Materials:

An old book with thick pages (I got mine at Goodwill for $1.50)

Scissors

A Styrofoam wreath

Loaded hot glue gun

A heart-shaped paper punch (you can also cut out the hearts by hand, but this will take a lot more time)

Red or pink ribbon

Steps 

1. Cut enough strips of the book pages to wrap around the wreath completely.

2. Wrap the strips around the wreath, slightly overlapping. Fasten with hot glue in the back of the wreath.

3. Use the paper punch to punch hearts out of the book pages. The book I used had some black-and-white illustrations in it, which made really pretty hearts and added dimension to the wreath.

4. Lightly fold hearts in half to create a 3-D effect.

5. Glue the hearts to the wreath in different directions to get that shabby-chic look.

6. Cut a foot of ribbon and tie in a tight bow.

7. Glue the ends of the ribbon to the back of the wreath. Allow glue to dry and hang.

You can also make this wreath with hearts cut out of red or pink paper, magazine pages or newspaper. For more V-Day DIY ideas, try Debra’s dorm décor projects and be sure to check out CL’s V-Day Challenge!

Alexandra Esposito is an intern at College Lifestyles ™ and is excited to celebrate Valentine’s Day eating sushi with her boyfriend, Drew! She is senior studying journalism and film at the University of Kansas, a Copy Chief for the University Daily Kansan and the Secretary of Omega Phi Alpha at KU. In summer 2011, she interned with the editorial staff at Martha Stewart Weddings in New York City. 

1. Hummus dip and tortilla chips- Hummus is a delicious snack packed full of protein and vitamins. It’s the perfect complement to tortilla chips or even pita bread.  Create your own version by adding different ingredients like tomatoes or feta cheese.  Hummus is something you can either buy at the store or prepare yourself.  If you’re expecting a lot of people, sometimes it’s better to make it from scratch to get more for your money.

Roasted tomato hummus from Kalyn's Kitchen!

2.Trail Mix- My personal favorite- I’m a big fan of salty snacks, and I love a trail mix full of spicy, sweet and salty tidbits mixed together . If you’re looking for a sweeter taste, add Chex Mix Cereal and your favorite sweet snacks like M&Ms, skittles or chocolate chips. Trail mix is simple recipe that adds color to a table full of food!

3.Dried Fruit- Dried fruit is a great snack, and another edible table decoration! Try a colorful mix of dried apricots, bananas and kiwi. It’ll light up the table andtame your sweet tooth rather quickly.

Dried fruit from Fitsugar-so colorful and tasty!

4.Pizza bites- One blog gives you the option of re-living a not-so-healthy childhood treat by having pizza bites. Well, the author also lets us know that pizza bites don’t have to be unhealthy! Veggetarian pizza bites are a delicious option for a snack that’s a little more filling—just fill them with your favorite cheeses and vegetables.

5. Organic “No Meat” Meatballs- This healthy snack might be a surprise to you if you’re not familiar with all the great no meat options out there for vegetarians and vegans. Although it’s probably more convenient to find no-meat meatballs at your local natural food store, there are some pretty awesome recipes out there.  If decide to make them at home, make them as big or as little as you want! If you choose a traditional no-meat recipe you can even whip up a savory dipping sauce.  Delish!

Chickpea meatballs from Cooking Italian Comfort Food!

So if you’re a vegetarian,  a green enthusiast, or just looking for a change, these snacks will be perfect for your party. Check out CL’s last minute super bowl party post for more ideas!

Martha-Raye Adjei is an environmental studies major with a concentration in Sustainable Apparel at the University of Delaware. She hopes to become a journalist and sustainable apparel designer. In her spare time she likes to read, swim and watch TV

That age-old saying “one fruit a day keeps the doctor away” may not literally apply to all the fruits in the spectrum, but it certainly goes for lemons–your body has a deep, undying devotion to them! This citrus is an all-natural cure, proven to aid in many of your physical dilemmas, from pesky pimples and acne to the common cold and various viruses. How’s that possible? It’s simple–they’re packed with all the things that your body can’t function at its best without: vitamin A, C, and P, magnesium, calcium, potassium, and a healthy dose of acid.

