The 2010 Gist List

The New Year usually brings a slew of resolutions often left in the back of your closet with your broken Manolo Blahniks and too-small-but-too-cute-to-throw-away summer shorts. But resolutions give us a chance to reflect the changes we want (or need) in our life, and then promise to follow through. I'm not talking about the 20 lbs you wanted to shed by February or the penny-pinching you promised your pocketbook. It's New Years, not a miracle. While we look to the past at the good times, we're looking forward to the coming year and the promises it brings us. Here are my resolutions for 2010.

1. Appreciate the people in my life for what they are rather than being frustrated by what they're not.
I surround myself with beautiful people, inside and out. That's a fact. And sometimes it's a fact I need to remind myself more often than blame others for my problems, and just laugh my problems away instead.

2. Maintain a sense of humor that carries me through all of life's little bumps.
It's not hard to make me laugh. I was reminded in the final months of 2009 that the right attitude takes you a lot further than the wrong attitude. Plus, a good attitude is contagious, just like a smile.

3. Follow through or shame on you.
I love making promises, and I love keeping them even more. But sometimes I promise too many things to too many people. This year I resolve to focus my energy, and to follow through with quality work rather than quantity.

4. Hear other people's stories.
I can talk and talk and talk all about me, almost anytime, any day. And while confidence is a trait I'm not short of, my listening skills are a muscle that need to be toned this year. Let others steer the topic of conversation rather than feel pressured to keep talking.

Image from fitsugar.com

Christmas Cheer

Now that I'm holed up in a hotel on an overnight layover due to flight complications during this holiday travel season (a la Home Alone 2), I've come to appreciate Macaulay Culkin's request for three scoops of ice cream instead of two. Now after spending almost 12 hours between Syracuse and Los Angeles in Philadelphia, I've had the luxury of watching various Christmas movies on ABC, FX, CW, and many many more channels on my 36" flat screen in my hotel room. Here's my top ten so far:

Elf (2003)
After inadvertently wreaking havoc on the elf community due to his ungainly size, a man raised as an elf at the North Pole is sent to the U.S. in search of his true identity. Not only Will Farrell deliver in this instant Christmas classic, but he brought us Christmas cheer singing loud for all to hear. I'll admit, I pop in this DVD even outside of the Christmas season, and it's always the first one on my list to watch come the day after Thanksgiving.

White Christmas (1954)
My mother made my family watch this movie every Christmas Eve. It's not animated, with little kid-targeted humor, and the allusions and storyline went over my head back when I was ten. Then my mother insisted my sisters and I learned the "Sisters" duet. As soon as the successful song-and-dance team that becomes romantically involved with a sister act (and my mother) had me crooning along, how could I not love the movie. Growing up with this classic brings me back to my mother roasting chestnuts, and my father stoking the open fire (no joke).

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Inside a snowflake, like the one on your sleeve, there happened a story you must see to believe. Back before Taylor Momsen was Queen Bee on Gossip Girl, she was a funny-nosed Who from Whoville. And maybe now it's because I'm older and I understand the "grown-up" jokes going on in the film, but Jim Carrey divulged into the Grinch character and still has me rolling on the floor.

Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
Though the number of "Home Alone"s have grown over the years (what are we at now? Number 5?), Number 2 takes the cake. A 10-year old runs around NYC with his dad's credit card while his family worries about his safe return. Sure, he doesn't have the home field advantage like he did in the first, but the witty kid still catches the bad guys in the end. And maybe I'm biased because I'm trying to make it home for the holidays like Macaulay Culkin, but I know I have my two turtledove ornament around here somewhere.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965)
A classic. I watched it every year growing up with my family, and it's still my go-to holiday movie. Heartwarming and simple, it always brings my family together. Because that's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown!

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)
Though I would technically classify this as a Halloween movie, Jack the Skeleton lasts us from October 31st to December 25th. It's a original idea that Tim Burton animates and infatuates us with. While "Nightmare" wasn't originally on my list, my co-RA has this movie running on loop in our floor lounge, and it's definitely caught me up in discovering Christmas Town with Jack.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964)
It would be wrong to exclude the misfit reindeer and his friends who are looking for a place that will accept them. It's an elaboration of the Christmas tale of the red-nosed hero of Christmas that takes us on an adventure across the North Pole and back that never gets old.

