SKC: One Pot Meal – Mac and Cheese!

The following post is from our friends at Small Kitchen College (SKC)!  College Lifestyles is excited about our partnership with SKC and will bring you their yummy(!) articles on a bi-weekly basis!

Earlier last week I had one of those days. My heart felt broken, my eyes could not stay awake and no amount of caffeine could break me from my slump. As the day went on, the jingle of a popular blue box of macaroni and cheese came into my head. With the words, ” I’ve got the blues” playing in my head, I began craving a rich, indulgent cure for my heartache. Rather than succumbing to the blue box, I searched through my food blogs to find a recipe that would distract me long enough in the kitchen. Once I stumbled upon White on Rice Couple’s One Pot, Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese I knew I had found a remedy.

Because the recipe requires constant attention, it was just the thing I needed to help clear my focus. Not only does it use only one pot, but also the lack of baking means it can be enjoyed on even the hottest summer days. The recipe is also flexible enough so that it can be prepared with various combinations of cheeses. Despite the popular slogan of that specific macaroni and cheese box, making the dish from scratch on the stovetop is an easy, satisfying prescription for the blues.

Bethany Imondi, a junior studying Government and English at Georgetown University and a self-proclaimed carbohydrate queen, shuns the Atkins Diet for all its suffering. Read more…

**Recipe**

One Pot, Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese
Adapted from White on Rice Couple
Serves 2-3

I used whole grain shell pasta for this recipe, but you can easily substitute any type of large elbow macaroni.

Ingredients

2 cups large elbow or shell macaroni, uncooked
1 tablespoon butter
¼ onion, diced
2 cups of low fat milk
¼ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup of grated cheese, any one or combination (cheddar, pepper jack, mozzarella, swiss, gruyere)

Place raw macaroni in colander and quickly rinse under water. Let drain.

In a medium saucepan, about 2 quart, melt butter over medium heat and add diced onion. Sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.

Add milk, raw, rinsed macaroni, salt and pepper.

On medium heat, slowly bring mixture to a simmer, stirring the macaroni frequently. Stirring will separate the pasta and keep them from sticking to one another. Do not leave the stove; leaving the mixture unattended could result in an over-boiled mess.

Once mixture comes to a simmer, immediately turn heat down between medium and low. Too-high heat will evaporate the milk too quickly.

Continue to stir the mixture frequently for about 15-20 minutes, or until milk has been fully absorbed and pasta is cooked al dente. Judge to taste. If pasta is not fully cooked after this time, add a little more milk or water to the mixture. Liquid amount will depend on how much longer pasta needs to cook.

When milk has nearly evaporated and thickened, stir in cheese.

Turn off the heat and allow cheese to melt into the mixture. Add additional salt to taste. Before serving, stir one final time to mix everything together.

College Lifestyles Interviews HGTV Design Star Contestant Kellie Clements

It’s the time of the year where we pack our belongings and move to our new home.  More than likely, our new home is a bit smaller than home sweet home.  Whether a dorm or apartment, HGTV Design Star Contestant Kellie Clements, took time out of her incredibly busy schedule and gave us some tips on turning the groans of small space living into the excitement of ‘Home Sweet Home!’

Trust us, you will find yourself heading to the nearest IKEA and fabric store from Kellie’s simple suggestions for turning your small space into functional living!   While shopping for on-line for decor products, be sure to vote for Kellie as the fan favorite on the Design Star site AND set your DVR for the Design Star finale (between Meg and Karl THIS Monday at 9est/8cst!)!

Personally, I could have chatted with Kellie all day!  Her inviting personality turned what was originally a simple interview on decorating tips, to her giving us incredible insight on her career path, suggestions for students interested in a design career, and suggestions on auditioning for future Design Star shows!

CL:  In decorating, what color combinations can make a dorm/apartment space appear larger?

KC:  I suggest a very neutral palate with a ‘pop‘ of color.    For example, my first semester living in the dorm (Kellie is a University of Central Arkansas alum), my roommate and I used a black and white palate.  We visited a local carpet store and purchased candy apple red carpet to lay on our flooring.  This was very simple, affordable, and gave our dorm a great look!  In addition, it was very easy for us to remove once semester was over.

