We Have A New Place to Call Home!

Click here for our new site!

College Lifestyles (TM) has a new, fantastic home; and a new fantastic look!

Click here for our new site!

Visit our new site at http://collegelifestyles.org!

WE MOVED!!!!!!!

Leaving is always so hard, but we are so excited to announce that we have moved!!!

Check us out at http://www.collegelifestyles.org!!!

Party Etiquette? Send a Fabulous Note Card from Dragonfly Dreams!!! (Also, great note cards for sororities!)

It's that time of the year! Graduation and wedding shower time!

Whether you are the guest of honor or an attendee, it is always important to send a note card thanking the guest or the host!

Looking for a more personalized note card?? These great cards from Dragonfly Dreams will do the trick! Pick your theme, graphics, font! What fun! And what is great - Dragonfly Dreams is offering a buy 1 Note Card, get one free till 5/31/09!

Do we have note cards!? Of course! What is our theme - zebra with pink!!!

Our Favorite Summer Dress (Great for an Engagement Party or Outside Wedding!)

This lovely red one-shoulder dress from Francesca's Collections ($34.00) is great for an outside afternoon wedding OR an outside engagement party!

Why? The jersey material will allow us to breathe, instead of sweat like crazy (outside events are great, but the heat, not so much!)

This dress fits our criteria of a great piece:

1. Affordable!

2. Figure flattering - the wide waistband is flattering for all shapes by creating a defined waist or hour-glass shape, and the one-shoulder is extremely flattering (we don't hear individuals saying 'I hate my shoulders.')

3. Green. How? We can mix and match this dress into our wardrobe!

How to go green with this dress (in other words, wear it again)?

1. Outside wedding - wear with hair pulled back, simple hoops, clutch (plum) and metallic strappy heels or sandals (depending if on sand or ground surface).

2. Going out - wear with hair pulled back, hoops, leopard clutch or shoes.

3. Going out #2 - add a skinny belt, drop earrings, metallic heels.

Who Doesn't Love a Great Movie!? Our top 5 movies!

It's almost summer! The sun, the fun, and sometimes 'What am I going to do tonight?' Tired of flipping through the channels (let's be honest, some of us will be away from our sorority sisters and best friends) with nothing to watch? Give yourself a facial, mani, and pedi while watching our top 5 movies!

Rent (or download to itunes) our favorites:

1. Grease. Who doesn't love Sandy and Danny? Singing, dancing, and Pink Ladies! What more could we ask for?

2. Say Anything. 80s, 80s, 80s. Who could forget the famous scene where Lloyd holds up the boom box and In Your Eyes in playing.

3. Shag. If you love Grease, you will love Shag. Follow the travels of 4 southern ladies as they take a detour from Fort Sumpter to Myrtle Beach.

4. Casablanca. (For the romantics - and it is our directors FAVORITE movie. She quotes it constantly!) Follow the love story of Isla and Rick. According to our director, the most romantic line in the world is said when Rick tells Isla, 'We'll always have Paris.'

5. Sixteen Candles. Another 80s classic! We all have felt how Samantha has felt at one time in our lives!

Honorable mention:

6. Sex in the City

7. The Breakfast Club

8. Steel Magnolias

9. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

10. My Best Friends Wedding

11. Pretty Woman

12. Legally Blonde

What a Way to Start the Morning!!!

Call us a bit sassy, but flattery makes one feel 'oh so good!'

Start off in the morning with this sassy cup! A fun graduation present for all!

Coffee cup checklist:

Holds coffee - yes

Keeps coffee warm - yes

Sassy - yes :)

Chopstick Etiquette????

Having dinner with friends, family, and even co-workers? Gone are the time of the boring sit-down restaurants (translation - chicken and green beans - blah!), and enter into the world of sushi fusion! Who would have thought?!

Now, we love etiquette, and we love sushi! Let's combine the 2! Sushi etiquette? Chopstick etiquette? We have all heard 'Fork to the left of the plate, knife to the right of the plate,' but what about chopsticks?

Holding chopsticks:

1. Rest the lower chopstick on your ring finger, supporting it in the V of the thumb and forefinger.

2. Hold the upper chopstick like a pencil, between the middle and index finger and anchored with the thumb.

3. Make sure chopsticks are even.

4. When you are picking up food, the lower chopstick remains still as the upper chopstick pivots, with your thumb as the axis.

