Lindsey Sanders

It’s no secret that UF students have a soft spot for apparel that is bright and bold, so obviously we would be drawn to the Nike Free Run running shoe. But with so many options, how are collegiettes to select the perfect color combination? And how can these shoes be incorporated into outfits we already own?
 
The Nike designers have done an excellent job of creating shoes with fabulous colors – the hardest problem is determining which pair to get! There are the traditional one-color Nike Frees that you know will go with the clothes in your closet, but life is always about taking risks, so consider branching out trying one of the most eye-catching combinations. There are choices like the Bright Mango/Action Red or the cotton candy-inspired Bright Turquoise/White/Pink. If you are looking online, make sure to check several websites, as some retailers have more rare combinations available for purchase than others.
 
You might be a bit apprehensive about buying such bold shoes and wondering if they will match anything you own, but relax, they are gym shoes! Although Nike Free Runs can be easily transitioned into less casual outfits, essentially they are just sneakers and everything does not have to match perfectly at the gym. Pair the Nike Free Run with workout capri pants or yoga pants. In regards to wearing them with normal attire, think about pairing them with cute shorts when you run errands. This way you are still stylish, but not in pain by the time you hit the last store on your list.
 

As summer approaches, many UF collegiettes are focused on bikini bods and getting tan. Whether it is from visiting the tanning bed or from studying by the pool at your apartment complex, skin damage is skin damage. Having the perfect all over tan might seem like a top priority now, but who wants to be covered in wrinkles in a few years? Wrinkles are some of the last things on our minds as undergraduates, but if we do not start focusing on protecting our skin now, we could face severe beauty problems in the future.
 
What causes wrinkles? Numerous things can influence how soon wrinkles will appear. Some factors that cause wrinkles are genetic and out of our control, such as having fair skin. However, we can limit our sun exposure, plan a balanced diet, hydrate our bodies (inside and out) and select beauty products that are kind to our skin. Making frequent facial expressions can cause wrinkles as well. Smoking and sleeping on your side also cause skin to wrinkle.
 

Before the Hunger Games there was Twilight, and before Twilight there was Harry Potter; our generation certainly has never lacked a popular series to obsess over! However tempting it may be to spend your days discussing the pros and cons of the swoon-worthy male main characters, collegiettes must find a balance between causally enjoying these series and visiting IMDB fifteen times a day to see if there are new movie stills of Liam Hemsworth and Jennifer Lawrence.

 
Although some may debate the educational value of these series, it would be difficult to argue that the books do not draw in a variety of readers. They might be labeled as “teen fiction,” but that does not explain the hordes of middle-aged women at the book releases! Fundamentally, these books appeal to persons looking for an escape from reality, with characters that we can easily relate to and envision within our own lives. In these series, the settings are very natural and removed from what most collegiettes encounter on a day-to-day basis.

The excitement of a new semester has officially worn off, and now we are stuck in the pre-spring break lull where our schedules are full of tests and meetings and our daydreams are full of tropical paradises. To help ease the pain of waiting these next few weeks, try out these recipes and give yourself a mini-vacation in Gainesville.
 
Make piña colada cupcakes…
Although many collegiettes are watching their figures for bikini season, one cupcake won’t hurt and a little dose of sugar will brighten your day.
 
Mix a large can of crushed pineapple in juice with a box of yellow cake mix then pour it into your cupcake tin and cook following the baking instructions outlined on the box. To make the icing, mix a can of cream cheese icing, a fourth of a cup of sugar, and crushed pineapple (use another large can of crushed pineapple in juice, but this time drain the juice before mixing). You can add in coconut flakes if you choose. There are many variations of this recipe so test them out until you find your favorite!
 
..or just apiña colada.
If you aren’t feeling domestic (or simply don’t have the time to bake), break out your blender and make virgin piña coladas in your apartment using a mix from Publix or Wal-Mart. Nothing perks up a study session like a fruity drink!
 
Mix up a parfait.
Fruit parfaits are a great treat and are easy to make when you have a time crunch. You can either start by following the directions on the pudding mix package, or cheat and use premade pudding. Simply alternate layers of fresh fruit and pudding (beginning with a pudding layer) and enjoy!