Images from imdb.com

Holly Jolly Holiday Playlist

'Tis the Season

1. Bizarre Christmas Incident – Ben Folds

2. Rudolph – Jack Johnson

3. All I Want for Christmas Is You – Mariah Carey

4. White Christmas – Taylor Swift

5. Jingle Bell Rock – Aly & AJ

6. Run Rudolph Run – Hanson

7. Latke Clan – The LeeVees

8. Baby It’s Cold Outside – Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey

9. Happy Xmas (War Is Over) – Maroon 5

10. I’ll Be Home for Christmas – Rascal Flatts

11. The Little Drummer Boy – Sean Kingston

12. Ay Ay Ay It’s Christmas – Ricky Martin

13. Hanukkah Blessings – Barenaked Ladies

14. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) – Leighton Meester

15. Last Christmas – CASCADA

16. Carol of the Bells – Emmy Rossum

17. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year – NSYNC

18. Santa Claus Is Coming to Town – Bruce Springsteen

19. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – Tyler Hilton

20. Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree – Miley Cyrus

Image from celebratestudios.com

Stuffed

Thanksgiving Leftover Panini

Like you're not still in a food coma from yesterday

Ingredients:

• 2 thick slices day old bread (or 1 loaf), such as ciabatta
• Cold gelatinous gravy
• Turkey breast, sliced
• Turkey stuffing
• Cranberry dressing
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 sage leaves, chopped fine
• Butter, softened

Directions:

Spread one slice of bread with a thin layer of cold gravy. Layer the sandwich with slices of turkey, stuffing, more gravy and cranberry dressing, to taste. Season with salt and pepper and top with chopped sage leaves. Spread a thick layer of cranberry dressing on the other slice of bread.

Butter each side of the sandwich on the outside, then toast on a preheated sandwich grill or in a cast iron skillet, pressing the firmly on each side golden brown.

Image from foodnetwork.com

Giving Thanks

We have so much to be thankful for this year: family, friends, health.

I for one am thankful for our friends who keep us posting for you -- YOU! -- and of course I am very thankful for you. Chances are if you're reading this now, you're a rather regular visitor, and we love love love the opportunity you give us to grow and play and celebrate. For this I'm thankful.

Now that we've all eaten a little too much and are falling into tryptophan-induced comas, remember what Marcie said in "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving:"

"But Thanksgiving is more than eating, Chuck. You heard what Linus was saying out there. Those early Pilgrims were thankful for what had happened to them, and we should be thankful, too. We should just be thankful for being together. I think that's what they mean by 'Thanksgiving,' Charlie Brown."

Images from imbd.com

Gold Digger

You were always a bit starry-eyed.

Luckily, golden eyeliner has the cosmetic power to make you the little starlet. Applied correctly and with the right pair of shoes, and you're the shining star of any party for the holidays.

Urban Decay boasts little pots of gold in Smog, Honey, or Lucky easily under $20. Try Showgirls from NARS's liquid liner collection that'll cost you a little more, but is worth for the lash-thickening effect and cream base for control and longevity.

Because the liquid liner comes in a bottle rather like ink, the capacity for a dramatic finishing touch relies on your steady hand and patient application. But don't worry, a few little tricks will keep it clean like a shooting star, rather than a meteor shower.

Forget the continuous line with liquid eyeliner. It is easier to paint small dashes along the lash line, gently adding a stroke every 3-4 millimeters, and then connect them afterward. If you want a thicker line than this initial thin one, build it up gradually. Start at the middle of the lash line and draw towards the outer corner. You can extend the line slightly past the outer corner of your eyelid. Add a little mascara.

And you're golden.

Images from amazon.com and bellasugar.com

Caped Crusaders

Sure you played house with your Barbies. But you were never below stealing your brother's comics (on the pretext of making paper dolls...) and they quickly became your new BFFs. The Monarch of Motion, the Golden Avenger, the Wallcrawler. You were always had a thing for the Metropolis Marvel, anyway. And you and the Blonde Bombshell? Peas in a pod.

But those coordinating costumes aren't just for the Dynamic Duo anymore. Capes are the perfect way to bundle up this winter season, and they come in every shape, size, color, and fabric.

Holy fashion wonders, Batman!

Fendi goes fur with this caplet, but if you're looking to avoid the $7,400 price tag, Forever21 have fabulous finds. MaxStudio has a gorgeous army tan cape, perfect for layering sleeves and sweaters underneath.

