GG Recap: 5 OMG/UGH Moments in ‘Cross Rhodes’

*SPOILER ALERT*

This week’s episode of Gossip Girl entitled “Cross Rhodes” left me at a cross roads with the show. Yes, the show finally took the wheel and started dealing with all the issues that they have been dragging out and building up for an entire season. But instead of typical OMG! GG fashion, subpar scenes made up the most of the hour. The build up of the sexual tension between Dan and Blair was sealed with a few slimy kisses, but the character that Blair is becoming is totally undermining everything the show has tried shaping into. Another build up that should have came raining down bricks, instead ended slower than a floating feather.  The only piece of this week’s plot that served justice to the Upper East Side’s exciting twists and turns came from Chuck Bass’s seductive schemes. Overall, the episode did not meet it’s potential, and as much as most people hate to love the show, I’m starting to love to hate the show.

Check out the top 5 OMG! and UGH. moments:

1. 

   Photo Credit: TVRecap.Com

   Scarves and Schemes: The Bass(tard) is back with his sexy seductive schemes. He invites Dan over to walk the dog putting on a friendly face (as if Dan playing the knight in shining armor for his ex-girlfriend doesn’t matter). When Dan is distracted, Chuck sneakily switches Dan’s real manuscript with a plagiarized story. Here comes the sexy part. Chuck sends over a fabulous scarf to Dan’s book agent, Alexandra, and convinces her he needs to see her with it on (or off?). His seductive charm works flawlessly and Alexandra sends in Dan’s story (without reviewing it, of course) so the two can get some one-on-one hot and heavy time. Unfortunately for Alexandra, Chuck could care less about their time together and only has one goal in mind: sinking Dan’s career as payback for “stealing” Blair. Little does he know, Blair isn’t being stolen away…she is being swept away and her phone call to Chuck to leave Dan alone seals that. In proper OMG behavior, just as Chuck adheres to his princess’s wishes by sending Alexandra Dan’s real manuscript, Gossip Girl sends Chuck a real message of her own–proof that Dan was the one who sent the “Blair Loves Chuck” confession to GG. YAY Upper East Siders, does anyone see what I see? A hint of reason for Blair to potentially hate Dan and come running back to Chuck, restoring all that is right in the world. OMG! 
2. 

   Photo Credit: TVRecap.com

   RIP CeCe: Is it just me or wouldn’t the fact that your mother was deathly ill and receiving chemotherapy, and oh yeah, had a stroke and is dying all be granted with a little more tears and a little more… I don’t know EMOTION? I must say, I am a style stalker and totally love scenes that are focusing on designer studs, but in a moment of such intense dramatic tension, I must say the cameras focusing in on Lily’s heals instead of Lily’s emotional peals was a bit unrealistic and annoying. Not to mention, CeCe looked extremely good (and young) for struggling with cancer and undergoing chemo, and oh yeah dying. The show touches on so many real issues, and instead of really digging deep into them they barely sit on the surface. UGH.

3. Unmemorable Rhodes: As I  mentioned earlier, Gossip Girl has been building the Charlie Rhodes car crash for nearly two seasons. Everyone has been at the edge of their seats waiting for the manic train wreck, and waiting to see its messy aftermath. I must say I was more than disappointed. I was disgusted. The storyline had so much potential to be a fiasco, and instead the revelation was so simple, and so not meeting the Upper East Side ‘s dramatic edge. Serena frightens Ivy away with the threat to call the cops, sending dear old Ivy into the arms of our favorite manipulator, Georgina. Serena attempts to get to know the real Charlie, or Lola as she now goes by, with an offer to grab some good old Manhattan coffee, but Lola rejects and instead decides to spend her time getting to know Nate’s sleeping habits. Dear GG writers: if you’re going to set it on the stove for so long, you should have let it explode, not just turn it off. Years from now, when I look back on the Chivy/Chola dilemma, I won’t remember any of this. UGH.
4. 

   Photo Credit: TVRecap.com

   Dair to Care: I seriously dare someone to actually care about Dan and Blair. Their relationship is seriously unbelievable, and by that I mean literally. It is just not believable. I don’t get where Dan became this attractive love interest for Blair. Yes, he did so much for her. But the mutual feelings were never properly articulated throughout the seasons for me to develop an attachment to the characters as a couple. And then there was, oh yeah, that guy named Chuck. Hello!? Oh, and let’s not forget to mention she is married to someone who, up until the wedding day, she supposedly had true feelings for. Blair is beyond confused. She is being turned into a little bit of a sleeze. And all of a sudden, GG writers expect me to hop on to the Dair wagon by throwing in some romantic hand holding, sloppy lip locks, and deep revelations through mock plays of their lives? I think not. UGH.

