3 Big Reasons to Graduate Early

Posted on April 20, 2013 by KristenT

Image courtesy of t0zz / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Hard to think, but one year from May I’ll be graduating college. I’m only in my second year, but I will have enough credits by 2014 to save myself another year of school. To see if graduating early may be for you, check out the advantages of doing so:

Money:

Even if you have to take summer classes, there is no way it would be the same cost a year’s tuition. You could be saving tens of thousands of dollars, depending on where you go to school. According to U.S. News, private colleges cost as much as $47,000 a year, excluding the cost of room, board and books. For one summer course, though, it would only cost around one or two thousand dollars. The savings are reason enough to graduate early.

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Pushing Yourself:

To graduate early, you have to overload at least a few semesters with 18 credits of classes. This could keep you pretty busy with homework and classes adding to stress and decreasing your free time, but think of how amazing you will feel getting good grades at the end of the semester. There are few things better than seeing your hard work pay off.

Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net

A Year Ahead of Everyone:

The class you came in with freshman year will still be in college when you are out in the real world. You’ll be starting the next phase of your life sooner than the rest, whether it is in graduate school or on the job hunt. If you graduate with a job, than odds are by the time your friends graduate you’ll already have received a raise or promotion. You can also take the year and travel which is great if you didn’t study abroad. You pretty much have a whole year to do what you want, so you can start earning money to pay back loans or save for the future or you have time to sit back, relax and have fun!

Image courtesy of basketman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Remember, there are also cons for graduating early. You’d be leaving your friends a whole year early, ending those fabulous college years everyone looks back on, not having enough experience or knowledge in your field, and you could possibly be pushing yourself too hard doing damage to your GPA. Graduating early is a big decision that requires a good deal of planning. Be sure to talk to your advisor and parents when thinking of what to do.

Be sure to check out these classy CL articles on things to do graduating from college:

What Every Woman Should Know About Herself Before Graduation

What I Regret NOT Doing In College

Five Books Every Classy Co-Ed Should Read Before Graduation

Five Graduation Main Courses

Posted on April 5, 2013 by Raquel Santos

That bittersweet day is almost here for some of us. Graduation day is the day we say goodbye to our college years and enter the real world. If you’re planning a graduation party, choosing a menu can be tricky. The key is finding dishes that are simple yet classy so the majority of your guests will enjoy their meal. Celebrate this fabulous success with the following main course recipes!

1. Grilled Chicken with Lemon, Garlic, and Oregano

Grilled Chicken with Lemon, Garlic, and Oregano

Ingredients:

6 bone-in chicken thighs
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons dried oregano

Directions:

1. Place the chicken in a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking dish. Combine the lemon juice, honey, oil, garlic and oregano; pour over chicken.

2. Bake, uncovered at 375° for 45 minutes or until a meat thermometer reads 180°, basting occasionally with pan juices.

Yield: 6 servings.

2. Summer Vegetable Succotash

Grilled-Vegetable Succotash Salad

Ingredients:

1 pound small (1-inch) yellow-fleshed potatoes such as Yukon Gold
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (preferably corn oil)
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
2 cups fresh corn kernels (from 3 ears; preferably yellow and white)
8 ounces baby pattypan squash, trimmed and quartered
8 ounces frozen shelled edamame (fresh soybeans) or baby lima beans (1 1/2 cups), cooked according to package directions and cooled
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives

Directions:

1. Cover potatoes with cold salted water by 1 inch in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until potatoes are just tender, about 20 minutes. Drain and cool, then cut into bite-size pieces.

2. Heat oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a well-seasoned 10-inch cast-iron skillet over high heat until foam subsides, then sauté potatoes with salt and pepper to taste, turning once or twice, until nicely crusted, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a serving bowl.

3. Sauté corn and squash in remaining 3 tablespoons of butter in skillet over moderately high heat, stirring, until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in beans and sauté, stirring, until heated through. Season with salt and pepper and add to potatoes with onion and chives, stirring to combine.

3. Three-Cheese Pasta Salad with Olives

Photo credit: Leanne Gallaway

Ingredients:

8 ounces medium-size pasta shells (about 2 3/4 cups)
1 cup chopped pitted brine-cured black olives (such as Kalamata)
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
1 cup crumbled feta cheese (about 4 ounces)
1/2 cup diced sharp white cheddar cheese (about 2 1/2 ounces)
1/2 cup grated Gouda cheese (about 2 1/2 ounces)
6 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup basil vinegar or red wine vinegar
3/4 cup olive oil
Pinch of sugar

Directions:

1. Cook pasta in pot of boiling water until tender but still firm to bite. Drain. Rinse with cold water and drain well.

2. Mix pasta, olives, bell pepper, all cheeses and basil in large bowl to combine. Pour vinegar into small bowl. Gradually whisk in oil. Add sugar; season dressing to taste with salt and pepper. Toss salad with enough dressing to coat. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled, about 2 hours. Can be prepared 8 hours ahead; keep refrigerated.

4. Apricot-Maple Glazed Pork Chops

Photo credit: Leanne Gallaway

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons butter
4 (1 pound total) 1/2-inch-thick pork chops
1/4 cup diced shallots
1/2 cup apricot nectar
1/4 cup sherry wine or dry white wine
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon MAGGI Instant Chicken Flavor Bouillon
4 dried apricot halves, thinly sliced (optional)
1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley (optional)

Directions:

1. Melt butter in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add pork; cook, turning once, until no longer pink in center. Transfer to serving plate; keep warm.

2. Add shallots to skillet; cook, stirring frequently, until tender. Stir in nectar, sherry, maple syrup and bouillon. Bring to a boil; cook, stirring frequently, until sauce has thickened. Remove from heat; pour sauce over pork. Sprinkle with apricots and parsley.

5. One-Pot Pasta With Tomatoes, White Beans and Pesto

Ingredients:

3 1/4 cups dry bow-tie pasta
3 cups water
2 MAGGI Chicken Flavor Bouillon Cubes
MAGGI Vegetarian Vegetable Flavor Bouillon Cubes
1 container (7 ounces) BUITONI Refrigerated All Natural Pesto with Basil
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 can (15 ounces) cannellini (white kidney beans) or small white beans, rinsed and drained
1/3 cup (about 1 ounce) BUITONI Refrigerated Freshly Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Directions:

1. Combine pasta, water and bouillon in large saucepan. Bring to a boil. Cook, stirring frequently, for 8 to 10 minutes or until pasta is tender and broth has reduced to about 1/2 cup; do not drain. Reduce heat to low and add pesto.

2. Cook, stirring frequently, until sauce has reduced slightly. Stir in tomatoes and beans. Cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Sprinkle with cheese before serving. Season with ground black pepper, if desired.

Make this day one to remember with these five delicious recipes! They are all fairly convenient to make and guaranteed to make your guests’ mouths water.

Need dessert ideas for your grad party? Check out these CL recipes:

Intern Kitchen: Chocolate Chip Cookies Brittle

Intern Kitchen: Key Lime Pie

Intern Kitchen: Carrot Cake

Raquel Santos is a senior at Rutgers University. Follow her on Twitter @raqueltossi. To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds be sure to follow College Lifestyles on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

CL’s Guide to: Art and History Museums in Pittsburgh

Posted on January 3, 2013 by Jennifer Crawford

Pittsburgh is a fabulous city, especially since it’s where CL’s own managing editor Debra Schreiber and several CL interns went to college. Pittsburgh may be better known, though, as the birthplace of artist Andy Warhol and it is home to many art and history museums. Next time you’re in this classy city be sure to check out these top places!

The Andy Warhol Museum

This is number one on the list because the famous artist Andy Warhol was born in Pittsburgh. The museum is home to 4,000 pieces of his art, as well as the art of others like him. George Flynn from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh recommends it, saying, “I love the Warhol. It makes my heart skip a beat.” Another great thing about the museum is the price — admission is only $10.

A Marilyn Monroe exhibit at The Warhol

Mattress Factory Art Museum

The Mattress Factory is truly one-of-a-kind and a must see while in Pittsburgh. Here the artists actually live in the museum and create while they are there — how cool is that? The result is art that visitors can actually get into since it doubles as the artist’s living space. Admission is $15 for adults, but only $10 for students.

A popular walk-through exhibit at the Mattress Factory

Carnegie Museum of Natural History

Andrew Carnegie certainly blessed Pittsburgh with enough art to last a lifetime. The Museum of Natural History is one of the six largest natural history museums in the nation and has more than 20 million specimens and artifacts. Be sure to check out the hall of dinosaurs and the Native American exhibit complete with a life-sized buffalo before heading to the library, music hall or one of the four other connected museums. Admission is $15 for adults and $12 for children and full-time students with an ID.

Don’t miss the dinosaurs at Carnegie!

Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh

Fun for all ages, the Children’s Museum is all about allowing visitors to get involved in the art. The museum is based on the principle of letting kids “play with real stuff,” but you don’t have to be four-feet tall to enjoy it. There is plenty of exploring to do for young adults and it’s the perfect place to take a sibling or the kids you babysit. Make sure to visit the gravity room and sculpt your own masterpiece. Adults are $13 and children under 18 are $12.

Make your own sculpture like this little girl at the Children’s Museum

Hitting up any of these lovely museums would make for a great date idea, too. For more ideas, check out Top 5 Winter Dates or CL’s Guide to Weekend Getaways on a Budget.

Our Best Nutrition Articles 2012

Posted on December 31, 2012 by KellySL

With the New Year approaching, let us reflect on the top 10 food and nutrition articles of 2012! These articles have made the year more fascinating, with topics that range from summer eat and drinks, dorm food, snack alternatives, and fitness busters. You will find intelligent and sophisticated information within each article so check out the links below and let us reminisce in the memories of a wonderful year.

1.“5 Reasons Fruit Smoothies Should Be Your Go-To Summer Treat” By Hannah Borland
Want to liven up your summer with something cool and refreshing? Check out reasons why smoothies are your go-to drink for the summer.

2. “6 Moods and Food To Improve Them” By Carrie Westman
Feeling sad or depressed? Put down the candy bar and pick something healthy and uplifting. See what the specific moods are and what foods can help improve them with this informative article.

3. “3 Cool Summer Breakfast Ideas” By Kate Citron
Here are some new and delicious breakfast ideas for your summer mornings. These meals are tasty, healthy and easy to make.

4. “When Vitamin D Stands For Disaster – What To Do If You’re Sunburnt” By Shelly Marie Redmond
Summer is the time for the beach, surfing and hot weather…and unfortunately for some people, sunburn. Check out these tips on ways to help heal a summer tan gone wrong!

5. “5 Foods For: Healthy Dorm Snacks” By Meghan Keane
Making tasty, affordable meals in the college dorms can be difficult. As a classy co-ed, you want to eat healthy and hardy meals for brain power during college. Here’s a list of healthy dorm snacks that will benefit you in making healthy food choices for the future.

6. “Eat Like An Olympian” By Brittany G. Brown
With the summer Olympics behind us, you can still win a gold medal with healthy eating!

7. “Top Five Fitness and Nutrition Myths, BUSTED!” By Carolyn McMahon
We all want to find a perfect diet and workout in order to get the results we want, yet misinformation abounds. This article will help you cut through the false advice.

8. “3 Refreshing Summer Coffee Recipes” By Kate Citron
There’s an easier way to enjoy refreshing drinks during the summer without burning a hole in your wallet! Learn how to make frappuccinos, iced coffee, or any cold drink for cheap during the summer.

9. “5 Poolside Appropriate Mocktails” By Tiana Blue
Don’t want alcohol in your drink this summer? Try a mocktail! It’s a drink that everyone can enjoy. The perfect fruity drink for when you lounge on the beach or by the pool this summer.

10. “Choose This, Not That: 5 Healthy, But Tasty Food Alternatives” By Dustin Divelbiss
Say no to that candy bar and eat an apple. Sweet and sugary foods are meant to be enjoyed, but so should any other type of food. Check out these healthy food alternatives!

My favorite article of 2012 was the #1 article about smoothies. I love the refreshing, on the go, deliciousness of those healthy treats.

Start the New Year off with the important information within all of these fabulous articles of 2012! Tune in for the new CL articles coming in 2013!

CL’s Guide to Getting Back Into School-Mode for Spring

Posted on December 28, 2012 by NicoleGe

As our favorite holiday has quickly passed us by, reality begins to set in when we realize that our winter vacation days are dwindling down to nothing. Your email reminders begin, your last semester grades are posted, and your extracurricular activities begin to plan for the upcoming semester. When your school break comes to an end, it is important to begin to adjust back to the lifestyle that awaits you at school. College Lifestyles brings you the best way to get back into the school groove for an amazing spring semester!

Know What to Expect

Before heading back to college after the New Year, make sure to research what is expected of you before you sit down for your first class. This can be extremely useful when the stress kicks in as you skim the freshly printed syllabus. Search your school’s bulletin and read the course objectives for each class, so none of the introductions come as a surprise to you. Not only will this show your new professor that you are dedicated and responsible, but you will also feel more confident and at ease!

Set Goals

Spend your last few weeks at home reflecting on what you have done at college thus far, and what you could do better. Are there ways you can improve? Are there certain areas that require more effort? Are you involved enough? Be honest with yourself when pondering these thoughts and create a list of your goals for this semester. Write down the things you would like to accomplish and how you will succeed. “Back to school” is one of the most dreaded phrases every student faces. Setting goals can help you tackle this hurdle one step at a time based on your past experiences.

Remind Yourself

For those who are forgetful students, put important information at your fingertips. Write yourself notes about anything, from what to buy at the grocery store to laundry, upcoming assignments and when your professor’s office hours are. This tactic can be the solution to remembering everything you need to do in your packed schedule, and is a great habit to get into for the remainder of your college years and your first job.

College Lifestyles wishes you all a happy New Year. Good luck on the upcoming semester!

CL’s New Series: Career of the Month

Posted on December 23, 2012 by Debra Schreiber

Trying to decide your career path after college?

Wondering if you’ll find a fabulous job within your major? Want to learn what comes after being a classy co-ed? Then this series is for you.

Each month, College Lifestyles™ will present our “Career of the Month,” in addition to our current “Major of the Month” series. These articles will cover careers in fields from PR, to nutrition, to social media and beyond, with tips and tricks from professionals in the field.

Look this December for our first “Career of the Month” article, an interview with CL PR/Marketing/Advertising and Social Media Intern Kaci Hall, where she will discuss her career in Marketing.

Is there a specific career you’d like to learn more about? Let us know the comments below.

Searching for a job? Check out the College Lifestyles™ Job and Internship Bank!

CL Reviews: “The Hobbit An Unexpected Journey”

Posted on December 20, 2012 by Debra Schreiber

***SPOILER ALERT. IF YOU DID NOT SEE THIS MOVIE YET AND INTEND TO, IT IS SUGGESTED BY COLLEGE LIFESTYLES™ YOU STOP READING NOW***

To those classy co-eds who were hoping to learn a little bit more about hobbits, prepare to learn a little bit more about dwarves first.

“The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey,” aptly derived from the title chapter of the J.R.R. Tolkien book it is based on, is about 25 percent hobbit, and 75 percent dwarf.

Avid fans of Tolkien’s work may be thrilled to see the additions Peter Jackson and crew have made to the movie; but, to those who read the book casually for a high school English course and only remember the high points, this film may cause some confusion.

The beginning of the film adds a history of the dwarves, which, for those who have never read “The Hobbit” at all was an excellent segue into the rest of the story. Those who anticipated the film beginning with Tolkien’s opening words of the book, “in the hole in the ground there lived a hobbit…” had to wait. Those in the middle…prepare to be confused.

The approximately two hour and forty minute film is not for the faint-hearted. It contains quite a bit of story line, not only from “The Hobbit,” but from its appendices and other Tolkien literature as well, hence the noteworthy appearances of Radagast the Brown, Galadriel and The Pale Orc, a filmed scene of a meeting of The White Council, and extended details on Thorin Oakenshield’s past. Many of these details were recounted by a much-older Bilbo, writing down his story for Frodo, ironically on the morning of his 111^th birthday, much to the enjoyed amusement of “The Lord of the Rings” fans in the audience.

But don’t let the emphasis on the dwarves deter you: their antics and songs (the singing was an excellent addition, though it may not jive with those who have seen the 1977 animated film) gave the movie some of the good humor it desperately needed, as, for the most part, Thorin Oakenshield & Co. moved from one dangerous and terrifying situation to the next. Those situations, of course, were exactly why Gandalf picked Bilbo to accompany the dwarves on their journey to reclaim their lost kingdom, as the burglar who would sneak his way back in to their now dragon-occupied mountain.

“…he gives me courage,” Gandalf tells Galadriel. At the heart of the film, that is what this story is truly about: courage. Not plots, or hobbits, or dwarves, or whether or not this is really true to Tolkien, but the hobbit, a creature who keeps to his or herself in their nice clean hobbit-hole, never has any adventures, or does anything unexpected, stepping out into the world and facing it with the bravery only a few can.

So, take some time this weekend, my college friends, and see what stepping out of your door can do for you, but remember: “It’s a dangerous business…going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.”

An unexpected journey indeed. And this is only Part One.

Nicole Gentile, Indiana University, Dating and Relationships Writer Intern

Posted on December 18, 2012 by NicoleGe

Name: Nicole Gentile

College Lifestyles ™ Intern Position: Dating and Relationships writer intern

Hometown: Merrick, New York represent!

School: Indiana University- Bloomington

Year in studies: Sophomore

Major(s)/minor(s)/concentration(s): Major in journalism and minor in apparel merchandising

Organizational involvement: Her Campus-Indiana University, Ed at Indiana, Pink and Black Magazine

I am excited for second semester because: It is my first semester working for CL!

