CL’s Ideas for Fun and Rewarding Sisterhood Events

Sisterhood, to me, is one of the most important aspects of being in a sorority. Yes, the management of the organization and philanthropic, social and academic success are extremely important but without good sisterhood, your sorority will never excel to its fullest potential. As the first ever sisterhood chair of my chapter of Kappa Delta, 1-year-old Eta Phi, I understand how important it is, and difficult it can be, to plan organized, creative and fun events that sisters will want to attend. In the beginning, everyone was very excited to get to know one another and eager to attend sisterhood events. However, as the year progressed, school, work, extra-curriculars and other time commitments began to get in the way, and it became even more important for me to choose and plan events wisely, keeping the different interests of my sisters in mind always. I’ve outlined some of our past sisterhood events, with what worked and what could have been improved, that can help boost the sisterhood in any chapter across the country…

Sporting Events: I go to school in Boston and, here, the sports teams practically run the city. As one of our big sisterhood events of the semester, I bought a bunch of tickets to a Red Sox game in the beginning of September. The tickets were standing room only, which was kind of a bummer, but were only $25 each. We asked each girl to pay $10 of their ticket and we paid the rest and I had a huge turnout. It turned out to be a fun adventure running around Fenway Park to try and find seats and for a few girls, it was their first time at a game! Even if your city doesn’t have a major sports team, plan a sisterhood event at one of your school’s games – it’s exciting and a good way to show school pride!

Movie Marathons: We aren’t allowed to have houses at our school, so sometimes it’s hard to plan sisterhood events without a big place to call your own. But on a Saturday afternoon last semester, I rented a room on campus with a projector, ordered pizza, brought popcorn and lots of candy and asked girls to bring their favorite movies. We spent the afternoon lazily watching movies and munching on snacks and it was so much fun! If you have a chapter house, it’s even easier: invite all the girls to your family room for a lazy day of bonding.

Walks for Charity: During October, there was a big “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk” that took place right across the river from our school. Even though only 10 girls could take part in the actual walk, everyone chipped in and we ended up raising over $700 in only one week. It was a fun and healthy way to bond with your sisters while helping a really good cause! There are always different walks, 5k’s and marathons going on in your neighborhoods and every little bit counts.

Letter Decorating Party: Especially around big/little week and recruitment, a letter decorating or crafting party is a great way to pull everyone’s creative ideas together in a way that gives you some presents to keep! You can decorate paddles together, tie-dye t-shirts, decorate cups, etc.

 

 

Apple Picking/Pumpkin Picking: Although Fall has sadly flown by, it will come again, so take advantage of everything the season has to offer by going apple picking in the beginning of the year or picking up some pumpkins around Halloween. If you’re close enough in New England to Salem, like we are in Boston, I definitely suggest stopping by during the crazy month of October where you can drink apple cider, visit haunted houses and listen to ghost stories to get you in the true Halloween spirit!

Christmas Tree Lighting: Technically, my chapter hasn’t had this one yet, but jump on it before you miss it! This thursday, we are attending the big Boston Common Christmas Tree Lighting together as our final sisterhood event of the semester. Try to find one happening in your area, whether it’s on campus, in a local park or through a local church. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the Christmas season with your sisters before school and finals get too crazy.

Group Dinners: We have definitely utilized this idea many times throughout the past year…everyone’s got to eat right?! Whether it’s grabbing a bite together before Sunday chapter meetings, planning a fun night out at a local restaurant, or ordering pizza in with all of your sisters, it will be a huge hit each time.

Volunteering: Helping out others is a always a good thing for sororities to keep up with. Whether it’s volunteering at a convalescent hospital, children’s school or soup kitchen, planning a sisterhood event like this is equally as rewarding for you as it is for those you are helping. Knowing that you are making a difference by seeing where your hard work is going is something that your sisters will remember forever as the ultimate bonding experience.

