Catch Some Z's

I always know when I am about to get sick.  That time is right now.

I can feel it in my eyes, nose, throat, and pretty much everywhere else.  By no means am I a doctor, and by no means is my advice the be all end all.  That being said, I have three tips to avoid falling even further into a cold once it's already on its way.

1. Drink tons of water.  I typically realize (in retrospect) that I don't drink as much water as I think I am.  I'm convinced that if I walked around with a Camelback full of water, I would not be sneezing.

2. APPLES!!! So, I am very allergic to apples.  Every time I eat them my nose, eyes, and throat start itching.  Regardless of how annoying this is, I eat at least one apple every single day.  I tell myself that this will help me avoid meeting with Susan Kitei, and as a result, also avoid the email she will inevitably send the entire student body about what's wrong with me.

3.  Last, but certainly not least, sleep.  I think that taking a nap every day not only helps me rejuvenate after six hours of classes, but it also makes whatever symptoms show up in the middle of the day essentially disappear.  I always feel better after resting in bed for 20 minutes before starting my work for the night, and I think you will too!

My friend and I napping after taking a strenuous accounting exam

Can't Live With 'Em, Can't Live Without 'Em

This weekend, I decided to go home to see my family.

Making time to spend time with my parents is not something I would say I go out of my way to do.  However, there are a bunch of things my family provides me with that are well worth spending a weekend of grilling about grades to receive.

1. FOOD. Yeah, sure, we all get by food wise at school.  We can make some EasyMac, and use a K-Cup, but that's pretty much it.  Nothing beats a home-cooked meal.  The best feeling is coming home to the kitchen smelling like my mom's specialty dinners.  They taste good and make you feel great.

2. LOVE! (Mushy but true).  I walked into a room filled with my immediate family, my cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents, and felt like I never left home.  The feeling of unconditional love from those who care about you most is rejuvenating and stress- relieving after a hard work at school.

3. My Puppy.  I have nothing to say about this besides that if you have a pet, you know how I feel.  Opening the front door and watching my dog run out to me makes everything better.

Overall, going home is great.  Parents can be super annoying and make you want to leave as soon as you walk in, but they mean well and catching a break from college is crucial.

"I'm a Mouse, Duh!"

To those of you juniors out there, this week marks the first actual Halloween we have ever had at Lehigh; I don't want to speak too soon though, hopefully I don't jinx it.

The last time we (class of 2015) got to celebrate Halloween on the 31st was in 2010 (crazy).  Given the high buildup this holiday will receive, there is one question everyone is asking: What are you being?!

I think a great thing to consider first is what NOT to be.  For example, you definitely don't want to show up dressed as Crazy Eyes from "Orange is the New Black" sporting blackface.  Nothing is cool about blackface.  A number of other racially insensitive getups have been publicized by the media and I have four words for them: just don't do it.

So, lesson 1: steer clear of anything that could be perceived as racial profiling.  Even that SUPER cute hobo outfit could be crossing the line.

This is a quick one- lesson 2: pretend that the "sexy George Washington" or "sexy clown" costumes do not exist... They are not, and never will be, a good idea (for the record, clowns are terrifying and not sexy or cute).

I won't lie- I would consider dressing up as the sexy hamburger.

To wrap up, I'm going to suggest sticking to the classics.  The cat, devil, cop, etc. are great options and they definitely avoid making you look stupid getting you sued.

Do what I did! My group of friends in high school split up and dressed up as the Toros and Clovers from the movie "Bring it On."  We memorized dance routines, had a cheer-off in our cafeteria, and looked amazing.

GO TEAM!

WINTER IS COMING!

Not sure if anyone has noticed- but today it is FRIGID.  I woke up and it was 43 degrees.  That being said, it's officially time to prepare for winter.  

Cute but boring mocos outfits

Winter for Lehigh students means knee-length jackets, boots (unfortunately UGGs), and a lot of hot coffee.  The coming freezing weather also means a total change in what we wear when we do one of our favorite things- tailgate for mocos.

