Mother Knows Best: 10 Tips of Advice

College years are filled with success, failure, change, heartbreak and ultimately growing up. But one thing that doesn’t need to change is calling your mom for help. At age 19, I still call my mom asking every question from ‘how long do I cook this for?’ to ‘what should I do with my life?’. No matter how bad of a day you may have, a phone call to mom has a 99 percent success rate of making you feel better. Sometimes it takes that little bit of advice and guidance to put things back in perspective. Since I found listening to my mother’s advice to be so helpful, I gathered some motherly advice from fellow CL interns’ mothers and grandmothers.

From love advice to life advice, see what these wise women have to share.

“Go slow. Have same interests in your future. Overlook the small stuff, don’t check on each other all the time, give space and communicate.”- My mother, Donna, 47

“You have the people who are in college because they’re serious about it and then you have the guys whose parents are paying their way through it. Stay away from those guys! They’re the playboys that pursue girls and then they dump them and they just keep going, going and going. Be very careful who you chummy with.”- My grandmother,Lorraine, 75

“Live with no regret. Let people you trust guide you but make your own decisions.”- CL Intern Meaghan O’Connor’s mother, Faith,46

“Set you standards high, surround yourself with people who also have high standards- people you know you can count on to be your friend and support you. Always be strong and courageous.”- Meghan’s grandmother, Audrey,75

“Always, always let him call you first.” - Shelly Marie Redmond, 33

“Make sure you both know each others favorite color, favorite candy, favorite music, favorite food. Know the little things. Leave notes for one another. Knowing the little things can make meaningful notes you can leave for one another when studying for an exam, or in your suitcase when going on a trip. Have the candy on their pillow. The note in hidden in a wallet. The song programmed on their computer. The food waiting for them if passing (or failing – gulp) a test. The test of love is not big gifts or money – its the little notes and ‘favorite things’ on a Tuesday evening or Thursday morning.” - Shelly Marie Redmond, 33

“No matter what people may say, don’t let it bring you down. Be yourself, and let your actions speak for yourself. Life will always be easier if you live it being true to yourself!“- CL Intern Sana’s mother, Naushi, 49

“All is well. Even when you may feel  down, just remember that all is well and that the universe has a funny way of working itself out. Be happy and healthy. If it makes you smile, then it is worth while.”- CL Intern Kwegyirba Croffie’s mother, Ekua, 47

“Don’t be afraid to shoot for the moon. Even if you don’t quite make it, you’ll land among the stars.” And “my business model is always under promise and over deliver.”- CL Intern Alex Esposito’s mother, Kimberly, 48

“Don’t be afraid to take chances and try new things. Don’t limit your experiences because you think you might not succeed. The experience is sometimes more valuable than just being successful at something.” -CL Intern Rachel Osman’s mother, Judy, 60

What is the best advice you’ve received from your mother or grandmother? Let us know below!

 

Jessica Fecteau is a  senior fashion, etiquette and apartment/dorm life writer and is a sophomore at Central Michigan University. Jessica loves fashion magazines, listening to indie/folk music and traveling to big cities.

HOW TO: Host a Super Bowl Party

Are you ready for some football?  Whether you’re watching this year’s Super Bowl because you love football or you love staring at Tom Brady, a good party requires three things: food, drinks and friends.

If you’re anything like me, everything is last minute. With only one day until the Superbowl, this guide will prepare anyone like myself looking to celebrate this Sunday. From what to wear to what to serve, I’ve prepared a step-by-step guide to throwing your college friends a last minute Super Bowl party.

 

Football fashion:

Keep it casual and comfy. No one needs to look fabulous while screaming at a TV and hanging out in your living room. Thanks to Polyvore, here are two classy outfit ideas for game day:

Team theme:

If  you plan to decorate for your party, keep to the theme of the two teams playing. This year the  match-up is between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots. Since their colors are similar (this should be fun while watching) decorating is easy. Anything red, white or blue will suffice and satisfy all fans at your gathering. Who knew Fourth of July decorations would come in handy five months early?

Finger food:

Don’t get caught whipping up something in the kitchen and miss out on what could be another scandalous half-time show. Small finger foods are perfect for an evening of football. Start out with a  homemade hummus dip served with crackers or pita chips. More filling meals are double cheese chili  or these simple sliders. Football jersey cut out cookies  are a trademark at my family Superbowl parties. They’re easy to do and go with the football theme.

Themed spirits:

Although standard beer may be the trademark drink for the Super Bowl, other options include The Big Blue in honor of the Giants or Patriots Punch for New England fans. Be sure to also have a selection of drinks for those under 21.

