A Balancing Act: A Girl’s Guide to Balancing School, Internships, and Relationships

Working three internships, one job as a waitress, and taking online classes, balancing each of these with a new relationship is definitely not easy. From a stressed college senior who is doing just that, here are some tips on how I found the perfect balance!

Monday nights I work at a sport’s bar until about midnight. Tuesday, I wake up at 8am to start the three days I spend at my internship at Elle Magazine– about nine to ten hours a day. By Friday, I’m ready to sleep until my 7pm shift at the bar, at which I’m there until 2, 3, or sometimes 4 in the morning. Saturday, I work the 3pm to midnight shift, and then finally I’m off on Sunday– my one day to myself.

Besides my job, I write for CL, and I intern for an entertainment site, in which I have strict deadlines and must write three articles a week. Since I am in NYC for the semester, I am taking an online course, and doing work for my internship via email with my advisor.

As you can see, my time is pretty full. Somehow though, I managed to snag myself a new guy in my life, and definitely struggled with how to balance it all. Whether you are working, interning, falling in love, or all of the above, here are some tips on how to stay focused, and not get overwhelmed.

• Make a schedule for yourself: I’m not saying you need to color code and set alarms (unless that’s what works for you!), but just simply writing a schedule for what’s due what days, makes life a little easier. Also, schedule dates for your new man ahead of time- even if it’s just meeting up before you head to work.
• Know your priorities: Really think about what matters, and what you need to get done before anything else and set goals. This way, you’ll finish your project before you go out to dinner with the guy.
• Set aside “you” time: As busy as I am, I am sure to set aside time to do things other than my schoolwork for “me” time. Whether it’s meeting a girlfriend for dinner, or spending an hour on a guilty pleasure (reality TV for me!), it allows you to refocus and relax, so you don’t get overwhelmed.
• Keep in touch with your family: Since your away at school, it’s easy to lose touch with people back home.
  So don’t let it happen. Even something as simple as sending a “miss you” text to your sister or calling your parents before you head to bed to say “goodnight,” it helps. Also, you can always vent to family. Which leads me to my next point.
• Ask for help and vent: Don’t hold it in if you are getting stressed and need help. Whether you need help with school and need to go to an adviser, or need someone to talk to, set time to do so.
• Remember you’re in college: You need time to have fun! Go on cheap dates, whether it’s staying in and watching movies or splitting a chai, spending time with your new significant other will release stress, keep you happy, and keep your relationship strong.
• Do the little things: Everyone has their own little things they do. Some of mine? Send him an “I miss you” text, stop to see him at his job on the way home from mine, or invite him out for a drink at my bar while I’m finishing my shift. Also, if your guy works/goes to school full time like mine, schedule a day off you guys could both have–we have yet to have one, but in two weeks he finally got a Sunday off! Trust me, it’s the little things that keep things exciting!

 

Emily Longeretta is a Lifestyle Intern for College Lifestyles (TM). In her free time (which she lacks) she likes to watch reruns of old shows online, and get pedicures!

CL Apartment Living: Grocery Shopping for the College Girl on a Budget

As a newbie to living on my own, I was so excited to finally have my own kitchen; so when I actually moved in and got into my routine, I was shocked to learn how hard it actually is. Planning meals and going grocery shopping with a small budget, all on top of a busy school schedule – it’s not as easy as it looks! Yes, it’s true that I do not know everything, but I am experiencing it first-hand, just like all of you, so I am here to help you get organized and plan meals as we all try to figure out how to make the most out of living and cooking on our own. First things first: the grocery list.

I organized my shopping list by meals because I think it’s the easiest way to keep track of what you’re buying. This way, you’ll know exactly what you have in your kitchen and you won’t have eat breakfast for every meal of the day – unless you want to.

Breakfast: The most important meal of the day! It’s vital to have a nutritious and filling breakfast to keep you energized through your day’s classes, and it’s always nice to have breakfast options available on the weekends when you are really craving it. So really think about what you enjoy for breakfast and only buy what you know you will eat. Here is a list of common morning items (that last a long time) to keep in mind as you’re putting your list together. The ones with the asterisk* are the ones that I think are essential for your fridge/pantry.

