thepinpoint
winter 2013
contents 4/ holiday party ideas 8/ holiday treats 10/ healthy holidays 24/ winter fashion 36/ j’s on my feet
EDITOR’S LETTER Dear Readers, This issue we wanted to expand a bit more. Now that we’ve gotten our feet off the ground, we’re really proud of this issue! It features all the things we love about the upcoming season. From the holidays to fashion, to treats and gifts, this issue has something about all of it. I’m so happy to have gotten such a positive response about the Pin Point, both from students and faculty. I can’t wait to see how this organization grows in the future! Though this is goodbye for the semester, we’re going to be back and in full force in 2014 for a stylish spring. As always, if you’re interested in getting involved, don’t be shy! Visit our Facebook page with suggestions or things you would like to be featured in our next issue. Take care and Happy Holidays from our team! - Brailey Lisath, Editorial Director
it is a 4 new ideas for a fun holiday party that doesn’t involve ugly christmas sweaters (i mean, we love them to, but let’s be a little original, friends).
by: holly gambrell
party
photo vision
property network,
of fox telefrom the o.c
Kwanuk’kahmas The three traditional holidays people celebrate during the winter season are Christmas, Hanukah (even though the date fell in November this year), and Kwanzaa. Mix these three holidays together and you get Kwanuk’kahmas! Throw a party that has traditional decorations and cuisine from each holiday. Have your walls covered with Christmas lights, and perch a tree up in the corner full of ornaments. Light Kwanzaa and Hanukah menorahs and display them as centerpieces for the dinner table. Feast on ham, traditional African fare (anywhere from Ethiopian food to soul food), and loukoumades (deep-fried puffs dipped in honey or sugar) and latkes. Have a gift exchange, play dreidel games, and traditional Kwanzaa games like Myrshim and Mancala.
ornament making For your crafty group of friends, get together to make ornaments and Christmas tree decorations. Buy white or colored ornaments, paint, glue, paper, sparkles, beads, and anything else you think can be used to decorate an ornament. Ask your friends to bring supplies, too. Use these to decorate a mini tree for your dorm room or apartment. Just because we’re not at home doesn’t mean we can’t get into the holiday spirit at school! Get festive and decorate, and do it all while listening to some classic holiday tunes. “Rockin’ around the Christmas tree at the Christmas party hop” never made so much sense!
costume Dressing up isn’t just for Halloween. Invite guests to attend the party as their favorite Christmas character. Costumes can be Mr. and Mrs. Claus, reindeer, elves, etc. The main goal for this party is to have fun while trying to be as creative with your costume as possible. The host should hold a contest where guests get to vote on who is wearing the best Christmas costume. Winner gets a basket full of Christmas cookies and goodies. Another fun idea is to create a “photo booth” with Christmas props where guests can pose with friends. Fun costumes and parties like this should be documented forever.
gingerbread house Remember when you were a child and one of your favorite things to do during the holiday season was creating and building a gingerbread house? That doesn’t have to stop now that we’re in college. Reminisce the glory days with your friends at a gingerbread house making party. Take a break from the Cafe and all of its treats and make your own! Buy kits in advance and bake gingerbread men and women to decorate as well.
accessory report
WINTER WVNDERLAND KNITTED GLOVES
The knitted trend continues! Apply it to your glove choice. These fingerless gloves are an awesome choice for the winter. They’ll keep you warm, but are practical for things you’ll need your fingers for. It’s sometimes hard to function with your fingers confined inside of a glove or a mitten. These will do just the trick.
HEADWRAPS
KNITTED BEANIE
Knitted beanies are an accessory that we’ve seen for awhile. However, I don’t think they’ve been as big or as chic ever before! I love the look of an oversized beanie, especially on you, girls! Often times we associate this accessory with ‘hipster’ boys, but that’s just not the case. Anyone, in any style, can rock one.