When it comes time for kick-off, be sure to provide plenty of places to sit for your guests. This is the one day where being in the way of the TV is highly unacceptable. Choosing to set up a couple TVs may also be a key play at your party.

The Super Bowl only happens one day a year. With that said- kick back, relax and enjoy the game.

 

Jessica Fecteau is a  senior fashion, etiquette and apartment/dorm life writer and is a sophomore at Central Michigan University. Jessica loves fashion magazines, listening to indie/folk music and traveling to big cities.

Day 3: What Are Great Sentimental or DIY Valentines Day Gifts?

While roses and chocolate are traditional V-Day gifts, DIY gifts made from the heart will always be cherished by the receiver.

We ask……

What is a sentimental DIY gift you have recievied and/or

What are DIY gift ideas you have?

Personally, I love the idea of a picture book or hand written ‘love’ notes placed in several locations around the house.  A note saying ‘I Love You’ on the coffee maker and ‘Have a Great Day’ on the bathroom mirror will not only make my sweetheart smile but also approach the day with a great attitude!

How to Celebrate Long-Distance Love

It’s Valentine’s Day, and since it falls on a Tuesday this year, if you don’t go to the same college as your significant other, chances are you won’t be able to be together on the big day. I’m in the same boat, and being five hours away from my man definitely is not going to stop me from celebrating. Here are five ideas to keeping Valentine’s Day extra special for you and your significant other, even when you are miles apart.

1. Set a video chat date for Tuesday night. If you have class, work, or another engagement, it doesn’t have to be right on V-Day. Don’t be afraid to be cheesy. Dress up, settle in front of your computer screen and tell your man how much you miss and love him over video chat. It’s of course not the same, but it is a way to connect with your other half when you’re not there. Especially if you don’t get to video chat much, this will be extra special. (Suggestion: download Skype, it’s easy!)
2. Use snail-mail. Everyone likes getting mail, especially when it’s love letters. Spend some time and write a letter telling him why you love him, how special he is to you, or the little things you miss the most about him. Make sure you send it early enough for him to get it by Valentine’s Day. You can either keep it a secret and surprise him with the card, or tell him to write one too, and that you both have to read it ON the big day.
3. Surprise him. Now, I know this isn’t possible for most. My other half is in New York City, while I’m in Upstate NY, and I have classes during the week. However, I am planning a trip for the weekend after, that way we will celebrate later. If you can afford it, make that your gift. Road trip to see your man, show up with a bow on your head, and bam: Happy Valentine’s Day to him!
4. Simple is okay. Don’t be stressed with expensive gifts. He knows you’re a college student, and can’t afford to buy him an iPhone. The simple things mean more to most men, just like women. Like stated above, sending a card or video chatting is cute, and not too overwhelming for the man either.
5. Have fun with it. Let your man know you don’t need the cliché flowers and chocolates. Have fun with your gifts. This way, you can get each other silly gifts and save money. If you do decide to go visit, make dinner together. It saves money and keeps you cozy!

Got tips? Leave them below! If you need more advice, send us an email at intern@collegelifestyles.org!

 

Emily Longeretta is an editorial and social media intern for College Lifestyles (TM). When she’s not video chatting with her NYC boyfriend, she is working four internships and going to school full time, graduating in May.

College Lifestyles Presents the 14-Day Valentine’s Challenge!

Roses are red, 

Violets are blue, 

Sugar is sweet,

And so are you!

Remember the carefree days of love?  Where simple poems (similar to the one above) and a checked Yes or No on a handwritten crush note symbolized our relationship status with a significant other.

College Lifestyles is going back to the carefree days of love!  Starting on February 1st, we will post, tweet, tumble, and pin various topics related to love.  Our 14 day challenge will bring back the ‘warm fuzzy‘ we had from our first crush, our first sent flower, and our first dance (even if we were sporting pigtails and braces!).

We encourage you to comment on all our post, follow us using the hashtag #CLlove, RT our ‘sweet’ quotes, and of course, share the love with not just your significant other, but with your family, sisters, and best friends.

At the end of our 14 days, you will not only feel love, but you will also have shared love with others.

Five Reasons Being Single is Fabulous

With Valentine’s Day quickly creeping up on us, it’s hard to walk through a store without feeling a little bit of loneliness if your status is single. Suddenly boxed chocolates, flowers and everything red becomes unattractive for a month. But being happy doesn’t mean having a significant other to give you those things. After meeting loser after loser (losers with secret girlfriends, losers with commitment issues, losers who are immature), I decided to stop looking for happiness in someone else and start finding it within myself.  Being single in college can undoubtedly be one of the best statuses because you can figure out what you want without the baggage of someone else’s influence.

