GG Recap: ‘The Backup Dan’ #NeedsToBackDown

*SPOILER ALERT*

Last week on Gossip Girl, we saw the royal runaway have to resort to her backup plan, which happened to be have curly hair, be an author, reside in Brooklyn, and be one of the many people she used to hate–Dan Humphrey. “The Backup Dan” picked up right where last week’s exciting episode left off, with everyone searching for the missing bride and the newly revealed Gossip Girl finding new schemes to bring up the websites sinking views. Maybe last week’s surprising comeback was too much of a turn over to follow through with a strong 101st episode, because this week’s episode seemed really disconnected and almost a waste of an hour. Dan tries to rescue Blair from the horrible accented Grimaldis, meanwhile Serena and Chuck are frantically searching for her too. Of course Dan doesn’t think to tell Serena that he is with her, because he wants to be the only knight in shining armor for Blair (who is one confused girl).  Lastly, surprise, surprise Georgina actually isn’t Gossip Girl but is just a wannabe. The episode sadly ends with Blair smiling for the paparazzi with Louis; apparently being in a fake marriage is better than buying your way out of one. Making Blair into a hot commodity (literally) is turning me and many other viewers off. Does anyone else agree that the whole “who is Blair going to end with” storyline needs to come to an end? What ever happened to Diana? What’s going to happen with Lola? Dan needs to find a girl outside of the infamous “Inside.” Chuck and Blair just need to be together, and the evil Grimaldis need to take the next flight to Monaco. They are #NotWanted.

To mix things up a bit, I thought it would be fun to recap the uneventful episode with a Backup Dan Twitterfeed! #CheckItOut #Tweethearts

Looks like Serena and her real cousin are getting in some bonding time. #ProjectFindTheRunawayBride

Prince Louis may not have been left at the altar, but the honeymoon seems to be over before it began. #GG

Looks like everyone wants to know where the royal bride ran to, but will they find her in time? #AllOverTheMap

Researching divorce laws? #FirstSign to not get married. Come on Blair! For a student accepted into Colombia, you sure need to think deeper. #Duh

Looks like Lonely Boy is fleeing Princess B to Santo Domingo. #HelloFreedom?

Why wouldn’t Princess B be smart enough to get out of her royal dress?! #CallHerASoreThumb

“They do give credit to people from Brooklyn, right?” Spoken like a true royal. Or at least a Manhattan one. #QueenBsBack

You can run and you can hide but Princess B beware, Gossip Girl has eyes everywhere! #OrDoesShe?

Only Blair would use a tabloid to prove her identity. #PrincessProblems

Dorota to the rescue. #WhatsNew

Looks like Serena’s prince charming is acting as someone else’s #Shady Who else is already over #Dair? S is about to be.

Chuck is beginning to realize it’s over? #NOOOOOOOOOO GG writers need to stop prolonging the inevitable. #FrusturatedFan

Apparently, Lily and Rufus have the #MovesLikeJagger. Too bad they’re not #BringingSexyBack or anything for that matter. #UselessCharacters

If Blair decides to use her birth right of making a choice, a decision of her own, that would mean her family would have to pay dowry to the Grimaldis. Nice touch GG writers. First, Chuck and a hotel. Now either Blair’s hand in marriage for a year or the entire Waldorf business. Apparently Blair is #OneHotCommodity…too bad that’s all she is made out to be. #WomenAreNotProperty

Looks like even Nate Archibald can chill out with a cool beer…or not #TroubleInParadise

Nothing mixes Blue and Bougie like a classic cool beer, right? #WrongAgain For those of you hoping for a Lola lala’s Nate, you’re going to have to wait. #TroubleIntheArch

Dair spotted getting comfy on New York airport benches? #FromNobilitytoNobody

Getting her the help she needs equates locking a girl into tall towers. #DorotaSpeaksTruth At least someone else can sense the lack of agency for women on this show. #GG writers get it together!

 Anyone notice Georgina’s exquisite vocabulary during the episode? Looks like the #GG in her is oozing out… #Cunning or #Counterfeit ?

 Knock, knock. Whose interrupting Dair’s not-so-cute married-couple fight? It’s understood that the two may be more than friends, but their conversations throughout the episode were too forced. #FullHouse has retired people.

“I’m not just anyone. I’m her bestfriend.” *Camera falls out* Oh, how quickly the tables can turn. S behind the destructive device that caused the noble nuptuials to nosedive into the deep end? #The[friend]ShipThatKeepsRocking

Does Lily feel the family connection with dear old Lola. #LooksLikeIt

 Gossip Girl tipped out the Grimaldis? Or shall we say, Georgina. What is her motive? Because if her motive is to ruin Blair’s marriage, it wouldn’t persay, be hurting B. Where’s the #DivineIntervention now?

 Princess or pauper? Blair has a #toughie to make!