Headwraps have been sweeping runways and retail strores. Now, get one for the cold weather to not only keep your ears warm, but to look super fashionable doing it. I love this embellished style. It adds a little sparkle to the look and is a perfect accessory for the holidays. Long hair or short hair, this look looks great on both!
PRINTED BOOTS
Typically we’ve seen boots with a pop of print on the inside--like classic combat boots that are a staple for this season. However, I think it’s time to move the print from the inside to the outside. It instantly adds an edge to the accessory. Like these Dr. Martens, search for a pair that will incorporate your personality--taking it from the inside to the outside.
iFrom left to right: knitted beanie: Free People $38, headwrap:Urban Outfitters $29, finger-
less gloves: Urban Outfitters $16, knitted scarf, Urban Outfitters $31, boots, Dr. Martens $128
UNDER
holiday dresses
$40
During the holidays, we have a lot that weighs on our wallet. Between shopping for presents, stocking up on cold weather essentials, like coats and gloves, and buying food/decorations for our holiday parties, getting a good party dress can sometimes be in the back of our minds. However, we shouldn’t have to sacrafice our style for the season. Here are some perfect party dresses for your holidays at an affordable price.
glam sequined body con dress, forever 21, $29.80 >>
asymmetrical bodycon dress. << CR,$28.99
dazzle â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;em shift dress. >> forever 21 $37.80
Holla-Deals
ottoman peplum dress. charlotte russe $26.99
^^
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HOLIDAY Reindeer Recipe
Ingredients: • • • • •
Large marshmallows Bamboo skewers Melting dark chocolate Red, white and black icing Pretzels
S
Directions: 1. Holing a marshmallow in your left hand skewer it on the round side going only ¾ of the way thru, so it does not protrude thru the top of the marshmallow. 2. Break up chocolate and place it in heatproof dish that is taller than it is wide. This will help when dunking the marshmallow later. 3. Microwave for 30 seconds at a time stirring in between until completely melted. 4. When chocolate is warm dunk marshmallow down into chocolate covering the entire marshmallow and onto the skewer. 5. Remove marshmallow form chocolate and allow to drip, place on plastic wrap. 6. Using icing, pipe on eyes and nose. 7. Place 2 pea size mounds of icing on top of marshmallow and place pretzels in icing to resemble antlers. 8. Dry in an upright position (like a glass)
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TREATS Santa Hat Recipe Directions: 1. In a large bowl brake your eggs, add water and oil. Mix together with mixer for 1 minute. Add cake mix to wet ingredients and mix on medium speed for 5 minutes. 2. Pour batter into cup cake papers. 3. Bake at 350 degrees for 17 minutes. 4. Let the cupcakes cool. 5. Divide your white icing up putting ¾ into a bowl and color deep red with red food paste. Transfer to piping bag with large ½’’ smooth tip. To Assemble: 1. With cooled cupcake, pipe out a large circle of red icing getting smaller as you work your way up. 2. Transfer white icing to pipChocolate cake mix ing bag with small star stip. Dark brown cup cake papers 3. Place stars of white icing around base of White icing red hat where it meets the top of the paper cup. Red paste food coloring 4. Place one star on top of the hat. A piping bag
Ingredients:
• • • • • • A star tip and a large smooth tip for the piping bag
Snowman Recipe
Ingredients: • • • • • •
Large marshmallows Bamboo skewers Melting white chocolate White icing M&Ms Sandy sprinkles
Directions: 1. Holding the first marshmallow in left hand skewer in middle of round side pushing all the way through. 2. Do the same with the second marshmallow. 3. Do the same with the third marshmallow but do not push the skewer all the way through (about ¾ of the way through) 4. Break up chocolate and place in heatproof dish. 5. Microwave for 30 seconds at a time stirring in between until completely melted. 6. Spoon warm chocolate over marshmallow until covered. Set aside and the chocolate will harden. 7. Mix the white icing with food coloring to make black, orange, and 2 colors of your choice and put into piping bag. 8. Black is the first color and this will be the arms, eyes, and mouth. 9. Orange is for the carrot nose. 10. Three dots for buttons down the front then secure your M&Ms on top of each dot. 11. The hat is icing piped around the top and then carefully poor sprinkles to stick to hat icing.