If you’re feeling a bit grim knowing this year Feb. 14 will be spent alone, here’s why being “lonely” isn’t all that bad:

1. Friends come first 

The friends I have made in the past six months while being single are ones I can always count on. I guarantee if I was in a relationship, these friends wouldn’t be ones I now consider family. Being single gives me the time to make them a first priority.

2. Endless possibilities

Internship in New York? Last minute vacation with a friend? No problem when you’re the only person you have to worry about.

3. Independence is attractive

Who run the world? Girls! Beyonce says it all when it comes to independent women being confident and appealing. I’m not talking about being appealing to guys but exhibiting an independent confidence is attractive in all walks of life especially when applying for jobs.

4. You learn about yourself 

You have to love yourself first before you can love someone else. Being single forces you to be comfortable being alone.  Through spending time with just yourself, you learn your real needs, wants, and desires without someone else influencing your decisions.

5. Expressing yourself in your own way

When I had a boyfriend, there were numerous times he would go, ‘You’re wearing that?’ Some guys just don’t understand women’s fashion! From wedges to leggings, go ahead and wear what you want to make yourself happy without worrying about someone else’s opinion.

 

Next time your friend is being all cute with her boyfriend, don’t get jealous. Be happy with the relationship you have with the most important person in your life: you!

If you’re feeling confident enough to move on from being single and are looking for a significant other, read Meaghan’s guide on When to Make the First Move. 

 

Jessica Fecteau is a  senior fashion, etiquette and apartment/dorm life writer and is a sophomore at Central Michigan University. Jessica loves fashion magazines, listening to indie/folk music and traveling to big cities.

 

The Dos and Don’ts of Facebook

Facebook: the place to chat, creep, post and potentially make or break many relationships. We all have our pet peeves of what is and isn’t acceptable on the social network, but what crosses the line of being just plain wrong? As one of the largest networking sites, it’s important to stay classy when presenting yourself to the public, or in this case, the world. For those who need a crash course in internet etiquette, abide by the following list of dos and don’ts for avoiding sticky situations on the web.

 

DO

Post something that is actually meaningful

No one really cares what you ate for breakfast, that you absolutely love your boyfriend or an inside joke no one would understand but your best friend. Posting inspirational quotes and photos, news articles or life changing events has more meaning on a network where everyone can see what you’re saying.

Professional networking

Obviously, Facebook is used to be social with friends, but try using it to get ahead in your field. Become “friends” with company sites of places you’re interested in or form meeting groups to discuss trends and share documents with university club members.

Censor your material

This may be an obvious one at this point, but some people still overlook it. Check off the option of having to approve what someone tags you in before it ends up on your page. And keep your page private if you think what you’re posting might be inappropriate for some viewers.

Message private matters

Phone numbers, addresses and specific plans should always be sent via message. Also, personal matters are best kept where only you and the receiver can see them.

 

DON’T

Announce your location

Sure, it may feel cool to be the mayor of the gym on campus, but not when a super stalker can know your every move. Play it safe and turn the location option off on your phone. Also, don’t tell the world when you’re leaving for vacation. This is prime confirmation for people to break into your house while you’re out.

 Use offensive language

Even if you’re joking, offensive language is always going to be offensive to at least one person. This also gives off the wrong impression to people who don’t know your sense of humor.

Start fights

Commenting wars are probably the worst “news” to pop up while scrolling down the feed. If social networking is the only way you can fight freely with someone, try texting.

Add everyone you “know”

Users who have more than 1,000 friends seem to just add people for the record they want to overcome in their head. Adding someone you met one time while waiting in line for the bathroom at a party is not a friend. Do not add them.

Tag your friends in unflattering pictures 

You make look gorgeous but if the person next to you has three chins from laughing, they will probably want to unfriend you if tag them. Be the bigger person and crop!

Complain about work or school 

It’s called a social network for a reason. Although you may not be friends with your boss, a friend of a friend may see what  you said about her and clue her in. Gossip on social networking can spread faster than your boss saying “you’re fired.”

 

When it comes down to the basics of networking, just remember to be socially conscious. Don’t share anything you wouldn’t share with a stranger and be sure to keep it classy!

To get more scoop from the CL etiquette team, check out the dos and don’ts of traveling!

