The Freshman Fifteen

Going off to college is exciting for so many reasons. New experiences, different people, and a new found freedom. With this freedom, comes the ability to make choices and strive for success (or fail miserably). In relation to the college diet, many first year students make the choices to ignore the smart choices our parents instilled in us and just for the easy ones. Regardless if it is late night study sessions or late night drinking binges, pizza and other fattening foods have a way of sneaking into our diets. Below are some recommendations on how to stay healthy in college.


(Image Source: mypizzabrothers.com)


1. Don't drink soda.


(Image Source: blogs.sacurrent.com)

I understand its difficult to give up your beloved Coca-Cola, but one of the best things you can do for health and appearance is to stop drinking soda. Soda is a high calorie and sugary beverage that will make you fat, accelerate aging, and decay your teeth (rodale.com/facts-about-soda). However, if you are really having a hard time giving up soda, go for more healthy options like Virgil's Root Beer.



2. Get some exercise.



(Image Source: fitsugar.com)

To hit happy hour... or hit the gym? That is the question. However, exercise will improve your mood and personal confidence, along with making your mind sharper and body leaner. There is nothing to lose and everything to gain. Setting goals and finding inspriation is a great way to stay on the fitness track too.

3. A full 8 hours.



(Image Source: fitsugar.com)
Someone once said "sleep, a social life, and good grades in college... chose two". They could not have been more wrong. Time management is a useful life skill that will help reduce stress and make accomplishing goals more easy. Some of the benefits of getting a good nights rest include a sharper memory, reduce the possibility of depression, improve grades and maintain a healthy weight (huffingtonpost.com). Without an adequate amount of sleep your life will suffer in more ways then one. Plus, the junk foods and taco bell runs sound that much more appealing after midnight. Therefore, sleep isn't a choice. It's a necessity.

Partying with Class

Autumn in Boulder is great for many reasons. The leaves are changing, boots are back in style,ski season is coming up... Did I mention Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks? There is also football games and Halloween. While events like these are a great way to have be social and have a great time, its important to not be that girl. You know, that girl throwing up on the way to football games or kissing every boy at a party. Below are a few tips on how to party with style and class. Enjoy!

1. Keep track of how much you are drinking and try to stick to one alcohol.


(Image Source: dailycollegian.com)

This will not only help with a gnarly hangover, but it will prevent you from getting a little too trashed. 

2. Less is not always more.

(Image Source: flickr.com)
Less like this...




(Image Source: nastygal.com)
And more like this!

Yes, it is possible to look sexy without dressing like a slut. A flattering dress and fun accessories that show your personal style is much more impressionable then a mini skirt and a cleavage shirt. 

3. Be friendly and approachable.



(Image Source: instyle.com)

Most of the fun of partying is socializing through meeting new people and hanging out with friends. Sitting by yourself in the corner will not attract anyone's attention, and will probably lead to a bad night. So, first and foremost don't be afraid to make eye contact and opt for open body language. Once you spark conversation with someone, make sure to take a sincere interest in them by asking questions. This will help make a create a connection with that person.


Partying with class is an essential (but often overlooked) skill for college and the rest of your life. By following these tips, you will shine at any event and save yourself from some serious embarrassment.

Boulder Fashion for Women

People in Boulder are known for looking great naked, but dressing poorly. You don't have to sacrifice style for comfort. Perfect for going to class or lunch on Pearl, below are some essential pieces for any Boulder wardrobe.



Patagonia Women's Pelage Coat (Image Source: patagonia.com)

This coat is the perfect combination of comfort and chic. It is made from recycled polyester, so the coat is perfect for the environmentally conscious. Did I mention it is ridiculously soft and warm?


Donni Fly Scarf (Image Source: donnicharm.com)

Every girl needs a few stylish accessories. In the cold winters, nothing can be more perfect then scarves. Donni Charm is a clothing company that encourages positive living and great fashion. With each donation, Donni Charm donates a proportion to charities such as Teach for America, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Children's Brain Tumor Foundation, and much more.

 

Frye 'Melissa Trapunto' Boots (Image source: frye.com)

These stylish and versatile boots are great for any occasion. Frye boots are notoriously comfortable, which is essential for anyone living in Colorado.  Even though Frye boots are on the expensive side, they last forever and will never go out of style.