Jennifer Bacher / Silhouette Staff
Bags
Forever21 = Studded Clear Tote $23.80
This lightweight clear tote is ideal for those lazy days at the beach.
Dresses
H&M = Patterned Dress $24.95
Go wild for this bold patterned dress. Not only is the price great, but you can feel great by doing the environment right: this dress is made from 100% recycled material.
Shorts
Target = Frayed Dip Dye Shorts $19.99
Get in the summer spirit with these brightly dyed shorts. Target has an array of colours to go with any summer style.
Hats
Aritzia = Talula Pelham Hat $28
Stay sun-safe with this stylish straw fedora.
Shoes
Old Navy = Colour-Blocked T-Strap Sandals $20.94
These sandals come in many bright colours and styles, all under $30!
Scarf
Zara = Rustic Cotton Scarf $39.90
This bold print is perfect for any summer occasion. The cotton blend will keep you cool during the day and warm on cold summer nights.
Moisturizer
Sephora = Korres Yoghurt Cooling Gel $23.50
The ultra-soothing gel provides lasting hydration and comfort for those long days in the sun. Use this when you stayed out a bit too long and need some scorch relief.
Sunglasses
American Eagle = AEO Square Sunglasses $15.50
What’s a sunny day without sunglasses? AE has many colours to choose from.
Jennifer Bacher / Silhouette Staff
Now that it is the end of March, one thing looms ahead: exams. Don’t let the joy of Easter along with the thrill of winter leaving distract you too much from the horror that is exams. When making your way to finding the perfect hide out for this exam season, here are some tips to think about before you start your journey. Remember, it’s us versus the exams. We survive this by pulling together, not apart.
Having a plan is always good. Create a schedule for yourself of when to eat, study certain subjects, nap and take breaks. If you plan ahead, you will get everything done and you will minimize saving everything till the last minute.
Pack to thrive. Pack some snacks from home that are nutritious and satisfying if you are planning to study on campus. Bring water, granola bars, fruit or even a sandwich. Not only will this save you money, but also you don’t need to leave your spot and risk losing your concentration. Don’t forget about what supplies you need to study your best. If your cell phone and computer distract you, then leave them at home or make computer time your break.
Find a place to call home. Whatever that may be, find somewhere where you work well and will actually get work done. The campus has lots of great hiding places. From the silent area in the basement of Thode Library to the basement of the arts quad, the campus has many places to study. But campus is only one of many places you can go.
You’re going to be fine, I know you will. You are smart and you are strong. Soon, April will come to an end, your exams will be over and this year will be done. Just hang in there.
Jennifer Bacher / Silhouette Staff
Planning a dinner for a group of friends takes a bit of planning. It is important to know how many friends will be coming (and if they intend to bring dates), what food you will be serving, and if you intend to offer drinks. Here are some simple ideas to help make your next dinner party an easy one!
Appetizers
The easiest appetizers are ones that can be served quickly and require minimal work to serve. Cold appetizer recipes make entertaining easy and can be put together quickly. Hummus is great, whether made at home or store bought. Served with warm pitas and vegetables, hummus is guaranteed to be a crowd pleaser. Another appetizer, that can either be preassembled or a “build-yourself,” is crostini with cheese and meats. Try goat cheese, jam and prosciutto.
Dinner
The most stressful part of the party is creating an edible and successful dinner. Whether you chose something extravagant or simple, the key is to plan ahead. Make what you can ahead of time, this will allow you to spend less prep time in the kitchen when your guests are over. If you are looking to make something simple and easily customizable, why not try home-made wings, make-your-own nachos, hamburgers, homemade pizza (in the oven or BBQ) or lasagna.
Dessert
The best part of a dinner party is the dessert. It can easily be made ahead of time, but no more than a day, ideally that morning. Impress your guests with the new trend in the world of desserts: dips! Dessert dips are versatile, fun and easy to customize with your favorite flavours. From cookie-dough dip to cheesecake dip and everything in between, it can be served with fruit, pretzels or vanilla cookies.
Jennifer Bacher / Silhouette Staff
Dear USA Border Control,
It’s been a while.
I know you probably miss our long talks about how you believe I am entering the United States to work and permanently stay, but like I said before, I am not. I hope you enjoyed all those oranges you took from my Grandmother’s purse. Funny how they can leave the United States to be sold in Canada but not return via the vehicle of a kindly old lady. Well, I hope they were tasty. I could have used one while I waited in your crammed waiting room for two hours.
I would also like to point out that I found your racial profiling very obvious. Although, you probably already knew that.
The last time I saw you was at the New York City airport when I was connecting from Switzerland to Canada, and I really enjoyed when you had no consideration for the fact that I was connecting within 45 minutes. Though it was of no concern to you because really, someone who is connecting back to their homeland of Canada is definitely a red flag for future illegal immigrant.
