to Green Your Beauty Routine

Save the environment! But how? Transform yourself into an eco chick by greening your beauty routine with these four simple steps.

1.Recycling isn’t just for cans and bottles – makeup containers can be recycled too. Origins will recycle any cosmetics containers regardless of the brand. MAC will even give you a free lipstick, as long as you return six empty MAC containers. Some makeup companies go farther – Aveda collects and reuses bottle cap, which can’t be recycled in most places in the United States. Even if you can’t get to any of these stores, review the recycling guidelines in your city to see what containers you can recycle at home. Want to do more? Try buying from environmentally progressive makeup companies, like LUSH. LUSH sells unwrapped soap and shampoo bars, so you can bring and reuse your own containers.

2. Avoid products tested on animals. Each year, animals die so that what you put on your face is ‘safe.’ But there are plenty of humane ways to ensure safety – just ask the European Union, which banned animal-tested cosmetics products in 2009 (with certain exceptions). There are plenty of well-known companies that don’t test on animals, such as Tarte and Urban Decay. For a more complete list, check out this link.

3. Think your makeup is safe? Think again. There is no regulatory body that approves what chemicals go into your makeup, so you might be putting carcinogens and other toxins on your face each morning. The best way to avoid these risks is to educate yourself. The Environmental Working Group has a great guide here to the chemicals you should be watching out for.

4. The simplest way to be more environmentally friendly is to buy less stuff. But if you’re a beauty junkie, this is easier said than done. Get your fix and improve the environment by trying your hand at DIY beauty. Lip glosses are cheap and easy to make. Find instructions here.

What are some ways you green your beauty routine? Let us know in the comments!

Next Page »