Dan wants to be a night in shining armor for just one Upper East Side Queen. Looks like the truth hurts, especially when the look isn’t towards you. #PoorS

 Chuck once again is willing to do anything for his one true love. But Blair thinks they won’t be on an equal playing field if he has to buy her love. Understanding, but would she really rather spend a year with someone who is using her than get help from someone who is willing to do anything for her? B fails to see that love is being selfless, and by allowing Chuck to save her she’s paying him back in a way money never could. #ANNOYING #JUSTSTOP #OVERIT #IWILLMARRYCHUCK

 It’s apparent that Dan cares about Blair more than Louis? But just as friends. #NiceObservationSweetheart #WelcometotheFriendZone

 Does Lola want to be in Nate’s crazy world? Oh wait, she’s already in it. She was born into it. #BougieBaby

 A year of Princess B with Prince Louis? What is this whirlwind wedding turning into? First a swept away miscarriage, and now a forced marriage. I’m not liking the sound of this. #GiveBlairMorePower

 According to #GG, Blair’s lucky her prison is a palace. But innocent loneliness in a palace is worse than guilty living in a prison.

Looks like there’s a faux Gossip Girl taking over Manhattan. Georgina, get off your high horse, we all know you’re not good (or bad) enough to be her. #ImposterOnTheRun

 But most secrets make excellent blackmail material. Looks like Dan is the clueless culprit of the nasty GG post. #WhoDunIt

 Next time on “Crazy, Cupid, Love” Nate throws an infamous party, a Valentine’s Day party for all the cute couples on the show (joke!). Looks like Dan is asked to make his move. The question is whose heart is his arrow piercing? Looks like we have a traditional S vs. B war on the field. Check out exclusive photos from next week’s war on love below, the promo here, and come back next week for the top 5 OMG/UGHs of the episode!

xoxo Sunny

Sana Ashraf is a fashion writer and fashion show intern and is a junior at the University of Michigan. Sana loves reading fashion magazines, shopping sprees, city lights, color coordinated closets, and all four seasons.

The Bachelor (Week 6)

In Week 6 of The Bachelor, the contestants continue to bash Courtney, undoubtedly the villainess of the season. Most girls are more concerned with sending her home without a rose than furthering their relationships with Ben Flajnik, a winemaker from Sonoma. Courtney has adopted the attitude of the front-runner. She believes her relationship with Ben is the strongest, and it very well may be considering her and Ben’s “intimate moment” of skinny-dipping in Puerto Rico last week. Their relationship continues to grow this week as Ben’s group date with the girls turns more into a one-on-one date with Courtney. The two spend the majority of the date, in which the group dresses up with an Embera Tribe, dancing together. This infuriates many of the girls, who, instead of attempting to form their own connections with Ben, criticize Courtney for being “aggressive” and scheme to send her home.

 

Ben also shares a romantic one-on-one date with Kacie B., unquestionably a viewer favorite. Ben takes the 24 year old from Tennessee to their own private island. She is told to bring three things with her on the date. Her choices—a stuffed monkey, a corkscrew, and a bag of candy—reveal her young age and careless attitude. Kacie, who is the first contestant to have a second one-on-one date with Ben, opens up to him about her eating disorder in high school. This brings the two closer together, forming a bond Courtney and the other girls should definitely be concerned about.

 

Lastly, Ben takes Rachel and Blakely on the dreaded two-on-one date. In this situation, “there are two girls and one rose—one stays and one goes.” After receiving the date card, Rachel immediately becomes nervous and dreads the date while Blakely is overly confident and excited about it. Maybe that is her downfall. Blakely, although opening up to Ben in a way she claims she never has before, is tragically sent home.

 

Week 6 wraps up with the dramatic exit of Casey B., who admits to being in love with her ex boyfriend from home after questioned by Chris Harrison, and the dismissal of Jamie in the rose ceremony. As always, week 6 is a very eventful episode—perhaps “the most dramatic in Bachelor history.”

 

-Katie O’Brien

“G.G.”: A Toast to 100 Episodes with a Royal Roast

*SPOILER ALERT*

We have watched our precious preppy Upper East-siders transform into budding brides and lavished lads, so it would only make sense for the 100th episode to highlight their growth.

Growth for the characters, however, hasn’t revealed growth for the show, and Gossip Girl gurus have been patiently awaiting a record-making comeback. With Blair’s wedding on deck, “G.G.” had a royal opportunity to redeem itself for its second-rate scheming. Lucky for die-hard fans like myself, this week’s episode played out as if it were 2007, complete with shocking twists and revolting revelations.

For this week’s recap, I thoroughly thought out techniques to summarize all of the emotions that swept over me during an hour of nail biting and edging to the end of your seat. How could I describe the sense of relief as Serena rushed to Chuck to reveal the highly dramatic reason for Blair’s change of heart (the pathetic pact Blair had made with her acquaintance upstairs)? How could I describe the excitement of the royal roast as Gossip Girl’s Blair Blast interrupted the ceremonial bliss? How could I describe the sense of utter contempt as Louis and Blair said “I do” and cut their hideous wedding cake together? How could I describe the shocking pangs of excitement as Louis finally added something meaningful to the plot? How could I explain the sadness I felt as Dan pulled up the getaway car for the royal runaway? And lastly, how could I explain the confusion as Gossip Girl’s identity was revealed so suddenly, without warning?