5. S & B or BS?: Serena and Blair have had their fair share of frenemy moments, but up until yesterday I really thought their friendship was real. But Blair’s
   

   Photo Credit: TVRecap.com

   move to pawn all over Dan, whether Serena okays it or not, is not acceptable. It’s BS. There are no exceptions to the friend rule, especially when the friend is your best friend who is more like your sister than anything else (hello, they live together!). Whether Serena says she doesn’t want to be a road block between the two new lovebirds or not, Blair should realize Serena is still hurting. After all, it was just a week before that Blair was playing the BFF Cupid trying to get the two exes back together on the premise that Serena still had feelings for Dan. It’s enough that the guy you have feelings for rejects you (again), but the fact that the person he rejects you for is your best friend and your best friend (who happens to get every guy in town) wants him back…that’s just the epitome of shitty. Blair might have been the bratty Queen B, but now she’s a petty princess who apparently doesn’t care about any of the real relationships she has worked so hard to establish– especially the most important one, the one with herself. One in which she respects herself to not become the woman stuck between three different guys, the one where she doesn’t betray her best friend, and the one where doesn’t become relient on men but instead is happy relying on herself. UGH.

GG Recap: Crazy, Cupid, Love’s Arrow Missed Fans’ Hearts

Like many Gossip Girl fans, I’ve been dedicated to the show since day 1 when it first premiered back in 2007. I took a backseat as I watched the Constance and St. Jude drama unfold from Serena’s affair with Nate, to Queen B’s deflowering by Chuck, to (fill in the blank)’s drug problem. As the gossip spun out of control, I scooted closer and closer to the passenger’s seat with every part of me wanting to take the wheel and hit the breaks on some issues, and accelerate on others. The show was exhilarating, new, risky.

Then came all the roadblocks of getting into college, which in retrospect was kind of a waste of everyone’s time since now our Upper East Siders are all much too successful and well off to earn an education. I mean who would need one after becoming published authors, editor-in-chiefs, successful bloggers and business owners, or a real-life princess?! Then all the cute relationships fell apart, and what did most GG fans want? For them to be put back together. It is understandable that it couldn’t happen after just one season or maybe even two. But, seriously? We’re on season 5.

Back in high school, reviewing this show would be my dream. Today, not so much. The show, to put it nicely, is lackluster. The storylines that are of any interest are sadly those of flat characters who come in and out of the plot—cue the Charlies. The only theme GG writers are showing us is that after years of developing our dynamic Upper East siders, no one really changes or grows. If anything at all, they get dumber. Not just in personality, but in actions. Serena backstabs Blair, Blair backstabs Serena. Blair and Chuck aren’t together. Dan is lonely boy, except a jerkier version. Back to the Basst with his reckless rollercoaster. Nate is still oblivious and chasing after a love that is interested in something more than him. You see where I’m going with this? For a popular television show, Gossip Girl is a broken record machine, and at this point I’m way past taking a backseat, the passenger seat, or even wanting to take the wheel. I’m just ready to jump out. Get it together GG writers. We love the drama, but growth among the characters is necessary for a successful, appealing plot.  For once, Georgina put it best: “This party is so 2007 anyway.”

OMG! or UGH.

1. Michelle Trachtenberg’s (Georgina) Fake-ting
   • Wow. Michelle did a hell of a lot better job acting as Harriet The Spy than she did in yesterday’s episode of GG. What was going on, honestly? From her pathetic attempts to look interested in her schemes to the terrible confrontation with Charlie and lastly to her BIG reveal to Dan, I was definitely disappointed. Michelle’s fake acting was seriously hard to watch or listen to. UGH.
   

   PHOTO CREDIT: GIOVANNI RUFINO/Warner Brothers

2. Princess Problems 101
   • I guess being a princess in a fake marriage isn’t as bad as GG writers cut it out to be. After spending a few episodes hyping up Blair’s loveless lair lockdown, she returns to Manhattan without any of the evil Grimaldis (including her not so charming prince hubby) and instead bring a royal minder to make sure she is obeying her royal wedding vows. I’m almost positive that the reason Prince Louis went through with the wedding was to save himself from any blows to his image by keeping the lovely lady on his arm, so GG writers need to connect the dots a little better next time. UGH.
3. Operation Derena
   • Something about Blair playing Cupid made me laugh. She seemed to sincerely want the best for her besties, and watching her and my fav Dorota double up to see it happen was amusing. Blair’s “high school sweetheart” couple was my favorite touch; only because it was so evident that they were paid actors. Hey, it’s the thought that counts… right? OMG!
4. 7 Seconds in Hell…or Heaven?
   • Dan kisses Blair, Blair kisses back?! Make up your mind B. And in Chuck’s room?! Whatever happened to the classy sophisticated Blair? What were her intentions behind the laundry list of charming chores Dan has done for her followed by a foolish, “If you’re that guy with Serena how could she not love you?” And again, “What would really make you happy Dan?” Is she honestly the only person blind enough to not see that Dan is madly, sadly in love with her? For Vampire Diary watchers, this is starting to be an Elena-takes-all twist. Blair is married to Louis, in love with Chuck, and likes Dan. I’ve always loved Blair, but she is disappointing me. Especially coming from the strong woman who didn’t want to be with the love of her life because she wanted to create a name for herself first (rather than be known as Chuck’s arm-candy). For a former Miss Independent, she really is a hot mess with her love triangle-turned-web. Not only is she now arm-candy to someone who has her trapped in a loveless marriage, she is also screwing over two good friends, and hurting the one person who I think she loves the most. UGH.
   

