VIM
MAGAZINE
Holiday Supplement
Table of Contents Fashion & Style Winter 2011 Preview
10
VIM Picks
13
Features
10 Things to do During
Page 10
Winter Break How to Dodge Those Awkward Family
3
5
Moments
Entertainment & More Holiday Gift Guide December Ent. Holiday Ent. Special VIM Picks
6 7 8 13
10 1 Go snowboarding or skiing
After indulging in feasts and goodies over the holiday, rejuvenate your body! Snowboarding and Skiing are both great work-outs, and ton of fun!
2 Sledding Bring back the simple life, when a snow day meant going sledding and not catching up on overdo homework.
THINGS TO-DO
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5
Make a fav family recipe
Go Christmas caroling
Take a day to bond with your family. Make those delicious warm chocolate chip cookies or a spiced pumpkin pie. Get creative and make sugar cookies with assorted cookie cutters. Who knew a day in the kitchen could be this fun!
4 Go shopping It’s that time of a year again where prices are low and sales are high. Take a day and get that last minute holiday shopping in, and hurry up before it’s all sold out!
Whether it’s singing along in the living room with your family or out on the streets, everyone loves good Christmas cheer (unless you’re Scrooge) so join in the festivities and sing along with the music of the holidays.
DURING WINTER BREAK --Sarah Shefferly, Freshman
7 6
Have a holiday party
Good food, great friends, and crazy families. The holidays are the perfect time to catch up and spend time Go see your couswith those who are ins, grandparents, most important aunts, uncles, and all the relatives you to you! If you are the one doing the are unable to see hosting, don’t stress during the busy too much, because school year. It’s always nice to catch the outcome will always be up, and receive memorable. those extra gifts!
Visit relatives
8 Pour some hot cocoa and relax
Start a fire, amp up the Christmas lights, and grab your favorite snuggie. Sipping cocoa by the fire has always been a holiday cliché, now it is your time to take that opportunity and relax.
9 Catch up with old friends
10 Watch a Christmas movie
Watch some of your favorite ChristGoing home for the mas movies, such as Home Alone, A holidays allows us Christmas Story, or to reconnect with How the Grinch Stole some old friends, whether they were Christmas. These classics make for a from High School, good laugh and are or that neighbor you’ve always had sure to put you in the Christmas spirit! your eye on.
Dodge TO Those HOW Awkward Family
Holiday Moments
Nothing says “it’s the holidays” like home cooked meals, fresh snow on the ground, gift giving and, of course, awkward family conversations. It’s the perfect setting: relatives from every branch of the family tree together for the occasion, ready to hear the latest gossip. Of all the people crowded around the table, you can be sure that college students are the first to receive the third degree. From classes to relationships to campus parties, no topic is off limits for those nosy relatives. How do you combat the assault of questions? The answer is simple: Be prepared.
Photo
courtesy
of
AwkwardFamilyPhotos.com.
How did your classes go this semester?
is a favorite, and somewhat predictable, starter. Whether you’re shy about sharing good/bad grades or have just bombed a final, muster up the courage to tell your relative, “They were excellent and I really enjoyed them. I feel like I got a lot out of each one.” This implies that you did really well even if you didn’t. People tend to get better grades when they enjoy classes, so stating how interesting yours were may trick relatives into thinking you did well, regardless of the truth. This ought to both satisfy and silence them for the time being.
No matter who’s grilling you (aunt, uncle, grandparent, brother-/sister-in-law), remember that nothing they say has to turn into awkwardness. There is always a way to deflect prying questions and fix the situation. So relax, stuff yourself with homemade apple crisp and be merry!—KATHRYN WATTS
I heard MSU is ranked as one of the top 20 party schools in the U.S. Is that true?
So are you seeing (dating) anyone?
is an inevitably awkward question. Remember, the most important thing is to keep a straight face. Simply smile and say, “I’ve met a lot of really nice people so far. I promised myself I wouldn’t jump into a relationship without knowing the person first and I’m sticking to it.” No reasonable relative can argue with that or try to convince you to date someone you don’t know well; they understand not settling for the first person you meet.
