Love It: Tracy Stern SALONTEA Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

Choose a theme

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

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

Get Organized

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

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

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

 Who’s attending?

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

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

Edibles and Drinkables

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

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

Location, Location, Location

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

You’re invited

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

Party Time

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

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

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

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

Decor

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

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

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

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

Dress Up

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

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

Tiana Blue is a Senior Writer for College Lifestyles™. This fourth semester sophomore at Penn State is a print journalism major with a penchant for food, stilettos, and the city that never sleeps.

CL’s How to DIY Glitz Party

It’s almost New Year’s Eve – do you know where your party is? How about planning your own? Follow these simple tips and CL will have you glitzed out and ready to party this New Year’s Eve.

How to Decorate:

For a centerpiece, put glitter covered and/or shiny ornaments in a glass bowl or on tiered platters. You can also do this with glitter covered pine cones, or a mix of pine cones and ornaments. Fill vases around the room with fake, shiny poinsettias. You can either make or buy the pine cones and poinsettias. To make the pine cones, first dip them in glue, let drip, and then sprinkle on glitter. For the poinsettias, dab glue, then sprinkle glitter. Place glitter candles around the center piece and the poinsettia vases. Tie some New Year’s balloons to a few chairs, lay out a white table cloth with a sparkly table runner, and you’re ready to lay out the shiny silverware! The décor can be in any colors you like – just as long as it’s shiny!

 

 

CL Quick Tip: Add mirrors around the room for some extra light and sparkle – plus, mirrors make any room look bigger!

 How to Dress:

To glimmer and shimmer all night, try one of these dresses from Forever21.com:

Sequined Strapless Dress $24.80, Sequined Sweetheart Dress $27.80, Pallete Multi-Toned Spaghetti Strap Dress $24.80.

Coupled with these accessories from Kohls.com:

 Trifari® Silver Tone Simulated Crystal Necklace  $15.60, Gold Tone Simulated Crystal Flower Ring  7.20, Trifari Silver Tone Simulated Crystal Teardrop Stud Earrings $10.40.

Paired with these shoes from Macys.com:

Ivanka Trump Shoes, Pinki Pumps $125.00 Chinese Laundry Shoes, Move Over Platform Pumps $59.25, INC International Concepts Women’s Shoes, Mariela Pumps $89.00.

CL Quick Tip: Already have an outfit that you love? Add sparkling nail polish, body glitter dust and/or hair tinsel to glitz it up!

How to Wine and Dine Your Guests:

Try this Sugar Plum Martini from The Sweetest Temptations.

Make some delicious crepes with this recipe from Allrecipes.com

 Fondue is always a crowd pleaser – try this dark chocolate recipe from foodnetwork.com

Glitz cupcakes:

Ingredients:

Box mix plus ingredients to make mix

Vanilla icing

Edible glitter

Edible silver balls

Directions:

Make cupcakes according to directions on box. Frost with vanilla icing. Sprinkle with edible glitter and balls. Enjoy!

How to HAVE FUN!

Invite all of your friends and dance the night away!

Happy New Year!

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.

CL’s DIY Hot Chocolate and Candy Cane Party

‘Tis the season to invite friends out of the blustery winter weather and into your warm home. Delight them with tasty peppermint treats and hot cocoa in a dazzling red and white room that you decorated yourself!

Step One: Prepare the Hot Chocolate Bar.

Drape a white tablecloth over top of a small table. Pour water into a clear serving bowl and place it onto the table, along with a ladle. Leave out a handful of mugs, red, white or clear if possible, along with some spoons. Bring out red or clear bowls as well, along with an assortment of flavored hot chocolate. Place similar flavors into each bowl. You may label them if you chose. Farther along, place out clear glasses, putting different hot chocolate toppings, such as cinnamon, chocolate pieces or candy canes, into each one. Leave out whipped cream as well. Make sure that a microwave is not far off from this table.

Step Two: Prepare the Main Table.

Toss a red table cloth over this one, using white napkins and plates as accents. Have clear glasses with water in them set out , though your guests may bring their hot chocolate over, too. Set out silverware. Place small peppermint candies into silver bowls or onto silver platters and scatter them around the table. You could also fill some taller glasses with candy canes. White candles wrapped in red and white ribbon adds a nice touch of light.  Put a bowl of red- andwhite-wrapped presents in the middle as the centerpiece.

Step Three: Bake Some Snacks.

Peppermint Bark: from About.com. Candy.

12 ounces (about 2 cups) dark chocolate, chopped, or chocolate chips

12 ounces (about 2 cups) white chocolate, chopped, or white chocolate chips

8 peppermint candy canes

“Unwrap the candy canes and place them in a food processor. Pulse on/off several times for 5-10 seconds each, until the canes have been crushed into small pieces. Alternately, place the candy canes in a large Ziploc bag and seal tightly. Use a rolling pin to roll/smash the candy canes until they are the size you desire.