Skin

The astringent quality of lemon juice does wonders for your skin and “makes it an ideal exfoliator,” says acnehelpline.com. It clears away the dead skin that builds up and gets clogged inside of your pores and can revive and soften your skin after just one use. Just be mindful that the acidity will make your skin more sensitive after exfoliating. To alleviate the sensitivity, stay out of the sun after your treatment. For more protection and to avoid getting dry skin, apply sunscreen and a moisturizer after cleansing.

What to do:

• Rub a lemon slice onto the breakout(s), blackheads, and to dry skin. This may have to be done in the evening or multiple times before seeing an improvement.
• Soften your cuticles by placing them into a bowl of water mixed with lemon juice.
• Soak your feet in a lemon juice bath for relaxation and regained softness.

Body

Consuming lemon water in the morning is the best time to do so according to ehow.com. Because of the vitamin C, a daily bottle of lemon water is beneficial in helping your body fight bacterias and any other foreign organisms that try to attack your immune system. Other than making your teeth and skeletal bones stronger, lemon water also improves your digestion, restores your body’s pH balance, and can cure that cough that arises when your body meets the winter cold.

What to do:

• Slice up several pieces of lemon and drop it into your cup or bottle of water!

You can also get savvy with this fruit. Next time you shove your ice maker into your freezer, cut up a few lemon slices so that they freeze inside of the water. These lemon-cubes will make for a perfectly sweet addition to an ice cold drink. Let’s cheers to health, classy readers!

Tiana Blue is a Senior Writer for College Lifestyles™. This fourth semester sophomore at Penn State is a print journalism major with a penchant for food, stilettos, and the city that never sleeps.

Wanna be green this Halloween? I’m not just talking about ghouls and goblins. There’s tons creative ways to make great costumes and decor with accessories in your closet—and recycle bin. Here’s three tips for a fun and eco-friendly Halloween!

Simple-and chic pirate costume! Arrrg!

1.Take a hard look at your wardrobe. Look through all your drawers, closets and hampers for plain colored shirts, hats or any other accessory that might lend itself to a  costume. The comfiest costumes are made from items you probably already own. For example, this simple pirate costume is nothing more than a striped blouse, white skirt, and snazzy belt. Any black hat and pair of boots would complete this pirate look!

home-made breakfast at tiffany's costume!

2.Go Second-Hand Shopping. If there’s a thrift shop nearby, you’re in luck! For those of you who aren’t sure what I mean, I’m talking about a store that sells used items. If you’re someone who’s been reluctant to buy second-hand clothes, just know a lot of timesthrift stores have some great quality pieces- you just have to know what you’re looking for! It’s a great excuse to go shopping and hang out with the girls—and you’ll be surprised how much money you’ll have left in your pocketbook. No thrift shop nearby? Organize a costume swap with you and your friends. Maybe you’ll get a hold of that sassy maid costume you’ve been looking for!

bat wings made from broken umbrellas!

3. Never under estimate the power of a paper bag. Or plastic bottle for that matter. Don’t be afraid to get creative with plastic, paper, or any other recyclable. Check out these eco-friendly costumes. My personal favorite is the bat made from recycled umbrellas. Need décor ideas for a party? These adorable decorations from Green Your Décor are to-die-for. What can you do with a paper bag? The possibilities are endless!

Scary Luminaries made out of paper bags!

Halloween is a fun time to dress up and have fun with friends. Be safe, have fun—and most of all– be green!

Martha-Raye Adjei is an environmental studies major with a concentration in Sustainable Apparel at the University of Delaware. She hopes to become a journalist and sustainable apparel designer. In her spare time she likes to read, swim and watch TV

As a college student, it can be hard to justify spending any money on clothing when there always seems to be books, food, and beer to be purchased. It’s hard enough affording some of the necessities that always seemed to be there when I lived at home. So when I do have a little additional cash for shopping, I try to check out some of the more environmentally friendly brands that are around before heading straight to the mall. Not many people know about these brands and it’s true, they can be a bit more expensive than TJ Maxx and Forever 21, but it might just be worth it to find something that nobody else on campus will have.

