Four ways to bring Mardi Gras to your sorority!

As a college student in Louisiana, I live for Mardi Gras! Mardi Gras is a celebration beginning on or after Epiphany and ends on the day before Ash Wednesday. Fat Tuesday, which is the last day before lent begins, is the final day for Catholics to treat their selves to the coveted object or obsession they are about to give up for lent. Typically, Fat Tuesday is the day everyone associates as Mardi Gras, due to the extensive celebrating that occurs that day. This year Mardi Gras falls on Feb. 21! If you cannot make it to New Orleans to join in the festivities, why not bring Mardi Gras to your sorority? Here are four ways to bring Mardi Gras to your sorority.

 

Masks- No Mardi Gras celebration is complete without masks. During Mardi Gras an individual’s mask represents their personality. All you and your sisters need is a plain mask, glitter, sequins, and anything else needed to show off everyone’s individualism! To guarantee your sorority has the best masks around, spice it up and have a contest for the best mask!

 

Beads- Beads are the must-have accessory for Mardi Gras. Throughout Mardi Gras people wear a variety of colorful beads to display their festive side. Traditionally beads are treasured during Mardi Gras, as they are usually the result of winning a contest or souvenirs of the parades they attended. Get your sisters in the spirit of Mardi Gras by having a game night where you give beads as prizes for the winners. Remember the more beads the better!

 

King Cake- No celebration would be complete without dessert. King Cake is a cake that is filled with cream cheese, cinnamon, praline, strawberry, blueberry or other common fillings and twisted in the shape of an oval. It is typically topped with icing and sugar in the colors of Mardi Gras (purple, green and gold).  When eating this be sure to look out for a tiny plastic baby that has been embedded in the cake. As tradition has it if you find the baby in your slice you must buy the next king cake! Ingredients PASTRY: 1 cup milk 1/4 cup butter 2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast 2/3 cup warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C) 1/2 cup white sugar 2 eggs 1 1/2 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour FILLING: 1 cup packed brown sugar 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 2/3 cup chopped pecans 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup raisins 1/2 cup melted butter FROSTING: 1 cup confectioners’ sugar 1 tablespoon water

Directions Scald milk, remove from heat and stir in 1/4 cup of butter. Allow mixture to cool to room temperature. In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in the warm water with 1 tablespoon of the white sugar. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes. When yeast mixture is bubbling, add the cooled milk mixture. Whisk in the eggs. Stir in the remaining white sugar, salt and nutmeg. Beat the flour into the milk/egg mixture 1 cup at a time. When the dough has pulled together, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes. Lightly oil a large bowl, place the dough in the bowl and turn to coat with oil. Cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place until doubled in volume, about 2 hours. When risen, punch down and divide dough in half. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Grease 2 cookie sheets or line with parchment paper. To Make Filling: Combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, chopped pecans, 1/2 cup flour and 1/2 cup raisins. Pour 1/2 cup melted butter over the cinnamon mixture and mix until crumbly. Roll dough halves out into large rectangles (approximately 10×16 inches or so). Sprinkle the filling evenly over the dough and roll up each half tightly like a jelly roll, beginning at the wide side. Bring the ends of each roll together to form 2 oval shaped rings. Place each ring on a prepared cookie sheet. With scissors make cuts 1/3 of the way through the rings at 1 inch intervals. Let rise in a warm spot until doubled in size, about 45 minutes. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes. Push the doll into the bottom of the cake. Frost while warm with the confectioners’ sugar blended with 1 to 2 tablespoons of water. Courtesy of allrecipes.com

 

Parade- To get the full affect of Mardi Gras, you must have a parade. Mardi Gras parades consist of large and vibrant floats filled with candy and of course lots of beads! Unlike most parades, Mardi Gras parades are often hosted by Krewes, or private clubs, preparing for Mardi Gras season all year. Be sure to give your float a name, theme and dress up in costume!

 

You and your sisters are destined to enjoy Mardi Gras this February with these simple easy-to-do steps to bringing Mardi Gras to your sorority. So, as we say in Louisiana “laissez les bons temps roule” or “let the good times roll!”

 

Sherelle Black is a junior at Louisiana Tech University majoring in journalism with a minor in marketing. She is president of her chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and likes to dance and hang with her sorority sisters in her spare time.

How to Celebrate Long-Distance Love

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

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

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

 

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

CL Beauty How To: Wear Red Lipstick

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

One Tree Hill Season 9 “Dark”

Last night, girls gathered to the tv, tuned to the CW and cozied up for the season premiere of the last season– season 9 of One Tree Hill. While the first few minutes confused everyone, it also set up the episode for a little creepy feeling. Here’s some things you missed, and what you have to look forward to in the final season.

