Video of the Week: A ‘Meow’ Assistant

From celebrities to our favorite reality show stars, the assistant plays a major role in the planning (and sometimes drama!) of their day.  A big part of the assistants day includes answer phones, scheduling appointments, and keeping a calendar organized.

Our video of the week finds a new assistant, a furry friend who loves to answer the phone!  With our Editor in Chief being the proud mom of 2 cats, she is wondering if this will work for her!

Click here for the ‘Furry’ Assistant!

Fred the Assistant

 

CL’s Guide to Planning a Cupcake Party

 

With so many upcoming holidays (Valentine’s Day, Saint Patrick’s Day, Cinco de Mayo, and this CL intern’s birthday, to name a few), what classy co-ed doesn’t need a theme? A simple, cost-effective way to celebrate these holidays with your friends is a cupcake party. Cupcakes can be decorated in any way, making them an ideal palette for any celebration. Also, cupcakes can be made in a dorm or apartment without an oven! Let CL show you how.

Step One: Oven or no oven.

If you have an oven in your dorm/apartment, you’re already set. If not, you have  some options. You could go to your local bakery and request un-iced cupcakes. Or, you could by a cupcake maker.

These snazzy little devices make miniature cupcakes, and can be bought at local stores like Target (this CL intern has one and loves it!). You could also request that your friends bring un-iced cupcakes with them.

Step Two: Bakin’ the cakes.

Make the cupcakes about one hour before your guests arrive. This will give the cupcakes  time to cool, which needs to happen so that the icing will not melt while your guests  frost and decorate them. You can either make the cupcakes from scratch or buy mixes from your local grocery store (this CL intern loves Duncan Hines and Betty Crocker). Make sure to make or buy a variety of flavors (i.e. chocolate, vanilla, white, marble). If you make mini cupcakes, set a dozen on each guest’s plate. If the cupakes are of regular size, set a half dozen on each guest’s plate.

Step Three: Icing technology.

Just like with the cupcakes, you can make or buy the icing, and you should make or buy it in more than one flavor (i.e. chocolate, vanilla, orange chocolate, almond, anise). To make the icing different colors, you could use food coloring, but be warned that this will dilute the icing, making it runny and difficult to work with. To avoid this outcome, buy Wilton’s icing colors (which this CL intern recommends, along with anything else Wilton!). These will produce strong colors and not make your icing runny. Wilton’s products can be found at arts and crafts stores like Michaels.

Make the icing colors according to the holiday or event you are celebrating. Then, place the icings into separate bowls in the center of the table – don’t forget to label the flavored icings!

Make sure that you have good spatulas for your guests to spread the icings with. To decorate, you can either use plastic bags, by filling them with icing and then cutting off the bottom points on one side of the bags, or icing bags (another great Wilton’s product). These icing bags will allow your guests to use a variety of icing tips to create patterns and make flowers for their cupcakes. Leave one icing bag out next to each icing bowl.

Step Four: Other toppings, for your consideration.

You can also purchase pre-made sugar flowers for some flair. Sprinkles are always classic. Other topping ideas are edible glitter, cinnamon drops, nonpareils or sugar pearls. In addition to these, you can also put festive figures or symbols on top, as shown below.

Leave these out in small bowls for your guests to use as well.

After these first four steps, you are ready for your friends to come over and create some amazing cupcakes!

Step Five: Cupcake favors.

Allow your guests to take their cupcakes home. Set aside a cupcake box for each guest with their name on it.

Debra Schreiber, a CL senior writer and Duquesne University senior journalism and Spanish major, has fond memories of baking chocolate chip cookies with father growing up. She believes this led to her passion for all things baking. She has most recently taken cake decorating classes at Giant Eagle Market District, Robinson location, and hopes someday to open her own bakery.

CL Top Ten: What and What Not to Pack for Study Abroad

We understand that you want to look and feel your best abroad – all the better to impress those cute foreign guys ! However, that does not mean that you need to take your entire closet and more with you. Below are five things you should definitely pull and pack because you love or really need them, and five items that you can say adios to for a few months, buy abroad, or carry on your person at all times.

To pack…

Your go-to jewelry pieces. Do not bring your entire jewelry box with you, just a few simple pieces that you wear on a regular basis . Narrow down your selection to a top three or four. Too much jewelry will weigh down your luggage, and there’s also always the chance that pieces could get lost.

Basic make-up. Simple mascara, foundation, lip gloss, eye shadow and liner will do. Don’t go crazy and bring every make-up product you own.