Urban Renewal (Urban Outfitters): If you combine Urban Outfitters style, the city of Philadelphia and sustainable thinking, the outcome is the eco-friendly brand, Urban Renewal. Urban Outfitters finds deadstock, vintage, and surplus materials from around the world and then makes one-of-a-kind pieces right here in America. There are many different silhouettes of the same item but none are made out of the same material, so hurry because everything is limited!

Ascension Eco Fashion: Ascension is a sustainable and fair trade online fashion boutique based in the UK. It’s cool because it will ship anywhere in the world and transfer your prices from pounds to dollars (so you don’t have to figure out those awful exchange rates yourself.) The best part about Ascension though is the clothes you purchase from the website come from India, Nepal, Turkey and Columbia and are all ethically produced. Not many clothing companies can compete with that.

Kind Clothing Boutique: Kind is fairly new to the online scene of eco-friendly fashion boutiques, but what it lacks in experience it makes up for in creativity. All clothing is sustainable in style and design, not to mention beautiful. Kind also sells eco-friendly home decorations and paper products so there’s definitely something for everyone. They are just getting started so you may have to be patient with website changes but while you’re waiting, check out their blog! It gives advice on fashion, do it yourself projects, and shares funny videos. How’s that for procrastination?

1.Recycling isn’t just for cans and bottles – makeup containers can be recycled too. Origins will recycle any cosmetics containers regardless of the brand. MAC will even give you a free lipstick, as long as you return six empty MAC containers. Some makeup companies go farther – Aveda collects and reuses bottle cap, which can’t be recycled in most places in the United States. Even if you can’t get to any of these stores, review the recycling guidelines in your city to see what containers you can recycle at home. Want to do more? Try buying from environmentally progressive makeup companies, like LUSH. LUSH sells unwrapped soap and shampoo bars, so you can bring and reuse your own containers.

Lush's Squeaky Green Shampoo Bar, $10.95

2. Avoid products tested on animals. Each year, animals die so that what you put on your face is ‘safe.’ But there are plenty of humane ways to ensure safety – just ask the European Union, which banned animal-tested cosmetics products in 2009 (with certain exceptions). There are plenty of well-known companies that don’t test on animals, such as Tarte and Urban Decay. For a more complete list, check out this link.

3. Think your makeup is safe? Think again. There is no regulatory body that approves what chemicals go into your makeup, so you might be putting carcinogens and other toxins on your face each morning. The best way to avoid these risks is to educate yourself. The Environmental Working Group has a great guide here to the chemicals you should be watching out for.

Is this in your makeup?

4. The simplest way to be more environmentally friendly is to buy less stuff. But if you’re a beauty junkie, this is easier said than done. Get your fix and improve the environment by trying your hand at DIY beauty. Lip glosses are cheap and easy to make. Find instructions here.

What are some ways you green your beauty routine? Let us know in the comments!

CL:  Why did you decide to become a vegan? What are your favorite healthy dishes?

MG: I chose to go vegan mainly because of personal health issues.  I wanted to make more conscious decisions for my health and what I put in to my body.  Going vegan really forces you to asses your diet and where you get your nutrients from.  You can’t just pop by a fast food place or a vending machine if you’re hungry; you have to give your choices some thought.  Also around the time I decided to compete in Miss DC USA my uncle was diagnosed with cancer, and passed away a week after I won.  I made a promise to myself that I would make healthy choices now so that I could end the cycle of cancer, diabetes, and health issues that loomed over my family.  I wanted to be the catalyst for change in my family.

One of my all time favorite dishes is a Sicilian Greens recipe I got from Alicia Silverstone’s Kind Diet book.  She also has an amazing brown rice breakfast porridge with umboshi plums, and the braised daikon is amazing.  Pretty much every recipe in her book is a must try.

CL: What are your must have beauty items?