 “Prepare a cookie sheet by covering it with smooth aluminum foil.

“Melt or temper the dark chocolate. Pour the chocolate onto the prepared cookie sheet and use an offset spatula or knife to spread it to an even thickness, a little more than 1/8″ thick. The chocolate does not have to reach all sides of the sheet, as it will be broken up later anyhow. Place the tray in the refrigerator to firm up while you prepare the white chocolate.

“While the dark chocolate hardens, melt or temper the white chocolate. Stir in most of the candy cane bits, reserving about a quarter of the mixture to put on top.

“Remove the tray from the refrigerator and spread the white chocolate in an even layer over the dark chocolate.

“While the white chocolate is still wet, sprinkle the remaining candy cane pieces over the entire surface evenly. Press down very slightly to ensure they stick. Place the tray back in the refrigerator to firm up for 30 minutes.

“Once the peppermint bark bark is completely set, break into small, uneven pieces by hand.”

 

Peppermint and Chocolate Bars: This recipe is from Sweet Food.

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flower

1 teaspoon baking powder

½ cup soft brown sugar

¾ cups unsalted butter, melted

¼ cup white vegetable shortening

3 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted

1 teaspoon peppermint extract

2 tablespoons milk

2 tablespoons whipping cream

10 oz. semisweet baking chocolate

¼ cup unsalted butter, extra

“Preheat the oven the 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 12 x 8 inch baking pan and line with waxed paper, allowing the paper to hang over the two long sides of the pan.

“Sift together the flour and baking powder  and add the brown sugar. Stir in the melted butter, press into the pan, and bake for 20 minutes. Cool

“Melt the shortening in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the confectioners’ sugar,  peppermint extract, milk and whipping cream. Mix well and pour over the pastry base. Allow to set.

“Chop the chocolate and extra butter into small, evenly sized pieces and place in a heatproof bowl. Bring a saucepan of water to a boil and remove from the heat. Position the bowl over the saucepan, making sure the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Rest, stirring occasionally, until melted and combined. Cool slightly, then spread the icing on top. Chill until set, then cut into pieces.

“Makes 20 pieces.”

Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cupcakes:

Red velvet cupcake mix

Chocolate cupcake mix

Marshmallow fluff

Mini marshmallows

Mini candy canes, some whole, some chopped

Chocolate chips

Follow the direction on the cupcake mix boxes. Try to use white or red cupcake holders.

Once baked, allow to cool. Then, spread marshmallow fluff on top and sprinkle mini marshmallows on top of that.

Use mini candy canes as a handles (see photo). Add chocolate chips and chopped candy cane pieces if desired.

Step Four: Make the Party Favors.

Procure some glass jars with lids. Pour regular hot chocolate mix onto the bottom. Then pour in chocolate chips. Next, add a layer of peppermint hot chocolate mix. Then pour on another layer of chocolate chips. Chopped up peppermint pieces are the top and final layer. Seal tightly, and tie with a red- or white-patterned bow.

Need some music to go with your party? Check out CL’s Holiday Party Playlist HERE!

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.

 

A Twilight-Breaking Dawn Girl’s Night Out

Your ultimate guide to a Twilight-Breaking Dawn Inspired Girl’s Night Out: Invite ideas, wardrobe selection, party favors, and after-party treats.

Rock the movie theater in style!

Before: Spooky Invites

Are you looking a great girl’s night out, a fun sisterhood bonding activity, or the perfect fall-theme party? The new Twilight installment, Breaking Dawn Part 1, opens in theaters this Friday, November 18^th (with special premieres nationwide at midnight) and girls across the country will be sitting on the edge their seats as they watch Bella, Edward and Jacob take the screen.

To invite guests to a Twilight-themed soiree and release party, send out cute, eye-catching invitations that lay out the specifics: party time, location, food & planned activities—and most importantly, the movie time. Keep your color scheme simple (I recommend sticking with black, white and red, similar to that of the series book covers), and incorporate Twilight symbols and/or characters.

 

During: The Right Wardrobe

If you’re going out on the town to make a premiere appearance at your local movie theater, wear a Twilight-inspired ensemble to grab everyone’s attention. These options are not only appropriate and easy to put together, but they’re also modern and chic as well. Channel Kristen Stewart (or your other favorite character) with dark, fitted clothing in neutral or earth tones. Leather jackets, dark wash skinny jeans, and sleek boots will help you look and feel the part. You’ll be turning heads in no time!

 

 

 

 

Whether your heart stops at the mention of Edward’s name or you just can’t get enough of Jacob’s rugged vibe, it’s all about pride with Team Edward and Team Jacob. Wear your heart on your sleeve with these buttons, and show the rest of the theatre where your passions lie. Are you pro-vampire or pro-werewolf?