• Eggs (Bonus: you can hard boil them too as a nice, protein-packed snack!)
• Yogurt and Granola
• Milk*
• Cereal
• Bread*
• Butter*
• Oatmeal: simple and microwaveable. Plus, it can be stored in the pantry without going bad for a long time.
• Juice
• Fruit*: I know fruit can get expensive, so look for deals and if you can’t find any, buy your favorite because fruit is delicious and good for you!

  

Lunch/Snacks: Because I know students don’t always eat lunch at home on school days, I have lumped snacks and lunch into the same category; i.e.: These are the items you wouldn’t necessarily eat for breakfast or dinner, unless you feel so inclined then be my guest.

• Bread/wraps, if not already purchased for breakfast
• lunch meat: turkey, ham, roast beef, etc.
• cheese: again, pick your favorite
• Peanut Butter
• Jelly
• Lettuce + things you like in salads
• Your favorite snack foods: chips, pretzels, bread, almonds etc. Buy the things you usually munch on when you’re hungry, but be careful not to go overboard!

  

Dinner: *(Sidenote: I am a big frozen foods person. You can store meat, rice, frozen entrees, vegetables, fruit and many more things in the freezer and they won’t go bad. I know that eating fresh foods is more desirable, but as a college student on a budget, sometimes you literally can’t afford that luxury. Plus, frozen items are generally easier to make. So if you’re not against eating frozen foods, I would say it’s your best bet.)

• frozen sides: vegetables, bread, rice, etc.
• frozen pizzas: CPK, Digiornio, Organic, etc.
• Meats: Many grocery stores sell individually wrapped serving sizes of meat for very reasonable prices, which is perfect for us. Stock up.
• Ice-cream: Okay, so this isn’t exactly dinner, but just in case your sweet tooth calls for a frozen treat, I didn’t want you to forget

Now the non-frozen things:

• Pasta: you can store this for a long time in your pantry and it’s easy to make
• Red Sauce: you can buy a big jar of delicious red sauce at any grocery store
• Canned Soup
• Ramen – because you really can’t be a college student without it
• Boxed Rice
• Mac n’ Cheese

Other Necessities to Buy:

• Salt and Pepper
• All Spice: you can use this for fish, meat and desserts and it will taste delicious every time
• Ketchup/mustard/mayo
• 1 Brita Filter: for if you can’t or don’t want to drink tap water
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Olive Oil
• Vegetable Oil

  

This is my list! Now, things may have to be altered to your tastes and I may have accidently forgotten some things, but this is my general guideline for what to buy and how to keep from starving. As always, look out for deals and items on sale, and don’t be afraid to use the generic brand! A lot of times, it is exactly like the other brand, but a lot less money. Also, pick only a few nights a week to have a big, sit-down dinner. I know it seems like a lot of fun to cook a big meal every night, but it just not realistic. On some nights, throw a frozen pizza in the oven or make a cheese omelet (you are in college, after all) and save those big dinners for a night when you can take the time to explore your options. And last, but not least, have fun with your own apartment/kitchen!

                                                                                                                              

Katie Maguire is a junior at Boston University, majoring in Public Relations with a minor in history. She is Sisterhood Chair of Kappa Delta Sorority and loves baking, working out and laughing with her friends!

CL’s Simple Ways to Green Your Beauty Routine

Save the environment! But how? Transform yourself into an eco chick by greening your beauty routine with these four simple steps.

1.Recycling isn’t just for cans and bottles – makeup containers can be recycled too. Origins will recycle any cosmetics containers regardless of the brand. MAC will even give you a free lipstick, as long as you return six empty MAC containers. Some makeup companies go farther – Aveda collects and reuses bottle cap, which can’t be recycled in most places in the United States. Even if you can’t get to any of these stores, review the recycling guidelines in your city to see what containers you can recycle at home. Want to do more? Try buying from environmentally progressive makeup companies, like LUSH. LUSH sells unwrapped soap and shampoo bars, so you can bring and reuse your own containers.