 

Jessica Fecteau is a  senior fashion, etiquette and apartment/dorm life writer and is a sophomore at Central Michigan University. Jessica loves fashion magazines, listening to indie/folk music and traveling to big cities.

CL Beauty How To: Wear Red Lipstick

Red lipstick is a great look for almost any occasion, but one wrong move and you look like a toddler who got into her mother’s makeup. Avoid this mistake with this CL Beauty How-To, and rock red lips at your next party, or just to your Friday morning class.

 

1. Pick the right place. The most important part of wearing red lipstick is picking the right shade of red, so try before you buy! This is the time to bring a friend and ask the saleslady for help. Think Sephora, not CVS.

2. Choose the right red. Every major magazine has an article about how to choose the right red lipstick. This is where your friend and saleslady come in, because there’s so many different shades out there. In general, blue-based lipsticks work best with fair skin, while dark-skinned ladies should pick burgundy shades. (Think red wine.) In between? Go for what’s known as a ‘true red’ – try  looking at the shade name. It’s also helpful to keep the shape of your lips in mind when picking a color. Thin lips look better with lighter reds, while thick lips can handle darker ones.

3. Exfoliate. For long-lasting color, you want to make sure that your lips are smooth. Exfoliate with an old toothbrush or a lip scrub, like Fresh Brown Sugar Lip Polish. Pat on your favorite lip balm, and let set for a few minutes.

4. Use a lip brush. Yes, it’s sexy to watch a woman apply her lipstick directly. But with such a dramatic color, there’s just too much potential for failure. Use a lip brush, taking special care to avoid going outside the lipline. Fill in any messy sections with the stick. Try this one by Maybelline, only $5.69.

5. Wear lip gloss. This step is optional, but highly recommended. Wear a lip gloss in the exact shade as your lipstick for long-lasting color. If you prefer a matte look, just a hint of clear gloss in the center of your bottom lip will make your lips look fuller.

6. Finish the rest of your makeup. Red lips are the focus of this look,  so keep the rest of your face subtle. Focus on achieving a clear-looking complexion, and a strong brow for some balance. Pat on some beige shadow and mascara. If you’d like, in lieu of blush, dot your cheeks with the lipstick and blend well.

7. Be confident! Red lipstick draws a lot of attention. Smile graciously, and own it. Oh, and try to make sure it stays off your teeth.

Have you ever tried red lipstick? How was it? Let us know in the comments, or tweet us at @collegelifestyl !

Sasha Graffagna is a junior at NYU majoring in Journalism and Comparative Literature. She has worn red lipstick once or twice, and loved it.

2012 Brings New AND Exciting Changes to College Lifestyles!

Happy 2012!  We hope you had a wonderful holiday season and wish you all the best for 2012.  College Lifestyles is excited to announce NEW article content for 2012!

 2012 NEW Article Content:

Dating and Relationships.  Bringing you dating tips, relationship do’s and don’ts, and dating etiquette.

Dorm/Apartment.  Don’t let moving be a drag.  We will cover everything from packing list, apartment leases, and roommate etiquette.

DIY.  Love crafting?  Entertaining?  We will bring you the best in DIY crafts, entertaining, and dorm/apartment decor.

Celebs/Entertainment.  Missed your favorite TV show?  Love the look of Lauren Conrad?  This category will feature all in TV, music, and movies, celebrity interviews, celebrity look for less, and TV reviews.

 Recipes.  You asked for it!  Bringing you our favorite recipes as well as recipes related to food allergies.

 Study Abroad/Travel.  Thinking of studying abroad?  Traveling?  We cover all from packing, what to wear, and choosing your best location.

College Prep.  Are you a junior or senior in high school?  We will cover everything from campus tours to your first day on campus.

Professionalism.  Are you a graduating senior?  We will cover all from job/internship hunting, job fairs, and your first place.

Ask CL.  Have a burning question?  Be sure to ask us!

Contest.  Check this category periodically for our upcoming contest.

Product Review.  Want to know if a product is great?  Check out this section for our honest review on various products from tech to beauty.

Book Club.  Join in on our chats with our favorite authors and review our favorite books.

Stay tuned to more exciting changes to College Lifestyles!

Shelly Marie Redmond, MS, RD, LDN is the Editor in Chief of College Lifestyles.  She is excited about 2012 personally and professionally!

Party Planning Basics: A CLassy Co-ed’s Guide

There comes a time in every CLassy Co-ed’s college career when she is faced with the challenge of planning the perfect party. Throwing and attending parties is just another part of college life and who doesn’t want their party to be fabulous? With the combined powers of planning and organization, your party can go off without a hitch. Follow these party-planning basics to throw a smashing event and avoid getting a host’s headache.