Lucas (Chad Michael Murray) will be returning. He wasn’t in the previews they showed, but it is confirmed he is in the season, just not for how long. It is rumoured it’s only one episode. We can’t wait to see why the Scott brother returns, and why his wife isn’t returning as well (Peyton). This season seems to be all couples: Nathan/Haley, Brooke/Julian, Clay/Quinn, and Alex/Chase.

The first few minutes of the season showed dramatic scenes all mixed together– Julian getting beat up, Chase getting arrested, Haley discovering a dead body in the morgue and crying her eyes out, Clay yelling at Quinn, Dan returning, and Brooke destroying what looks like Karen’s Cafe. None of these things happened in the episode, so they left us wondering what those scenes were showing us. It also made us every during the episode when Haley kept finding doors open that should be locked and closed– the cafe, her house, etc. Well, those scenes are scenes pulled from various episodes throughout the upcoming season. None of them will be in the finally.

While Nathan is away at what we assume scouting work, Clay is busy in a downward spiral, sleepwalking, waking up in random places such as the park. Quinn stays up worrying until he finally goes to the doctor. We are waiting to see what this story develops into. Speaking of bed, Alex and Chase are having quite the life together spending a lot of time in bed. When Alex is awake, she is working on an album with the new head of Red Bedroom Records… wait for it, Chris Keller (played by Tyler Hilton). We actually got a taste of a new Tyler Hilton song during the episode too.

Brooke and Julian are getting no sleep taking care of their twins and we finally meet Brooke’s father. It looks like he is going to become a key character this season in the upcoming scenes. We like him, even though he’s basically absent all of Brooke’s life-changing moments up until now, such as her wedding.

Dan returns when he shows up during Haley’s new daughter and Brooke’s twins’ christening. He tells her all of his things were lost in a fire, and he needs a place to crash. She gives in after he gives a tearful plead, which for the viewers like me who have been watching the past 9 seasons, can see right through. We assume Haley does not tell Nathan, because he shows up at the end and looks shocked when he walks into baby Lydia’s room and see’s Dan holding her.

So, that’s the jist of what you missed. It seems to be setting up for quite the season, and frankly, we can’t wait. Creator, Mark Schwan has even stated that this will be a darker season from the others, and will “explore morality in a way the show never has before.”

Still curious? Here’s the first two minutes to give you a heads up of what’s to come this season. You can catch all new One Tree Hill episodes every Wednesday at 9 PM on The CW. If you miss it, make sure you tune back every Thursday as I give you a run down!

http://youtu.be/Rp7MBfPuRLk

 

Emily Longeretta is a senior fashion/etiquitte intern for College Lifestyles (TM). She currently has four internships, is going to school at SUNY Oswego for Journalism, and can’t wait to move back to New York City in June!

CL’s Top 10 Ways to Stay Fit While Studying Abroad

Remember the Freshman 15? There is a similar, lesser-known college-related weight gain: the Study Abroad 15. Y0u don’t think about it when you’re leaving, or even while you’re away. But suddenly, one day, you realize that your jeans are a little bit too tight, and that everyone in your program is just a little bit chubbier than they were at the beginning of this semester.. Avoid this aha moment by following these tips.

 

1. Pack right. It’s hard enough trying to find the motivation to exercise while studying abroad. Don’t complicate the situation by having to by workout gear too. Make sure to bring your regular workout wear with you, whether that’s sneakers or a swimsuit, cap, and goggles. The one thing you probably want to buy abroad is a yoga mat. Most countries will have them, and they take up too much room in your suitcase.

2. Sign up for a gym your first week. This sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people neglect to do this (myself included). You’ll be overwhelmed your first week, but signing up for a gym during this crucial time will ensure that exercise stays high on your priority list. Gym membership also encourages you to make good use of all that money you paid.

3. Take a class. An exercise class is a fun way to keep fit, adds routine to your hectic schedule, and holds you accountable to staying fit. Even if you don’t know the language, it’s easy to follow the movements in a Zumba or kickboxing class. And if you’re studying the language, you can practice with other native speakers i.e. your classmates.

4. Drink responsibly. Studying abroad, for many college students, means finally being able to drink legally. Not to burst your bubble, but drinking that often also means consuming tons of empty calories. Try sticking to light beer, dry white or red wine, champagne, and low-calorie cocktails. (Think gin and tonic, not a chocolate martini.) Also, stick to 1 or 2 shots a night.

5. Drink responsibly, part 2. Speaking of empty calories, soda and juice are exactly that, and they don’t even provide you with the buzz that alcohol does. Buy a canteen, fill it with water, and carry it around with you. It’s cheaper, and better for you. As for coffee, stick with the classic drinks, not frothy Frappuccinos. The coffee probably tastes better anyway.

