The Spotlight’s On This Savory Snack

Picture yourself sitting in class, daydreaming about food because an empty stomach has gotten the best of you. Now picture the sound of your growling stomach catching everyone’s attention. Yeah, its happened to the best of us, but let the next time that this happens be the last. The mid-class slump is perfectly normal, so look  to nuts for a snack break that’ll give you the energy to keep you moving through your day.

There’s a laundry list of reasons why you should incorporate nuts (pecans, pistachios, walnuts, and a slew of others), into your daily diet. They’re wonderful sources of vitamins, omega 3′s, antioxidants, calcium, fiber and monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, a.k.a the “good fats” says healthcastle.com. And, thanks to research conducted by Penn State University, we now know that walnuts in particular contribute to a lower blood pressure and lower levels of stress according to foxnews.com.

Now that CL has convinced you to start stocking up on nuts, here’s a product that once you have one, it’ll be impossible to resist.

The Spotlight’s On: Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters

Here’s Why:

Nature Valley gets it right every time, with all of their products taking a fresh–and especially tasty–approach to nuts and granola’s. Nature Valley’s Granola Nut Clusters have  all of the aforementioned health benefits literally rolled into one! Each crunchy bite would turn even the least health-conscious person into a healthy snacker.

This product comes with four cluster options: Roasted Cashew, Honey Roasted Peanut, Roasted Almond, and Nut Lovers, all of which are lightly salted and glazed with “a touch of honey,” says the package. At either 160 calories or less, each of the Nut Clusters is lower in calories and great tasting.

Push all of your other snacks out of the way, and make room for a few bags of these deliciously healthy treats. And check out this site for ingredient listings and prices! As always, stay happy and healthy, CL readers!

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

Fashinspiration: ABC’s Pan Am

CL’s article told you about the most fashionable characters on TV. But, not every CL Girl has time to search from store to store for the perfect Pan Am inspired outfit, does she? That’s why we’ve done the work for you!

ABC’s Pan Am is the pinnacle of 1960’s glamour and class, and now you can be just as chic as Maggie (Christina Ricci), Laura (Margot Robbie), Kate (Kelli Garner), Bridgette (Annabelle Wallis) and Collette (Karine Vanasse) without the mandatory girdle.

The wedding scene of a certain Pan Am stewardess, not to name names or spoil it for anyone, just screams elegance! Both the would-be bride and maid of honor look gorgeous, and you can too. Their looks would be perfect for wedding, formal, or business casual occasions.

When she’s not in an overly starched uniform and white gloves, Maggie hangs out in New York City’s the Village as a beatnik. She’s debates the difference between Hegel and Marx and was grounded for a uniform violation. If this kind of unaffected cool sounds appealing, try these looks out.

Mysterious and missing stewardess Bridgette looks fabulous when we meet her. Steal her effortlessly chic look for less and maybe you’ll snag a dashing captain of your own.

Pan Am’s maiden voyage ends on a positive note, with a stewardesses-night-out. We get to see each woman’s style without the “costume” of a Pan Am uniform.

Your fashion sense can fly just as high as the women of Pan Am, without the behind-the-scenes stylist!

Ariana Romero is sophomore at Syracuse University majoring in magazine journalism. She’s crazy about the new fall TV shows Pan Am and New Girl.

Expand Your Music Playlists!

Ever want to expand your music horizons instead of checking iTunes top 100? Look no further co-eds. We have suggestions for you, and places to go to find new music for an array of music genres and artists.

Musicovery: A music website that finds music for you based on your mood. Happy? Sad? Chill? They have it. You can also customize it by genre, and decade. The website’s décor also makes it a fun visit, along with the interactive pad.

Stereomood: Another mood driven music website. When you enter the website you choose your music path by either selecting a mood, activity or artist and the site caters to you. For example, if you are studying and want music that is good for studying they will supply you with a playlist.