I realized why not let our favorite socialites do the talking. Here are some of this week’s most memorable quotes!

Gossip Girl: ”Once upon a time, Princess B was a virgin queen and her king was named Archibald. Who would have thought that in just five short years she would turn that headband into a tiara for real?”

Celebrating the present goes hand-in-hand with taking a look back at the past. You can’t be thankful for today if you don’t look at the journey you took to get here, which is why this line was fabulously fresh yet totally in line with Gossip Girl tradition. Witty and memorable, Gossip Girl reminds viewers that Queen B of Constance Billard School is now the soon to be Princess B of Monaco. Her king Archibald is a nice lead into Nate’s storyline for the episode, which was reflecting on his pathetic love life over the past few years. Too bad his new love interest is still in the inner circle of Upper East side drama (the real Charlie Rhodes)—they just can’t seem to get away can they?

 

Chuck Bass: ”I can’t allow you to destroy Blair’s wedding. You think because I love her, I want her all to myself, but I’m not that man anymore. I just want her to be happy, and if marrying Louis will do that for her, that’s what’s going to happen.”

Here’s a toast to “I’m Chuck Bass.” He had a few good years as the guy you love to hate, but I think I love him more as the guy you love to love. After pouring his heart out to B, professing that the one person who loves him is standing right next to him (for the millionth time), we finally get to see the changed Chuck Bass. Yes. I miss the devious, scheming Chuck, but there is something maturely manly about Manhattan’s most not-so-eligible bachelor. His selflessness reveals a true love that makes him that more attractive. Though if there were any time for Chuck to be selfish, this would be the time. GG fans can’t just chuck Chuck, and Blair can’t either.

 

Georgina Sparks: “Bless us, Father. I have a feeling we’re about to sin.”

Making the top of any list in the Upper East Side is a big deal, and for Georgina Sparks, taking the number one slot on Manhattan’s Elite Enemy list is exactly where she wants to be. Little did we know, Georgina’s competition for the number one enemy is none other than herself—Gossip Girl! The episode had to end with a bang, and with a bang it did. The revelation that Georgina is Gossip Girl is a little hard to believe. But that’s another conversation. Georgina utters these sweetly devilish words as she’s dressed in Father Carvallia’s cassock, or better yet the “divine intervention costume.” The elevator doors close, and the suspense lingers. Although Georgina isn’t my favorite character, her return definitely stirs the plot pot up. And with Jesus on her side (apparently, he owes her one) I really had no good guesses for what would happen next. The last thing I expected was Georgina to be typing the latest GG post. My guess? The writers are trying to throw us off, and Georgina is just really good at being really bad (a hacker perhaps). Guess we won’t be saying au revoir to Georgina for a while.

 

Serena: “I know that it scares you, and I know that it’s a risk. But don’t enter into a false life just because you’re afraid to face your real one.”

After the odd opening musical number with Serena starring as Marilyn Monroe and Blair filling in the shoes of Audrey Hepburn, I didn’t know what to think. I’ve analyzed television shows enough to know there was a little bit of foreshadowing, but in what way? Was Serena truly looking out for BFF Blair? After years of stupid decisions and failed relationships, Serena finally learns that you can’t lie to anyone about the way you truly feel. Whether it scares you or not, you have to be true to yourself. The heart-felt scene between the long-time lovebirds reveals a sense of maturity S rarely is known for. She is the friend that every girl needs, the friend that tells it like it is. “But maybe the pact is just an excuse to protect yourself from the messiness and uncertainty of a life with the man you really love.” Of course, Blair’s precious pact is more important than any advice from the people who care about her. She follows through with the over-the-top wedding, which includes hats on the guest list, and in turn, has to learn the hard way. As for the aforementioned foreshadowing, Serena’s musical dream includes a scene where she grabs Dan the one person she “keeps coming back to” but Dan rejects her for Blair. Nice touch GG writers. Once again, Serena puts herself out there and loses in the battlefield of love to none other than her best friend Queen B, er shall I say, Princess B. Oh, the irony.

Louis: “From now on, there is nothing between us but a contract. Our marriage is all for show. And you’re going to put on the best damn show anyone ever has. You’ll smile for cameras; stand by my side and wave like, like you don’t have a care in the world. And when we are alone, we’ll be like strangers to one another. And that will stay this way until I say its over.”

Eek. Seriously, this scene makes me shiver. Every bone in my body tensed up as Louis danced with his pretty princess, but whispered words of a mad man. A powerful mad man. Although I hate everything about Louis, including his terrible acting skills, I must say if this was the episode for him to actually evoke emotions from GG watchers, he succeeded. By far the best twist of the night for me. It was totally out of character for Louis, but very well scripted and perfectly executed. At least Blair had it in her to call her savior for help–too bad it still isn’t Chuck. You lucky, lucky Dair fans.

