CL Secret Santa

Does your Secret Santa gift get a ho ho ho, or an oh no? Not sure? Then let College Lifestyles help YOU pick out the perfect Secret Santa gift this year, whether the gift exchange is between family, friends or sorority sisters!

 

The best Secret Santa gifts are personal.  Really thinking about the other person is the key here. Since you’re only buying for one, you can completely focus on them. This means that unless the person you’re buying for really loves Bath and Body Works’ lotion or Yankee Candle’s incense, try to steer away from something that says “I don’t know you that well but I had to buy something fo you so here’s a box.” Instead…

For family members:

What are your parent’s hobbies? What does your cousin really need? If your dad loves golf, look into a new golf glove or a new driver. If your mom is really stressed out about work, send her to the spa to get a massage or facial. If your cousin needs a new watch, shop the department stores or look online for one in a color he likes.

And, with family, a Secret Santa gift doesn’t always have to be a present that you wrap up in a box and put a bow on top of. Sometimes, especially if you’ve been away at school for a while, the best gift you can give is some of your time. So sign your sister and yourself up at a volunteer center you’re both passionate about, or go and shoot some hoops with your brother – that’s what personal coupons are for!

For sorority sisters:

What does my sorority sister love? Is there anything she collects? Each of us has something we absolutely love and want. Figure out what it is – just don’t ask outright! If she’s a sister you’re not incredibly close with, ask her roomate or another sister for some ideas.

 Is she about to graduate? Then how about a gift that shows how much you care for her and how much you will miss her, like a photo album filled with picture of the two of you and of her with the sorority.

Has she been thinking about purchasing some new letters? Then get some for her. Consider what her favorite colors are, use those, and then pick out a pattern  she likes.

For friends:

Are they going on a study abroad trip next semester? Then buy a notebook and a camera for them to use to record all of their adventures.

Are they just starting college? Then put together a small care package of things that they will want and need.

After you’ve finished thinking, put your ideas into a list and then…

Consider you budget. Is there a minumum or a maximum, or a flexible price zone? Make sure that everyone in the group agrees on it, and then look at your list. Is there something on there that fits the price? If there isn’t, don’t be concernd about going over or under a few bucks.

And remember, gifts cards are not the worst thing on the planet. If there is a store you know they love, go for it.

If you still are not sure about your gift, include a gift receipt. Then, if they really don’t like it, they can return for something they’ll really enjoy.

Also, don’t forget to include a card with the present you are giving, and remember to write a thank you to your Secret Santa!

Debra Schreiber is a returning CL intern from summer 2011. She is a senior at Duquesne University, studying Journalism and Spanish. When she’s not studying, you can usually find her at the gym, reading or catching up on her favorite shows.

12 Days of Christmas Sisterhoods

It’s the greatest time of the year! When everyone is merry, Christmas music is playing everywhere, and Santa is coming to town! Sure, finals are coming up but that doesn’t mean you can’t take a break from the books to have a fun Christmas sisterhood!

Instead of spending 12 days of Christmas singing about partridge trees and five golden rings, try 12 days of sisterhoods!

1. Organize a Secret Santa for your whole chapter! Put all your sisters’ names in a hat and have each one select a name in chapter. Set up a maximum amount that can be sent and set a date to exchange – and try to keep it a secret!

2. Christmas movie night! There are a ton of Christmas movies – make it a marathon!

3. Bake Christmas cookies!

4. Decorate your chapter house together! This could include everything from hanging lights to decorating the tree to making snowflakes and hanging them everywhere.

5. Visit the Santa Clause mall and take a group picture!

6. Go Christmas tree shopping for your chapter house!

7. Set up a Toys-for-Tots on your campus! if one is already set up, have each girl spend a set amount of money and donate it. It will make Christmas special for many children, and make you feel good about yourself too!

8. Decorate/create ornaments!

9. Make a gingerbread house! Messy and loads of sugar – what could be better?

10. Make Christmas cards for soldiers! They would really appreciate the effort and to know they are always being thought of especially during the holiday season.