Pandora: Classic source to find music that is similar to your favorite artist or song preference. Perk – they just updated their site last week!

AUPEO!: Similar to Pandora, Aupeo! Helps you find a station the suits your music taste. It also has preset stations if you are having a hard time deciding what you want to listen to.

Indie Rock Café: For the indie lovers out there, this is a great website with upcoming artists and songs.

I have come up with a playlist of a mix of some of my favorite songs from rock, indie, country to oldies that I thought I would supply you with if you want to give them a listen:

1. Knee Deep – Zac Brown Band ft. Jimmy Buffett
2. Everlasting Light – The Black Keys
3. Mykonos – Fleet Foxes
4. World News – Local Natives
5. Candy – Paolo Nutini
6. Redlight – The Strokes
7. Renegade – Styx
8. Buttons – The Weeks
9. San Francisco – Scott McKenzie
10. Pyro – Kings of Leon

Lindsay Dressen is an intern at College Lifestyles (TM), and is a junior magazine journalism major at Drake University minoring in sociology. She is a movie buff that loves to be with her friends and family, and enjoys working out, ethnic food and indie music!

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!

College Lifestyles Health Interview: The Nutrition Twins

College life is full of decisions, and the health decisions that you make affect all areas of your life. It is important to be equipped with nutrition knowledge so that you can make the best choices while enjoying your college lifestyle. Luckily, CL interviewed two health gurus, The Nutrition Twins. The Nutrition Twins, Tammy and Lyssie, are both certified personal trainers and nutritionists and have lots of healthy living tips for college girls.

College Lifestyles: What is a good go-to healthy snack?

Nutrition Twins: Several options include:

• Non-fat Greek yogurt with berries or a with a piece of fruit
• ½ whole-grain Pita or English muffin with a tablespoon of peanut butter
• vegetables and several tablespoons of hummus
• low-fat string cheese with air-popped popcorn

If you are someone who loves carrying bars with you on the go, KIND bars are great because they are made from wholesome ingredients like fruit and nuts. Gnu bars are good because they are high in fiber. If you need something that will keep you sustained for more than several hours, you can eat one with some protein like a string cheese or one or two tablespoons of nuts.

CL: What is an easy lunch option that can be packed for a day on campus?

NT:

LUNCH #1:

Peanut butter sandwich (PB, 2 Tbsp= 8 grams protein $0.18/ serving) Use whole wheat bread ($0.15/ serving)

An orange ($0.30)

A serving of broccoli, (frozen, then cooked) ($0.37/ serving) OR carrot or bell pepper strips

1 cup non-fat yogurt ($0.90/ serving)

Entire lunch: Provides stress-fighting healthy carbs, fiber, protein, calcium, magnesium, B vitamins and antioxidants for just under two dollars!

LUNCH #2: Rice bowls

1) Layer 1: Rice…The Perfect Foundation $0.10 per serving (Use brown rice, instant)

2) Layer 2: Nutritious Vegetables ($0.30- 0.60/ serving)

The Middle Layer

Each cup of vegetables equals 2 produce servings – 15 important nutrients.

Filling: The filling has nutrient-rich food and contains minimal calories.

3) Layer 3: Lean Protein…The Top Layer ($0.07-1.00/ serving)

Top off your Rice Bowls with 2-3 ounces of a lean protein, like beans, eggs, fat-free/low-fat cheese, skinless chicken, lean beef or seafood.

4) Layer 4: OPTIONS are endless for saucing and seasoning

Garnishing tips: Try low-fat, low-sodium sauce – salsa, low-sodium teriyaki sauce, cranberry sauce, tomato sauce, low-fat cheese, hot sauce, low-fat peanut sauce, fat free salad dressing or Barbecue sauce

Total: $0.50 to $2.00 packed with healthy carbohydrates, magnesium, B vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, and protein to fuel your body!

CL: What are some simple ways to manage time to include exercise in daily/weekly schedules?