Need a little practice? Our director, Shelly Marie, gives this tip during her etiquette talks to sororities...

'Order 1-2 fruit trays with melons, cantaloupe, pineapple, and strawberries. Gather your sisters and practice with the fruit!'

Chopstick Etiquette:

1. Once your chopsticks have touched a piece of food, take it (no double dipping with your chopsticks).

2. Bite in half any dumplings; hold the piece firmly in your chopsticks as you bite.

3. Do raise your rice bowl to a point under your chin when eating rice (unless in Korea - typically where all dishes are on the table).

4. Do rest your used chopsticks on your plate or chopstick rest, not on the table.

5. Don't pour sauce over food, use your chopsticks to dip a piece of food in the sauce and bring to your mouth.

**Taken from Real World Etiquette and How to be a Classy Sorority Lady in the 21st Century.

P.B. Loco New Flavor! (We Can't Wait to Try It!)

If you keep up with our blog, you know by now that we love peanut butter. In particular, P. B. Loco Brand. (We buy ours at Target!)

We were so excited when we received an email stating the 'A-Ha' Moment of P.B. Loco!

A NEW FLAVOR!!!

CARAMEL APPLE PEANUT BUTTER!!!

So excited!!!

Currently you can go the website to order the Carmel Apple Peanut Butter flavor (we will!)! We will let you all know when it comes to Target!

Your Perfect Fit for an LBD! Plus - A Summer LBD (Little Black Dress) from Fashion Junkee!

Looking for the perfect LBD to flatter your shape???

Here is your fit guide:

1. Are you more of a rectangle (longer torso)?

Look for a dress with a defined waist - add a skinny style belt to any dress to create a waist.

2. Are you more of an hourglass?

Look for an A-Line style that fits at the waist and flows over the hips. A slightly fitted top with a V-Neck is very flattering.

3. Are you more top heavy/wider shoulders?

Look for a dressed that is 'draped' on top or offers a 'flow-y' shoulder. Go for a more fitted bottom.

4. Are you more bottom heavy?

Look for a fitted top and straight skirt that falls straight (not tapered) to the knee!

We love a LBD (little black dress!) - but sometimes the summer heat can 'shy' us away from the LBD! We found this great jersey style LBD from Fashion Junkee for $36.00. This dress flatters all shapes - fitted at the top, flows through the hips, wider shoulder straps for anyone who is top heavy.

How to wear this dress?

1. Night on the town - look for metallic strapy stilettos, tons of bangle bracelets, and a animal print clutch.

2. Cocktail party - colorful pumps, drop earrings, and hair pulled back.

3. Daytime - top with a cropped jean jacket, wide wooden bracelet, strapy sandals, hoops, hair in low ponytail.

College Lifestyles (TM) Director Has Successful Book Signing at Enchanted Gardens!

Our Executive Director, Shelly Marie, was invited to the delightful Shreveport gift shop, Enchanted Gardens, for a 'Mother's Day/Graduation' book signing! Joining Shelly was Leslie from Lindsay Phillips great product, Switch Flops!

The book signing was extra special for our director, for every book sold, 10% will be donated to the National Eating Disorder Association! (It's so easy to donate, just visit the website and go to the get involved link.)

Shelly states,

'The event was a blast. Not only was I able to sell my book as graduating presents, but to give back to the National Eating Disorders Association! That's wonderful!' Did I also mention that I purchased a pair of Switch Flops! Love them!'

And what color did our director pick as her Switch Flop?

*Eat Well and Be Fabulous: A Guide for the Modern Day Woman makes great graduation presents. Visit www.shellymariespeaking.com to purchase!*

Another Trip To Our Favorite Place! Target!!! (Road Trip Food!)

Summer = Road Trip! And where else to go food finds but Target!!!! Here is what will be in our car!

Dark Chocolate Raisins! (Antioxidants and Tasty!)

Yoplait Light!! It goes in our cooler and cherry cobbler - so YUMMY!)

Funky Monkey!!!

These great freeze dried bananas are delicious and healthy!

All these great finds at your local Target!

Great Food Finds at Target!

It's no secret!  We love Target!  

Here are some great Archer Farm Food Brands we love!

Salsa!!!  

(Our favorite - Roasted Vegetable!)

Baked Chips!

(It's what we dip our salsa in!)

Honey Cinnamon Almonds!

