Sunday, November 30, 2008

Christmas gift for those who LOVE Audrey Hepburn! (It's in our office!)


The staff of College Lifestyles LOVES the classic approach Audrey Hepburn took to life!!!

Love Audrey Hepburn or know someone who does? A great gift for those in your life (or yourself) is the book 'What Would Audrey Do?' It outlines her classic approach to life as well as suggestions on how to carry out her classic approach in today's society!

It's on our bookshelf!

Saturday, November 29, 2008

What's Cooking in the College Lifestyles Kitchen?? Brain Boosting Pancakes!


The College Lifestyles (TM) kitchen was quite busy this weekend! Might we say, quick busy!

We decided to add a bit of flare to the Fiber One pancakes!!! Now, we turned basic pancakes into a brain food for finals!

Healthy - you know it; Tasty - we would have it no other way!

College Lifestyles (TM) pancakes:

Fiber One Pancake Mix

1 cup water

1/2 cup of frozen blueberries (brain booster)

Chopped walnuts (brain booster)

Dark chocolate chips (YUMMY!)

1. Combine all ingredients.
2. Cook!

YUMMMMMMMYYYY!!!!!!


Tuesday, November 25, 2008

A Great Find from Express!


This figure flattering blouse from Express ($19.90) is great for class, work, and for holiday celebrations!!!

Tips on wearing:

1. Class - wear with jeans, boots, hair pulled back, and hoops.
2. Work - wear with dark trousers or pencil skirt, wide belt, colorful bracelet, and pumps.
3. Jet set - wear with white trousers, Jackie-O sunglasses, flats, gold hoops.
4. Going out - wear with a satin pencil skirt, leopard heels, and silver jewelry.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Thanksgiving Dinner Etiquette - What if I am allergic to a Food Item?

A beautiful feast!!!! But, you are allergic to something. How can you graciously tell your host without hurting feelings?

Here are some tips if this happens to you:

If you a vegetarian - 'The turkey feast sounds lovely, but I guess I should let you know that I am a vegetarian. Please don't change a thing about the meal. It sounds delicious. If it is fine with you, I would be more than willing to bring an extra salad dish.'

If you are allergic - 'I'd love to come to your Thanksgiving brunch. I should tell you that I am allergic to eggs. I would be more than happy to provide (insert dish) for the brunch.'

Always compliment on the beauty of the meal, 'The meal looks lovely.'

Happy Thanksgiving!

What's in our Refrigerator??? Stoneyfield Farms YoKids!


For kids at heart - Stoneyfield Farms YoKids is yummy and good for us!!!

Organic, lower in sugar and taste great - what more do we need!!!

Great for the dorm, apartment, and office!

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Travel Etiquette!!


The holiday season is here!!! Time to pack our bags and visit family and friends! Travel brings out the best in individuals, but for others, it can bring out the worse! Instead of thinking negatively about travel, think of your final destination! Remember, even if you are a frequent traveler, others may not be. Please remember that!

College Lifestyles (TM) loves travel, and even the most savvy individual can be a bit frustrated; but always remember that holding your composer is more important that losing your cool at the mom and 3 kids sitting behind you on a plane ride. Remember, put yourself in their situation, and offer 'gentle suggestions.' Finally, remember that some individuals have a fear of flying, and talk just to calm themselves down. Suggest to them a crossword or Soduko found in the plane pocket seat.

Other tips:

1. When walking on the plane, carry your bag in front of you. If you hit someone, apologize. If you are one who gets hit, offer to assist them (don't blow up at them - how unprofessional).
2. When entering your seat, enter with your backside facing the back of the plane. You will be able to 'scoot' into your seat easier.
3. If you don't want to talk to the person next to you, quickly place your earphones in your ears. Don't yell at them if they ask you where you are from. You can gently tell them, 'I have such a huge, busy trip planned! I am going to relax.' Then, shut your eyes.
4. Remember, kids are kids. It's hard for them to sit down for a while. If bothersome, politely tell their parents. This sounds crazy, but suggest a game for the kids - ask them about a movie or TV show that they have seen recently. Encourage them to play an game of naming the ABC's with animals, food, colors, etc.
5. The first thing individuals look for when exiting a plane is a bathroom, don't get upset if they are walking slowly and you know the airport well. Remember, they may not. Politely excuse yourself and pass them up.