 

Slumber Party: If you have a chapter house, this is a very fun and easy idea. My chapter has a sleepover for our retreat, where we rented out a big dance studio room and slept on the floor, so that is always an option for those without houses too. Rent some chick flicks, paint each other’s nails, do facials, play truth or dare – think back to your slumber party days when you were little! It is the perfect way to get to know the girls you don’t know as well and create a deeper sisterhood bond throughout your whole chapter.

Let us know some of your great sisterhood event ideas by leaving comments below!

 

                                                                                                                                               

Katie Maguire is a junior at Boston University, majoring in Public Relations with a minor in history. She is Sisterhood Chair of Kappa Delta Sorority and loves baking, working out and laughing with her friends!

CL’s Guide to Feuding with Sisters

Unfortunately, sorority life is not all crafting with puffy paint and organizing philanthropies all the time. You become so close to these women …and will sometimes fight with them! It’s sad because these women are supposed to be your support system and your best friends. If you are or have experienced a bit of a feud with your sisters, it’s okay! You are totally not alone! Check out these tips on how to resolve and handle these issues!

Do’s:

• The best thing you can do, and I mean BEST, is do not involve anyone else. We have all experienced the issue when you complain to your BFF and she tells other people. Words get put in your mouth, things get stretched, and fights get worse! Only confide in one person you know you can trust!!
• Do sit down and simply talk. No friends tagging along or distractions in your way. Do it over lunch or coffee.
• Consider the other person’s point of view. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, so take some time away from the feud and really think why they’re acting this way.
• Do remind yourself of why you love your sister. You did not always have an issue with her; think of the good times and why this friendship is worth holding on to.
• If she is hard to talk to, do write a letter (not a text!) It will give you a
  

  Sisterhood is about being there for each other

  chance to say everything you are thinking and feelingwithout her interrupting you. It will help you feel better to get everything off your chest as well. Be warned though, she can and may show other people so don’t put anything you wouldn’t want others to see.

• Do make up before it gets any worse – because it will!
• Be classy, not catty!

Fashion & Life: CL Interviews Laura Kathleen from Project Runway

 

Hailing from Saint Louis, Laura Kathleen embodies classic, sassy, and chic in her designs and personality. On Lifetime TV’s “Project Runway” Season 9 Laura was the finalist with modern edge and sophistication. College Lifestyles chatted with Laura about her undying determination, education, and her awesome fashion tips. Check it out!

 CL: What was the biggest life lesson you learned while competing on “Project Runway?”

LK: “I’d have to say it reinforced a life lesson I already learned. Stay true to who I am as a designer and as a person. I wanted to have a great experience since this was/ is a once in a lifetime opportunity. If I held back on who I was it would only hinder the whole process.”

CL: Were you involved in any activities while you studied at Western Kentucky University?

LK: “Absolutely! I was/ am a Kappa Delta, a Western Kentucky Hilltopper Cheerleader, and in the family and consumer sciences honor society Phi Upsilon Omicron. My sorority, KD, took up a lot of my time. I was head of a lot of committees and formed strong friendships with my sisters. I only cheered for 2 years, eventually Kappa Delta became what was most important to me.”

CL: What are some must have fashion items that every college girl should have in her closet? 

LK: “Every college girl should have an awesome pair of flat leather boots. She can wear these to class tucked into jeans, with skirts, or dresses. It’s chic but doesn’t look like she is trying too hard. Also, she should have some amazing tailored blazers or jackets and great totes to carry to class. If she is greek, the totes have to wear your letters ”

CL: I read that you tried out for “Project Runway” four times. What motivated you to keep designing and trying to make it on the show?

LK: “When I set my mind to something I am very determined to get what I want. It’s natural for me to never give up so I wasn’t going to take no for an answer. Project Runway is the type of publicity people pay tons of money to get. You have to understand what you are signing up for, but if you are okay with that, then game on.”

CL: You’re really into vintage. How can a young fashionista incorporate vintage pieces into her wardrobe?

