Getting to Know Shelly…

May is one of our favorite months here at College Lifestyles.  It is the month where we get to specially honor our fabulous CEO, Shelly Marie Redmond, as May was dubbed “her month” by interns in 2010.  Being a Registered Dietitian/Author/Speaker, the Executive Director of College Lifestyles, a member of the American Dietetic Association, and a wife/Mommie, this classy lady is always on the go.  A native of Houma, Louisiana, she currently resides in Shreveport, Louisiana with her husband Greg and eight week old daughter, Mireille. Shelly attended both Nicholls State University and Louisiana Tech University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, her Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, and completed her Dietetic Internship.  There she was also involved with Student Programming and Residence Hall Association.  She was a member of the sorority Alpha Sigma Tau, where she now currently serves as the organization’s National Vice President.  Shelly has also written a book, Eat Well and Be Fabulous, that is a must read for any classy woman.

Her inspiration to form College Lifestyles developed in 2003 when she began working with interns from Louisiana Tech University.  She highly enjoyed working with students, so began to travel to educate students on etiquette, nutrition and sorority life, in addition to working with her interns.  While she enjoyed this to a high degree, she did not like leaving the students to fend for themselves once she had completed her visit.  She had a desire to “develop resources for students to visit” once she left their schools.  Shelly says, “In researching college ‘sites’ and ‘resources,’ I realized none had the ‘classy’ theme I discussed when working with students.”  Shelly decided to create the website she envisioned herself, and College Lifestyles was formed in 2008.

Ten years down the road, where does Shelly envision College Lifestyles?  In her words, “a full fledge on-line magazine and resource for college students from freshman year to graduate school.”  Shelly believes goals make the difference, and therefore is willing to adapt and change the College Lifestyles website to accommodate students for the years to come.

Fun Facts about Shelly:

Nick name(s): Shell, whatever my daughter coos at me(!)

One word to describe me: Classy

My favorite color is: Yellow

My friends say I am: Stylish, Patient, Driven and, well, Classy (!)

My dream job is: College Lifestyles Editor in Chief (expand the site even further!)

My dream car is: I am more of an SUV person – Escalade

My favorite television shows are: This is the FIRST year I am addicted to American Idol.  What Not to Wear.  Oprah.

My favorite movie is: I recently saw The King’s Speech and I LOVED it.  Legally Blonde and Wedding Singer.

I enjoy: Writing, reading, and pilates.  Lately, I enjoy playing with the newest addition in my life – my daughter!

Early bird or night owl?: Well, now I am an early bird with Mireille

On my I-Pod is: Depeche Mode, Glee songs, Ferry Corsten (techno)

Pets: 2 pets, cats – Gizmo and Theodore Roosevelt

My fashion style is: Ladylike.  I own 1 pair of jeans, the rest is skirts and dresses.

My favorite quote is: ‘Great things come in Small Packages’

My favorite class in college is/was: Speech

My favorite candy is: Twizzlers and Junior Mints

My favorite book(s) is/are: I am a marketing book junkie.  I love the book Made to Stick.  Freakin Fabulous by Clinton Kelly, the Sweet Potato Queen Collection

Magazines I enjoy reading are: Lucky, InStyle, Marie Claire, Martha Stewart On my desk, you will find: computer, marketing books, pens/pencils, pictures of hubby/Mireille, supplies (tape, stapler) – a typical desk

In my refrigerator, you will find: Greek yogurt, milk, formula, soy milk, juice, apples, oranges, jelly, cream cheese (do we see how I love dairy!), olives, celery, cucumbers, tomatoes, leftovers

I can’t live without: iPhone, laptop, College Lifestyles, College Lifestyles Interns

My dream vacation is: Moscow, Russia

Places I’ve traveled/ countries I’ve visited: I been pretty much all over the US, except Alaska.  My husband is from Ohio – and went to school in FL – so we have the pleasure of traveling to visit family/friends.  My honeymoon was in Argentina – I highly recommend! I love it when: Someone opens the door for me and when Mireille smiles and coos

I dislike OR I dislike it when: People rain on my parade

I am slightly obsessed with: Social Media, American Idol, Stephen Moyer from True Blood

I work the best at (location): My desk and Barnes and Noble

On rainy days, you can find me: Inside – reading a magazine or book.