Much to my chagrin, I wore leggings and a sweater to our game against Georgetown this weekend instead of what I wanted to wear; my denim jumpsuit.  I'd show a picture of the show-stopping number, but that would ruin the surprise for later this football season.  

My tip for today is BUNDLE UP!!!!! Also, start taking vitamin C.  Living on a mountain means limited sun and bitter cold winds.  Put on a scarf and a hat! That's my dad's favorite thing to say.  

FUN FACT- I used to model winter hats on the website for my family's clothing store.  Too bad those pictures are no longer in existence.

Stay warm!

How Are My Friends Already SO Successful?!

Hi everyone! This week has been a very inspiring one.  I'm here to tell you about two up-and-coming brands that have been created by two of my friends, and both of them deserve some SERIOUS recognition.

First, I bring to you Krass & Co., which was started by our own Pierson Krass.  The brand started because Pierson was over the boring basketball shorts he and his friends were all wearing, so he combined a new comfy high-end material with cool preppy patterns to create an amazing line of shorts, t-shirts, etc.  In addition to these amazing styles, now there is a women's line as well! The updated styles feature the same stretchy (awesome) material like the boys', and a bunch of the same patterns!

My latest purchase from Krass & Co! BUY BUY BUY!

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't jealous of the success Pierson has had (SO proud of him though!), plus I'm pretty pissed I didn't come up with the idea myself.

AWESOME logo btw!

Krass & Co. has teamed up with a number of sororities on the hill in a little competition- by using the coupon code "AXO" when ordering Krass&Co.com , you get yourself free shipping and a portion of your money will go to our philanthropy Turning Point! We all appreciate your help!

Onto the next brand that is near and dear to my heart- Heads Up For Charity.  It was started by a friend of a friend, Ariella Sharf, a junior at Northeastern University.  Her inspiration for the company was simple: a cup of pennies that had accumulated over the years.

Ariella began to make bracelets by stringing thread, beads, and other charms to pennies.  She charges $10 per bracelet, and a portion of the proceeds is donated to various charities.  Among these are the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and the Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

...and I'm not the only one obsessed! ManRepeller wears HeadsUp too!

Not only are these items for a good cause, but they are ADORABLE! Check out creations Ariella has made in addition to how her customers have styled them in their brand new video!

Both Pierson and Ariella have created brands that are forces to be reckoned with- I'm so proud of both of them and we all would appreciate your support (not to mention the charities also benefiting from your purchases!).  HAPPY SHOPPING!

My Favorite Things

This post is going to be 100% about food and food's relevance in the life of a college student.  

I want to start off by saying that thinking about food, getting food, and eating food take up about half of  my thoughts throughout the day- and potentially all of my thoughts while I dream at night (it's embarrassing but true).

                  First, I'm going to discuss pursuit of food from the perspective of a student living on campus who will eat (or try) essentially anything. That's me.  Then, I'm going to move down the hill to the off campus houses and apartments where most of Lehigh's seniors live, and discuss how anyone could possibly survive off of the scarce resources available there.

I wake up everyday thinking about the cheesy eggs and toasted bagel I can make in my kitchen without having to put on shoes to avoid the liquid- infused carpet like those in off campus houses.  My lunch is provided for me- thanks to my great friend/ chef Elda- today's menu is mac & cheese and chicken fingers.  The early-bird special for dinner is ready at the absurd hour of 4:30, and it's usually some kind of combination of bread, pasta, chicken, and other carbs.

For those of you who are pulling the "My stomach hurts when I eat sandwiches so I'm never eating gluten ever again" card, we have a selection of options.  You can buy your own gluten- free noodles and cook them right next to Elda (!!!!!!!!), and sometimes she even makes us breadcrumb-free eggplant parm.