Gingerbread House Directions: 1. Ice a thick line of icing along the edge of the walls from top to bottom on the front and back panels of the house. 2. Attach 2 corners of the house together. Hold until icing sets, about 2 minutes. 3. Gently attach the next 2 wall of house one by one, using more icing if needed. 4. Check corners and make any adjustments and add more icing if necessary. 5. Let wall dry for 5 minutes before attaching roof. 6. To apply roof take first side of roof and apply a thick strip of icing along slanted roof lines and along top of wall. 7. Gently attach first roof piece and hold in place for 2 minutes. 8. Decorate gingerbread house
Pick up a gingerbread house kit!
HELPFUL HINTS FOR HEALTHY HOLIDAYS by leah vitrano, designed by cristy hernandez
The holidays are in full swing! Thanksgiving has generously stuffed our bellies with copious amounts of food and with that comes a food coma and frightening addition of calories. Getting back into the swing of things after months of sugary sweets and filling meals can be difficult, but do not fret for I have found a few tricks to help you keep the holidays healthy!
WARM UP:
1 mile easy pace
Workout set: Complete 5 times
1. Push-ups x 25
Winter W 3. Russian Twists x 25 4. Squats x 25 5. Crunches x 25
The colder weather of winter is always an excuse to not fit in your daily workout, however, I have provided you with simple exercises in which can be completed in the warmth of your own home on a treadmill and some open space! If you are not afraid to fight the cold, by all means get some fresh air! Below you will find a winter workout incorporating cardio, legs, and abs, accompanied by a holiday playlist to help you break a sweat! 2. Stationary Lunges x 25
Workout 6. High Knees x 25
7. Plank for 30 seconds
cool down:
1 mile easy pace and stretch!
If you are anything like me, snacking is a personal weakness. I tend to use food as an outlet, especially when sitting by the fire watching ABC Familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collection of holiday classics. Instead of gravitating towards the sugary snacks try a healthier option: Gluten-free Cinnamon Spice Granola! Incorporating holiday flavors into a healthy granola snack is great, especially sprinkled over Greek yogurt, with almond milk, or even on its own!
Gluten-free Cinnamon Spice Granola Recipe:
Ingredients: • 3 cups of gluten-free rolled oats • ½ cup slivered almonds • ½ cup raw walnut pieces • ½ cup sunflower seeds (shell-off) • ½ cup unsweetened coconut shreds • 2 tsp. cinnamon • 1 tsp. nutmeg • ½ tsp. salt • 1 tbs. chia seeds • ¼ cup flax seed meal • 1/3 cup olive oil • ¼ cup maple syrup • 1/8 cup coconut sugar • ¾ cup raisins
Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper 3. In a large bowl combine your oats, nuts, coconut, chia, flax meal, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir together. 4. Once combined, add in your olive oil and maple syrup. Stir until the entire mixture is slightly wet. 5. Add in your coconut sugar and stir again. 6. Spread your granola out evenly on your lined baking sheet. 7. Bake for 20-30 minutes, checking and stirring your mixture every 10 minutes, checking frequently. 8. When the granola is golden brown, and the nuts and seeds are toasted it is ready. 9. Sprinkle in raisins, stir and enjoy when cooled!
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As you can see, I’ve provided you with some options to ensure that you stay active and healthy during the holidays!
Finals Tips and Tricks
To some fnals at HPU are the light at the end of the tunnel and to others they symbolize the long road ahead of studying in Smith. Either way, don’t let fnals get you down. Follow these tips and tricks and fnals will be nothing but a fnal send off to the semester.
1.
This isn’t High School. Cramming the morning of or pulling an all-nighter to do that
project won’t cut it. You’ve heard it a million times but starting early is key! College professors have a higher standard, the final is our chance to either impress that professor you love or prove your worth to that professor you hate. Take the time leading up to your exam as prep for your final impression and make it count, this is college, you are paying to be here after all so why not give it your all?