There is so much to look forward to for next week’s episode. Has Georgina been Gossip Girl all along? If you ask actress Michelle Trachtenberg, she’ll tell you she has no idea.

“I knew the 100th episode would end with a bang, but definitely didn’t expect that!” Michelle told US Weekly. She also said that it was probably a really big surprise for her cast mates since “big secret” scripts are only given out to the people involved in the scenes.

Are Dair fans in for a treat, while Chair fans have to angrily throw their towels in? How is Serena going to react to Blair’s Back-Up Plan having to do with Dan?  Here’s a sneak peak into the drama. See you next week!

Xoxo Sunny

Sana Ashraf is a fashion writer and fashion show intern and is a junior at the University of Michigan. Sana loves reading fashion magazines, shopping sprees, city lights, color coordinated closets, and all four seasons.

A CL Bite-Size Thanksgiving Recipe Twist

These quick and easy bite-size Thanksgiving-themed recipes are sure to be the hit of the party! Try them out to impress all of your party guests and to use your creativity in the kitchen.

 

 

Mini Cornbread Puddings (Courtesy of marthastewart.com)

Ingredients

• Butter, room temperature, for pan
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 cups sour cream
• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen corn kernels, thawed and patted dry

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees, with rack in upper third. Butter 24 mini muffin cups; set aside. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
2. Make a well in center of flour mixture. In well, whisk together egg, sour cream, and corn. Mix with flour mixture just until incorporated (do not overmix).
3. Dividing evenly, spoon batter into prepared muffin pan. Bake until tops have browned and a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean, 10 to 15 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes in pan; turn out onto a cooling rack. Serve, or cool completely and store at room temperature in an airtight container, up to 2 days.

Pumpkin Pie Bites (Courtesy of bakerella.com)

Ingredients

• 2 refrigerated ready-to roll pie crusts
• 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate morsels
• Vegetable oil

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Use cookie cutter to cut 12 pumpkin shapes from each pie crust. You will need to roll the dough thinner than it comes out of the box.
3. Press dough shapes into a 24-cup mini muffin tray. (Make 12 at a time, alternating cups to make sure pie crusts don’t overlap each other.)
4. Apply egg whites from one egg to the top edges of each pie.
5. Mix cream cheese, sugar, canned pumpkin, remaining 2 eggs, vanilla and pumpkin pie spice together until thoroughly combined.
6. Spoon mixture into each pumpkin-shaped pie crust.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes.
8. Remove pies to cool and repeat with second pie crust. Place the muffin tray in the freezer to cool it quickly for re-use. Keep refrigerated.

Turkey Cranberry Pinwheels (Courtesy of pillsbury.com)

Ingredients

• 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls or 1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® Crescent Recipe Creations® refrigerated seamless dough sheet
• 4 tablespoons cranberry chutney (from 9.4-oz jar) or whole berry cranberry sauce (from 16-oz can)
• Thinly sliced left-over turkey breast
• 2/3 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Directions

1. Heat oven to 375°F. Spray large cookie sheet with cooking spray.
2. If using crescent rolls: Unroll dough; press into 12×8-inch rectangle, firmly pressing perforations to seal. If using dough sheet: Unroll dough; press into 12×8-inch rectangle.
3. Spread cranberry chutney on top of rectangle, within 1/4 inch of edges. Arrange sliced turkey evenly over cranberry chutney.
4. Sprinkle shredded cheese over sliced turkey.
5. Starting with longest side, roll up; pinch long side to seal. With serrated knife, cut into 24 slices.
6. Place cut side down on cookie sheet and bake 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
7. Remove from cookie sheets. Serve warm.

Meaghan O’Connor is a Writer/Social Media intern at College Lifestyles (TM) and is a Communications/International Relations major at the University of Michigan. She is a proud member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority and is known for her big heart and big dreams.

 

CL Talks to Owners of Online Chocolate Store, Savorique!

 

Chocolate seems to be one of those items that many people want to indulge in, but don’t think they can. After chatting about all things chocolate with Stephan and Fred from online chocolate store Savorique,  CL knows that there’s no reason to deny yourself of such a delectable treat! (Just make sure to indulge in dark, fine chocolate, as milk chocolate contains all of the sugar and artificial ingredients that you don’t want to consume.)

If you’re hungry for some gourmet, chocolatey sweets, look no further than to Savorique.com!

College Lifestyles: Tell College Lifestyles a little bit about Savorique. How did you and Fred come up with the name Savorique and how long has it been in business? 

Stephan and Fred: Savorique.com is an online store that evolved from a blog in 2008. We wanted an original name that sounded elegant, different, unique, gourmet and fun: Savorique = Savor+Magnifique!

What sets it apart is that all the items you can purchase have been tried, curated, and vetted by us. They have organic or natural ingredients, are made by artisans or in small batches, or are otherwise good for you. And they always have beautiful packaging that are great for gifts.