On sunny days, you can find me: Taking Mireille on a stroller walk

A great date is: with my husband having a great meal!  Our lives are very fast pace so a nice meal is a great date

Coffee vs Tea: Coffee

Coke vs Pepsi: Diet Coke

Flip flops vs Stilettos: Stilettos

MAC vs PC: MAC

Must have iPhone apps are: White Noise (for Mireille and for when I travel so I can sleep), Facebook, Tweetdeck, Texting, Tetrus, Words with Friends, Foursquare

Something interesting many folks don’t know about me: Hum, besides being a Pilates junkie; I am quite short – only 5’1″

Favorite childhood memory: My family didn’t have much money, so my aunt took my brother and I to Disney World.  I was on cloud nine!

Favorite college memory: Too many!  Probably the fact my BFF Susan was my BFF the ENTIRE 4 years of our bachelor’s degree!  The simple things – midnight trips to Wal Mart, window shopping, ‘stalking!’  The best part – Susan and I are still BFFs!

Favorite adulthood memory: Mireille

Favorite sorority/sisterhood memory: It happened after graduation!  Being elected to serve as National Vice President!

I love being the CEO of College Lifestyles because: I LOVE working with students and interns!  The best part is seeing how they use the experience of writing and PR and taking the experience to the next level!  I feel so good when I see others succeed!

What I love MOST about College Lifestyles: The fact CL has stayed true to our ‘classy’ brand.  College Lifestyles has never left our humble beginnings nor deviated from our mission.  Plus, I love working with such fabulous young women!  Mireille has such wonderful women to look up to!

Speaking of Miss Mireille…

Shelly’s daughter, Mirelle Claire Redmond, was born on March 16^th (She is 8 weeks old, today!).  Mireille enjoys taking pictures, cooing, smiling, and bathtime, and is better known by some as “Meems” and/or “Blueberry.”  She likes the color pink and her fashion style is ladylike, as she enjoys wearing headbands with flowers.  She enjoys when her Mommie dresses her up, sings to her, and soothes her to sleep.  She also enjoys physical activities, such as tummy time, with her Daddy.  Mireille looks forward to being a future College Lifestyles lady because she wants to a classy lady, just like her sweet Mommie.  We love you, Mireille!

Shelly’s Interns Think the World of Her!

As interns at College Lifestyles, we are blessed to call Shelly our CEO.  Shelly desires to see us succeed, both as interns for College Lifestyles and in our personal lives as well.  What some of Shelly’s interns have to say about her:

“Shelly has such a beautiful heart.  She has taught me so much, taking me under her wing as one of her interns.  The amount of patience Shelly shows with each of us is phenomenal, as well as the amount of understanding she demonstrates.  I am blessed by the wisdom she has shared with me, and am grateful to have been a part of the College Lifestyles family for the last year.” -Abby Bryant

“Shelly is not only a wonderful person, but she is also a great director for College Lifestyles! Her passion shows in every aspect of her work and life. Even though she just had a baby, she is still keeping up with all of her wonderful interns to make sure we stay on the same page. Her upbeat, positive attitude always puts a smile on my face and makes me want to go above and beyond. Shelly is an amazing person who truly deserves all the great things in life! Thank you, Shelly, for making this internship experience one that I will never forget. ” -Becky Alberico

“She is super dedicated to what she does and also such a genuine person and CEO. From the moment I spoke to her on the phone for my interview, I knew she was truly invested in CL and really cared about her interns. I love working for CL and am so grateful to be a part of something so classy, so great–so Shelly!” -Erica Avesian

