CL’s Guide to Planning a Cupcake Party

 

With so many upcoming holidays (Valentine’s Day, Saint Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, and this CL intern’s birthday, to name a few), what classy co-ed doesn’t need a theme? A simple, cost-effective way to celebrate these holidays with your friends is a cupcake party. Cupcakes can be decorated in any way, making them an ideal palette for any celebration. Also, cupcakes can be made in a dorm or apartment without an oven! Let CL show you how.

Step One: Oven or no oven.

If you have an oven in your dorm/apartment, you’re already set. If not, you have  some options. You could go to your local bakery and request un-iced cupcakes. Or, you could by a cupcake maker.

These snazzy little devices make miniature cupcakes, and can be bought at local stores like Target (this CL intern has one and loves it!). You could also request that your friends bring un-iced cupcakes with them.

Step Two: Bakin’ the cakes.

Make the cupcakes about one hour before your guests arrive. This will give the cupcakes  time to cool, which needs to happen so that the icing will not melt while your guests  frost and decorate them. You can either make the cupcakes from scratch or buy mixes from your local grocery store (this CL intern loves Duncan Hines and Betty Crocker). Make sure to make or buy a variety of flavors (i.e. chocolate, vanilla, white, marble). If you make mini cupcakes, set a dozen on each guest’s plate. If the cupakes are of regular size, set a half dozen on each guest’s plate.

Step Three: Icing technology.

Just like with the cupcakes, you can make or buy the icing, and you should make or buy it in more than one flavor (i.e. chocolate, vanilla, orange chocolate, almond, anise). To make the icing different colors, you could use food coloring, but be warned that this will dilute the icing, making it runny and difficult to work with. To avoid this outcome, buy Wilton’s icing colors (which this CL intern recommends, along with anything else Wilton!). These will produce strong colors and not make your icing runny. Wilton’s products can be found at arts and crafts stores like Michaels.

Make the icing colors according to the holiday or event you are celebrating. Then, place the icings into separate bowls in the center of the table – don’t forget to label the flavored icings!

Make sure that you have good spatulas for your guests to spread the icings with. To decorate, you can either use plastic bags, by filling them with icing and then cutting off the bottom points on one side of the bags, or icing bags (another great Wilton’s product). These icing bags will allow your guests to use a variety of icing tips to create patterns and make flowers for their cupcakes. Leave one icing bag out next to each icing bowl.

Step Four: Other toppings, for your consideration.

You can also purchase pre-made sugar flowers for some flair. Sprinkles are always classic. Other topping ideas are edible glitter, cinnamon drops, nonpareils or sugar pearls. In addition to these, you can also put festive figures or symbols on top, as shown below.

Leave these out in small bowls for your guests to use as well.

After these first four steps, you are ready for your friends to come over and create some amazing cupcakes!

Step Five: Cupcake favors.

Allow your guests to take their cupcakes home. Set aside a cupcake box for each guest with their name on it.

Debra Schreiber, a CL senior writer and Duquesne University senior journalism and Spanish major, has fond memories of baking chocolate chip cookies with father growing up. She believes this led to her passion for all things baking. She has most recently taken cake decorating classes at Giant Eagle Market District, Robinson location, and hopes someday to open her own bakery.

What to Expect During Sorority Recruitment

If you are interested in joining a sorority at your school, you are going to first have to go through recruitment.  During the recruitment season, there are a few things to expect:

 

1)      Getting overwhelmed is ok and normal.  The events you attend are going to be overwhelming (in a good way).  Choosing which organization would be the match for you can be a tough decision.  Attending multiple events in one night or in a few days can seem like a lot to handle, but it hopefully will help you narrow down your choices.  I would encourage attending as many events as possible (from multiple organizations as well) because it will help you learn the most about each sorority, which can help you when you need to decide who you wish to join the most.  There are a lot of factors that go into this lifelong decision.