2. Avoid products tested on animals. Each year, animals die so that what you put on your face is ‘safe.’ But there are plenty of humane ways to ensure safety – just ask the European Union, which banned animal-tested cosmetics products in 2009 (with certain exceptions). There are plenty of well-known companies that don’t test on animals, such as Tarte and Urban Decay. For a more complete list, check out this link.

3. Think your makeup is safe? Think again. There is no regulatory body that approves what chemicals go into your makeup, so you might be putting carcinogens and other toxins on your face each morning. The best way to avoid these risks is to educate yourself. The Environmental Working Group has a great guide here to the chemicals you should be watching out for.

4. The simplest way to be more environmentally friendly is to buy less stuff. But if you’re a beauty junkie, this is easier said than done. Get your fix and improve the environment by trying your hand at DIY beauty. Lip glosses are cheap and easy to make. Find instructions here.

What are some ways you green your beauty routine? Let us know in the comments!

Meet CL’s Classy Returning Intern Katie Maguire!

Name: Katie Maguire

School: Boston University

Major: Public Relations with a minor in History

Year in studies: Junior

I have been a College Lifestyles Intern since: May 2011

Greek Affiliation: Kappa Delta, Eta Phi Chapter

Organizational Involvement: Sisterhood Chair of Kappa Delta Sorority as well as Member of the Fashion and Retail Association, C.A.K.E. (Culinary Arts and Kitchen Entertainment), BU chapter of ED2010 and a volunteer for Jumpstart

Pets: A cute little labradoodle named Lollipop!

My friends would say I am: outgoing, optimistic and funny

My style is: Classic with a trendy influence

My go-to accessory: My Kate Spade cross-body bag

My favorite snacks: Pita chips and hummus

My hobbies include: Working out, baking, reading, going to the beach and hanging out with my friends!

Favorite movies: Julie and Julia, Remember the Titans, Sex and the City

I have a slight obsession with: Shopping! For anything and everything!

I dislike: Stickers

On my desk you will find: My laptop, pictures of my family and friends, my planner, school books

My favorite form of social media: Facebook

MAC vs PC: Mac

Coffee vs Tea: Iced Coffee!

Coke vs Pepsi: Coke

My definition of a classy co-ed: A girl who radiates confidence in everything that she does. She is positive, a strong leader and is overtly passionate about her interests.

Why I am excited about being an intern with College Lifestyles: I’m so excited to be a returning CL intern for the fall semester! This past summer was so much fun and I learned so much from Shelly and the other interns. I can’t wait to get to know the other interns just as well!

Day 18: A Classy Co-Ed’s Guide to Laundry

We’ve all heard horror stories of kids who return home from college with all their clothes dyed pink. Don’t let this be you. Get a parent to teach you how to do laundry before you go. Better yet, learn how yourself with our step-by-step guide!

Before You Leave:

Quarters or Card? Many college guidebooks will tell you to gather as many quarters as possible for your laundry machines. But nowadays, you can pay for laundry at many universities with your student ID card. Find out which policy your college follows before you begin scavenging for quarters.

Is your favorite party dress dry clean only? Chances are, you won’t be making the trek to the cleaners very often. Read the tags on your clothes before you go to make sure you’ll be able to clean your expensive digs in the way that they deserve.

Buy a hamper so you can lug your clothes from your dorm to the laundry room and vice versa. Bags are easily stored in closets and easy to carry, while baskets are sturdier and can be stored under beds.

In The Laundry Room:

Step 1. The most important part about laundry in college is knowing when to go. Everybody wants to do their laundry on Sunday mornings, which can result in long waiting periods. Find a free chunk of time mid-week and do your laundry then.

Step 2. Separate your clothes by color. Most people do whites, lights (pastels), brights (reds), and darks. Patterned? Turn it inside out and wash with the background color.

Step 3. Zip all zippers to prevent snagging. Empty all your pockets – you don’t want a pen to explode on your clothes, and laundered dollar bills rip easily. And pretreat any stains with a stain remover according to the directions. Kiss Off works on almost everything.