“Shelly is super sweet and such a great role model. She emits positive energy, she’s understanding and is genuinely caring!” -Grace Gavilanes

“I love Shelly because she’s like the house mom for our second sorority as CL interns. She is such an inspiration and such a wonderful person. She’s so good at being able to bounce ideas off of, and she has such faith in each and every one of us to run with our ideas. I couldn’t ask for a better person to learn from because she’s so incredibly passionate about what she does, and whether she realizes it or not, she instills that same passion in her interns. We love you “Mama” Shelly!” -Jacqui Brown

“I love Shelly for how sweet, caring and hardworking she is. Nothing slows her down, and it is truly amazing to see someone accomplish so much and do it with such genuine character and devotion, all while maintaining a family. I love working at College Lifestyles for how much creativity and room to grow it has given me, as well as having a wonderfully supportive network of interns and an awesome CEO. I know this is corny because it gets said all the time, but Shelly is an inspiration to all of us.” -Jessica Salerno

“I love Shelly because she really makes us girls feel comfortable working for her. Though it is a job (and an awesome one at that!) I feel like I can talk to Shelly about anything and that she is our biggest cheerleader! Being an intern at College Lifestyles was an amazing experience and I am more excited than I can put into words for the ladies who will follow in our footsteps and have the chance to work for and with Shelly, because she truly is an amazing woman!” -Jordan Ellis

“I love that Shelly is always very supportive, helpful, and positive. She’s been a positive presence in my life since my phone interview before I even became an intern, and I’m a better person for knowing her! I’m going to miss being CL intern so much because I love the other interns and Shelly and the little family she’s created.” -Kat McClain

“Shelly is not only an amazing boss who pushes me to be a more creative and engaging writer, she’s a wonderful woman who genuinely cares about all of us at CL. I’m so thankful to have been given this opportunity to work with a team of truly amazing young women!” -Lauren Zeinstra

“I love working with Shelly because she is such a positive leader! Even though we have never met face to face, I feel like she is a mentor I can count on for life. She’s the best!” -Leslie Campbell

“Shelly is a very special person and a positive inspiration in my life. I look up to her professionally, but most importantly I admire her strong character. She is loved by many and for very good reasons. I feel incredibly lucky that I came across College Lifestyles because it provided me with opportunities to grow as a writer and a person. Shelly has created a tremendous website and organization and I am proud to be a part of it. She is a wonderful person with a lot of talent and joy to share with the world!” -Maggie Young

“I love working for CL with Shelly because as interns we don’t just work FOR her, we work with her! She always asks for input on ideas she has or asks us for new ideas. It’s nice to have that kind of interaction as an intern! She truly values our opinions, and makes us feel special!” -Patrice Basso

Happy “Miss Shelly Marie” Month!!!

WE LOVE YOU, SHELLY!

Abby Bryant is an intern with College Lifestyles™.  She recently graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Georgia College & State University®, where she was also the president of her sorority, Sigma Alpha Omega®.   She considers herself blessed to have been an intern with College Lifestyles for the last year, and will miss her “College Lifestyles family” so much.  She would especially like to thank Shelly for being the amazing person that she is.  Abby wishes all the best to College Lifestyles and its fabulous readers and would like to remind everyone that there are three things a girl should be: classy, fabulous, and a CL lady!  Much love to you all!  And Happy Miss Shelly Marie Month!

Teal Diva: An Update on the Organization

Life for Shannon Routh is going super.  With the combination of her determined attitude and “sunshiny” spirit, nothing can stop the Teal Diva.  So how are things going with her organization?  Let’s find out!

According to Shannon, this year “Teal Diva is off to a great start.”  The organization has officially applied for non-profit status and is on track to fulfill their mission, once again, through actions such as: donating to research, highlighting smaller non-profit organizations, and raising awareness.  Shannon has already spoken three times this year on behalf of Teal Diva, and hopes to “add more to the calendar.” (Need an excellent speaker who is both fun and inspiring?  Ask Shannon!  Contact her through the Teal Diva website today).