LK: “I love vintage. For a young fashionista to really incorporate vintage pieces into her wardrobe she would need to educate herself on what is really vintage and what is just thrift store. Not that thrift store isn’t interesting but there is a huge difference. By just taking a belt, clutch, or sweater you can mix and match modern pieces with vintage to make it updated.”

CL: I recently found out that you teach fashion design at a charter school in St. Louis. How is that experience for you? Do you think it is important for aspiring designers to be mentored by established designers?

LK: “Teaching to children at a charter school is very rewarding. I want these kids to know that you can make a career out of something you love. Any designer can always use more mentoring. I think it’s a little unrealistic to say that you are ever done learning. I still apprentice under designers that I respect and that have had more life experience than me. I believe it’s one of the best ways to learn.”

CL: Your fans want to know, what’s next for you?

LK: “The next step is to concentrate on growing my ready-to-wear collection for Fall 2012 so it’s more available to customers. I want to ease into this naturally without ungracefully falling on my face. I want to make sure that my clothing continues to be the main focus.”

Be sure to follow Laura on Twitter, check out her website, and like her on Facebook!

 

Amber Ferguson is an intern at College Lifestyles (TM). She is sophomore at Prince George’s Community College studying English. She’s the first girl out on the dance floor, is obsessed with reality TV, and loves getting stamps on her passport when she travels to new places.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CL’s 5 Ways to Survive Black Friday

Black Friday a frightening sight. Everyone is running around like mad men trying to get that designer clutch they have had their eye on since September. Plus it doesn’t help that the employees are cranky from having to be friendly at midnight and the shirt you want is never in the right size. Fear not my fellow trend-seekers, CL is bringing you 5 surefire ways to keep you alive and well during the madness of black Friday this year.

 

1. Rations: Black Friday usually means an all night stake out. It is imperative that you bring snacks, water and tons of hot cocoa to keep you warm. Grab a lawn chair and some blankets and you’ll be the most comfortable girl in line.
2. Coupons: Getting the right deals is all about having a plan. Before even thinking about lining up for this fateful day, check out the advertisements. They will most likely have coupons that can only work on black Friday, ensuring you even cheaper items than what the in-store deals have to offer.
3. Map it out before: People go for large ticket items on black Friday, and if you are one of them you need to know exactly where the product you want is located in the store. Do a bit of comparative shopping and then find what you want so you’ll be prepared to make a mad dash for it.
4. Know what you want: Simply put, and as stated above: don’t go into black Friday shopping blindly. If you don’t have anything in mind you want, sleep in and go for cyber Monday instead. You’ll be in such a better mood plus you won’t have to leave the comfort of your couch.
5. Bring a buddy: There is nothing lonelier than black Friday shopping without company. Grab your best gal pal and get ready for a long night of gossip, coffee and great deals.

Celebrate the Upcoming Holidays with your Sisters

The next few months are filled with holidays and feelings of cheer, gratefulness, sharing and giving.  Some of the best people to share those warm feelings with are your sisters.  Learn how you and your sisters can come together and celebrate the holidays.

Potluck dinner- Have your own Thanksgiving supper on campus.  Whether you have a sorority house or you are using a sister’s house, invite each girl to contribute a certain dish.  To make it more interesting, ask your sisters to use a family recipe or a dish representing their heritage.  It shows that no matter how diverse we are, there is a certain bond that connects us to be grateful for.

Thanks jar- At your meeting this week, pass around a jar and ask each sister to submit what she is thankful or to thank a specific sister for a simple act.  It is a nice reminder to count your blessings and show your appreciation for each other.

Secret Santa- It is unrealistic to buy gifts for your entire chapter, but it is nice if you can give one to at least one sister.  Secret Santa is a great way to get your sorority excited for the holiday.  It also allows girls to be creative and learn more about each other if they are given a sister that they do not really know.  Try to keep it at a $15 limit or DIY because many sisters are on a budget.

