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.

 

The Editors Closet: Come on In!

Hello Classy Ladies!

Even though this winter has been mild, I am itching for the cool wind to shift to warm breezes.  I am ready for the sun to shine and longer days!  Let’s face it, I am ready for a change!

While most folks despise change, I happen to embrace change.  I believe change helps us grow personally and professionally.

College Lifestyles is undergoing huge changes in the next 3 months, and we want you, our incredible readers to be on board.

We are going to give you a ‘peak’ inside our offices, closets, kitchens, sororities, and spaces!  As you would tell a friend at the door, we want you to ‘Come On In!’

 We are excited to bring you:

•  The Interns Closet:  Learn what the College Lifestyles fashionistas wear to class, dates, sorority functions, and while out on the town.
• The Interns Kitchen:  We show you our favorite recipes, food products, and work out routines.
• Inside Our Sorority/Our Letters:  We take you on a tour of not only our own sororities, but interview various sororities across the nation on their events, recruitment, and sisterhood projects.  In addition, we give you our own stories of big/lil and bid day.
•  Intern Space:  We take you on a tour of our dorms, apartments, and homes.
•  The Editors Closet:  I will take you on a tour of my life.  My cooking, fashion sense, shopping style, favorite reads, and even a few pictures of my daughter will be included!

Mainly, as a friend, we want you to comment and let us know if you will try our outfit, cook our dish, and organize your dorm as we do.

Friends, Come on in!

xo..Shelly

Shelly Marie Redmond, MS, RD, LDN is the Editor in Chief of College Lifestyles.  She is excited to share her LOVE of shopping at thrift stores, her book collection, and her favorite meals!!!  Mainly, she is excited to share the love and pics of her ‘Meemsdabooboo!’

 

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.

 

 

CL’s V-Day Dorm Decor

Halloween, Christmas…those holidays are both easy to decorate. How can a co-ed dress up her dorm for Valentine’s Day? Let CL gives you a few ideas!

Classy

For a classy theme, use the classic colors: pink, purple, black, white, and anything sparkly!

Hearts – Cut hearts out of construction paper. You can hang these hearts up, but what you really want is the paper you cut out. Layer it over another piece, and soon you’ll have a classy cut-out to hang or tape to your dorm wall, cover your dorm door, similar to how you wrap your door with wrapping paper at Christmas, or  wrap a present for your special someone!

Cupids – Cut two little cupids out of construction paper. When you glue the paper cut-outs onto another piece of construction paper, place the cupids’ arrows so they face inward, and write a message in between them.

CL Quick Tip – red roses add always add touch of class – buy fake ones from your local dollar store!

Cute

For this theme, use bright, popping colors!

Hearts – Cut out hearts from bright colored paper. On each one, write a saying, just like one you would read on an actual candy heart! Use the cut-out paper to decorate your desk.

CL Quick Tip – for colors that really pop, use neon flash cards!

Cupids – Cut out two cupids and glue them, but have them point their arrows in the same direction. On the paper, write “Cupid Crossing!”

Hot

For a spicier theme, use dramatic colors, like red and black, and dramatic shapes!

Hearts – Attach hearts to long strips of paper, so they look similar to music notes. Tape them your door along with a sign that reads “Heartbreak Hotel” – like the Elvis song!

V-Day Tic-Tac-Toe – Use classic V-Day shapes (hearts, lips, Xs, and Os) and turn them into a fun tic-tac-toe board! Use the cut-out paper to decorate your desk.

CL Quick Tip – challenge your friends to V-Day Tic-Tac-Toe. Winner gets all of the candy!

Debra Schreiber is a Senior CL Writer, and a senior at Duquesne University where she studies journalism and Spanish. She loves the cute theme – especially the candy hearts!

CL’s Guide to Planning a Cupcake Party

 

With so many upcoming holidays (Valentine’s Day, Saint Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, and this CL intern’s birthday, to name a few), what classy co-ed doesn’t need a theme? A simple, cost-effective way to celebrate these holidays with your friends is a cupcake party. Cupcakes can be decorated in any way, making them an ideal palette for any celebration. Also, cupcakes can be made in a dorm or apartment without an oven! Let CL show you how.

Step One: Oven or no oven.

If you have an oven in your dorm/apartment, you’re already set. If not, you have  some options. You could go to your local bakery and request un-iced cupcakes. Or, you could by a cupcake maker.

These snazzy little devices make miniature cupcakes, and can be bought at local stores like Target (this CL intern has one and loves it!). You could also request that your friends bring un-iced cupcakes with them.