2)      You are going to meet a lot of new people.  You are going to meet a lot of new people in each organization.  Remembering names can be tricky, so really observe the women you talk to.  Don’t feel embarrassed if you have to ask her to refresh your memory.  Remember, they were once on your end too, so they can definitely relate to how you are feeling.  It’s ok if you become friends with an individual and do not wish to join her organization.  You can still be her friends, and rightfully should.  You are also going to get a lot of friend requests on Facebook.

3)      Hearing unfamiliar words, such as “Panhellenic,” “philanthropy,” “Bid Day,” and “PNM.”  The Panhellenic Council is the governing body of 26 recognized social sororities.  There is also “Pan-Hellenic,” which is equivalent to Panhellenic.  They each govern different social sororities.  A philanthropy is a service event that raises money for a specific cause.  For example, Alpha Sigma Tau’s national philanthropy is Pine Mountain Settlement School.  The various chapters of Alpha Sigma Tau hold different kinds of fundraisers and donate the proceeds to Pine Mountain.  Each sorority does multiple kinds of philanthropic work for a number of different philanthropies.  Bid Day is the day in which sororities can start handing out bids (bids are invitations to join a sorority).  You can receive a bid from multiple organizations, though you can only officially join one sorority.   “PNM” is a potential new member, which is what you are considered while going through recruitment.  A new member is someone who is a member of a sorority but has yet to be initiated.  Therefore, a potential new member is a person who is going through the recruitment process.

 

Though it is an overwhelming process, sorority recruitment is meant to be fun and enjoyable.

 

CL Top Ten: What and What Not to Pack for Study Abroad

We understand that you want to look and feel your best abroad – all the better to impress those cute foreign guys ! However, that does not mean that you need to take your entire closet and more with you. Below are five things you should definitely pull and pack because you love or really need them, and five items that you can say adios to for a few months, buy abroad, or carry on your person at all times.

To pack…

Your go-to jewelry pieces. Do not bring your entire jewelry box with you, just a few simple pieces that you wear on a regular basis . Narrow down your selection to a top three or four. Too much jewelry will weigh down your luggage, and there’s also always the chance that pieces could get lost.

Basic make-up. Simple mascara, foundation, lip gloss, eye shadow and liner will do. Don’t go crazy and bring every make-up product you own.

Necessities for your well-being. Make a list and double check that you have the items you use every day, such as contact solution (which you need to put into a container that complies with flight regulations), contacts (bring extra in case you lose them or they tear!), your glasses case, retainers, etc.

Work-out clothing. If you don’t bring work-out clothing, you won’t work out.

Simple clothing. Pack items that complement one another, sticking to a basic color palette. Doing this means you will need to pack fewer items because everything matches (freeing up space for clothes you buy abroad!) and losing one item won’t throw your whole look off. For extra tips, check out these matching pieces!

 

…or not to pack…

Books. Buy them abroad if you can. Books add weight to your suitcase. Definitely buy notebooks once you’re there.

Laundry detergent. Again, buy it there. It weighs too much, and it will be too much trouble putting it into bottles that are consistent with flight regulations.

Your passport. Don’t pack this – you’ll need it to get around the airport and the country, so keep it on your person at all times.

An umbrella. It’s incredibly useful abroad, just buy it there.

All of your shoes. …Just don’t do it.

Debra Schreiber is a returning CL intern from summer 2011. Now a senior, she did a spring break away trip to Spain her sophomore year, packed unnecessary things, and one of her favorite T-shirts disappeared.

CL Asks Classy Co-eds – What are Your Favorite Kid Movies?

Looking for a fun night with friends, family, or sorority sisters? Try a classic kiddie movie night, with these suggestions from co-eds like you.

 

“Peter Pan.” Not the cartoon. 2003 version with Jeremy Sumpter – Anissa Gilbert, Duquesne University, junior ISM and marketing major.

“The Princess Bride” and “My Neighbor Totoro.” – Gabrielle Tomasko, Duquesne University, integrated marketing communications and digital media arts major.

“A Little Princess.”  – Kelsey Daugherty, Duquesne University, senior, nursing.

“Aladdin.” – Michelle Lawrence, Duquesne University, senior, nursing.

“Sleepover.” – Sarah Williams, Duquesne University, sophomore psychology major.

