Friday, December 7, 2012

Mistletoe :-*


 Hey Hey hey :)

        One of my favorites holiday traditions is MISTLETOE :) Who doesn't like the idea of stealing a kiss under the mistletoe?  It actually originates from a Pagan and Norris tradition that was associated with having magical powers.

      There are several species of mistletoe that grow in various parts of the world. Most mistletoe plants are poisonous if eaten and should be kept out of the reach of children. It is actually a parasite plant that grows on trees and steals its nutrients for its benefits.

" The most fully developed myth regarding mistletoe comes from the Norse mythology of the Vikings. Mistletoe’s curative powers and the belief that it can raise humans from the dead relates to the resurrection of the Norse god Baldar.

The story goes as follows. Baldar, the Norse god of the summer sun, saw in a dream his death. Frigga, his mother and the goddess of beauty and love — and from whom we get the name Friday — compelled the elements, plants and animals not to kill Baldar. But she neglected to extract this same promise from the unique mistletoe. The mischief god Loki (brother of Thor) realizing that mistletoe grows on trees and has no roots in the ground fashioned a poisoned dart from mistletoe and with the aid of Baldar’s blind brotherHoder shot the mistletoe missile to kill Baldar. His death brought winter and his mother’s lamentation.

Frigga’s tears over her son changed the red mistletoe berries white and raised Baldar from the dead. From her gratitude she blessed with a kiss everyone who walked beneath mistletoe, declaring that the mistletoe must forever after bring love rather that death into the world."


Thursday, December 6, 2012

Christmas Party Tips


Hey ALL J

   It’s that time of the year when everyone is getting in the spirit and wanting to celebrate the correct way with tacky sweaters and spiked cider or eggnog.  Here are some tips to throwing a successful party J



1. Send Invitations: Send out an evite to all of your guests and have the image be a picture of you or your grandparents in their favorite holiday sweater. Be sure to provide all of the details (especially the fun ones like the games and prizes included).

2. Find the Best Tacky Christmas Sweater: The best part of the party is OBVIOUSLY the sweater. Here are some ideas on places to find these fabulous outdated fashion statements: Garage Sales, Family Members (aka. Grandma and Grandpa) and Thrift Stores.

3. Don’t Forget Accessories: Accessories can often times make the tacky sweater that much tackier! Go to your local drug store and look for lighted pins, reindeer antlers, Santa hats, tinsel and more!

*** attaching some mistletoe to your wrist can only lead to some interesting stories *****

4. Make a Centerpiece: Creating a neat centerpiece that can actually be devoured is ideal. Make a ginger bread house with candy and icing to use as a centerpiece for the food table. Something tells me that this will be eaten after tip #9.

5. Provide an Award: Have a trophy personalized that says “Tackiest Sweater Award 2008″. After all of the guests have arrived, simply have them write on a piece of paper who they think should win and then count up the votes.

6. Food: Select a potluck style that will work best for you and your guests. For example: (1) appetizers only, (2) bring your favorite dish, (3) assign each guest to bring an appetizer, main dish, or dessert, or (4) as the host, you will provide the main dish (a turkey, ham, etc.) Try and coordinate this in advance so you don’t have duplicate dishes.

7. Beverages: There are a variety of factors to consider when selecting your beverages for your party. It’s important to have something available for everyone’s likes and dislikes. Be sure to have a variety of mixers on hand as well as non-alcoholic drinks. Having a pre-made themed beverage also saves time and money while still being festive.

8. Keep the Bathroom Line Entertained: All those beverages can certainly call for a long line at the restroom. Decorate your bathroom door with wrapping paper, ribbon and a bow and have people sign the door and write a message on the wrapping paper. The messages are bound to be great conversation starters and ice breakers.

9. Play Games: Set up a scavenger hunt with two teams. Create a checklist of all the items to provide to each team. Each team is then responsible for taking a picture of each checklist item as proof. Here are some checklist ideas: Find a street name that has a Christmas theme, take a picture with your team in your sweaters in a 7-11, sing a Christmas carol to a stranger as team, Find a Santa and sit on his lap, kiss someone under a mistletoe, find something showing one of the 12 days of Christmas etc…) This is absolutely hilarious.

10. Give Prizes: The winning team of the scavenger hunt or games that you play can receive prizes. Some good prize ideas are DVD’s, gift cards, candles, books etc… Wrap them up and put them under your tree. You could always go the gag gift route as well.

Best of luck with planning your next Tacky Christmas Sweater Party. !!!!

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Rain Rain Go Away.