Personally, my favorite neutral color combination is black and white.  I love the fact this palate can match any sorority color combination.  While my roommate and I chose the red accent with carpeting, you can chose any color or sorority color combo.

In addition, I understand many times in apartments and dorms, one is not allowed to paint.  Take advantage not only of the carpet, but look to hang fabrics from the wall as well as fabric window treatments.

If you are lucky and allowed to paint in an apartment, be sure to keep the wall and ceiling the same color.

CL:  In decorating, what color combinations should one avoid (or can make a space look smaller)?

KC:  Avoid very dark colors.  While black and white is a great neutral palate, avoid painting or hanging a very dark (or black) fabric on walls or as window treatments.

CL:  What are your suggestions on functional storage for dorm and apartment living?

KC:  When limited on floor space, I encourage folks to compartmentalize and think ‘up!’

When compartmentalizing, look to buy items which serve 2 purposes.  For example, look for storage in the form of ottomans OR seating with storage options.  The same storage ottoman can be used for seating and as a step stool.

When ‘thinking up,’ raise your bed off the floor by 12 inches.  Many stores (IKEA) have shelves to fit under bedding.  Use these shelves to store you shoes and books.

CL:  What are your suggestions on preventing wall damage from hanging pictures/shelves?

KC:  Hooks are now available which make only a pin hole size marking when removed.  In addition, invest in ‘stick’ hooks.  However, be sure to check weight limits on all hooks before hanging items.

CL:  Any other suggestions you have for our readers on dorm and apartment decorating?

KC:  My philosophy is to make your space fit your needs.  In a smaller space, look for furniture to serve several purposes.  For example, when purchasing sofa tables, look for one with a bottom shelf to store books and magazines.  If you are having guest over, use the same sofa table as additional table seating OR as a serving table (remove the books/magazines an add a chair or use for food placement).

CL:  Let’s talk about your career.  We (at College Lifestyles) are so excited for your success on Design Star!  What are your suggestions for students wishing to enter a contest like Design Star?

KC:  There is no reason NOT to audition for Design Star.  My biggest suggestion is to be your authentic self during the entire audition process.  Be very comfortable with yourself as a person.  (Season 7 Audition Information – click here!)

CL:  What was your favorite experience on being a part of Design Star?

KC:  Actually, I have two!

The first is the relationships are priceless.  I was able to meet some of the most incredible designers in the industry.  The designers (contestants) are the only folks who understand what we all went through (the challenges and audition process); and that is priceless.

The second was the love of the challenge.  I was excited for the challenges and truly enjoyed the work!

CL:  What suggestions do you have for students who are interested in a interior design career?

KC:  When in school, discuss with your advisors the aspects of design which peak your interest.  Discuss with your advisors how to prep for the field – for example, question if you would need to move to a more city dwelling or certain area of the country to practice a specific design field.  Don’t be afraid to ask your advisor about salaries for certain design fields.

In addition to prep discussion, explore the oppurtunity of internships AND shadowing a designer.  Always be willing to take an internship, even if it is not the ‘best’ internship or something you do not want to do, get the experience, and you will learn what you are really good at.

When exploring your career/job opportunities, be very true to yourself as a designer and start to identify what is your ‘expertise.’  You will be much more successful as a designer if you are both true to what you love and doing what you love.

CL:  What is your motto AND ultimate message to students and aspiring designers?

KC:  There is no reason not to pursue what you want to do!  You have nothing to lose as a student.  Really decide what it is you love to do and you will be successful!  Personally, I encourage and love success stories in this field!

With Kellie’s talent, warm personality, attitude, and willingness to share her story, we encourage all our readers to vote for Kellie as the fan favorite for the HGTV Design Star (click here!) and watch the HGTV Design Star finale this Monday at 9pmEST/8pmCST.

Learn more about Kellie here!

Looking to audition for Season 7 of Design Star, click here!  (Auditions will take place in New York, Las Vegas, Austin, Charlotte, Boston, Miami, and New York!)