NT:

• Make an appointment to exercise. It works the same way as a class on your schedule. You wouldn’t miss it. Don’t miss your exercise appointment.
• Plan study breaks that require you to get out and get fresh air. You can simply walk or run for 15 minutes out your door and then turn around and come back. You will get a half hour of exercise in and a break from your studying.
• Make plans to meet a friend for an exercise date. This type of exercise session allows you to catch up with a friend and burn calories at the same time.

CL: What is a healthy treat option that will still satisfy a college girl’s sweet tooth?

NT: Try portion control indulgences like Skinny Cow ice cream treats, Vitalicious Muffin Tops or dates rolled in cocoa powder (they’re a great chocolate sweet tooth fix). Treats that are delicious and don’t break the calorie bank are ideal. Other options you can try are non-fat Jell-O pudding or Jell-O. The best options are fruits. Baking fruit is always delicious. Bake an apple and sprinkle it with cinnamon and brown sugar for a warm dessert.

CL: If you could give any college girl advice on how to stay healthy during her college years, what would you tell her?

NT:

1) Stay away from fad diets.

2) Focus on being healthy and on eating nutritious foods like whole grains, vegetables, fruits, lean poultry and low-fat dairy. You will end up focusing on the good stuff by concentrating on making sure that your meals contain a mixture of these nutritious foods. You will focus on including the good options instead of thinking about the less healthy options.

3) Limit alcohol intake. It’s packed with calories! It also makes you hungrier and lowers your inhibitions. It essentially makes you want to eat more and care less about doing it. Alcohol is a triple whammy for your waist line.

CL: Do you have a favorite quote that inspires and promotes a positive and healthy lifestyle?

NT: Slow and steady wins the race! This pertains to every aspect of nutrition from trying to get healthy to losing weight. It is important to remember to make gradual changes that will become part of your lifestyle and last a lifetime. The changes don’t usually last when you make a complete diet overhaul to achieve optimal health.

Check out this delicious pizza a la The Nutrition Twins:

Pita Pizza: We have been making this since we were in college and it’s still a quick and easy favorite.

Ingredients:

• Whole wheat pita pocket (or whole grain English muffin)
• No Salt added Tomato sauce
• Broccoli, chopped
• Mushrooms, chopped
• Bell pepper, chopped
• 1-1/2 ounce low-fat cheese
• Basil (optional)
• Oregano (Optional)

Directions: Simply start with whole wheat pita bread and open it by cutting it around the edges so that it opens into two round pieces. Then, spread no salt added tomato sauce on it, pile on some veggies (broccoli, mushrooms, peppers) and some spices like basil and oregano. Top it with low-fat cheese. Then toss it in the oven. Meanwhile, microwave some frozen veggies to serve as a side dish. The pita pizza bakes for about 10 to 15 minutes!

The Nutrition Twins are excellent examples for college girls and women in general. Check out their website for more nutrition information.

Maggie Young is a junior at the University of Kansas. She enjoys reading about nutrition in her spare time and she will definitely be using the tips and recipes. She hopes this article helps college women adopt some healthy habits for the school year!

Meet the Chic Wolverine Sana Ashraf: The Latest Classy CL Intern

Name: Sana Ashraf

School: University of Michigan (GO BLUE!)

Major: Communication Studies, Minor: International and Comparative Studies

Year: Junior

I have been a College Lifestyles Intern since: August 2011

Organizational Involvement: SHEI Magazine, StyleLine Magazine, University Unions Arts & Programs (UUAP), Michigan Association of Communication Studies (MACS), Muslim Student Association (MSA), Pakistani Student Association (PSA)

My friends would say I am: Bubbly, fashion forward, super caring with a big heart

My style is: always classy, but tends to be a mixture of chic, edgy, bohemian, and professional

My go-to accessory: My Michael Kors watch<3

My favorite drink: A tall Starbucks caramel frap

My hobbies include: Writing/blogging, hanging out with friends and family, and shopping