Necessities for your well-being. Make a list and double check that you have the items you use every day, such as contact solution (which you need to put into a container that complies with flight regulations), contacts (bring extra in case you lose them or they tear!), your glasses case, retainers, etc.

Work-out clothing. If you don’t bring work-out clothing, you won’t work out.

Simple clothing. Pack items that complement one another, sticking to a basic color palette. Doing this means you will need to pack fewer items because everything matches (freeing up space for clothes you buy abroad!) and losing one item won’t throw your whole look off. For extra tips, check out these matching pieces!

 

…or not to pack…

Books. Buy them abroad if you can. Books add weight to your suitcase. Definitely buy notebooks once you’re there.

Laundry detergent. Again, buy it there. It weighs too much, and it will be too much trouble putting it into bottles that are consistent with flight regulations.

Your passport. Don’t pack this – you’ll need it to get around the airport and the country, so keep it on your person at all times.

An umbrella. It’s incredibly useful abroad, just buy it there.

All of your shoes. …Just don’t do it.

Debra Schreiber is a returning CL intern from summer 2011. Now a senior, she did a spring break away trip to Spain her sophomore year, packed unnecessary things, and one of her favorite T-shirts disappeared.

CL Asks Classy Co-eds – What are Your Favorite Kid Movies?

Looking for a fun night with friends, family, or sorority sisters? Try a classic kiddie movie night, with these suggestions from co-eds like you.

 

“Peter Pan.” Not the cartoon. 2003 version with Jeremy Sumpter – Anissa Gilbert, Duquesne University, junior ISM and marketing major.

“The Princess Bride” and “My Neighbor Totoro.” – Gabrielle Tomasko, Duquesne University, integrated marketing communications and digital media arts major.

“A Little Princess.”  – Kelsey Daugherty, Duquesne University, senior, nursing.

“Aladdin.” – Michelle Lawrence, Duquesne University, senior, nursing.

“Sleepover.” – Sarah Williams, Duquesne University, sophomore psychology major.

“The Little Mermaid.” – Leanne Gallaway, The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, senior photography major.

“The Nightmare Before Christmas.” – Brooke Mendoff, Duquesne University, sophomore public relations/advertising and broadcast journalism major.

“Lion King.” – Alycia Washington, Duquesne University graduate, public relations and advertising degree.

“Despicable Me.” – Liz DeCarlo, Duquesne University, sophomore physics and modern languages major.

“Homeward Bound.” – Lauren Pitzer, Duquesne University, sophomore psychology major.

“Beauty and the Beast.” – Ellen Dimmick, Duquesne University, sophomore history major.

“Christmas Eve on Sesame Street.” – Elena LaQuatra, Point Park University, sophomore TV broadcast major.

“The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.” – Amy Kerlin, Duquesne University, sophomore political science and communications major.

 

Debra Schreiber is a returning CL intern from summer 2011. Her favorite kid movies include “How to Train Your Dragon,” “Ratatouille” and “The Pebble and the Penguin.”

 

Day 7: Your Favorite CL Article of 2011

Day 7 of the College Lifestyles 10 Day Challenge – what was your favorite article of 2011? Did an article inspire or change you?  Did you try one of our recipes or fashion trends?  We would like to know!

What was your favorite article of 2011?

Day 5: Your Favorite Inspiration Quote

Day 5 of the CL 10 day challenge is to share your favorite inspirational quote.  While we work very hard to have a positive outlook, we do admit to having a rainy day or two.

Share with us your favorite inspirational quote.

Was an IPad, IPhone, or MAC Under the Tree? Then you Need Clens from Bausch + Lomb!

We love our technology at College Lifestyles, and we know many of our readers love the incredible products of Apple.  In fact, the Apple Store is a loved date night of our Editor in Chief and her hubby.  For those of our readers who received Apple products for Christmas and current owners, we found a product by Bausch + Lomb to supplement your technology.

Clens™ is a two-step system that safely cleans the surfaces of Apple electronic products without dulling or discoloring the surface, so your loved one can enjoy a clean, clear, vivid display.

Clens ™ comes in two convenient package sizes, great for both home and on-the-go use. clens™ Home and Office features a 2oz spray, 6 pre-moistened tissues and 1 premium microfiber cloth ($19.95) while and clens™  Travel features 20 pre-moistened tissues and 1 premium microfiber cloth ($14.95).

To purchase clens™, visit your local Apple store or www.buyclens.com. To learn more about clens™, please visit: http://bit.ly/txMl4w

Winter Slump? Add Some Emergen-C to your Drink

With the holiday season over (many of us are returning home from our seasonal  travels), and our interns prepping to return back to campus, we have come to the realization our days of ‘kicking back’ will quickly be replaced with moving, studying, and yes, exams.  As much as we say we will not procrastinate, we still can get drained from late nights at our laptop.  Reaching for water during the cold, winter months may not sound appetizing (our Editor in Chief struggles with this!) so we reach for our favorite, tea and coffee.