My favorite thing about the Spring is: the beautiful weather and of course my birthday and favorite day of the year (May 22)!

My dream Spring break is: Anywhere where I can lay on a beach for a week and not move

I wish I could study abroad: Barcelona, Spain! I plan on going next Spring

My number one DIY craft for this semester is: Creating my own jeans by adding different fabrics on my favorite pairs of denim

My fashion and accessory favorites for this Spring are: The peplum top is my all time favorite. It is extremely flattering, and I love how you can dress it up or down for whatever occasion you are wearing it to. My favorite accessory (or what I consider to be an accessory) is my lipstick. I am talking bold color this season including red, deep plum, and orange

My dream job is: The editor of Cosmopolitan

My favorite food is: Sushi, I could eat it seven days a week

My favorite movies/T.V. shows are: My favorite movie is Mean Girls, a classic, I know. My favorite T.V. shows are Homeland, Revenge and Keeping up with the Kardashians

My favorite book is: I love all of Emily Giffin’s books!

My celebrity dream date is/with: David Beckham, hands down!

I get my inspiration from: My mother and my grandmother, the two most important people in my life

My secret get-away during the semester is: Starbucks and hot yoga

My friends would describe me as: Tiny, bubbly and outgoing

Three things I want to accomplish before the Summer: I want to maintain amazing grades while working for College Lifestyles

My favorite College Lifestyles ™ article was: CL’s Summer Fashion Must-Haves

My definition of a classy co-ed is: Someone who is very involved on campus, has a great reputation with colleagues, gets great grades, and maintains a social life!

Why I am excited to be a College Lifestyles ™ Intern: How could I not be? I have already met amazing people and learned amazing things. The best is yet to come!

Letter from the Managing Editor, December 2012

Posted on December 8, 2012 by Debra Schreiber

Hello classy co-eds,

Boy, that semester sure did fly by.

Did you accomplish everything you set out to do this semester? Maybe you did, and maybe you didn’t, but that’s what the New Year is all about: New Year, new you.

What do YOU want this year?

To learn how to manage your time better? To earn higher grades? To submit job applications?

These are all fabulous professional goals, and goals we should set the bar higher for each year.

But what about your personal goals?

To volunteer more? To do something you really enjoy? To make more time for YOU?

College flies by so fast – trust me, I know – and it is the best time to try new things and push your boundaries. I want to encourage each and every one of you savvy co-eds to take advantage of the opportunities your campus has to offer.

Here are my Spring 2013 Semester Goals for YOU:

Set aside a day to volunteer on campus or in the immediate community.
Join a new campus organization.
Travel, or think about studying abroad over the summer.
Take a class that sounds interesting to YOU.
Get healthy by taking that Zumba class or signing up for an intramural team.
Learn about a new culture by taking a language course or going to their organization’s campus events.
Learn a new skill: sign up for a cooking class, learn a new DIY project, take a fitness instructor course, learn sign language.
Hone your leadership skills by running for an officer/executive board position within your organization.
Stay in touch with your family and friends from home: call, text, Skype!
Be a classy co-ed.

Each one will push you, challenge you, and maybe even make you a little uncomfortable. But I guarantee they will open your eyes to possibilities you never even knew existed, mold you into a well-rounded person, teach you something about yourself, and maybe even open some doors for you.

Want to chat about your personal goals for Spring 2013? Please do so in the comments below, or feel free to email info@collegelifestyles.org for some extra insight.

CL Love,

Debra Schreiber

Managing Editor, College Lifestyles™

Letter from the Managing Editor, October 2012

Posted on October 28, 2012 by Debra Schreiber

Hi classy co-eds,

It’s Debra, College Lifestyles™ Managing Editor, and this is my October letter to you.

I know this is the point in the semester where extracurriculars are in high gear and midterms, papers, and ever-looming finals can cause a lot of stress – I remember it, I know exactly how you feel right now.

But guess what – it will all be over in just a short couple of weeks.

I have a sign hanging in my room that my father got for me when I was born. It’s a list of life lessons, and at the bottom is perhaps the most important: “keep worries in perspective.”

I struggled with this a lot in college. Papers, midterms, finals, quizzes, pop quizzes, extra assignments, going to class, grades, grades, grades, on and on never-ending. Oftentimes, I felt like I was drowning in a midst of things people told me I HAD to be good at because it meant my entire life.

Grades are important. But they aren’t everything. Neither is being involved in every single extra-curricular activity you think will make employers want you. It’s all about balance, taking things in moderation, learning about what’s important; life is one huge balancing act.

But it gets easier. You learn how to manage. You learn what things are worth your time, and what things aren’t. You learn that what people tell you should be important, isn’t always that important.

You learn to worry less.

You learn to stress less.

You learn to live for you.

Shelly Marie Redmond and I care about you, our readers. If you ever have questions about college life, email us at info@collegelifestyles.org. We are dedicated to writing articles about college life, especially things that are concerning to you, or things that you need answers to. We’re here.

CL Love,

Debra Schreiber

Managing Editor, College Lifestyles™

CL Reviews: “Hotel Transylvania”

Posted on October 6, 2012 by Debra Schreiber

Frankensteins, Draculas and werewolves, oh my! But there’s nothing to be afraid of in this cutesy, coming-of-age animated film starring Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez and Andy Samberg, with great comedic support from Kevin James, Fran Drescher and Steve Buscemi, and singer and “The Voice” judge CeeLo Green.

Dracula (Sandler) owns a hotel for monsters; built to keep his daughter Mavis (Gomez) safe from the terrifying humans who lurk in every corner outside with pitchforks, torches and garlic (they even put it on bread!). Jokes may fly, but are tamer than what we’re used to hearing from Sandler.

When Mavis turns 118 (coming-of-age for vampires, apparently), she wants to go out and see the world. Overprotective Dracula changes her mind, but his plot allows a human named Jonathan (Samberg) to wander into the hotel. Jonathon and Mavis share a “zing,” and nothing can keep them apart…except her father and the underlying racial tensions between vampires/monsters in general and humans.

Gomez, 20, famous for her role as the witchy-wizard Alex Russo on “Wizards of Waverly Place,” has been leading her fans through her own coming-of-age story. She moved through the Disney ranks to score a role in “Ramona and Beezus” (2010). She went abroad in “Monte Carlo” (2011) with “Gossip Girl’s” Leighton Meester. In 2013 she will star in “Spring Breakers,” a film surely not appropriate for her younger fans. As “Hotel Transylvania,” Ms. Gomez’s Facebook pictures, and rumors that she could have a role in a possible “50 Shades of Grey” movie show, she is certainly growing up.

Co-eds can learn from Gomez’s transformation from Disney Channel star to a girl traveling abroad. The transition to, through, and out of college is a rough one with bumps along the way, but if you can handle it with even an ounce of the class Ms. Gomez has (unlike many of her contemporaries), you will make it through just fine!

With quirky jokes only adults will understand, a great story line for any age, a quick punch at the “Twilight” saga, and many “Aw” moments, “Hotel Transylvania” is a clear winner for any girl’s weekend.

Love Selena Gomez’s look? Check out this Look for Less article!

My First Semester: Parental Contact

Posted on September 14, 2012 by Angela Skane

You’d think being off at college meant you wouldn’t talk to mom and pops until you needed money for food or gas. Heck, you’ll see them over Thanksgiving break–you can chat then. Well, that’s definitely not going to work. You’ll have worried parents at your dorm door in no time. Keeping in touch with your parents will keep everyone at ease.

Set a time to talk to your parents. Doing this each day will help you to remember to call and will leave your parents more at ease. The walk between classes is a great time to chat. It won’t be too long of a conversation but just enough to fill your parents in on your interesting professors.

If you’re doing something fun or interesting, send a picture! They’ll be glad to know you’re happy and enjoying new-found freedom. They’ll be excited you can cook a meal without burning the dorm down and doing laundry without having your clothes shrink. Your parents will be so excited they’ll probably email the photo you send to them to the entire family.

Saying goodbye to your parents for the first time can take a lot of adjusting. Open communication with your parents will make the transition so much easier. You can be independent without completely shutting them out. After all, they are the reason you’re off at college in the first place.

Intern Diaries: A Semester to Look Forward to

Posted on September 12, 2012 by Debra Schreiber

Each semester brings about new and exciting opportunities. See what the College Lifestyles interns are most looking forward to about this Fall…

The thing I am most looking forward to this semester is…

“Learning more about making websites for my graduate program!” – Stephanie Coppola, Editor.

“Finishing up my last year of college!” – Mallory Hatten, Writer.

“Transitioning into college and meeting new people!” – Angela Skane, Writer.

“Football! Fall semester is all about tailgates and football games. I can’t wait to enjoy the warm southern weather while cheering on the NC State Wolfpack with my friends. Cheers to a successful season Staters!” – Kirsten Henning, Contributor.