Tune into the Season Finale of Design Star this Monday on HGTV at 9pmest/8pmCST.

September at CL – Upcoming Events and Giveaways!

Is it September already?!  Where did summer go?

September spells our favorite time here at College Lifestyles – Back to School!  We hope you were able to use the great suggestions from our Campus Countdown for a smooth transition back to school.

We have some fantastic happenings at College Lifestyles for September!

Bid Day Shirt Contest (Facebook Photo)

Do you love your bid day shirt? Send us a picture of your bid day shirt, preferably front and back, to info@collegelifestyles.org.  Please be sure to include in your message your chapter and university.  Voting will begin on 9/15 and end on 9/30.  The chapter with the winning bid day shirt will receive 20 copies of ‘Eat Well and Be Fabulous’ by Shelly Marie Redmond!  (this incredible book gives suggestions for how sorority women can stay healthy!)

Dorm Decoration Contest (Facebook Photo)

Do your friends comment on how well your dorm is decorated?  Want to show off your work? Send us your design work to info@collegelifestyles.org.  Include your name, university, and design style.  Voting will begin on 9/15 and end on 9/30.  The winning individual will receive a lap top stand from Lap Dawg.

The College Lifestyles Channel

College Lifestyles is excited to announce the launch ‘The College Lifestyles Channel’ on YouTube on 9/25.  Join us every Sunday while we bring you the best on everything College Lifestyles!

Happy September!

Mark Your Calendar – College Lifestyles August Events!

College Lifestyles has some wonderful events for the month of August, including some great giveaways and a NEW Facebook Photo Contest!

Monday, August 1st – College Lifestyles will start our ‘Campus Countdown.’

Check our site daily for your one ‘to-do’ tip to prepare you for your return to campus!

Monday, August 1st – Ask the Intern.

College Lifestyles interns are here to answer your questions about returning to campus.  Please send your questions to intern@collegelifestyles.org.

Tuesday, August 9th at 9pm EST/8pm CST – Twitter Party!

College Lifestyles will be hosting a Back to School Twitter Party.  Our topic will focus on general back to school questions including juggling an internship while in classes, time management, budget tips, resume tips, nutrition tips, and dorm/apartment etiquette.  We have great giveaways from LapDawg and School House Inc.  Hashtag – #CLchat.

Monday, August 15th – Cutest Pet Facebook Contest!

Send us pictures of your ‘cutest pet‘ to info@collegelifestyles.org.  We will post all pictures on our Facebook page for our fans to vote on ‘CL’s Cutest Pet.‘  The winner will receive a $25 gift card to PETCO.  All entries will receive a copy of Shelly Marie Redmond’s book, ‘Eat Well and Be Fabulous:   A Guide for the Modern Day Woman.‘ Voting will start August 15th and end on Friday, August 26th.

Getting to Know Shelly…

May is one of our favorite months here at College Lifestyles.  It is the month where we get to specially honor our fabulous CEO, Shelly Marie Redmond, as May was dubbed “her month” by interns in 2010.  Being a Registered Dietitian/Author/Speaker, the Executive Director of College Lifestyles, a member of the American Dietetic Association, and a wife/Mommie, this classy lady is always on the go.  A native of Houma, Louisiana, she currently resides in Shreveport, Louisiana with her husband Greg and eight week old daughter, Mireille. Shelly attended both Nicholls State University and Louisiana Tech University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, her Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, and completed her Dietetic Internship.  There she was also involved with Student Programming and Residence Hall Association.  She was a member of the sorority Alpha Sigma Tau, where she now currently serves as the organization’s National Vice President.  Shelly has also written a book, Eat Well and Be Fabulous, that is a must read for any classy woman.

Her inspiration to form College Lifestyles developed in 2003 when she began working with interns from Louisiana Tech University.  She highly enjoyed working with students, so began to travel to educate students on etiquette, nutrition and sorority life, in addition to working with her interns.  While she enjoyed this to a high degree, she did not like leaving the students to fend for themselves once she had completed her visit.  She had a desire to “develop resources for students to visit” once she left their schools.  Shelly says, “In researching college ‘sites’ and ‘resources,’ I realized none had the ‘classy’ theme I discussed when working with students.”  Shelly decided to create the website she envisioned herself, and College Lifestyles was formed in 2008.