The next time I come to your country I will only be visiting for less then 24 hours so that I can fulfill the American dream: consumerism. That is correct, I do not want a job, I want to shop. So no, I am not bringing firearms or alcohol into your country and yes, I do have stores to go shopping at in Canada. I’m sure you think you are very funny when you ask “What?! You don’t have ‘em stores in Canada?” or “Why do you need shorts and t-shirts for Canada? Shouldn’t you be skiing or something?” I’m not sure if you’re aware of this, but you can see Canada from where you are currently sitting.
Truly, I think you should be shaking my hand and welcoming me into your country. I have, for some odd reason, decided to spend my money in your country. I could be shopping in Canada right now, but no I want to come to the United States to empty my wallet at Macy’s and JCPenney for just 24 hours. And I promise, when I’m done, I will go back to where I came from.
I really don’t understand why you need to be so uptight anyway. I thought we were friends?
Yours truly,
A frustrated Canadian traveler
Jennifer Bacher / Silhouette Staff
Spring is on its way. How do I know this? It’s not because the birds have started chirping at 6 a.m. or that the days seem longer. It’s not even because the snow is beginning to melt. What marks spring for me, is when the stores debut spring fashion. This year it is going to be pastels, lace, florals and stripes.
Pastels are always popular with the coming of Easter and are even easy to wear right now. Look for tints of jade green and lilac in cardigans and skinny jeans, which are easy to transition and versatile throughout spring. Knitted tops and blazers are perfect for layering during the colder months.
Lace is the perfect feminine fabric to add an elegant sophisticated touch to any colour palate. Look for lace in dresses, accessories and tops in any colour. This year, cream, sky and rose are all favourites for lace. This trend is another piece that can be winter ready. Why not try a lace tank peeking out from under a blazer?
Stripes, a classic, can be used year-round. Stripes can be used to offset an otherwise monochromatic outfit, or to have fun by mixing with other prints. Whether it be horizontal, vertical, wide or thin, anyone can pull off stripes. Try a thick striped skirt with a solid top for a simple look or a navy striped top with red jeans for a nautical look.
As the perennials come out so do the floral prints. Wear the colorful prints with dark pieces now and plan on pairing with other pink and orange hues in a few months. This year’s trend for floral is pairing a bold sweater or cardigan with a crisp collard blouse and chic oxfords.
By: Jennifer Bacher
Christmas break is long gone and yet the winter drags on. No longer do we have the days of going to bed at 2 a.m. and sleeping till noon. Back to the books and back to the essays, labs and all those other assignments you’re facing this term. A good night’s sleep can seem like an impossible luxury, but it can help you tackle the day with ease. If you find yourself staring at the ceiling late into the night, try these foods to help you drift into peaceful sleep:
Herbal Tea
Teas such as chamomile and any herbal tea have been known to aid in relaxation and relieve anxiety. Try brewing a cup and enjoy while reading a book in bed.
Almonds
Almonds are an excellent bedtime snack. The magnesium in almonds relaxes muscles and their protein content keeps your sugar levels stable while you sleep. Try a handful before bed.
Milk
A cup of warm milk is the tradition route to help catch some Zzz’s. If you’re not a fan of straight warm milk try it in some decaffeinated tea, in hot chocolate or with some honey. You could also try a bowl of cereal with milk. Carbohydrate–rich foods increase the availability of tryptophan, the sleep-inducing effect also seen in turkey.
Banana
Like milk and turkey, bananas are also high in tryptophan. Try some bananas with peanut butter, on their own or as a sandwich.
Crackers
Enjoying snacks with carbohydrates and calcium will aid in a blissful sleep. Try Triscuits with melted cheese or turkey.
By: Jennifer Bacher
As the days get colder, the only meal that seems to satisfy is a hot bowl of soup. This kale and cheese tortellini soup is jam-packed with vitamins that will keep you kicking through the winter months.
Ingredients:
(Any small U-shaped kielbasa is good in this soup. The best beans to use are Eden's canned beans, they can be found in the organic section of any grocery store. The best part of this recipe is you don't need to be strict with how much you put into the soup; add whatever amounts of fennel and kale you would like. Serve with asiago cheese sprinkled on top.)
Heat olive oil in heavy large pot over medium-high heat.
Add onion, fennel, and garlic until soft.
Next add kielbasa until lightly browned, about 12 minutes.
Add broth and bring to boil.
Stir in kale and cannellini.
Reduce heat to low and simmer until kale is wilted, about 4 minutes.
Add tortellini to soup.
Simmer until pasta is just tender but still firm to bite, about 5 minutes.
Sprinkle on asiago and enjoy!