“My sorority’s philanthropy event because I get to plan it!” – Diane Ferrer, Writer.

“Almost being down with school. I graduate in may of 2013. So I’m so close!” – Kaci Hall, PR/Social Media.

“Having a job and being able to make a little more money than I am used to for the school year,” – Natalie Raymond, Writer.

“Living in a new apartment with all of my best friends!” – Blakely Grimm, Writer.

“Tie between Halloween and Christmas! I really get into handmade costumes for Halloween and I love absolutely everything about Christmas,” – Shaundra Boyd, Editor.

“Just being back in the school environment, I love the people I’m around and that I’m always doing something,” – Caity St. John, Editor.

“Seeing my sisters and friends after a long summer! Since I’m planning on going abroad in the Spring I want to have an amazing semester with everyone,” – Ariana Romero, Editor.

“Meeting new people. I love meeting new faces. I’ll be at another campus at the same school, so there will be, like, 40,000 people I don’t know,” – Tiana Blue, Editor.

“The things I am most looking forward to this semester are the trips to the city and getting Hofstra’s chapter of Her Campus off and running as one of the new Campus Correspondents,” – Rachel Crocetti, Writer.

“Enjoying my senior year living in an apartment with my best friends,” – Sarah Albert, Editor.

“Having fun with my friends,” – Rachel Osman, Editor.

“Taking classes that really focus around my major,” – Teresa Conde, Social Media and PR.

“Working as a personal trainer at my University,” – Carolyn McMahon, Writer.

“My editorial internship with Penguin Group (USA),” -Jenna Ballard, Contributor.

“My internship with College Lifestyles!” – Emily Lamielle, Writer.

“This internship and learning more about Journalism in my classes,” – Kaleigh Dickson, Writer.

“Graduating in December,” – Samantha Schafer, Social Media.

“Seeing my friends again. I was abroad last semester and haven’t seen most of my friends and sorority sisters in 9 months!” – Allison Cohen, Writer.

“Living with my roommates, enjoying my internships and spending a lot of time at the gym,” Natalia Weiner, Contributor.

“My birthday party in October and Homecoming,” – Shanae Hatchett, Writer.

“Being a resident advisor for the first time,” – Leslie Alston, Writer.

“Speaking more Italian and traveling to Cinque Terre,” – Tariro Mzezewa, Writer.

“Starting a new university and my classes,” – Victoria Baldonado, Social Media.

“Living in my first apartment!!” – Meghan Keane, Writer.

“Seeing the Penn State community come together during FOOTBALL SEASON!” – Sarah Gooch, Social Media.

“Having an apartment! I’m so excited to have a full kitchen and learn to cook,” – Kimberly Anastos, Social Media.

“The things I am most looking forward to this semester are experiencing the Australian culture and surfing!” – Pauline Lacsamana, Writer.

“Meeting my new roommates,” – Kristyn Anguiano, Social Media.

“The Fall and Pumpkin Spice Lattes! It’s my favorite time of the year and I feel like Louisiana is the best place to spend those crisp autumn days,” – Kayla Divelbiss, Writer.

“I am most looking forward to spending time with my friends and building relationships with my co-workers since this is my last year!” – Shaniece Sanford, PR.

“Writing for College Lifestyles!” – Dustin Divelbiss, Writer.

“Meeting new people and stepping out of my comfort zone,” – Annaliese Pepper, Social Media.

“Campus events. Living at home all summer makes me realize how convenient, awesome, and free these are. No driving required!” – Ashley Offenback, Writer.

“Being in a different country. I’ve never been out of this one,” – Kristen Tomkowid, Writer.

“The thing I am most looking forward to this semester is the internship I got to have for a grade,” – Courtney Smith, Social Media and Advertising.

“My internship at CL and helping out with the presidential debate at Hofstra University!” – Jessica Molinari, Writer.

“Being a senior and graduating!” – Martha-Raye Adjei, Editor.

“Being a new RA and making lots of new friends (and maybe even going out for a sorority!)” – Emily O’Brien, Social Media.

“My 21st birthday, of course!” – Rebecca Holliday, Social Media.

“That when it is over, I only have one semester left before I graduate,” – Kaci Hall, Social Media and PR.

“This sounds weird but I am so excited to start classes…” – Raquel Santos, Writer.

“Hanging out with my friends from school…enjoying my last year in college,” – Nicole Veenstra, Writer.

“Graduation!!” – Karlaa Williams, Social Media and PR.

“Being part of College Lifestyles,” – Gillian Reid, Writer.

“As an RA I can’t wait to meet and get to know all of my new residents,” – Casey Galasso, Writer.

What do you love about the promise of a new semester? Share with us in the comments below!

Tech Talk: Should I Buy A Smartphone For College?

Posted on September 10, 2012 by KaitlinF

Now living in the age of relevant technology, I have found it fatal to be without my Smartphone since high school. College is a different bird; emails are constantly being sent out from professors, school administration, and various on-campus organizations. It often becomes annoying when you are bombarded with around twenty emails a day that could just be a welcome back email from the president of the school or that could just be an update on some construction happening in a building that no one even goes to. But, overall, the attachment college students have to Smartphones is not ridiculous.

Photo Credit: www.weheartit.com

Email is a prevalent part of being in college. And although some of the multiple messages students receive may seem pointless, every email is relevant to someone on your college campus. I hear much of my fellow classmates say, “I’d never check my email if it wasn’t on my phone”. Those who do not have phones struggle when at the end of the day they receive what seems to be hundreds of emails that could have been vital to their daily campus life hours earlier. Lets face it: an iPhone or a Blackberry is much easier to carry around than a laptop or a tablet. Classy co-eds are always up to date and know what’s happening on campus.

Photo Credit: www.weheartit.com

Keeping up with your classy co-ed friends from home throughout the day is also a possibility with a Smartphone. Instead of just hearing someone’s voice, now you can see his or her face with FaceTime. All the apps that Smartphones offer are really just ways to keep in touch with friends and family. With a Smartphone, you can see what your friends from home are doing (or even eating) through Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Of course, all of these are possible without a Smartphone; but we live in an instantaneous generation and we need information now.

Scheduling and marking your calendar with important dates is crucial in college between all the classes, all of the meetings, and all of the different organizations available on college campuses. As classy co-eds and strong young women, CL girls are always involved on campus whether its simple volunteer work or running a student organization. Smartphones make it possible to keep track of all the different dates, locations and times for this hectic lifestyle. iCalendar and Reminders apps are constantly used by professionals around the country. Some classy co-eds are no different and others can take a cue from these professionals in how to organize their time and manage their work.

Photo Credit: www.weheartit.com

Time at college can be made a lot simpler with a Smartphone that is attached to your hip and to your thumbs. But remember to be real, to be social and to be classy and not the girl on your phone in class or in meetings. Keep the tweeting for after class and use your Smartphone well!

CL’s Guide to: Sharing Class Notes

Posted on September 7, 2012 by Raquel Santos

Sharing notes is a common student tradition that’s been around as long as all-nighters. We’ve all been in a situation where we’ve been asked for our notes or had to borrow someone else’s, but it can get tricky. When is it okay to share class notes? As long as you are not relying on someone else’s lecture notes for every class or vice versa, it is okay to exchange notes, especially with study buddies. Here are a couple of general rules for sharing lecture notes:

Share mutually

Sharing notes does have its benefits, but it is not excuse to skip class. When you compare notes with your classmates, you may get extra information that you missed from the lecture or you may give that fellow coed some information that they missed. Sharing lecture notes must be mutual, so that each student does the same amount of work.

Use note-sharing websites wisely

With all the note-sharing websites out there, it’s hard not to take advantage of these. There’s no harm in utilizing these note-sharing tools, as long as you use wisely. These sites aren’t a free pass to skip class, they’re there to help you. Reap all the benefits of sites like studyblue.com by taking your own notes in class and using the additional notes for more study material. You can also help others out by posting your notes and study guide.

Recopy ALL notes

Re-typing or re-writing your lecture notes will most likely increase your memory of them, so even if your classmate has emailed you a copy of their notes, copy them yourself. You’ll feel more organized and you’ll have a better grasp on the material.

Do NOT hold notebooks hostage

When someone has let you borrow their notes, they are doing you a favor. The last thing you want to do is make them regret it by not returning their notebook as soon as possible. Make it a priority to copy their notes and have it back to them by the next time the class meets.

Although sharing or exchanging notes sometimes gets a bad rep as cheating, it is a completely innocent tradition, if done right. Slacking off because you already have the notes from someone else is a no-no, but paying attention in class, taking your own notes, and comparing with fellow coeds may be your golden ticket to an A.

Raquel Santos is a Health and Fitness writer for College Lifestyles™. She is a senior studying Dietetics at Rutgers University in New Brunswick and an absolute gym rat. When she’s not training for races, she likes to catch up on the latest health trends, read, hang out with friends and family, draw, and write in her blogs.