Remove distractions. Some may go as far as to delete social media but we all know you
are always connected. Try studying in a new space on campus instead. Smith can get old, try Slane for a little soft noise or the Learning Commons in the Wanek Center for a change of scenery. If worse comes to worse have your roommate change your passwords and vow not to give it to you until after finals, I promise you’ll live without Instagram or Netflix for a week.
3.
Dress for Success. A lot of us take Finals week as an excuse to pull out your laziest
wardrobe but that XL sweatshirt is not always the answer. Sure comfort is key, so no need to rock your wedges or a suit to your exam but dressing well will make you feel well. Take the time in the morning to brush your hair, throw together a relaxed but put together ensemble and strut through campus with confidence, it’s amazing how your appearance can influence your attitude.
Eat well. Exam week is usually filled with Venti Lattes and HPU exam break treats.
But gorging on sweets, comfort food and coffee isn’t the way to go. A coffee to keep you focused is perfectly acceptable but don’t use exams as an excuse to spend all your magic meals on Freals and pastries. Make sure to cut out the sweets and caffeine after 10 pm and start every morning with a bottle of water. The kiosks know what’s best, so if you’re in a hurry and can’t fit in a meal make sure to stay hydrated and don’t test hungry.
5.
2. 4.
Take a break! Block out an hour of studying and an hour of break. It is proven that
focusing for short bursts is much easier than telling yourself you’re going to study all day or all night. So make sure that if you find yourself dozing off or refreshing Twitter, to take a breather from your books. Go for a walk, get some food, workout or take advantage of one of HPU’s countless study breaks, they are there for a reason!
Happy studying!
Lilly Chalfant
THINGS we love obsessed, much?
because we are... very obsessed From movies to books, to music to the latest technology, we’re obsessing over this season’s products. We can’t get over them and we expect that you won’t either. Have something that you’d like to see featured here in the Pin Point’s next issue? Shoot us a message on Facebook with a brief explanation of the product and a photo, and we’ll list it here! After all, we’re by the students for the students.
movies the hunger games: catching fire It’s no secret that the world is obsessed with The Hunger Games, and we’re no exception. The second installment to the triology completely blew us away for one reason, and one reason alone: Katniss Everdeen. Katniss kicks ass like never before in this movie. Jennifer Lawrence, if we do say so ourselves, is a babe of a leading lady. We can’t get enough of her!
books compelled by brailey lisath You might have heard on campus, but our Editor-in-Chief Brailey Lisath has published her first novel! And it’s one you’re not going to want to pass up reading. It centers around the lives of teens Mason Patridge and Olivia Reeser, who share the genetic mutation that gives them the ability to control minds, a race called coercers. In it, they’ll discover everything might not be as it seems. You can find it on Amazon today!
music if you leave by daughter Daughter has been a favorite of ours for awhile now, but this album has completely blown us away! It has the typical Daughter sound (think Lana Del Rey, with a little Bon Iver with a little more hype) but the harmonic touches and lyrical catches are beyond expectation. Clearly an album that we would suggest anyone to pick up! It’s calming, snow day kind of music.
tech selective focus lens by lensbaby For all of the photographers out there, this one is for you. The Lensbaby Spark lens will give you a creative and fun selective focus, creating a highly stylized photo. You can get it for Nikon or for Canon (they aren’t brand biased!) and just attach it to your camera. The best part? You can physically twist and move it to get the exact focus that you want. It’s very inexpensive, and a fun addition to your creative collection.
beauty kardashian beauty lip balm This time of year, everything gets dried out. Your hair, your face, your skin and your lips. If you’re like us, during the winter you’re always trying to find the perfect lip balm to keep your lips soft and plump during the cold weather. Kardashian Beauty has definitely made one! This lip balm is smooth (not to mention it smells great) and restores the moisture to your lips.
blogs we wore what by danielle We Wore What is a different take on the typical fashion blogs we obsess over--in a good way. Blogger Danielle has a style that combines almost every other style into one. She is sleek and chic, but also indie-inspired. She looks like someone that could hang out in LA or in New York City, in the office or at a festival. I love the versatality of her looks. If you’re ever feeling low on fashion inspiration, give this blog a look!
