• A Pixie is the New Black

  http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/wp-content/plugins/slideshow-gallery/vendors/timthumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/whyshorthairisawesome_shidikagoode1.jpg&w=500&h=350&q=100&a=t

  Once at a party, a boy came up to me and said: “You did it! You’re so brave! You go girl.” like I had saved a child from a burning building. He was pointing to my hair. The stigma that cutting your hair short is somehow less feminine, or emotionally traumatizing, or extremely risky bothers me.

• Foreign Perspective: Never Have, Never Will Celebrate Christmas

  http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/wp-content/plugins/slideshow-gallery/vendors/timthumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/oberdorf_foreignperspective.jpg&w=500&h=350&q=100&a=t

  My parents couldn’t care less about the holiday. It wasn’t much more than the massive department store discounts and one more lame excuse to stuff our faces with cake. Yes, cake. A snow-capped wood log-shaped ice cream cake topped with a candy figurine carved to resemble jolly old Santa.

• Writing the Perfect Thank You Note

  http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/wp-content/plugins/slideshow-gallery/vendors/timthumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/ZiyanSha_ThankYouNoteForGifts_3.jpg&w=500&h=350&q=100&a=t

  Growing up, my mom always had two things in her hands on Christmas morning: a cup of coffee and a piece of paper. While my sister and I tore open our presents, she made lists—carefully recording each item and its sender.

• Black Friday: The Experience

  http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/wp-content/plugins/slideshow-gallery/vendors/timthumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/Obrien.BlackFriday1.jpg&w=500&h=350&q=100&a=t

  It all started at 8 p.m. Thanksgiving night. My cousin mentioned that the deals were really happening around that time, and all I kept thinking was, there is no way I am doing this to myself on a holiday.

• Dining with D’Amico: Beef Dumpling Egg Drop Soup

  http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/wp-content/plugins/slideshow-gallery/vendors/timthumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/image (5).jpeg&w=500&h=350&q=100&a=t

  We’re approaching finals week and the weather is frigid and unforgiving, so I figured there was no better week for a soup recipe. This is one of my mom’s favorite soups to make when I’m at home, so I made it my own. Warm up quickly with this fast and easy beef dumpling soup, and the bitter State College wind will be nothing but a memory.

• Dressing Festive: PRSSA Winter Fashion Show

  http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/wp-content/plugins/slideshow-gallery/vendors/timthumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/JessiKorch_FashionShow2.jpg&w=500&h=350&q=100&a=t

  ‘Tis the season of mixing and matching fur-lined vests, boots and a touch of sparkle for holiday magic. The Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) hosted a winter fashion show to get us all in the mood for festive outfits.

• Fit and Fashionable: Kate Hudson’s Fabletics

  http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/wp-content/plugins/slideshow-gallery/vendors/timthumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/kate-hudson-600x450.jpg&w=500&h=350&q=100&a=t

  Fabletics – fabulous athletic wear. Who doesn’t want to look fashionable and stylish while working out? You can say goodbye to those old gym clothes that are not the least bit attractive.

• Holiday Spirit – College Style

  http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/wp-content/plugins/slideshow-gallery/vendors/timthumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/Zucker_holidayspirit1.jpg&w=500&h=350&q=100&a=t

  An elf once said, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” Good advice – but not necessarily practical when prepping for finals. How do we keep the holiday spirit alive when we’re supposed to be studying in the stacks?

• Classic Reads That Sympathize With All Your Problems

  http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/wp-content/plugins/slideshow-gallery/vendors/timthumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/Zucker_booksoverbreak.jpg&w=500&h=350&q=100&a=t

  ‘Fess up: at some point, you may have skimmed that novel you were supposed to read for your literature class or in high school, but you probably decided to do a Netflix marathon instead. Thanksgiving break is a good time to catch up on those classics that may understand your problems a lot more than people ever will.

• TBT: Friends

  http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/wp-content/plugins/slideshow-gallery/vendors/timthumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/Friends___Milkshakes_by_mariomj71099.jpg&w=500&h=350&q=100&a=t

  Not only was Friends one of the longest running sitcoms, but it was also a personal favorite show of mine. Ross, Rachel, Monica, Chandler, Joey and Phoebe had such a way of making us feel like we were right in there with them- whether it be in Monica’s living room, in the Central Perk coffee shop or in Ugly Naked Guy’s apartment.

• College Crisis: He’s on a Different Level

  http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/wp-content/plugins/slideshow-gallery/vendors/timthumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/Sabine-1.CollegeCrisis1.jpg&w=500&h=350&q=100&a=t

  I was told before that you don’t really know people until some of the ugly comes out. There wasn’t a doubt for me that Josh* wasn’t perfect—I accepted all his flaws for what they were and he accepted mine. For over two years we felt that we really could work.