...For those like me, though, I'm good with a few (or ten) of these.  @Mkaplan

Now, off campus is a totally different, scary story.  In my eyes, the goal of pretty much anything, whether it's working out, studying, or finishing an assignment is the tasty incentive being waved in front of my eyes.  I fear moving to my apartment next year for the sole reason of not having a meal ready for me when I get back from the gym or library.

My friends have given me hope- they mastered it! Here's a photo of the creation from my friend Rachel's kitchen off campus.  Hopefully by next year I'll have half the culinary skills that she has!

Rachel made breakfast in her own kitchen using ingredients she bought from the store!

Welcome to The Worst Weeks of Your Life! ... Until The Next Round of 4 o'clocks

I come to you from my cubicle in E.W. Fairchild- Martindale Library (better known as EW. FML) that I have been occupying for almost as long as I can remember.

This is how I spent my Valentine's Day last year... at FML

I do not remember the last time I experienced stress like this.  I'm not sure if it has something to do with me being an upperclassmen (still in denial about that), or because those around me have serious school-enduced anxiety, but I am up to my eyeballs in work.

There are a number of rituals I like to partake in when I'm feeling overwhelmed.  While I can advise to do all of these things, I'll be the first person to admit that they are much easier said than done.  Especially when you have two exams, two case studies, and a presentation to tackle all in one week.

My number one favorite thing to do when I feel like I'm going to explode from stress is workout.  Yes, this can be perceived as a strategy of procrastination, but I feel that I am much more motivated when I wake up an hour earlier to get a workout in before class.  When planning to exercise in the morning, I always have to make sure that I incorporate time to cool off, go home, and shower before I'm too late for class.  From my experience, I pay attention much better when I'm wearing a pair of jeans and a sweater than when I'm dressed to go for a run.

I really only spent time in "Lindy" because I was frosh

My second go-to move is to take a warm shower!  It sounds stupid, but feeling refreshed and clean really does get the ball rolling when it comes to focusing.

Also, switching up your location is key- check out my pictures from 4 o'clocks week last semester- I spent some time in Linderman Library as well as in STEPS.  Great places.

Panoramic view of the room I studied in in STEPS... unreal!

Lastly, I hate to say it, but stress eating is definitely something I, and many people I know, struggle with.  Eating is a social thing, and when I'm sitting alone for 12 hours straight and haven't spoken a word, all I want is some human interaction... Not to mention a plate of nachos hits the spot almost always.

At the end of the day (sometimes that's 4 AM, other times that's not until the next day after your 4 o'clock is over), it's not healthy to spend over a day in the same chair, in the same room, with the same stale air going in and out of your lungs.  Get yourself up, take a break, and talk to your friends!  Stressing out is a lot easier to deal with when you're not alone... and trust me- at Lehigh, you're far from alone.

1 And 2 And 3 And 4 And Get Them Sit Ups Right!

Disclaimer: I am NOT hired by the producers of 8 Minute Abs to promote the video!!

In reference to the title of this post, this is one of a VERY select few times where I will recommend listening to what Kanye West has to say.

I have been told by numerous people that the way I talk about my abdominal workout is borderline infomercial- like and annoying, but from a college student perspective, I think it's important!  I guess I can only speak for myself, but I can't hold myself back from that extra cookie or slice of pizza.  So, I take my ab exercises very seriously.

Despite the 80's vibe the video gives off (don't get me wrong- it definitely was made around the time I was born.  See below), the exercises are timeless.

At this point, I have repeated them so often that I have the sequence memorized and it is my favorite workout to do at the gym!

The story I always tell is about the Halloween costume I wore my senior year of high school.  My group of friends decided to split up and dress up as the Clovers and Toros from the movie "Bring It On."  This came along with buying actual cheerleading uniforms from an actual cheerleading website, which came along with skirts that ran VERY small.

In the weeks leading up to the exciting holiday (after I realized how small my skirt was on me), I did 8 minute abs twice a day for about two weeks, and I miraculously fit into the costume.