Ten years down the road, where does Shelly envision College Lifestyles?  In her words, “a full fledge on-line magazine and resource for college students from freshman year to graduate school.”  Shelly believes goals make the difference, and therefore is willing to adapt and change the College Lifestyles website to accommodate students for the years to come.

Fun Facts about Shelly:

Nick name(s): Shell, whatever my daughter coos at me(!)

One word to describe me: Classy

My favorite color is: Yellow

My friends say I am: Stylish, Patient, Driven and, well, Classy (!)

My dream job is: College Lifestyles Editor in Chief (expand the site even further!)

My dream car is: I am more of an SUV person – Escalade

My favorite television shows are: This is the FIRST year I am addicted to American Idol.  What Not to Wear.  Oprah.

My favorite movie is: I recently saw The King’s Speech and I LOVED it.  Legally Blonde and Wedding Singer.

I enjoy: Writing, reading, and pilates.  Lately, I enjoy playing with the newest addition in my life – my daughter!

Early bird or night owl?: Well, now I am an early bird with Mireille

On my I-Pod is: Depeche Mode, Glee songs, Ferry Corsten (techno)

Pets: 2 pets, cats – Gizmo and Theodore Roosevelt

My fashion style is: Ladylike.  I own 1 pair of jeans, the rest is skirts and dresses.

My favorite quote is: ‘Great things come in Small Packages’

My favorite class in college is/was: Speech

My favorite candy is: Twizzlers and Junior Mints

My favorite book(s) is/are: I am a marketing book junkie.  I love the book Made to Stick.  Freakin Fabulous by Clinton Kelly, the Sweet Potato Queen Collection

Magazines I enjoy reading are: Lucky, InStyle, Marie Claire, Martha Stewart On my desk, you will find: computer, marketing books, pens/pencils, pictures of hubby/Mireille, supplies (tape, stapler) – a typical desk

In my refrigerator, you will find: Greek yogurt, milk, formula, soy milk, juice, apples, oranges, jelly, cream cheese (do we see how I love dairy!), olives, celery, cucumbers, tomatoes, leftovers

I can’t live without: iPhone, laptop, College Lifestyles, College Lifestyles Interns

My dream vacation is: Moscow, Russia

Places I’ve traveled/ countries I’ve visited: I been pretty much all over the US, except Alaska.  My husband is from Ohio – and went to school in FL – so we have the pleasure of traveling to visit family/friends.  My honeymoon was in Argentina – I highly recommend! I love it when: Someone opens the door for me and when Mireille smiles and coos

I dislike OR I dislike it when: People rain on my parade

I am slightly obsessed with: Social Media, American Idol, Stephen Moyer from True Blood

I work the best at (location): My desk and Barnes and Noble

On rainy days, you can find me: Inside – reading a magazine or book.

On sunny days, you can find me: Taking Mireille on a stroller walk

A great date is: with my husband having a great meal!  Our lives are very fast pace so a nice meal is a great date

Coffee vs Tea: Coffee

Coke vs Pepsi: Diet Coke

Flip flops vs Stilettos: Stilettos

MAC vs PC: MAC

Must have iPhone apps are: White Noise (for Mireille and for when I travel so I can sleep), Facebook, Tweetdeck, Texting, Tetrus, Words with Friends, Foursquare

Something interesting many folks don’t know about me: Hum, besides being a Pilates junkie; I am quite short – only 5’1″

Favorite childhood memory: My family didn’t have much money, so my aunt took my brother and I to Disney World.  I was on cloud nine!

Favorite college memory: Too many!  Probably the fact my BFF Susan was my BFF the ENTIRE 4 years of our bachelor’s degree!  The simple things – midnight trips to Wal Mart, window shopping, ‘stalking!’  The best part – Susan and I are still BFFs!