This unique take on winter coats translate from LA to NYC without needing a telephone booth. While different cuts boast swinging hemlines with wide sleeves, other exnay the sleeves and offer a couple of slits in the trapeze silhouette instead. And never fear! Forgiving forms are here! Capes are absolutely perfect for every body type, proving even further that this fashion trend truly has superpowers.

So take that Human Whirlwind, Emerald Crusader, and Boy Wonder.

Images from shopstyle.com

Sugar Rush

What's made of sugar, helps you burns calories, and is a cross between Perez Hilton and Shape magazine?

The answer is FitSugar.com, a branch of the Sugar bloggosphere. The blog caters to everything you need for a "healthy happy you."

Entries range from celeb sightings at their home gyms, to exercise pointers, to foods worth splurging calories on. Check out their article "8 Ways to Start Your Week Off Right" to keep from falling off the healthy wagon. They offer low-cal recipes for high-cal treats (like pumpkin-carrot bars with cream cheese frosting--sign me up!) and include the benefits of such indulgences (Vitamin A and guilt-free calorie count). The website brings you unique workout regimes (trampolines, anyone?) and the latest technologies in exercise equipment. Polls, gift ideas, and celebrity fitness tips keep FitSugar interactive and fresh; the perfect site for both hardcore gym junkies and those who believe eating food in front of the fridge doesn't count.

Hasn't fulfilled your web-browsing cravings yet? Check out sister sites PopSugar.com and FabSugar.com: the network of Sugar-y sites expands into fashion and celeb gossip without needing extra-stretchy pants. Make room for dessert, because this is definitely one sweet treat you won't want to pass up.

Get you sugar rush here FitSugar.com

Images from fitsugar.com and happyhomemaker.com

Bromance

I am not below stealing t-shirts from my boyfriend. But sometimes that one borrowed t-shirt turns into a soft button down or two. Or three. And then a cardigan. And before you know it, "His and Hers" takes on a whole new meaning.


Why are boys clothes so appealing? Well, they're warm and soft and baggy for one. Maybe they smell like your Mr. Man. But at the end of the day, they are the comfiest damn thing in your closet.

Thank goodness this winter season is granting girls with the gift of men. Unisex styles are popping up all over the place. From over-sized organics to fleeces in gender-neutral colors, it's time to fall in love with boys all over again. Take a page out of Cameron Diaz's book a la "Charlie's Angels" and rock those tightie whities with your regular sleep shirt. Bundle up with a flannel, skinny jeans, and sleek boots (just because you're dressing like a boy doesn't mean you should get sloppy like one). Take an over-sized button down from your boyfriend or brother, roll up the sleeves, and belt it: insta-shirt dress. Baggy sweaters and cardigans look great with leggings and flats--and feel great too.

Try American Apparel, notorious for their unisex styles in everything from shorts and shirts, to cardigans and underwear. Urban Outfitters is the place to go for flannels (in women's and men's sections--I'd nab at least one in each, the cut is different so you can add some variety and shape to the trend). Even Forever 21's Heritage for Men have great sweaters that ladies can steal.

So when boy meets girl, girl needs to try to restrain from tearing that buttery soft top off his back.

Images from Forever21.com, urbanoutfitters.com, americanapparel.com

Midas Touch

You like to keep things shiny, shimmery, and sparkly. The proof: your bedazzled cell phone cover last winter (didn't we stop bedazzling in, like, the 90's?).

All's fair in arts and crafts, but when those rhinestones start to peel off one by one, it's time to invest in a new gilded fetish.

LaROCCA Skincare is your solution for satiating your glitzy obsession. Infused with 24-k colloidal gold, it boasts the healing properties of Asclepius and the appeal of Midas. The multi-active lip shield balm fights off germs while keeping your pout pretty (a major plus in these germ-ridden times). Several power-healing forces are at work here:

Amazonian immune-boosting camu camu (said to ward off herpes) meets Brazilian cha de burge mangosteen abstract and is said to work antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiviral magic. You'll get an alphabet of vitamins from the sea buckthorn. Moisture-enhancing hyaluronic acid and healing l-arginine come into play in the rich formula as well. Like all the products in the LaROCCA line, the lip balm contains colloidal gold, known to promote electron transfer with the metal ions naturally found in the skin to stimulate cell turnover along with anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Basically, it's a beauty product fit for a king.

Or a princess of pizazz.

Check out the Studio City-based skincare line at laroccaskincare.com

Images from laroccaskincare.com

Eat Your Heart Out

What's cookin' good lookin'? Here are some of my favorite (and super easy) fall recipes. Grab your boyfriend, roommate, or the little kid down the street you babysit and try these traditional treats out for size.

