Everybody is built differently. Some people are naturally stronger in their upper body, and others tend to be stronger in their lower body. I’m definitely a lower body person – I have long legs with lots of power! I’m proud of my toned legs, but because my arms are weaker, I’m always looking for great arm workouts to build some upper body tone. I came across this one and I had to share it. I tried it and loved it! It’s a basic set of arm strengthening moves, but sometimes basic is exactly what you need.

Check it out and tell me what you think!

Garnet is a student at Columbia University in New York City. She is “that person” who starts dancing at a party when everyone else is standing around, and if there were a Facebook stalking Olympics, she would be a gold medalist. She also loves cheesy 90s music, and almost died of happiness when Vanilla Ice retweeted her. Once. Follow her on Twitter @garnethenderson.

Its that time of year again: Memorial Day Weekend. The sun is shining, school is ending, and moods are lifting everywhere. What better way to kick off your summer than relaxing in the warmth, hanging out with friends and, of course, drinking by the pool.

But who wants to begin the summer with the same old boring drinks they’ve been drinking all year? It’s time to shake things up a bit, get a little festive. After all, we should be thankful we’re no longer stuck drinking in the cold confines of a house or dorm. ‘Tis the season to darty (read: day party)!

Luckily, we have just the drinks to get you started: Tito’s Vodka Cocktails. They’re the perfect mix of sun and alcohol, and isn’t that what vacation is all about? Even better, Tito himself came to our office and offered us a demo on how to make these drinks, and trust me — once you make them, you’ll have yet another reason to thank heaven it’s summertime.

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Memorial day marks the first real tease of the summer season. Cut-off shorts, sun glasses and cold beer become acceptable attire for just about any occasion, making this my absolute favorite time of year. Day parties turn into night parties that turn into dawn parties, and this beautiful cycle repeats every single weekend. It’s heavenly. A crucial part to any summer shindig is having the right ingredients. Sure, you can get away with an ice chest full of cold beer and a tub of mystery punch, but why not take it up a notch? CollegeCandy sat down with Frito-Lay Executive Chef Steven Kalil and Tara Anderson to get the low down on how to prepare the ultimate summer celebration on a college budget! Whether you’re hosting a few friends or gathering a larger group, they have tips and tricks for making your party one to remember. I mean, can you think of a time when chips and dip didn’t make something ten times better? Frito-Lay has an entire assortment of easy summer recipes!

Frito-Lay was also awesome enough to send us a prize pack for one of our lucky readers with all the essentials necessary to jump-start your party. Watch the video and let us know which dish is your favorite and why in order to win the prize!

Pack includes:

• 8 bags of chips (two of each brand)
• 6 coupons for free Frito-Lay product (can include dips)
• Cuisinart Grill Set
• Taylor Meat Thermometer
• Anchor Chip and Dip Set
• Red Frito-Lay tote bag

What was your favorite recipe from the video? Start commenting below for your chance to win the Frito-Lay prize pack!

It’s just about summer time, which means bikini season is upon us. We’re all going to be half naked in front of strangers any day now. That’s why it’s so important to keep your body image fabulous. Your Tango is celebrating body image with a 7-day Love Your Body event. They’ve got 35 amazing tips to help you improve your health and feel great. Now you don’t have to buy every health magazine off the shelf. From easy ways to improve your eating habits to simple ways to relax, check out all 35 tips here!

[Lead image via Supri Suharjoto/Shutterstock]

Spring/ Summer 2012 is upon us. That means throwing on a tank top and slipping into shorts. Frankly, I’m not ready for this. I’ve spent the last few months hibernating under heavy jackets and thick boots. I’ve used winter as a vacation from being healthy. Instead of salads and yogurts, I’ve been eating pizza and ice cream… for breakfast, lunch and dinner. But no more. It’s back to reality. The warm weather has been helpful, but if you’re like me you need a bit more encouragement. I have just the thing: an awesome workout playlist. It’s a mix of house music, pop and a bit of rap.

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So throw on your sneakers, put on that cute Nike workout outfit you’ve stowed away, pop your headphones in and you’re off! Fitness, game on.

Growing up, my mom always knew the best ways to cheer up her children. If I was having a bad day or felt sick, she would make my favorite foods, and that would be an instant mood booster for me. One of my favorite dishes that my mom used to make was her famous chocolate eclair cake. This easy to make cake doesn’t require baking at all which is the best part! No need for an oven!

This is one of my favorite dessert dishes ever, and my mom still makes it whenever we come home for the holidays or just feel like eating some sinful dessert, she whips up this recipe and we’re all happy campers! I cannot wait to make this dish for my kids! (Awww…) It’s so easy to make and only takes a little while to get chilled and then it’s ready to serve! Enjoy this tasty dish!