“The Little Mermaid.” – Leanne Gallaway, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, senior photography major.

“The Nightmare Before Christmas.” – Brooke Mendoff, Duquesne University, sophomore public relations/advertising and broadcast journalism major.

“Lion King.” – Alycia Washington, Duquesne University graduate, public relations and advertising degree.

“Despicable Me.” – Liz DeCarlo, Duquesne University, sophomore physics and modern languages major.

“Homeward Bound.” – Lauren Pitzer, Duquesne University, sophomore psychology major.

“Beauty and the Beast.” – Ellen Dimmick, Duquesne University, sophomore history major.

“Christmas Eve on Sesame Street.” – Elena LaQuatra, Point Park University, sophomore TV broadcast major.

“The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.” – Amy Kerlin, Duquesne University, sophomore political science and communications major.

 

Debra Schreiber is a returning CL intern from summer 2011. Her favorite kid movies include “How to Train Your Dragon,” “Ratatouille” and “The Pebble and the Penguin.”

 

Refresher Course on CL Intern Debra Schreiber

Hi everyone! I am so excited to be returning as a CL senior writer this semester! For our new readers, below is my intoduction article. Pleased to meet you, and hello to all the current CL readers!

Name: Debra Schreiber.

School: Duquesne University.

Major: Journalism and Spanish.

Year in studies: Senior.

I have been with College Lifestyles since: Spring 2011.

Greek Affiliation:  Alpha Sigma Tau, Beta Delta Chapter.

Organizational Involvement: L’esprit du duc (Duquesne’s Yearbook) Greek Life Editor, AST-Beta Delta Chapter Editor, WDSR (Duquesne’s student radio station) freelance writer, Golden Key International Honor Society member and Society of Professional Journalists member.

Pets: My family’s Sheltie, Skye, and my boyfriend’s three dogs, Gandolf (Gandi), Mora and Loam.

My friends say I am: Well-rounded, compassionate and fun! (Thanks Leanne, Natalie and Briana!).

Astrological sign: Pisces.

My personal style is: Laid back. I’m usually in jeans or my jammies but I can kick it up a notch if I need to.

Favorite clothing stores: H&M and Kohl’s. Good prices, great clothes. Guilty pleasure store is Victoria’s Secret – I love the hoodies, they’re just so expensive!

Favorite movie: Right now, Despicable Me.

Favorite book/author: Jodi Picoult is my favorite author, followed closely by George R. R. Martin.

Favorite quote: “Pain is just weakness leaving the body.”  P90X.

My screensaver is: I don’t have one – my computer usually just goes black and falls asleep…zzZZzZzz…

On my IPod you will find: I don’t have an IPod, just my MP3 player from high school, so basically really old music.

Must have beauty product: Chapstick. I use it in excess.

I have a slight obsession with: Stuffed animals. Dolphins. Penguins. Lord of the Rings.

I dislike: Cats. I’m pretty sure they’re plotting something evil.

Last movie I watched: Tangled. 

Last book I read: “A Storm of Swords” by George R. R. Martin. 

My definition of a classy co-ed: A smart, independent women who isn’t afraid to speak her mind or wear her heart on her sleeve. Someone like Adele. (It’s amazing how my definitions have changed over the semesters!).

Why I am excited about being an intern with College Lifestyles: I’ve loved the past semesters – everyone is so nice and the team is incredibly collaborative – and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

I hope to make the most of this senior year, so please list any article suggestions your have in the comment box!

 

CL’s Top Ten Tips to Writing Thank You Notes

Now that all of the wrapping and tissue paper have been cleared away, it’s time to reflect on who got you all of those wonderful presents. It can be hard to get started on your thank-you notes when you’re all full of ham and cookies, so CL presents these top ten thank-you writing tips.

Keep track of who sent what. There’s nothing worse than thanking someone for a gift that they didn’t send. Make a list, and check it twice.

Keep boxes and envelopes. This is the best way to make sure that you have everyone’s updated address. If you’re not sure, ask your parents for their address books. Make sure to record the updated addresses in an address book of your own.