Favorite adulthood memory: Mireille

Favorite sorority/sisterhood memory: It happened after graduation!  Being elected to serve as National Vice President!

I love being the CEO of College Lifestyles because: I LOVE working with students and interns!  The best part is seeing how they use the experience of writing and PR and taking the experience to the next level!  I feel so good when I see others succeed!

What I love MOST about College Lifestyles: The fact CL has stayed true to our ‘classy’ brand.  College Lifestyles has never left our humble beginnings nor deviated from our mission.  Plus, I love working with such fabulous young women!  Mireille has such wonderful women to look up to!

Speaking of Miss Mireille…

Shelly’s daughter, Mirelle Claire Redmond, was born on March 16^th (She is 8 weeks old, today!).  Mireille enjoys taking pictures, cooing, smiling, and bathtime, and is better known by some as “Meems” and/or “Blueberry.”  She likes the color pink and her fashion style is ladylike, as she enjoys wearing headbands with flowers.  She enjoys when her Mommie dresses her up, sings to her, and soothes her to sleep.  She also enjoys physical activities, such as tummy time, with her Daddy.  Mireille looks forward to being a future College Lifestyles lady because she wants to a classy lady, just like her sweet Mommie.  We love you, Mireille!

Shelly’s Interns Think the World of Her!

As interns at College Lifestyles, we are blessed to call Shelly our CEO.  Shelly desires to see us succeed, both as interns for College Lifestyles and in our personal lives as well.  What some of Shelly’s interns have to say about her:

“Shelly has such a beautiful heart.  She has taught me so much, taking me under her wing as one of her interns.  The amount of patience Shelly shows with each of us is phenomenal, as well as the amount of understanding she demonstrates.  I am blessed by the wisdom she has shared with me, and am grateful to have been a part of the College Lifestyles family for the last year.” -Abby Bryant

“Shelly is not only a wonderful person, but she is also a great director for College Lifestyles! Her passion shows in every aspect of her work and life. Even though she just had a baby, she is still keeping up with all of her wonderful interns to make sure we stay on the same page. Her upbeat, positive attitude always puts a smile on my face and makes me want to go above and beyond. Shelly is an amazing person who truly deserves all the great things in life! Thank you, Shelly, for making this internship experience one that I will never forget. ” -Becky Alberico

“She is super dedicated to what she does and also such a genuine person and CEO. From the moment I spoke to her on the phone for my interview, I knew she was truly invested in CL and really cared about her interns. I love working for CL and am so grateful to be a part of something so classy, so great–so Shelly!” -Erica Avesian

“Shelly is super sweet and such a great role model. She emits positive energy, she’s understanding and is genuinely caring!” -Grace Gavilanes

“I love Shelly because she’s like the house mom for our second sorority as CL interns. She is such an inspiration and such a wonderful person. She’s so good at being able to bounce ideas off of, and she has such faith in each and every one of us to run with our ideas. I couldn’t ask for a better person to learn from because she’s so incredibly passionate about what she does, and whether she realizes it or not, she instills that same passion in her interns. We love you “Mama” Shelly!” -Jacqui Brown

“I love Shelly for how sweet, caring and hardworking she is. Nothing slows her down, and it is truly amazing to see someone accomplish so much and do it with such genuine character and devotion, all while maintaining a family. I love working at College Lifestyles for how much creativity and room to grow it has given me, as well as having a wonderfully supportive network of interns and an awesome CEO. I know this is corny because it gets said all the time, but Shelly is an inspiration to all of us.” -Jessica Salerno

“I love Shelly because she really makes us girls feel comfortable working for her. Though it is a job (and an awesome one at that!) I feel like I can talk to Shelly about anything and that she is our biggest cheerleader! Being an intern at College Lifestyles was an amazing experience and I am more excited than I can put into words for the ladies who will follow in our footsteps and have the chance to work for and with Shelly, because she truly is an amazing woman!” -Jordan Ellis