11. Make your own snow globes! You can give them as gifts to your family, advisor, or big sis! All you need is a clean glass jar, water, and glitter. Check out Martha Stewart’s “How to Create a Snow Globe”

12. Ice skating! Not all of us are professional figure skaters, but its fun to fall with your sisters! Or even organize a big snowball fight. It’s nice to get outside and play in the snow every once and a while!

 

Make sure you don’t stress too much over finals coming up and remember to enjoy every minute with your sisters! I hope you enjoy these ideas. Do you have any fun sisterhoods your chapter has done for Christmas?

 

Sharon Tendler is a junior at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. She is majoring in business marketing and minoring in graphic design. Sharon is a proud sister of Sigma Sigma Sigma. She enjoys hanging out with friends and family, scrapbooking, texting, and watching movies!

CL’s Ideas for Fun and Rewarding Sisterhood Events

Sisterhood, to me, is one of the most important aspects of being in a sorority. Yes, the management of the organization and philanthropic, social and academic success are extremely important but without good sisterhood, your sorority will never excel to its fullest potential. As the first ever sisterhood chair of my chapter of Kappa Delta, 1-year-old Eta Phi, I understand how important it is, and difficult it can be, to plan organized, creative and fun events that sisters will want to attend. In the beginning, everyone was very excited to get to know one another and eager to attend sisterhood events. However, as the year progressed, school, work, extra-curriculars and other time commitments began to get in the way, and it became even more important for me to choose and plan events wisely, keeping the different interests of my sisters in mind always. I’ve outlined some of our past sisterhood events, with what worked and what could have been improved, that can help boost the sisterhood in any chapter across the country…

Sporting Events: I go to school in Boston and, here, the sports teams practically run the city. As one of our big sisterhood events of the semester, I bought a bunch of tickets to a Red Sox game in the beginning of September. The tickets were standing room only, which was kind of a bummer, but were only $25 each. We asked each girl to pay $10 of their ticket and we paid the rest and I had a huge turnout. It turned out to be a fun adventure running around Fenway Park to try and find seats and for a few girls, it was their first time at a game! Even if your city doesn’t have a major sports team, plan a sisterhood event at one of your school’s games – it’s exciting and a good way to show school pride!

Movie Marathons: We aren’t allowed to have houses at our school, so sometimes it’s hard to plan sisterhood events without a big place to call your own. But on a Saturday afternoon last semester, I rented a room on campus with a projector, ordered pizza, brought popcorn and lots of candy and asked girls to bring their favorite movies. We spent the afternoon lazily watching movies and munching on snacks and it was so much fun! If you have a chapter house, it’s even easier: invite all the girls to your family room for a lazy day of bonding.

Walks for Charity: During October, there was a big “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk” that took place right across the river from our school. Even though only 10 girls could take part in the actual walk, everyone chipped in and we ended up raising over $700 in only one week. It was a fun and healthy way to bond with your sisters while helping a really good cause! There are always different walks, 5k’s and marathons going on in your neighborhoods and every little bit counts.

Letter Decorating Party: Especially around big/little week and recruitment, a letter decorating or crafting party is a great way to pull everyone’s creative ideas together in a way that gives you some presents to keep! You can decorate paddles together, tie-dye t-shirts, decorate cups, etc.

 

 

Apple Picking/Pumpkin Picking: Although Fall has sadly flown by, it will come again, so take advantage of everything the season has to offer by going apple picking in the beginning of the year or picking up some pumpkins around Halloween. If you’re close enough in New England to Salem, like we are in Boston, I definitely suggest stopping by during the crazy month of October where you can drink apple cider, visit haunted houses and listen to ghost stories to get you in the true Halloween spirit!

Christmas Tree Lighting: Technically, my chapter hasn’t had this one yet, but jump on it before you miss it! This thursday, we are attending the big Boston Common Christmas Tree Lighting together as our final sisterhood event of the semester. Try to find one happening in your area, whether it’s on campus, in a local park or through a local church. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the Christmas season with your sisters before school and finals get too crazy.