Donation Tree- Ask your college activities if you can set up a fake Christmas tree in the student center.  Work with a local shelter or children’s center and ask the children to write down something they want on a paper ornament. Hang the paper ornaments onto the tree and ask the students on campus to take one and buy that gift for the child.  Together, everyone can deliver the gifts for a deserving child.  Philanthropy and spreading the holiday spirit makes everyone closer.

Holiday Party- As a sisterhood event, gather your sisters for a fun holiday party.  Bake holiday themed goods and hand out candy canes.  You can ask your classy guests to dress in holiday colors, or make it more formal with dresses.

Decorating- Deck the halls of your sorority house! Give everyone a project to do, whether it is setting up figures on the lawn or wrapping garland around the staircase.  Play Christmas music to get everyone excited for the holidays.  If your chapter does not have a house, such as mine, do some holiday crafts together, such as wreath decorating or personalizing a Santa hat.

Holiday Show- Find a nearby show that celebrates the holidays.  Look for a reenactment of the nativity in a local community.  Even if a sister does not celebrate Christmas she can still appreciate the presentation.  My college offers trips to New York City and every year tickets to the Christmas Spectacular.  Look at theaters and cities close to campus to see what is offered and take a fun trip there together.

We want everyone to remember the importance of the holiday spirit.  How do you and your sisters celebrate the holidays?

 

Nicole is a CL intern who goes to Marist College.  She is a Communications major with a concentration in Journalism and PR.  Nicole is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, Marist Ambassadors, and Communication Arts Society.  She enjoys running and hanging out with her sorority sisters and friends.

CL’s Top Ten Simple Sorority Fundraisers

Fundraisers are a great way for sisters to spend time and work together, to get your chapter’s name recognized on campus (especially right before registration for spring recruitment!), and to raise money for your causes and house. Here are CL’s top ten fundraising ideas for your chapter.

Yankee Candle. This is an especially good a idea right before the holidays, when people are looking for gifts for new friends and co-workers. Plus, your chapter will receive a large percentage of the profit (right now, 40 percent).

Taco Bell.If there is a Taco Bell anywhere near your campus, partner up with them tor a fundraiser. Station your table in the dorms between 12 and 3 a.m., and students studying late in the library for finals or returning from a long night of partying will have you selling it all (for $2 apiece) fast!

Dirt. This simple dessert is delicious and, priced at $1, will have people coming to your table all day.

 Buffalo Chicken Dip. Um, yum! This dip is always a big hit. Sell it for between $1 and $3 dollars with some chips.

Nachos and Cheese. Similar concept to the Buffalo Chicken Dip fundraiser, but much cheaper to make. Price for a plate is $1.50.

Cupcake Sale. Simple and sweet, frost them with your sorority’s colors, and people will definitely remember you. If the cupcakes are small, $0.50. If they are regular size, $1.

 

Full-fledged Bake Sale. Sell the cupcakes for the prices listed above. Take size into consideration for cookies as well. Brownies, $0.50. Cake, figure out how expensive the ingredients were and base the price off of that.

Coffee and Hot Chocolate. A real winner during the holiday and final seasons, keep some cream, sugar and whipped cream on standby. $1.00 per cup.

A Raffle. Most organizations are more than happy to give away a raffle item (it’s good PR for them). So, find out what students on campus are interested in, find a company that supports or provides that interest, write to them about your fundraising opportunity and bam – you have a fundraiser.

Chocolate. Terrific around Valentine’s Day. Find out who the student’s favorite local chocolate maker is (for us, it was Sarris Candies) and pair up with them

A Tip from Alpha Sigma Tau, Beta Delta Chapter’s Fundraising Chair Teresa Conde: If you need an amount raised by each girl, take the amount total amount of money raised during the fundraiser and divide it by how many girls worked that fundraiser. This turns it into a sort of “hourly wage.” For example, if you raised $25 and there were 8 girls working, each girl would earn $3 an hour.

Other tips:

Place your fundraising table in the dorms (especially the freshmen ones!), in the student union, and, if you are allowed, in the library.