   PHOTO CREDIT: GIOVANNI RUFINO/Warner Brothers

5. Will The Real Rhodes Please Stand Up?
• SURPRISE! The “original” impostor Charlie Rhodes is back. The entire episode we’re kept guessing at what the reason for her risky return to the Upper East Side could possibly be. At the same time, the thought of a run in with Charlie-Ivy (Chivy) or Charlie-Lola (Chola) is exciting. And when we find out that they not only know each other, but that Nate spills the beans to Chola, it only creates more excitement to the Charlie Rhodes storyline. Now that real Charlie Rhodes knows she has an impostor, most people are guessing how the big reveal will go down. I, on the other hand, am going to take a wild guess and say Chola might like to hold on to the secret for safe keeping (or leverage) just a little longer. This is probably the only story-line that’s keeping me hooked! OMG!

GG Recap: ‘The Backup Dan’ #NeedsToBackDown

*SPOILER ALERT*

Last week on Gossip Girl, we saw the royal runaway have to resort to her backup plan, which happened to be have curly hair, be an author, reside in Brooklyn, and be one of the many people she used to hate–Dan Humphrey. “The Backup Dan” picked up right where last week’s exciting episode left off, with everyone searching for the missing bride and the newly revealed Gossip Girl finding new schemes to bring up the websites sinking views. Maybe last week’s surprising comeback was too much of a turn over to follow through with a strong 101st episode, because this week’s episode seemed really disconnected and almost a waste of an hour. Dan tries to rescue Blair from the horrible accented Grimaldis, meanwhile Serena and Chuck are frantically searching for her too. Of course Dan doesn’t think to tell Serena that he is with her, because he wants to be the only knight in shining armor for Blair (who is one confused girl).  Lastly, surprise, surprise Georgina actually isn’t Gossip Girl but is just a wannabe. The episode sadly ends with Blair smiling for the paparazzi with Louis; apparently being in a fake marriage is better than buying your way out of one. Making Blair into a hot commodity (literally) is turning me and many other viewers off. Does anyone else agree that the whole “who is Blair going to end with” storyline needs to come to an end? What ever happened to Diana? What’s going to happen with Lola? Dan needs to find a girl outside of the infamous “Inside.” Chuck and Blair just need to be together, and the evil Grimaldis need to take the next flight to Monaco. They are #NotWanted.

To mix things up a bit, I thought it would be fun to recap the uneventful episode with a Backup Dan Twitterfeed! #CheckItOut #Tweethearts

Looks like Serena and her real cousin are getting in some bonding time. #ProjectFindTheRunawayBride

Prince Louis may not have been left at the altar, but the honeymoon seems to be over before it began. #GG

Looks like everyone wants to know where the royal bride ran to, but will they find her in time? #AllOverTheMap

Researching divorce laws? #FirstSign to not get married. Come on Blair! For a student accepted into Colombia, you sure need to think deeper. #Duh

Looks like Lonely Boy is fleeing Princess B to Santo Domingo. #HelloFreedom?

Why wouldn’t Princess B be smart enough to get out of her royal dress?! #CallHerASoreThumb

“They do give credit to people from Brooklyn, right?” Spoken like a true royal. Or at least a Manhattan one. #QueenBsBack

You can run and you can hide but Princess B beware, Gossip Girl has eyes everywhere! #OrDoesShe?

Only Blair would use a tabloid to prove her identity. #PrincessProblems

Dorota to the rescue. #WhatsNew

Looks like Serena’s prince charming is acting as someone else’s #Shady Who else is already over #Dair? S is about to be.

Chuck is beginning to realize it’s over? #NOOOOOOOOOO GG writers need to stop prolonging the inevitable. #FrusturatedFan

Apparently, Lily and Rufus have the #MovesLikeJagger. Too bad they’re not #BringingSexyBack or anything for that matter. #UselessCharacters

If Blair decides to use her birth right of making a choice, a decision of her own, that would mean her family would have to pay dowry to the Grimaldis. Nice touch GG writers. First, Chuck and a hotel. Now either Blair’s hand in marriage for a year or the entire Waldorf business. Apparently Blair is #OneHotCommodity…too bad that’s all she is made out to be. #WomenAreNotProperty

Looks like even Nate Archibald can chill out with a cool beer…or not #TroubleInParadise

Nothing mixes Blue and Bougie like a classic cool beer, right? #WrongAgain For those of you hoping for a Lola lala’s Nate, you’re going to have to wait. #TroubleIntheArch

Dair spotted getting comfy on New York airport benches? #FromNobilitytoNobody

Getting her the help she needs equates locking a girl into tall towers. #DorotaSpeaksTruth At least someone else can sense the lack of agency for women on this show. #GG writers get it together!

 Anyone notice Georgina’s exquisite vocabulary during the episode? Looks like the #GG in her is oozing out… #Cunning or #Counterfeit ?

 Knock, knock. Whose interrupting Dair’s not-so-cute married-couple fight? It’s understood that the two may be more than friends, but their conversations throughout the episode were too forced. #FullHouse has retired people.

“I’m not just anyone. I’m her bestfriend.” *Camera falls out* Oh, how quickly the tables can turn. S behind the destructive device that caused the noble nuptuials to nosedive into the deep end? #The[friend]ShipThatKeepsRocking

Does Lily feel the family connection with dear old Lola. #LooksLikeIt

 Gossip Girl tipped out the Grimaldis? Or shall we say, Georgina. What is her motive? Because if her motive is to ruin Blair’s marriage, it wouldn’t persay, be hurting B. Where’s the #DivineIntervention now?