Now you know exactly what to put on your shopping list!!!!

Still Looking for an Internship??? Your wish is granted!!

We have received some FABULOUS intern applications here at College Lifestyles; and guess what; we are ready to receive some more!!!  We know that finals are going on right now; but take a few seconds of your time to let us know you are interested in interning for us!  

Instead of a boring, 'shadow' style internship; our internship is FUN and EXCITING!  (Think the excitement of Running in Heels + laughter of your favorite comedy + your favorite dessert = College Lifestyles Internship)  Here is a recap of what we are looking for:

College Lifestyles is accepting applications for its virtual internship for the summer and 2009-2010 year.

College Lifestyles is a nutrition, etiquette, and lifestyle firm for co-eds.  College Lifestyles prides itself in bringing the most current information on nutrition, eating disorders, body image, the sorority experience, travel, etiquette, dress, fashion, and lifestyle to it’s readers in its blog, packets, and presentations.

Currently, College Lifestyles is expanding it’s blog to include stories and packets from aspiring writers form our own co-eds!

In addition to blog work, we are looking for interns who are ‘go-getters’ and who are not afraid to set up interviews/pod-cast; perform interviews for posting on our blog and website; who can develop media packets; blog on their own personal life; and website development.

Interns can range from freshman to graduate students and can be any major; but we would prefer the following majors:

•  PR/Marketing.
  
• Business.
  
• Nutrition/Dietetics.
  
• Fashion Merchandising.
  
• Social Work.
  
• Psychology.
  
• Computer design.
  
• English.
  
• Journalism.
  

 Requirements for internship include:

•  Internet/Computer Access.
  
•  Camera (for snap shots/pics).
  
• 15 minute biweekly con call with our director. (Every other week)
  

If your are interested, send an email to our director Shelly at shelly@shellymariespeaking.com or smarie93@hotmail.com for an official packet and application!!!

Keeping Disordered Eating at Bay over Summer Break - Guest Blog Post/Interview from Melissa Henriquez

College Lifestyles contacted Melissa Henriquez, author/blogger of Tales of a Disordered Eater, for tips/suggestions on disordered eating over summer break.  Melissa gracious replied to our request and we thank her for her time.  Enjoy her post, as well as follow her blog!  Thanks Melissa!

You’ve taken your last exam, hugged your friends goodbye, and now you’re headed back home … the place that, for whatever reason, often triggers your disordered eating behavior.

Perhaps your disordered eating habits began there. Or maybe your parents harp on you about your weight (as in, “you’re too thin” or “you’re overweight”).

Whatever the reason, going home for summer break – time away from the rigidity of a structured class schedule and the flexibility of college night life – can be a very scary notion for many young women who deal with disordered eating behavior.

But it doesn‘t have to be.

As with anything else in life, you are in control. You make choices. Every day, you choose to live a healthy life … or not to. Naturally, there are consequences when we choose not to, and we feel better about ourselves when we choose to.

Maybe at school, your disordered eating was finally getting under control. That’s awesome! In that case, take those positive steps home with you.

Do your parents know about your disordered eating issues? If so, you might feel they have you on a much closer watch than you’re accustomed to at school – which can no doubt be frustrating.

Try not to let that trigger your behaviors you’ve worked so hard to undo. Remember that that they care, and want what’s best for you.

Though my personal experience with disordered eating didn’t begin until several years after college, I still sometimes find visits home to see my family a challenge, because most of our time together centers around our two favorite things: talking and food.

My parents have been extremely supportive in my recovery process, and I appreciate that they acknowledge that holidays are often a challenge … or when they compliment me on just going with the flow (not easy for me!). That means a lot, and just knowing that they realize it has helped me enormously.

Here are some tips I use to keep my disordered eating issues at bay when I go home. Whether it’s for a holiday weekend, a week, a month or a whole summer break, I hope that these tips to manage your disordered eating behaviors will come in handy for you, as well.

1. Capitalize on positive coping mechanisms. Think back to which coping mechanisms worked for you at school. Was it hanging with friends who liked to go out and have fun, enjoying a night of pizza and wine? Was it working out for a little bit before class to help get your day off to a healthy, good start? Journaling your thoughts/feelings? Cooking some meals, or preparing snacks for days on the road? Seeing a therapist? Instead of being worried about looking for new coping mechanisms when home, keep in mind the old adage, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” and continue doing whatever worked for you at school when you’re home.

