Classy Co-Ed On Campus: Katelyn Block

Katelyn Block, also known as Chef Katelyn by the readers of her blog, has it all: beauty, brains, personality, and style. College Lifestyles decided to catch up with Katelyn to find out what makes this chick so fantastic and to get her input on what it takes to be a classy co-ed on campus.

College Lifestyles: What does being “classy” mean to you?
Katelyn Block: When I hear the word “classy”, a few others come to mind: grace, style, and kindness. College life isn’t always such, but I try to handle daily occurrences with grace, walk and live with style, and interact with kindness. No other way to go!

CL: What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?
KB: Kind, bubbly, and incredibly passionate.

CL: What is your dream job?
KB: That’s a tough one. Honestly, if I could have a full-time job blogging, doing freelance writing and graphic design, and working in PR and/or at a magazine, I would be the happiest girl alive. Right now I am incredibly happy with where I am — the future is on its way.

CL: How do you stay healthy in the chaotic world that is college life?
KB: I don’t get too choosy about what I eat in the dining hall, mainly because it’s the least of my worries. Nineteen credits? That’s where my worries are! I always try to keep it balanced, for example, if I find myself wanting that gorgeous piece of chocolate cake for dessert, I nix the pizza and have a brown rice and tofu stir-fry instead. Maybe some veggies with hummus. It’s not always easy for me to choose the vegetables (I’ve had this problem ever since I was a child), but if I can’t bring myself to have veggies, I’ll at least have some quinoa.

CL: What is your favorite way to move?
KB: Yoga! And walking across campus. I used to be a cardio queen (gym junkie, if you will), and even ran a half marathon. For some people, this is enjoyable for a lifetime. For me, it lasted a season. These days, I’m all about mindfulness and making it natural.

CL: If you could only eat 3 foods the rest of your life, what would they be?
KB: Easy. Hummus, chocolate, and baby carrots. All together. (Just kidding ….kinda)

CL: What are your “must-have” beauty items?
KB: Mascara, foundation + bronzer, and most of all, my chapstick that looks like a glue stick via Palmer’s Cocoa Butter.

CL: Any advice for our readers or anything else to say?
KB: My advice for every walk in life: be yourself! Those around you will appreciate your genuine nature, and you’ll be a happier person. Get those endorphins.

Katelyn is an OrangeWoman at Syracuse University, living each day to better her own life through bettering others’. She hopes to pursue a degree through the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, and a minor in Nutrition. Being the overachiever that she is, there will most likely be a double-major thrown in there as well. She is a new member of the Alpha Xi Delta sorority.

Her senior year of high school, Katelyn began Chef Katelyn, the blog where she focuses on self-love and nourishing oneself with whole foods, a bit of sweat, and some sprinkles thrown in. Since beginning her blog in August of 2010, Katelyn’s audience has grown in sync with her Twitter followers, surpassing the thousands.

Katelyn can be reached at:
Twitter: @ChefKatelyn
Blog: http://www.chefkatelyn.com/
E-mail: chefkatelynblog@gmail.com

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Ellen Ratliff is a Senior Health Writer at College Lifestyles ™. She is a junior at Michigan State University, majoring in Dietetics with a specialization in Health Promotions. She is a proud reader of Chef Katelyn. #sorryimnotsorry

Trendsetters on Marquette University’s Campus

Congratulations Marquette coeds!  From early Monday morning classes to late Friday night meals, your style selections have been classy and chic.  Marquette’s campus is traditionally filled with preppy, modern, and sophisticated looks, so when I spotted something different I had to dig deeper.  This CL reader isn’t afraid to be unique and bold in her fashion and designing choices.  She stands out as one of the many trendsetters popping up all over campus and was nice enough to chat with me about her style!  Meet the new Marquette style icon- Sally Nadeau!

Me: How do you make your style stick out on Marquette’s campus?

Sally: I put my own twist on the typical Marquette preppy look.  I’d call my style “funky classic.”  I buy a lot of basic pieces in classic colors and mix it up with funky and unique pieces and accessories.