Step Two: Bakin’ the cakes.

Make the cupcakes about one hour before your guests arrive. This will give the cupcakes  time to cool, which needs to happen so that the icing will not melt while your guests  frost and decorate them. You can either make the cupcakes from scratch or buy mixes from your local grocery store (this CL intern loves Duncan Hines and Betty Crocker). Make sure to make or buy a variety of flavors (i.e. chocolate, vanilla, white, marble). If you make mini cupcakes, set a dozen on each guest’s plate. If the cupakes are of regular size, set a half dozen on each guest’s plate.

Step Three: Icing technology.

Just like with the cupcakes, you can make or buy the icing, and you should make or buy it in more than one flavor (i.e. chocolate, vanilla, orange chocolate, almond, anise). To make the icing different colors, you could use food coloring, but be warned that this will dilute the icing, making it runny and difficult to work with. To avoid this outcome, buy Wilton’s icing colors (which this CL intern recommends, along with anything else Wilton!). These will produce strong colors and not make your icing runny. Wilton’s products can be found at arts and crafts stores like Michaels.

Make the icing colors according to the holiday or event you are celebrating. Then, place the icings into separate bowls in the center of the table – don’t forget to label the flavored icings!

Make sure that you have good spatulas for your guests to spread the icings with. To decorate, you can either use plastic bags, by filling them with icing and then cutting off the bottom points on one side of the bags, or icing bags (another great Wilton’s product). These icing bags will allow your guests to use a variety of icing tips to create patterns and make flowers for their cupcakes. Leave one icing bag out next to each icing bowl.

Step Four: Other toppings, for your consideration.

You can also purchase pre-made sugar flowers for some flair. Sprinkles are always classic. Other topping ideas are edible glitter, cinnamon drops, nonpareils or sugar pearls. In addition to these, you can also put festive figures or symbols on top, as shown below.

Leave these out in small bowls for your guests to use as well.

After these first four steps, you are ready for your friends to come over and create some amazing cupcakes!

Step Five: Cupcake favors.

Allow your guests to take their cupcakes home. Set aside a cupcake box for each guest with their name on it.

Debra Schreiber, a CL senior writer and Duquesne University senior journalism and Spanish major, has fond memories of baking chocolate chip cookies with father growing up. She believes this led to her passion for all things baking. She has most recently taken cake decorating classes at Giant Eagle Market District, Robinson location, and hopes someday to open her own bakery.

3 Ways to Make Extra Cash–Easily!

This time of the year is full of through-the-roof expenses. Paying for books, buying food to fill your fridge, and the inability to resist endless clothing and shoe sales has left some classy CL co-eds with a less than bountiful wallet. If your down to your last dollar and are unemployed, don’t hyperventilate just yet. Keep reading for a few clever tips that’ll keep your money flowing.

Turn A Hobby Into A Profit –  What’s better than being paid for doing what you love? If you’re one of those people who is constantly told that you do something well, use your talent for what it’s worth. Rather than only painting for fun, show your work to friends and family, unleash your inner salesperson and convince them that your masterpiece is worth purchasing. Or, you can start off your impromptu business by giving away your pieces for free–it’ll give your acquaintances more incentive to pay $1 or $2 next time.

You can even pick up a profitable hobby, such as jewelry making or knitting. Visit etsy.com to see how tons of creative people use their savvy brains to bring home the bacon.

Sell What You Don’t Want — Although America is currently being pressed with the issue of our government blocking certain websites (read about SOPA and PIPA via Google), the internet still offers a vast amount of sites to help you sell your aging items. Believe it or not, someone is on a desperate hunt for that dusty bookcase that’s been sitting in your room at home. Whether it’s clothing or old stuffed animals, if you don’t need it, get rid of it! Use Amazon, Ebay, or take your belongings to a consignment store such as Plato’s Closet. It’ll clean up your physical space, free up your mental space, and you’ll have more money in your wallet space!

Get Paid For Being An Intelligent Co-ed — Friends tutor friends for free all the time, but if you can rack up a few extra dollars by becoming a paid tutor, go for it! Stop by your campus library and see if they’re in need of students for tutoring services. If they are, you’re in good shape! If not, you might have to improvise. Vocalize that you are capable of re-teaching a subject to students in need in any way that you can: flyers, making announcements before or after classes, via Facebook, Twitter, hinting at it while in conversation… You get the idea! See what happens when you advertise your skill (consider charging $1 for the first session) and wait for the hopefully positive turnout!

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.

