Materials:

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

Scissors

A Styrofoam wreath

Loaded hot glue gun

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

Red or pink ribbon

Steps 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The ‘ooo’ and ‘ahh’ songs of my dances were:

• The Dance by Garth Brooks.  How could you not love this country classic?
• Love of a Lifetime by Firehouse .  Yes, I was raised in the final days of the hair bands.  The cheesier the ballad, the better.
• End of the Road by Boys to Men.  The more emotional, the better!

Along with our favorite slow songs, join us on twitter as the College Lifestyles team tweets pics of their past school dance photos.  #CLlove

Tell us….

What was the ‘slow song’ of your school dances?

From love advice to life advice, see what these wise women have to share.

My mother- the one person I can always count on!

“Go slow. Have same interests in your future. Overlook the small stuff, don’t check on each other all the time, give space and communicate.”- My mother, Donna, 47

“You have the people who are in college because they’re serious about it and then you have the guys whose parents are paying their way through it. Stay away from those guys! They’re the playboys that pursue girls and then they dump them and they just keep going, going and going. Be very careful who you chummy with.”- My grandmother,Lorraine, 75

“Live with no regret. Let people you trust guide you but make your own decisions.”- CL Intern Meaghan O’Connor’s mother, Faith,46

“Set you standards high, surround yourself with people who also have high standards- people you know you can count on to be your friend and support you. Always be strong and courageous.”- Meghan’s grandmother, Audrey,75

“Always, always let him call you first.” - Shelly Marie Redmond, 33

“Make sure you both know each others favorite color, favorite candy, favorite music, favorite food. Know the little things. Leave notes for one another. Knowing the little things can make meaningful notes you can leave for one another when studying for an exam, or in your suitcase when going on a trip. Have the candy on their pillow. The note in hidden in a wallet. The song programmed on their computer. The food waiting for them if passing (or failing – gulp) a test. The test of love is not big gifts or money – its the little notes and ‘favorite things’ on a Tuesday evening or Thursday morning.” - Shelly Marie Redmond, 33

“No matter what people may say, don’t let it bring you down. Be yourself, and let your actions speak for yourself. Life will always be easier if you live it being true to yourself!“- CL Intern Sana’s mother, Naushi, 49

“All is well. Even when you may feel  down, just remember that all is well and that the universe has a funny way of working itself out. Be happy and healthy. If it makes you smile, then it is worth while.”- CL Intern Kwegyirba Croffie’s mother, Ekua, 47

“Don’t be afraid to shoot for the moon. Even if you don’t quite make it, you’ll land among the stars.” And “my business model is always under promise and over deliver.”- CL Intern Alex Esposito’s mother, Kimberly, 48

“Don’t be afraid to take chances and try new things. Don’t limit your experiences because you think you might not succeed. The experience is sometimes more valuable than just being successful at something.” -CL Intern Rachel Osman’s mother, Judy, 60

What is the best advice you’ve received from your mother or grandmother? Let us know below!

Jessica Fecteau is a  senior fashion, etiquette and apartment/dorm life writer and is a sophomore at Central Michigan University. Jessica loves fashion magazines, listening to indie/folk music and traveling to big cities.

If you’re anything like me, everything is last minute. With only one day until the Superbowl, this guide will prepare anyone like myself looking to celebrate this Sunday. From what to wear to what to serve, I’ve prepared a step-by-step guide to throwing your college friends a last minute Super Bowl party.

Football fashion:

Keep it casual and comfy. No one needs to look fabulous while screaming at a TV and hanging out in your living room. Thanks to Polyvore, here are two classy outfit ideas for game day:

Team theme:

If  you plan to decorate for your party, keep to the theme of the two teams playing. This year the  match-up is between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots. Since their colors are similar (this should be fun while watching) decorating is easy. Anything red, white or blue will suffice and satisfy all fans at your gathering. Who knew Fourth of July decorations would come in handy five months early?