“I love that Shelly is always very supportive, helpful, and positive. She’s been a positive presence in my life since my phone interview before I even became an intern, and I’m a better person for knowing her! I’m going to miss being CL intern so much because I love the other interns and Shelly and the little family she’s created.” -Kat McClain

“Shelly is not only an amazing boss who pushes me to be a more creative and engaging writer, she’s a wonderful woman who genuinely cares about all of us at CL. I’m so thankful to have been given this opportunity to work with a team of truly amazing young women!” -Lauren Zeinstra

“I love working with Shelly because she is such a positive leader! Even though we have never met face to face, I feel like she is a mentor I can count on for life. She’s the best!” -Leslie Campbell

“Shelly is a very special person and a positive inspiration in my life. I look up to her professionally, but most importantly I admire her strong character. She is loved by many and for very good reasons. I feel incredibly lucky that I came across College Lifestyles because it provided me with opportunities to grow as a writer and a person. Shelly has created a tremendous website and organization and I am proud to be a part of it. She is a wonderful person with a lot of talent and joy to share with the world!” -Maggie Young

“I love working for CL with Shelly because as interns we don’t just work FOR her, we work with her! She always asks for input on ideas she has or asks us for new ideas. It’s nice to have that kind of interaction as an intern! She truly values our opinions, and makes us feel special!” -Patrice Basso

Happy “Miss Shelly Marie” Month!!!

WE LOVE YOU, SHELLY!

Abby Bryant is an intern with College Lifestyles™.  She recently graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Georgia College & State University®, where she was also the president of her sorority, Sigma Alpha Omega®.   She considers herself blessed to have been an intern with College Lifestyles for the last year, and will miss her “College Lifestyles family” so much.  She would especially like to thank Shelly for being the amazing person that she is.  Abby wishes all the best to College Lifestyles and its fabulous readers and would like to remind everyone that there are three things a girl should be: classy, fabulous, and a CL lady!  Much love to you all!  And Happy Miss Shelly Marie Month!

A CL Tweetchat! 4/19 at 9pm EST!

Mark your Calender for College Lifestyles Tweetchat on 4/19!

College Lifestyles is hosting a ‘Tuesday Tweetchat’ on 4/19 at 9pm EST, 8PM CST.  Our theme is ‘Internship/Career Tips.’

Get ‘real-life’ internship and career suggestions from the very own College Lifestyles Interns and CEO, Shelly Marie Redmond.  Ask your own questions, as well as respond to questions posed by our team!

WHAT:  College Lifestyles Tweetchat

WHEN:  April 19, 2011 9pmEST, 8pmCST (following Glee)

TOPIC:   Internship/Career Tips

HASHTAG:  #CLchat

Giveaways during our tweetchat are sponsored by:

Jenny Blake – 2 copies of her NEW book ‘Life After College’

Shelly Marie Redmond - 2 copies of her book ‘Eat Well and Be Fabulous’

Our tweetchat is sponsored by:

Greek Chick Gifts is the place to shop for fun photo products in the name of your sorority.  Select from hundreds of high quality products customized with your photos, your sorority name, and even your own personalize text.  As a Greek Licensed Vendor, Greek Chick Gifts believes in the importance of funding national and regional conventions, leadership conferences, and scholarships AND are proud to donate 8.5% of their sales to YOUR sorority national organization.  With over 650 products and orders completed as fast as 3 business days, we are loving Greek Chick Gifts!

Decor 2 Ur Door.  Fashion forward, custom teen, dorm and beyond bedding and décor complete with monogramming and designer details.  A la carte customization allows you to build your room an item at a time and offers flexibility for those on a limited budget.  Trendy  designs, colors and a full line of  designer collegiate and sorority styles give your grad the room they’ve always dreamed of. Visit www.decor-2-ur-door.com and choose from a wide array of pre-designed, prepackaged rooms or customize a room based on your individual tastes and preferences.  Décor 2 Ur Door has everything you need to create a special room you will always remember and a beautiful space to call home.

We look forward to ‘seeing’ you on our chat!

College Lifestyles is Proud to Announce our Sponsorship/Partnership Program!