Group Dinners: We have definitely utilized this idea many times throughout the past year…everyone’s got to eat right?! Whether it’s grabbing a bite together before Sunday chapter meetings, planning a fun night out at a local restaurant, or ordering pizza in with all of your sisters, it will be a huge hit each time.

Volunteering: Helping out others is a always a good thing for sororities to keep up with. Whether it’s volunteering at a convalescent hospital, children’s school or soup kitchen, planning a sisterhood event like this is equally as rewarding for you as it is for those you are helping. Knowing that you are making a difference by seeing where your hard work is going is something that your sisters will remember forever as the ultimate bonding experience.

 

Slumber Party: If you have a chapter house, this is a very fun and easy idea. My chapter has a sleepover for our retreat, where we rented out a big dance studio room and slept on the floor, so that is always an option for those without houses too. Rent some chick flicks, paint each other’s nails, do facials, play truth or dare – think back to your slumber party days when you were little! It is the perfect way to get to know the girls you don’t know as well and create a deeper sisterhood bond throughout your whole chapter.

Let us know some of your great sisterhood event ideas by leaving comments below!

 

                                                                                                                                               

Katie Maguire is a junior at Boston University, majoring in Public Relations with a minor in history. She is Sisterhood Chair of Kappa Delta Sorority and loves baking, working out and laughing with her friends!

CL’s Guide to Feuding with Sisters

Unfortunately, sorority life is not all crafting with puffy paint and organizing philanthropies all the time. You become so close to these women …and will sometimes fight with them! It’s sad because these women are supposed to be your support system and your best friends. If you are or have experienced a bit of a feud with your sisters, it’s okay! You are totally not alone! Check out these tips on how to resolve and handle these issues!

Do’s:

• The best thing you can do, and I mean BEST, is do not involve anyone else. We have all experienced the issue when you complain to your BFF and she tells other people. Words get put in your mouth, things get stretched, and fights get worse! Only confide in one person you know you can trust!!
• Do sit down and simply talk. No friends tagging along or distractions in your way. Do it over lunch or coffee.
• Consider the other person’s point of view. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, so take some time away from the feud and really think why they’re acting this way.
• Do remind yourself of why you love your sister. You did not always have an issue with her; think of the good times and why this friendship is worth holding on to.
• If she is hard to talk to, do write a letter (not a text!) It will give you a
  

  Sisterhood is about being there for each other

  chance to say everything you are thinking and feelingwithout her interrupting you. It will help you feel better to get everything off your chest as well. Be warned though, she can and may show other people so don’t put anything you wouldn’t want others to see.

• Do make up before it gets any worse – because it will!
• Be classy, not catty!

Celebrate the Upcoming Holidays with your Sisters

The next few months are filled with holidays and feelings of cheer, gratefulness, sharing and giving.  Some of the best people to share those warm feelings with are your sisters.  Learn how you and your sisters can come together and celebrate the holidays.

Potluck dinner- Have your own Thanksgiving supper on campus.  Whether you have a sorority house or you are using a sister’s house, invite each girl to contribute a certain dish.  To make it more interesting, ask your sisters to use a family recipe or a dish representing their heritage.  It shows that no matter how diverse we are, there is a certain bond that connects us to be grateful for.

Thanks jar- At your meeting this week, pass around a jar and ask each sister to submit what she is thankful or to thank a specific sister for a simple act.  It is a nice reminder to count your blessings and show your appreciation for each other.

Secret Santa- It is unrealistic to buy gifts for your entire chapter, but it is nice if you can give one to at least one sister.  Secret Santa is a great way to get your sorority excited for the holiday.  It also allows girls to be creative and learn more about each other if they are given a sister that they do not really know.  Try to keep it at a $15 limit or DIY because many sisters are on a budget.

Donation Tree- Ask your college activities if you can set up a fake Christmas tree in the student center.  Work with a local shelter or children’s center and ask the children to write down something they want on a paper ornament. Hang the paper ornaments onto the tree and ask the students on campus to take one and buy that gift for the child.  Together, everyone can deliver the gifts for a deserving child.  Philanthropy and spreading the holiday spirit makes everyone closer.