MG: I have full lips so Aquaphor is a must, I slather it on at night before I go to sleep.  But Aquaphor is great on cuticles, skin, anything, it’s the Swiss army knife in my beauty arsenal.  I also have fairly dry skin so coconut oil is something I use on my body. I also use it sometimes mixed with salt water or seawater to give me beachy waves.  Moroccan Oil and Argon oil are two essentials to keep my hair shiny and healthy.  I was plagued with bad acne growing up so I switch between Tammy Fender and Kate Summerville skin care, and I use Kate Summerville’s vitamin packs as an internal backup to my skin care routine.

My makeup bag is obscene because I have so much stuff.  On a daily basis for everyday and work I keep it light.  Josie Maran, self-adjusting foundation, a simple Bobbi Brown eye palette, eyeliner, and blush, and occasionally bronzer for a little sun kiss.  But when its time to go out, do appearances, speaking engagements, or anything I want to feel over the top fab for I go with MAC.  False eyelashes are always fun to throw on, even on the weekend to run errands, they help me feel glamorous.

CL: How did you juggle your duties as Miss DC USA 2010, being a double major at the University of Miami, and finding some time to relax? Do you have any tips to give busy co-eds?

MG: Juggling everything I had to do with school and pageantry was a lot to handle.  In addition to the pageant I was commuting every weekend by plane to DC for events, then when I got back to school I was on the executive board of 5 clubs, managed the tv station at UM, wrote for the school newspaper, was in the alumni student organization and I was the lead anchor for two TV shows.  Needless to say there was a lot on my plate.  Finding time to relax was difficult, but when I got moments to myself I took full advantage of it.

My advice to other college students is to carve out time for yourself even if it’s while performing a task, for me it was while I was at the gym.  I had to workout, so while I was at the gym people knew that the time I spent at the gym was for me.  I didn’t take any calls or go with anyone, which was time for me to Zen out and be alone.  So no matter what, carve out time, even if its 5 minutes of meditation.  But always take time to remove yourself from everyone and reconnect with yourself and what you want.

CL: You mentioned on your blog that you would like to see “the glass-ceiling finally break.” Could you elaborate on this topic more?

MG: When I said I wanted to see the glass ceiling finally be broken I meant that I would like to see more women in positions of power.  I think it’s important for women to fight to reach new heights so that younger generations of women can look toward more role models.  As a minority woman I have seen minorities reach amazing heights in the world, but those people are mainly men.  There need to be more women shaking it up.  I hope there can be more women in political offices, Supreme Court justice seats, CEOs, and high-ranking military posts.  I just believe women can bring home the bacon, fry it up in the pan, and serve it.  The younger generations of women need more positive role models that dare them to dream bigger, aspire to greatness, and make the women who came before them proud.

CL:  You’re in great shape, what’s your secret? What do your workouts consist of?

MG: Well first off thank you for saying I’m in great shape.  I’m a twelve time Junior Olympian and I horseback rode competitively as well, so I have an athletic background.  So my biggest secret is that I understand training, or being in the gym, isn’t always the most fun, but its necessary to reach a goal.  A lot of work went in to getting fit for the swimsuit portion, but its big events that help you stay focused when you want to sleep in instead of run or have a cookie instead of some tea.  That’s something anyone can apply to his or her life.  If you’re trying to get in shape make a date in your calendar that you want everyone to join you so you can show off your new figure and you’ll have to stay focused since you know everyone is coming to see a transformation.

I had to make sure to tailor my workouts to my shape.  I have a very curvy and muscular body so I constantly keep that in mind.  I do a lot of low weight, high repetition weight training three times a week.  I run, which helps me keep my legs toned.  I also run stairs for half an hour to an hour because it tones my bum and helps me feel strong.  I also love doing different exercise classes.  You can find me in cycling, dance, strength, martial arts, and any kind of class I can get to.  It’s all about challenging myself and pushing my body to new limits.

I’m constantly setting new fitness goals for myself, because living an active life is important to me.  Right now I’m training for my 3rd marathon.  I hope that I’m 90 years old doing marathons and staying active.

Check out Mackenzie’s blog and be sure to follow her on Twitter @MacKenzieAGreen.

