Top 5 ‘Eco-Friendly’ Breakfast Ideas

Looking for a healthy, sustainable way to jump start your weekday morning? We at College Lifestyles promise these delicious breakfast ideas will inspire you to have a happy, healthy and “eco-friendly” day.

Let’s change the world one meal at a time.

1. Go Natural with Oatmeal

Oatmeal is one of the most natural breakfast items you can whip up in the early morning. Did you know that the oatmeal found in grocery stores usually only contains one ingredient? That single, very popular ingredient is no other than pure oats. Ah, simplicity at its finest. The less ingredients listed on a food label, the better! Many health benefits come from eating a hearty bowl of oatmeal too. These benefits include supplying your body with greatly needed vitamins and minerals, lowering your cholesterol, and decreasing the risk of cancer. So what are you waiting for? Go grab a spoon and get ready to feel the healthy, eco-friendly difference!

2. Eat Seasonal with Grapefruits

Grapefruits are a tasty and tangy way to start your mornings. If it’s a cold outside, then take your taste buds to a tropical paradise with this superstar citrus fruit. Grapefruits are in season until February which means they’re eco-friendly, and cheap too!

3. Crumble an Organic Apple Cinnamon Pure Bar over Greek Yogurt

Looking for a tasty organic treat? Pure Bar is an amazing company that uses all-natural, organic ingredients in their products. Crumble one of their bars over Chobani Greek Yogurt for a decadent, protein packed morning snack.

4. Saddle up & Scramble up with Free Range Eggs

Free-range eggs are hen-friendly because the chickens are actually allowed to roam around the barn and outdoors throughout the day. So why keep your eggs cooped in one basket? Free-range eggs are all the rage!

5. Rise and Shine with Seattle’s Best Organic Fair-Trade Coffee

When you wake up in the morning, is coffee the first thing you think of? Seattle’s Best Organic Fair-Trade Coffee promotes opportunity and sustainability with struggling farmers in countries all over the world. Support the global fair-trade mission by looking for the tiny black and white logo on company products.

Stay tuned for our Top 5 “Eco-Friendly” Lunch Ideas

Shannon May is an intern with College Lifestyles (TM).  She is a Marketing Major at the University of Florida and a member of Alpha Kappa Psi. Feel free to contact Shannon at intern@collegelifestyles.org to share your favorite eco-friendly products and ideas.

Rise & Shine! 5 Quirky Alarm Clocks for the Non-Morning Person

Beep, beep, beep.

*Snooze*

5 minutes later: Beep, beep beep.

*Snooze*

Does this sound highly familiar to your early morning routine? College Lifestyles is here to help our all of our fellow “non-morning” readers with some of our favorite quirky alarm clocks.

We promise you won’t be snoozing through these.

1. Early Bird Alarm Clock

Are you an outdoorsy kind of girl? This Early Bird Alarm Clock ($28) from FredFlare.com will bring the outdoors in whenever it’s time to rise and shine. Instead of a shuddering beeping noise, the cute yellow bird lights up to sing a cheery tune.

2. Tropical Talking Clock

Calling all beach bums! This tropical clock is your new, early morning beach buddy.:) Wake up every morning to the sounds of crashing waves and summer breezes. Available from Target for $19.99.

3. The Wake n’ Bacon

Wakey wakey, eggs and bacey! Do you love the wonderful smell of a hearty homestyle breakfast? The Wake n’ Bacon is a genius idea that three men invented a few years ago. This alarm clock is currently not for sale, but we hope it will be soon. We’re hungry!

4. R2-D2 Projection Clock

A long time ago, in a dorm room far away, a college girl woke up to an R2-D2 Alarm Clock. Cheesy we know, but we can’t get enough of this high tech Star Wars clock! For $59.99, this projector clock is an amazing collectible for any Star Wars fan.

5. The “Clocky” Alarm Clock

Do you sleep through your alarms? The Clocky ($49.99) is a pesky, yet amazing alarm clock that jumps off of night stands and rolls away everytime the alarm goes off. Can you believe it can jump up to 3 feet?! This hyper clock is definitely a wise investment for those who have a difficult time dragging themselves out of bed everymorning.

Which alarm clock would you choose?

Shannon May is an intern with College Lifestyles (TM).  She is a Marketing Major at the University of Florida and a member of Alpha Kappa Psi. She sets her phone on vibrate to wake up in the morning so that the alarm doesn’t wake up her roomate.. but she would love to buy the Tropical Clock!

6 Spring Cleaning Steps for College Gals

Ah, it’s that wonderful time of year again- the smells of Windex, Febreeze, and Pinesol are in the air. We know cleaning can be a hassle, but just think of this year’s Spring Cleaning as a time to refresh, recharge, and organize your life.