College Lifestyles is proud to announce our sponsorship/partnership program!

College Lifestyles has a wonderful partnership program which specifically targets savvy college co-eds and sorority women.

Our incredible site has receive prestigious recognition in being awarded the 2010 Freshman Advisor Award from eCollegefinder, as well as being recognized in 2009 as #4 in Online College 100 inspirational twitter feeds for college students. College Lifestyles Executive Director/CEO, Shelly Marie Redmond, has been featured on CBS, NBC, and ABC; as well as quoted in Cosmopolitan magazine and Fox Business Online on topics related to co-eds and sorority life.  Our content has been recognized as a college resource by Huffington Post College and USA Today College.  Just recently, we partnered with Phi Mu Fraternity in National Ritual Celebration Week promotions and festivities.

We offer a comprehensive sponsorship/partnership program which includes the following:

• Website/E-Newsletter/Social Media Outreach.
• Product giveaway promoted via blog, Twitter, and Facebook and e-newsletter.
• Product reviews.
• General Website Partner (includes articles and logo placement on our site).
• Sponsored Blog Post
• Sponsored Giveaways.

We would love to have your company partner with College Lifestyles.  Do not hesitate to let us know if you have any questions on our incredible outreach and website; as well as if you would like to receive our comprehensive partnership packet.

For more information, contact Shelly Marie Redmond at:

Shelly Marie Redmond, MS, RD, LDN

E:  info@collegelifestyles.org

P: (318) 426-0987

What’s New at College Lifestyles? Excitement!

We are not even 1/4 of the way through 2011 at College Lifestyles, and we have some amazing NEW features we are offering to our readers as well as some fantastic changes to our site!

Here is a little taste of ‘What is going on in the College Lifestyles World!’

First and foremost, College Lifestyles has the honor of being listed on both USA Today College and Huffington Post College websites, in addition to being interviewed by Fox Business Online on ‘Affordable Spring Break Destinations.’

College Lifestyles has partnered with Phi Mu Fraternity in bringing National Ritual Celebration Week to our readers!

Calling all social media lovers!  College Lifestyles now has a Tumblr account.  Be sure to follow us!  http://collegelifestyles.tumblr.com/

We are excited to have our first sponsor – Greek Chick Gifts!  Check out their fantastic products here.

Here is a little taste of what one can expect from College Lifestyles in the next few weeks:

New categories.  Our interns have been working at bringing you, our readers, the best information yet!  Stay tuned for:

• Runway to CL Way – Taking the latest runway fashions to your college friendly budget.
• Featured Reader of the Week – We are looking for the best and brightest at your university.  Friends, nominate your own friends!
• Classy Co-Ed Parties – Giving you and your friends ideas for your next girls night in.
• What I Love About Me – Interviews with co-eds from coast to coast on ‘what I love about me.’
• Best Dressed on Campus – Looking for those with the best outfits OR submit your photos to us.
• Featured Intern – Learn a little bit more about the classy ladies of CL.

Polls. We want your opinion on everything College Lifestyles – from etiquette, nutrition, fashion, and dorm/apartment life.

New Program.  With the success of our “Text Sweet Messages” program, College Lifestyles is developing a ‘My Weight is (confident).’  No weighing, just confidence and celebrating our self worth!  Stay tuned for additional resources.

CL Top 10.  Our personal top 10 list from music to have on your Ipod to spring fashion!

Contest.  Look for our fun and upcoming contest related to dorm decor and DIY fashion.

Tweetchats. Look for our first Tweetchat in April.
Stay tuned for all our changes!

As always if you have any suggestions and comments, we would love to hear them!

Shelly Marie Redmond, MS, RD, LDN is the CEO/Executive Director of College Lifestyles.  She is excited about the new and improved changes to the website!!!

National Ritual Celebration Week – What Does Ritual Mean to You??

National Ritual Celebration Week starts tomorrow (March 1) and last through March 7th.    College Lifestyles is excited to partner with Phi Mu Fraternity in festivities of the week.