Hello ALL J

       Its that time of the year where  the skies open up and California actually gets rain!!!  This crazy wacky weather might catch some of you of guard, and you might actually have to walk outside in the rain!  Well fear not residents for your convince we have umbrellas to “borrow”!!!!  All you do is come to the lobby and see a staff member!  We will have you sign a form to borrow one of our Tuscany umbrellas and then return it back to us when you’re done!  This amazing addition to our community was brought with you in mind!  :) 
 
STAY DRY!
 

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Smart Shopping


Hey All,

   It’s that time of year when shopping is on everyone’s mind … with the stress of finals and the year winding down online shopping is a great option for avoiding the craziness of the stores. There is a certain risk of buying things that you haven’t actually seen. Here is a link to some top 10 tips on shopping smart and safe online :

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Lovely Undergrad


Hey HeyJ

     For those of you who are Blog happy here is a new one to follow.  It’s a great blog about improving your life style at college. There are tips from decoration to fashion!  The writers have a great philosophy for life and living it to the fullest that can’t help but improve your mood.


Whether you're a...

high school student wondering what to expect...

freshman adjusting to campus life...

sophomore living it up at university...

junior getting serious about your career path...

senior preparing to graduate...

recent grad entering the work world...

or even the mom of a lovely college student...


Lovely Undergrad welcomes you!

Saturday, November 24, 2012


'Tis the Season! The Holiday Season is the time of the year when we show the people we love how much we care about them by emptying our wallets and buying them what's on their wish list. For those of you who cringe at the thought of the "BLACK FRIDAY" craziness, with people camping out for those amazing deals at BEST BUY and trying to dodge the crowds at the malls, then "Cyber Monday" is perfect for you! If you enjoy sitting in your PJ's while in bed shopping, then this coming Monday is just one "check out" away.

For those that doesn't know much about "Cyber Monday", it normally happens the Monday after "Black Friday" where numerous online companies have amazing sales that catches the eyes of online shoppers!



SO don’t miss out on those killer sales and jump start your holiday shopping J

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

NAPPPPP TIMEEEE... I mean.... TURKEY TIMMMEEEE!


Happy Thanksgiving All,
   It’s that time of the year when students have either already left for home or at least mentally checked out ready to go home and see their loved ones and lets be honest CHOW DOWN!!!!  After the day’s festivities  of eating and eating some more a family tradition is to hang out on the couch and take a mid day nap!  So I wanted to explore the long debated topic of whether or not eating turkey makes you sleepy.  Here is a link to a page that pretty clearly discussed the reason we all feel the need for that mid day nap
J

Monday, November 19, 2012

USC vs. Notre Dame

Our next big game is almost here, and I am sad to say that ours truly Matt Barkley will not be participating :(.  He sprained his right shoulder durnig the upset this passed weekend against UCLA and we are very sorry to see him go.  We hope it will not be for long - so until then...  WE LOVE YOU MATT BARKLEY!!!

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Classic Style in this Modern World


Hey all J

    I am a sucker for old movies and especially the fashion of the era. So much of our past influences our current day. Here is a link to a blog I found super interesting that idolized the fashion of one of my all time favorite actresses Katharine Hepburn. Her iconic fashion has surely not died and you can pull of her classy look in this modern world.

If you are like me and are hopeless when it comes to putting outfits together all on your own then this is the Blog for you!  *EnJoY*

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Do You Cuttle?


Hey all,

   For those of you who don’t know what the TV in our lobby is used for… then it’s your lucky day! CUTTLE is a company thats provides a digital community board for residents to post on.  It is an open forum for you as a resident to post whatever you want, the sky is the limit. Got an event coming up and you want to get the word out … CUTTLE!  Got a cause that you want promote? CUTTLE!

     As you know from the flyers we posted on your door they are doing an ongoing competition to get residents involved where they will be giving out Free Headphones !!! So get on the band wagon and post something good :)


www.cuttle.com/tuscany


*DO YOU CUTTLE?*

 

Free Thanksgiving Feast for Residents!


Tuesday, November 6, 2012

TODAY IS THE DAY!!! #2012Election

TODAY IS THE DAY!!!!!!!!  GET OUT THERE AND VOTE EVERYONE!!!! 
EVERY VOTE COUNTS!!!!!!!!

Monday, November 5, 2012

2012 Elections - Coming to a Close

The time is almost here everybody!  It has been many months of calls, ads, commercials, Facebook rants, and Twitter posts of people supporting their choice for the 2012 Elections!  But the time is nearly here and honestly I cannot wait!  I cannot wait to see the changes that are to come following this election.  Whoever wins, whoever loses... Change will happen!  :)  So here is to another 4 years America!

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Power 106 Cali Christmas

How deep is your love for Hip Hop? Christmas is approaching and an amazing way to spend the holidays would be at Power 106's Cali Christmas!  They have announced the lineup for the Christmas event and some of the biggest names that will be performing are 2 Chainz, Big Sean, Ca$h Out, Kendrick Lamar Meek Mill, Rick Ross and The Weeknd. Last year, Cali Christmas sold out during pre-sale.  Will you be attending this year?