Me: What are your favorite places to shop in Milwaukee?

Sally: I absolutely love the Third Ward.  There’s this great Asian themed store that sells all sorts of furniture and knickknacks.  It’s a great place to look for inexpensive gifts, and it’s attached to a tea house.  I also love Hot Pop in the Third Ward.  The store’s a mix between a clothing shop and a modern art gallery.  They have a lot of great standout pieces for any outfit.  And of course I love the Urban Outfitters in Milwaukee.  They have the best sale section of any Urban Outfitters I’ve ever been in!

Me: Do you have any college apartment decorating tips?

Sally: I got lucky.  I was able to get old furniture from my family to get going.  Then I just started adding my favorite things and everything blossomed from there!  As for tips, I’d say the key is versatility.  Be able to move things around and make sure that everything has more than 1 purpose.  And don’t be afraid to make it you!  Once you’re out of the Marquette dorms enjoy the space and the freedom to decorate!

Me: Any suggestions on places you think Marquette students need to get to before they graduate or leave Milwaukee?

Sally: Make sure you get to Brady Street.  There are tons of ethnic restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops.  I personally recommend Rochambo.  Also try to go to every single Alterra, not just the one on the lakefront.  And for a unique work out, check out Core Essence Yoga on Brady Street!

Have you spotted or are you a Marquette trendsetter?  Tweet a picture to @collegelifestyl or post it to our Facebook page, College Lifestyles TM!

 

 

Cassidy McAloon is pursuing a Bachelor in Arts Degree in Broadcast Journalism at Marquette University.  She is a fashion, sorority life, and apartment life writer at College Lifestyles.

 

Raise Your Glasses for This Classy Featured Reader

The word “classy” is so overused in our culture. On Facebook, your younger cousin will have a caption for a mirror picture that reads: “Classy, never trashy,” but then your mom will stress to you: “sit up straight–be classy!” How confusing! However, when someone’s talking about Emily Agosti–a proud Penn Stater, veteran dancer, and College Lifestyles’ newest featured reader–you’ll know exactly what kind of classy they’re talking about.

College Lifestyles: You’ve been chosen as a “Featured CL Reader”–congrats! How’s it feel? 

Emily Agosti: Thanks! It feels really exciting! 

CL: You gleam classy. Fill CL in on how you do it.  

EA: I saw a quote once that said to “be the kind of girl you want your daughter to be and your son to marry,” and that’s what I try to do. Those are words to live by right there.

CL: What are the key ingredients to a tall glass of classy?

EA: Two cups of intelligence, a pinch of elegance, and a ton of confidence.

CL: What’s a lady like yourself do as her daily beauty routine?

I’m such a girly-girl that I could probably write books about my entire routine. First, I’d be lost without my flat iron. Even though it takes forever to straighten my super curly hair, I still do it every day. I also love doing my makeup, especially with fun eye shadow shades and eyeliner. And I always have my nails painted. Also, I always spray a little extra perfume on right before I walk out the door every morning.

EA: You must have a go-to accessory, right?

Definitely! Actually, a really good friend of mine passed away a few months ago, so we had remembrance bracelets made for him. I never leave home without mine. Well, that, and some kind of sparkly earrings, of course.

CL: I hear you love dance and have been involved in lots of activities over the years. Tell CL all about it!

EA: I do love to dance! I took dance classes for thirteen years at a small dance school in my hometown. I loved every second of it. Ballet and contemporary were always my two favorite styles to perform, but I especially loved the five years I spent teaching some classes to the younger students. I loved being able to take anything that was upsetting me in my daily life and just leave it out there on the dance floor. It was always a great way for me to express myself.

I was also involved in band when I was younger, but it didn’t take long for me to figure out I hated it. I still think it’s because I got stuck playing the trumpet when I really wanted to play the flute. My instructors also probably should have warned me that I wasn’t going to become a professional overnight.