Make sure your sign is large, colorful, and has the price in big, bold print.

Stay strong, even when things get slow. If you haven’t had a customer in over an hour, call your chair for a decision.

Be gracious and classy to all of your customers.

Have other fundraising ideas or tips? Let us know! Fill out a comment below.

CL’s Guide to a Classy Break-Up

#ThingsLongerThanKimsMarriage: This article.

 

We’ve all seen the news. Kim Kardashian and her beau Kris Humphries have nixed their marriage shortly after their fairytale wedding premiered on E!. We’ve got to hand it to Kim K., she dealt with the press better than celebrity break ups in the past, regardless of the jokes we spew off. Break ups can be hard, especially when you are in the limelight like the “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” star. But CL is bringing you a list of ways to break up in the gentlest, classiest way possible without harming that spotless reputation.

 

1.)  If you know it’s over, it’s over: Don’t lead the poor fellow on. If you know you are going to end things, don’t wait until the next date party is over to do it. Having a boyfriend gives us a sense of security, but drawing out the relationship will make ending things much more difficult and catastrophic.

2.)  Skip the social media: We all know how much fun Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest are, but we don’t need to alert the world of every moment in our lives. And if there was ever a moment not to clue in your Followers, it’s this one. The worst possible thing you can do is break up and post it all over his social media page. Give the guy a break and let him tell people when he’s ready.

3.)  Furthermore, put the cell phone down: Do not, I repeat, DO NOT ever, under any circumstance end things via text message, cell phone or FB chat. Unless you are in a long distance relationship that hinders you from physical contact, there is no reason to be a whimp. Tell your bf in person why you are ending things. You’ll find the process goes a lot quicker and less painless.

4.)  Give him space: A break up can be difficult for both parties involved (the dumper, and the dumpee), so give him space before trying to re-enter the friend zone. If one person was more invested in the relationship than the other, you have to respect that. Don’t anticipate talking every day or resuming civil interactions right away. Let him come to you, and if he doesn’t, remember there was a reason you dumped him in the first place.

5.)  Let me say that again: you dumped him in the first place: Sometimes it can be hard to make a decision when it comes to something as confusing as relationships. But don’t confuse him with your feelings. If you break up with him, stay away for a while. If you find you miss him, try to see if things can be repaired, but only after a significant period of time. Relapsing on a relationship decision can be disastrous for friendships.

 

CL’s Guide to Making Initiation Special

Initiation is one of the most exciting times of year. The transition between being a new member to an active one is a moment that most dedicated sorority girls never forget. During my initiation, I remember that one girl in particular went to lengths to show me how happy she was that I became an active member. She bought me candy and a picture frame and also wrote me a heartfelt letter that reminded me of why I joined Kappa Kappa Gamma in the first place. In the spirit of many upcoming initiations, CL has decided to share a few things that can make it special for the new members:

 

• Write letters to, not only the girls you love so far, but also the ones you have yet to get to know. It will make the shyer women
  

  My family- My grandlittle is getting initiated tonight!!!!

  feel more welcome and let them know they are loved by all.

• Give them bags of candy or small party favors. Stickers, straws and nail polish all run for about $ 2-3 each and can lighten up a gift bag.
• Picture frames are always a fun present. Even if it is a small frame with your sorority’s name in it, the picture will still count for something and remind the new initiates of how awesome they are.
• You can never go wrong with a gift card for your little or grandlittle. They are easy to pick up and please everyone. Starbucks, Target and Wal-Mart are gift cards that are sensible and sure to please.
• After initiation is over, take the family out to dinner or to see a movie. Initiation is about bonding with your sisters, and you want to remind the new initiates that sorority life is about more than fun social events.

 

Remember, initiation is one of the most important events in a sorority girl’s life. Be excited and enthusiastic and make it special, because someone made it special for you. Have a great time and be sure to go the extra mile for someone else.

 

Thirteen Nights of Halloween Sisterhoods

With Halloween approaching, what better time to plan a few fun and spooky sisterhood!