Pre-Sale Tickets are on sale today from 10am-10pm and they go on sale to the public November 2nd

Check out last year's Cali Christmas with Chris Brown

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Happy Halloween!

Today is the day I wait for all year long!  The gouls and goblins come out to play.  Very hard to imagine how the times have changed.  Me and my friends would never miss the opportunity to have fun and dress up.  Around here people do not celebrate as I once knew, but that is ok...

                            Dress up - Dress down, all's fair in either or! 

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Thoughts and Prayers go out to the East Coast!

It's times like these that we are all so blessed to live in this gorgeous, amazing country, of the United States.  Seeing all the people come together to help out what has just happened on the East coast is so unbelievable!



When most people run for fear of their own life, it is people like this that run towards danger to save those in need!  You all make me very proud to be an american!  God Bless!

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Halloween

Halloween is just 3 days away... Have you all thought about what you want to be for Halloween?  It's never too late to put something together.  Usually costume stores will sell their costumes for more than half off the day before or on halloween.

We have stumbled across a stunning picture of Kim Kardashian dressed as a sexy mermaid. Not quite Ariel from Disney's Little Mermaid, but Kim definitely rocked this costume in New York.  According to Washington Post, it took Kim about 2 months to put this costume together. The mermaid outfit embraced her beautiful curves and the blonde wig totally transformed her to a seductive mermaid.

Not to forget, Kanye West (Kim Kardashians boyfriend) dressed as a sailor very much like the story line from Little Mermaid.





This is her second time hosting Midori's Halloween bash in New York.  Last Halloween Kim dressed as Poison Ivy for Midori's halloween event





How Gorg is she?!

Saturday, October 27, 2012

Hookah!

Lotus on Flower is a new diamond in the ruff. Lotus provides the perfect hangout spot for a group of friends to just relax, watch games on their ceiling to floor screens, and enjoy some great hookah.

Lotus has resonable prices; from food, drinks to hookah!  Not to mention, their Happy Hour is more than amazing and very affordable for those on a budget. 

Their staff has wonderful customer service and always check on you if there is anything that you need.  This is a place where you can unwind after a long day and enjoy each others company!

FYI: Their most popular house blend for hookahs are the Johnny Depp & Sex with a Trojan. TRY IT OUT!




USC vs. ARIZONA

Rise and shine!!

USC Coach Lane Kiffin has lamented trips and late kickoffs that force players to remain cooped up in a hotel. So he welcomes Saturday's 12:30 p.m. kickoff, which should suit a Trojans team accustomed to practicing at 8 a.m.
"It's really good for us," Kiffin said, "especially on the road.

The early start also gives the Arizona crowd, which includes a formidable student section, fewer hours to get fueled for the game.

All five of Arizona's home games this season have kicked off at 7 p.m. or later. Saturday's start is the earliest for Arizona since a 2007 game against UCLA.

GO USC #FIGHTON



Friday, October 26, 2012

Sons of Anarchy

Do you watch Sons of Anarchy? tune in every tuesday at 10pm on FX
The show premiered in 2008 & has been going strong.  Already in its 5th season Sons of Anarchy has been an addiction to appx. 5 million viewers when it airs.
Sons of Anarchy aka SAMCRO (created by Kurt Sutter), is a motorcycle club that operates both illegal and legal businesses in the small town of Charming. Clay, the president, likes it old school and violent; while Jax, his stepson and the club's VP, has thoughts about changing the way things are, based on his dead father's journal. Their conflict has effects on both the club and their personal relationships.
 Check out Season 5: Episode 8 promo

We've got BABY NEWS

It's Friday!! and we've got awesome news to share with you!

Former USC star and current Miami Dolphins running back Reggie Bush and his girlfriend, Lilit Avagyan, are expecting a baby.

While on the "Paul & Young" radio show, Bush confirmed "Yes, I have a little one on the way...We can’t wait. It’s an opportunity to bring in new life and raise a child. That’s the most special gift to a man and a woman.”

Reggie Bush who was with the infamous Kim Kardashian for 3 years split in 2010.  There has been reports that Bush's girlfriend now, resembles so much of Kim Kardashian.

(Lilit Avagyan) The 24-year-old professional ballroom dancer is of Armenian descent, in which Kim Kardashian is as well.  Do you think this is a coincidence? or is he still in love with Kim Kardashian?

Check out these pics!


Thursday, October 25, 2012

Welcome to our Blog!

Hello Bloggers!

We have now started a blog to keep you updated on the latest events at USC, TUSCANY & SHRINE and other latest news we would like to share with you! 

Stay Tuned for what we have in store for you!