» Easy Pizza Recipe
Last week at my MSU student apartment I made pizza from scratch, including the dough. It was so good and way cheaper than ordering pizza that I decided to share this great recipe with all of you!
What you will need to get started:
- 1 (.25 ounce) package active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 cups bread flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup of cheese (whatever kind you like, I have used multiple different ones including gouda)
- 1 jar of tomato sauce (an easy cheat is spaghetti sauce)
- Whatever toppings you want (the picture shows half cheese, half pepperoni basil! Yum!)
Directions
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Let stand until creamy, about 10 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine 2 cups bread flour, olive oil, salt, white sugar and the yeast mixture; stir well to combine. Beat well until stiff dough has formed. Cover and rise until doubled in volume, about 30 minutes. meanwhile, preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Turn dough out onto a well floured surface ( I use olive oil instead, but it’s your preference). Form dough into a circle and roll out into a pizza crust shape (I usually add garlic powder and/or Mrs. Dash Italian seasoning). Cover with your favorite sauce and toppings and bake in preheated oven until golden brown, about 20 minutes.
Hope you all enjoy this as much as I did, and make a lot less mess! Although, making the mess was most of the fun! Enjoy!
-Asia Melchor-
Tags: easy pizza recipe, easy recipe, homemade pizza, pizza, pizza recipe
Posted in Student Tips, Uncategorized on February 8th, 2010 | Leave a comment »
» Fun Things to do with your MSU Roommates
Michigan state students are known for being intelligent, but also having a good time right? Well having a good time and saving some green never got easier! Here are a few quick tips on how to stay in your MSU student apartment instead of going out and spending a ton of cash.
* Play games such as “Things,” “Catchphrase,” “twister” or “Pictionary” for a fun way to get to know your pals for FREE! And, it’s a great way to get to know your rommates in your MSU apartment.
* Order a Netflix movie instead of hitting up the theatre. You can download movies right to your computer or TV or get them through the mail for just $8.99 a month. This saves you on gas money, and there are never late fees! Just one movie ticket to a cinema costs you about $7, so this is a great way to save!
* While reading my other blogs or web surfing, take a look at www.gaspricewatch.com to find out the cheapest gas prices at stations near you! Even just a few cents here and there can help you save.
* Love tunes? I am a huge music fan but my tastes are constantly changing so I listen to www.pandora.com all the time! It is an awesome FREE way to listen to music that you like. Just create a free account and make your own music stations. Instead of buying songs from i-tunes or Rhapsody, you can mix it up for no cost at all!
Please share your tips on saving/entertaining!
Posted by Katelyn Moore
Tags: college game night, family game night, msu game night, MSU Roommates, things to do with your roomates
Posted in Life Tips on February 5th, 2010 | 1 Comment »
» Super Bowl Prediction
Are you ready for some football? I know I am! This year’s Super Bowl has the potential to be one of the most entertaining games in the NFL’s history. The days of the casual fan craving a defensive minded, power running, low scoring game are long gone. In this pass happy era of professional football, fans want one thing: Points. And lots of ‘em!
Sunday’s game between the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints shouldn’t disappoint. Colts quarterback Peyton Manning is arguably the greatest player at his position in the history of the sport. His unique ability to execute his offense for the last decade has made defensive coaches cringe during preparation. Saints quarterback Drew Brews is no slouch either. Leading his offense to scoring the most points during the regular season, Brees often made scoring touchdowns and completing deep throws look effortless. Coupled with a running game that was amongst the top in the league, the Saints offense has as much, if not more firepower than the Colts.
My prediction: In a game of Whoever Scores Last Wins as I believe Super Bowl 44 will be, it almost always comes down to the field goal kickers. Here’s the problem; both kickers are ranked exactly the same! With that said, I suppose I’ll have to go with my gut feeling and predict the Colts win, 35-28. In a game this big, I have to side with experience (which Peyton has because of his previous Super Bowl win).
Regardless, we are all in for one entertaining afternoon! Get excited!
Posted in Uncategorized on February 4th, 2010 | 1 Comment »
» The Apple iPad
Hello Chandler Crossings! If you are as obsessed with gadgets as I am, you probably paid a little bit of attention to the announcement made by Apple Inc. during the last week of January. At an invitation only event on January 27, Apple CEO Steve Jobs introduced Apple’s latest device: the iPad. If you have not seen or heard about it yet, the iPad is a tablet computer that some computer experts have described as a larger version of the Apple iPod Touch.
This media tablet features a 9.7 inch touch screen. It is very light weight and thin, tipping the scales at about 1.5 pounds and it is about an half-inch-thick. Consumers can choose between the 16,32, or 64 gigabyte flash memory storage versions of the iPad. It also comes with WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity already built in. It runs many of the same programs as your standard Macbook or laptop does (like Microsoft Word) and also boasts at least 10 hours of battery life (where a full-sized laptop only has three or four hours). The iPad starts $499 for the 16 gigabyte model, but Apple will also sell a 3G version of the tablet for about $130 more. Data plans for those computers will be priced between about $15 to $30 dollars. Expect the iPad to hit stores in March.