3Him
perfect gifts for or
Her
The holidays are stressful, point blank period. But, if you have a significant other, it can be even more stressful. How do you decide what to get them, especially if it’s a new relationship? This can be tough. Don’t fret! Here are 3 ideas for gifts that will be perfect for a girl OR a boy.
1. Watch A watch is a timeless accessory. And the best part? They aren’t sex-biased. Girls and guys alike have been rocking watches, especially in the past few years. If you’re unsure what to get, a watch is often a great way to go. My favorite brand is Fossil both for guys and girls. They are usually simple, but well made. Guys, your ladies will love the fact that you’ve gotten them something they can wear and show off. Girls, it’s great to buy a guy something they might not typically buy themselves. They can throw it on during fancier events.
2. tickets Concert or event tickets are a great way to go for a Christmas gift. Browse through some of your favorite bands, plays or anything of the sort and see if they are going on tour. Giving an experience for a gift is something that is fun for both of you and will bring you together. Girls, try finding a good sporting event or concert he’d want to go to. It will show your knowledge of his likes. Guys, don’t be afraid to go to a girly concert for her!
3. electronics Go for something that your significant other doesn’t already have. Steer away from the typical electronic gifts like iPods and iPads. Shoot for something that caters to their personality more, like this turntable. Getting back into records has been progressively happening over the years. Maybe it’s time to try it out! Or, you could go for something like a GoPro or a Nook. Electronics are always a good way to go, as long as you know what kind to shop for.
e k i l e t ĂŞ f faire la Throwing a party this New Years Eve? Ring in the New Year with a themed party. Take it all the way back to Marie Antoinette and party with class, cashmere and cupcakes. Incorporate these Frenchstyle foods and party touches into the event to make for an awesome occasion fit for a royal!
assorted mini cupcakes $25 assorted pastel colored rock candy $20 champage glasses $20-40 striped straws $12
assorted macarons $39
WINTER
FASHION
photographed by lilly chalfant, zachary hepp and anna hammill. styled by lilly chalfant and brailey lisath. Flannel, oxblood, emerald green, leather and velvet are the must-haves of the season. These colors allude to the holidays and provide for a chic winter wardrobe. Combine one or more of these for a perfect cold weather outfit. Going for a casual look? Pair some leather leggings with an emerald green sweater and throw on a cream colored vest and an oxblood beanie. Going for a more dressy look? Pair a velvet dress with black tights. Layer with a flannel and a structured jacket over top. Accessorize with some black booties!
PANTHER ON POINT SWEATER WEATHER SURVIVAL By Leah Vitrano in Attire presents a day of the week that members of sororities and fraternities wear formal attire to class with the addition of their â&#x20AC;&#x153;pins.â&#x20AC;? Being in the south, pin attire is generally preppy. During the warmer months you can find your fair share of spirited Lilly Pulitzer among the ladies, and the men donning Vineyard Vines pastel shorts. However, with fall in full force and winter approaching, the brighter hues of summer are beginning to fade to darker, richer tints
P
MILITARY GREEN JACKET It is in my best interest to provide you with trendy ensembles, fit for cold winter days. In the first look, this student creates a sleek look in black. The transition from fall to winter allows for lighter blouses to be worn, and this student dons the perfect airy blouse with gold detailing for a playful touch. She pairs her blouse with a pair of black jeans and again, her green jacket and gold flats for an alternative look. She layers her jewelry with a monogrammed necklace and long chain necklace with a bundle of pearls. spread designed by hannah williams
GLITTERED FLATS In the second look, this lovely student is wearing a fitted black lace frock with a military-inspired green jacket. To complete her look, she has opted for a trending plaid wool scarf with rich colors of emerald, navy and crimson. Along with her scarf, she has paired simple accessories such as a monogrammednecklace , a plaid scarf and some awesome glitter flats.