Step 4. In general, wash your clothes in cold water to save energy and to prevent colors from fading. As for the cycle – most clothes are fine on normal, but check the label. If it’s lingerie or something that is hand wash only, toss it in a mesh bag on the delicate cycle.

Step 5. Make sure you set a timer on your phone, or stay near the washing machine until your laundry is done. Washing machines are a hot commodity, and someone will move your things out of the way to get her own laundry done. Never mind that your clothes are freshly clean and the floor is oh-so-dirty.

Step 6. To line dry your clothes, hang them up in your dorm room on a drying rack for 2-3 days. If they’re taking longer, try blasting them with a hair dryer for 10 minutes.

Step 7. Tumble drying your clothes? Make sure to remove the lint first, or it will get onto your clothes. If it grosses you out, use a card to take it out. To stay classy, take the lint out when you’re done.

Step 8. Take your clothes out of the dryer ASAP to avoid wrinkling. Make sure you’ve gotten everything (I always forget something in the dryer) and revel in the wonder of warm, clean, laundry.

Sasha Graffagna is a soon-to-be junior at New York University. A proud sister of Theta Phi Beta, she talks too fast, travels a lot, and loves coffee.

Meet Emily: CL’s newest Classy Gal

Name: Emily Longeretta 

School: SUNY Oswego  

 Major: Journalism/Creative Writing  

Year in studies: 2012  

I have been a College Lifestyles Intern since: August 2011    

Organizational Involvement: interned at Syracuse New Times; current intern at Elle Magazine  

Pets: My adorable black panther-like cat, Magic.  

My friends would say I am: creative, outgoing, and never afraid to laugh at myself!     

My style is: whatever I’m in the mood for- anything from sweats to pencil skirts… and everything in between!  

My go-to accessory: my black pumps  

My favorite snacks: fresh fruit, fresh smoothies, and pepperoni with crackers.  

My hobbies include: watching the NY Giants, writing, shopping, & lounging with my friends & fam.      

Favorite movies: Rocky, Pretty Woman, & Speed.  

I have a slight obsession with: shoes, lipgloss, the E! network, and napping.   

 I dislike: traffic, early mornings, and irrational people.      

 On my desk you will find: my “Good morning Gorgeous” coffee mug, cards from my family & hand sanitizer.  

My favorite form of social media: Facebook for pics, Twitter for statuses!    

MAC vs PC: If I could afford one- MAC!

Coffee vs Tea: Coffee- everyday all day!

Coke vs Pepsi: [Diet] Pepsi

My definition of a classy co-ed: a mature, smart, and extremely positive person ready to take on challenges, be creative, and always be themselves!

Why I am excited about being an intern with College Lifestyles: CL is an online magazine that has helped me succeed in fashion, career tips, etc., so having the opportunity to help more students, and get to write is super exciting!

Emily is a new fall writer & social media intern at CL, and is pursuing her journalism career at SUNY Oswego. When she’s not blogging, she’s helping organize Elle’s accessories closet, or catching up on her guilty pleasure: reality tv!

Best Greek Movies to Watch With Your Sisters!

During down time with your sisters, what better way to spend your time than watching movies?! This list will provide you hours of fun and movies that can make fun of or bring you closer together with your gals?! Pop these movies in with some popcorn and laughs will be sure to follow!

7. Sorority Row- This movie is purely for you to make fun of! Its tacky plot is that of any slasher movie and may put some of your more squeamish sisters on the edge of their seats. Although it’s about some murder hungry sorority sisters, the ending depicts that sisterhood can conquer all!

6. Animal House- A classic according to anyone not under a rock for the past thirty years, this movie has become a staple for anyone in college. Watching this with your sisters will make you want to throw on a toga and start a food fight! It’s a good movie to play to kick back and enjoy a few laughs.

5. Legally Blonde- Any girl who has hosted a sleepover in the past ten years has shown this movie. Not only does it show great bonds of sisterhood as Elle travels across the country to chase down her man at Harvard with the help of her sisters but also it’s very empowering! A girl can do anything she sets her mind too!