 Princess or pauper? Blair has a #toughie to make!

Dan wants to be a night in shining armor for just one Upper East Side Queen. Looks like the truth hurts, especially when the look isn’t towards you. #PoorS

 Chuck once again is willing to do anything for his one true love. But Blair thinks they won’t be on an equal playing field if he has to buy her love. Understanding, but would she really rather spend a year with someone who is using her than get help from someone who is willing to do anything for her? B fails to see that love is being selfless, and by allowing Chuck to save her she’s paying him back in a way money never could. #ANNOYING #JUSTSTOP #OVERIT #IWILLMARRYCHUCK

 It’s apparent that Dan cares about Blair more than Louis? But just as friends. #NiceObservationSweetheart #WelcometotheFriendZone

 Does Lola want to be in Nate’s crazy world? Oh wait, she’s already in it. She was born into it. #BougieBaby

 A year of Princess B with Prince Louis? What is this whirlwind wedding turning into? First a swept away miscarriage, and now a forced marriage. I’m not liking the sound of this. #GiveBlairMorePower

 According to #GG, Blair’s lucky her prison is a palace. But innocent loneliness in a palace is worse than guilty living in a prison.

Looks like there’s a faux Gossip Girl taking over Manhattan. Georgina, get off your high horse, we all know you’re not good (or bad) enough to be her. #ImposterOnTheRun

 But most secrets make excellent blackmail material. Looks like Dan is the clueless culprit of the nasty GG post. #WhoDunIt

 Next time on “Crazy, Cupid, Love” Nate throws an infamous party, a Valentine’s Day party for all the cute couples on the show (joke!). Looks like Dan is asked to make his move. The question is whose heart is his arrow piercing? Looks like we have a traditional S vs. B war on the field. Check out exclusive photos from next week’s war on love below, the promo here, and come back next week for the top 5 OMG/UGHs of the episode!

xoxo Sunny

Sana Ashraf is a fashion writer and fashion show intern and is a junior at the University of Michigan. Sana loves reading fashion magazines, shopping sprees, city lights, color coordinated closets, and all four seasons.

The Bachelor (Week 6)

In Week 6 of The Bachelor, the contestants continue to bash Courtney, undoubtedly the villainess of the season. Most girls are more concerned with sending her home without a rose than furthering their relationships with Ben Flajnik, a winemaker from Sonoma. Courtney has adopted the attitude of the front-runner. She believes her relationship with Ben is the strongest, and it very well may be considering her and Ben’s “intimate moment” of skinny-dipping in Puerto Rico last week. Their relationship continues to grow this week as Ben’s group date with the girls turns more into a one-on-one date with Courtney. The two spend the majority of the date, in which the group dresses up with an Embera Tribe, dancing together. This infuriates many of the girls, who, instead of attempting to form their own connections with Ben, criticize Courtney for being “aggressive” and scheme to send her home.

 

Ben also shares a romantic one-on-one date with Kacie B., unquestionably a viewer favorite. Ben takes the 24 year old from Tennessee to their own private island. She is told to bring three things with her on the date. Her choices—a stuffed monkey, a corkscrew, and a bag of candy—reveal her young age and careless attitude. Kacie, who is the first contestant to have a second one-on-one date with Ben, opens up to him about her eating disorder in high school. This brings the two closer together, forming a bond Courtney and the other girls should definitely be concerned about.

 

Lastly, Ben takes Rachel and Blakely on the dreaded two-on-one date. In this situation, “there are two girls and one rose—one stays and one goes.” After receiving the date card, Rachel immediately becomes nervous and dreads the date while Blakely is overly confident and excited about it. Maybe that is her downfall. Blakely, although opening up to Ben in a way she claims she never has before, is tragically sent home.

 

Week 6 wraps up with the dramatic exit of Casey B., who admits to being in love with her ex boyfriend from home after questioned by Chris Harrison, and the dismissal of Jamie in the rose ceremony. As always, week 6 is a very eventful episode—perhaps “the most dramatic in Bachelor history.”

 

-Katie O’Brien

“G.G.”: A Toast to 100 Episodes with a Royal Roast

*SPOILER ALERT*

We have watched our precious preppy Upper East-siders transform into budding brides and lavished lads, so it would only make sense for the 100th episode to highlight their growth.

Growth for the characters, however, hasn’t revealed growth for the show, and Gossip Girl gurus have been patiently awaiting a record-making comeback. With Blair’s wedding on deck, “G.G.” had a royal opportunity to redeem itself for its second-rate scheming. Lucky for die-hard fans like myself, this week’s episode played out as if it were 2007, complete with shocking twists and revolting revelations.

For this week’s recap, I thoroughly thought out techniques to summarize all of the emotions that swept over me during an hour of nail biting and edging to the end of your seat. How could I describe the sense of relief as Serena rushed to Chuck to reveal the highly dramatic reason for Blair’s change of heart (the pathetic pact Blair had made with her acquaintance upstairs)? How could I describe the excitement of the royal roast as Gossip Girl’s Blair Blast interrupted the ceremonial bliss? How could I describe the sense of utter contempt as Louis and Blair said “I do” and cut their hideous wedding cake together? How could I describe the shocking pangs of excitement as Louis finally added something meaningful to the plot? How could I explain the sadness I felt as Dan pulled up the getaway car for the royal runaway? And lastly, how could I explain the confusion as Gossip Girl’s identity was revealed so suddenly, without warning?