Finger food:

Don’t get caught whipping up something in the kitchen and miss out on what could be another scandalous half-time show. Small finger foods are perfect for an evening of football. Start out with a  homemade hummus dip served with crackers or pita chips. More filling meals are double cheese chili  or these simple sliders. Football jersey cut out cookies  are a trademark at my family Superbowl parties. They’re easy to do and go with the football theme.

Themed spirits:

Although standard beer may be the trademark drink for the Super Bowl, other options include The Big Blue in honor of the Giants or Patriots Punch for New England fans. Be sure to also have a selection of drinks for those under 21.

When it comes time for kick-off, be sure to provide plenty of places to sit for your guests. This is the one day where being in the way of the TV is highly unacceptable. Choosing to set up a couple TVs may also be a key play at your party.

The Super Bowl only happens one day a year. With that said- kick back, relax and enjoy the game.

Jessica Fecteau is a  senior fashion, etiquette and apartment/dorm life writer and is a sophomore at Central Michigan University. Jessica loves fashion magazines, listening to indie/folk music and traveling to big cities.

We ask……

What is a sentimental DIY gift you have recievied and/or

What are DIY gift ideas you have?

Personally, I love the idea of a picture book or hand written ‘love’ notes placed in several locations around the house.  A note saying ‘I Love You’ on the coffee maker and ‘Have a Great Day’ on the bathroom mirror will not only make my sweetheart smile but also approach the day with a great attitude!

*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?

Photo Credit: CWTV

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?”

Photo Credit: CWTV

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.”

Photo Credit: CWTV

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.”

Photo Credit: CWTV

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.”

Photo Credit: CWTV

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.”

Photo Credit: CWTV

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.

Classy

For a classy theme, use the classic colors: pink, purple, black, white, and anything sparkly!

Hearts – Cut hearts out of construction paper. You can hang these hearts up, but what you really want is the paper you cut out. Layer it over another piece, and soon you’ll have a classy cut-out to hang or tape to your dorm wall, cover your dorm door, similar to how you wrap your door with wrapping paper at Christmas, or  wrap a present for your special someone!

Debra Schreiber - Photo Credit

Cupids – Cut two little cupids out of construction paper. When you glue the paper cut-outs onto another piece of construction paper, place the cupids’ arrows so they face inward, and write a message in between them.

Debra Schreiber - Photo Credit

CL Quick Tip – red roses add always add touch of class – buy fake ones from your local dollar store!

Cute

For this theme, use bright, popping colors!

Hearts – Cut out hearts from bright colored paper. On each one, write a saying, just like one you would read on an actual candy heart! Use the cut-out paper to decorate your desk.

Debra Schreiber - Photo Credit

CL Quick Tip – for colors that really pop, use neon flash cards!

Cupids – Cut out two cupids and glue them, but have them point their arrows in the same direction. On the paper, write “Cupid Crossing!”

Hot

For a spicier theme, use dramatic colors, like red and black, and dramatic shapes!

Hearts – Attach hearts to long strips of paper, so they look similar to music notes. Tape them your door along with a sign that reads “Heartbreak Hotel” – like the Elvis song!

V-Day Tic-Tac-Toe – Use classic V-Day shapes (hearts, lips, Xs, and Os) and turn them into a fun tic-tac-toe board! Use the cut-out paper to decorate your desk.

CL Quick Tip – challenge your friends to V-Day Tic-Tac-Toe. Winner gets all of the candy!

Debra Schreiber is a Senior CL Writer, and a senior at Duquesne University where she studies journalism and Spanish. She loves the cute theme – especially the candy hearts!

Mike admits that he isolates himself on purpose every year on his birthday just to see who will go out of their way to make sure he ok and to say happy birthday.

Next, Pauly, Deena, and Snooki are at work, and actually working hard, hoping to avoid new roommates.  After work, they all get fake tattoos.