CL: Do you and Fred have plans of expanding Savorique? 

S&F: Savorique started with chocolate, and we have already expanded to cakes and cookies, coffee and tea, condiments… We definitely plan on continuing to expand by adding cookware and dinnerware so that our customers can prepare meals from the products we offer.

CL: Have you [Stephan] always been a lover of chocolate?

S: I grew up in France, so I do have a certain appreciation for gourmet foods including chocolate. Chocolate is actually good for you–it has a healthy amount of antioxidants, flavonols, and other micro-elements.

CL: What’s so special about the taste of fine chocolate?

F: Fine chocolate is like wine. It’s an interesting, complex food with as many flavor profiles as there are areas where the cocoa is grown. You may very well smell or taste a subtle berry aftertaste when eating a chocolate bar. Sometimes, you’ll taste caramel or light smoked wood, even though their is none added into the chocolate! And chocolate is so versatile–you can pair it with the most amazing (and unexpected) foods to make it taste unbelievable: peanut butter, bacon, chai tea, spices, olive oil, or wine.

CL: What are Savorique’s best sellers?

S&F: People love the Squirrel Brand Nuts because of its taste and presentation. They can be found in a gift box and as a refill. And a new addition is getting a lot of attention: Ginger Syrup from Brooklyn and Dark Maple Syrup. To keep in touch with our additions, I recommend our mailing-list, Facebook and Twitter page.

CL: Do you [Stephan] have a favorite brand of chocolate that’s sold in Savorique?

S: We offer more than a thousand products, so it is difficult to have favorites! I personally recommend Knipschildt which is a great value with wonderful confections and bars at an affordable price. You can also find fun bars from Bloomsberry and single origin bars from Cacao Atlanta.

CL: Which items would be the best to give to someone as a gift?

S: For a gift that stays around for some time, I’d go for hot chocolate, especially Gnosis Passion Elixir. And for something fun that disappears instantly, the marshmallows don’t stand a chance.

CL: What would you two say to college students who would never consider trying caviar–don’t knock it ’till you try it?

S&F: The best strategy in order to not feel guilty about spending on caviar is to offer it to parents for the holidays or for a homecoming weekend and enjoy it together. You can make or buy blinis, spread an optional dab of whipped cream, and add the caviar on top–delicious.

CL: What is a recipe that college students can whip up in their apartment (or with a microwave in a dorm, if possible). Drinks? Brownies? You decide!

F: Here’s an amazingly simple, quick, and affordable recipe for a Peanut Butter Cup that involves only two ingredients: chocolate and peanut butter.

1. Get a quality chocolate bar because they have the right amount of cocoa butter that makes it creamy and smooth when it melts.
2. Melt the chocolate in the microwave.
3. Pour a layer of melted chocolate in a paper cup, let it cool and harden, then spread a generous amount of peanut butter.
4. Cover it with more melted chocolate to make a chocolate and peanut butter sandwich in the cup.
5. Let the cup cool again, or stick in the fridge if you can’t wait!

As always, stay happy and healthy, CL readers!

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.

CL Party Planner: A Halloween Party Checklist

Channel your inner witch, ghost or goblin this Halloween season! Remember the days when door-to-door trick-or-treating was an event to be remembered all year long? Your classic princess or fairy costume from elementary school may not fit anymore, but you can still have a little fun of your own in college this holiday season! Here’s a quick and easy checklist to help you plan the perfect party in no time.

1. Invitations

These easy and eye-catching online invitations from Martha Stewart take only seconds to create and send to all of your friends. Impress guests with your creativity and let them know when/where the party is at so they can plan ahead!

2. Food & Drink

Try a few new recipes to flaunt your culinary skills—for a mature take on Halloween sweets, try making Candy Corn & Pretzel White Chocolate Bark or Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting. Both treats will satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. Offer simple Green Goblin Punch for a quick and easy mocktail (Sprite and Limeade) alongside hot apple cider or hot chocolate.

3. Décor

You can never go wrong with classic pumpkin décor at a Halloween party. Spice up traditional pumpkins by painting on fun designs, adorning them in glitter or attaching popular candy treats in unique patterns. Decorate your tables with creative, artsy centerpieces and themed accessories. Spread a few cobwebs on the staircase or in the windowsills to complete the look with relatively little time and effort.

4. Games & Activities

Make your party interactive with a few fun classics: Bobbing for Apples and Doughnuts on a String. These games will turn any social gathering into a fun-filled blast from the past. To encourage lively competition, offer prizes for the individual who can retrieve an apple or eat an entire doughnut the fastest.

5. Music

Nothing can set the mood like a few holiday tunes or creepy background music. This ‘Spooky Scary Sounds’ Halloween soundtrack from Martha Stewart Living is the perfect complement to an eerie evening—just be sure to warn your guests that things may get a little frightening!

6. Fun!

Although party planning can be stressful, just remember that holiday gatherings are meant to be fun and exciting. In the end, what matters most is that your guests enjoy themselves and that you can reconnect with friends and family.