Amber Ferguson is an intern at College Lifestyles (TM). She is sophomore at Prince George’s Community College studying English. She’s the first girl out on the dance floor, is obsessed with reality TV, and loves getting stamps on her passport when she travels to new places.

1. What do you eat?
Meat, dairy, and eggs are not at the center of the food pyramid! My plate is full of plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as a hefty dose of whole grains and healthy fats. Some of my favorite foods are smoothies, salads, oatmeal, almond butter, and hummus.

2. Why go vegetarian/vegan?
The reasons that someone chooses to stop eating meat are wide: for the planet, for the animals, for your health, for your culture/religion, ethics, and many more. Regardless of the reason, the meatless movement has been exploding in recent years, with countless of animal-friendly products and companies cropping up and celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres, Carrie Underwood, and Lea Michele spreading the love.

3. Where do you get your iron? Protein?
Research shows that vegetarians, and especially vegans, get plenty of iron in their diets, meeting or exceeding the recommended amount set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Great sources include spinach, beans, and fortified foods like cereals and soy milk. As for protein, as long as you are eating enough, protein shouldn’t be a problem either (even if you’re an athlete!), we just get small amounts in our foods throughout the day instead of a large amount all at once (like in a chicken breast). Yummy protein-rich foods include nuts, seeds, soy products (tofu, edamame, soymilk), and beans.

(Lisa Simpson, another famous vegetarian)

4. Do you have to shop at a special store?
Not at all! Many grocery stores are jumping on the meat-free bandwagon and offering more options for the veggie-inclined. Companies like Lightlife, So Delicious, Silk, and Nasoya can be found in most stores, and you’d be surprised at how many products are “accidentally vegan” (hello, Sour Patch Kids). Whole Foods and Trader Joes, if you are lucky enough to have one near your campus, carry oodles of vegan-friendly products.

5. Is it expensive?
While some people say that it is an expensive diet, they are probably the same people who are buying all specialty, ready-made products. If you take a little more time and cook meals yourself based on whole, fresh foods, the cost is really not too much and you may actually save a few bucks!

6. What do you do at restaurants?
You can always find something, it just may take a bit of research beforehand. If the menu is available online, I try to take a look and see what they offer. Most likely something can easily be modified (e.g. leave off the cheese, no chicken on the salad) or I can make a meal out of side dishes. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make requests! Speak up! The chef may be able to make something not found on the menu, like pasta marinara.

7. Do you ever miss meat/dairy/eggs?
Every once in a while I will miss a specific treat, like creamsicles, M&Ms, or Girl Scout cookies, but there are so many vegan replacements out there and countless numbers of people who spend their time “veganizing” recipes that I really don’t miss them very much! Some of my favorites are Purely Decadent coconut milk ice-creams, Endangered Species dark chocolate, and Luna Bars.

8. What are some surprising non-vegan products?
Some people may be surprised to learn that jello (gelatin), mayonnaise (eggs), Worcestershire sauce (anchovies), and some chewing gums (casein) all contain some animal-derived ingredients. When in doubt, check the label. Once you know what you’re looking for, it becomes easier and quicker to check if a product is “safe” to eat.

9. Do you take any supplements?
Like many people, I take a daily women’s multivitamin. A well-planned diet will deliver all the vitamins and minerals that your body needs to stay healthy and help you keep active, but a multivitamin is always a good idea if you feel like you may be coming up short in some areas.

This may seem like a pretty extreme lifestyle to some people, but the benefits of cutting out meat even just one day a week could help reduce your risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and help you live longer, as well as reduces your carbon footprint.

Interested in learning more? Check out:
Ellen DeGeneres’ Blog
Oprah’s Vegan Starter Kit
Vegan Action

—————————————————————————————–

Ellen Ratliff is a Health Writer at College Lifestyles ™. She is a junior at Michigan State University, majoring in Dietetics with a specialization in Health Promotions. She loves even numbers, the color blue, and spending a night in with friends.

Before You Leave:

Quarters or Card? Many college guidebooks will tell you to gather as many quarters as possible for your laundry machines. But nowadays, you can pay for laundry at many universities with your student ID card. Find out which policy your college follows before you begin scavenging for quarters.

