Conference Etiquette?

It's conference season and if your attending one of the many conferences this Spring, including MGCA, NGLA, and SEPC, you may run into our director, Shelly Marie! Be sure to tell her hello!!!

Here are some quick conference etiquette tips!

1. Arrive no sooner than 15 minutes earlier to a lunch/dinner meal (this is the same for business dinners).
2. What is cocktail attire? Ladies - short, elegant dress + accessories (LBD is great)! Gentleman - dart suit + dress shirt + tie or dark blazer + dress pants + tie.
3. What is business attire? Think of 'courtroom' attire. Ladies - dress pants, pumps/heels, button up shirts, blazers, cardigan sweaters, scarfs, pencil skirts hitting knee, work style dress (shift dress/wrap dress). Gentleman - khakis, button up shirts, ties.

We know it hurts, but.....

1. Everyone loves flip flops, but even 'dressy' flip flops belong on the beach; not with a dress or pants.
2. Cell phones - place on silent please.

What if....

1. I am stuck talking to a 'scholar' or someone who is 'boring?' Keep your cool. We know, it's tough. Listen, smile, and use 'I' words. 'Wow, impressive.'
2. I forget a name? It's embarrassing to re-ask a name, but saying something as 'I have met so many people today, and I am terrible with names. Could you tell me yours again?'

Safe travels!!!!!

What's in College Lifestyles (TM) Pantry????

With the weather still chilly, soup not only taste great, but it feels great!

A great soup that we found, Pacific Organic Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup! Great for a quick lunch in the dorm or a quick weekend meal!

Where we found it? Target, Wal-Mart, Kroger, and World Market!

Soups up!

Supportive Statements When Discussing Diet and Eating Disorders...

If you suspect that a friend or sorority sister is becoming more obsessive with dieting; and avoiding eating with you and your sisters, we encourage you to use supportive statements and avoid confrontational statements....

Avoid the following statements if your friend sorority sister is obsessive dieting or avoiding eating with you:

'That is ridiculous. You have to eat.'

Instead, state the following:

'You seem withdrawn. Is everything okay?'
'You haven't eaten with me in a while. Is everything okay?'

This way, you bring up the situation without being confrontational.

(Taken from College Lifestyles program No Number (TM) - Greeks Fight Against Eating Disorders.)

Yes, You Can Help Prevent Eating Disorders!

Make a commitment not to avoid activities (swimming and dancing) that draw attention to you!!!!!

~Adapted from Michael Levine, PhD

Body Image Tip!

Tell yourself 'I will wear clothes that are comfortable and make me feel good about myself.'

--Adapted from Michael Levine, Ph.D and Linda Smolak, Ph.D in conjunction with the National Eating Disorders Association.

We Found It!!!! Raincoat from French Connection!!!

This gorgeous rain coat from French Connection ($49.99) will transition into the rainy late winter/spring! A great sale indeed, only $49.99!

This rain coat flatters all shapes since it hits the knee and the tie waist will create a lovely siloutte!

What's New in the College Lifestyles (TM) Pantry????

Popchips!!!!!

We love these chips! Natural and 'popped!' That's right - think of these as 'popcorn chips.' Great for snacking or better yet, we found our chip for the superbowl!!!!

Available at Target and Whole Foods!!!

Happy Popping!!!

Pasta Etiquette????

Spaghetti dinners are wonderful!!! But how to we eat such a delicious meal without getting sauce on our favorite outfit?? Or worse, slurping a noodle???

When served your plate, resist temptation to use your fork and knife to cut up pasta noodles. Instead, use fork and bowl of your spoon. Twirl a decent mouthful around your fork and bring to your mouth!

Bon appetite!

A Word from the Director - What Not To Do During A Conversation?????

Our director meets interesting people now and then, and has come up with a few conversation etiquette tips. 'I have been told some secrets that will make you blush in all of 3 seconds of meeting someone. TMI!'

College Lifestyles (TM) tips on conversation etiquette tips (and our director's take on each one):

1. Speak so loudly that everyone hears you! 'One of the worst - it is so distracting when you are on a date, convention, or even at a business lunch/dinner and you can hear the entire conversation of the person at the next table. Focus changes from your table to the conversation at the next. Date over.'

2. Laugh too uproariously. 'When something is funny, laugh; but be careful about the 'fake' laugh to impress others (including a boss, date, or instructor).'

3. Tell too personal stories. 'Remember, personal story with a BFF is fine; but dinner may not be the best time. In addition, discussing a medical procedure may be normal to you, but be sensitive to others with weaker stomachs.'

4. Yawn.

5. Talk only about yourself. 'When we are nervous, yes, we tend to talk about ourselves; but include others in the conversation by asking simple, open ended questions.'

So there you have it. Classy Conversations!

The Best Way to Wear Knits! (Great find from The Limited!)

With a chill still in the air, we still want to feel warm and snuggly (even though spring and summer clothes are hitting some of our favorite stores!) Knits (as in knit sweaters, cardigans, and wraps) are our best friends throughout the remaining winter months. As spring weather approaches, look for a lighter version of the knit cardigan/sweater.

Knits are extremely easy to wear and work for class, internship, and business attire!