Use stationary. Thank-you notes should look simple and clean. Please don’t use notebook paper.

Write the thank-you notes out. No computer print or paper, either, unless your handwriting is really that bad.

Make each card personal. Directly thank the person the gift is from right off the bat. Mention the specific present(s) in the note and why you like them/how useful they are.

Invite friends and family to see you. If you’re having a New Year’s party, invite them.

Don’t do all of the notes in one sitting. Your hand will cramp up. But make sure to write them sooner rather than later.

Double-check your list again. You wouldn’t want to miss anyone!

Don’t lick the envelopes shut. Envelopes just don’t taste good! Try sealing them with festive stickers instead.

Send the notes ASAP. They should reach your friends and family members before the 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 Top Ten Last Minute Gifts

It’s the night before the night before Christmas, and all through the house – not enough presents for everyone! What do to? Take a deep breath, calm down and check out College Lifestyles’ top ten last minute gifts.

 

Photo albums.  Hold more pictures than a picture frame and easier to customize by color, presentation and pattern. Add pictures of you and your friend inside!

Christmas ornaments. A great, personal gift – you can find one for anyone!  Hallmark caries a great selection.

Books. Bookstores are more likely to have shorter lines then department ones, and since you know what your friends love, finding a book about what they love will be easy!

Gift cards. Get a gift card to a restaurant you both love, along with a note inviting them out for lunch or dinner.

Jewelry. A birthstone necklace is both quick and personal, and anything with pearls is classy!

Spa packages. Throw together some nail polish, nail clippers, a nail file, moisturizer, and hand and foot cream. Larger Giant Eagles should carry all of the above.

Christmas stockings. Add stocking stuffers like oranges, pomegranates, chocolate coins, perfumes, nail polishes, hot cocoa mixes, and ta-da!

Gifts for their pet (if they have one). Try a cute toy, a basket of treats, or a new collar.

Wristlets. A new wristlet is snazzy and you can add an accessory to it, like a monogram key chain.

Seasonal gifts. Try slippers, Christmas socks,  or a hat, gloves and scarf set.

CL quick tips:

Stock up on gifts like this all year, and then next year, you won’t have to worry!

Don’t buy last-minute gifts online – they will most likely not arrive on time!

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 Food Gifts

Have a friend or family member who’s a foodie? Still need a gift for them? Then make your own food gift for them by choosing one of these simple DIY food gift ideas.

Ingredient gifts are the easiest to make – just grab a jar!

Try this cookie in a jar recipe from allrecipes.com.

1/2 cup white chocolate chips

1/2 cup crispy rice cereal

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/2 cup rolled oats

1/2 cup white sugar

 “In a 1 quart jar, layer the ingredients in the order listed. Pack down firmly after each addition.

“Attach a tag with the following instructions: Cookie in a Jar 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). 2. In a large bowl, cream 1/2 cup margarine until light and fluffy. Mix in 1 egg and 2 tablespoons water. Add the entire contents of the jar, and stir until well blended. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet. 3. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in preheated oven. Remove from baking sheets to cool on wire racks.”

Does your foodie love hot cocoa? Then try cocoa in a jar from Nestle® Meals!

6 cups NESTLÉ® CARNATION® Instant Nonfat Dry Milk

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® Baking Cocoa

1 1/2 cups miniature marshmallows, (optional)

“COMBINE dry milk, sugar, cocoa and marshmallows in large bowl. Pour into 2-quart jar or tall container. Seal with lid and decorate with fabric and ribbon.

“RECIPE TO ATTACH:
Measure 1/2 cup cocoa mix into mug. Stir in 1 cup hot water or milk. Makes 12 servings.

“VARIATION USING PINT JAR:
1 1/2 cups NESTLÉ CARNATION Nonfat Dry Milk
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons NESTLÉ TOLL HOUSE Baking Cocoa
1/2 cup miniature marshmallows (optional)

“RECIPE TO ATTACH:
Measure 1/2 cup cocoa mix into mug. Stir in 1 cup hot water or milk. Makes 4 servings.”