At home, Deena calls Vinny to invite him to the surprise party being planned for Pauly and Mike and to tell him about Danny’s visit.  Vinny says he is “working on” coming back to the house and won’t be up for the party, but he is appreciative of the invite.  Later in the day, the girls go to Karma (where the party is being held) and discusses the strippers with an employee.  The male employee creeps all the girls out because of the way he talks to them and the things he asks about for the party (at one point, one of the girls comments that they aren’t trying to direct a porn film, just want something for their party).  The girls decorate Karma for the party, that night.

Later that day, JWOWW shows up for work on time, while Ron and Mike are late.  The boys know they are running late and they feel like jerks for it, especially because of the talk they had with Danny.  Danny is really angry that they are late, and decided to post “Help Wanted” signs throughout the store.  The signs receive a lot of attention.  There are a lot of women who approach Danny about the signs.  Shortly after, JWOWW sees the signs and rips them down.  Danny notices his signs are down and makes JWOWW make him a new one.  JWOWW is livid about the possibly of having someone new come in.  Ronnie chimes in, saying that if they get a new roommate, he or she will not be welcome and will never feel comfortable in the house because the roommates have been through so much together.

At the same time, the meatballs decide to go get more supplies and decorations for the surprise party.  They end up with balloons and bunny suits.

Rodger arrives for the party and soon they are right out the door for the surprise party.  When they get to Karma, Pauly and Mike are surprised as heck.  Neither of them had any idea and assumed they were going out for “a regular Thursday night.”  Snooki and Deena handcuff the birthday boys into wheelchairs and watch the strippers put on a show.  After the show, everyone is dancing and having a good time.  Mike is spending time with one of the strippers and Pauly met a brunette girl who was just at the party.  Both women spend the night at the house.

At home, Ronnie and Deena call Vinny and he ignores the call.  The two decide to just sit outside instead.  When they are on the porch, Ronnie gets emotional about Vinny.  It looks like his eyes are filling with tears.  Deena, sounding defeated, says she doesn’t think Vinny is going to return.

The next day, the group decides to do a “couples night.”  Deena calls Joey, her friend from last episode, and he agrees and will meet her at the house around 7:30.  Deena goes to find Snooki.  They try on their bunny costumes and then decide it would be funny to play a practical joke on JWOWW.  Deena tells her that she needs help getting something from underneath her bed and Snooki hides in the bathroom, dressed as a rabbit.  When JWOWW is in the bedroom, Snooki jumps out and they all have a good laugh, and JWOWW has a scream.

At some point that day, Jionni comes to visit, bring his girlfriend a dozen long-stemmed red roses.  The two decide to occupy the smoosh room and then fall asleep.  Everyone else goes out for couples night.  In the car, the girls raise concerns that when Jionni is there, Snooki never wants to go out.  Within five minutes of being at the club, there is a fight.  A girl fight.  Sam is involved.  Sam got kicked out of the club, along with the other women who were fighting.  Sam told her friends that someone came up behind her and pulled her new weave.  Deena wore fairy wings out.  They all went home.

Deena and Joey were trying to “spend time together,” but couldn’t because of an alarm clock that kept going off, even after Deena unplugged it from the wall.  Paula is over, and Mike had her stay the night.  He admits in a confessional that is really into her and hasn’t found anything wrong with her yet.

Pauly is just kind of walking around , not doing much, and says he is getting in a funk without Vinny around.  The roommates decide the only thing to do is to drive to Staten Island to kidnap Vinny.  First, they stop at the shore store to make shirts that all have “Vinny” sayings on them.  Mike’s says, “Vinning,” and Pauly’s said, “Free Vinny.”  Danny is really excited for them to get Vinny and bring him back.  When they get to Staten Island, they go crazy pounding on the doors and windows.  They barge in “like a S.W.A.T. team.”  Vinny is upstairs and they all hug him and show him love and affection.  He shows them a new tattoo he got across the top of his chest.  It reads, “Let Go, Let God,” in fancy cursive writing.  They ask him to come back, and he agrees.  In a confessional, he says he isn’t 100% better, but he thinks he can do the rest of his recovery at the shore.  He throws some belongings in a garbage bag and is on his way, but not without saying goodbye to his very upset mother.  The roommates are all together and going back to the shore.

