How Do You Enjoy Summer?

Summer is a great time to relax by the pool with something cool to drink but often it seems we end up sitting on the computer. Sure the days are usually beautiful, but it can be hard if your friends are busy and schedules don’t match up. If you’re at a loss for something fun to do this summer check out what some of my friends will be doing. I also asked about their favorite snacks and drinks to keep their energy up. I hope they inspire you to have a great summer adventure too!

Ladies say:

“I like to go hiking and walking along the beach if I can go. I love lemonade and chocolate chip cookies.” -Annika, 22

“Road tripping somewhere random like a historic landmark or nature reserve. I like a cool glass of pink lemonade and a Welsh Rarebit (that’s melted cheese poured over an open faced BLT!).” – Stefanie, 19

“I like going swimming. My favourite summer drink is sun tea and fried zucchini covered in Italian bread crumbs is a great snack.”-Kat, 21

“I like horseback riding. Water or unsweetened iced tea and coffee is always necessary.”-Lindsey, 20

“I love canoeing and fishing in the lake near my house with my Dad. As for my favorite snack and drink I love drinking fresh squeezed lemonade and eating hot dogs on the grill “-Nikki, 20

 

Gentlemen say:

“I like practicing martial arts when it’s nice out, and I’m just addicted to Arizona tea”- Corwin, 19

“Hiking and exploring are some of my favourite things to do. I like to keep cool with lemonade.” -Emile, 21

“During the summer I love to go swimming. I also enjoy a cold beer.” -Clayton, 26

“I like rock climbing and smoothies” – Ethan, 18

“I love hikes in the morning and then just walking around outside to look at the fireflies and my favorite summer food are spinach salads with all sorts of fresh fruits and berries mixed in.” – Cole, 21

“I love playing Frisbee with pets, and my favourite drink is water”- Joshua, 19

 

 

What kinds of fabulous fun do you have over summer break? As for me there’s nothing like exploring the DC waterfront or seashore with a cool, fresh glass of iced Earl Grey or an iced coffee. (Check out fellow intern Shanae’s article on Top Ten Summer Fashion Trends for what to wear no matter what you do!) It’s easy to find yourself bogged down with summer jobs, internships, and summer classes but don’t forget to make some time to get outside and always wear sunscreen!

 

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Jessica is a Health & Fashion Writer at College Lifestyles (TM). She is currently pursuing studies and a career in health policy. She likes running, looks forward to finishing her summer reading list, and hopes to fit in some much needed pool time!

Meet A CL Contributor and NYC Summer Intern, Meaghan O’Connor!

Name: Meaghan O’Connor

Position: Contributor (I’ll be writing about my experience as an NYC intern at Food Network Magazine this summer!)

University: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Major: Communication Studies

Organizational Involvement: Alpha Chi Omega

Pets: Maltese/Shih-Tzu Puppy (Addie)

Nickname: Meg Taylor

Dream Job: Editor-In-Chief of a Hearst Magazine or PR Professional for Hearst Corporation

Favorite color: Pale Purple

Favorite candy: Peanut Butter M & M’s

Favorite movie: No Strings Attached

Favorite cuisine: Any Breakfast Food (Oatmeal, Greek Yogurt, Muffins, Blueberry Pancakes)

Favorite season: Fall

Coffee vs Tea: Definitely coffee; I share an entire pot with my mom while I’m at home!

PC vs Mac: I don’t think I’d be a functional college student without my MacBook Pro.

Coke vs Pepsi: Diet Coke

Stripes vs Polka Dots: Polka Dots are my summer staple!

3 words to describe me: Organized, Conscientious and Focused

3 words to describe my style: Simple, Clean and Sophisticated

You will find on my desk: My computer, pens/pencils, my Lilly Pulitzer planner and lots of picture frames

You will find on my DVR/Tivo: Grey’s Anatomy, Gossip Girl and The Bachelorette

You will find on my iPod: Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts and Taylor Swift

You will find in my refrigerator: Yogurt, Apples and a Tub of Cookie Dough

I have a slight obsession with: My iPhone and Instagram

I dislike: When people break their promises.

My friends would say I am: Driven and passionate about achieving my dreams.

I am most happy when: I’m home with family for the holidays.

Most people are surprised to know I: Have never read the Harry Potter Series.

A classy co-ed is: A college student learning that it’s okay to be comfortable in your own unique skin…and also realizing that real life is just around the corner.

Meaghan O’Connor is a Communication Studies Major at the University of Michigan who would rather be at Starbucks or Barnes and Noble reading magazines than anywhere else. She’s excited to be spending the summer as a CL contributor and Intern at Food Network Magazine in NYC. You can follow my day to day adventures on my personal blog.