Holiday Party- As a sisterhood event, gather your sisters for a fun holiday party.  Bake holiday themed goods and hand out candy canes.  You can ask your classy guests to dress in holiday colors, or make it more formal with dresses.

Decorating- Deck the halls of your sorority house! Give everyone a project to do, whether it is setting up figures on the lawn or wrapping garland around the staircase.  Play Christmas music to get everyone excited for the holidays.  If your chapter does not have a house, such as mine, do some holiday crafts together, such as wreath decorating or personalizing a Santa hat.

Holiday Show- Find a nearby show that celebrates the holidays.  Look for a reenactment of the nativity in a local community.  Even if a sister does not celebrate Christmas she can still appreciate the presentation.  My college offers trips to New York City and every year tickets to the Christmas Spectacular.  Look at theaters and cities close to campus to see what is offered and take a fun trip there together.

We want everyone to remember the importance of the holiday spirit.  How do you and your sisters celebrate the holidays?

 

Nicole is a CL intern who goes to Marist College.  She is a Communications major with a concentration in Journalism and PR.  Nicole is a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma, Marist Ambassadors, and Communication Arts Society.  She enjoys running and hanging out with her sorority sisters and friends.

CL Guide: How to Plan a Kentucky Derby Days Party

It may not be time for Derby Days but it never hurts to prepare early, right? Or if you’re really in the mood to be classy, just throw a Derby Days party for the heck of it! CL is here to help you plan the ultimate party, no matter what time of the year!

What To Wear

The most important part of your ensemble is the hat! Derby goers typically wear a large-brimmed hat with lots of frills that draw attention (in a good way, of course), and are tilted to one side. Plan your outfit around the hat.

The dress code for this event is business casual. Women should wear dresses or pant suits, and men should wear collared shirts- jackets are optional.

How To Decorate

If the party is outside use a red and white checkered tablecloth on a picnic table outside. If you can’t wait until its warm to host your party, decorate a table inside and bring the warm weather to you! Garnish the tables with spring flowers or roses (real or fake). If you happen to have any knick-knacks lying around, feel free to use them for a more festive atmosphere!

 

 

What to Serve

Classic Mint Julep

Ingredients

• 3 fresh mint leaves
• 1 tablespoon of mint syrup
• Crushed ice
• 1 ½ tablespoons bourbon (or ice tea for a virgin drink)
• Cocktail straw
• 1 fresh mint sprig

Grind mint leaves into a chilled julep cup. Pack the cup tight with ice and drizzle syrup over it, and then pour the bourbon. Insert the straw, place the mint sprig right next to the straw. Serve with a smile.

Country Ham and Biscuits

Ingredients

• Frozen tea biscuits
• Thin slices of country ham
• Flavored butter and mustard blends

Bake the frozen tea biscuits and fill with country ham that has been browned in a hot skillet 1 or 2 minutes on each side. Guests can dip their biscuits with their choice of flavored butter or mustard blends.

For more recipes check out Southern Living’s Guide to Kentucky Derby Recipes.

What’s your favorite themed party? Are there other dishes you would share at a Derby Days party?

Chelsea Hay is a junior at the University of North Dakota majoring in Communications. She is a proud sister of Alpha Chi Omega, and loves hanging out with friends, reading, laughing, and going to hockey games!

DIY Sorority Gifts for anyone, anytime

With so many sisters, it seems like a savvy sorority girl always needs to come up with a good, inexpensive gift.  Whether it is for initiation, Big/Little week, graduation or the upcoming holidays, there are many DIY gifts to use.  So gather your markers, glitter, brushes and paint and get ready to create.

Jewelry box:  Go to a craft store and buy a wooden jewelry box.  Some even have frames that you can put pictures of you and your sisters into.  A jewelry box is perfect for a chic co-ed because it holds all of your dearest treasures, including your sorority pins and lavalieres.

 

Wine glasses: Personalized wine glasses are fun and classy.  Write your sister’s name on it and decorate it with her favorite colors using fabric paint.  Add a few gems to glam it up.