CL Essentials: How to Do Laundry

Posted on September 7, 2012 by NataliaW

Credit: The Wall Street Journal

My father told me that when I got to college, my laundry would start to misbehave. My clothes would no longer find their way into the hamper, rid themselves of stains and return neatly folded on my bed. I found myself shrinking shorts, creating pink tube socks with red dresses and virtually destroying my delicates. Because of this, I came up with a plan to be proficient in the art of laundry, which is here for you girls on CL: How To: Do Laundry.

This is how NOT to do laundry

DO NOT separate Whites from Colors: At school, not only do you have to pay for your own detergent and fabric softener, but you must also have quarters at the ready to dispense into the crowded, often mediocre working machines. Since many of us do not have that much change on hand, wash everything in cold water. The detergent will be adequate enough to clean all of your clothes, without staining your whites. Here is a tip: If you want your clothes to come out brighter, but cannot afford fancy laundry detergent, add ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide with a cap full of detergent. A big bottle costs just over a dollar at CVS and other major pharmacies, and your clothes come out looking like new.

DO NOT pack your laundry in the washer: We’re busy. Since we are constantly running from class to class, extra circular activities and what have you, we may neglect our laundry for long periods of time. But if you try to stuff all of your laundry into a tiny washer, your clothes will not get clean nor will they dry properly. Loosely put your laundry in the wash. If you are strapped for cash, try deciding what clothes need the most attention.

DO NOT throw all of your clothes in the hamper after one use: This will make your laundry pile up like crazy. Check out the When to Wash it Handbook at “Real Simple Magazine” to find out what clothes need to be washed immediately, and what can wait a few days.

Credit: CasaSugar

MUST DO Laundry Essentials:

Read Care Labels: Silk and lamé tops do not fare well tossed in with your college hoodie and sweatpants. If it says dry clean only, it is dry clean only. If you have special items that need extra care, laundry mats are often located nearby or some schools even provide laundry services for a small fee.

If You Get a Bad Stain, Don’t Panic: Menstrual blood, sauce stains and wine can be some of the hardest stains to remove, here are some inexpensive tips to get rid of the tough ones:

For Food Stains: use Dawn or another dish soap agent. These products are designed to get tough food grime off of your dishes, and work just as well on your clothes. Apply a dab directly to the stained area and scrub with a toothbrush before throwing the item into to wash.

For Stains on Colors: use a small amount of laundry detergent and rub the fabric together on the affected area before putting it into the wash.

For Stains on Whites: DO NOT use Bleach. It will get your whites really white, but it will damage the clothes. Instead, apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide directly onto the stain and let it sit for one minute before washing.

Credit: The Stranger Blog

Laundry will never be as easy as it was at home, but with a few extra steps, it will really make differences in your budget and your clothes. As a final tip, don’t forget to clean the lint trap, every time! With this guide, you will be laundry pro in no time.

DIY: 6 Jewelry Organizer Projects

Posted on September 3, 2012 by PaulineL

Accessories can make or break an outfit. With precious cargo such as your favorite necklaces and earrings, why throw them in a jewelry box to get tangled in a bunch when you can display them beautifully with these nifty DIY ideas?

Picture Frames

Picture frames can be combined with wire mesh, lace, beads or even ribbon to display those dangly earrings or bangles. You can make this DIY project very modern and futuristic looking, or very vintage. Either way you go, you’ll never lose a pair of earrings again!

Cheese Grater

There’s more to this kitchen utensil than scrapin cheese: you can paint it or leave it with a chrome finish to hang your earrins through the cheese grater holes.

Clothes Hangers

You can add small metal hooks to a wooden hanger or even fabric draped over it to hold necklaces and earrings. When it comes to adding fabric, make sure to cut an opening at the top for the hanger to maximize your jewelry storage.

Wall Hooks

With some adhesive tape and some creativity, you will barely notice wall hooks as they display your jewelry. They can be used individually or even in pairs with ribbon.

Cork Board

You can paint it, put fabric over it and decorate it with pushpins to hang your jewelry!

Door Knobs

Attach assorted doorknobs on a piece of wood. I know that sounds incredibly simple, but this DIY can look adorable. Just hang your necklaces and bracelets on here!

Here are some other fun ideas from Pintrest!

Pauline Lacsamana is a junior at Quinnipiac University. Follow her at @paulinelacs! To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds be sure to follow College Lifestyles on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

How to Be Classy: Dealing With a Tough Professor

Posted on August 31, 2012 by AllisonC

With school kicking off over the past few weeks, it’s becoming more real that yet another year has passed. College women these days have a lot on their plates. Not only are we dealing with peers, bosses and screaming children, we soon will be facing an influx of all kinds of professors. A positive relationship with a professor has the potential to be a great opportunity, but what happens when we get stuck with a tough professor? I asked a few college women what they do to handle the pressure of a professor who is giving them a hard time. Here’s what they said. Feel free to leave your own comments on this article, as I’m sure that many of you can commiserate with these stories!

“I had a very tough dean to work with through my thesis process. While working on my thesis, I would turn it in at an assigned time throughout the process, where she and the committee would make recommendations (mainly grammar, etc). While I appreciated the corrections, it got to a point where I would make the corrections, and then the next recommendation would be to ‘go back’ to the old way. When I went back to the old way, the next recommendation would be to correct to what was corrected. Very frustrating and my thesis literally turned into pages of scratches and red marks. Finally, I took all the copies of the thesis and compared the corrections with the dean. I wish I could say we hugged and became BFFs, but not the case. She simply shook her head and continued making corrections. I did finish, I did graduate, and my thesis was published. What I learned from the experience is to always save your work (to compare corrections), but also sometimes you won’t have an incredible relationship with everyone.” ~Shelly Marie Redmond, EIC

“My freshman year I had a tough professor. She just expected a lot from her students. The easiest way to make them [your professor] happy is to show you care about his/her class and work your hardest. They will probably notice and appreciate it. That professor is now my advisor and a great resource!” – Ariana, 20, Syracuse University

“I once had a professor that didn’t lay out exactly what he wanted from his students. On my first paper for him, I didn’t do well. He gave us a checklist of the things he expected AFTER our first paper was due. I didn’t agree with his comments, but in order to get a good grade I adjusted my writing and began to get better grades. Some teachers don’t like a student’s style of writing and we shouldn’t take it personally! I just realized I couldn’t please everyone but I still worked hard and did my best in the class. –Kaitlin,19, Providence College

So next time you’re dealing with a tough professor keep these things in mind:

Keep calm: don’t get frustrated. Once you lose your cool, the battle is over and your professor has won. Call your mom, your best friend or someone you trust and vent to them. Who knows, they may have some words of advice AND you’re also not breaking down in front of your professor. Remember to keep your relationship professional!

Go to office hours: showing that you care about the material in the class may help improve your grade and relationship with your professor. At the same time, you may learn more than you think you know.

Don’t worry: if doing these things doesn’t fix your concerns, don’t freak out. Keep doing what you’re doing and try your best. Talk to someone higher up in the department, study and work hard and pair up with someone else in the class to compare your work. It’s not the end of the world, and you will survive at the end! I always say, “It will all be okay in the end, and if it’s not okay, then it isn’t the end.”

For more articles on dealing with everyday college issues, check out how to handle parking tickets. If this is your first time going away to college, check out this article on understanding the move-in process and this article on what you should be bringing to your first day of class!

Allison Cohen is a Sorority and Lifestyle Writer. She is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, a lover of hiking, running, and traveling, and is obsessed with her weenie dog, Maverick.

Intern Diaries: Must-Have Dorm Snacks

Posted on August 27, 2012 by Debra Schreiber

Courtesy of thedailygreen,com

We classy co-eds know some days, cafeteria food just won’t cut it. We need snacks to get through our day, chocolate when things get rough, and a little late-night food for the library while we’re cramming for finals. Check out and see what the College Lifestyles interns favorites are…

My must-have dorm snack is…

“Granola bars,” – Stephanie Coppola, Editor.

“Individual bags of fat-free popcorn,” Mallory Hatten, Writer.

“Popcorn,” – Angela Skane, Writer.

“I’m a sucker for peanut butter. I keep a jar of Peanut Butter Co.’s Dark Chocolate or Cinnamon Raisin peanut butter to snack on. It’s delicious all by itself!” –Kirsten Henning, Contributor.

“Kellogg’s Sea Salt Cracker Chips.” – Diane Ferrer, Writer.

“Mixed nuts. They are so tasty and satisfying and can fight off hunger for hours,” Natalie Raymond, Writer.

“Cherry Chocolate Torte Larabars or Oikos Greek Yogurt,” Blakely Grimm, Writer.

“…I love light pop corn as a snack,” Shaundra Boyd, Editor.

“It’s not really a snack, but the Naked Protein Zone smoothie,” Caity St. John, Editor.

“Popcorn! It’s so easy to make and tasty. Plus, if you buy the right kind, it’s healthy too!” – Ariana Romero, Editor.