Meet CL Intern Kacie Sanderson!

Name: Kacie Sanderson

Position: Health and Living Writer

University: Michigan State University, Go Green!

Organizational Involvement: Michigan State University Food and Nutrition Association

Pets: Three Cats- Lily, Mila, and Rocky

Nickname: Kac or Liz (my middle name is Elizabeth so my sister calls me Liz)

Dream Job: Researching nutrition and dietetics, working with diabetes patients, or starting my own nutrition counseling  service

Favorite color: Purple and Turquoise

Favorite candy: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups

Favorite movie: Transformers or Footloose(1984 and 2011)

Favorite cuisine:Italian and Mexican

Favorite season: Fall

Coffee vs Tea : Coffee

PC vs Mac: PC

Coke vs Pepsi: Coke

Stripes vs Polka Dots: Stripes, but I love my polka dot TOMS!

 

3 words to describe me: Friendly, Creative, Athletic

3 words to describe my style: Layed Back, Colorful, Girly

 

You will find on my desk: Computer, Coffee Cup, Books, iPhone

You will find on my DVR/Tivo: Glee, Vampire Diaries, Pretty Little Liars

You will find on my Ipod: Country, Folk/Indie, Alternative Rock, Hip Hop

You will find in my refrigerator: Lots of Fruits and Veggies,Coffee Creamer, Salsa, Arizona Iced Tea

 

I am have a slight obsession with:  Bigby Coffee ( pumpkin spice latte)

I dislike: Disrespectful people

 

My friends would say I am: Honest, Loyal, Caring, and Thoughtful

I am most happy when: I am with my family and friends

Most people are surprised to know I: I have been dating my amazing boyfriend for over three years!

 

A classy co-ed is: Confident , respectful, presentable, intelligent, friendly, and unique. They represent themselves and things they stand for in a positive way. They have a positive influence on their community and school, and they always strive to be the best person they can be!

 

 

Kacie Sanderson, Health and Living Writer at College Lifestyles. She loves healthy food, coffee, magazines, the Spartans, and the beach!

The Intern Dish: My Marathon Story

At the beginning of this year, I had set the goal for myself to run a marathon. I had already raced in several 5Ks, a 10K, and trained for (but was too injured to race) a half marathon. So, naturally, the next step was to jump into the great big pool that is the marathon. 26.2 miles of mental and physical toughness and hours on your feet. January 2 was my starting date and for the next 16 weeks I dedicated myself heart and soul to my training schedule, which was a combination of plans from Runner’s World magazine, running blogs, and a name that is synonymous with running, Hal Higdon. Throughout my nearly 4 months of training, I never missed one workout or run, and I came to learn a lot about running, life, nutrition, and fitness:

- Choosing the right race can be just as important as choosing the right training plan. I chose the Lansing Marathon because it’s local (literally right down the street from Michigan State University), and fairly small. Some people like the excitement of running with 15,000 other runners and spectators along every square inch of the route, but it’s all up to you! Also, this was an inaugural race, which can make some people worry, so you may want to look into a more established race like Chicago, Detroit Free Press, or any of the Rock n’ Roll marathons held around the country.

- Do more than just run. Yes, it is important to get all of those miles under your belt/feet, but cross-training and strength training are equally important. I did full-body lifting 2-3 times a week and rode a bike 2 times a week in addition to running 5 days a week.

- If you’re just hoping to finish, then focus more on the time spent on your feet than on the total mileage. I went in with a specific finishing time in mind (which I met!) and so incorporated speed workouts and interval runs into my plan. I also did easy runs twice a week and one long run each week to build endurance.

- Chances are, you won’t be running a full 26.2 miles at once before your race… and that’s OK. The longest training run I had was 21 miles and that’s proof positive that you can do it even if you have never run that distance before. That’s not to say that it won’t be hard, but half of endurance running is the battle going on in your mind. By that time, your mind will have to be stronger than your body to keep you motivated and moving forward.

- Don’t be afraid to walk. I intentionally went into the race with a run/walk plan that I had been following on every training run. Even with walking, I still met my goal time, which just goes to show that you do not have to run the entire way in order to race. Your running muscles will thank and reward you for giving them a little break and letting your walking muscles take over.

- NOTHING new on race day. Clothes, fuel, shoes, water timing, should all ideally by the same on race day as it was in your training. I wore shoes that had a couple hundred miles on them, but still far from needing to be retired and clothes that kept me warm and had been worn before with no problems. I also carried a handheld water bottle with me and brought my own Gatorade G2 mix with me so that I was getting carbs while I run. You will have to ingest calories in some form for a race this long. I have a sensitive stomach, but many other use gels, beans, and chews for energy while running.