 

CL How To: Organize a Study Space in Your Dorm/Apartment

Do you find yourself sitting in your bed doing your homework?  Do you go to the library with a bunch of friends and leave realizing not much was accomplished?  Having your own study space has a direct influence on your grades.  We often sit down with a bunch of friends are “try” to study, ignoring the distractions around us.  Like many people, I often sat in front of my television and thought that I could get my homework done or study for that big final.  Eliminating those distractions and forming your own study space should be a task on your list when moving into your dorm or apartment.

Things to consider having in your study space

• Desk or a table and chair
• Computer/laptop
• Calendar for assignments and to organize schedules
• Bookshelves or hanging separators
• Accessories: papers, folder, pencils and pens, highlighters, scissors, tape, stapler, glue, colored pencils, and markers

Assembling your own study space can be quite simple even if you are working with a small amount of room.  Adjust your living quarters to reflect your style and comfort.  In your dorm or apartment section off a space strictly for your homework and studying.  Don’t use your desk as a place to put your clothes so you don’t have to put them away!  Set up your desk as an ample place to complete your work.

Avoid distractions in your study space.  Place your desk so its facing the opposite direction of the television or make it an effort to not have the television on when doing your work.  Try and avoid music that you feel like you will sing to well trying to study.  Music often helps people as background noise but try and keep it to a minimum.

Check out Meaghan O’s article on desk organization for tips on setting up your space!

Stephanie Coppola is an intern at College Lifestyles ™.  She is a graduate student at Quinnipiac University studying Interactive Communications.  She has a specific spot set up in her apartment to do her work!

CL Asks Classy Co-eds – What are Your Favorite Kid Movies?

Looking for a fun night with friends, family, or sorority sisters? Try a classic kiddie movie night, with these suggestions from co-eds like you.

 

“Peter Pan.” Not the cartoon. 2003 version with Jeremy Sumpter – Anissa Gilbert, Duquesne University, junior ISM and marketing major.

“The Princess Bride” and “My Neighbor Totoro.” – Gabrielle Tomasko, Duquesne University, integrated marketing communications and digital media arts major.

“A Little Princess.”  – Kelsey Daugherty, Duquesne University, senior, nursing.

“Aladdin.” – Michelle Lawrence, Duquesne University, senior, nursing.

“Sleepover.” – Sarah Williams, Duquesne University, sophomore psychology major.

“The Little Mermaid.” – Leanne Gallaway, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, senior photography major.

“The Nightmare Before Christmas.” – Brooke Mendoff, Duquesne University, sophomore public relations/advertising and broadcast journalism major.

“Lion King.” – Alycia Washington, Duquesne University graduate, public relations and advertising degree.

“Despicable Me.” – Liz DeCarlo, Duquesne University, sophomore physics and modern languages major.

“Homeward Bound.” – Lauren Pitzer, Duquesne University, sophomore psychology major.

“Beauty and the Beast.” – Ellen Dimmick, Duquesne University, sophomore history major.

“Christmas Eve on Sesame Street.” – Elena LaQuatra, Point Park University, sophomore TV broadcast major.

“The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.” – Amy Kerlin, Duquesne University, sophomore political science and communications major.

 

Debra Schreiber is a returning CL intern from summer 2011. Her favorite kid movies include “How to Train Your Dragon,” “Ratatouille” and “The Pebble and the Penguin.”

 

Welcome Back, Tiana Blue: A Returning CL Intern

Name: Tiana Blue

School: Penn State proud!

Major: Communications, with a print journalism focus. I will be minoring in Women’s Studies.

Year in studies: I’m a Sophomore, but the time is just flying by.

I have been a College Lifestyles intern since: August 2011 and its been four of the most dynamic months of my life.

Organizational Involvement: I am the Letter Writing captain for Altoona Benefiting THON and the Marketing Manager/Publicity chair for Penn State Altoona’s Red Cross Club.

Pets: Sadly, I’ve never had any.

My friends would say I am: Tall (go figure), optimistic, determined, and easy to talk to!

Astrological sign: A notoriously intense Scorpio.

My personal style is: This is always a tough question for me to answer. I’m going to go with “effortless” because I let my minds eye pick out my clothes. I gravitate toward items that immediately pop into my head and simply hope that it goes together (and it usually does!)

Favorite clothing stores: Any types of vintage or thrift stores and Urban Outfitters, which I have loved since I was in junior high school!

Favorite movie: Kill Bill Vol. 1 by Quentin Tarantino.