Photo Credits: www.marthastewart.com and www.realsimple.com

Meaghan O’Connor is a Writer/Social Media intern at College Lifestyles (TM) and is a Communications/International Relations major at the University of Michigan. She is a proud member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority and is known for her big heart and big dreams.

Intern Dish – Dessert Anyone?

‘Sugar and Spice with Everything Nice!’ I must say a great description for the classy ladies of College Lifestyles, and this week, I wanted to dive into the sweet side of our interns.  Desserts are a part of our life!  If we are enjoying alone or with our ‘besties,’ desserts always bring a warm smile to our face and a warm fuzzy to our hearts!  (And of course, I divulge my favorite dessert!)

Does your favorite dessert match our interns?

Hazelnut gelato, banana cream pie, or banana nutella crepes mmmm!

~Aliza V

Fat Free Vanilla Yogurt with LOTS of sprinkles from Baskin Robbins!

~Sarah F

My favorite dessert is…peanut butter pie!  But honestly I LOVE anything with peanut butter, chocolate peanut butter ice cream, reese’s peanut butter cups, and peanut butter sundaes with chocolate ice cream and whip cream!

~Stephanie C

My favorite dessert is sticky toffee pudding!

~Meredith T

My favorite dessert is..anything vanilla or white chocolate. Not a big

milk or dark chocolate fan but white chocolate mmm I could eat it ALL

the time!

~Erin P

My favorite dessert is definitely ice cream! I could eat it at any time of the day or night! My favorite flavor is either piece of cake or cookie dough!

~Becky

Anything with fruit in it. I have an ice cream maker & I loooove making peach froyo!

~Kathryn

Graeter’s Ice Cream from Cincinnati…SO GOOD! (Black Raspberry Chip is the best!)

~Audrey

My favorite dessert is…German chocolate cake.

~K.Studle

My favorite dessert is my mom’s peanut butter pie! It has an oreo cookie crust, a peanut butter flavored inside and is covered with chocolate–delish!

~Alexandra P

My favorite dessert is froyo (frozen yogurt)

~Sara N

Birthday Cake!

~Abby B

My favorite dessert is anything a la mode!! Brownies, cookies, pie, umm pretty much I just love ice cream.

~Leslie C

My favorite dessert is gelato. Any flavor is good, but I’d have to say that my absolute favorite flavor is Oreo Cheesecake, which is delicious!

~Jacqui

Boston cream pie!!!!!!!

~Kendall

My favorite dessert is…..  Milano Cookies!! Double chocolate of course.

~Maryn

Anything with chocolate. =)

~Alyssa

Red velvet cake!!

~Samantha S

My favorite dessert is either a pumpkin muffin, the red velvet cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory or peanut butter M&M’s!

~Kaitlyn K

Warm brownies topped with ice cream, strawberries, and whipped cream (maybe even with a cherry on top). My best friend from high school’s mom makes these every time I have dinner at their house and it’s AWESOME! =)

~Kat M

My favorite dessert is….oatmeal pineapple cookies!

~Cristine L

Shelly Marie Redmond, MS, RD, LDN is the Executive Director/CEO of College Lifestyles.  She loves desserts!  Her favorite is the red velvet cake her aunt makes during the holidays.  Close second – turtle cheesecake!

It’s a Co-Ed’s World

You know those girls you love to hate because they never study and still do great? Or can be as bitchy as they want only to get pegged as being witty? Or manage to defer all their exams because preference on February 14th went to a date in NYC instead of Psychology Statistics 2002?

Well I’m one of them. And although reading thus so far you’ve already rolled your eyes and cracked a smile, you will grow to love me.  Allow me to introduce you to the under appreciated lifestyle of your average “it” girl.

Approximately 14 seconds after setting foot onto Carleton’s campus, I learned a few minor adjustments that differentiated the Ottawa’s 613 from my Vancouver hometown of 604:

1. I was the most over-dressed person there. I gazed at my heels and then at the four flights of stairs to the Atrium ahead of me.
2. I had no idea how to read my schedule, let alone get to my classes…which had started 20 minutes ago.
3. I was homeless

But soon enough I had mapped out all 37 elevators, realized that the first week of classes didn’t really matter, and that friends with great sisters will always save you from a residence assignment on the high-tech floor.

It’s as simple as those tricks we all used to get away with in high school. You know like claiming you couldn’t take notes because your contact lenses didn’t come in for a whole year; or not going to the second half of class because you told your teacher meatloaf set fire in your microwave; or convincing your Socials 10 teacher that the week you took off to skip school was actually all your parents’ fault. Okay maybe it was only me. But I was continuously warned that once I got to university, my tricks would never work. And because I didn’t want to risk being wrong, I naturally, had to find new ones.

This is where I selflessly offer my expertise.

• university: an academic institution
• college: the lifestyle that comes with it

This is how I see it. Unlike university, college doesn’t come with a “how to” book, showcasing what it truly entails. I’m talking sex, fashion, parties and everything in between. Call me your modern guru to what’s not included in the smiling “Welcome to Carleton!” package.