6. Vacation wisely. When my friends and I went to Mendoza last semester, we went on a wine tour by bicycle. Look for good-for-you options like this one on your own vacations. Think winter sports, hiking, or bike tours for the more urban-minded.

7. Treat yourself, but wisely. It is likely that you will find a treat that you find yourself wanting every day, whether that is gelato in Italy or macaroons in France. It’s OK to indulge yourself once in a while, but eating them all the time is overdoing it. A good way to control your intake is to only eat these sweets on the weekends.

8. Chew 10 times.  If you follow nothing else on this list, follow this one. It takes time for your body to communicate to your brain that it’s full. So eating more slowly means that you eat less. This alone won’t keep you fit, but it helps a lot.

9. Walk around. You may take a car everywhere in the US, but follow the locals’ lead while you’re away. This likely means walking and public transport. Also, see if the city that you’re studying in has a free bike share – another fun, easy way to get fit.

10. Keep a food journal. While you’re abroad, you’ll be trying lots of new food. By keeping a food journal, you’ll be able to remember what you liked, and what you really really didn’t. It also helps you keep track of what you’re eating, so you can balance your super-heavy dinner with a light lunch the next day.

Need more advice for studying abroad? Check out our guides on what to pack, and how to stay stylish on your flight over!

Sasha Graffagna is a current junior at NYU studying Journalism and Comparative Literature. She studied abroad in Argentina last semester, and will be studying in Puerto Rico this semester.

Reintroducing: Emily L, Classy CoEd Intern

Name: Emily Longeretta

School: SUNY Oswego

Major: Journalism

Year in studies: Senior!

I have been with College Lifestyles since: August 2011

Organizational Involvement: Interned with Elle magazine, emcblue, InternQueen, SUNY Oswego Alumni Magazine.

Pets: Mag!

My friends say I am: Driven, funny, caring, real

Astrological sign: libra

My personal style is: Comfy, Cute, but sometimes love to get really dressed up!

Favorite clothing stores: Express, Forever 21, H&M.

Favorite movie: Pretty Woman

Favorite book/author: Probably Twilight, it’s kind of a weakness!

Favorite quote: “Everything happens for a reason.”

My screensaver is: Currently this pipes screensaver on my computer?

On my iPod you will find: Britney, Eminem, Kid Rock, Garth, Sugarland.

Must have beauty product: Sephora powder Cover Up, blush, and Mascara.

I have a slight obsession with: Sylvester Stallone, E!, & the Kardashians

I dislike: traffic, movies with unhappy endings, & when people hide their emotions.

Last movie I watched: In theaters, “Breaking Dawn: Part I,” On my TV, “Just Friends”

Last book I read: “Snuff’ by Chuck Palahniuk

My definition of a classy co-ed: A real girl who is honest with the person that she is, and proud of it! A classy co-ed is someone who, no matter what, believes in herself, and helps others when she can, always staying classy at heart. And, she never forgets who she is, and what she stands for.

Why I am excited about being an intern with College Lifestyles: This is my second semester interning with CL, and I loved it last semester. College Lifestyles is a trustworthy website that every classy co-ed can depend on for tips on careers, fashion, nutrition, and all around classy etiquette! Who wouldn’t be excited to be a part of that?

 

Emily Longeretta is an etquitte and fashion editorial intern for College Lifestyles (TM). She spent last semester living in New York City and can’t wait to go back after graduation in May. One day, she is determined to work for a big magazine or Entertainment industry.

Meet One of The Newest CL interns – Shanae Hatchett

Name: Shanae Hatchett

School: Hampton University

Major: English Art , Public Relations Minor

Year in studies: Sophomore

I have been with College Lifestyles since: December 2011

 Greek Affiliation:  (skip if not affiliated w/a Greek organization) : n/a

Organizational Involvement:

Greer Dawson Student Leadership Program

Student Union Board

NAACP Club

Pets: none but I really want a Yorkie

My friends say I am: funny, relaxed, fashionable and spontaneous

Astrological sign: Libra

My personal style is: Boho Glam

Favorite clothing stores: Topshop, Bloomingdales, and H&M

Favorite movie: Love & Basketball, Pretty Women andThe Notebook

Favorite book/author: Kelly Cutrone ‘If Your Have to Cry Go Outside’ and Stephenie Meyer ‘The Twilight Saga’

Favorite quote: “The most important relationship you have in your life is the one with yourself because no matter what happens you will always be with yourself” – Diane Von Furstenberg

My screensaver is: Me and best friend in the Bahamas

On my IPod you will find: Everything from Kings of Leon, Jay Z,  Beyonce to Kendrick Lamar

Must have beauty product: Mac Wonder Women Pink Lipstick

I have a slight obsession with: Shoes can’t stop buying them  and Coffee

I dislike: Crocs and seafood

Last movie I watched: Columbiana

Last book I read: Jay Z – Decoded

My definition of a classy co-ed:

A classy coed is a young phenomenal woman that knows her worth and is ready to take on the world with elegance and poise.