Candied Carmel Apples
The season just got a whole lot sweeter.
Ingredients:

• Butter or margarine for greasing
  
• 5 apples
  
• 14 oz. of caramel candies (1 package)
• 1 teaspoon water
• 1/2 cup of crushed nuts or candies

Directions:

Line a cookie sheet with wax paper, and grease with a dab of butter or margarine. Wash the apples in a colander and dry them with a kitchen towel. If they have stems, you may need to help remove them. Insert a craft stick into each apple. Unwrap the caramel candies and add them to a microwave-safe bowl. Measure out the water and add that to the candies.

Place in the microwave and heat on high for about 3 minutes. Stop the microwave and stir the caramels every minute or so. While you hold the bowl (be sure to use oven mitts--some bowls get very hot!), stir with a wooden spoon or a spatula. Continue heating the caramels until they are completely melted and smooth.

Carefully remove the caramels from the microwave. Dip the apples into the caramel and hold them over the bowl to let the excess caramel drip away. Dip once or twice to coat the apples. If you like, you can also dip them into the nuts or candies. Set them on the buttered wax paper to cool.

Sweet & Salty Pumpkin Seeds
You'll end up wanting a pumpkin-patch worth.
Ingredients:

• 2 cups separated and dried pumpkin seeds (from your jack-o'-lantern!)
  
• 1/4 cup melted butter
  
• 2 tbsp. sugar
• 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. cumin
• 1/4 tsp. kosher salt

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, toss the seeds with the butter and either the savory or sweet seasonings. Spread the seeds evenly in one layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 25 minutes, stirring the seeds every few minutes. Remove from the oven and cool completely. Taste the seeds and re-season if desired.

Tips:
Choose sweet (sugar and cinnamon) or savory ingredients (cumin and salt), or try a sweet and salty mix.

Creepy Crawly Peanut Butter Spider Snacks
C'mon. We're all kids on Halloween.
Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup peanut butter
  
• 1/2 cup honey
  
• 1 cup non-fat powdered milk
• Graham crackers
• Raisins or currants
• Pretzel sticks

Directions:

In a mixing bowl, beat the peanut butter with the honey and the powdered milk. The mixture should form a dough. Place on your work space. Use three-quarters of the dough to make balls the size of walnuts. Form the remaining dough into smaller-sized balls. Lay out the graham crackers. Place a large ball and a small one on each graham cracker. Cut the raisins or currants in half and place them on the small ball for eyes. Break pretzel sticks into desired lengths, then push in four pretzel sticks on each side of the spider's body to make legs.

And don't worry. That award-winning homemade Halloween costume you're working on? You've got time.

Images and recipes from nickjr.com

Filled With Glee

Girls 6 @ Yahoo! Video

The last time you demonstrated your, ah, vocal talents, it was at the sixth grade talent show. And between the little puddle of "stage fright" you left back stage, and your voice cracking on that sharp C, your recent performances have been limited to serenading the shower head.

Divulge the diva within you with your new obsession: Glee.

The Wednesday night com-dram revolves around a high school Spanish teacher trying to restore the glee club to its former glory. With a born-breed-dead performer as the female lead, and a Troy-Bolton-like football player as the male lead (a la High School Musical), the drama unfolds among students and teachers alike.

Yet Glee is everything but Disney. The show has your standard, popular pro-abstinence cheerleaders, a crippled vocal wonder, a Goth girl with a stutter, a knocked-up cheer captain, and a horny best friend.

And don't forget the teachers and the love triangles between them: the glee club director with a wife faking pregnancy, an awkward-and-sweaty gym teach, a "whatever it takes to win" cheer coach, and an OCD guidance counselor that puts Adrien Monk to shame.

The club struggles with competition from within for solos, rivalry with the Cheerios, and the pressure of placing at nationals--will this band of misfit students make it, or break it?

Above is a clip from Episode 1.6. It'll have you scouring the Internet to see where you can find an adorable yellow sundress and silver slippers (I found one at Forever 21!!).

And possibly composing your next arrangement for the shower.

Sing along Wednesday, 9.8c on FOX.

Clip from vodpod.com. Images from fox.com

Think Blue

Even though the leaves are turning pretty shades of orange, red, and yellow, I'm still blue.

Dodger blue that is.