A golf tournament called “Golfing Fore Good,” hosted by Enterprise Rent A Car will take place on Wednesday, May 18^th in Monroe, NC.  Do you, and/or someone you know in the area, love to golf?  Be sure to register; don’t miss out on this great opportunity!

In addition to Golfing Fore Good, there will be a bridal event hosted in Charlotte, NC by a local event planner.  All proceeds from this event will be donated to Teal Diva.  Shannon said that she and the Teal Diva team are “working diligently with other organizations, survivors, and caretakers to plan several events in August and September.”

As mentioned in the latest Teal Diva article, Teal Diva: An Update on the Diva, Shannon, her husband J.J., and two friends plan to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro later this year.  To start off in the right spirit they will depart on National Teal Day.  Their guide is from Charlotte, NC as well.  He, too, is passionate about ovarian cancer awareness as he lost his wife to the disease only five years ago.

A goal for the future, Shannon says, is to create a video for those beginning, or going through, treatment for ovarian cancer.  The video would serve as an inspiration to viewers.  She also said that she would love to someday create a book that tells about her personal journey.

Inspired by Teal Diva?  Great things are certainly in store for this amazing organization’s future.  Want to learn more?  Be sure to visit Teal Diva’s website where it will tell you all you need to know about the organization, as well as provide an opportunity through one of its tabs for viewers to make a donation.  Also, be sure to check out the Teal Diva series.  Show your support for teal today!

Abby Bryant is an intern with College Lifestyles™.  She recently graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Georgia College & State University®, where she was also the president of her sorority, Sigma Alpha Omega®.   She is blessed to call Shannon a friend and is excited to hear about all of her adventures to come!

Teal Diva: An Update on the Diva

Shannon Routh is an inspiration to all she encounters.  College Lifestyles readers were first introduced to THE Teal Diva in Fall 2010, when she was featured in several articles.  Six months later, where is she now?

For starters, February 18^th marked one year of Shannon being cancer free *pause for cheers!*.  To celebrate, there was a party thrown in her honor at a local restaurant where she celebrated with family and friends.

This year, Shannon desires to focus on her health.  “I am looking to achieve things that before cancer weren’t even a thought,” Shannon shares.  In January she started training for a 5K and since has completed two races.  Her main focus during these races is completion.  She and her sister Tina (a constant source of encouragement in Shannon’s life) recently ran the “Run Like A Girl” 8K in Charlotte, NC.  They participated in this race last year when Shannon was only weeks out of chemotherapy.  Shannon was eager to once again participate in this race.  And, earlier this year, Shannon and her husband J.J. participated in a “Stiletto Sprint” benefitting ovarian cancer awareness.

In addition to these races, Shannon and Tina desire to complete a half-marathon before 2011 comes to a close.  Also, Shannon, J.J., and two of their dear friends will climb Mt. Kilimanjaro in August.  “Cancer was such an emotional process for me (and still is).  Having a hysterectomy at such a young age and so young in our marriage was pretty emotional too.  I was strong for everyone, but now I need to find a way to release all the emotions I have carried around.  I am looking for a cleansing so to speak.  I want to climb in an effort to take something back and show cancer couldn’t take everything… my strength, my spirit determination.” Shannon joked that the true challenge in completing this would be overcoming her lack of “outdoorsman” skills.

Interested in sponsoring them on their journey? Visit www.tealdiva.org to make a donation.

What an update!  What an inspiration!  Shannon continues to amaze us all.  Who knows where she will be six months from now?!  Be sure to stay updated on her progress through Teal Diva’s Facebook page.

Abby Bryant is an intern with College Lifestyles™.  She recently graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Georgia College & State University®, where she was also the president of her sorority, Sigma Alpha Omega®.   She is blessed to call Shannon a friend and is excited to hear about all of her adventures to come!

Help Japan – DO SOMETHING NOW!