 

In reaching for our tea and coffee, many of us look to add a ‘punch’ or ‘boost’ to our drinks.  Instead of cream or sugar, add a vitamin mix packet from Emergen-C.  Each packet provides 24 nutrients, including 7 B vitamins – so there is no caffeine, and no crash.

Emergen-C has various products and flavors to satisfy even the pickiest individual, and  our favorites include the Emergen-C Super Orange and the Immune + Citrus.  The packets mixed easily in water and did not have a ‘chalky’ taste.  What we liked the most about Emergen-C products is they are ‘winter friendly‘  and mix easily with our tea.  We tried this delicious recipe (courtesy of Emergen-C) and are huge fans.

CHAI L’ORANGE
8 oz. Hot Chai Tea (like Oregon Chai) (NOTE – We used the Winter Spice Tea)
1 Packet of Super Orange Emergen-C
1 Squeeze of Honey
Dash of Nutmeg

Pour 6 oz. of hot (but not boiling) Chai into a mug, add packet of Emergen-C Super Orange, stir in the honey, top with remaining Chai, and sprinkle with nutmeg.

 

Other fun recipes from Emergen-C include:

 

BLUETINI
1 packet of Emergen-C BLUE vitamin drink mix
1 packet of Emergen-C Vitamin D & Calcium mixed berry vitamin drink mix
2 ounces of fresh pineapple juice
1⁄2 teaspoon of coconut extract or water
6 ounces of sparkling water
Ice (crushed or cubed)

Combine drink mixes, pineapple juice, coconut water, and sparkling water. Stir. Add ice. Serve in a martini glass to make it special. Cheers! Serves 1.

 

“ROCK YOUR WORLD” HEALTHY COCKTAIL
4 packets of Emergen-C Raspberry vitamin drink mix
4 cups of orange juice (squeeze fresh oranges)
1 cup of raspberries (fresh if possible)
1 1⁄2 cups of sparkling water
Orange slices (and don’t just look at ‘em, eat ‘em!)
 
Blend the orange juice and raspberries until smooth. Stir in sparkling water and Emergen-C Raspberry drink mix. Add ice. Garnish with orange slices. Rock your day! Serves 4.

Visit the Emergen-C website for descriptions on various flavors, store locations, and recipes for you to try!

 

Disclaimer:  We would like to thank Emergen-C for providing the College Lifestyles office with product samples.  As always, opinions are all our own.

 

 

Start the New Year Off with Veggie Patch!

At College Lifestyles, we love anything nutritious, delicious, AND quick!  Our staff combines work, their fabulous internships (many of our interns/writers have several internships), school, and of course play (add in our Editor in Chief chases around a 9 1/2 month old baby girl!).  Needed in the mix is something quick and tasty.

Combine our ‘over programmed schedule’ with the running thoughts of eating well for the New Years. This is the time of the year where we throw out holiday leftovers (think egg nog, pumpkin pie, and casseroles).  However, we find ourselves with an empty freezer, busy schedule, and New Years thoughts of eating better.  What can we buy?

Enter Veggie Patch products!  Found in your local grocer freezer/refrigerator section, Veggie Patch products contain zero trans fats, contain no GMO (genetically modified ingredients, and are MSG free!  Veggie Patch uses soy in its products.  As stated on the Veggie Patch website, ‘The soybean is a green vegetable in the legume family. Many products are made from soybeans like soybean oil, soy sauce and concentrated soy protein. Concentrated soy protein is what we use to make our meatless Veggie Patch products.’

The big test of Veggie Patch products is, of course, taste.  What did we think?  With a great variety of products, our favorites were the Spinach Bites AND the Veggie Dogs.

We added a twist to the Spinach Bites – After preparing the Spinach Bites (simply bake), we dipped in a pizza sauce.  It was wonderful.  The Veggie Dogs we served with mustard and whole wheat hot dog buns.

Check out the Veggie Patch website for other products, store locators, and recipes.

Disclaimer:  We like to thank the Veggie Patch team for sending products for our review.  As always, thoughts on products are all our own.

Day 4: What is Something You Wish You Knew at 13

Day 4 of the 10 Day CL Challenge gives us a chance to go back and tell our 13 year old inner self (or little sister, etc) something you wish you knew at that age.

What is something you wish you knew at 13?

Next Page »