Is your favorite party dress dry clean only? Chances are, you won’t be making the trek to the cleaners very often. Read the tags on your clothes before you go to make sure you’ll be able to clean your expensive digs in the way that they deserve.

Buy a hamper so you can lug your clothes from your dorm to the laundry room and vice versa. Bags are easily stored in closets and easy to carry, while baskets are sturdier and can be stored under beds.

Room Essentials Hamper, $9.99 from Target

In The Laundry Room:

Step 1. The most important part about laundry in college is knowing when to go. Everybody wants to do their laundry on Sunday mornings, which can result in long waiting periods. Find a free chunk of time mid-week and do your laundry then.

Step 2. Separate your clothes by color. Most people do whites, lights (pastels), brights (reds), and darks. Patterned? Turn it inside out and wash with the background color.

You never want to do this. EVER.

Step 3. Zip all zippers to prevent snagging. Empty all your pockets – you don’t want a pen to explode on your clothes, and laundered dollar bills rip easily. And pretreat any stains with a stain remover according to the directions. Kiss Off works on almost everything.

Kiss Off, $10.48 from Buy.com

Step 4. In general, wash your clothes in cold water to save energy and to prevent colors from fading. As for the cycle – most clothes are fine on normal, but check the label. If it’s lingerie or something that is hand wash only, toss it in a mesh bag on the delicate cycle.

Step 5. Make sure you set a timer on your phone, or stay near the washing machine until your laundry is done. Washing machines are a hot commodity, and someone will move your things out of the way to get her own laundry done. Never mind that your clothes are freshly clean and the floor is oh-so-dirty.

Step 6. To line dry your clothes, hang them up in your dorm room on a drying rack for 2-3 days. If they’re taking longer, try blasting them with a hair dryer for 10 minutes.

Whitmor White Foldable Drying Rack, $20 at Walmart

Step 7. Tumble drying your clothes? Make sure to remove the lint first, or it will get onto your clothes. If it grosses you out, use a card to take it out. To stay classy, take the lint out when you’re done.

Step 8. Take your clothes out of the dryer ASAP to avoid wrinkling. Make sure you’ve gotten everything (I always forget something in the dryer) and revel in the wonder of warm, clean, laundry.

Sasha Graffagna is a soon-to-be junior at New York University. A proud sister of Theta Phi Beta, she talks too fast, travels a lot, and loves coffee.

Colors – brighten up your life! These take a little more cultivation than the others because they do flower, but the beautiful results are worth it!

Moth Orchid, Novelty Stripes.

• These plants require bright, indirect light.
• They do not need to be watered frequently, so check to see if the soil is damp before you add more water.

Amaryllis, “Yellow Goddess.”

• These plants also need bright, indirect light.
• Make sure to keep them well-watered so that the soil is always moist.
•  These are seasonal and rest after blooming – but they do bloom again!

Greens – bring the great outdoors, indoors.

Lucky Bamboo.

•  These plants do great in the shade.
• They are sensitive to tap water chemicals, so make sure to leave a cup of water out over night so the chlorine has time to evaporate before you water them, or use bottled water for watering.

Dragon Tree.

• These plants also do well in low levels of light.
• They require moderate watering; if the soil feels a bit dry, it’s time for some water.
• Browning tips means they need more humidity.
• Keep a broom handy to sweep up shed leaves!

Health – these plants not only liven up your space, but also keep your air clean and you healthy!

Chinese Evergreen.

• These do well in most types of light and shade.
• They do well in different temperatures of 60 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
• They only need watered when they feel dry to touch.

English Ivy.

• Direct sunlight is not good for these plants, so they are ideal indoor plants (light makes the leaves pale).
•  These also only need water when they feel dry.
•  Keep the ivy leaves pruned so they do not take over!

Use these tips, and you’ll find that you DO have a green thumb!

Debra Schreiber is a senior at Duquesne University where she studies journalism and Spanish. She loves cake decorating, the Pittsburgh Penguins, the television show So You Think You Can Dance, hitting the gym, and her lovely Alpha Sigma Tau sisters!