 

The After-Party: Party Favors & Red Velvet Vampire Cupcakes

 

After sitting still and being quiet in a dark movie theatre for several hours, your party guests will be ready for refreshments and delicious desserts. Inspire post-movie conversation with Twilight-themed party favors and decorations (such as these Thirsty picture frames and red candies).

You can also host a movie-review session, where guests share their favorite scenes, what they liked/disliked about the film, and where they saw the movie plot line depart from the book.

Recipe- Red Velvet Vampire Cupcakes (Courtesy of sweetandcrumby.com)

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
3 large eggs, room temperature
2 tablespoons McCormick red food coloring
1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
1 teaspoon McCormick vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 (12-cup) muffin pans with cupcake papers.

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or with a hand mixer, gently beat together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla with a handheld. Add half of the dry ingredients to the liquid mixture and combine on low speed and then add the last half of the dry ingredients and combine until incorporated. Don’t over beat.

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake tins about 2/3 full. Bake for about 20 minutes. Cupcakes are done when slightly firm to the touch or clean to a toothpick test.  Remove from oven and cool completely before frosting.

Add cream cheese frosting and decorate to your creepy content.

Meaghan O’Connor is a Writer/Social Media intern at College Lifestyles (TM) and is a Communications/International Relations major at the University of Michigan. She is a proud member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority and is known for her big heart and big dreams.

CL Guide: How to Plan a Kentucky Derby Days Party

It may not be time for Derby Days but it never hurts to prepare early, right? Or if you’re really in the mood to be classy, just throw a Derby Days party for the heck of it! CL is here to help you plan the ultimate party, no matter what time of the year!

What To Wear

The most important part of your ensemble is the hat! Derby goers typically wear a large-brimmed hat with lots of frills that draw attention (in a good way, of course), and are tilted to one side. Plan your outfit around the hat.

The dress code for this event is business casual. Women should wear dresses or pant suits, and men should wear collared shirts- jackets are optional.

How To Decorate

If the party is outside use a red and white checkered tablecloth on a picnic table outside. If you can’t wait until its warm to host your party, decorate a table inside and bring the warm weather to you! Garnish the tables with spring flowers or roses (real or fake). If you happen to have any knick-knacks lying around, feel free to use them for a more festive atmosphere!

 

 

What to Serve

Classic Mint Julep

Ingredients

• 3 fresh mint leaves
• 1 tablespoon of mint syrup
• Crushed ice
• 1 ½ tablespoons bourbon (or ice tea for a virgin drink)
• Cocktail straw
• 1 fresh mint sprig

Grind mint leaves into a chilled julep cup. Pack the cup tight with ice and drizzle syrup over it, and then pour the bourbon. Insert the straw, place the mint sprig right next to the straw. Serve with a smile.

Country Ham and Biscuits

Ingredients

• Frozen tea biscuits
• Thin slices of country ham
• Flavored butter and mustard blends

Bake the frozen tea biscuits and fill with country ham that has been browned in a hot skillet 1 or 2 minutes on each side. Guests can dip their biscuits with their choice of flavored butter or mustard blends.

For more recipes check out Southern Living’s Guide to Kentucky Derby Recipes.

What’s your favorite themed party? Are there other dishes you would share at a Derby Days party?

Chelsea Hay is a junior at the University of North Dakota majoring in Communications. She is a proud sister of Alpha Chi Omega, and loves hanging out with friends, reading, laughing, and going to hockey games!

How to Throw a Classy Halloween Party

Just because we are in college, it doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate Halloween like the little ones do. Since it’s easier to just run to Target and buy bags and bags of candy, without trudging around blocks in uncomfortable costumes and cold weather (the work we would do for sugar!), we may want to celebrate in a different way.

Wanting to throw a smashing Halloween bash but don’t know where to start? With only a week until Halloween night don’t fret over how to throw the perfect party. Here is your “how-to” guide to celebrate the last night of October with a bang.

 

DECORATIONS

The first step to any party is decorating. Besides Christmas, Halloween is the next holiday where it is perfectly acceptable to decorate every square inch of your apartment or house. Since the night is supposed to be dark and creepy, keep the lights off but add some light with orange pumpkin lanterns or strands of Christmas lights.

Punching bag luminaries are a creative and cute idea to put on the walk way up to your house or along the stairs, if applicable.

Carved pumpkins also make for great decorations when they’re lit up and strategically placed throughout your house.  Allow plenty of time for clean up after carving so your guests don’t find themselves stepping in orange goo on the ground.