4. Syndy White- This movie is loosely based off the fairytale of Snow White but it has a greek twist. The acting might be a little tacky but what girl doesn’t enjoy a fairytale?! After Sydney gets kicked out of rush she joins a band of seven nerds and takes the Greek system by storm and even lands herself a prince charming by the end of the story.

3. Sorority Wars- Although this was just a Lifetime movie, it has major potential to steal the show. It’s a great one to watch before greek week because it’ll get you pumped and ready to show your sorority pride!

2. House Bunny- Who could make this list without this greek classic?! Start this reel before recruitment and maybe your chapter will come up with its own tactics and themes to win over PNMs hearts! Watching this will make you appreciate your letters and the great girls you share them with!

1. Sex and the City 1 & 2 – These may not have any reek ties but the bonds of these four relatable girls is a classic for any girls night. This also shows the great things we as women can accomplish on our own and with each other.

Day 11: Study Habits Day

College is an exciting time – the parties, the friends, the boys. But don’t forget that you are at college for a reason: to work! Let CL guide you to straight-As with these helpful study tips.

Get a planner.My sister once told me about how she walked into class and was handed a test that nobody knew about. The teacher had put the test in the syllabus but hadn’t reminded her class, and everyone had forgotten about it. The moral? Get a planner and write everything down – classes, homework, club meetings, etc. If you have a major test or presentation, add a note a few weeks before to begin preparing. This way, you won’t double-book events and you’ll never let a test sneak up on you.

Go to class. (cost per credit x # of credits you take) / # of hours of class = $ you waste for each class you skip. You (or your parents) are paying a lot of money to be here, so go to class. Bring a cup of coffee, sit near the front, and try to pay attention. Falling asleep? Look for a question to ask to keep you awake.

Know your professor. It’s tough to distinguish yourself in a 400-person lecture class. The person who does is often the brownnoser who asks a million questions right at the end of lecture. But you can get your professor to remember your name without incurring the wrath of your classmates by going to office hours. Get feedback on your paper, ask a question about the reading, or ask for elaboration on a point made in lecture. Do this with your TAs, too. Remember: TAs give you grades, but professors give you recommendations.

Be engaged. As a freshman, you will most likely be required to take core courses. You will hate some of these courses, and that’s OK. Some people try to get out of these requirements out of the way freshman year. This is a bad idea. To avoid burnout, take at least one course you like every semester. You’ll start to get a feel  for what major you want, and if you hate what you choose you still have time to change it. By having at least one class you like each term, you’ll stay engaged, interested, and motivated, which leads to better grades.

Ask for help. If you’re struggling in a class, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Too intimidated by your professor? Most schools have a writing center, and offer study sessions for other classes. They can also help you find a tutor if you’re really struggling. You may be a little embarrassed at first. But would you rather get an F?

Use all your resources. There are several books and websites devoted to teaching students how to do well at college. Browse through your local bookstore and pick one out that looks appealing. I like Cal Newport’s How to Win at College, which is packed with study tips as well as general college advice. You can check out his blog here.

What are your favorite study tips and tricks? Let us know in the comments!

Sasha Graffagna is a rising junior at New York University. She loves these study tips and hopes you do too!

Day 7: CL’s Top 5 Summer Reads

Welcome to Day 7 of College Lifestyle’s Campus Countdown! You’ve had a long week, so take the day off and unwind with a good book. Need recommendations? Here are CL’s Top 5 Summer Reads.

1) Hate American History? Bring some life to the Civil Rights Movement with Kathryn Stockett’s The Help. This novel revolves around 3 women, two black and one white, who join together to write a book about what it is like to be a black maid in the South – a dangerous undertaking in 1962 Mississippi. The bravery and the friendships formed in this book will inspire you, as each woman struggles to understand that perhaps they are not so different from each other, after all. The movie version, starring Emma Stone, comes out in 3 days, so get a move on!