I walk around my house telling everyone to stop wasting their time on machines and just do 45 seconds of each of the exercises explained in this video!!  With all the various things we have going on at Lehigh, 8 minutes is really all we have to devote to our abs.  And I promise, it's 8 minutes well spent!

You Can Do It Too!

Getting motivated to get yourself down the hill and into the gym is no easy feat.  Luckily, I have an entire house of girls just as unmotivated as me to follow to the gym, and I know I am not alone.  Hearing my friends' alarms ringing at 7AM and seeing them wearing workout clothes doesn't only make me feel like I should be doing the same, but it actually gets me out of bed.

Here's what I mean.  As I've mentioned in posts before, no one is ever fully healthy on this campus.  Sniffling and coughing is an all-day, all-night job.  As a result, waking up the extra three hours before my first class is quite the struggle.  However, seeing my roommate and neighbors do it makes me hate myself a little every time I press the snooze button.

Granted, sometimes when I follow my friends to the gym my eyes are literally closed and I only run for fifteen minutes, but it gets me out of bed and it gets my day off to an active start.  I like to think of it this way- if I can get myself up and onto a treadmill before 9 AM, I can do anything.

My friend Samantha convinced me to workout with her!

Surviving Mocos Season!

Well here we are, starting the third week of first semester.  This comes along with a bunch of different things that I am unhappy about, and I know that I am not alone.  With syllabus week being far over, school is jumping into high gear.  Tests are creeping up on us, homework is getting more and more frequent, and cracking down is absolutely critical.

While the end of the second week of class means it's time to get serious, it also means that football season has started.  This includes our peers on the Lehigh football team, our favorite teams in the NFL, and our fantasy leagues!  I may only be speaking for myself, but I definitely went to my friends' house to watch the game solely for the wings.

Two friends and I finished a 50-wing order from Campus Pizza

We can't pretend that the first morning of mocos (morning cocktails, for those who don't keep up with the Lehigh jargon) isn't the happiest morning of our semester.  Dressing ridiculously and showing our school spirit in every way (besides wearing our beautiful Brown and White) is every Lehigh student's favorite time of year.  While jumping around and spending time outside in the beautiful weather seems worth it while it's happening, these actions definitely have their consequences.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but waking up on Monday after a Saturday afternoon Lehigh win (WOO!) with a head cold is almost inevitable.  Not one person in my 11:10 AM class wasn't sniffling, coughing, and consuming tea faster than my teacher could say, "stay awake!"

In my professional (ha!) opinion, there are a few easy things us college students can do to at least try and avoid the terrible case the "monday after mocos blues."  EmergenC is a great way to get many of your essential vitamins without taking pills that taste like chalk.  They come in a number of flavors, and when the powder is added to water, the drink is carbonated and it is almost delicious.  An even easier, less expensive way to make sure you don't lose your voice is the traditional tea and honey.  I know that for me, living with 63 girls is very strenuous on my voice, and the honey always gets the job done.

Getting back into the swing of things at the beginning of the year is hard, but it definitely gets easier.  Trust the Surviving College Connoisseur, my not- so- professional advice can apply to you too! I promise!

Welcome to HealthyYOUniversity!

What’s up, guys?! It’s me, the surviving college connoisseur.  Why would you trust someone teaching you how to make it through college alive who isn’t in college herself?  I’ll tell you one thing, you wouldn’t.  What I’m here to do is give you a how-to guide to surviving in this place we call “school.”

I currently live in a sorority house at Lehigh University that is

Lehigh University- classic view from a cubicle window during finals!

stocked full to the brim with 64 girls.  While I have never-ending personal anecdotes about living in an actual dollhouse, college is obviously about WAY more than just where you live.

You can depend on me for tips (based on actual experience) on studying, eating, staying safe, and pretty much everything else when it comes to college life; whether it be on or off campus. 

Check back here every week for more stories from me! The surviving college connoisseur!