 

 

 

 

 

COSTUMES

As a hostess, a party should always be about your guests. Be sure to go “all-out” for a costume to ensure you aren’t under dressed for your own party and that your “overdressed” guests feel comfortable.  Look to celebrities like CL’s style icon Lauren Conrad for costume ideas or create your own online thanks to Polyvore.

 

 

FOOD

CL-oween Recipes

The spookiest day of the year is just around the corner – do you know what’s brewing? At CL we have one devilish cake, some creepy cupcakes and a bubbling brew.

Black Magic Cake (from Lisa Glass):

Ingredients -

1 3/4 c	all purpose flour
2 c	sugar
3/4 c	cocoa powder
2 tsp	baking soda
1 tsp	baking powder
1 tsp	salt
2	eggs
1 c	strong black coffee, cooled
1 c	buttermilk
1/2 c	vegetable oil
1 tsp	real vanilla extract
Chocolate Frosting –
1/2 c	margarine, softened
2 oz	melted unsweetened chocolate, cooled
3 c	powdered sugar
3 Tbsp	milk
2 tsp	real vanilla extract

Directions –

Combine flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl or stand mixer. Add eggs, coffee, buttermilk, oil, and vanilla. Beat at medium speed for two minutes. Batter will be thin. Pour batter into a greased and floured 9×13 pan or two 9 inch cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 35-40 minutes for a 9×13, or 30-35 minutes for layer pans. Combine frosting ingredients and mix with a hand or stand mixer. Spread frosting on cooled cakes.

Want more recipes like this one? Check out http://www.justapinch.com/!

 

Haunted Cupcakes:

Ingredients -

1 box chocolate or vanilla cupcakes mix

 1 bag Milano double chocolate cookies

1 container Oreos

1 bag coconut flakes

1 can vanilla icing

1 tube red icing (to write with)

1 tube grey icing (to write with)

Food coloring

Halloween cupcake holders

Directions –

Bake cupcakes according to directions on box. Dye coconut flakes green, and dye vanilla icing black and green. Put a thin layer of green icing on cupcakes. Sprinkle green coconut flakes on top. Ice cookies with black icing and then write “RIP” or another Halloween saying onto the cookies in red or grey. Push cookies into cupcakes so that they look like tombstones. Crumble Oreo pieces in front of tombstones. Display on cupcake holder.

Butterbeer Light (from “Eerie Elegance”):

Ingredients -

1 cup sugar-free butterscotch or English Toffee flavoring syrup (Torani’s or similar).
7 cups diet cream soda (almost one 2 liter bottle)

Directions-

Carefully mix just before serving, adding the butterscotch flavoring to the soda then stirring gently to mix well, or the fizz will dissipate too soon. To keep Butterbeer on hand, pour 1 cup cream soda out of the 2-liter bottle, quickly add 1 cup butterscotch flavoring, and recap the bottle. Completely sugar-free and alcohol-free!

Want more recipes like this one? Check out http://www.brittablvd.com/Halloween/recipes.html!

Need another drink option? Get some Tru Blood!

Leave out candy corn for your guests, too!

Have a favorite Halloween recipe? Let us know!

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.

CL’s guide to classy, sober events

Sorority life has a negative stereotype of having parties that are full of three things that are no-no’s during rush week: boys, booze and bars. Kappa Kappa Gamma at Drake University has been changing Greek life, one event at a time. I know, I know. Sounds pretty lame, right? But trying out some alcohol-free events will not only make your sorority look great to the University, but it will also enhance relationships with other fraternities and sororities in a positive way. Follow CL’s guide to classy, sober events and you will be having fun in no time.

1.)  Comedy clubs: There is nothing people like to do more together than laugh. Check out the local comedy scene and you will be sure to find a good tour coming your way. Many major cities have Funny Bone Comedy Clubs, which are great for accommodating large numbers and also serves a full menu, which will keep your guests full and happy.

2.)  Local sports game: Every state may not have a major league baseball team, but many have minor leagues that

are not only cheap to watch, but also a lot of fun to cheer for. This is perfect for the fall or spring when the weather is nice enough to be outside. These are also great exchanges to schedule with fraternities because it combines two of their favorite things: sports and hanging out with sorority girls.

3.)  Haunted houses: Considering Halloween is just over the horizon, haunted houses are a great way to hang outwith friends and maybe even clutch onto that cute frat boy you’ve had your eye on this fall. Haunted houses can get pricy individually, but many will give discounts to large groups. Want to take the event up a notch? Plan it around Halloween and make everyone dress in costume. The excitement of the holiday mixed with the frightening sights of witches, chainsaws and mad doctors will ensure this event is an instant hit.

These may not seem exciting at first, but try a few out and see how much fun sober events can be. The social calendar will not only be significantly cheaper, but it will also allow everyone to have fun getting to know each other in the best way possible.

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