What You’ll Need: 

• 2 (3 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix
• 3 cups milk
• 1 (8 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed
• 1 (16 ounce) package chocolate graham crackers
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to make it: 

1. In a large bowl, combine pudding mix and 3 cups milk; mix well. Fold in whipped topping and beat with mixer for 2 minutes.
2. In a buttered 9×13 inch baking dish, spread a layer of graham crackers on the bottom of the dish.
3. Spread 1/2 of the pudding mixture over crackers, then top with graham crackers. Spread remaining pudding over crackers; top second pudding layer with another layer of crackers.
4. To make topping: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine 1/4 cup milk, cocoa and sugar and allow to boil for 1 minute; remove from heat and add butter and vanilla. Mix well and cool.
5. Pour sauce over graham cracker layer and refrigerate until set; serve.

Katie is finishing up her undergrad at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois. She enjoys wasting hours on Facebook and tweeting things no one cares about. When asked the question, “Do you do marathons?” She promptly responds, “Of course! Which show?” Follow her @KatieGarrity! Or read her personal blog where she talks about Ryan Gosling and hummus a lot here! 

[Lead image via Evgeniya Uvarova/Shutterstock]

Now that summer is sneaking up on us, it’s time to start preparing yourself for plenty of nights out. Your best guys and gals are now all back within a 20-mile-radius and ready to take you out on the town to celebrate! However, most of us also have summer jobs and other commitments, and we can’t waste a beautiful day because we’re sick with a hangover. No night out (okay, maybe there are a few) is worth missing a fun day on the beach or at the lake. Here’s my quick, 7-minute long routine to help you hide that hangover and get on with your busy day, so you can drink your face off again that night!

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There you have it! A morning routine that will get you up and out the door in record time. Enjoy your summer nights!

1. One legged plank

Start in a plank position. Pull your right knee in toward your chest, as far up as you can, and hold for 30 seconds. Repeat, holding the left knee in toward your chest. Make sure to think of pulling your bellybutton in toward your spine to engage your abs, pull your leg in farther, and support your back.

2. Toe touches

Lie on your back, and extend both legs straight up into the air. Curling your head, neck and shoulder blades off the ground, reach your hands toward your toes. Pulse 3o times, without lowering your head down until you are finished. If your back or hips feel strained, bend your knees slightly. To increase the difficulty, lower your legs down toward the floor a little bit, but do NOT do so if it hurts your back.

Repeat the entire series 3-5 times.

What I’m wearing: top by Zobha, pants by Soybu, shoes by New Balance.

Garnet is a student at Columbia University in New York City. She is “that person” who starts dancing at a party when everyone else is standing around, and if there were a Facebook stalking Olympics, she would be a gold medalist. She also loves cheesy 90s music, and almost died of happiness when Vanilla Ice retweeted her. Once. Follow her on Twitter @garnethenderson.

School’s out for Summer, and that means more than just getting back to bumming around the beach; it means that you’re on your own for snacks! Mid-day chips may have seemed understandable for a tight schedule between classes, but take advantage of the warm weather by snacking on seasonal fruit and other foods that pick you up rather than slow you down! Summer is when you want energy the most! So put down the leftover pizza and dive into some homemade popsicles or veggie kabobs – I promise your bikini body won’t be disappointed.

Question?! Answer: Ask Tuffy Luv. Email Aunt Tuffy at tuffyluvCC [at] gmail [dot] com

Dear Tuffy Luv,

I’m fat. I hate my body. Now what?

Fatty

Dear Girl,

That’s right. I refused to call you Fatty. Because–what the floop?! Girl, you have got to address these issues now before they eat you whole–literally. Look, sometimes people gain weight. But people also lose weight, right? Right. So here’s what you do:

Figure out what’s making you gain weight. Is it the types of foods you’re eating? The amount of food? Or are you not exercising enough?

If it’s a food issue, start reading up on what’s healthy and what’s not. If you know what is good for your body, you’ll want to give it food that makes it run better. Vegetables, whole grains, lean protein–these things can be prepared deliciously, and they’ll make you feel great.

For amount of food, think portion control. At the beginning, weigh your food. I’m not kidding. Read up on portion sizes (from nutritionists and health experts, not crazos) and weigh it until you know what the right amount looks like. Limit yourself to eating only that amount. You might feel hungry at first, but within a week or so, your body will adjust. Most of us are used to overeating–you’ll feel much better when you’re actually eating the right amount.

Exercise is good for everyone. You want cardio AND weights. Find something you like to do (dancing, running, whatever) and make a schedule that has you doing it four times a week. And then stick to it!!! And do NOT reward yourself with food–reward yourself with the knowledge that you’re taking good care of yourself and starting better habits for the future.

And in the meantime, girl, seriously lay off. I’m sure you’re absolutely beautiful just the way you are. It is not healthy to be significantly overweight, but that doesn’t mean you should feel unattractive for it!!! Lots of men like a little extra meat. Don’t slim down for that; slim down because you’ll feel better, and you’ll have fewer health problems as you age. Do it for yourself. And in the meantime, always, always love the body you’ve got. Because that’s you, baby!

Hearts & Skulls,

Tuffy Luv

[lead image via Monkey Business Images / Shutterstock]