2) Loved The Notebook, but sick of Nicholas Sparks novels? Check out David Nicholls’ One Day, another book and upcoming summer movie. Each chapter recounts one day (July 15) in the lives of Dexter and Emma, starting on the night they spend their college graduation together and continuing for 20 years. Cry, laugh, and when you finish, pick up the phone and just ask him out, already! For as this book shows you, the time you have is too short to waste. Bonus? The movie version, which comes out August 19th, stars Jim Sturgess as Dexter. Hot British boys? What better reason do you need?

3) When Natalie is dumped by the man she thought she was going to marry, her childhood best friend Tom asks her out on 26 dates – a different activity for each letter of the alphabet. At times funny, at times serious, Elizabeth Noble’s Alphabet Weekends is mostly just pure chick lit. Pack this in your beach bag and indulge in some bubblegum fluff, because September will bring boring textbooks before you know it.

4) Stieg Larsson died of a heart attack in 2004, leaving behind 3 completed yet unpublished manuscripts. These manuscripts were the Millenium trilogy, a series that posthumously made Larsson the second best-selling author in the world in 2008. The mystery series focuses on the adventures of Lisbeth Salander, a mysterious and eccentric young woman, and Mikael Blomkvist, an investigative journalist. The American movie of the first book, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo comes out this December – not that you’ll need all that time. This series is too gripping to put down. Case in point? I finished the first book in one day.

5) To 5-year-old Jack, Room is home. To Ma, it’s the prison where she’s been held captive for the past seven years. Lanora Hurley calls this novel “both a heart wrenching testament to the power of the love between a mother and a child and a riveting story of overcoming horrible circumstances.” Emma Donoghue’s masterpiece also made The New York Times’ Top 10 Books of 2010 List. Still not convinced? Check out College Lifestyles’ more in-depth review here.

What books will you be reading? Did we miss any of your top summer reads? Let us know in the comments!

Sasha Graffagna is a rising junior at New York University. She reads all the time and hopes you enjoy her picks!

Fresh Fourth of July Recipes

CL ladies – planning or heading to a Fourth of July party this year? Try these delicious recipes; they are sure to be a hit!

Appetizers: Finger foods are always winners.

Asparagus Wraps – I read this recipe in a cooking magazine last summer, lost the magazine, but the recipe stuck. Why?  Because you can barely tell you are eating asparagus!

1 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese

1 small jar pimentos

1 onion, cut in half

1 lb. asparagus

2 packages Pillsbury crescent rolls

Bread crumbs

Butter

Salt

Pepper

1. Soften cream cheese.
2. Put half of the onion in a plastic bag and store in refrigerator. Put other half and the pimentos in a blender. Add salt and pepper to taste. Blend until onions and pimentos are very fine. Stir mixture into cream cheese.

3.    Fill a casserole dish with 2 inches of water and put in asparagus. Heat in the microwave for 2 minutes or until tender (to test, poke with a fork – if the fork goes in easily, the asparagus is done).

4.     Cut asparagus into one-inch pieces.

5.     Spread cream cheese, onion and pimento mix onto crescent rolls. Add three pieces of asparagus to each.

6.     Roll crescent rolls and pinch edges so cream cheese does not spill out.

7.     Melt butter and pour over rolls. Sprinkle bread crumbs.

8.     Heat according to Pillsbury crescent roll directions on a cookie sheet.

Spinach Dip – Dip is always a quick and easy party pleaser. Try this one from finger-food-recipes.com.

1 packet vegetable soup mix

1 16 oz. container sour cream

1 10 oz. package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and completely drained

1 loaf of round bread

1. “In a medium bowl, blend spinach, sour cream and dry vegetable soup mix.

2. Cut off top of bread loaf and pinch out pieces from center, creating a bread bowl. Keep the bread pieces.

3. Spoon the mixture into the bread bowl.”

“Serve with crackers and the bread pieces you removed from the center.”

Drinks: Try these simple syrups from Cooking Light.

Mint-Lime Syrup Iced Tea – Iced tea is a great way to cool off in the summer heat – the mint and lime make it even cooler!