This is a potentially sly way of asking “do you go out and party every weekend?” or “do you drink?” Relatives who ask this are looking to stir up trouble. Your best bet here is to tell them the bare minimum. Respond with “I think MSU can be a party school, but only if you make it that.” Even if you do party every weekend, or every day, try elaborating on the different ways of spending your time, whether it’s free bowling Thursdays (at the MSU Union) or various University Activities Board events. This response gives relatives the picture of a campus that’s not straight out of Animal House.
Who’s that guy/girl I always see in your Facebook profile pictures? This question is the one likely to come from a younger relative, someone you thought would be a safe “friend” add. If the person referenced truly is a mere friend, say so. But if it’s the person you’ve hooked up with for the past few weekends—in a row—you’re better off not elaborating; tell your family that he/she is someone you often go out with on weekends. If they press for details, be ready with a mild, appropriate story about a fun time you had together, thus taking their minds off the idea that you’re more than friends.
Have you been to church/temple/mosque since you’ve been at MSU? While a major etiquette no-no, asking about religion is always a possibility. If the answer is no, but you anticipate stirring up trouble, there are two options: lie or distract them with a story about a recent spiritual experience. If you elaborate enough in the antidote, they might forget what the question was (or at least avoid asking again). If neither is foreseeable, a final option is to be firm in telling your relative that you don’t feel comfortable discussing religion.
HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE The Geek As the joys of the holiday season fill our hearts, our wallets seem to drain. Although the holidays are a time to celebrate life, love and family, there is one question that is always on our minds... What do I get for them? This gift-giving season, remember your loved one’s interests and personalities. Give a cheerful expression of the love you share for one another!
iPad, apple.com, $499 Twelve South Bookarc, amazon.com, $49.99
— Alyssa Wisenbaugh
The Wanderer The Rocker Antique Globe, target.com, $89.99
Retro Block iPod Speaker, fredflare.com, $25 Kross Pro AA Stereophones, urbanoutfitters.com, $100
Stationary Kit, dempseyandcaroll.com, $60.00 (set of 10)
The Stylish One The Chef The Birth of Modern Luxury, louisvuitton.com, $130
The Geometry of Pasta, fredflare.com, $25.95 Peace of Cake Mold,
perpetualkid.com, $22.99
Mulberry Small Zip Around Wallet, mulberry.com, $250
ENTERTAINMENT December Movies
Little Fockers
In Theaters Dec. 22 Notable Cast Ben Stiller, Robert DeNiro, Dustin Hoffman, Barbara Streisand, Jessica Alba
Blue Valentine
In Theaters Dec. 31 Notable Cast Ryan Gosling, Michelle Williams
All Good Things
In Theaters Dec. 3 Notable Cast Ryan Gosling, Kirsten Dunst
How Do You Know
In Theaters Dec. 17 Notable Cast Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, Jack Nicholson, Owen Wilson
The Tourist
In Theaters Dec. 10 Notable Cast Johnny Depp, Angelina Jolie, Paul Bettany, Rufus Sewell
Black Swan
In Theaters Dec. 3 Notable Cast Ryan Gosling, Michelle Williams, Winona Ryder
December Albums I Love You Phil ip Morris
In Theaters Dec. 3 Notable Cast Jim Carrey, Ewan McGregor, Leslie Mann
Daft Punk: Tron Legacy (OST)
Plain White T’s: Wonders of the Younger
Ciara: Basic Instinct
T.I.: No Mercy
Michael Jackson: Michael
Diddy: Last Train to Paris
HOLIDAYENTERTAINMENT Top 10 Holiday Movies
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It’s A Wonderful Life
White Christmas Elf
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5
Dr Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas
7
6 A Christmas Story
A Charlie Brown Christmas
8 Home Alone
9 Frosty the Snowman
A Muppet Christmas Carol
10 National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
Favorite Holiday Albums 98 Degrees: This Christmas
The O.C.: Have a Very Merry Chrismukkah
A Very Special Christmas 2
Michael Buble: Let it Snow!