Just because we’re in college doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy Halloween anymore! There are plenty of ideas you can do with your sisters to bring back the Halloween spirit AND your sisterhood:

1. Scary movie night! Sorority scary movies better yet! Check out AMC’s Sorority House Horror Movies list for ideas!

2.  Trick or Treat at chapter! Draw names out of a hat and make a surprise candy bag for them. Exchange them at your chapter meeting. You can even make it more fun by dressing up!

3.  Carve pumpkins! Get a bunch of your sisters and pick out the biggest pumpkin and start a contest to see who designs the best one!

4. Get together and make Halloween costumes! You can all try to have a central theme too; such as all going as smurfs, pink ladies, or cowgirls!

5. Go to a haunted house with your sisters! It’ll be fun and scary!

6. Volunteer! Many local schools do haunted Halloween themed events, rank up your volunteer hours in a fun way! My high school did an annual “haunted halls” where they would turn the school into a haunted maze. It was always fun to volunteer at! Look into what local schools or organizations are offering near you!

7.  Bake! There are tons of adorable and fun Halloween recipes online and in magazine. Try it out!

8. Go on a Haunted Hayride with your sisters!

9. Make your own haunted house! Decorate your sorority house to be extra scary, and have some sisters dressed up. You can even charge people to enter your haunted sorority house for some extra cash for your chapter! Not only will it be a great opportunity for other people to see how fun you are, it will also bring you closer together too!

10. Throw a Halloween party! Add in extras such as bobbing for apples and a Halloween Costume Contest!

11. Make caramel apples! These are a fall favorite for everyone! They’re easy and fun to make. You can even incorporate this into another sisterhood such as watching scary movies!

12. Make Halloween themed letter shirts! Making letter shirts is easy, just buy a plan shirt and come fabric and iron on webbing. On the Halloween fabric of your choice trace your letters onto it, cut, and then simply iron! No sewing required! Afterwards puffy paint the edges to outline the letters so they won’t stray away.

13. Decorate! You can find easy and fun crafts online and in magazines. You can make any room look spooky and festive with all the crafts your sisters can make!

 

Do you have ideas or stories of Halloween sisterhoods your chapter has done before?

 

 

Sharon Tendler is a junior at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. She is majoring in business marketing and minoring in graphic design. Sharon is a proud sister of Sigma Sigma Sigma. She enjoys hanging out with friends and family, scrapbooking, texting, and watching movies!

The Greek-Gear Girl Essentials

As a trendy sorority lady it is important to have the essential items that represent our sororities.  College Lifestyles is here to help you show off your Greek girl pride.

Click the pictures of the items to purchase from GreekGear.com

Lettered Sorority V-Neck T-Shirt: Most of us already have t-shirts with our letters embroidered in it.  What makes this shirt better though is its cut; a v-neck cut makes the shirt more feminine and form fitting.  Glam it up with a fun letter pattern!

Lettered Tote Bag: There are many styles to decide from, but getting a bag is a must!  Keep your books in your bag and you can show off your letters everyday as you walk to and from class.

Sorority necklace/rings/bracelets: Turning your letters into jewelry allows you to wear them all the time in a simple and classy way.  Your letters will always be with you!

Sorority Greek Hats: Baseball caps are a cute way to wear your letters.  A Greek baseball cap can make your look more sporty and casual along with fun and playful.

Greek Lettered Hoodie: Keep warm and cozy with your sorority letters!  A hoodie is a college essential in general, and the best way to wear it is with your letters.

Sorority Charm Key Chains:  These key chains display your sorority letters along with your colors and symbols.  They are cute, fun and practical!

These are few of the many products that are available to chic sorority ladies.  What is your favorite way to accessorize and wear your sorority letters?

Nicole is a CL intern who goes to Marist College.  She is a Communications major with a concentration in Journalism and PR.  Nicole is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, Marist Ambassadors, and Communication Arts Society.  She enjoys running and hanging out with her sorority sisters and friends.

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