• How to Stay Toasty with Winter Accessories

  http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/wp-content/plugins/slideshow-gallery/vendors/timthumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/SamFlorio.SnowAccessories-1.jpg&w=500&h=350&q=100&a=t

  One positive aspect of the arctic-like temperatures that State Colleges promises to bring post Thanksgiving break, is the need for cute winter accessories. This season, it’s all about volume and statement pieces, which is exemplified in the winter accessories. Luckily, downtown State College has you covered.

• We’re So Vain: How to See the Leaves

  http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/wp-content/plugins/slideshow-gallery/vendors/timthumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/Obrien_Howtoseetheleaves.jpg&w=500&h=350&q=100&a=t

  Narcissus was the hottest guy in Greek life—ancient Greek life, that is. His chiseled features, blue eyes and toga showed just the right amount of thigh. Narcissus divided his time between hunting lions and being fanned by leaves.

• Valley Behind the Scenes: Bellefonte Airport

  http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/wp-content/plugins/slideshow-gallery/vendors/timthumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/DSCN3370-copy.jpg&w=500&h=350&q=100&a=t

  Valley was the first to use this vintage 1939 Piper Cub plane in a photo shoot. Our models, Calli and Alyssa, were flying high with excitement as they worked their magic on the airstrip at the Bellefonte Airport.

• An Uplifting History: Evolution of the Bra

  http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/wp-content/plugins/slideshow-gallery/vendors/timthumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/Obrien_braevolution-1.jpg&w=500&h=350&q=100&a=t

  Throughout the history of our country, women have tirelessly pursued the fight for equality while continuing to climb the ladder of success – a feat accomplished with a lack of support and backing by our nation, history has shown. There is one support system, however, that has never wavered or ceased to give ladies a lift when needed most.

• A Closer Look at Penn State’s Get Fit Program

  http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/wp-content/plugins/slideshow-gallery/vendors/timthumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/Williams.PersonalTrainingReview03.jpg&w=500&h=350&q=100&a=t

  With more weights, machines and frat boys than you ever knew existed, it’s easy to feel lost at the gym and settle into a safe routine. But, before you throw in the towel, consider taking advantage of the free personal training services offered by Penn State Fitness.

• 15 Ways to Change It Up

  http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/wp-content/plugins/slideshow-gallery/vendors/timthumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/ZiyanSha_ThingsToDoWhenYouJustNeedAChange2_2.jpg&w=500&h=350&q=100&a=t

  The easiest way to spice up a mundane routine is to add a few fun surprises as we go about our day. Small changes can make a big difference, and Valley has some ideas to change it up.

• How to Live on a $10 Food Budget

  http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/wp-content/plugins/slideshow-gallery/vendors/timthumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/Johnson.Survivingona10foodbudget.jpg&w=500&h=350&q=100&a=t

  We’ve all been there. Your rent was due and you barely made it this month, running to the bank to deposit that last, seemingly insignificant check before it closed. Maybe you spent way too much money on Wings Over or bought one too many peppermint mochas at Starbucks before you realized you were going for broke.

• How to Fake the Fringe Bangs

  http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/wp-content/plugins/slideshow-gallery/vendors/timthumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/Step-4.jpg&w=500&h=350&q=100&a=t

  Sometimes our hairstyles are begging for an update and we look for a dramatic change. However, before you make the decision to chop your tendrils into intense bangs, fake the look first to see if you face shape will jive with the do.

• Who Do You Listen To… Your Friends or Your Body?

  http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/wp-content/plugins/slideshow-gallery/vendors/timthumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/oberdorf_listeningtoyourbody-1.jpg&w=500&h=350&q=100&a=t

  Between being a full-time student with classes, homework, clubs and studying it’s safe to say that Penn Staters are jam-packed busy all semester long. If you feel that every option will be fun and don’t have the willpower to say no to your friends, you may be experiencing FOMO—fear of missing out.

• The 8 Basic Rules of How Not to Be Totally Basic

  http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/wp-content/plugins/slideshow-gallery/vendors/timthumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/Obrien_Basicbitch.jpg&w=500&h=350&q=100&a=t

  This is for all the ladies who fall into one of these categories, needs a good laugh, or is just so damn tired of being, well… basic.