2. Enlist support of your family or loved ones when things get stressful. Remember that restricting or over-exercising or binging, or binging and purging won’t solve whatever is really eating at you; seeking help from family or trusted loved ones or a counselor during tough times can work wonders. This might have worked for you at school, and it can work at home, too. Remember, you don’t need to go it alone, and they will probably be so encouraged to see you reaching out. As we all know, admitting we have a problem is the first step; doing something about it is the next one.

3. Keep wholesome comfort foods around. Knowing that you have a fridge and pantry stocked with good, nutritious choices is always a good thing. When you’re not stuck with a dorm room’s mini-fridge and university cafeteria options, you can pick and choose what you eat. And if having, say, Fuji apples or White Chocolate Macadamia nut Luna bars or Barney Butter almond butter in the dorm helped you feel “grounded,” why not pick these items up at the store to have on hand at home, too?

4. Test yourself a bit every day. If you’ve been struggling and the notion of going out to eat, for example, causes stress, start small by going out to a casual lunch with friends to build confidence. If no one has a suggestion, pick a place that you know you can feel comfortable and relaxed. Try dining outside; sunshine and a nice breeze calms nerves. The more you put yourself in uncomfortable situations, the easier they become; in cognitive behavioral therapy (a method my therapist used with me), this is called “systematic desensitization.” Eventually, dining out won’t spur the same magnitude of fear it used to, if at all.

5. Live a little! Because disordered eating behavior usually exists (and thrives) in solitude, you might need to be reminded every so often to keep busy with friends and loved ones during your time home. Remember, this is your summer break – you don’t want to go back to school in September with the only memory of your vacation being spent within the confines of your house or gym. Take up a new outdoor activity or go with an old standby, like biking. Go to a concert, hit the beach, check out a new city; anything to keep you busy and feeling fulfilled.

6. Ditch “Perfect Girl” syndrome. You’re human, not a super-woman. If you do have a slip-up at some point – and you very well might – remember that “pebbles” like these are normal along the path to recovery. It doesn’t have to be a set-back unless you see it as one. To avoid this all-or-nothing approach, try to reframe it as a “blip on the radar,” and remember, tomorrow is a new day, a new opportunity.

I’m not going to lie; recovery isn’t easy, and being out of a comfort zone can cause stress and anxiety on anyone — especially someone with disordered eating issues. I still struggle myself.

Yet I’ve learned, how you manage it is up to you. It’s your choice: to flex your “resistance muscle” and keep your disordered eating issues at bay, or to give into it and struggle.

No matter how you choose to handle it, summer vacation will inevitably come to an end, and before you know it, you’ll be back at school facing a whole new set of challenges.

I hope you’ll keep these tips in mind, remembering that they can travel with you throughout your life as you encounter potentially triggering situations.

In the words of L’Oreal, “You’re worth it.”

Melissa Henriquez (http://TalesofaDisorderedEater.org) is a married 29-year old PR professional who started her blog in an effort to overcome her own struggles with disordered eating. Between traditional therapy and blogotherapy, she's been an advocate for women struggling with similar demons. She's been featured as a guest blogger at Elastic Waist, Run4Change, Back in Skinny Jeans,
DietsInReview.com, as well as two Glamour.com mentions. 

Need an Internship? Apply for a Position with College Lifestyles!!!!

Love nutrition, fashion, sorority life, and/or etiquette?  Join our TEAM!!!

College Lifestyles is accepting applications for its virtual internship for the summer and 2009-2010 year.

College Lifestyles is a nutrition, etiquette, and lifestyle firm for co-eds.  College Lifestyles prides itself in bringing the most current information on nutrition, eating disorders, body image, the sorority experience, travel, etiquette, dress, fashion, and lifestyle to it’s readers in its blog, packets, and presentations.

Currently, College Lifestyles is expanding it’s blog to include stories and packets from aspiring writers form our own co-eds!

In addition to blog work, we are looking for interns who are ‘go-getters’ and who are not afraid to set up interviews/pod-cast; perform interviews for posting on our blog and website; who can develop media packets; blog on their own personal life; and website development.

Interns can range from freshman to graduate students and can be any major; but we would prefer the following majors:

•  PR/Marketing.
  
• Business.
  
• Nutrition/Dietetics.
  
• Fashion Merchandising.
  
• Social Work.
  