After the ongoing tragedy we’ve witnessed in Japan over the last few days, many of us find ourselves asking how we can help.  Wonder what you can do no longer, and DO SOMETHING NOW!  The Do Something Now movement branches from the Passion Movement (popularly known for Passion Conferences), and has been around since 2007.  Since it was created, almost five million dollars have been raised for various causes around the globe, including: “Slaves freed, children released, the hungry fed, the Church equipped, women restored, scripture translated, wells dug, healing provided, and so much more.”  Many of times we find ourselves feeling helpless towards such big causes; through Do Something Now we can all come together to be a part of changing others’ lives.  Those who are a part of this movement believe that their acts of worship should be more than just music, and additionally delivered as a “love in motion,” movement.

In addition to Do Something Now’s five current causes available for you to support, listed at the top of the website is an opportunity for you to support their listed urgent need, Japan.  Do Something Now has partnered up with Samaritan’s Purse in efforts to raise a goal of $10,000 to help those in Japan.  Samaritan’s Purse is already in Japan providing some of the hundreds of thousands of survivors with aid and emergency relief, with items such as: food, water, blankets, hygiene supplies, etc.

Do Something Now is taking up donations for Japan Relief on their website.  Will you be a part of this movement?  So far, $6,384 of the $10,000 goal has been met.  Be sure to take part in this effort.  Although our individual efforts may not seem like much, together we can make a difference in the lives of these precious people forever.

Want more suggestions on how to help Japan?  Be sure to read Patrice’s latest article, “How to Help Japan: Quick and Simple Ways to Make a Difference.”

Abby Bryant is an intern with College Lifestyles™.  She is a senior marketing major at Georgia College & State University® and is the president of her sorority, Sigma Alpha Omega®.   She is a strong supporter of the Passion Movement and the Do Something Now movement.  Her prayers are with the country of Japan as they are facing this difficult time.

The Special K Challenge™

The countdown for spring is on!  So much to look forward to in the next few weeks:  spring break, sundresses, swimsuits, etc.  This time of year is also one of the most common for “crash dieting,” which we all know is not a healthy choice for our bodies.  If you want to shed a few extra pounds this season try a diet that works and one that is also a smart choice for your body.

Ever heard of The Special K Challenge™?  The makers of Special K® created a two week plan, that if followed correctly, can help participants lose up to six pounds in two weeks.  So what exactly does this challenge include?  Your daily diet for the next two weeks will be as follows:

2 SPECIAL K® MEALS: Replace two of your three daily meals with Special K® Meals (Special K® Cereal, Protein Shakes, or Protein Meal Bars).

Special K® cereal: 10 flavors (Blueberry, Chocolatey Delight, Cinnamon Pecan, Fruit and Yogurt, Granola, Multi-Grain Oats and Honey, Original, Protein Plus, Red Berries, and Vanilla Almond)

Protein Shakes: 3 flavors (Chocolate, Strawberry, and French Vanilla)

Protein Meal Bars: 5 flavors (Chocolate Peanut Butter, Chocolatey Chip, Double Chocolate, Honey Almond, and Strawberry)

1 MEAL OF YOUR CHOICE: It’s up to you what you choose for your third meal.  To keep in line with the challenge, Special K® recommends to keep this meal healthy, and around 500 calories.  Included on Special K’s® website is a list of healthy recipes that are quick and easy.

2 SPECIAL K® SNACKS: Snacks are an important part of keeping your metabolism running throughout the day.  Snacks make up Special K’s® broadest category of offerings (Protein Snack Bars, Cereal Bars, Special K® Fruit Crisps, Crackers, Protein Water Mixes).