Favorite movies: Chick flicks (yes, I know how unreal they are)

I have a slight obsession with: shopping and all things fashion from shoes to accessories, and teen TV dramas (Gossip Girl, Pretty Little Liars)

I dislike: slow drivers, ignorance

On my desk you will find: Picture frames with family and friends, my MacBook Pro, my planner, and colorful stickies

My favorite form of social media: Facebook for friends/family, Twitter for news

I can’t live without: my lovies AKA my family, friends, iPhone, and  a great pair of stilettos

MAC vs PC: MAC all day, everyday!

Coffee vs Tea: Green tea

Coke Vs Pepsi: Pepsi Max

My definition of a classy co-ed: Someone who carries herself with class, confidence, and style and gives her all to everything she does in life.

Why I am excited about being an intern with College Lifestyles: CL represents everything a classy co-ed cares about, and I get to help in creating and expanding this fabulous publication’s name. On top of that, I get to grow as a writer and fashionista. What is there to not be excited about?

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

Day 19: Keep In Touch!

Friends are some of the most important people in your life, and going away to college is a test of true friendship.  Over the next year it will be easy to see who your true friends are, and who is not going to be there for you. But if you take the time now to set up a “keep in touch plan” there should be no reason to not know what’s going on with your BFF even if they’re across the country!

Skype/Oovoo—they are fundamentally the same thing, but oovoo allows you to chat with more than one person at a time. Taking a half hour every week to skype or oovoo with a friends is not very much time, but it is enough to show you care, and to talk about the important things.  It is a great way to keep in touch!

Phone Calls—phone calls are such an easy way to communicate. Everyone has a cell phone these days   so just pick up yours and randomly call a friend every other day just to say hi! They will appreciate the gesture and it will ensure that the two of you stay close!

Texting—this is easiest and simplest way to keep in contact with old friends. Just about everyone has unlimited texting on their phone plans, and people are constantly on their phone. You can hold a conversation with more than one friend at a time, and you can be hanging out with new friends while keeping in touch with your old friends!

Visits—taking time to visit friends is a vital part of keeping an old friendship. You would be surprised how much it means to someone to simply go see them for one day! If you go for a weekend you can meet there new friends, see their school and you’ll get to see what they’re doing while at school!

 

It’s not easy to stay in touch with friends when you’re not all together—but it is possible! It will take effort on both sides, and you will learn that not all your old friends are willingly to do that, but it will make old ties stronger!

Brooke Mendoff is a sophomore at Duquesne University studying Integrated Marketing Communication and is a proud sister of Alpha Sigma Tau. She is OBSESSED with: orange soda, the Washington Capitals, Victoria’s Secret, Mexican food, her friends and family and the color purple.

Day 8: College Countdown’s Summer Cleaning!

You have heard of Spring-cleaning, well this is Summer-cleaning. It’s time to go through everything in your room and decide what stays and what goes. A good rule of thumb: anything that you haven’t used or worn in over a year is probably a good thing to pitch or donate. The last thing you need is extra stuff cluttering this new stage of your life.

Next put away things you are planning on keeping, but don’t want to take to school. I like to have separate bins for winter clothes. That way, when the weather starts to get colder, I can make a trip home to easily make a switch. Also, you most likely aren’t going to have very much room in your dorm or apartment closet, so don’t bring every single t-shirt you own. Pack your favorites and leave the rest.

Also, start putting the items you are planning on bringing to school in boxes. Set aside a designated area in your house for your things so you don’t mix anything up. When I was starting college I filled my mother’s dining room with boxes and room décor. She wasn’t too happy, but it kept me organized and prepared for the big moving day!

Finally, now that you have gotten rid of your old things and know exactly what you need for school, start shopping! Read CL’s Day 5 for tips on how to organize your back to school shopping trip!