- If you can, get family members to come and stand along the 17-20 mile mark. This is when many runners experience what is called “hitting the wall”. The glycogen stores in your body are depleted and muscles are starting to ache. Having a cheerleading team right when you need them will help motivate you to finish up the last few miles. I brought a cell phone with me and sent my family text messages with my mileage so that they knew where I was and when to expect me to cross the finish line.

- Expect the unexpected. No matter what you do or how much you plan, know that there are things that you cannot plan for. Number one being Mother Nature in all her glory. There was intense wind blowing all of the runners back for my race and there’s just nothing you can do to prevent that, so try and train in all conditions: rain, snow, heat, cold.

- It is worth it. I cannot adequately express the emotions that came over me when I finally sprinted across the finish line and received my medal. When you finish, I can only compare it to feeling like you belong to something bigger than yourself, and having both of my parents there to see me finish was the icing on the cake.

If you have ever thought that you can’t complete a marathon, stop thinking that. Start with a 5K, then a 10K, then a half marathon, and then a full marathon. You don’t have to run the entire thing and you don’t have to do it alone. Find a friend or a group of friends and train together. Just remember, don’t ever compare yourself to anyone but yourself. Fast for you may not be fast for someone else, and that’s OK! Only 1% of Americans can say that they are a marathoner, and now so can I.

You can read my race recap on my blog here and check out my training plan with weekly updates.

Run classy.

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Ellen Ratliff is a Senior Health Writer at College Lifestyles ™. She is a junior at Michigan State University, majoring in Dietetics with a specialization in Health Promotions. She completed her first marathon in 4:05 and plans on running in several half marathons later this year.

 

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Intern Kitchen: Speedy Chicken Stir-fry

As an intern who is always on-the-go, I prefer my meals that are quick, easy and filling. After getting bored with my grilled chicken salad routine, I decided to spice things up and add a different sort of veggies with my meat choice.

I created my own healthy version of chicken stir-fry with rice. It’s the perfect meal for in between classes as lunch or dinner.  If you’re a lover of Chinese cuisine, check out how to make it below in less than 15 minutes.

 

 

 

You will need:

1 chicken breast

1 c. instant brown rice

bag of frozen stir-fry veggies

salt & pepper

basil

grated parmesan cheese

italian dressing

 

Directions: 

Cook the chicken breast on medium heat. Sprinkle salt, pepper and basil on it while it is cooking. While the chicken is cooking, microwave a bowl of instant brown rice. When the chicken is near being done, pour the bag of stir-fry veggies in the pan and cook it around the chicken. After the chicken is fully cooked, and the veggies are tender, add them to the brown rice. Top with a little bit of italian dressing and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. You’re ready to eat! This meal is also perfect for creating the night before work or a long day at school.

 

What is your favorite on-the-go meal? Check out more of our Intern Kitchen favorites for time-saving and healthy recipes!  

 

 

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.

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Intern Kitchen – Mexican Chocolate Popcorn Balls

Food Network has great snack recipes that are easily adaptable to be gluten free/dairy free! The other day, I came across some great popcorn recipes and I thought HEY! I’ll do a little popcorn series! It first started with the Peanut Maple Popcorn. Today – Mexican Chocolate Popcorn Balls! Movie night snacks will never be the same!

Mexican Chocolate Popcorn Balls

Adapted from Food Network.com

Making these will be sticky but worth it! The mix of chocolate and spices is great!

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 2 tablespoons vegan butter (Earth Balance)
• 1 cupconfectioners’ sugar
• 2 cups mini marshmallows
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (Hershey’s is great – you can use Toll House as well but I like Hershey’s cocoa powder way better)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt.
• 12 cups popcorn – popped (I suggest using a natural or light butter popcorn or even Kettle corn (my personal favorite) )
• Cinnamon Sugar for rolling

1. Bring corn syrup, butter, sugar, 1 cup mini marshmallows, cocoa powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and cayenne pepper, and water to a boil in a large pot over medium heat, stirring.
2. Add vanilla and a pinch of salt.
3. Remove from the heat; using a rubber spatula, stir in popcorn and 1 more cup of mini marshmallows.
4. Now for the fun and sticky part – yes it will be sticky! Butter your hands, and shape mixture into balls.
5. Roll formed balls in cinnamon sugar.

Who said popcorn balls were boring!?! ENJOY!