Protein Snack Bars: 2 flavors (Chocolate Delight, Chocolate Peanut)

Cereal Bars: 9 flavors (Blueberry, Chocolatey Chip Cookie, Chocolatey Drizzle, Chocolatey Pretzel, Honey Nut, Peaches and Berries, Raspberry Cheesecake, Vanilla Crisp, Strawberry)

Special K® Fruit Crisps: 2 flavors (Blueberry, Strawberry)

Crackers: 4 flavors (Savory Herb Crackers, Multi-Grain Crackers, Sea Salt Cracker Chips, Sour Cream & Onion Cracker Chips)

Protein Water Mixes: 3 flavors (Iced Tea, Pink Lemonade, Strawberry Kiwi)

FRUITS AND VEGGIES AS SNACKS: Want to know one of the greatest parts of the Special K Challenge™? …You can consume as many servings of fruits and vegetables as you desire throughout the day.

ETC:  The Special K Challenge™ encourages you to drink beverages as you regularly do.  Also, don’t forget to combine the challenge with exercise.

So why take on the Special K Challenge™?  College Lifestyles™ shares the top five reasons you should give this challenge a try!

5 – This challenge is adaptable for almost anyone from any lifestyle.  Its guidelines are reasonable and attainable, and can be easily worked into any daily routine.  Plus, the challenge is set up to last for two weeks – not so long that you get tired of participating, but not too short that nothing is accomplished from it, either.

4 – You’re sure to stay full throughout the day.  The makers of the Special K Challenge™ have carefully worked in plenty of eating opportunities for participants throughout the day.  The high intake of protein, combined with the suggested snacks and unlimited servings of fruits and vegetables, are a primary way this challenge is unique from any other.

3 – By participating in this challenge you are more likely to convert to a healthier lifestyle.  While experts say it takes 21 days to adopt a new habit, with 14 down you are well on your way.

2 – You are guaranteed to shed some unwanted pounds.  If you follow the challenge exactly as directed, the makers of the Special K Challenge™ claim that you can lose up to six pounds in two weeks — progress that is healthy!

1 – You will gain a more confident you.  Sure, losing unwanted pounds and inches is wonderful, but more than that your self-esteem will rise exceptionally.  Confidence is an important characteristic for all co-eds.

Ready to take the challenge?  Visit the Special K Challenge™ website for all of the information you need to get started.  Ready, set, challenge!

Abby Bryant is an intern with College Lifestyles™.  She is a senior marketing major at Georgia College & State University® and is the president of her sorority, Sigma Alpha Omega®.   She has successfully participated twice in the Special K Challenge™ and would love to hear the success stories from any readers who take on this challenge.

Snapshot Your Serving Size

All packaged snacks have serving sizes — but with our busy day-to-day routine it’s oftentimes hard to follow these suggested guidelines.  We want to make healthy decisions, yet time often constrains us from doing so.  I’ve found it helpful to pre-measure my favorite snacks’ serving sizes, so that when in a rush I can quickly pack up my snack and go.  By having a mental image (snapshot) of the correct serving size, I can better estimate the healthy portion suggested on the nutrition facts.  Pictured below are images of 7 snacks found in my pantry.  Each is measured out to its correct serving size, and is placed in a sandwich sized bag.

Veggie Stix/Serving Size: 1 oz

Mini Pretzels/Serving Size: 20 pretzels

Barbeque Pop Chips/Serving Size: 20 chips

Baked Cheese Crackers/Serving Size: 31 crackers

Wheat Thins/Serving Size: 16 thins

Cinnamon Teddy Grahams/Serving Size: 24 teddys

Dry-Roasted Peanuts/Serving Size: 39 peanuts

My advice?  Take some time to make measurements of appropriate serving sizes for all of your favorite snacks.  If I’m not taking my snack on-the-go, I often like to place it in a cupcake paper (easy to hold and usually the perfect size for most snack portions).  Calorie conscious?  Read College Lifestyles’ “Six Snacking Substitutes Towards a Healthier You,” and become a member of “MyFitnessPal“.  It’s a free website that provides a fabulous way to keep count of your daily caloric intake… and yes, there’s an app for that!

Don’t let your eating habits take control of your life — be sure to read Maggie’s interview with eating disorder survivor and speaker Lee Blum.