Here are College Lifestyles’ 6 Spring Cleaning Steps for College Gals:

(no apron, pearl necklace, or high heels required)

1. Raid Your Closet

Go through your closet and take out anything you haven’t worn in the past year (or in some cases, longer!) Then organize it from left to right for the different types of clothing you have hanging.

To organize my clothes, I arrange them from left to right in this order: sweaters, professional dress, business casual, t-shirts, tank tops.

2. Have an Unemotional Breakup With the 10 Pairs of Jeans You Never Wear

Yes, we know you’re emotionally attached to your favorite comfy pair of jeans, but those bleach stains and the gaping hole exposing your knee cap is just not that flattering anymore.

For the past three years, Aeropostale has held a Teens for Jeans drive in their stores nationwide. Between January 19- February 14, donate your gently worn jeans to any Aeropostale store to receive 25% off a new pair of jeans.

3.  Make Your Bed

Ah, who would have thought making your bed could make your life much more simple and refreshing? This 30 second fix will have your room looking in tip top shape. Call your mom after you make your bed and I promise it will put a smile on her face.

4. Clean up the Pesky Dust Bunnies Under Your Bed

Those dust bunnies sure do have attitude! Every semester I’m amazed at the dust and random knick-knacks that accumulate under my bed. Roll out your vacuum and use the long attachment to clean up the random fuzzies under your bed.

5. Have a Bonfire Sell Your Old Textbooks

Wahoo you’re done with your Fall semester classes! Now it’s time to tidy up your bookshelf and update it with this semester’s textbooks. Post your used books on Half.com for spring cleaning and also some quick cash.

6. Say Bye- Bye to the Clutter in Your Desk

Every time I open my desk drawer, I’m stunned at the amount of clutter that has magically appeared. Ok, ok, I’m kidding.. it’s not magic. The truth is that I’m quite clingy with my possessions. This year, I’m pledging to quit my pack-rat like habits and make quick, on the spot decisions as to whether or not I really need to keep certain items.

Now crank up the radio and get to cleaning!

Shannon May is an intern with College Lifestyles (TM).  She is a Marketing Major at the University of Florida and a member of Alpha Kappa Psi. She donated 6 bags full of gently worn clothes and jewelry to Goodwill last week!

The Dish on a CL Intern: Shannon’s Fab 15 Facts

Meet Shannon!

1. Name: Shannon, Senior Marketing Major at the University of Florida

2. Dream Job: To work for the Food Network

3. One Word to Describe Me: Adventurous

4. Favorite Movies: Home Alone, You’ve Got Mail

5. Favorite TV Shows: Food Network, and anything on Bravo, VH1, or MTV

6. Favorite Color: Orangey-yellow and turquoise

7. Coke or Pepsi: Pepsi.. but I usually buy Diet Root beer

8. I can’t live without: Iced Coffee

9. Pet Peeves: Every time the microwave beeps

10. This Makes Me Smile: My family and goofy golden retriever

11. If I had 1 million dollars I would: Buy a cozy bungalow on the beach, give half of it to my mom who has done so much for me, donate to less fortunate families, and put the rest in savings

12. Cats or dogs: Dogs

13. When I feel blue I: Put on my pj’s, get in bed, and watch a few episodes of my favorite shows on the computer

14. My friends say I’m: Random

15. Anything else to add: I can do a pretty good Tom Delonge ( Blink-182) impression while singing the song “I Miss You.” I also have a healthy food blog called Tropical Eats where I share my favorite food finds and outdoor adventures.

Shannon May is an intern with College Lifestyles (TM).  She is a Marketing Major at the University of Florida and a member of Alpha Kappa Psi. She looks forward to a new, wonderful semester with College Lifestyles!

CL New Year’s Resolutions: Go Green

Happy almost 2010!

I can’t believe it’s about that time again to grab a notepad, sit on my comfy couch, and concoct a list of New Year’s Resolutions.

Here are 5 simple, fun ways to ‘Go Green’ in the new year:

1. Stop your catalog subscription

Ok I admit it, I’m a catalog-aholic. Each month, catalogs from Urban Outfitters, Free People, Victoria’s Secret, and L.L. Bean flood my college mailbox.  This year, I’m pledging to make a difference for the environment and *gasp* end my catalog subscription addiction.

Catalog Choice is a Green Certified Website that allows you to search for the catalogs you receive in the mail, and cancel your subscription. Currently, over 1 million people and 1,277 retailers use Catalog Choice to help eliminate their carbon footprint.