College Lifestyles is proud to promote Greek Life in the most positive of fashions, and we wish to continue our positivity by asking our readers to share their stories and pictures of ‘what being a part of a fraternity or sorority means to you.’

College Lifestyles will publish your answers and pictures on 3/10.

Picture celebration:  We are asking for pictures of your Greek Letter organization celebrating events.  Please send us your best group pics of bid day celebrations, pre/post ritual events, members wearing their badges, and alumnae celebration events.

All pictures can be sent to the following email:  info@collegelifestyles.org

Please include in your email your name, Greek affiliation, event, chapter, university.

Question of the week:  College Lifestyles is asking our readers, ‘What does ritual mean to me?’  Please visit the following link to discuss – (http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GGNHLKW)

If you have any questions relating to National Ritual Celebration Week, please contact Gabby Leon, Director of Leadership and Programming, at Phi Mu National Headquarters, at gleon@phimu.org or 770-632-2101.

Shelly Marie Redmond, MS, RD, LDN is the Executive Director/CEO of College Lifestyles.  She is thrilled about National Ritual Celebration Week and will be wearing her badge on March 7, 2011.

TMI!? Facebook Etiquette for the Classy Co-Ed.

Classic scenario:  You are your girlfriends are out and about on a Friday night, and you notice a ‘not so classy young lady’ chatting it up a little too much with your boyfriend.  Fighting back tears, you insist you are fine, but deep down inside you want to scream.  Later at your dorm, your anger escalates.   You take to Facebook and update your status, ‘Saw a (insert word) talking to my man.  She better stay away from him.’ Two days later, ‘your man’ dumps you.

Please, do not get us wrong, we love Facebook at College Lifestyles!  It is a wonderful tool for staying in touch with friends and family, and lets be honest, it is plain fun!  But sometimes, just sometimes, we may use Facebook as our personal diary and tell the world a little TMI.

Here are our tips on handling some common TMI status updates:

TMI status update: I hate my professor.  She gave us 400 pages to read.  I will throw my book at her when I see her.

You think:  I showed her who is boss.

We think: We all have 400 pages to read in a class.  You are not the only one.

How to avoid this TMI? If you are bogged down with work, talk to the professor.  In my past teaching days, I was always impressed when students would contact me to discuss time management/work assignments.  It shows maturity on your part.  If the professor is a little tough to work with, ask to have an appointment with the head of the department to further discuss the situation.

TMI status update:  If you got a problem with me, tell me to my face.  You know who you are.  Don’t hate.

You think:  I am really tough.

We think:  Why is she saying this over Facebook?  Why not call the person?

How to avoid this TMI? First, conflict is very normal. With a status update such as this one, you are adding fuel to the fire, not extinguishing the flames.  Obviously, the issue with the individual is on your mind, so do your best to resolve the situation.  Be the bigger person and call up the individual, discuss the situation, and move on.

TMI status update:  I am so sick.  I (insert very detailed description of illness).

You think: I am keeping everyone informed of my illness.

We think: Eeks!  I am not going around her for at least 5 days.

How to avoid this TMI?  A simple status update saying, ‘In bed, sick,’ is fine.  Don’t go into the gory details of your illness, some of us have weak stomachs.

TMI status update:  Stupid meeting, stupid work, stupid (insert anything)

You think:  I am just venting.

We think:  Eeks, not going to chat with her until she crawls out of her pity party.

How to avoid this TMI?  We all have bad days.  And yes, we are allowed to have a bit of a pity party.  But please, have a pity party and figure out ways to improve the situation.  Can you call work to change your schedule?  Is the meeting necessary?  Figure out what makes your day bad and come up with a solution to improve your day.  And if you honestly have no solutions, cry your eyes out while watching your favorite ‘sad’ movie.

Before taking to the world-wide web any frustrations you may have, write it down in your own personal journal.  Keep a journal by your computer to prevent any ‘oopsy’ TMI moments.  Write your little heart out.

Shelly Marie Redmond, MS, RD, LDN is the Executive Director of College Lifestyles.  She LOVES Facebook, LOVES writing in her journal, and her favorite ‘sad’ movie is Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken.

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