Abby Bryant is an intern with College Lifestyles™.  She is a senior marketing major at Georgia College & State University® and is the president of her sorority, Sigma Alpha Omega®.   Having a mental snapshot of her favorite snacks’ serving sizes has really come in handy, by both saving her time and by allowing her to experience a healthier everyday lifestyle.

Spring into Sundresses: 6 Spring Fashions That Won’t Break the Bank

CL’s 3 Cardinal C’s of an Organized Closet

Limited closet space, ladies?  No matter what your closet size, finding enough space seems to be a common issue for the majority of us, especially during our college years.  Conquer your closet by applying CL’s 3 Cardinal C’s to create an organized space you’ll love.

The First “C”: CONSOLIDATE.  Cleaning out your closet should be a constant activity.  Take the “1 year rule” to heart — if you haven’t worn an article of clothing within the last year it’s time to say goodbye to it.  As I mentioned in my article “sNOw Worries,” I got rid of 118 items in 2010.  Sure it sounds crazy, but having more than one grand clean-out per year really helped.  Stop using the excuse “I might wear this one day;” if you haven’t worn it in the last 365 days, chances are you won’t wear it again.  Plenty of opportunities await you with what to do with your unwanted items.  Try donating these items towards a good cause (for example, I donated my unwanted items towards my friend Amanda’s yard sale to help her raise funds for her upcoming mission trip to Uganda).  Want something to compensate for your items?  Try selling your items to a local consignment or used clothes store, or take part in the newest fad, a “closet swap” (Invite all of your girlfriends over and trade unwanted items with one another.).

The Second “C”: CATEGORIZE.  Section off your closet, and make the most use out of all of your space.  Shoe hangers, racks for belts/hats/shoes, and additional hanging racks will all create additional space in your closet.  To keep clothing organized, group your articles into different sections (My closet has sections for: dresses, tops, bottoms, cardigans, and jackets).  Sections make outfit selection a much easier process, and allow you to see all of the wonderful clothing that you have.  Make sections for items such as purses/clutches, scarves, belts, hats, shoes, etc., as well.

The Third “C”: COLOR CODE.  Some call it a slight case of “OCD” — and so do I, only in this case standing for “organized closet desired.”  Don’t limit your color coding to clothing.  Apply this technique to all of your articles of clothing.  I have found color coding shoes especially helpful.  Color coding makes for more efficient piecing together of outfits, as well as providing more opportunity for creating new outfits from having all articles neatly displayed before you.

A happy closet makes a happy co-ed.  Happy organizing!

Abby Bryant is an intern with College Lifestyles™.  She is a senior marketing major at Georgia College & State University® and is the president of her sorority, Sigma Alpha Omega®.  Maintaining an organized closet is both enjoyable for her, as well as beneficial when selecting outfits to wear each day.

Go Nuts Over Peanuts

When it comes to my favorite snack, peanuts take the crown.  I was glad to discover that my newest “snacking obsession” is a healthy one (in moderation, of course).  Why choose peanuts?  While this tasty snack seems a bit on the tip of the caloric peak (160 calories/1 oz serving (32 peanuts)) the Mayo Clinic supplies some interesting reasons to convince all co-eds why peanuts should be a choice snack:

• Peanuts are full of Vitamin E (rich in antioxidants)
• Peanuts are filled with Protein (approximately 7g/serving)
• Peanuts contain a substantial amount of monunsaturated fat and fiber (both shown to lower cholesterol)
• Peanuts are rich in iron and calcium (two areas in which many women are lacking)
• Peanuts have omega-3 fatty acids (shown to prevent dangerous heart rhythms)

Personal Tips:

• Try creating a trail mix with other healthy add-ins — pretzels, raisins, popcorn, additional nuts, etc.
• Measure out a portion so that you don’t eat more than planned — I’ve started placing my snacks in cupcake papers (usually an accurate measure of a correct serving size — and easy clean-up!)