But once I got to high school, a friend had convinced me to join cheerleading instead of band and it turned out I loved it almost as much as I loved ballet. I had a ton of school spirit, and I’m just a naturally loud, bouncy, and happy person, so it was a perfect fit! I loved being able to say I was a part of a squad. That was the one thing I didn’t like about dance; it was missing the whole team aspect.

CL: CLassy co-ed dilemma: lacking motivation. How do you motivate yourself when you need a little push?

EA: I’ve got a great motivation system! I put a piece of chocolate cake at one end of my bed, and then I sit down at the other end with all of my homework in the middle. Once my homework’s done, the cake’s all mine! You’d be amazed at how fast I get things done that way.

I also write a different Post-it note for everything I have to do, and I stick them on my closet door. Once I finish something, I get to take the note down. Watching all the little red papers disappear really helps me to keep working until they’re all gone.

CL: A lady deserves to indulge from time to time. What are your favorite guilty pleasures?

EA: Hands down my number one guilty pleasure is reading Cosmo. I buy every new issue the first day it’s available and then rush home to spend hours poring over every little thing it have to say. My friends make fun of me all the time for the amount of sentences I start with the phrase “well, Cosmo said….”

Also, if I’m sad, I reach for comfort foods. Last time I was having a bad day, I ate nothing but mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and chocolate. It’s probably not the healthiest choice, but it always makes me feel a million times better.

CL: What’s a quote or motto that you live by?

EA: I have two and I got both of them from Cosmo! First, something that I say out loud to myself a couple of times a day is to “be assertive, cause Cosmo told me to.” It reminds me that I’m a strong, independent individual who isn’t going to let other people stand in my way.

My other motto is a quote I pulled out of a different issue of Cosmo: “live the life you’d be envious of if you saw somebody else living it.” That’s definitely something I try to do every day. I always tell my friends that I’m trying to make good stories now so I have something to tell when I get older.

CL: How has a poised co-ed like yourself reacted to the recent Penn State scandal?

EA: Its definitely been hard to cope with everything that’s been going on. I’ve had to deal with a lot of people looking down on me because of where I go to school. But I was born and raised a Penn State fan and I’m still proud of my school! We are so much more than one man’s actions and we’re more than a football program. My university has done so much to be proud of, and its really been great to see all of the students come together through all of this.

CL: What is it about College Lifestyles that keeps readers like you coming back for more?

EA: All of the articles are full of great advice for girls like me. It’s hard to find a lot of articles that are the right balance of being more mature than teen magazines without being too adult. I don’t want to  read about finding the perfect prom dress, but I also don’t want to read about raising children, either. All of College Lifestyles’ articles give great information for all of the classy co-ed’s that are in that in-between phase like I am.

Thanks for the great story, Emily! Do any of you readers out there think that you have what it takes to be a Classy Featured Reader? Tell us why!

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.

Simple CL Rules to Live By

We’ve all heard the so-called ‘rules’ that nobody follows anymore. (Don’t wear white after Labor Day, anyone?) Here is a list of rules you’ll actually pay attention to – from real college girls, CL interns, a fashion icon, and our very own CEO.

1. Diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Even the fake ones.

2. “Pluck your eyebrows every day or every other day for a cleaned up look and also to avoid having to pay for eyebrow waxes.” – Lauren, Bethany College, CL Intern

3. Great-fitting jeans are a staple of any girl’s wardrobe.

4. “Carry a Tide Pen in case you spill something on your shirt.” – Shelly, College Lifestyles CEO

5. Always wear sunscreen. No exceptions.

6. “Always take off your makeup before you go to bed.” – Roselyn, New York University

7. Floss.

8. “Keep moisturized – face and body. I feel like people moisturize the face and not the body, but the body ages too.” – Nicole, Georgetown University

9. If you wear leggings as pants, make sure they’re not see-through.

10. “Keep a facial exfoliator around and exfoliate your face 1-2 times a week to avoid dry, flaky skin as the weather gets colder.” -  Lauren, Bethany College, CL Intern

11. Buy foundation and concealer that works on your skin. Make sure to test them in natural light.

12. “I think that everyone should have a statement piece. Something that they wear (frequently or not) that everyone associates with them and is the best descriptor of their personality.” – Ellen, Michigan State University, CL Intern