Kwegyirba Croffie is a freelance Associate Producer at News 12 Connecticut and a Special Events/Event Planning and Social Media Intern at College Lifestyles (TM). She is a Quinnipiac University alumni and a sister of Alpha Delta Pi. She enjoy cupcakes,Broadway musicals, Forever 21 ,giraffes, peacock feathers, orchids, lillies and anything Disney. You can check out more recipes on her blog TwentyOne No Gluten

CL’s 5 Stay Fit in Summer Tips

By: Katie O’Brien

 

Accompanied with the bliss of summer heat is the daunting thought of short shorts, swimsuits, and tight tank tops.  It’s no secret that summer weather translates into less clothing, and thus the added pressure of staying fit. After stress eating your way through finals, the thought of busting out that bikini for a beach weekend seems unbearable. Thoughts of juice cleanse, intense diets, and crazy workouts run rampant through your mind as the weather warms up and the shorts come out. Indisputably, no one can resist an ice-cream cone during these heated months, making the notion of dieting seem far too unrealistic. However, the true secret to feeling your best during summertime is a healthy exercise regiment. CL provides some great tips for remaining healthy during the summer.

1. Follow an effective exercise routine

One of the best types of workouts for you is cardio. Even if it is only for 20 minutes each day, cardio is one of the best ways to stay fit. Interval training is recognized as one of the most efficient ways to get your body in shape—it can be as simple as alternating running for ten minutes and walking for ten minutes.

2. Find a workout buddy

It is much easier to go on runs, go to yoga, or go to the gym when a friend goes with you. You can work to motivate each other and make sure each other keeps up with the workouts.

3. Be consistent with your workouts

It is crucial to stay consistent with your workouts. You should exercise for about the same time each week and try to do some form of physical activity every day.

4. Set a goal for yourself

You should set a goal for yourself and work towards it throughout the summer. It will help you stay motivated. Maybe buy a dress or shorts in a smaller size and work towards reaching that point. However, it is imperative that these goals are realistic so you avoid feeling discouraged.

5. Eat what you want, but in moderation

You should not deprive yourself of all of the summer foods you crave. It is most certainly okay to indulge in lemonade, barbeques, and ice cream! However, it is important to do so in moderation.

10 Healthy Study Snacks

By: Katie O’Brien

As the end of the school year fast approaches, we contemplate summer plans, we anticipate the gloomy goodbyes with our friends, and, perhaps most notably, we dread the hours of studying for finals that are sure to ensue. Studying for finals translates into stress, sleep deprivation, and late nights. The culmination of these factors undoubtedly results in snacking during studying. Because we are college students, we have endless inexpensive, but very unhealthy, snacks at our disposal. Admittedly, it is much easier to bring a bag of candy to the library than it is to bring a healthy, well-balanced meal. It is hard to find healthy foods to eat on a college student’s budget and it is even harder to find time to make healthy foods for yourself. So, here are some of CL’s suggestions for study snacks during finals—they are relatively easy to get, require little to no preparation, inexpensive, and good for you!

 

1. Mangos:  provide about 1/3 of the suggested vitamin A daily intake and almost 100% of a day’s vitamin C. They are not only delicious, but also contain a decent dose of potassium and fiber.

2. Unsweetened Greek yogurt:  has twice the protein of ordinary yogurt. It is thick, creamy, and goes perfectly with bananas, cereal, or berries.

3. Broccoli: has a lot of vitamin C and vitamin K and is widely accepted as one of the best foods

4. Watermelon: provides about 1/3 of a day’s suggested vitamin A and C intake and has a lot of   potassium in each serving.

5. Almonds: contain a significant amount of protein, fiber, and powerful antioxidants like vitamin E. They are a great source of magnesium—which produces energy and regulates blood sugar within your body.

6. Blueberries: have very few calories but very high doses of fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin E. They are also known for containing many brain-boosting nutrients.

 7. Dark chocolate: is known for being rich in antioxidants and has the capacity to protect skin from UV ray damage.

8. Oatmeal: is fiber rich and potassium, low in cholesterol, and known to keep arteries clear.

9. Walnuts: contain fatty acids known for reducing cholesterol. They are also known to improve mood, regulate sleep, and protect skin against UV damage.

10. Carrots: are a great source of vitamin A and known for helping vision and hair.

CL’s Five Easy Ways to Get Healthy NOW!

As classy co-eds return from spring break rested, rejuvenated and reenergized, it’s time to get motivated and start working towards healthier lifestyles. When forming a new habit, it’s best to take it slow and start with something manageable so you can ease into your new routine. Here are five fun and simple tips that will get you on the right track to your fitness goal.