Picture frames:  With the amount of pictures taken within the sorority, frames are always practical.  On the frames you can include your sorority’s name, motto, “big and little,” sisters or your favorite sisterhood quote.  Show your sister what she means to you.

Bracelets:  Bracelet making can be a lot more sophisticated than it was at camp.  Find beads that fit your sister’s personality and string them on thin wire instead of string.  Make it your sorority colors to keep it symbolic of your sisterhood.

Mirror:  When your sister looks in the mirror, encourage her to do so with a smile.  Painting her a mirror and personalizing it with her favorite things and the sorority reminds her of her support system.  Encourage Beauty by Confidence.

Ornament:  Ornaments comply with the holiday season, but they can also be kept up all year.  Find a cut out of your sorority’s mascot at a craft store and decorate it.  Or purchase a clear ornament.  With a brush, apply a coat of glue.  Apply cut up tissue paper carefully to the wet ornament.  Place another coat of clear glue and let dry.  It creates a unique, creative ornament!

Painted canvas:  Purchase a small canvas and paint a sisterhood quote, your sorority’s letters or your sorority’s mascot.  It is a thoughtful room decoration for your sister.

Clipboard: Is your sister the president of your sorority?  Or is she just very busy with her schedule?  Buying a plain clipboard, or desk organizer, and painting it can make her bland everyday tool a cute accessory.

Pillow:  If you are crafty or you want to try your backstitch, make a monogrammed pillow.  Cut two 8″x8″ pieces of felt.  Cut a large letter shape from a different colored felt.  Center the letter on a piece of felt and backstitch in place using thread.  Backstitch around the 8″x8” felt with the letter, working ¼” in from the edge, using thread.  Using running stitch and thread, stitch the front and back together, placing your stitches close to the backstitch line. Add the fiberfill before closing.

Mug:  Help your sister start the day right with a personalized mug.  Most mugs can be decorated on with permanent markers or paint.  It can be sentimental, witty or cute!

When it comes to DIY gifts there are many options to choose from.  Pick a gift that you will have fun making because your sister will enjoy receiving it.  Remember to always add the personal CL lady touch!

A CL How To: Get Close To Your New Pledges!

It’s that time of year again! New members are being brought into your sorority and that leaves you with a big job–geting to know them. I understand that some chapters are much larger than others but, none the less learning the basic information of each girl is still important. CL is here to give you tips on how to bond with your new classy members.

1. Grab A Meal- Everyone has got to eat so why not invite a few (or all) of your new girls to dinner with some of the sisters? Not only would it make them feel special and welcome but you can learn a lot about a person when eating with them. You don’t even have to leave campus, just hit the dining hall!

2. Make Yourself Available- When you’re meeting them for the first time make it a point to tell them you’re always willing to talk if they need it. If you’re comfortable enough give them your cell number and get theirs. Randomly shoot them a text asking about their day. It will mean more to them then you know and it opens the doors of communication!

3. Take a Sister Date- On any night, get a few of the sisters and a few new members together and get off campus for a few hours. You can do anything from eating to the movies or even bowling. Making the extra effort will mean a lot to the girls and it will bond your sisterhood.

4. Be Involved- Simply beign around at sorority events and chapter cna help bring you closer to your new members. Not only will you bond with your new members but you will bond with your fellow sisters. You joined a sorority to be involved so get out there and do some good!

There are numerous ways to get close to your members–these are just a few. Reaching out ot your new girls will show how much you care and will make them feel welcome. Bringing in new members is essential to the life of  your sorority and the new members will one day be the face of your organization. Making them feel welcome and getting them to fall in love with your sorority is the goal of pledging. Just take a few minutes out of your day for them and good is bound to follow!

Brooke Mendoff is a sophomore at Duquesne University studying Integrated Marketing Communications and is a proud sister of Alpha Sigma Tau. She is OBSESSED with: orange soda, the Washington Capitals, Victoria’s Secret, Mexican food, her friends and family and the color purple.

CL’s Guide to Weekend Getaways on a Budget!