“Pretzels. Preferably Flipz so I can get my chocolate fix,” – Tiana Blue, Editor.

“Hummus with pretzels, chips or vegetables,” – Rachel Crocetti, Writer.

“Carrots and celery,” – Maya Devereaux, Writer.

“Granola,” – Sarah Albert, Editor.

“Pretzels,” – Rachel Osman, Editor.

“Laughing Cow spreadable cheese,” – Teresa Conde, Social Media and PR.

“Protein powder,” – Carolyn McMahon, Writer.

Courtesy of ronmartin.net

“Trail mix!” -Jenna Ballard, Contributor.

“Almonds!” – Emily Lamielle, Writer.

“Sour Patch Watermelons,” – Kaleigh Dickson, Writer.

“Popcorn,” – Samantha Schafer, Social Media.

“100 Calorie Packs of kettle corn,” – Allison Cohen, Writer.

“Fruit, especially dragon fruit and bananas,” – Natalia Weiner, Contributor.

“Cookies…I have a sweet tooth,” – Shanae Hatchett, Writer.

“Chobani Yogurt,” – Leslie Alston, Writer.

“Brookside Dark Chocolate Covered Blueberries. These make their way across the Atlantic and into my secret hiding spot every semester,” – Tariro Mzezewa, Writer.

“Hummus and bell pepper slices,” – Victoria Baldonado, Social Media.

“THINaddictives. These are biscotti made cookies with cranberries, chocolate, or pistachios. They are super delicious and great for on the go!” – Meghan Keane, Writer.

“Almonds! Perfect snack for anytime.” – Sarah Gooch, Social Media.

“Cheddar Goldfish,” – Kimberly Anastos, Social Media.

“My must-have dorm snacks are apples and peanut butter,” – Pauline Lacsamana, Writer.

“Poptarts,” – Kristyn Anguiano, Social Media.

“Roasted almonds,” Kayla Divelbiss, Writer.

Courtesy of myrecipes.com

“My new infatuation is low-fat yogurt parfaits with fresh fruit and granola! Health and tasty, yum!” – Shaniece Sanford, PR.

“Raw almonds,” – Dustin Divelbiss, Writer.

“Whole grain toast with peanut butter,” – Annaliese Pepper, Social Media.

“Pizza Lunchables,” – Ashley Offenback.

“Granola bars and fresh fruit,” – Kristen Tomkowid, Writer.

“My must-have dorm snack is kettle corn popcorn,” – Courtney Smith, Social Media and Advertising.

“M&M’s,” – Jessica Molinari, Writer.

“Cheezits,” – Martha-Raye Adjei, Editor.

“Mott’s Fruit Snacks,” – Emily O’Brien, Social Media.

“Pretzels,” – Rebecca Holliday, Social Media.

“Unsalted Snyder’s Pretzels…yumm,” – Raquel Santos, Writer.

“Wheat Thins and vegetable cream cheese,” – Nicole Veenstra, Writer.

“Pringles,” – Karlaa Williams, Social Media and PR.

“Pretzels,” – Gillian Reid, Writer.

“My dorm room is always stocked with peanut butter, Nutella and cereal,” – Casey Galasso, Writer.

Courtesy of uludagsozluk.com

Debra Schreiber is a graduate from Duquesne University. Follow her @debstyle89. To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds be sure to follow College Lifestyles on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Intern Diaries: Beauty Must-Haves

Posted on August 24, 2012 by Debra Schreiber

Love lipstick, nailpolish and skin cream? So do the College Lifestyles interns. Learn about these and other beauty products they’re dying to have and use this semester.

My beauty must-have for this semester is…

“It is always Burt’s Bees. I can’t leave the house without it!” – Stephanie Coppola, Editor.

“Nude nail polish,” – Mallory Hatten, Writer.

“Maybelline mascara,” – Angela Skane, Writer.

“While my go-to beauty product is always black liquid eyeliner, I’m currently into lipstick, as well. This semester I look forward to amping up my look with fun shades (red is hot right now)!” – Kirsten Henning, Contributor.

“Prada Candy perfume!” – Diane Ferrer, Writer.

“A whole new makeup line!” – Kaci Hall, PR/Social Media.

“Bronzer. I am not ready to say goodbye to the summer glow,” – Natalie Raymond, Writer.

“Garnier BB cream. It’s a tinted moisturizer that has SPF, and it evens out my skin tone,” Blakely Grimm, Writer.

“Mascara – I’m loving L’Oreal Double Extend right now!” – Shaundra Boyd, Editor.

Courtesy of behance.net

“As always, I need a good eyeliner,” – Ariana Romero, Editor.

“Shea butter. It goes on super thick if you put too much (kind of like actual butter – who would’ve thought?) but if you’re not too generous with it, your skin will feel just as smooth as butter and silk. My skin cracks and dries out in the colder months,” – Tiana Blue, Editor.

“My Victoria’s Secret Dazzleshine Lip Gloss in Dazzling Berry… always makes me feel put together and smells great!” – Rachel Crocetti, Writer.

“Neutrogena makeup removing towelettes,” – Maya Devereaux, Writer.

“Josie Maran lipstick. It smells great, isn’t sticky, and stays on!” – Sarah Albert, Editor.

“Moisturizer,” – Rachel Osman, Editor.

“Nude nail polish,” – Teresa Conde, Social Media and PR.

“BareMinerals makeup!” – Carolyn McMahon, Writer.

“Neutrogena Face Primer,” – Jenna Ballard, Contributor.

“BareMinerals foundation,” – Emily Lamielle, Writer.

“Purple and gold sparkly nail polish. Geaux Tigers!” – Kaleigh Dickson, Writer.

“Grow Lush by Fabulous Mascara,” – Samantha Schafer, Social Media.

“My clip-less curling rod, the Herstyler. I purchased it last year, but I’m still obsessed!” – Allison Cohen, Writer.

“CoverGirl NatureLuxe Mascara. It goes on easily and never clumps,” – Natalia Weiner, Contributor.

“My deep red nail polish from Sephora,” – Shanae Hatchett, Writer.

“Revlon Liquid Eyeliner,” – Leslie Alston, Writer.

“NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruelle Scarlet Red,” – Tariro Mzezewa, Writer.

“Mascara,” – Victoria Baldonado, Social Media.

“Aussie Mousse to maintain my crazy curly hair,” – Meghan Keane, Writer.

“OPI’s ‘Berlin There, Done That’ — grays and mauves will be VERY in this fall in the world of nail polish!” – Sarah Gooch, Social Media (and nail polish addict).

Courtesy of swatchandlearn.com

“Eos lip balm,” – Kimberly Anastos, Social Media.

“My beauty must-have for this semester is MAC Liquidlast Liner,” – Pauline Lacsamana, Writer.

“Lip gloss and eyelines,” – Kristyn Anguiano, Social Media.

“Prep and Prime Natural Radiance,” – Kayla Divelbiss, Writer.

“My L’Oreal Voluminous Volume Building Mascara. Long lashes are a must!” – Shaniece Sanford, PR.

“Bright eye shadow colors,” – Dustin Divelbiss, Writer.

“Hair mousse,” – Annaliese Pepper, Social Media.

“Garnier Moisture Rescue,” – Ashley Offenback, Writer.

“My eyeliner. I always use it,” – Kristen Tomkowid, Writer.

“My beauty must-have for this semester is eye shadow, foundation, blush, and lip gloss and balm,” – Courtney Smith, Social Media and Advertising.

“Maybelline Falsies Flared Mascara,” – Jessica Molinari, Writer.

“My neon pink nail polish!” – Martha-Raye Adjei, Editor.

“Moisturizer! Fall and winter weather is really tough on my skin,” – Emily O’Brien, Social Media.

“Orange nail polish,” – Rebecca Holliday, Social Media.

“My beauty must-have for this semester is a foundation brush, and the Tarte Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush. AWESOME and a must have!” – Kaci Hall, Social Media and PR.

“Simple face wash and moisturizer,” – Raquel Santos, Writer.

“Mascara,” – Nicole Veenstra, Writer.

“Gold eye shadow,” – Karlaa Williams, Social Media and PR.

“Berry Lipstick,” – Gillian Reid, Writer.

“Mascara – it gives your eyes the wide-awake look that long hours of studying can sometimes take away,” – Casey Galasso, Writer.

Courtesy of girlsbydesign.com

Debra Schreiber is an alumni from Duquesne Unversity. Follow her at @debstyle89. To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds be sure to follow College Lifestyles on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Simple Snacks: 4 Must-Have College Treats

Posted on August 23, 2012 by Casey

Photo Credit: Simply Fresh Fruit

There is no doubt when you are away at school, your diet changes. Mom’s home cooked meals have a way of turning into pizza, wings and an endless supply of French fries. While this may sound tantalizing, no classy lady wants to start the fall semester off on an unhealthy foot. Beat the bulge and plan ahead this year. Make sure you have the following four items in your dorm room. When a craving strikes, you immediately have something delicious and nutritious to grab!