Christina Aguilera: My Kind of Christmas
Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Christmas Eve and Other Stories
Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas
Taylor Swift: The Holiday Collection
Harry Connick Jr.: When My Heart Finds Christmas
Glee the Music: The Christmas Album
Jackson 5: Ultimate Christmas Collection
Music From the Major Motion Picture Elf
Greatest Holiday Television Episodes The O.C.: The Best Chrismukkah Ever Season 1
Sounds of the Season: The NBC Holiday Collection
Community: Abed’s Uncontrollable Christmas Season 2 This year, NBC’s Community did an entire episode using stop-motion animation (similar to the classic flick Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer) to high-larious proportions. If you didn’t tune in, check out the episode online at the show’s Hulu page or on NBC’s website.
How I Met Your Mother: How Lily Stole Christmas Season 2 Lily finds out Ted called her a nasty name while she and Marshall were broken up and decides to “steal” Christmas from the boys’ apartment until he apologizes. HIMYM never fails to crack us up and we love their take on the Grinch.
Boy Meets World: A Very Topanga Christmas Season 5 Mr. Feeny turns into Corey’s guardian angel and shows him what life would be like without Topanga in this twist on the classic It’s a Wonderful Life.
Gilmore Girls: Santa’s Secret Stuff Season 7 In this Christmas-after-Christmas episode, Lorelai postpones the holiday in Stars Hollow due to Rory’s overseas status. Upon the prodigal daughter’s return, we get to learn (for the first time) just how the Gilmore’s celebrate this time of the year. Tip: It’s quite funny.
Let’s face it, season one of The O.C. may be deemed the greatest debut season in television history--at least to our generation. This particular episode is practically the reason for the show’s brilliance as it introduced us to Seth’s “holiday” Chrismukkah. Fabulous!
Saved by the Bell: Home for Christmas-Parts 1 & 2 Season 3 Oh dear, where to even begin when it comes to Saved by the Bell. We can’t help but be drawn to the TBS re-runs of this awkwardly fabulous television show. Fortunately, we can relive it often and have chosen to select this two-part Christmas special, when the gang takes in and helps out a homeless fatherdaughter duo, as one of the greatest. Oh, the ‘90s.
Friends: The One With the Holiday Armadil o Season 7 Though there are many fabulous Friends holidaythemed episodes, we have chosen this as our favorite for the season because of the “Easter Bunny’s funeral,” a.k.a. the hilarious costumes. We would, however, like to give an honorable mention to The One With the Girl From Poughkeepsie from season four.
Glee: A Very Glee Christmas Season 2 Glee has quickly become the ultimate cultural phenomenon and this year’s Christmas episode is one of the greatest we have seen. Not only is the music fabulous (and wonderfully obscure for Christmas tunes) but the story brilliant and touching.
WinPrev ter Fashi o n iew
Pictured modeling is MSU student Lindsay Sevic. All photography was shot by Shelby Rodriguez. Jeanologie XX/XY Boutique is located at 303 M.A.C. Avenue in East Lansing.
On model: Beaded Dress, Jeanologie XX/XY Boutique; Solid Sheer Tights, $4.50, Forever21. com; Shoes and Accessories, Stylist’s own.
V I M Picks Lipstick Queen Jean Queen
This new lip color from Lipstick Queen has the fashion world abuzz. Designed especially to complement the blue of denim, this pink shade goes perfect with that everyday look. What’s even better is that Jean Queen is not only available in a tube but gloss as well. You can find Lipstick Queen products at Lori Karbal in Birmingham, Mich. or online at lipstickqueen.com.
Documentary Winnebago Man
Tube and Gloss, $18 ea.
Miley & Max Jersey Loop Scarf The loop scarf is one of our favorite fall trends and this one from Miley Cryus & Max Azria is super affordable. Walmart, $8
Bobbles Water Bobble Bobbles are unique ergonomically shaped water bottles with built in carbon filters. Not to mention, they come in a variety of bright colors. American Apparel, $12
Be prepared to laugh out loud when you order this gem of a flick that Michael Moore hails, “One of the funniest documentaries ever made!” Amazon.com, $28
Urban Outfitters Fortune Camera Ever wonder what could make your next photo album more interesting? This new disposable camera operates under the same premise as a fortune cookie. When the pictures are developed, fortunes appear on each one. Urbanoutfitters.com, $12