 

 

Motivate yourself to hydrate.

It’s important to drink lots of water throughout the day to keep your body hydrated and your system cleansed. Buy a fun water bottle to take to classes or a pretty glass to keep on your desk at home. You’ll be so excited to use your new cup you’ll have to force yourself to stop drinking!

Challenge: Try to drink at least eight eight-ounce glasses of water every day.

 

Ditch the bus.

It’s spring, and the weather is beautiful. Instead of waiting around for the bus or driving to class, throw on some sassy sneakers and walk to campus, or hop on your bike to get an in-between class workout. Enjoy the scenery and get your blood pumping!

Challenge: If weather permits, walk to class every day this week.

 

Go shopping.

When I’m in a workout slump, nothing gets me more excited to hit the gym than new, cute workout gear. Whether it’s a bright new sports bra or cozy yoga pants, treat yourself to some new threads as a reward—and promise—for getting back to the gym. Don’t allow yourself to take off the tags until you’re actually going to your workout.

Challenge: Clean out your closet. If you have any work out clothes that are starting to look shabby, throw them away. When you look good, you feel good.

 

Pack a (healthy) snack.

Sometimes our busy campus lifestyles make decisions like grabbing a bag of chips over putting together a fresh salad easy, even though we know the consequences. Before you go to bed, pack some healthy snacks for the next day. A bag of baby carrots, apple slices or string cheese are nutritious treats you can grab on the go. For more portable snacks that are good for you, check out Ellen’s article on snacking right while traveling.

Challenge: Invest in some colorful reusable containers for your snacks. You’ll have fun filling them with healthy treats and do some good for the environment, too.

 

Phone a friend.

No one wants to go it alone! Find a workout buddy that has similar fitness goals to you that you can work out with. If someone is holding you accountable you’re more likely to achieve your goal, plus you can catch up on girl time.

Challenge: Make plans to workout with a friend this week. If you cancel on her, you have to do 50 pushups.

Alexandra Esposito is an intern at College Lifestyles ™ and is so excited to start running outside now that it’s spring! She’s a 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. 

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Intern Kitchen – Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce

One thing I have been missing since becoming gluten free/dairy free is baked ziti! Finally, one of my sorority sisters and fellow gluten free dairy free girl told me about this great cheese from Daiya Foods and I knew my time to make my own baked ziti had come!

Baked Ziti with Meat Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 pound ziti pasta (rice pasta is my favorite – great taste and texture)
• Olive oil
• 1 pound bulk ground beef
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3-4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (or basil), minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• pinch of salt to taste
• 1 large jar of marinara sauce (about 32 ounces)
• 1/2 pound of Daiya mozzarella cheese (or a little more if you like it really cheesy!)

1. Bring a large pot of water to a strong boil. Add about a tablespoon of salt for every 2 quarts of water. Add the pasta and boil, uncovered, until the pasta is a little less than al dente—Rice pasta can be tricky sometimes.The trick to making this dish really good is to avoid over cooking the pasta. It should be cooked even LESS than al dente and still too tough to eat. Take a few minutes off the cooking time that your rice pasta says. Drain the pasta through a colander. Toss with a little olive oil so the pasta does not stick together while you make the sauce.
2. Pour a tablespoon or so of olive oil into a large sauté pan on medium-high to heat. When the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Brown well. Don’t stir that often or it will be more difficult for the meat to brown properly. Add a little salt.
3. When the meat is mostly browned, add the onions and stir well to combine. Sauté everything until the onions are translucent and beginning to brown, about 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic, rosemary or basil, Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes and stir to combine. Cook 1 minute, then add the tomato sauce and stir well. Bring to a simmer.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread a thin layer of sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch casserole pan, then sprinkle the surface with some of the Daiya mozzarella cheese. Ladle in some sauce with the pasta, mix it well and add the pasta into the casserole.
5. Pour the rest of the sauce over the pasta and sprinkle on top the mozzarella cheese.
6. Bake in the oven until the top is nicely browned, about 20 minutes.

YAY!! I can enjoy Baked Ziti again!! Serve with some broccoli and ENJOY!!

Kwegyirba Croffie is a freelance Associate Producer at News 12 Connecticut and a Special Events/Event Planning and Social Media Intern at College Lifestyles (TM). She is a Quinnipiac University alumni and a sister of Alpha Delta Pi. She enjoy cupcakes,Broadway musicals, Forever 21 ,giraffes, peacock feathers, orchids, lillies and anything Disney. You can check out more recipes on her blog TwentyOne No Gluten (http://21nogluten.wordpress.com)

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