I realized why not let our favorite socialites do the talking. Here are some of this week’s most memorable quotes!

Gossip Girl: ”Once upon a time, Princess B was a virgin queen and her king was named Archibald. Who would have thought that in just five short years she would turn that headband into a tiara for real?”

Celebrating the present goes hand-in-hand with taking a look back at the past. You can’t be thankful for today if you don’t look at the journey you took to get here, which is why this line was fabulously fresh yet totally in line with Gossip Girl tradition. Witty and memorable, Gossip Girl reminds viewers that Queen B of Constance Billard School is now the soon to be Princess B of Monaco. Her king Archibald is a nice lead into Nate’s storyline for the episode, which was reflecting on his pathetic love life over the past few years. Too bad his new love interest is still in the inner circle of Upper East side drama (the real Charlie Rhodes)—they just can’t seem to get away can they?

 

Chuck Bass: ”I can’t allow you to destroy Blair’s wedding. You think because I love her, I want her all to myself, but I’m not that man anymore. I just want her to be happy, and if marrying Louis will do that for her, that’s what’s going to happen.”

Here’s a toast to “I’m Chuck Bass.” He had a few good years as the guy you love to hate, but I think I love him more as the guy you love to love. After pouring his heart out to B, professing that the one person who loves him is standing right next to him (for the millionth time), we finally get to see the changed Chuck Bass. Yes. I miss the devious, scheming Chuck, but there is something maturely manly about Manhattan’s most not-so-eligible bachelor. His selflessness reveals a true love that makes him that more attractive. Though if there were any time for Chuck to be selfish, this would be the time. GG fans can’t just chuck Chuck, and Blair can’t either.

 

Georgina Sparks: “Bless us, Father. I have a feeling we’re about to sin.”

Making the top of any list in the Upper East Side is a big deal, and for Georgina Sparks, taking the number one slot on Manhattan’s Elite Enemy list is exactly where she wants to be. Little did we know, Georgina’s competition for the number one enemy is none other than herself—Gossip Girl! The episode had to end with a bang, and with a bang it did. The revelation that Georgina is Gossip Girl is a little hard to believe. But that’s another conversation. Georgina utters these sweetly devilish words as she’s dressed in Father Carvallia’s cassock, or better yet the “divine intervention costume.” The elevator doors close, and the suspense lingers. Although Georgina isn’t my favorite character, her return definitely stirs the plot pot up. And with Jesus on her side (apparently, he owes her one) I really had no good guesses for what would happen next. The last thing I expected was Georgina to be typing the latest GG post. My guess? The writers are trying to throw us off, and Georgina is just really good at being really bad (a hacker perhaps). Guess we won’t be saying au revoir to Georgina for a while.

 

Serena: “I know that it scares you, and I know that it’s a risk. But don’t enter into a false life just because you’re afraid to face your real one.”

After the odd opening musical number with Serena starring as Marilyn Monroe and Blair filling in the shoes of Audrey Hepburn, I didn’t know what to think. I’ve analyzed television shows enough to know there was a little bit of foreshadowing, but in what way? Was Serena truly looking out for BFF Blair? After years of stupid decisions and failed relationships, Serena finally learns that you can’t lie to anyone about the way you truly feel. Whether it scares you or not, you have to be true to yourself. The heart-felt scene between the long-time lovebirds reveals a sense of maturity S rarely is known for. She is the friend that every girl needs, the friend that tells it like it is. “But maybe the pact is just an excuse to protect yourself from the messiness and uncertainty of a life with the man you really love.” Of course, Blair’s precious pact is more important than any advice from the people who care about her. She follows through with the over-the-top wedding, which includes hats on the guest list, and in turn, has to learn the hard way. As for the aforementioned foreshadowing, Serena’s musical dream includes a scene where she grabs Dan the one person she “keeps coming back to” but Dan rejects her for Blair. Nice touch GG writers. Once again, Serena puts herself out there and loses in the battlefield of love to none other than her best friend Queen B, er shall I say, Princess B. Oh, the irony.

Louis: “From now on, there is nothing between us but a contract. Our marriage is all for show. And you’re going to put on the best damn show anyone ever has. You’ll smile for cameras; stand by my side and wave like, like you don’t have a care in the world. And when we are alone, we’ll be like strangers to one another. And that will stay this way until I say its over.”

Eek. Seriously, this scene makes me shiver. Every bone in my body tensed up as Louis danced with his pretty princess, but whispered words of a mad man. A powerful mad man. Although I hate everything about Louis, including his terrible acting skills, I must say if this was the episode for him to actually evoke emotions from GG watchers, he succeeded. By far the best twist of the night for me. It was totally out of character for Louis, but very well scripted and perfectly executed. At least Blair had it in her to call her savior for help–too bad it still isn’t Chuck. You lucky, lucky Dair fans.