Sure, baseball is the summer past time, but just because the weather has cooled down doesn't mean my team spirit has. The Dodgers took the win with a 5-1 last night against the St. Louis Cardinals. A three-game sweep had the Dodgers clinching the best-of-five National League Division Series. Last night Padilla turned seven masterful innings; Ethier's two-run homer and Manny's three hits had fans in a craze. LA is set to play the winner of the Rockie-Phillies tournament starting this Thursday. With games like these, how could Dodger fever die down?

So come on, grab an over-sized hot dog, your mitt, your blue LA hat, and Think Blue.

Images from throwbackguy.com and mlb-tour-2008.com

Highly Recommended

To Whom It May Concern:

I have had the great pleasure of working with Theory's clothing line for the past five years. The high-end line's simple patterns, innovative cuts, and flattering fabrics have made it a staple for every dress-needed occasion. From little-black-dress to sunny yellow tea smocks, Theory has proved itself steadfast as a go-to designer, loyal in classic looks, and simply fabulous across the board.

Which brings me to this letter of recommendation. Theory's luxurious fall line offers the potential to dress you with every haute style hot this season. From harem pants in a plethora of fabrics to tulip dresses flattering for any form, I assure you the line's work ethic is above the rest. Please also take into consideration Theory's printed cardigans, pleated skirts, and soft cotton tops. The line has perfected the balance between adorable and comfort, and always rises to the occasion's challenge. Functional, fantastic, and fun are just three words Theory embodies.

I have no doubts that Theory will allow you to sparkle, glimmer, and work it like no one else this fall.

Sincerely,
Ah, The Cleverness of Me
CEO of Fashion Trends
Creative Director of Crazes
Board of Trustees of Recommendations

Find fantastic Theory finds at shopbop.com

Images from shopbop.com

The Fall Edition

We here by solemnly swear to refrain from those old played out fall cliches. There wont be "Fall Back into School" or "Falling into Fashion" nonsense here. No siree.

(But we do hope you Fall in love with our picks for the autumn weather.)

So here's the skinny (literally): we still love our skinny jeans. But to beat the cooler clime we're gonna add a thousand layers on top: long tanks, eccentric vests, wool scarves, soft organic cotton over-sized tees, knits like grandma makes, and a giant purse too. East Coast autumns easily Fall above the West Coast's when I get to start pulling out these essentials. It makes me wish the palm trees at home turned colors and shed their leaves too.

This Fall season, the tucked-in button down is big. Keep up the balancing act with little flouncy skirts like this one from Forever 21 and a sweet brown belt to keep things classy. Don't Fall running to class latte in hand.

And while the best part of this time of year is the color palette of Mother Nature, take a leaf out of her book and go golden too. Bronze looks great in these prints and in subtle embroidery. Fall into the trend with this look also from Forever 21.

I personally always have a hard time with fitting the feet as a sandals-or-nothing kinda gal in the summer, so head over to H&M where their boot assortment boasts high-fashion styles at less then $60 a pop. The whole head-to-toe layered look (above) is less than $140 and every piece is just as Fall-worthy alone as it is together.

Fall is in the air--duh, it's 55 degrees out. So get inspired, grab an apple cider, and fall in love with Fall.

Images from thelivingcolor.blogspot, hm.com, and forever21.com

Go Greek

Toga, toga, toga.

Maybe that's a familiar chant for you freshmen walking down Frat Row, but here's some sophomoric advice: ditch the sheet and go Greek with Matiko's end of season sale.

Sandals, boots, heels, and wedges galore with styles perfect for transitioning summer into fall. Try pairing black Sierras with jean shorts and a sweater and you'll be the talk of the sisterhood. Dress up jeans with Moira for a date with an Alpha Epsilon Pi brother. Or make like Hermes and fly to class with a pair of Romans. Anyway you choose, Matiko's line has the variety and value of Mount Olympus to leave any sole-searcher perfectly happy with their new pair.

These shoes are going fast, especially with their sale prices over 50% off the original tag.

So lift your plastic red cup of Franzia in honor of Dionysis--and in honor of your fantastic new kicks.


Images from matiko.com

Workin' At the Car Wash

Car wash.

Mention these two little words on a college campus and you'll elicit images of suds, bikinis, and possibly cheeseburgers (a la Paris Hilton in her Carl's Jr. commercial). Dream on, boys.

But really, your car is your best friend. It gets you from South Campus to Main without having to wait 40 minutes for the next bus. It cools you off in the summer months with the AC cranked up to arctic coolness. It saves you from that freezing cold walk to Starbucks in the winter. Quite a one-way relationship, don't you think?