• Psychology.
  
• Computer design.
  
• English.
  
• Journalism.
  

 Requirements for internship include:

•  Internet/Computer Access.
  
•  Camera (for snap shots/pics).
  
• 15 minute biweekly con call with our director. (Every other week)
  

If your are interested, send an email to our director Shelly at shelly@shellymariespeaking.com or smarie93@hotmail.com for an official packet and application!!!

Jump Into the Flat Craze of Spring (Our 3 Favorite Flats - no matter what your budget!)!

We love spring!  Light dresses, skirts, shorts, tunic top style dresses, jersey dresses!  (One moment while we close our eyes and inhale!).

We are putting away our boots and bringing out our flats!

Flats can range from casual to dressy!  Wear to class, Saturday shopping trip

s, business meetings, with badge attire, and out!  (Much better than flip-flops!)

Flats look best with:

1.  Casual - denim mini-skirts (Heels with mini-skirts is soooo 80s), letters.

2.  Skinny style jeans.  Top with a tunic style top OR fitted top with a fitted blazer.

3.  Trousers (be sure to pick an embellished flat if wearing for business attire).

4.  Leggings (think more Audrey Hepburn) with a white button up.

Here are a few of our favorites (from all budgets) and our DREAM SPLURGE!

$ - Old Navy - $19.50

$$ - Nine West - $79.00  (Our favorite!)

$$$ - Tory Burch - $325.00 

How should you pick on which to buy?  Are you one who will wear flats daily?  Can't really wear heels?  Then we recommend the Nine West brand - reliable and durable!  Are you one who will wear your flats on occasion and prefer to live in flip flops or heels?  Go for the Old Navy brand.  If your a brand lover, have the extra $$ (birthday coming up), will wear flats to and from class, then go for the Tory Burch!

Top 3 Brain Foods for Students (And you can find them in the dining hall, dorm, or apartment!)!

Spring break is long gone, Greek week is over, and now we are faced with the reality of  3 papers, 2 projects, and FINALS!   In the midst of color coding our calender to study and complete projects; we can reach for these 3 foods for a little of a brain boost!

1.  Caffeine.

While we don't encourage you to 'over do it,' caffeine can assist in helping us concentrate by giving us a little boost of energy.  The effects of caffeine are short term, so perhaps having a cup of joe before an exam or before study hall will give you an extra boost of concentration!

OUR FAVORITE:  Peppermint Cocoa.  (Great for the dorm and apartment)

2.  Fish.

Nemo is wonderful!!!  Rich in omega-3; fish is our popular brain food!

OUR FAVORITE:  Starkist vacuum sealed packets.  (Doesn't leave a yucky smell in your room!)

3.  Seeds and nuts!

Instead of chips, reach for a handful of nuts while studying.  Rich in vitamin E, it is associated with cognitive function.  A special treat - add dark chocolate to this!

OUR FAVORITE:  Dark chocolate almond M and Ms.  (okay, okay - don't hate us.  But let's be honest, study hall and a vending machine.  The tuna packets will not be selection B6; but dark chocolate almond M and Ms will be!  

CLOSE RUNNER UP:  Blue diamond almonds!

Find more tips in our directors book 'Eat Well and Be Fabulous:  A Guide for the Modern Day Woman!'

RSVP Etiquette - The Right Way to Respond!

Many of us will be invited to graduation parties, end of the semester events, and university galas!  Wondering on how to respond?  Take these tips!

RSVP within 48 hours to way the invitation was sent to you.

What if a Facebook invitation was sent?

Carefully read the instructions.  Look to see if a 'call this number' to RSVP.

How to respond?

If the event is hosted by several organizations - On the envelope, write the names of the organizations in alphabetical order.  Write on the note the names of the organizations in alphabetical order.

If the event is hosted by several individuals - On the envelope, write the names of the individuals in alphabetical order according to their last name.  On the note, write the names of the individuals in alphabetical order according to their first name.

Kudos to Alpha Phi!

In previous post, we sent kudos to the lovely ladies of Zeta Tau Alpha for joining forces with Self Magazine for the SELF Challenge.

We have learned (through our great readers) that the lovely ladies of Alpha Phi are up for the challenge as well!  Kudos to you all!

If you are not a sister of Zeta Tau Alpha or Alpha Phi, still join the challenge with your sisters by visiting the SELF Magazine website!  Sign up your sisters for fun and health!