• Walk of Shames: The Male Perspective

  http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/wp-content/plugins/slideshow-gallery/vendors/timthumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/Korch_WalkofShame1.jpg&w=500&h=350&q=100&a=t

  There is a boy passed out next to you. You need to find your shoes and your phone. And then you need to get back to your own place. Ladies, this is a walk of shame. Maybe you’ve seen it. Maybe you’ve experienced it. But what does it look from a guy’s perspective?

• The Walk to the Cardio Room

  http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/wp-content/plugins/slideshow-gallery/vendors/timthumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/Sabine.gym2_-e1384320310533.jpg&w=500&h=350&q=100&a=t

  Has anyone ever noticed how weird gym behavior is? I mean really, people spend more time looking awkwardly around the room than actually working out—why would anyone want to spend two hours at the gym? Who has this time?

• Tables Turned: You’re Just Not That Into Him

  http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/wp-content/plugins/slideshow-gallery/vendors/timthumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/Korch_ShesNotIntoYou1.jpg&w=500&h=350&q=100&a=t

  “He’s just not that into you.” We’ve all heard it. We’ve all thought it. We’ve all seen the movie. It has become an unwritten law that if a guy is truly interested in you, he’ll make it happen.

• Nightlife Attire: In Style, In Season

  http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/wp-content/plugins/slideshow-gallery/vendors/timthumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/DresstoGoOut.jpg&w=500&h=350&q=100&a=t

  Penn State nightlife seems to have one season – summer. We prowl fratland as if it is 80 degrees in the dead of winter. Sure, we have our frackets to shield us from the tundra that is State College, but are we really being fashionable if we don’t dress for the season?

• Beauty Shots

  http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/wp-content/plugins/slideshow-gallery/vendors/timthumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/Sabine_beautyshot3-e1384197442964.jpg&w=500&h=350&q=100&a=t

  Seeing the number of people coughing and sneezing around campus can be enough to make your skin crawl. Fitting in the necessary nutrients to keep the germs at bay can be tough, but you can pack a lot of nutrition into a glass to keep moving and shaking through the day (and even the night).

• Handling Your Heart: The Long Distance Break Up

  http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/wp-content/plugins/slideshow-gallery/vendors/timthumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/Zucker.LongdDistanceBreakup.jpg&w=500&h=350&q=100&a=t

  Pursuing a long distance relationship is quite an admirable task. To the friends who swore off the notion and to the strangers who questioned your senses, it’s likely they never considered the situation was not your number-one choice.

• A Local’s Guide to Dining Outside of Campus

  http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/wp-content/plugins/slideshow-gallery/vendors/timthumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/Goode.OffcampusEating.jpg&w=500&h=350&q=100&a=t

  As a State College townie, I’ve been to just about every restaurant this town has to offer. Going to college in my hometown has really opened my eyes to the fact that most college students never leave campus. There is a real town outside of our Happy Valley bubble; I promise.

• Winter Coats: Brave the Cold in Style

  http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/wp-content/plugins/slideshow-gallery/vendors/timthumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/image-5.jpg&w=500&h=350&q=100&a=t

  This winter, don’t let the cold weather put a damper on your style. Valley took it to the streets to break down this season’s trendiest jackets from plaid, leather, camel and military-inspired styles.

• Senior Portraits: A Photographer’s Perspective

  http://www.valleymagazinepsu.com/wp-content/plugins/slideshow-gallery/vendors/timthumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/slideshow-gallery/JessiKorch_seniorportraits.jpg&w=500&h=350&q=100&a=t

  As a photographer, I’m starting to get requests for graduation photos. This means requests to take photos, make the seniors look their best, and help cement the Penn State memories within a single click of a camera.

__________________________________________________

Holiday Spirit – College Style

An elf once said, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” Good advice – but not necessarily practical when prepping for finals. How do we keep the holiday spirit alive when we’re supposed to be studying in the stacks?

Take a Frat Lap

A friend and I did this last year, and it was totally spontaneous and surprisingly fun. One night in December we took a break from studying to hop in her Nissan and tour fratland, taking it upon ourselves to judge which house had the best holiday lights display. Stop by Dunkin’ and grab some hot chocolate before you begin your lights show. It’s not much but hey, we’re working with what we got. Read more.

 

How to Stay Toasty with Winter Accessories

One positive aspect of the arctic-like temperatures that State Colleges promises to bring post Thanksgiving break, is the need for cute winter accessories. This season, it’s all about volume and statement pieces, which is exemplified in the winter accessories. Luckily, downtown State College has you covered.

Beanie hats are all the rage right now. Last year, beanies were worn atop of every European’s perfectly primped hair. The trend has now hit the United States and consumers are eating it up. Read more.