13.  Boots are great walking shoes.

14. Dress for the weather – think layers!

15. Don’t wear makeup to the gym. It clogs your pores when you sweat and causes acne.

16. “Always bring flats! Gap makes cute ones that fold up and come in a little pouch, perfect for a night out to throw in your purse!” – Emily, SUNY Oswego, CL Intern

17. Red lipstick flatters everyone. Just make sure it’s a red that suits your skin tone.

18. ” Splurge on more expensive items for your staple pieces (Winter coat, nice dress shoes, fall boots, etc.) & bargain hunt for your basics at places like Forever 21 & Target – plain tees, zip-up hoodies, flats, etc.” – Lauren, Bethany College, CL Intern

19. Never wear an outfit that you’re not comfortable in, no matter the opinions of others.

20. “Carry water at all times with you.” – Shelly, College Lifestyles CEO

21. Take proper care of your shoes to prolong their life.

22. Don’t buy heels unless you can stand in them for more than an hour.

23. Use a heat-protective spray when you blow dry your hair.

24. Know what makes you look amazing, and wear it on the days that you need an ego boost.

25. Switch the side that you carry your bag on to avoid back problems.

26. A great smile is the best accessory.

27. “Drink lots of water for minimal bloat and healthier skin, and use chapstick for the best makeup application!” – Bethany, Ohio University, CL Intern

28. Never put lingerie in the dryer.

29. “A blazer or cardigan brings any outfit a few steps up.” – Sarah, UNC-Chapel Hill

30. A wristlet is a clubbing must-have – cute, small, and you’re guaranteed not to lose it.

31. “Treat your hair to a leave-in conditioning treatment 2-3 times a month to help repair all the damage done by heat styling products.” – Lauren, Bethany College, CL Intern

32. A great set of lingerie does wonders for your confidence. Even if you’re the only one who sees it.

33. You are beautiful without makeup. Don’t be afraid to go outside bare-faced.

34. “Incorporate a bit of your personality into what you wear.” – Michelle, Scripps College

35. Well-groomed nails are the hallmark of a classy woman.

36. A bright umbrella makes a rainy day that much better.

37. Dress for the body you have, not the body you want. Remember: clothes are made to make you look good, not the other way around.

38. “Show legs or upper body (cleavage), not both. For example, if wearing a mini skirt, focus on legs and wear a more modest top; if you’re wearing a longer skirt/dress, go for a halter/tank/strapless look.” – Shelly, College Lifestyles CEO

39. Travel. Be inspired.

40. “Give your nails a break from nail polish for a week or 2 each month to avoid them turning yellow. Use a nail buffer to make nails appear naturally shiny.” – Lauren, Bethany College, CL intern

41. Waterproof mascara. Always. You never know when you might burst into tears.

42. The best color in the whole world, is the one that looks good, on you!” -Coco Chanel

43. Wear what YOU want to wear, whether or not it’s on trend.

44. “Use gradual tanning lotion such as Jergen’s for a natural glow AND moisturizer instead of the hitting the tanning beds.” – Lauren, Bethany College, CL Intern

45. Dress for class. It may be tempting to walk out the door in sweats, but you’ll be more attentive and less likely to jump back into bed.

46. Work with your natural hair texture every once in a while.

47. “Never spend loads of money on plain T-shirts. Why waste money on a plain T-shirt when you could purchase a dress or something that would make your wardrobe stand out?” – Michele, Misericordia University, CL Intern

48. Wear a watch.

49. Pearls class up any outfit.

50. You will have great outfits and “oh-my-god-why-did-I-wear-that-moments.” Learn from them. Don’t take it too seriously. Have fun.

Sasha Graffagna is a junior Journalism and Comparative Literature major at New York University. She is currently studying abroad in Buenos Aires.