Mixed Nuts

Easy to nibble while on-the-go, nuts pack a healthy punch, too. High in protein, a

Photo Credit: Treachery is Afoot

bag of mixed nuts will give you energy when running from one class to the other on busy days. Another benefit of nuts is they are filled with magnesium, helping your muscles to function better as well as unsaturated fats for heart health. In addition, nuts store really well; you won’t have to worry about them going bad in your dorm room.

Dried Fruit

Fruits have a tendency to spoil quickly, but if you’re craving the sweetness and health benefits they bring, try packing the dried varieties in a plastic bag with your nuts. They are the perfect sweet additions to salads and trail mixes. They also make for a healthy dessert, too.

Photo Credit: Chieftain Wild Rice

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is great for bringing to college because it lasts for months after it’s opened. Spread it on whole grain bread or dip pretzels or celery into it before heading off to class for an easy, high-energy snack.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia

Yogurt

Easy to pack into your knapsack, yogurt provides you with the calcium you need to keep your bones strong. Avoid yogurts that are packed with sugar and instead stick to plain Greek yogurt. Liven up the taste by stirring in fresh fruit, honey or granola. Turn it into a dessert with chocolate chips – it’s the ultimate treat to get you through those late study sessions.

Photo Credit: Blogspot

These healthy recipes by CL intern Carrie feature some must-have college treats. Simple and delicious, try them when a hunger craving strikes!

Photo Credit: Inhabitots

What are your go-to snacks while at school?

Casey Galasso is junior at Marist College. Follow her on Twitter at @omggcasey. To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds, be sure to follow College Lifestyles on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Intern Diaries: Fashion Must-Haves

Posted on August 22, 2012 by Debra Schreiber

Courtesy of styleninetofive.com

Want to know what the College Lifestyles interns will be wearing this semester? Check out their must-haves…

My fashion must-have for this semester is…

“Light/thin scarves,” – Stephanie Coppola, Editor.

“An antique, golden locket my great-grandmother gave to me” – Mallory Hatten, Writer.

“Tribal bags,” – Angela Skane, Writer.

“I’m currently obsessed with button-downs. They are classy and practical. I’ve stacked my closet with every kind there is; denim, white, chiffon, plaid, etc.” Kirsten Henning, Contributor.

“My new LUSH Floral Blazer!” – Diane Ferrer, Writer.

“Dresses of all kinds!! I’m into the dress scene this year!” – Kaci Hall, PR/Social Media.

“A professional book bag that I can also take to work,” – Natalie Raymond, Writer.

“A good pair of jeans from Anthropologie,” – Blakely Grimm, Writer.

“My Michael Kors rose gold watch,” Shaundra Boyd, Editor.

“Chino Shorts and blazers!” – Caity St. John, Editor.

“Warm leggings,” – Ariano Romera, Editor.

“Boots! I’m really looking to wear my deep brown boots (with about a 3-inch heel) all through the fall and into winter,” – Tiana Blue, Editor.

Courtesy of blog.timesunion.com

“My fashion must-have for this semester is a new pair of riding boots,” – Rachel Crocetti, Writer.

“Polka dot button-down,” – Maya Devereaux, Writer.

“A dress to take from work attire to night out with the girls appropriate,” – Sarah Albert, Editor.

“Cute scarves,” – Rachel Osman, Editor.

“Plum purple skinny jeans,” – Teresa Conde, Social Media and PR.

“Tank tops, flip flops and booty shorts for the hot weather in CA!” – Carolyn McMahon, Social Media.

“Button-up shirts in different colors and patterns for my internship,” -Jenna Ballard, Contributor.

“Scarves!” – Emily Lamielle, Writer.

“Steve Madden boots!” – Kaleigh Dickson, Writer.

“Statement necklaces!” – Samantha Schafer, Social Media.

“Tall boots and skinny jeans. I need to start looking!” – Allison Cohen, Writer.

“Coral scarf. It adds color to my mostly neutral wardrobe,” – Natalia Weiner, Contributor.

“A great army green camo jacket and western booties,” – Shanae Hatchett, Writer.

“Sequence Sperry’s Top Siders (I bought the animal print ones),” – Leslie Alston, Writer.

“Booties! Brown, black, beige!” – Tariro Mzezewa, Writer.

“Comfy walking shoes… I love TOMS the best,” – Victoria Baldonado, Social Media.

“A new pair of classy leather boots,” – Meghan Keane, Writer.

“Watches with BIG faces! Keeps you looking sophisticated and ON TIME!” – Sarah Gooch, Social Media.

Courtesy of filmodela.com

“Denim shirt,” – Kimberly Anastos, Social Media.

“My fashion must-have for this semester are my brand new wedges from Aldo ” – Pauline Lacsamana, Writer.

“Leggings,” – Kristyn Anguiano, Social Media.

“Red fringe boots,” – Kayla Divelbiss, Writer.

“A fedora hat,” – Dustin Divelbiss, Writer.

“Chunky knit scarves for fall,” – Annaliese Pepper, Social Media.

“Colored denim,” – Ashley Offenback, Writer.

“My dream catcher earrings I made. They’re awesome!” – Kristen Tomkowid, Writer.

“My fashion must-have for this semester is black converse,” – Courtney Smith, Social Media and Advertising.

“A cute denim jacket,” – Jessica Molinari, Writer.

“A leather jacket. I haven’t bought one yet, but I’m looking for one!” – Martha-Raye, Adjei, Editor.

“A great across the body bag and a cute pair of riding boots,” – Emily O’Brien, Social Media.

“A high low dress,” – Rebecca Holliday, Social Media.

“More dresses….I’m really into the whole maxi dress, and something fall(ish)…I would love to have a whole closet full of dresses for every occasion,” – Kaci Hall, Social Media and PR.

“Cardigans! They can be worn in the fall and winter and basically go with anything!” – Raquel Santos, Writer.

“Colorful/patterned shorts…my favorite leggings from H&M,” – Nicole Veenstra, Writer.

“Coach bag,” – Karlaa Williams, Social Media and PR.

“Brown boots,” – Gillian Reid, Writer.

“Knit cardigans are the perfect way to stay warm on breezy autumn days and help transition your summer favorites to fabulous fall fashions,” – Casey Galasso, Writer.

Courtesy of tradercity.com

Debra Schreiber is a graduate from Duquesne University. Follow her @debstyle89. To stay tuned to more articles for classy co-eds be sure to follow College Lifestyles on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.

Intern Diaries: Back-to-School

Posted on August 20, 2012 by Debra Schreiber

Courtesy of school.discoveryeducation.com

Want to know what the College Lifestyles Fall 2012 Interns are bringing back to school with them this semester? Then read on to get all of the dirt on backpacks, tech items, and what keeps them organized!

My favorite back-to-school item this year is…

“It is always assignment pads,” – Stephanie Coppola, Editor.

“A sophisticated, monogrammed notepad,” – Mallory Hatten, Writer.

“My brand new laptop!” – Angela Skane Writer.

“Canvas backpacks! They are a fashionable alternative to a bulky knapsack. A definite do for schoolgirl chic!” – Kirsten Henning, Contributor.

“My Lilly Pulitzer Flamingo Planner!” – Diane Ferrer, Writer.

Courtesy of amazon.com

“My awesome HP laptop!” Kaci Hall, PR and Social Media.

“Neon sticky notes. I use them throughout the day so I never forget anything,” – Natalie Raymond, Writer.

“My custom-made planner from May Books. I love organization, and the planner is so adorable!” – Blakely Grimm, Writer.

“New MacBook Pro,” Shaundra Boyd, Editor.

“My comforter,” Caity St. John, Editor.

“A new lettered bag! I spent a weekend on Something Greek picking out my patterns,” Ariana Romero, Editor.

“Hmm… Pretty backpacks. I saw some cool leather and studded ones at Urban Outfitters,” – Tiana Blue, Editor.

“My favorite back-to-school item is my new planner from Barnes and Noble. It will keep me organized and it’s cute enough to take everywhere,” – Rachel Crocetti, Writer.

“Colorful notebooks,” – Maya Devereaux, Writer.

“Cozy knit sweaters,” – Sarah Albert, Editor.

“My new tote for my books,” – Rachel Osman, Editor.

“My organizer folder,” – Teresa Conde, Social Media and PR.

“Colorful notebooks, pens, binders and school supplies!” – Carolyn McMahon, Writer

“My new giant black bag from Target: it has tons of space and lots of pockets for smaller items,” – Jenna Ballard, Contributor.

“My DayRunner Weekly/Monthly Academic Planner from Staples,” – Emily Lamielle, Writer.

“My iPhone. I’ll definitely need it for planning and reminders,” – Nikki Elechi, Writer.

“My iPad!” – Kaleigh Dickson, Writer.