Choose a theme

Choosing a party theme is both the easiest and most important step of the party planning process. Sometimes, the theme has revealed itself before you even decide to have a party.

Let’s say, for example, you cannot wait for the release of the newest Twilight movie. Why not get all your fellow members of Team Edward together and watch the previous installments before going to the midnight premier? Perhaps Halloween is around the corner and you need to show of your amazing Nicki Minaj costume. Themes stem from whatever inspired you to have your party in the first place. The more specific the theme is, the easier it is to complete the rest of the planning steps so choose wisely. Once you have chosen a theme, decide how you can include it in the following party elements.

Get Organized

The next step is to make a “party essentials” checklist. Include items such as guests, food and drink, decorations, equipment and anything else you will need. Decide how the elements on your list are going to express your theme. When someone enters your party, the theme should be obvious. A well-executed theme will be reflected in multiple elements of the party such as the decorations, music, guest attire and food and drink. Search the web for DIY decorations, recipes and other ideas that fit your theme. Some helpful websites are:

• Pinterest.com
• MarthaStewart.com
• CollegeLifestyles.org

Once you’ve added the final touches to your list, decide on a budget. Choose a host (or two) to help make the party come to life.

 Who’s attending?

No one likes to party alone. That’s what we call a partying problem. It’s best to invite guests to your party.

Make a list of all the people who will enjoy your theme as much as you will. For example, it would be awkward to invite a Harry Potter-only fan to the Twilight party. The people at your party are a huge factor in determining the party’s mood, so be sure to invite people you and your hosts know will be a lot of fun, and know how to party responsibly.

Edibles and Drinkables

 After you have decided your theme and number of guests, decide what you’ll be serving at your party. Throwing a party without some sort of refreshments for guests is not very host like, plus, cooking is one of the most exciting parts of party preparation.

If you’re not providing a full meal, it’s nice to serve drinks and a light snack. Whether you’re serving a meal or appetizers, it’s vital know how many you’re feeding and how much food you’ll need. Nancys.com, the website of the party food experts, has a helpful party planning section that will help you determine your food-to-guest ratio and what to serve. Remember, serving food and drink may become costly. To save money, turn the party into a pot-luck event.  Ask individuals to sign up their ‘party creation’ on a Facebook page for added fun, variety, and food!

Location, Location, Location

You can’t have a party without a place to party. When scouting locations, think about how many people will be attending. If the place is too big, your party will feel empty. If the place is too small, your party will look well attended, but your guests will feel claustrophobic. If you’re having the party at someone’s house, be sure to get the OK from all the roommates because it’s important to respect people’s space. You may also want to talk to neighbors about noise levels. If you’re worried your neighbors will be bothered by your party, invite them and they will be having too much fun to complain! Once you find the perfect location make sure it will provide everything you need for your party such as a music system, a refrigerator and seating. Your location must support the items on your “party essentials” checklist.

You’re invited

 Get the word out well in advance, so your guests have time to clear their schedule for your event. Encourage guests to let you know for sure if they’re coming so you can be prepared to entertain the correct number of people. Remember the Facebook invite rule. “Attending” means “maybe attending,” “maybe attending” means “not attending,” and “not attending” means “why did you even bother inviting me in the first place?!” It’s easier to get a more accurate head count if you ask your guests if they’re coming in person, or by text, so the pressure’s on to give you an honest response. Make it known if guests are allowed to bring friends and significant others, and ask that you’re told in advance so you can add them to the guest list. Because college offers a wide variety of parties, be clear on what’s going on at your party. Is there going to be drinking? If so, is it BYOB or will drinks be provided? Do guests need to wear a costume or formal attire, or is it casual? Help your guests help your party go according to plan.

Party Time

Your party is finally here! Clear your schedule the day of the party, so you have time for set-up and any last minute errands. A few hours before your party, go over your checklist one last time to ensure yourself that everything is ready to go. Now, get ready, take a deep breath and be prepared to enjoy your party. Your organization, planning and hard work are going to pay off and your party to going to be a blast!

Alexandra Esposito is an intern at College Lifestyles ™ and a senior studying journalism and film at the University of Kansas. She is a Copy Chief for the University Daily Kansan and the Secretary Omega Phi Alpha at KU. In summer 2011, she interned with the editorial staff at Martha Stewart Weddings in New York City. 

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