Why I am excited about being an intern with College Lifestyles:

I’m excited about being an intern with CL to showcase my fashion tips and bring forth great ideas to help other classy college coeds as well. I’m also excited to learn and gain experience in the online magazine world.

 

Shanae Hatchett is a sophomore English major with a minor in Public Relations at Hampton University. She is obsessed with fashion,shopping, magazines, celebrity drama, and reality tv all while wearing cute shoes with a caramel macchiato in hand.

Top 5 Things To Do Before Leaving Your Internship

With the semester winding down and finals week in full blast, I wanted to remind you of staying classy during the end– especially at your internship. Im heading to my last day today. Are you ready to leave? Here are my top 5 things to do your last week of your fall internship:

1. Work your butt off. No, really. Last impressions stick with your bosses just like first ones do– they remember if you leave on a really high note. Take the extra step. Don’t get “senioritis,” meaning don’t get lazy because it’s almost over. Just because it’s almost over for you, doesn’t mean it is for the business as they still need your help as much as they did week one.

2. Bring a gift. I hear you, you’re a broke college student just like I am. But bringing in some homemade cookies is a delight for all in the office! Trust me, it will be appreciated. Many are so busy during the holidays that something small like treats can really help brighten the day- and help them remember you!

3. Get contact info. Talk to your boss and be sure to get his or her  contact information for later jobs, reference letters, etc. if you don’t already have them. This is very important, as it will help you in the long run.

4. Hang out with the interns. Plan a night out, a day at coffee, whatever. Connecting with the people you spent the internship with is important, and it allows you to relax and laugh at the mistakes you made the first week, with the gals who know how it feels.

5. Send ‘Thank You’ notes. As simple as it may seem, something as simple as a quick note on how appreciative you are for the experience you got, is very important. Like I previously stated, large companies have hundreds of interns– leaving a Thank You card sets you apart! And if it’s cute , maybe your editor will pin it to their bulletin board!

 

Don’t forget to enjoy the last few days of your internship and really take time to reflect on it. Think to yourself what you learned, how you can apply it to every day life, and how lucky you are to land it. Chances are after the excitement of the holidays wears off, you’ll have a lot of free time at home wondering what to do next. Be sure to edit your resume, make a new goal sheet for the spring semester, and start looking for your next internship!

 

Emily Longeretta is an editorial intern at College Lifestyles (TM). She is sad to be ending her other internship at Elle Magazine this semester, but excited to keep going with CL, and head back to finish school! She gets her journalism degree in May!

3 Classy Tips For Interracial Couples

Loving someone is hard enough without having your relationship examined under the magnifying glass of society. Although we live in the 21st century, prejudice barriers can hinder so many relationships from reaching their fullest potential, with one of these said barriers being of a racial matter. No classy lady wants to be told whom she should love! If you find yourself falling for someone of an opposite race than yourself, keep these three tips in mind when you’re finding it difficult to face inevitable challenges head on.

Be Brave – Your friends and even family may find it difficult to accept your relationship for their own personal reasons. However, allowing the opinions of others to seep into your relationship is the last thing you should do. Just remember that the ones who love you most will always support you, no matter how “socially unacceptable” your decisions may be. You’ve already taken a huge step by deciding to be in an interracial relationship, so why turn back now?

Be Aware of the Risk – Any relationship involves a certain amount of risk-taking, but being in an interracial relationship brings about a slew of other kinds of risks, including hate speech coming your way, and, under extreme circumstances, receiving physical attacks from strangers or people you know. It’ll be tough initially, but try to ignore anyone’s eye rolls and negative comments. Or, you can respond with something neutral, such as “we love each other, and that’s all that matters.” If you two find yourselves in harm’s way and you aren’t near to home, leave quickly for help at a friends house or head to a public area and go along with the general population.

Fight For Each Other – If you value one another enough, staying together despite the pressure you may receive to call it quits is a no-brainer. When it seems that no one accepts the choice that you’ve made, remind yourselves of why you got into the relationship in the first place. Being in an interracial relationship becomes a lot harder when you have a group of people telling you that it’s wrong, but don’t give up the fight–love can conquer all!

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’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!

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