CL book review: A Stolen Life

As this summer comes to an end, enjoy your last days of free time and warm weather with an inspirational and captivating read.   I recently finished reading the book A Stolen Life, written by Jaycee Dugard. Dugard was kidnapped at age 11 by a convicted sexual predator and his wife. She was held captive in her kidnappers’ California backyard for almost two decades before getting rescued.  Throughout the years Jaycee learned to survive and adapt to her new life as a perpetual captor, but she always kept a piece of her true identity with her.

Dugard starts the book by going into the details of the day she was kidnapped and her first year of captivity. She lets her readers experience her fear first hand.  Reading the ordeal gives a glimpse into the terrifying nightmare of a kidnapping and sexual abuse.

She is forced to live in a tent in a backyard compound and comes to rely on her kidnapper for every necessity.  She gets pregnant twice by her kidnapper, but even with the horrible situation she keeps her hope for freedom alive.

Shockingly, many times her kidnapper’s parole officer came to the house to investigate and check on him, but never realized Dugard was in the backyard.  As time progressed and she got older, she is even allowed to show herself to the officer and is never questioned or recognized. While reading the book, it becomes clear how the local law enforcement failed.

After finally getting rescued, the book gets more hopeful and Dugard goes into depth about her life post-kidnapping.  She writes about her firsts, milestones and healing. She speaks about her hope for the future and her new life with her daughters.

This was one of the most interesting and inspirational books I have ever read.  This book will give you hope about any situation you are faced with.   Jaycee Dugard was able to survive her situation and recreate her life afterward, making sure her kidnapper didn’t steal anymore valuable time.

This is the perfect book to instill hope and renew your self-identity. So hit the nearest beach or park and start reading!

Caitlin Fitzpatrick is an intern at College Lifestyles (TM) and just graduated with a journalism degree from SUNY Plattsburgh. She is a proud sister of Sigma Delta Tau and enjoys cooking and watching reality TV.

What’s New at College Lifestyles? Excitement!

We are not even 1/4 of the way through 2011 at College Lifestyles, and we have some amazing NEW features we are offering to our readers as well as some fantastic changes to our site!

Here is a little taste of ‘What is going on in the College Lifestyles World!’

First and foremost, College Lifestyles has the honor of being listed on both USA Today College and Huffington Post College websites, in addition to being interviewed by Fox Business Online on ‘Affordable Spring Break Destinations.’

College Lifestyles has partnered with Phi Mu Fraternity in bringing National Ritual Celebration Week to our readers!

Calling all social media lovers!  College Lifestyles now has a Tumblr account.  Be sure to follow us!  http://collegelifestyles.tumblr.com/

We are excited to have our first sponsor – Greek Chick Gifts!  Check out their fantastic products here.

Here is a little taste of what one can expect from College Lifestyles in the next few weeks:

New categories.  Our interns have been working at bringing you, our readers, the best information yet!  Stay tuned for:

• Runway to CL Way – Taking the latest runway fashions to your college friendly budget.
• Featured Reader of the Week – We are looking for the best and brightest at your university.  Friends, nominate your own friends!
• Classy Co-Ed Parties – Giving you and your friends ideas for your next girls night in.
• What I Love About Me – Interviews with co-eds from coast to coast on ‘what I love about me.’
• Best Dressed on Campus – Looking for those with the best outfits OR submit your photos to us.
• Featured Intern – Learn a little bit more about the classy ladies of CL.

Polls. We want your opinion on everything College Lifestyles – from etiquette, nutrition, fashion, and dorm/apartment life.

New Program.  With the success of our “Text Sweet Messages” program, College Lifestyles is developing a ‘My Weight is (confident).’  No weighing, just confidence and celebrating our self worth!  Stay tuned for additional resources.

CL Top 10.  Our personal top 10 list from music to have on your Ipod to spring fashion!

Contest.  Look for our fun and upcoming contest related to dorm decor and DIY fashion.

Tweetchats. Look for our first Tweetchat in April.
Stay tuned for all our changes!

As always if you have any suggestions and comments, we would love to hear them!

Shelly Marie Redmond, MS, RD, LDN is the CEO/Executive Director of College Lifestyles.  She is excited about the new and improved changes to the website!!!