I know what needs to be known, and better yet I’m kept in the know. And thanks to my favorite Epsilon Upsilon Beta boys, my lesson one was learned very early on: never let university get in the way of college.

Aliza Virani
Intern, College Lifestyles (TM)
Website: www.collegelifestyles.org

Aliza Virani is an intern at College Lifestyles (TM).  She is a communications and psychology major at Carleton University and a member of  Phi Sigma Sigma.  She loves summer, dresses, and high heels.

CL Intern Dish – What is/are your ‘go-to’ movies?

Who doesn’t love a great movie!?  Whether the EXTREME hot days and sticky summer nights have some of us calling it a day (or night) in the nice air conditioner, a long flight to a great summer vacation, or just a fun movie night alone or with friends; we all  have our movie favorites to reach for in our time of need.

I asked the College Lifestyles Interns their favorite ‘go-to’ movies, and next time you have the ‘itch’ for a great movie, try the suggestion of our interns!

‘What is/are your favorite movie(s)? 

My favorite movies are The Hot Chick (Rob Schneider is hilarious), Scary Movie 2, Sweet Home Alabama, Walk the Line, The Notebook, The Hangover and The Wind that Shakes the Barley.

~Deirdre

My all time favorite movie is Almost Famous.  

~Lana

My all time favorite movies: Matilda, Brown Sugar, and Love Jones

~Shannon

I have so many favorite movies that it’s hard to pick just a few! Some of my top favorites are School of Rock, That Thing You Do!, Big Daddy, Keith and Fear, but they change all the time! One year for Christmas my sister and I got Big Daddy. We watched it at least 4 times that day! Also, every time fellow intern Kaitlyn came to visit my roommates and me this past school year, we would watch Fear with Mark Wahlberg!

~Becky

My favorite movies are Mean Girls, Ten Things I Hate About You, and When Harry met Sally.

~Christine

I have SO many favorite movies, so I will just list a couple of the ones I could watch over and over again here: Harry Potter (yay for the new Deathly Hallows trailer!!), Pirates of the Caribbean, Mighty Ducks, Pineapple Express, Atonement, Cabin Fever, A League of Their Own, Hook and so, so many more! 

~Kaitlyn K

500 Days of Summer

~Kaitlyn N

How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, The Notebook, Marley and Me

~Abby B

The Sound of Music, It’s a Wonderful Life, Gone With the Wind, and Steel Magnolias. Wow, old movie fan, much?

~Michelle M

Ooo tough call…my all time favorites are Fight Club, When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle…there are so many! But mostly anything romantic comedy! I’m a sucker for a good (and sometimes bad) romantic comedy!

~Emily H

I absolutely love PS I love you. I could literally watch it over and over again! I also love the movie Up, as well as each and every Toy Story! Some other ones include Remember the Titans, The Notebook (of course!) and Mean Girls (A classic one between all of my friends!) 

~Alle

Step Up (the original), Love & Basketball, Dear John

~Hillary

The Holiday and Pirates of the Caribbean!

~Jenny

This one is so hard to answer – haha -  I love Almost Famous (and the soundtrack!) and of course, Disney movies! They are all time classics…from Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, Alice in Wonderland, The Little Mermaid, Lion King, Aladdin, and basically any other one you can think of. Almost Famous was a great story about rock and roll in the 70s (which is my favorite era and favorite music genre). It showed me that no matter what others think, you need to be yourself and do what you want. Follow your dreams. Because sometimes, your dreams are all you have…oh, and music =)

~Molly

If I had to narrow my list to let’s say three, those would be Sabrina (the Harrison Ford remake), The Holiday, and While You Were Sleeping.  Nothing beats sitting back, relaxing and watching a great love story.  Hmmm, now that I’m thinking about it, I might have to pop one of those in now

~Sam

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, Garden State, 10 Things I Hate About You

~Steph

The Holiday, Love Actually, Blood Diamond

~Kati

ALL TIME FAVORITE MOVIE is Steel Magnolias, hands down!! I could probably recite the entire movie! Close behind is My Best Friend’s Wedding!

~Sarah F

I am a huge harry potter nerd and I cannot wait till # 7! Also I am a huge musical movie fan like Hairspray and Rent. But the one movie that I could watch over and over again is She’s the Man, Amanda Bynes is amazing… I am so sad that she is not acting anymore!!

~Kendall

It’s impossible to narrow-down. So I’ll go with the ones that come to mind first:
–Breakfast at Tiffany’s: each time you watch it you find something new. It’s a much sadder movie than most people think but that also makes it incredibly easy to relate to. Holly Golightly is not a strong character, sure she appears it, but she’s not. She has weaknesses that we all relate to, which is why everyone loves her. It’s a powerful story line and very well done. It makes you think but still gives you that happy romantic ending
–It’s a Wonderful Life: I watch it at least 2times every Christmas season. It’s just that little reminder that we all need from time to time. I still cry every time.