Want more “heart-healthy” tips?  “TAKE HEART!…” and learn from Kathryn “…Why Caring for Your Heart is Important.”

Abby Bryant is an intern with College Lifestyles™.  She is a senior marketing major at Georgia College & State University® and is the president of her sorority, Sigma Alpha Omega®.   With her home state of Georgia being known for its peanuts, she is a proud “peanut snacker.”

sNOw Worries – CL’s Fun-Filled Ideas for a Snow Day

I think that it’s safe to say that my last first day of undergrad got off to quite a different start than previous semesters, considering that it didn’t start at all.  Ok, it DID eventually start, but it was delayed two days due to inclement weather.  Thanks to snow, ice, and low temperatures my Christmas break was extended two extra days, and oh how nice those two days were!

While I have no complaints about postponing class for a few days, I will admit to having had a slight case of cabin-fever.  After unpacking and preparing for class the pending question was “what to do next?”  Thankfully my wonderful roommates and I found plenty to do to occupy our time and we can all say that we thoroughly enjoyed our “snow days.”  Take our ideas, combine them with some of your own, and you’ll be plenty prepared for unexpected holidays this winter.

Curl up with a blanket and hot chocolate (made the CL way!) and watch a good movie.  I have grown to love the DVR (digital video recorder) feature and our snow days provided the perfect opportunity to catch up on some good flicks, both favorites and ones I’d never seen before.  Oftentimes the terms “TV” and “couch potato” coincide, but a little dose here and there does no harm.

My roommate Sarah got a 500 piece puzzle for Christmas and we decided to attempt putting it together during our snow days.  Between the two of us (mostly Sarah), we finished the puzzle within a day.  Now we plan to hang our completed work of art in our bathroom to go along with our red and black theme.  The puzzle was a great way to get our brains back into “thinking mode.”

Play in the snow!  Sadly, our “snow” this most recent time around was mostly ice, therefore preventing fun snow play, but if you are fortunate enough to get good snow, take advantage of it.  Layer on lots of snow-proof clothes so that you are sure to stay warm and venture outside with your friends.  Build a snowman (or snowlady!), create snow angels, have a snowball fight, and take plenty of pictures!

Bake!  Because we had just returned from a month long break, our pantry was a bit sparse.  Betty Crocker® “simply add water” muffins made for a great treat.  They were quick, easy, and convenient, and might I mention quite tasty!

Getting antsy?  Pop in a work-out DVD and get your heart rate up!  Don’t have a work-out DVD?  YouTube offers plenty of short videos.  Type in the type of workout you’re interested in and you’re good to go!

Clean out your closet… and dresser, desk drawers, etc.  I was so grateful for two days of “nothing” so that I could clean out my room.  Cleaning out my closet was a continuous process for me throughout the course of 2010, and I am happy to say that I got rid of a grand total of 118 items – clothing, shoes, purses, etc. (now whether that’s a good thing that I got rid of so much, or a bad thing because I had so much to get rid of remains a question in my mind).  I turned over part of these items to a local consignment store and the rest I donated to my friend Amanda for a yard sale she is holding this spring to raise funds for her upcoming mission trip to Uganda (Interested in donating unwanted items towards a good cause?  Check out Amanda’s blog and contact her (marie_0130@hotmail.com) to find out how to send your items her way!).

Pull out that book you’ve been meaning to start!  I dove into a good few chapters of my current read during our snow days and can say that I thoroughly enjoyed my reading knowing that I was not procrastinating on school work by doing it.  Get into your comfiest clothes, relax, and take some time to read.

Let it snow – and when it does, you’ll know where to go!

Abby Bryant is an intern with College Lifestyles™.  She is a senior marketing major at Georgia College & State University® and is the president of her sorority, Sigma Alpha Omega®.  She enjoys finding creative ways to spend her time no matter what the weather and secretly hopes that this winter brings along a few more “snow days!”

Next Page »