Tori DeClaris

More by Tori DeClaris

Healthy Study Snacks

4/23/2012

Finals will be here before you know it! You know what that means - all-nighters, sleep deprivation and stress.  All the evil temptations that urge us to reach for a value size bag of chips or a big bowl of ice cream.  Although we should listen to our body when it needs fuel and energy, you should feed your body healthy snacks that will provide it the healthy nutrients it needs.  The junk food may satisfy you in the short term but will not be beneficial in the long run.  Here are 10 healthy, tasty power snacks to keep you fueled through the stressful days!

1. Popcorn – Jolly Time kettle corn is the best and only has 100 calories a bag! Steer clear of the super buttery flavors, better off making your own fresh popcorn on the stovetop with olive oil, salt and pepper! Plus it contains lots of antioxidants and fiber!

2. Diamond’s Cinnamon or Dark Chocolate Roasted Almonds – sold in 100-calorie packs! Excellent source of protein and fiber, and with a little bit more flavor than your average almond.

3. Sour Patch Grapes – curbs any sweet tooth! Easy to make just wash green grapes leaving a slight water residue on them.  Sprinkle Pink Lemonade flavored crystal light powder on them and throw it in the freezer for 35 minutes. 

4. Edamame – This low-fat, high protein snack will fuel your body.  Edamame is also rich in vitamins C and B.  Sprinkle with sea salt and get the shelled version so they last longer!

5. Carrots and Hummus – filling and low in calories.  The protein the hummus provides will keep you satisfied longer.

Corey Rasmussen '13

4/16/2012

Full Name: Corey Rasmussen

Hometown: Pacific Palisades, California

Greek Affiliation: FIJI

Single or Taken: Taken

Major: Economics with Finance, Minor in Sports Management

Hobbies: basketball, golf, the Beach

Biggest Turnoffs when it comes to girls: Too much makeup and girls who try too hard

Describe your Dream Date:  Dinner on the beach and then a Laker Game

Celebrity Crush: Jessica Biel

Easter in Dallas

4/4/2012

Staying in Dallas for Easter? Bummed about not going home for the long weekend?  Do not fear! Dallas has plenty of fun festivities to offer to help you celebrate the holiday. Fingers-crossed the weather will stay as beautiful as it has been so you can enjoy the outdoors!

1. Hit the Katy Trail! Maybe grab some friends and do a nice morning walk.  Stop off at Breadwinners, Company Café, or any restaurant along the way for a yummy Easter brunch!

2. Dallas Blooms! – The festival of spring flowers at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.  Stroll around the beautiful, 66-acre garden and admire the bright, beautiful flowers.  On Sunday April 8th there will be an Easter egg hunt!

3. Dallas Farmers Market – Go explore the farmer’s market!  Sample the freshest fruit and vegetables from local farmers.  Also check out the cool antique furniture shops and more!

4. Robert E. Lee Park – Join in on some great food and entertainment!  Don’t miss out on the Pooch Parade, Food, Beverage & Vendor Tents, and The All New Live BandStage featuring Dallas' Best Local Bands and Celebrity Guests. 

5. White Rock Lake – Get some fresh air and go for a bike ride, run, or walk along the lake!

6. Throw your own little Easter party with egg decorating, eating chocolate bunnies, basket filling and more! Check Pinterest for fun Easter arts and crafts ideas and creative baked goods!

If you are looking for Church Services to attend, Highland Park United Methodist Church offers a sunrise service at 6:45 a.m. as well as later services and communion running from 8-11 a.m.  You can also join the SMU Catholic Campus Ministry in Perkins Chapel for a 9 a.m. or 5p.m. Easter Sunday Service.  They will also be holding an Easter Vigil Saturday the 7th at 8 p.m.

10 Spring Break Safety Tips

3/5/2012
Stay Hydrated.  Whether you are hitting the slopes or the rays, both environments maximize the effects of alcohol.  Make sure you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Plus it will help ease the hangover! Buddy System. Go and leave every place with a designated friend.  Not the creepy guy at the bar that seems nice, but the girlfriends you actually came with. Safe Sex. 1 in 5 college students have an STD. Enough said. Cash for emergency situations. Especially if you are going out of the country and your card may be declined, having cash on hand is extremely important.  However, do not carry too much and be sure not to flaunt it.    Identification. Make sure you have proper identification especially if you are going out of the country.  Keep copies of your passport and itinerary.  You may also want to have insurance information readily available.  Transportation.  Make sure it is a licensed ride and never go alone.  Pre-arranged transportation is a great idea although not always practical.  Communication.  Always let people know where you are going.  Have a Plan.  Just in case you stray from the group have phone numbers, a charged phone and a plan ahead of time on where you will meet. Research. Understand the laws, the customs and the land.  You do not want to spend your break in jail so make sure you know what your limits are.  Also being familiar with the location will help you in any situation, good or bad.

Brian Snee '12

2/5/2012

Full Name: Brian Snee

Hometown: Long Beach, CA

Greek Affiliation: FIJI

Single or Taken: Single

Major: Applied Physiology and Sports Management

Dream Job: Logistics...

Hobbies: Bro-ing out with my bros

Biggest Turnoffs when it comes to girls: Being tall

Describe your Dream Valentine's Day Date:Romantic evening at Barley House followed by a happy ending of cheese fries at Milos

Celebrity Crush: Mila Kunis

Most Embarrassing Moment: Peeing my pants during a Tee ball game

Spring Break 2012 Destinations

1/23/2012

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Looking for the “typical” MTV college spring break? Hop the border and catch the rays in Cabo San Lucas.  Head to the Mango Deck in the afternoon where you will find college students taking shots from the tequila man or sipping on an Adios Mothafu***.  Check out the Gigglin’ Marlin for yummy drinks and dinner.  Get your photo taken next to the huge marlin while hanging upside down.  Cabo Wabo Club is a bit of an older scene but worth checking out.  They have live entertainment, DJ’s and a swing across the bar.  And let’s not forget the famous two story Squid Roe, always a guaranteed good time. 