Finding the Right Sunglasses for Your Face Shape!

For some of us, Spring Break is long gone (aww!)!  But that gives us the encouragement that summer is approaching!!!! 

What is summer with a great pair of sunglasses (can we say people watching 'unnoticed' while catching the some great rays!)

What is the best sunglass frame for your face shape???

Round-shape face (with greatest width at cheekbone) - look for rectangular frames that are straight across the top.

Oval-shape face (forehead slightly wider than chin) - Lucky!  Most frames look great on you, but go for a wider bridge and avoid very small frames.

Square face (strong jaw line) - round, oval or cat-eye shape.  

Heart face (forehead much wider than chin) - look for ovals or rectangular frames with curved bottom rims.

These great round frames ($16.00) are from Shop Suey Boutique!!!

Dining Etiquette - Passing a Dish with a Handle?

Passing a dish with a handle?  How do we do this?

Salad dressing dishes with a handle should be passed with the handle toward the person receiving them.  (Makes sense!)

Changing Thoughts! (A Great Activity for Body Image)!

For some of us, it is time to apply for an internship!  For others, it is time to think of our majors (or even a change of major!)

Self talk comes into mind.  And, sometime it is negative:

• 'Oh, I'm only just a freshman.'  - when applying for a summer internship or job.
  
• 'I'll blow this.'  - when calling for information in an internship.
  
• 'I'll never succeed.'  - when thinking of a major.
  

INSTEAD - Change your thoughts to the positive!

'I am a hard-working _____________.'

'I am looking to advance.'

'Success takes exerting effort!'

'I am not afraid to try!'

Write your positive thoughts today!

Kudos to the Panhellenic Council at Austin Peay State University for the Fairy Godmother Program!

The Panhellenic Council at Austin Peay State University (Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, and Alpha Sigma Alpha) played 'Fairy Godmother' for a great cause!

The sisters invited local high school seniors (focusing on students with financial need) to the University Center to pick a prom dress and shoes for their senior prom!  All the dresses and shoes are donated by the sisters!

Directly from the Austin Peay Greek Life Website:

'For the past three years, the Panhellenic Council of APSU has hosted Operation Fairy Godmother. Operation Fairy Godmother is an event that provides new or gently-used formal dresses, shoes, jewelry and other accessories to young women in the Montgomery County area. Every young woman deserves to feel pretty on her prom night and the Panhellenic Council works to help that happen.'

This gets a huge KUDOS from College Lifestyles!

Do this at your own Panhellenic council!!!!  How many of us have a prom dress?  Will we wear it again?  Donate it!  Be your own Fairy Godmother!

Our Shopping Excursion to World Market!!! (Spring Break Goodies - Food Accessories!!)

World Market (Cost Plus) has some of the most fabulous 'food accessories!'  Here is a sneak peak of our favorites for our Spring Break Road Trip!!!

Hummus!!!  We LOVE hummus!!!

Laughing Cow Cheese - oh my!!!  So delicious with an apple!

TOO CUTE - Nutella packets!  We mix these with our peanut butter!  YUMMY!

Coffee - A great way to get the day started!!!

And our directors favorite:

What are some of your Spring Break treats???

Kudos to Zeta Tau Alpha and Self Magazine!

The sisters of Zeta Tau Alpha have joined the Self Challenge!!!  Devoted to improving the health of their chapters (not losing weight!); all chapters are encouraged to register!  The chapter with the most registrants will receive at $3000 donation to the Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation!!

We LOVE this approach - instead of rewarding based on weight loss; the reward goes to the most 'active chapter!'  Zeta sisters will be blogging 'healthy progress' on Self.com!  

Not only sisters of Zeta Tau Alpha can register, but we all can!!!  Not a Zeta Tau Alpha sister?  Encourage your own chapter to participate!!!  

Tell us how your chapter stays healthy!

Special note - Love the blog?  Want to write for us?  College Lifestyles will soon be accepting virtual intern applications!  Stay tuned!  Send our director an email at shelly@shellymariespeaking.com!

Great Find from Express - Spring Jacket! 7 Ways to Wear it!

This jacket from Express ($69.50) goes from casual to internship to going out!  So many things are great about this jacket!  

First, the fit!  The sleeves flatter all arm shapes/sizes, the V-Neck draws the eyes upward, and when you tie the belt at the smallest part of your waist, you create a lovely hour glass shape!