2. Use cold water

Yes, the washing machine does recommend warm water for your clothes, but using cold water saves a lot of energy. The next time you need to do laundry, set the knob on ‘cold water’ to be more environmentally friendly.

3. Eat Ben & Jerry’s Fair Trade Chocolate Macadamia Ice Cream

Ice cream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream! Ben & Jerry’s has done it again and created a tasty ice cream with a fair trade mission. Chocolate Macadamia ice cream has “sustainably-sourced macadamias & Fair Trade certified cocoa and vanilla.”

4. Be positive

If we all put forth a little effort toward ‘going green’, we can truly make a difference in the world. Stay positive, put a smile on your face, and do your part!

5. Shop for Organic Cotton Clothes

No, ‘going green’ does not mean you have to wear old smelly ripped clothes or hemp skirts. Believe it or not, it’s really easy and trendy to shop for organic cotton clothes! H&M, Nike, and Walmart have all taken big steps to incorporate organic cotton in their products. On your next shopping spree, check the fabric’s tag for “organic cotton” (100% if possible) before you checkout.

Have a very happy new year!

Shannon May is an intern with College Lifestyles (TM).  She is a Marketing Major at the University of Florida and a member of Alpha Kappa Psi. Her new year’s resolutions are to stay positive, recycle, and have fun!

Top 5 Gifts for Earthy, Free Spirit Gals

Trying to find the perfect gift for an earthy and “free spirit” kind of gal?

Tired of seeing boring, “green” aluminum bottles advertised as the best gift?

Here are our top 5 funky and cute gifts that will certainly make any free spirit’s day!

Peace of Cake Mold

Inspire fellow foodie friends with this awesome ‘Peace of Cake’ Mold. We think this cake would look really neat  (and tasty) with pink and green icing!

Christmas Tree In A Can

Give the gift that keeps on growing! This cute little Christmas tree from Fred Flare is the perfect gift for any outdoors enthusiast.

Sun Jar

Set this clear jar out in the sun during the day, and watch it glow all through the night. Find this nifty light at Urban Outfitters and choose from the funky colors: pink, orange, or blue.

Flying Bird Necklace

Have a sister that loves unique accessories? This cute ‘Flying Bird’ necklace from Forever 21 will look adorable with a tank top and flowy skirt.

Craft, Inc.

This book is perfect for your creative sister, mom, cousin, or best friend. Encourage them to start their own business with this helpful book.

Happy holidays my ‘free spirit’ gals!

Shannon May is an intern with College Lifestyles (TM).  She is a Marketing Major at the University of Florida and a member of Alpha Kappa Psi. She may buy the ‘Christmas Tree in a Can’ for herself this holiday season.

Quick, Healthy Breakfast For Finals Week

‘Tis the Season for Finals!

Before you make your early morning trip to the library, make this quick, healthy breakfast idea inspired by Hungry Girl’s Egg Mug Classic. This ‘Egg in a Mug‘ packs in a lot of protein that will give you enough energy to last you throughout your studies.

Here are the 5 Simple Steps:

1. Spray the inside of a mug with Pam Cooking Spray

2. Add a handful of spinach to the mug and microwave this on high for 30 seconds

3. Add 1 egg to the mug and use a fork to whisk the ingredients together

4. Microwave the egg mixture for 1 minute and 30 seconds, stop it after 30 seconds to give the egg a quick stir

5. Let your egg breakfast cool for about 2-3 minutes and then enjoy!

Add ketchup, cheese, bacon bits or other toppings to give this ‘Egg in a Mug’ more pizazz! Finally, toast a piece of whole wheat bread and smear on 2 tablespoons of crunchy peanut butter to complete this amazing, protein-packed breakfast.

What other yummy ingredients would you add to your ‘Egg in a Mug’?

Shannon May is an intern with College Lifestyles (TM).  She is a Marketing Major at the University of Florida and a member of Alpha Kappa Psi. She loves adding bacon bits, feta cheese, and avocado to her ‘Eggs in a Mug.’

Top 5 Ways To Be Eco-Friendly During Finals

With finals quickly approaching, our eco-friendly lifestyle can sometimes slip our minds.To help avoid this slip up, here is College Lifestyles’ Top 5 Ways to Be Eco-Friendly During Finals:

1. Eco Coffee Cup

For $14, you can purchase this cute porcelain cup on the Fred Flare website. Think of how many trees you’ll save not using the paper cups or cardboard cup “sleeves” from Starbucks. Ask the baristas to make your favorite Peppermint Mocha in your eco coffee cup the next time you need of a java buzz.