What does our director do when traveling?

'I always carry books and magazines and read. I am more than willing to lend a magazine or Soduko puzzle to my talkative neighbors!'

Safe travels to all for the holidays!

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Tea Etiquette??



Chilly weather brings on tea and coffee! How to drink tea properly??

When tea is served in a cup/saucer - place the spoon on the side of the saucer (as with the tea bag).

Tip: When served as a hot beverage; always remove the spoon from the mug. If a saucer is not available, place spoon on bread plate.

Great Holiday Shoes from Aldo!!!


These beautiful shoes from Aldo ($80.00) will go with any holiday dress, as well as dress up any pencil skirt or dark trousers for a work-to-evening look!

The gold (also available in silver) will flatter any outfit and elongate the legs!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

We found it! A Great Sweater Dress from Banana Republic!


'Baby it's cold outside!'

Stay warm in this figure friendly sweater dress from Banana Republic ($64.99).

Tips to wear:

1) Business - Wear as is in the picture with tights and ankle boots.
2) Business - Wear with tights and flesh tone heel boots; long gold necklace; gold hoops.
3) Boho - burgundy tights, suede flat boots or riding boots, gold hoops, scarf.
3) Going out - Wear with metallic heels; sliver cuff bracelet; bomber jacket.
4) To class or casual Saturday - Wear with black tights, black flats, jean jacket, scarf.

Exactly How am I to eat a Pineapple?


Although pineapples are more of a 'summer' fruit; we have a chance of eating pineapple for Thanksgiving! (Along with turkey, many individuals prepare ham with pineapple slices on top.

Eat pineapple slices with a fork and knife (continental style please!)

Sunday, November 16, 2008

What's in our Director's Travel Bag??? Something anyone can have in the dorm or refrigerator!


Since our director will be flying out tomorrow (to the land of the Gators!), we asked her what goodies she will travel with on the plane...

'I always make a wrap with Hormel sliced ham, 2% kraft cheese, and a high fiber bagel as my bread.'

Why Hormel? 'Hormel has no MSG and no added nitrates and taste wonderful! No airport food for me!'

We Found It - A Great Dress from French Connection!


This lovely red sweater dress from French Connection ($49.99) will fit a casual holiday party!

The tie at the waist will give the illusion of an hour glass shape! Wear with metallic or animal print heels for a great party look! Top with gold jewelry!

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Invitation Etiquette!


Are you planning a fun, holiday party? Is your organization or sorority hosting a holiday galla?

General Rule of Thumb on 'when to send invitations!'

Formal Dinner - 3 to 6 weeks
Informal Dinner - a few days away to 3 weeks
Cocktail Party - 2 to 4 weeks
Christmas Party - 1 month
Tea - a few days to 2 weeks

Monday, November 10, 2008

Another Great LBD!!! (From Gap!)


We love this LBD (little black dress) from Gap ($78.00)!

The empire waist will give the illusion of a longer leg line! If you feel a bit too 'showy' in the strapless dress, top with a cropped white cardigan OR a sparkly cropped black cardigan!

Top with a clutch, cocktail ring (see our earlier post), silver or black beaded necklace, and peep-toe shoes for a night out, winter formal, or a holiday cocktail party!

Creating a Better Body Image....Start a Quote File (A Great Sisterhood Development Program)


In addition to your SunShine File (as posted earlier), we encourage you to start an inspirational/favorite quote file that you can look at daily! Pick quote that you relate to, in addition to quotes that will help you reach your goals (personally and professionally!)!

From our Director's Quote File:

'Good things come in small packages!' (Our director is 5'1')
'A Women Should Be 2 Things - Classy and Fabulous' ~ Coco Chanel

How to turn this into a sisterhood development program?

Encourage each sister to bring their favorite quote (or quote that describes them). Have each explain their quote to the entire group. When completed, place all quotes in a scrapbook file/poster file for all to view!