–Ferris Bueller’s Day Off: I’m from Chicago and it’s my favorite city. I can quote this movie by heart and it’s always a sure way to cheer up any bad day.
–Love Actually: I cry constantly through this movie. It truly shows the many different types of love and emotions that people feel. Favorite scene? Hugh Grant Dancing. Favorite Line? “Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinions starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don’t see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often, it’s not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it’s always there – fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know, none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge – they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaking suspicion… love actually is all around. “

–Charade: Audrey Hepburn, Cary Grant, Walter Matthau, James Coburn, George Kennedy, Paris, Adventure, Mystery, Romance, Comedy–What’s not to love? Often overlooked but this movie I can watch over and over again. Highly recommended!

~Audrey

What are your favorite ‘go-to’ movies?

Shelly Marie Redmond, MS, RD, LDN is the CEO/Executive Director of College Lifestyles.  Her ‘go-to’ movie is Casablanca!  Just a side note, if you sit next to her on any plane ride, you will watch the movie with her (she will explain every scene to you!).

CL Reviews ‘Clockwork Angel’: Upcoming Novel by Cassandra Clare

Magic… love… England in the Victorian era… what more could you ask for? If you can believe it, Cassandra Clare offers all of that and then some in her new novel, Clockwork Angel, due in stores August 31st.  Clockwork Angel is the first in a series, The Infernal Devices, of prequels to the widely popular Mortal Instruments series.  The books in each series complement each other which makes it even better since you are not required to read one set before the other.  Clare draws you into the Downworld and makes you believe that this could have actually been a part of Victorian London.  The characters come to life and you find that you actually care for them, which doesn’t happen all the time.

THE CHARACTERS:

Tessa Gray: Tessa is a sixteen-year-old girl who is extremely well read.  Practically everything she knows about the world she has learned from books, which could work to her advantage or could quite possibly cause a few problems.  She has grown up living with her aunt and brother in New York due to the early death of her parents.  When her aunt passes away, she embarks on a journey to London to stay with her brother, Nate.  Unfortunately, Nate is not present when Tessa gets off of the boat and the Dark Sisters are waiting in his place.  This opens up a whole new world, the Downworld to be exact, that Tessa had no idea existed.  She has powers she would never have even dreamed of possessing.  With her brother gone and herself in an unknown world, she can’t help but wonder, “If no one in the entire world cared about you, did you really exist at all?”

Will Herondale: Will, oh Will.  Will is a young man who has a personality that switches from hot to cold in a matter of seconds.  He is a Shadowhunter (Shadowhunters try to rid the world of demons) who is not very personable except for when it comes to his best friend, Jem, and perhaps Tessa will work her way in there as well.  He is a fierce fighter and that carries over into his everyday life as well.  He enjoys a good drink, gamble and the company of a lady.

Jem Carstairs: Jem has a troubling past, his parents were killed by demons when he was young, and quite a troubled present.  He remains an excellent Shadowhunter even if he is hindered by an illness that keeps him incapacitated at times.  This causes Jem to appear as if all the color has been drained from him, leaving him with silvery hair and eyes.  Jem forms a bond with Tessa in almost the complete opposite way that Will does.  He has a kind soul and really tries to see the best in people.  Lying is not a habit Jem keeps.

THE STORY: The Dark Sisters have kidnapped Tessa to force her into harnessing her power.  They are preparing her for The Magister, the leader of the Pandemonium Club, who wants Tessa’s power all for himself.  Tessa finds herself in the hands of the Shadowhunters and she feels as if she has fallen into one of the novels she loves so much.  There is a war brewing and Tessa is forced with having to make some very difficult decisions.  She is trying to focus on saving her brother, but keeps getting drawn into the problems in the Downworld.

THE VERDICT: You might as well go and pre-order this one now because, trust me, you’re going to want it.  I can’t wait to read this one again and really catch all of the little details.  I am so excited to see who Tessa decides between: Will, Jem or neither, but most importantly, I cannot wait to see Tessa grow and come to terms with all of the life changing events that occurred during Clockwork Angel. Tessa steals the show for me and has the potential to become one of my favorite literary characters.  It is going to be a long wait until the next one comes out (especially with that cliffhanger at the end of the epilogue)…  I suppose I’ll have to start the Mortal Instruments series to keep me occupied.

You can follow Cassandra Clare on the Twitter and check out her website!  Have you read The Mortal Instruments series?  What other books are you looking forward to this summer? Let us know on the Twitter, in the comments section or by e-mailing us at intern@collegelifestyles.org! Also, check out our ideas for other summer reads.

Kaitlyn Kline is an intern with College Lifestyles.  She is an Edinboro University of PA and Alpha Sigma Tau alum as well as a current graduate student at Point Park University.  She loved Clockwork Angel so, so much and pretty much wants to read it again right now.

*We have not received any compensation or gifts for reviewing this book, except for the book itself, of course.  We have expressed our sincere opinions in this post.*

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