“Place ¼ cup chopped fresh mint leaves in a small bowl. Add 3 (2-inch) stripes of lime ring and hot Simple Syrup; cover and let stand 30 minutes. Strain mixtures through a sieve; discard solids.”

Raspberry-Chambord Syrup Iced Tea – Great while raspberries are in season!

“Place 1 cup fresh raspberries in a small bowl; mash with a fork. Add hot Simple Syrup and 2 tablespoons Chambord; cover and let stand 30 minutes. Strain through a sieve; discard solids.”

 

Main Courses – Meat lover or vegetarian, we have one for you!

Cheesy Stuffed Burges – Try this modern take on hamburgers from Gwyneth Paltrow’s new cookbook My Father’s Daughter.

1 Tsp extra-virgin olive oil

½ cup peeled and finely minced yellow onion

1 Tbsp very finely chopped fresh rosemary

1 lb ground turkey (or ground beef chuck)

½ tsp coarse salt

¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

½ cup coarsely grated cheese of your choice

4 sprouted grain or whole-wheat burger buns

1. “Heat oil in a small skillet over low heat. Add onion and rosemary; cook until soft and sweet, about 10 minutes. Let onion mixture cool a bit, and put it in a large mixing bowl, with turkey, salt, and pepper.

2.   Combine ingredients with a wooden spoon or with your hands. Divide mixture into quarters. Cut each quarter in half and form into 2 patties. Place 2 Tbsp cheese on one patty; place other patty on top, pinching edges together. Repeat with remaining patties.

3.   Preheat grill to high. Cook burgers 5 minutes on one side; flip then cook until burgers are browned and firm, about 4 minutes.

4.   Serve on buns with all your favorite fixings.”

An Ode to Rachael Ray’s Brown Butter and Balsamic Ravioli – I learned this Rachael Ray recipe a few years ago, but it is a bit time-consuming; here is a simpler, quicker version I have discovered.

 1 bag cheese or mushroom ravioli

1 Tbsp butter

2 Tbsp fig-infused, white wine or regular balsamic vinegar

1 tsp dried basil

1 Tbsp fresh basil

1 box strawberries, sliced

Salt

Pepper

Parmesan cheese

1. Boil a pot of water and cook ravioli until al dente. Strain and put into bowl.

2.    Melt butter in microwave. Pour over ravioli.

3.   Add vinegar and dried basil to bowl. Stir.

4.   Add salt and pepper to ravioli mixture to taste.

5.   Put ravioli on serving plate. Chop fresh basil and sprinkle onto ravioli, along with parmesan cheese.

6.   Slice strawberries. Add as garnish.

Deserts – Chocolate or fruit lover, we have you covered!

Easy Oreo Truffles – Easy to prepare and totally tasty! Found on the back of a coupon.

1 8 oz. package cream cheese

1 1 lb 2 oz. package of Oreo cookies, finely crushed (about 4 ½ cups), divided

2 packages of chocolate chips

1. “Mix cream cheese and 3 cups cookie crumbs until well blended. 
2. Shape into 48 (1-inch) balls. Dip in melted chocolate; place on wax paper-covered baking sheet. Sprinkle with remaining cookie crumbs.
3. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm.”

An Ode to Sweet Treat’s Strawberries and Mascarpone Bars - The original recipe is delicious, but expensive and time consuming. Try this version that is lighter on the CL girl’s budget.

1 box strawberries, sliced

1 Pillsbury pastry sheet

1 8-oz. container cream cheese

1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted.

1. Bake Pillsbury pastry sheet according to directions. Let cool.
2. Soften cream cheese.
3. Slice strawberries and stir into cream cheese. Spread strawberry and cream cheese mixture over pastry sheet.
4. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler and drizzle melted chocolate over pastry.

Debra Schreiber is a senior at Duquesne University where she studies journalism and Spanish. She loves cake decorating, the Pittsburgh Penguins, the television show So You Think You Can Dance, hitting the gym, and her lovely Alpha Sigma Tau sisters!

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