There is so much to look forward to for next week’s episode. Has Georgina been Gossip Girl all along? If you ask actress Michelle Trachtenberg, she’ll tell you she has no idea.

“I knew the 100th episode would end with a bang, but definitely didn’t expect that!” Michelle told US Weekly. She also said that it was probably a really big surprise for her cast mates since “big secret” scripts are only given out to the people involved in the scenes.

Are Dair fans in for a treat, while Chair fans have to angrily throw their towels in? How is Serena going to react to Blair’s Back-Up Plan having to do with Dan?  Here’s a sneak peak into the drama. See you next week!

Xoxo Sunny

Sana Ashraf is a fashion writer and fashion show intern and is a junior at the University of Michigan. Sana loves reading fashion magazines, shopping sprees, city lights, color coordinated closets, and all four seasons.

CL’s Setting The Record Straight on One Word Texts

Typing on a handheld keyboard is so simple that when you do receive a one word text, it can spark a range of emotions, from anger, to sadness, or pure confusion. Texting a too-plain response to someone could be the end-all be-all to your conversation, and with good reason! CL talked to a dozen classy co-eds to find out how they feel about this conversation killer.

College Lifestyles: So, classy ladies, what’s so bad about one word texts?

Courtney B. – ”It depends on the circumstance. But if I’m pouring my heart out to you and you respond with “Ok,” that’s going to make me mad; it makes me feel like you didn’t even care what about what I was saying. It also makes it seem like you want to avoid the situation at all costs, and that’s annoying. You either want to avoid it, or you don’t care.”

Emma F. – “One word texts leave you hanging! It’s really hard to get any meaning out of one single word when you can’t see a person’s face or even hear their voice. You are left to figure it out by yourself.”

Gabby C. – “One word texts are rude. Plain and simple. It makes a person feel like you’re not interested in talking to them.”

Heather A. – “It’s a way for people to let you know that they’re angry with you, but without coming out and saying it. It’s beating around the bush.”

Maureen M. – “What’s so bad about one word texts is that it’s a sign of thoughtlessness. If I took the time to send you a long message, don’t text me back with one word. It shows that you either don’t care to converse with me, and that’s when I’ll no longer want to talk to you. One word texts could also be a sign that someone’s mad. If you’re mad at someone, sending them a one word text shows that person that you’re upset with them and that you want to speak to them them as little as possible.”

Andrea B. – “They are so bad because it makes it seem like the person doesn’t care enough to say more, like they are bored or maybe even mad at you. The worst is after you text something really long and get a one word answer.”

Lea G. – “One word texts make you think that the person has no interest in what you’re saying and doesn’t want to talk to you. Also, you can’t really tell how they’re feeling.”

Raven W. – “I hate one word texts because I didn’t ask you for a yes or no answer. I’m texting you to talk to you. It makes it seem like you don’t want to be bothered.”

Emily A. – “It doesn’t seem like the person is putting a lot of thought and effort into the conversation. “

Sarah C. – “Because it makes you feel like you’re not important enough for them to keep the conversation going.”

Genna A. – “I think it’s another way of saying that I’m not worth more than a one word response. It’s almost like giving someone the cold shoulder via text message.”

Erika I. – “It just pisses me off. It feels like there’s no emotion–there’s no love!”

Verdict: Even if you mean no harm by it, texting a one word response seems to be a tell-tale sign of your lack of interest. Try to avoid it altogether, CL readers!

Tiana Blue is an intern for College Lifestyles™ and is a print journalism major at Penn State. This sophomore is an avid blogger that loves to write, draw, roam the streets of Manhattan, and channel her inner chef by watching Food Network re-runs.

A CL Bite-Size Thanksgiving Recipe Twist

These quick and easy bite-size Thanksgiving-themed recipes are sure to be the hit of the party! Try them out to impress all of your party guests and to use your creativity in the kitchen.

 

 

Mini Cornbread Puddings (Courtesy of marthastewart.com)

Ingredients

• Butter, room temperature, for pan
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 cups sour cream
• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen corn kernels, thawed and patted dry

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees, with rack in upper third. Butter 24 mini muffin cups; set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
2. Make a well in center of flour mixture. In well, whisk together egg, sour cream, and corn. Mix with flour mixture just until incorporated (do not overmix).
3. Dividing evenly, spoon batter into prepared muffin pan. Bake until tops have browned and a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean, 10 to 15 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes in pan; turn out onto a cooling rack. Serve, or cool completely and store at room temperature in an airtight container, up to 2 days.

Pumpkin Pie Bites (Courtesy of bakerella.com)

Ingredients

• 2 refrigerated ready-to roll pie crusts
• 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate morsels
• Vegetable oil

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Use cookie cutter to cut 12 pumpkin shapes from each pie crust. You will need to roll the dough thinner than it comes out of the box.
3. Press dough shapes into a 24-cup mini muffin tray. (Make 12 at a time, alternating cups to make sure pie crusts don’t overlap each other.)
4. Apply egg whites from one egg to the top edges of each pie.
5. Mix cream cheese, sugar, canned pumpkin, remaining 2 eggs, vanilla and pumpkin pie spice together until thoroughly combined.
6. Spoon mixture into each pumpkin-shaped pie crust.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes.
8. Remove pies to cool and repeat with second pie crust. Place the muffin tray in the freezer to cool it quickly for re-use. Keep refrigerated.

Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels (Courtesy of pillsbury.com)

Ingredients

• 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls or 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations® refrigerated seamless dough sheet
• 4 tablespoons cranberry chutney (from 9.4-oz jar) or whole berry cranberry sauce (from 16-oz can)
• Thinly sliced left-over turkey breast
• 2/3 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Directions

1. Heat oven to 375°F. Spray large cookie sheet with cooking spray.
2. If using crescent rolls: Unroll dough; press into 12×8-inch rectangle, firmly pressing perforations to seal. If using dough sheet: Unroll dough; press into 12×8-inch rectangle.
3. Spread cranberry chutney on top of rectangle, within 1/4 inch of edges. Arrange sliced turkey evenly over cranberry chutney.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheese over sliced turkey.
5. Starting with longest side, roll up; pinch long side to seal. With serrated knife, cut into 24 slices.
6. Place cut side down on cookie sheet and bake 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Remove from cookie sheets. Serve warm.

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 Talks to Owners of Online Chocolate Store, Savorique!

 

Chocolate seems to be one of those items that many people want to indulge in, but don’t think they can. After chatting about all things chocolate with Stephan and Fred from online chocolate store Savorique,  CL knows that there’s no reason to deny yourself of such a delectable treat! (Just make sure to indulge in dark, fine chocolate, as milk chocolate contains all of the sugar and artificial ingredients that you don’t want to consume.)

If you’re hungry for some gourmet, chocolatey sweets, look no further than to Savorique.com!

College Lifestyles: Tell College Lifestyles a little bit about Savorique. How did you and Fred come up with the name Savorique and how long has it been in business? 

Stephan and Fred: Savorique.com is an online store that evolved from a blog in 2008. We wanted an original name that sounded elegant, different, unique, gourmet and fun: Savorique = Savor+Magnifique!

What sets it apart is that all the items you can purchase have been tried, curated, and vetted by us. They have organic or natural ingredients, are made by artisans or in small batches, or are otherwise good for you. And they always have beautiful packaging that are great for gifts.

CL: Do you and Fred have plans for expanding Savorique? 

S&F: Savorique started with chocolate, and we have already expanded to cakes and cookies, coffee and tea, condiments… We definitely plan on continuing to expand by adding cookware and dinnerware so that our customers can prepare meals from the products we offer.

CL: Have you [Stephan] always been a lover of chocolate?

S: I grew up in France, so I do have a certain appreciation for gourmet foods including chocolate. Chocolate is actually good for you–it has a healthy amount of antioxidants, flavonols, and other micro-elements.

CL: What’s so special about the taste of fine chocolate?

F: Fine chocolate is like wine. It’s an interesting, complex food with as many flavor profiles as there are areas where the cocoa is grown. You may very well smell or taste a subtle berry aftertaste when eating a chocolate bar. Sometimes, you’ll taste caramel or light smoked wood, even though their is none added into the chocolate! And chocolate is so versatile–you can pair it with the most amazing (and unexpected) foods to make it taste unbelievable: peanut butter, bacon, chai tea, spices, olive oil, or wine.

CL: What are Savorique’s best sellers?

S&F: People love the Squirrel Brand Nuts because of its taste and presentation. They can be found in a gift box and as a refill. And a new addition is getting a lot of attention: Ginger Syrup from Brooklyn and Dark Maple Syrup. To keep in touch with our additions, I recommend our mailing-list, Facebook and Twitter page.

CL: Do you [Stephan] have a favorite brand of chocolate that’s sold in Savorique?

S: We offer more than a thousand products, so it is difficult to have favorites! I personally recommend Knipschildt which is a great value with wonderful confections and bars at an affordable price. You can also find fun bars from Bloomsberry and single origin bars from Cacao Atlanta.

CL: Which items would be the best to give to someone as a gift?

S: For a gift that stays around for some time, I’d go for hot chocolate, especially Gnosis Passion Elixir. And for something fun that disappears instantly, the marshmallows don’t stand a chance.

CL: What would you two say to college students who would never consider trying caviar–don’t knock it ’till you try it?

S&F: The best strategy in order to not feel guilty about spending on caviar is to offer it to parents for the holidays or for a homecoming weekend and enjoy it together. You can make or buy blinis, spread an optional dab of whipped cream, and add the caviar on top–delicious.

CL: What is a recipe that college students can whip up in their apartment (or with a microwave in a dorm, if possible). Drinks? Brownies? You decide!

F: Here’s an amazingly simple, quick, and affordable recipe for a Peanut Butter Cup that involves only two ingredients: chocolate and peanut butter.

1. Get a quality chocolate bar because they have the right amount of cocoa butter that makes it creamy and smooth when it melts.
2. Melt the chocolate in the microwave.
3. Pour a layer of melted chocolate in a paper cup, let it cool and harden, then spread a generous amount of peanut butter.
4. Cover it with more melted chocolate to make a chocolate and peanut butter sandwich in the cup.
5. Let the cup cool again, or stick in the fridge if you can’t wait!

As always, stay happy and healthy, CL readers!