Tips on wearing (According to Bazaar):
1. Chunky (as the open cardigan show here from The Limited ($24.50)) - This style works great as a light coat. The most flattering fit is to wear over a pencil skirt, fitted trousers or jeans, or leggings.
2. Sweater Dress - Pair a sweater dress with tights and boots. Be aware - appropriate undergarments is a must! No VPLs please!
3. Belts - belts come in handy when wearing cardigans to work.

Your own flare:
1. Funky - pair a fitted cardigan with a ruffle or bubble dress. Button in the middle to define the waist! Top with tights and boots.
2. Business - a V-Neck sweater over a white button up shirt and trousers. Top with stud earrings.
3. J-Set - fitted V-Neck worn alone, skinny jeans tucked into boots, scarf tied around neck, hoop earrings, hair pulled back.
4. Classic/Work appropriate - dress up a crew neck knit sweater with a broach or chunky necklace.
5. Casual - boyfriend style sweater, boot cut fitted jeans, flats (dress up with heels!)
6. Romantic - pair a sweater vest with a t-neck blouse, trousers or pencil skirt!

Remember, we feel the most comfortable about ourselves when we wear clothes that fit and feel great!

Yes, You Can Help Prevent Eating Disorders!

Remember, that others pay attention to the way you talk and present yourself! And, you can make a huge difference by being a model of healthy eating and self esteem.

The National Eating Disorder Association agrees. One tip they give:

'Avoid categorizing foods as good/safe and bad/dangerous.'

Why? Well, the more that you restrict, the more you would want something. It turns into that terrible relationship with food. Enjoy food! Love food! Our body's appreciate it!

The above is the exact basis of our director's book, 'Eat Well and Be Fabulous: A Guide for the Modern Day Woman.'

College Lifestyles (TM) Director Has Successful Book Signing!

Congrats to our director, Shelly Marie, for a successful book signing for 'Eat Well and Be Fabulous: A Guide for the Modern Day Woman,' at Fitness Lady in Bossier City! At the signing, Shelly was interviewed by the Shreveport Times (Shreveport's local newspaper).

Participants were treated to a presentation from Shelly, as well as words from Owner/Director of Fitness Lady, Kedgy Larson!

A great event!

(If you missed the event or wish to order our director's great book, visit www.shellymariespeaking.com!)

Dining Etiquette - What if my Food is Way to Hot!

It happens, especially in winter. We order soup or coffee; and it is scolding hot. Our director says, 'I was eating soup from a resturant and felt the tears because the soup was so hot!'

Here's what to do if you are in that situation:

1. If you have a cold beverage around, take a quick sip.
2. If no cold beverages are around, and your getting teary eyed, you can politely remove the food with fork or spoon and place on the side of your plate.

One rule of thumb, let your food sit for a bit if you notice smoke (common with soups and coffee). Blowing on food is considered inappropriate.

These Boots Were Made for Walking!!! (How to Match Boots to My Outfits!)

Boots are great for keeping our feet warm in the winter time!!! But with all the styles that we have for boots, how do we know which boot to match to our outfits!!!

1. A High-Heel Boot - Very similar to the pump. These can be worn to an internship, business meetings, etc. If you are wearing a fitted skirt, it looks great with ribbed tights and the hem of the skirt falling one inch above the top of the boot. If you are wearing a full A-line skirt; the hem can go pass the boot. (The high-heel boot shown is from Nine West for $99.00)

2. Riding (flat heeled) boots - work better with a shorter skirt and tights. For an 'equestrian-style,' tuck your jeans in these boots!

3. Ankle boots - work with trousers, as well as A-line knit skirts with tights.

4. Slouchy boots - work with skinny jeans and long skirts.

Match your style!

1. Boho - tuck your jeans into slouch boots, ribbed turtleneck, chunky cardigan, and big sunglasses.
2. Classic - black turtleneck, dark denim, black leather boots, silver jewelry.
3. Casual - jeans tucked into flat or cowboy boots, white button up shirt, belt, hoop earrings.
4. Class style - Tunic turtleneck dress, tights, flat boots (looks great with black dress, black tights, and natural/flesh tone color boots).
5. Business Attire - Trousers, ankle boots, cardigan sweater set, stud earrings.

Good Foods Vs Bad Foods? What? Can We Just say Fun Vacuum?

Oh my goodness!!!! Look anywhere and we see these words 'This food is bad.' or 'Poision.' Give us a break!! It is more important to regonize when your body is hungry!

When we start to categoize food is when we turn into a fun-vacuum. And no one likes a fun vacuum! (Taken from 'Eat Well and Be Fabulous: A Guide for the Modern Day Woman')

The National Eating Disorder Association agrees and quotes on it's website:

'When was the last time you truly had fun dieting? Most likely you won’t remember it as a pleasurable experience. After all, it doesn’t feel so great to be getting hungry for lunch but forcing yourself to wait an extra hour. Do you remember feeling irritable?'

It continues to state...

'The first key to listening to your body is being able to detect when you are getting hungry. If you are indeed truly hungry, and not just looking for food to cure your boredom, stress, or loneliness, then it is time to refuel.'

Shame on diet books and people who teach anyone to forbid food. 'How not fabulous.'