Cookbook gifts add some knowledge to your food gift.

Buy your foodie a cookbook, preferably a baking one, and wrap it. Then, buy the ingredients for one of the recipes and turn them into an ingredient gift, or just buy  the most prevelent ingredient in the recipe, for example, flour, and put it into a festive bag. Or, make one of the recipes, put it in some tupperware and tie a bow on top!

Food baskets also make amazing gifts.

Instead of ordering a food basket online, create one of your own, specifically for the person you’re gifting. Try making a theme basket, full of the food they love. Do they love coffee? Try assorted coffee, hot cocoa and tea packets. Chocolate? Throw together a basket full of different flavors, percentages of cocoa and brands. Do they need food for their dorm room? Make a care package they can take back with them. Do they like watching movies? Make a movie-themed basket full of popcorn and assorted movie candies.

 

Want to really dress up your food gift? Then check out Tiana’s DIY Christmas gift wrapping tips.

 

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 Christmas Break Booklist

Looking for a non-school related book to read over Christmas break? Then try one of these recommendations (old favorites and new series) from your fellow classy co-eds.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett– Recommended by Kelsey Daugherty, Duquesne University, Senior, Nursing Student and Aubrey Cathcart, Duquesne University, Senior, Early Childhood and Elementary Education Major.

The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins – Recommended by Amy Kerlin, Duquesne University, Sophomore, Political Science and Communications Double Major and Aubrey Cathcart, Duquesne University, Senior, Early Childhood and Elementary Education Major.

The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson –Recommended by Natalie Ricci, Miami University of Ohio, Junior, History Major.

Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith – Recommended by Gabrielle Tomasko, Duquesne University, Senior, Marketing Communications and Digital Media Arts Double Major.

The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova and Are You There Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea by Chelsea Handler – Recommended by Aubrey Cathcart, Duquesne University, Senior, Early Childhood and Elementary Education Major.

Nineteen Minutes by Jodi Picoult – Recommended by Kelsey Daugherty, Duquesne University, Senior, Nursing Student.

And what reads does this CL intern recommend?

A Song of Ice and Fire Series by George R. R. Martin.

 

The Sookie Stackhouse Novels by Charlaine Harris.

The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks.

My Sister’s Keeper and Handle with Care by Jodi Picoult.

Have other recommendations? Then let us know by commenting below!

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 Planning Your Spring Schedule

Over Thanksgiving break, or sometime before the craziness that is finals week, you should take some time to consider your spring schedule. Let CL help with this guide that will allow you plan as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Review your progress. Look over a course progress sheet or you transcripts to see what you have already taken. Then, compare this information with you major’s required courses and electives, as well as your university’s required core courses. Make a list, and cross off what you have already taken. Then, see what you are eligible to take in the spring (usually referenced by the numbers, 101 is followed by 102, etc. or check your college’s course catalog to see any pre-requisites).

Look up possible courses. Go online and see what is offered for the spring semester, using your list as a guide. Make a second list of courses you need/want to take, including back-ups in case some classes are already full when you register, using the course catalog as a guide. Make one or two mock-up schedules to show your advisor or mentor.

Make sure there are no conflicts.  When you make your mock-up schedules, make sure there are no time conflicts with other classes, your job or other activities.

Make sure you have enough credits. If you want or need to graduate by a specific date, make sure that your spring schedule includes enough credits to meet this goal.

Schedule a meeting with you advisor or mentor. Make sure you schedule this appointment as early as possible, since students will be clamoring to meet with their advisors once registration begins. Make this appointment BEFORE registration, so that you can go over your proposed schedule and make sure that everything is in order. When you meet, bring your mock-up schedules for them to look at. And take their ideas under advisement. While they are there to make sure you make the most of your schedule, it is still just that: YOUR schedule. Then make an appointment for DURING registration.

Register. Set your alarm clock for early morning when registration starts to make sure that you get into all of the classes that you want and need.

Need help registering for spring semester? Then Ask the Intern by submitting YOUR questions to intern@collegelisfestyles.org!

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.

« Previous Page — Next Page »