Favorite book/author: My favorite book is “Trust Your Vibes” by Sonia Choquette. It taught me an incredible amount of things concerning myself and the world at large. I would suggest everyone read this book. My favorite author is Mitch Albom; he’s one of the few authors that makes me enjoy reading fiction.

Favorite quote: ”Insecurity rents every room it walks into, confidence owns them.”

My screensaver is: Having to answer this question made me realize that I didn’t have one! Now, I’ve got some pretty cool bubbles floating across my screen.

On my iPod you will find: Well, technically nothing–I had to delete all of my music due to a virus! But once I start building up my iPod to what it was before, it would have a ton of Amy Winehouse, Phantogram, Old School Hip Hop, and more abstract sounds like D.I.M and Flying Lotus.

Must-have beauty product: “Ultimate Herbal Oil” by Africa’s Best. If your hair is on the drier side (whether that’s naturally or due to what you put your hair through on a daily basis), this product is chock full of natural oils and extracts such as Soybean and Sage–and it’s under $10 at Walmart!

I have a slight obsession with: My planner. I take it with me everywhere. I was once told that my planner makes it obvious that I’m an artist because of all of the colors and designs you can find on every page. It’s also bright pink and sports a College Lifestyles sticker on the front–best combo.

I dislike: Intolerant, forceful, and unmotivated people.

Last movie I watched: 300 by Zack Snyder.

Last book I read: “Trust Your Vibes” by Sonia Choquette.

My definition of a classy co-ed: A woman that knows who she is each and every day. She lives without too rigid of a plan, allowing life to take its course. She’s confident, but isn’t afraid to ask for help. She’s determined, but knows how to enjoy life. She’s driven toward short and long term goals and strives to be great at what she’s best at–I am a classy co-ed!

Why I am excited about being an intern with College Lifestyles: College Lifestyles has taught me so much in these past couple of months even outside of my writing duties. I’ve never known more about PR in my life! I’m ecstatic to see where CL goes from here–we’re aiming beyond the stars.

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.

CL’s DIY Food Gifts

Have a friend or family member who’s a foodie? Still need a gift for them? Then make your own food gift for them by choosing one of these simple DIY food gift ideas.

Ingredient gifts are the easiest to make – just grab a jar!

Try this cookie in a jar recipe from allrecipes.com.

1/2 cup white chocolate chips

1/2 cup crispy rice cereal

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup white sugar

 “In a 1 quart jar, layer the ingredients in the order listed. Pack down firmly after each addition.

“Attach a tag with the following instructions: Cookie in a Jar 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). 2. In a large bowl, cream 1/2 cup margarine until light and fluffy. Mix in 1 egg and 2 tablespoons water. Add the entire contents of the jar, and stir until well blended. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet. 3. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in preheated oven. Remove from baking sheets to cool on wire racks.”

Does your foodie love hot cocoa? Then try cocoa in a jar from Nestle® Meals!

6 cups NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Instant Nonfat Dry Milk

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Baking Cocoa

1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows, (optional)

“COMBINE dry milk, sugar, cocoa and marshmallows in large bowl. Pour into 2-quart jar or tall container. Seal with lid and decorate with fabric and ribbon.

“RECIPE TO ATTACH:
Measure 1/2 cup cocoa mix into mug. Stir in 1 cup hot water or milk. Makes 12 servings.

“VARIATION USING PINT JAR:
1 1/2 cups NESTLÉ CARNATION Nonfat Dry Milk
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons NESTLÉ TOLL HOUSE Baking Cocoa
1/2 cup miniature marshmallows (optional)

“RECIPE TO ATTACH:
Measure 1/2 cup cocoa mix into mug. Stir in 1 cup hot water or milk. Makes 4 servings.”

Cookbook gifts add some knowledge to your food gift.

Buy your foodie a cookbook, preferably a baking one, and wrap it. Then, buy the ingredients for one of the recipes and turn them into an ingredient gift, or just buy  the most prevelent ingredient in the recipe, for example, flour, and put it into a festive bag. Or, make one of the recipes, put it in some tupperware and tie a bow on top!

Food baskets also make amazing gifts.

Instead of ordering a food basket online, create one of your own, specifically for the person you’re gifting. Try making a theme basket, full of the food they love. Do they love coffee? Try assorted coffee, hot cocoa and tea packets. Chocolate? Throw together a basket full of different flavors, percentages of cocoa and brands. Do they need food for their dorm room? Make a care package they can take back with them. Do they like watching movies? Make a movie-themed basket full of popcorn and assorted movie candies.

 

Want to really dress up your food gift? Then check out Tiana’s DIY Christmas gift wrapping tips.

 

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.

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