Next week we can expect more bunny costumes and some unfinished business from Mike.

What do you think his unfinished business will be?

1) Evernote, Free.

Sick of trying to keep track of all your class notes? Organize them digitally with Evernote. This app allows you to create notebooks that are accesible and editable from any connected product, including your Mac and the Internet. You can also create a notebook just for one place, for example if you want to store all your passwords somewhere.  Since Evernote doesn’t have student-specific features, it’s perfect for co-eds who need to keep their Algebra notes and sorority minutes in one place.

2) Twitter, Free.
If you have a Twitter, you’ll want the social networking giant’s free app. It allows you to handle multiple social media accounts at once, so it’s especially useful if you are also handling a company social media account.

3) iBooks, Free.
You’d think that the iPad would come with iBooks preloaded, but it doesn’t. Having a library at your fingertips is a great motivator to read a new book instead of watching Sex and the City (again). To top it off, iBooks also just came out with the bane of every college student’s existence – textbooks!

4) Facebook, Free.
Believe it or not, Facebook didn’t have an iPad app until this past October. But it’s here, it’s free, and you’re in college – what are you waiting for?

5) Epicurious, Free.
So you finally moved out of the dorm and into an apartment? Whether you’re a cooking genius or clueless in the kitchen, Epicurious has you covered with thousands of recipes right at your fingertips.

7) Angry Birds HD, $4.99
Angry Birds is the gaming sensation that has captivated millions of users. The objective of the game is to eliminate the egg-stealing pig by slinging birds at them. The game is fun,addicting, and a great way to blow off some steam if you imagine that pig is your cheating ex-boyfriend. If $4.99 sounds expensive for a gaming app, there is a free lite version.

Zite Personalized Magazine, Free.
CNN bought this Vancouver startup for $20M last summer, so you know it’s good. Zite asks you to put in your personal interests, aggregates related news, and then puts it all together in a magazine format, complete with organized sections. It’s a great way to read news personalized for you, without having to download several different news apps.

9) Netflix, Free With Subsription.
The vast majority of the college students I know already have a Netflix subscription (or use a friend’s). If you’re one of them, grab the free app from Netflix that allows you to stream movies right onto your iPad. More of a TV junkie? If you have Hulu Plus, you can watch your favorite shows on your iPad too.

10) Get It Done Tasks, Free.
Based on the Getting Things Done movement popularized by David Allen, this task manager is easy to use even if you’ve never heard of GTD. Just input your task, pick a due date, and check it off the list when you’re done. Easy and, best of all, free.

Did we miss any of your favorite iPad apps? Let us know in the comments!

Sasha Graffagna is writer for College Lifestyles.  She is a junior Journalism and Comparative Literature major at New York University. A proud sister of Theta Phi Beta, she talks fast, travels a lot, and is obsessed with sugar.

1. Swimsuits

If you’re going to school/living in a warm place, you’ll always want to have a swimsuit at hand, and right now is the best time to buy them!

Victoria’s Secret

Venus Swimwear

Forever21

2. Tank Tops and Shorts

You can never have too many pairs of shorts. Whether you need in now, or in a few months, it’s always nice to have them on hand to wear under outerwear, or to dreamland!

GoJane

Aeropostale

Old Navy

Need a little black dress? How about a blue one? These stores may summer-oriented, but the sales and hot deals are all year around.

3. Dresses

Charlotte Russe

PacSun

Delia’s

4.Formals

With prom coming for the highschoolers, it’s almost time for dresses to go back in-season. But if all you need a cocktail dress for a wedding or a quick closet stretcher for a formal event, these stores have your back.

The Rose Dress

Formals Etc.

Pacific Plex

Shopping out of season is the best way to save money on new clothes and accessories. The stores listed here are always trying to get rid of old inventory to make room for new clothes, so take advantage of the great sales! I know it seems way too early to be thinking about what you’re going to wear to you’re cousin’s summer wedding, but if your strapped for cash, now’s a great time to start thinking ahead!

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