2. Post-It Recycled Notes

Are you a Post-It Note addict like me? Now you can be environmentally friendly using Post-It 100% Recycled Notes. Whoever knew staying organized could be so rewarding for the environment?

3. Re-use & Refill your Printer Ink

Buying a new ink cartridge for your printer can be quite the hassle and also very expensive. The next time you’re running low on ink, make a trip to your local Walgreens or Staples for a cheap ink refill. The process only takes about ten minutes and is definitely worth your while.

4. Walk, Bike, or Carpool to The Library

The library can be quite the hot spot for college students this time of the year. Unfortunately, this also means there is a lack of parking spots at the library too. To solve this problem, an eco-friendly solution is to walk, ride your bike, or carpool with your friends to the local library.

5. Turn off Your Laptop.. Yes This Means Facebook Too

For a lot of classes, the only thing you need to cram for a final is your handy textbook. Save some energy and any risk of procrastinating (Facebook) by turning off your trusty laptop. If you have online lectures to watch, make a promise to yourself that you won’t check your Facebook newsfeed until the end of the day.

Good luck on your finals!

Shannon May is an intern with College Lifestyles (TM).  She is a Marketing Major at the University of Florida and a member of Alpha Kappa Psi. She is looking forward to the winter holidays and will definitely be limiting her Facebook time these next few weeks!

It’s Thanksgiving.. But What Shall I Wear?

With Thanksgiving almost upon us, it’s time to plan our holiday look! At this point you may be thinking, “But what shall I wear?”

Thanksgiving is a time you share with your family, therefore your Thanksgiving outfit should be conservative, with subtle embellishes.

Here are a few of our favorite Thanksgiving Day looks from Forever 21:

How To Wear:

- Pair this embellished top with dark wash skinny jeans

- Throw on a thick brown wooden bracelet and gold stud earrings

-Put your hair in a sleek ponytail and wrap a thin section of strands to cover the rubberband

- Slip on gold gladiator sandals

How To Wear:

- Wear brown or gold flats

- Trace a side part in your hair and make “The “Lauren Conrad” braid on the other side

-Accessorize with teal colored scarf loosely wrapped around your neck

How To Wear:

-Pair this comfy cardigan with dark wash skinny jeans

- Part your hair on the right side and then straighten it

- Add a cute embellished barrette to hold up the right side of your hair

- Mix and match silver and emerald colored jewelry for a funky look

What fabulous outfit are you planning on wearing this Thanksgiving?

Shannon May is an intern with College Lifestyles (TM).  She is a Marketing Major at the University of Florida and a member of Alpha Kappa Psi. Her favorite part about Thanksgiving dinner is the delicious pumpkin pie.

Websites Worth Bookmarking Pt. 2

Has your Facebook Newsfeed been a little too dull recently?

Does it kind of make you want to yawn?

If it has… then guess what? You’ve struck gold.

Here is Part 2 of College Lifestyles’ Websites Worth Bookmarking series, in case you need some extra spice in your life.

1. EcoStiletto

EcoStiletto is a site dedicated to the “smart and sexy secret to sustainable style.” Read their sections on EcoCelebrity, Fashion, Living, and Beauty & Health. You can also win a free pair of shoes by signing up for their weekly online newsletter!

2. Big Huge Labs

As a dedicated Picnik user, I was very hesitant to try a different free photo editing website. Big Huge Labs greatly exceeded my expecations though with its creative editing features! Their website allows you to transform your pictures into LOLCat designs, virtual billboards, magazine covers, motivator posters (like the one below), and Andy Warhol type photos.

3. Internship Ratings

Looking for a summer internship? Check out InternshipRatings.com for reviews from many interns and students nationwide. Reviewers let us know important information about internships including if the program is great for networking, salary/compensation, a letter of recommendation, and fair hours.

4. Surf The Channel

Whenever I can’t catch my favorite movie or television show in theaters or on TV, the first thing I always go to is SurfTheChannel.com. This winter break, use Surf the Channel to get caught up on all of your favorite shows including Gossip Girl, America’s Next Top Model, and The Hills.

5. Zen Habits

With final exams quickly approaching, we can all get a little overwhelmed. ZenHabits.net is a blog dedicated to simplicity and peace of mind– all of which you’ll need during a very stressful finals week!

Their website states: “Zen Habits is about finding simplicity in the daily chaos of our lives. It’s about clearing the clutter so we can focus on what’s important, create something amazing, find happiness.“

What are your favorite random websites?

Shannon May is an intern with College Lifestyles (TM).  She is a Marketing Major at the University of Florida and a member of Alpha Kappa Psi. Feel free to contact Shannon at intern@collegelifestyles.org to share your favorite ‘bookmarked’ websites.

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