Next, this jacket is a staple in your wardrobe!  Here is how we can wear it again!

1.  Internship/Business Attire - wear jacket with a pencil OR a-line skirt (think black, khaki, and/or olive); pumps; stud earrings; gold bangles.

2.  Spring Internship/Presentation - wear with a pencil OR a-line skirt in a light pink or lilac color, pearl necklace/bracelet.

3.  Date night - have fun with a bouncy skirt - go bold with a satin, royal blue skirt, animal print pumps, hoops.

4.  Summer night (girls on the town!) - wear with black or khaki shorts, metallic strapy heels, thick gold bangle, hoops.

5.  Casual - wear with dark, denim jeans, low/kitten heels.

6.  Date at park - wear with white skirt, sandals, hoops, yellow scarf.

7.  Shopping - bright colored shorts, large tote, sunglasses, scarf.

We are on our way to pick up one!!!!

Our Newest Snack Obsession - Just Organic Apples (from the Just Tomatoes line!)!!

YUMMY!

Here is the scoop on these tasty little snacks!  Our director, Shelly Marie, was waiting for a evening din-din at Jason's Deli with our fitness advisor Brianna.  (Bri was returning from the FABULOUS ACSM conference!)

Our director took a stroll into the local Brookshire's Grocery Store and stumbled upon all these great 'Just Tomatoes' dried fruit and vegetables!  

As she says,

'I couldn't help but notice the cute fruit and veggie labels, and upon examination, I noticed that the ingredients were just that, the fruit or the vegetable!  No added mess!  What is also amazing about these products - as students, you can add them to oatmeal and cereal  But most important, the taste - YUMMY!  I couldn't help myself - I bought a ton!  My personal favorite - Just Organic Apples!'

Just Tomatoes is offered at local grocery stores include Brookshires, HEB, Whole Foods, Super 1, and Central Market!

In addition, Shelly says,

'I love the website!  It has great resources for teachers (calling all education students) for lesson plans and activities!  Even mom's can use the resources!'

A Great Spring Dress from Francesca's Collections!

By now, most of us know that College Lifestyles LOVES Francesca's!  Great gifts for big/lil sis, great jewerly, and great clothes at WONDERFUL prices!

We LOVE this 'spring dress!'  A great dress ($38.00) to wear to a tea party, bridal/baby shower, or even for an afternoon date!  A plus - yellow is one of the great colors for spring!  

Ways to wear this find:

1.  Afternoon date - Wear with embellished sandals, gold hoops, and a thin gold charm necklace.

2.  Afternoon tea - Wear with nude/flesh tone kitten heels, thin gold drop earrings, stud earrings, light bangle bracelet, hair in low bun/ponytail.

3.  Casual (to class) - Wear with fitted jean jacket, flats, gold hoops.

4.  Out on the town - give this dress pizzaz with sea green or deep plum jewelry!  Plum pumps!

What Drives Us Crazy??? No, It Should be the Other Way Around! (Body Image Activity!)

In our days of research at College Lifestyles, we run across the articles 'What Drives Me Crazy?' and 'What I Hate About This!'  In other words, we run into a lot of grumpy folks!  Our worst, 'Here is what I don't like about myself!'

No, no, no!  Look the other way around!

So far, we have read:

• 'What I Hate About College!'  and we see someone bash a professor (or 2 or 3), dorms, food, etc.  Instead write quickly 'What Do You Love About College!'  Here are some of our few - we love the laughing at 1am with our friends, walking to class, events!
  
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• 'What I Hate About Spring!'  Are you kidding us?  Spring is that time of year where the air is that cross between crisp and warm, the grass is greener, and those great Easter colors of robin egg blue, sea green, lilac, and yellow are out and about!  
  
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• 'What I Hate About My Body!'  As hard as it is, write what you love about your body!  What does your body do for you?  Our bodies are these beautiful creations that take us to class, allow us to chat with our friends and loved ones!  What do you love?
  

Introduction Etiquette? Sit or Stand??

Rising to greet someone is very respectful; but sometimes we get the question - Do we really need to do this?

Yes!  Stand when you can, especially when:

• The person is older than you are.
  
• The person has a special respect (example, dean and alumnae)
  
• You are meeting someone for the first time.
  

A quick note - if someone leaves the room and returns, the diners do not need to stand when they return!