Time to give back.

Give it some TLC with a wash from the sorority girls of Delta Gamma today that'll run you only $5. Hand washed, your car will never sparkle like it has after the girls are through with it. Grab some coffee or treats from Delta Goodies while you're waiting for the lovely ladies to work their magic. The best part: all proceeds from the Delta Gamma car wash will go to the sorority's philanthropy, Service for Sight.

Talk about good, clean fun.

Images from tampabaylighteningcar.com and ATCOM

What's Black and White and Red All Over?

Ok, funny guy, here's one for you.

Knock Knock. Who's there?
Meringue. Meringue who?
You'll be meringue-ing on our door for these red velvet cupcakes.

Red Velvet Cupcakes with Fluffy Meringue Frosting

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon white distilled vinegar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Meringue Icing

• 5 large egg whites
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoons cream of tartar
• Pinch fine salt
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 to 3 drops pure almond extract
• Equipment: Standard 12 (1/2 cup) muffin tin

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line 2 (12-cup) muffin pans with cupcake papers.

In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In a large bowl gently beat together the oil, buttermilk, eggs, food coloring, vinegar, and vanilla with a handheld electric mixer. Add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet and mix until smooth and thoroughly combined.

Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake tins about 2/3 filled. Bake in oven for about 20 to 22 minutes, turning the pans once, half way through. Test the cupcakes with a toothpick for doneness. Remove from oven and cool completely before frosting.

For meringue icing:

Bring a few inches of water to a gentle simmer in a saucepan large enough to hold a standing mixer bowl above the water. Whisk the egg whites, sugar, cream of tartar, and salt together in the bowl until combined. Set the bowl over the simmering water and whisk constantly until sugar is completely dissolved and mixture is smooth and hot to the touch, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to the standing mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and beat at medium-high speed until meringue is cool and holds a soft peak, 4 to 5 minutes. With the speed on low, add the vanilla and almond extracts; increase speed to medium and continue whisking until mixture is glossy and holds a stiff peak, 1 to 2 minutes more.

To decorate:

Using a spoon or offset spatula, spread about 1/2 cup meringue over each cupcake and sprinkle with sprinkles.

Seriously, these cupcakes are no laughing matter.

Recipe and image from foodnetwork.com

Kid

Kid by Simon Armitage

Batman, big shot, when you gave the order

to grow up, then let me loose to wander

leeward, freely through the wild blue yonder

as you liked to say, or ditched me, rather,

in the gutter ... well, I turned the corner.

Now I've scotched that 'he was like a father

to me' rumour, sacked it, blown the cover

on that 'he was like an elder brother'

story, let the cat out on that caper

with the married woman, how you took her

downtown on expenses in the motor.

Holy robin-redbreast-nest-egg-shocker!

Holy roll-me-over-in the-clover,

I'm not playing ball boy any longer

Batman, now I've doffed that off-the-shoulder

Sherwood-Forest-green and scarlet number

for a pair of jeans and crew-neck jumper;

now I'm taller, harder, stronger, older.

Batman, it makes a marvelous picture:

you without a shadow, stewing over

chicken giblets in the pressure cooker,

next to nothing in the walk-in larder,

punching the palm of your hand all winter,

you baby, now I'm the real boy wonder.

Image from bat-blog

Bookworm

You're running back and forth across campus every 55 minutes, your purse is now you're book bag, and the library is looking more and more homey. It must mean one thing: school has resumed.

Get your nerd on with some of these out-of-class titles.

I Am America (And So Can You!) by Stephen Colbert
An educated laugh.





L.A. Candy by Lauren Conrad
It's not an expose tell-all like most think. It is a retelling of her past with different characters, and names may have been changed to protect the not-so-innocent. Who says all books should be educational, anyway. At least you're reading, right?

Even Cowgirls Get The Blues by Tom Robbins
Even if you did get into that upper-level psychedelic literature class, there was never a guarantee that Cowgirls would've been on the reading list.



How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie
When you leave your beloved Dungeons and Dragons to actually explore the campus, you'll be thankful they wrote a book for that sort of thing.




Glamorous Disasters by Eliot Schrefer
Clearly captures the moods most of us college and post-college individuals feel being pushed into the real world--in a very Gossip Girl meets NYC Prep and had a baby with The Nanny Diaries kind of way.



Images from merch-bot and amazon.com