With all of the tests, assignments, events, sorority functions, boys, and drama that comes with the life of a college student, it can be overwhelming, and sometimes we just need a break from it all! Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway with your honey or a fun sisterhood weekend with the ladies you love the most, CL can direct you in the right direction with new ideas for weekend getaways on a budget. Here are four savvy vacations to ponder the next time you’re thinking about taking a little time off from life.

Ski Trips

Ski trips are a great weekend getaway during the winter! Find a ski resort close to where you live, and prepare for a weekend of fun! When you book your reservation, make sure you mention that it is a group of students because they just might give you discount. You can ski, snowboard, sit around a campfire, and enjoy the company surrounding you. Even if you don’t like the sport, it can still be a fun event that will allow you to explore a new place.

Water Parks

Water park resorts can be a wonderful way to relax. A weekend at Wisconsin Dells is a perfect example of a fun getaway! If this location is unreachable, there are plenty of other resorts just like this one! You can play at the park during the day, and relax at night in the hotel room or hit up the hot tub. This visit can be as romantic or as rowdy as you would like it to be. Either way, it is a guarantee everyone involved will have a fabulous time!

Big City

If you live in a small town and you need a rest, try something different and go to the nearest big city. Book a hotel, or even a hostel to save some cash, and enjoy city life! Shopping at the boutiques, dining at exotic restaurants, and of course, the fantastic nightlife at clubs, cafes, and museums. This would be a classy and fabulous girls weekend that will revive everyone’s spirits from college life.

Lakeshore Cabin

Contrary to the getaway above, if you live in a large city, perhaps a trip to lakeshore cabin or hotel would allow for you to unwind. Take a break from you’re hectic life, and enjoy the peace and quiet of the wilderness. Going on boat rides, grilling or roasting food, and cuddling up next to a bonfire will definitely put you at ease of your current life stresses. This would be the ultimate romantic trip to bond with your honey!

The best way to de-stress is to take yourself out of the situation, and in most cases that means leaving the physical environment of which you are stressed. Every college student is strained about one thing or another, and what better way to be relieved of those worries than by going on a mini-getaway on a college friendly budget. It’s a great chance to get away from real life for a little bit, and bond with the people you love.

Where do you go to de-stress?

Chelsea Hay is a junior at the University of North Dakota majoring in Communications. She is a proud sister of Alpha Chi Omega, and loves hanging out with friends, reading, laughing, and going to hockey games!

 

CL Girl’s Night In: Movie Party

We all appreciate a night in where we can relax with the girls.  One of the best ways to do so is with a Movie Party.  Whether it is a brand new movie or one that is tried and true, everyone can get excited over a movie night.  CL is here to help with essentials for a movie party.

Old fashioned popcorn holders:  With, of course, popcorn in it.  It gives the old movie theater feel that everyone loves.

Decorated cupcakes:  Bake cupcakes together and decorate them with themes from your movie.

Chips and Dip: Simply a party must.

Glass Soda Bottles: Another aspect that gives off an old fashioned feel.

Movie Trivia:  At the end of the movie, compile a list of questions based off the movie.  Split up into groups and see who was paying attention.  Winners get goodie bags!

Costumes:  Have your guests dress up in character!  They can dress up as someone in the movie’s time period or as a specific character.

Decorations: No decoration can be too cheesy for a movie night! Put up cutouts of movie reels, clapboards and scenes from the movie.  Hang red and black crepe paper and rope lights to give off a movie theater feel.

Movie:  With so many movie options, what do you choose?  Know your fabulous guests, do they appreciate comedy over romance, are they thrill-seekers?  Some movies that can be used to create a fun theme are Pirates of the Caribbean (pirates), A League of their Own (baseball), Legally Blonde (pink, sororities and law), The Lion King (childhood memories and the jungle), 27 Dresses (any outrageous dress), Harry Potter (witchcraft and wizardry) and Grease (Pink Ladies and T-Birds).

Movie Party nights are a great way to relax and have fun with your girls.  What are some of your favorite movies to watch?

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