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Do beautiful beaches, sparkling clear water, beaming sunlight, and partying in a cave sound up your alley? Punta Cana is the place for you.  Stay at the all-inclusive Barceló hotel to enjoy unlimited drinks at the swim-up pool bar and any of the eight restaurants for your meals.  Head to Imagine nightclub to dance the night away in a cave.  Be sure to hit the famous Dominican dog stand on your 3am ride home!

Nassau, Bahamas
The Atlantis truly is the lost city found!  The massive hotel is packed with college spring-breakers and everything else you could possibly need.  Complete with water parks, aquariums, shopping, pools, restaurants, casino, bars, and clubs, you will never be bored! The Wyndham Resort and Riu are other accommodation options and you can still make day trips to Atlantis!

Best Workout Studios in Dallas

12/6/2011

Beyond Pilates
4314 Lovers Lane?
Dallas, TX 75225
www.beyondpilatesdallas.com

 

It is not called “Beyond” for nothing! Beyond Pilates really is the whole package! Feel toned for days after just one of their 50-minute classes! Complete with fun, upbeat music and inspirational instructors, how could you not be excited to get your daily workout?  The instructors carefully choose the exercises performed in every class to ensure you are engaging all your muscles for a real total body workout. Beyond Pilates offers three additional workouts to their traditional Pilates; Beyond Barre, Piloxing, and Pilates n’ Barre.  In January they are opening up a new studio, Beyond Cycling, right in Snider Plaza! Be sure to check it out!

Equinox
Located in Highland Park
or Preston Hollow
www.equinox.com
 
Equinox Fitness Club offers a variety of amazing classes!  Whether you want to spin it out, zen it out, or tone it up, Equinox has it all!  A favorite among the SMU females is the Zumba class they offer.  If Latin music and dance is not really your ideal workout, then try the Yogilates Infusion or the Tread and Shred.  Looking for a body confidence boost before your next formal, then try the Major Black Dress workout.  Check out their website to see a full schedule of classes! 

Sunstone Yoga
2907 Routh St
Dallas TX 75201
www.sunstoneyoga.com

 

Alexandra DeClaris: Fashion Designer and SMU Sibling

11/28/2011

Alexandra DeClaris is a 22-year old fashion designer living in New York City. Graduating from Regents College in London, England in May 2011 with a major in Public Relations, she moved to New York City in September to pursue her passion for fashion by working for Vanity Fair.   After a couple months she decided to focus all of her attention on a handbag project she began a few years ago. At the age of 19, Alexandra blossomed in to her desire for high-end fashion. She always invested in designer handbags but was ready for the next level of fashion. She was in search for an exotic skin handbag, however was shocked by the $6,000 price tag that usually accompanied them.  Instead of dishing out the cash, she decided to source manufacturers overseas to create a vision she had. Through days of research and communication with python skin producers in Asia, she had a sample made. After friends, family, and shop assistants saw the bag, they began to shell out their wanted orders, so she decided to place a bulk shipment with more designs and colors. By sourcing the manufacturers herself, Alexandra was able to create and provide customers with beautiful exotic skin handbags for more affordable prices. What started as merely a personal product interest has expanded into a full line of handbags and clutches.  The product line contains real python, ostrich, and pony hair printed clutches, hobos, and totes.  All bags are complete with a pink interior to add a feminine touch!  

Guide to a Healthy Thanksgiving: Indulge without the Post Turkey Bulge

11/20/2011

It’s that time of year again! Brisk, sunny days, bare trees, autumn colors, warm cozy sweaters, and of course…food! Thanksgiving is the holiday notorious for overeating, food comas, and weight gain.  This one meal alone racks up to about 3,000-5,000 calories.  Although some of us may help with a bit of the cooking, it probably is unrealistic to suggest to the main chef healthier options.  I mean, satisfying a large group of friends and family for the most anticipated meal of the year can be a bit overwhelming. If you cannot control the ingredients, control your portions and follow these tips!

Grace Roberts: SMU Homecoming Queen 2011

11/7/2011

The long anticipated week of Homecoming has officially come to an end! Participating organizations spent weeks preparing and supporting their organization!  Expressing spirit, pomping, giving blood, painting windows, perunas, and repping all they got to see their Homecoming Queen candidates crowned at Saturday’s football game.  And this year’s homecoming queen goes to (drum roll please!)…Grace Roberts, representing Kappa Kappa Gamma.  Grace is a senior from Little Rock, Arkansas, graduating with a major in Journalism and double minor in Communications Studies and Fashion in the Media.  Although representing Kappa, Grace is involved in many different areas on SMU’s campus.  She is a member of The Union and a writer for the Daily Campus and Daily update.  On top of that, she makes sure to give back to others through organizing events like Relay for Life and educating fellow peers in the English as a Second Language Program. Here is a little insight into the queen herself and her experience at SMU!
 
Most Embarrassing Moment at SMU:  My most embarrassing moment while at SMU happened one morning while I was anchoring for the Daily Update.  It was one of my first times being on camera and I was so nervous! I looked at the wrong camera numerous times during the show, AND then I stuttered on the word "For" for way too long, haha. My friends and family thought it was hilarious, and eventually I laughed it off, too :)
 
Favorite Thing/Tradition about SMU:  Boulevarding and the SMU-in-Taos program are some of my favorite things about SMU.
 
One Piece of Advice to younger SMU females:  Take advantage of everything SMU has to offer, and one phrase I always live by: Work hard, play hard.