“Shoes, of any kinds. I may have a problem,” – Samantha Schafer, Writer.

“I haven’t even started looking at school items… Oops!” – Allison Cohen, Writer.

“Marc by Marc Jacobs gold watch. It is big enough for me to tell the time quickly, without being as large as a man’s watch. It also goes with almost every outfit,” – Natalia Weiner, Contributor.

“My Tory Burch Hobo Carry Bag,” – Shanae Hatchett, Writer.

“Polder Style Station from Bed, Bath and Beyond,” – Leslie Alston, Writer.

“My turquoise bedding and accessories (such a great color!),” – Tariro Mzezewa, Writer.

“A flash drive,” – Victoria Baldonado, Social Media.

“My favorite back-to-school item is my handy- dandy notebook. It is floral patterned and purse-sized filled with lists, schedules, and ideas I jot down on the go. This new little book keeps my life organized!” – Meghan Keane, Writer.

“Lilly Pulitzer Agenda, what more encouragement does a classy co-ed need to get work done than adorable prints?!” – Sarah Gooch, Social Media.

“My black glitter TOMS,” – Kimberly Anastos, Social Media.

Courtesy of chictopia.com

“My favorite back-to-school item this year is my clap-on, wall projector clock,” – Pauline Lacsamana, Writer.
“A mini dry erase board where I can write what I have to do each week,” – Kristyn Anguiano, Social Media.

“For all back-to-school people out there, I would have to suggest the Cozi Family Calendar. I work with a lot of high school students on various projects and we are all able to stay on the same page, in an organized manner. We also have yet to miss an appointment with the SMS alert. GET THE APP! ” – Kayla Divelbiss, Writer.

“Is my braided handle taupe satchel. It efficiently holds all my needs and the handle adds some oomph! – Shaniece Sanford, PR.

“An Ipad,” – Annaliese Pepper, Social Media.

“Recycled notebooks and pencil cases from TerraCycle,” – Ashely Offenback, Writer.

“My Pillowpet pig named Larry,” – Kristen Tomkowid, Writer.

“My favorite back-to-school item this year is my laptop,” – Courtney Smith, Social Media and Advertising.

“My Vera Bradley planner!” – Jessica Molinari, Writer.

“My phone!” – Martha-Raye Adjei, Editor.

“My favorite back-to-school item this year is my Vera Bradley wallet. It’s perfect to tote my id and cellphone,” – Emily O’Brien, Social Media.

“My planner! Never can be too organized,” – Rebecca Holliday, Social Media.

“Back-to-school item this year is my new laptop,” – Kaci Hall, PR and Social Media.

“The iHome!” – Raquel Santos, Writer.

“A blender!” – Nicole Veenstra, Writer.

“New notebooks,” – Karlaa Williams, Social Media and PR.

“Colored pants,” – Gillian Reid, Writer.

“My leopard-print backpack. It’s fashionable, sturdy and holds everything from my computer to textbooks,” Casey Galasso, Writer.

Courtesy of yesstyle.com

How to Keep Up With Your Classy Co-Ed Friends from Home

Posted on August 17, 2012 by KaitlinF

One of my personal biggest fears about college was making new friends. Surprisingly, that was no problem! The hard part was keeping up with old friends from home, from high school, from camp, and from work. Texting, tweeting or however you remain in contact with your friends from home is usually not enough when you could just quite possibly be on the other side of the country. In order to keep your friendships alive, step it up and make both groups of friends (old and new) priorities in your life.

Here’s what some CL ladies do to keep up with their classy girl friends:

Photo credit: www.weheartit.com

“My friends from home and I have our own private Facebook group, so it’s really easy to have group conversations and just post funny videos and pictures to everyone! Also, even just random texts about something funny from your day help keep you connected and part of each other’s lives.” – Jenna Ballard

“To me, nothing means more then a Skype and or phone call! It seems so much more personal to hear their voice and fill them in on every little detail of your life.” – Shaundra Boyd

“I’ve never been much of a caller so I will always text my best friends if something happens or I just want to see what’s up with them. Although, phone calls do come in handy for long stories that should come with description. As for everything else… that’s what meeting up and catching up is for!” – Caity St John

“Handwritten notes take a little longer, but I think they can be fun to make and really show that you care.” – Natalie Raymond

Photo credit: www.weheartit.com

If you’re not much of a texter… Pick up the phone and call your friends! Weekends obviously work the best for most of us. However, talk a week or so into the semester with your friends and figure out when to call during the week if something exciting comes up! A week or so gives you and your friends enough time to adjust to the active lifestyle you’ll experience with classes, volunteering, jobs, and hopefully, College Lifestyles!

If you’re into social media and texting… Create a Facebook group for your close group of friends at school or even a message thread. Facebook is easy to check and can be personal! Send your friends cute messages, quotes, and pictures to show them that you’re missing them. Also, this is a great way to coordinate holidays or school visits if everyone is together (even if it’s virtually!).

If you are an old fashioned co-ed… Print isn’t dead yet! Receiving mail, as when you were when you were a kid, is beyond exciting when you’re a college student. A birthday card in the mail or a simple letter to say you care is touching and will not be forgotten! And if you’re feeling creative, hit the mall and pull a few things from Francesca’s Collections and put together a care package for a girl friend’s birthday or if you have a friend who is just down in the dumps. It is a sure fire way to get anyone out of a funk. Be sure to make those packages unexpected and a surprise for an even bigger smile (exchange mailing addresses before you head off or within the first week)!

Remember: any way you can make an effort is showing you care! From a simple “I miss you” text message to a four hour long Skype session, keep your friends in mind.

Kaitlin Fitzpatrick is a Relationship and Lifestyle writer for College Lifestyles as well as a rising junior at Providence College. She loves watching Glee, going to Cheesecake Factory with her friends at school, and taking road trips. Kaitlin is very excited to work with everyone at College Lifestyles this summer!

Bobkitten by Day, Fashionista by Night: Meet CL’s New Fashion & Living Writer, Pauline!

Posted on August 14, 2012 by PaulineL

Name: Pauline Lacsamana

Position: Fashion and Living writer

College/University: Quinnipiac University.

Year in studies: Junior.

Major/minor: Behavioral Neuroscience.

Organizational involvement: Kappa Alpha Theta, Behavioral Neuroscience club, Anthropology club, Psychology club, Intramural Field Hockey, Her Campus, Orientation Leader.

My freshmen and I during QU orientation!

I show my school spirit by: Supporting other organizations at their events on campus, wearing my gold class of 2014 shirt to hockey and basketball games and rockin’ my orientation polo; no one can show school spirit like the orientation staff.

My favorite thing about Fall is: back-to-school shopping and the weather! Not too hot, not too cold. All you need is a light jacket

For Halloween I will be: Yoshi or Pikachu. I’ve always wanted to successfully pull off a Pikachu costume, however, that mission has yet to be accomplished.

Neon pants – yay or nay? Nay for me, but yay to those who can pull them off!

Twitter or Facebook? Twitter. I would rather not stalk someone’s life through their Facebook timeline.

I love Pinterest because: there are so many DIY projects and fashion inspiration! I am obsessed with Pintrest.

My favorite colors are: lime green, mint and coral.

My go-to accessory is: a collar necklace. They’re a perfect way to add a little glam to the basics.

My favorite store is: H&M and Urban Outfitters.

My favorite food is: salmon and popcorn, but not together…

My favorite movies/TV shows are: “How I Met Your Mother,” “Sex and the City,” “Jerseylicious,” “Face Off,” and almost everything on Animal Planet and the Discovery channel. Shout out to Netflix!

My favorite book is: “The Happiness Project.”

My favorite magazines are: “Nylon”, “Seventeen” and “Psychology Today”

My pets are: Coby, Peppermint, Charlie and Poosahn. Coby lives with my mom and the others at my sister’s, but I still see all of them every day!

My favorite quote is, because: “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if only one remembers to turn on the light” because 1) it’s from Harry Potter and 2) although things may seem as if they aren’t going to get any better, you have to think positively.

My role model is, because: Lauren Conrad because she is the definition of a classy woman. At such a young age, she has already designed and started her own clothing line and written her own book. Not to mention she looks fabulous. She is simply inspirational.

I spend my weekends…: hanging out with friend, having some down time from a busy week and catching up on sleep.

I take a break from studying by…: napping or cleaning.

I de-stress by…: going to the gym.

My secret talent is: I can sing…in the shower.

My friends describe me as: funny, optimistic and creative.

My favorite College Lifestyles article is: “Remembering Values in the Summer Heat.” This article is written by my lovely Big and incorporates the values of my sorority, which I strive to live by every day.

Why I am excited to be an intern for College Lifestyles: I’m excited to get more experience in the field! It is a fast-growing organization many classy co-eds will (if they haven’t already) fall in love with.

My definition of a classy co-ed: A classy co-ed is an ambitious woman who follows her dreams. She has high standards and a killer sense of style.

A Theta sister and I during our formal.