Kelly Adams is an intern at College Lifestyles (TM).  She is a journalism major at the University of Kentucky and a member of Kappa Delta Sorority.  She likes Audrey Hepburn movies, trips to the lake, and her cockapoo Nicholas.

College Lifestyles’ Classy Back-to-School Shopping Guide with Room It Up

The back-to-school shopping frenzy has begun! Step back to class in class by shopping with Room it Up.

Keeping track of your keys has never been easier with these Room It Up key chains, like this Houndstooth Key Chain. From $3.00 to $5.00 apiece and 13 prints to chose from, you are sure to find one that fits your budget and unique style.

Houndstooth Key Chain
from: Room It Up

Stay dry and in style while  walking from class to class with these fabulous umbrellas from RIU. A Retro Dot Umbrella in black and white priced from $19.00 goes PERFECT with a pair of matching rainboots!

Retro Dot Umbrella
from: Room It Up

Love these products? Then don’t forget to ”Like” them on Facebook!

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!

CL Asks Lauren Maker Part II: How to Care for Your Beauty Products

When it comes to caring for your make-up tools and products, Motives Cosmetics’ Lauren Maker emphasized two main points: “clean your bag,” and “never share brushes with anybody.” Here are her other points to help all of us CL ladies stay healthy and beautiful!

(Debra Schreiber for College Lifestyles)

Caring for you make-up brushes.

Clean your own personal brushes every one to two weeks. If you do share them, clean them every time. Beauty supply stores sell disinfectant solutions for your brushes and make-up bag. “Cleaning often makes them last longer,” Maker said. Most make-up kits come with sponges that fall apart when you clean them, so “invest in brushes,” Maker advised, replacing them when the bristles fall out and they start to look bad. “Generally, they (brushes) last a long time,” Maker said.

Caring for your mascara.

Never pump your mascara because that dries it out. If you need more mascara, “just turn it…there’s a lot of mascara on the brush,” Maker suggested. She said that if you are prone to eye infections, disposable brushes, sold in beauty supply stores, are a good investment.

Caring for your foundation.

If your foundation is liquid, you can use it until it runs out. Maker said that if you apply foundation with your hands instead of a sponge to make sure that you always wash your hands first. For powder foundations, make sure to change them out if they get wet, or if you really have to dig to get the powder out. “It should graze on the brush easily,” Maker said.

 Caring for your eyeliner.

Maker said that the easiest way to keep your pencil eyeliner clean is to sharpen it before you use it, and to not touch the pencil. Also, make sure to wipe off the sharpener. If the pencil begins to splinter, it’s time to throw it away. Eyeliner that comes in tubes, she said, is harder to keep clean, and you should only use it for two to three months.

Caring for your lipstick.

If you have been sick, “throw it out,” Maker said, otherwise, “(it) should last as long as you make it.” Also, you can check the shelf life of your lipstick – “by looking it up online,” Maker recommended.

Caring for your make-up bag.

Use disinfectant cleaners sold at beauty supply stores and get cleaning – every time you clean your brushes! “If you use a fork for lunch… would you use it the next day without washing it?” Maker analogized. Keeping your make-up bag clean will help to keep your make-up cleaner and you healthier.

Caring for all of your make-up.

Maker said to keep all make-up out of a hot car and sunlight. If you drop your make-up and it breaks, you can still use it as long as the make-up does not touch the surface it was dropped on.

Remember, these are products you are putting on your face and around your eyes. Keeping them clean is  key is keeping you healthy and preventing infections.

Check back soon for CL Asks Lauren Maker Part III: How to Utilize Your Make-up and Make-up Resources!

Maker does consultations, gives make-up tips and sells beauty supplies. She can also get you started on a Motives Cosmetics career! You can e-mail her at beautybylaurenm@gmail.com and learn more about what she does by visiting her Motives Cosmetics page at http://www.motivescosmetics.com/beautybylauren.

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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