BUNDLE OF PEARLS
To achieve cold weather-inspired pin attire ensembles, look for versatile pieces such as a classic coat, a pair of stellar flats and stackable jewelry. As pin attire arrives each week, be sure to mix is up with a lighter blouses, tailored pants and patterned scarves to help ward off the cold in style! Oh, and do not forget your pins! MILITARY JACKET CHIC WISH $59.93
GLITTER FLATS J.CREW $49.99
CHARM NECKLACE CLAIRES $12.99
PLAID SCARF, LL BEAN $28.99
Jâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On My Feet The Low Down on getting into the sneaker game,
by Student Guest writer and Local Sneakerhead DuChante Davis
“
It takes time, dedication and patience to build a collection.
Perhaps now more than ever basketball sneakers have become a part of everyday fashion. We’re in a world where the shoes being sported on the basketball court by the world’s most famous players are being seen in the classroom, in the clubs and on the streets. When Michael Jordan’s first sneaker dropped in 1985 it took the world by storm. Until this day Jordan brand sneakers are still the most sought after shoes on the market. The crazy thing is, most of the people who are buying Jordan’s have never seen Jordan dribble a basketball.
”
These shoes are no longer being purchased to be laced up on the court; they’re bought to turn heads as you walk through school, or any public place for that matter. So if you’re looking to step your kick game up, here are a few tips for you. Remember that shoes, Jordan’s in particular, are a hot commodity. Come release day you will find yourself in a crowd of Jumpman enthusiasts. Often times at releases you will run into three types of people, hype-beasts, resellers and true sneaker heads. While chances are high that you may strike out on getting your desired shoe, you want to avoid resellers at all costs the first day of a release. More times than not re-sellers buy the shoe with the sole purpose of reselling it usually for double what the shoe is worth in stores. If you aren’t lucky enough to cop a pair on release day you must be ready to out-do and outsmart resellers by forcing them to sit on their products. The longer they sit the more nervous they become, soon you will find these people eager to sell and often times dropping their prices to near retail. Hype-beasts, hype-beasts, hype-beasts. Hype-beasts can be easily defined as people who are conformists, followers or buying what’s popular. While these people might be another obstacle in your path it’s important to remember that most sneaker heads were hype-beasts at one point or another. Anyone can be a hype-beast but with Jordan’s they are often amongst the younger crowd. This shouldn’t come as a surprise because as I mentioned before most of these kids have never seen Jordan play, so their motivation isn’t because they want to be like Mike, it’s because they want to be like the cool kid across the street. The simplest way to avoid becoming a hype-beast is to simply buy what you like, even if it’s a color-way that people aren’t raving about, dare to be different. Now we have your sneaker heads. These people have a genuine love for shoes that can come from a variety of different places. For example, my passion for buying shoes comes from only being able to have one pair of shoes per year as a kid. I wasn’t able to buy new shoes on a regular basis, so now that I earn my own money I am able to, which makes it so much sweeter. Every sneaker head has his or her, own story. So if you are inspired to become a sneaker head yourself keep these things in mind. Most releases happen on Saturdays at 8 o’clock eastern time, so whether you’re at the store or on your computer don’t get left behind. If you are planning to cop your purchase at the mall be prepared to wait in line 1-2 hours early, and sometimes over night depending on the hype. Once you’ve got them, the key to keeping your shoes clean is to wear them in moderation. I know it may be hard to resist the temptation at first, but this will increase the longevity and appearance of your shoes. As you increase your inventory you won’t find this to be much of a problem. It takes time , dedication and patience to build a collection so last but not least stay updated when building your collection by following these people on twitter for the latest sneaker news and releases, @j23app, @finishline , @nikestore , @kicksonfire. -Stay Fresh, Te Davis
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