Tiana Blue is an intern for College Lifestyles™ and is a print journalism major at Penn State. This sophomore is an avid blogger that loves to write, draw, roam the streets of Manhattan, and channel her inner chef by watching Food Network re-runs.

CL Party Planner: A Halloween Party Checklist

Channel your inner witch, ghost or goblin this Halloween season! Remember the days when door-to-door trick-or-treating was an event to be remembered all year long? Your classic princess or fairy costume from elementary school may not fit anymore, but you can still have a little fun of your own in college this holiday season! Here’s a quick and easy checklist to help you plan the perfect party in no time.

1. Invitations

These easy and eye-catching online invitations from Martha Stewart take only seconds to create and send to all of your friends. Impress guests with your creativity and let them know when/where the party is at so they can plan ahead!

2. Food & Drink

Try a few new recipes to flaunt your culinary skills—for a mature take on Halloween sweets, try making Candy Corn & Pretzel White Chocolate Bark or Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting. Both treats will satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. Offer simple Green Goblin Punch for a quick and easy mocktail (Sprite and Limeade) alongside hot apple cider or hot chocolate.

3. Décor

You can never go wrong with classic pumpkin décor at a Halloween party. Spice up traditional pumpkins by painting on fun designs, adorning them in glitter or attaching popular candy treats in unique patterns. Decorate your tables with creative, artsy centerpieces and themed accessories. Spread a few cobwebs on the staircase or in the windowsills to complete the look with relatively little time and effort.

4. Games & Activities

Make your party interactive with a few fun classics: Bobbing for Apples and Doughnuts on a String. These games will turn any social gathering into a fun-filled blast from the past. To encourage lively competition, offer prizes for the individual who can retrieve an apple or eat an entire doughnut the fastest.

5. Music

Nothing can set the mood like a few holiday tunes or creepy background music. This ‘Spooky Scary Sounds’ Halloween soundtrack from Martha Stewart Living is the perfect complement to an eerie evening—just be sure to warn your guests that things may get a little frightening!

6. Fun!

Although party planning can be stressful, just remember that holiday gatherings are meant to be fun and exciting. In the end, what matters most is that your guests enjoy themselves and that you can reconnect with friends and family.

Photo Credits: www.marthastewart.com and www.realsimple.com

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.

Intern Dish – Dessert Anyone?

‘Sugar and Spice with Everything Nice!’ I must say a great description for the classy ladies of College Lifestyles, and this week, I wanted to dive into the sweet side of our interns.  Desserts are a part of our life!  If we are enjoying alone or with our ‘besties,’ desserts always bring a warm smile to our face and a warm fuzzy to our hearts!  (And of course, I divulge my favorite dessert!)

Does your favorite dessert match our interns?

Hazelnut gelato, banana cream pie, or banana nutella crepes mmmm!

~Aliza V

Fat Free Vanilla Yogurt with LOTS of sprinkles from Baskin Robbins!

~Sarah F

My favorite dessert is…peanut butter pie!  But honestly I LOVE anything with peanut butter, chocolate peanut butter ice cream, reese’s peanut butter cups, and peanut butter sundaes with chocolate ice cream and whip cream!

~Stephanie C

My favorite dessert is sticky toffee pudding!

~Meredith T

My favorite dessert is..anything vanilla or white chocolate. Not a big

milk or dark chocolate fan but white chocolate mmm I could eat it ALL

the time!

~Erin P

My favorite dessert is definitely ice cream! I could eat it at any time of the day or night! My favorite flavor is either piece of cake or cookie dough!

~Becky

Anything with fruit in it. I have an ice cream maker & I loooove making peach froyo!

~Kathryn

Graeter’s Ice Cream from Cincinnati…SO GOOD! (Black Raspberry Chip is the best!)

~Audrey

My favorite dessert is…German chocolate cake.

~K.Studle

My favorite dessert is my mom’s peanut butter pie! It has an oreo cookie crust, a peanut butter flavored inside and is covered with chocolate–delish!

~Alexandra P

My favorite dessert is froyo (frozen yogurt)

~Sara N

Birthday Cake!

~Abby B

My favorite dessert is anything a la mode!! Brownies, cookies, pie, umm pretty much I just love ice cream.

~Leslie C

My favorite dessert is gelato. Any flavor is good, but I’d have to say that my absolute favorite flavor is Oreo Cheesecake, which is delicious!

~Jacqui

Boston cream pie!!!!!!!

~Kendall

My favorite dessert is…..  Milano Cookies!! Double chocolate of course.

~Maryn

Anything with chocolate. =)

~Alyssa

Red velvet cake!!

~Samantha S

My favorite dessert is either a pumpkin muffin, the red velvet cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory or peanut butter M&M’s!

~Kaitlyn K

Warm brownies topped with ice cream, strawberries, and whipped cream (maybe even with a cherry on top). My best friend from high school’s mom makes these every time I have dinner at their house and it’s AWESOME! =)

~Kat M

My favorite dessert is….oatmeal pineapple cookies!

~Cristine L

Shelly Marie Redmond, MS, RD, LDN is the Executive Director/CEO of College Lifestyles.  She loves desserts!  Her favorite is the red velvet cake her aunt makes during the holidays.  Close second – turtle cheesecake!

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