Electronic experts around the country have been pointing out the advantages and disadvantages of the device. Other than it’s portability and battery life, Jobs contends that his iPad is superior to netbooks because it has much stronger chips than it’s similarly sized counterparts. The more powerful chips are said to be better for handling video and other processing-intensive tasks. Although the iPad does not come with a physical keyboard, Apple will sell an add-on recharging dock that will double as a keyboard. The device also might take some market share away from e-readers such as the Amazon Kindle or the Barnes and Noble Nook. Consumer’s might be willing to pay more for a device that does more than download digital books.
When it comes to the tablet, critics have pointed several disadvantages. The iPad does not support Flash, so the device can not display many online videos or play online games. Also, the media tablet does not have a USB port which many people find surprising. Therefore, you can not work on your paper from another computer and then use a flash drive to finish it on your iPad. There is also no camera built into the system (like many new laptops have now). It seems that Apple has some work to do on the iPad 2.0!
What do you think of this product? Is this going to be something you are going to buy in March? Or will you wait for the second version, if at all?
-Shaun Holness
Tags: apple ipad, ipad, new ipad, tablet, tablet pc
Posted in Hot Topics on February 2nd, 2010 | Leave a comment »
» Easy Chicken Parmesan
Photo By: Seriouslygood1's
I recently found a recipe for chicken parmesanthat I tried out and enjoyed. I made a few changes to the original recipe to share with you. So, gather your roommates in your MSU student apartment and try it out. Trust me when I say it’s a crowd pleaser!
Ingredients:
- 2-3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Salt & pepper
- A couple tablespoons of minced garlic
- 1 28oz can of diced tomatoes
- Chopped basil leaves (as desired)
- Parmesan cheese (as desired)
- A few slices of mozzarella
Lightly pour extra virgin olive oil over the chicken breasts. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and any other seasoning as desired. Cook the chicken on an indoor grill pan or George Foreman grill until completely cooked.
While the chicken is cooking you can start the sauce. Put a medium sized pot over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the tomatoes and begin stirring slowly. Add garlic and basil as desired and continue stirring for 10 minutes.
Preheat your broiler to high.
Layer the chicken and the tomato sauce in a small casserole dish. Place the sliced mozzarella on top of the chicken followed by some parmesan cheese. Leave the dish under the broiler for 3-5 minutes or until the parmesan and mozzarella is browned.
And you’re done! Gather your buds around your East Lansing Student Apartment and enjoy dinner together; family style!
Emily Rubin
Tags: college food meals, easy college cooking, easy college recipes, easy meals, Easy Recipes
Posted in how to on February 1st, 2010 | Leave a comment »
» Michigan vs. Michigan State Hockey Showdown!
Photo from Broadwayworld.com
Hey there hockey fans! Don’t forget to make your way down to the Joe Louis Arena for the ultimate showdown between Michigan and Michigan State hockey this weekend. Known as Michigan Hockey Day, this Saturday, January 30th the two rivals will battle at The Joe at 7:30pm. This is an awesome tradition that allows fans from all over to join in on the college hockey fun, but in the fun atmosphere of The Joe Louis Arena.
I personally have been to a few of their games there and the crowd is just overwhelming! It is like watching hockey in a football stadium! I loved the Spartan Pride that MSU fans brought, and the talent of both teams always makes for a great game.
Tickets are on sale online through websites like www.ticketmaster.com, or you can get student tickets by clicking here. They are fairly inexpensive, just about $12 per person.
Prefer to watch it from your MSU apartment? Catch the game on FSN Detroit. For students living at Chandler Crossings apartments, check it out on channel 27, or at CBSSports.com on the Game Tracker.
GO GREEN!
Posted by Katelyn Moore
Tags: Joe Louis Arena, Michigan Hockey Day, Michigan vs. Michigan State, MSU Hockey, University of Michigan Hockey
Posted in East Lansing News and Announcements, MSU Events, MSU Sports, Uncategorized on January 29th, 2010 | 1 Comment »
» The Village at Chandler Crossings Gets a SWEET New Clubhouse!
Drum Roll please! After a few months of renovations, The Village at Chandler Crossings is pleased to announce that the brand new clubhouse is now complete and ready for action!
The new clubhouse features a 24hr fitness center with BRAND NEW equipment, including state of the art cardio, weight lifting and resistance machines. There is also FREE tanning and a group exercise room for stretching or floor exercises. The recreation lounge got a fresh face with new comfy furniture and a huge screen TV. Don’t forget about the awesome new game room with a projection screen TV and gaming system. This is an awesome place to chill with your pals or battle it out on the big screen!
We’ve completely remodled our business center to fit the needs of MSU Students. Our new business center comes equip with an interactive whiteboard, computers with free printing and the private study rooms.
We want to thank our residents for their patience, and as a special reward we are throwing a GRAND OPENING bash tonight! Join us from 7-10pm in the new clubhouse for free food, entertainment, swag bags and computer diagnostics provided by F.R.A.G Center.
We hope to see you there!
Posted By Katelyn Moore
Tags: Chandler Crossings Events, Grand Opening Event, MSU fitness center, The Village events
Posted in Uncategorized on January 27th, 2010 | Leave a comment »
» New MSU Logo: An Assault on Tradition or A New and Improved Sparty?
Photo from MLive.com
If you are apart of the Michigan State community, you have undoubtedly heard the controversy surrounding the impending new MSU logo. If you have not, let me quickly get you up to speed so you can share the news with your roommate in your MSU student apartment.
Recently, a new Michigan State Spartan logo appeared on the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office website. A day later, MSU Athletic Director Mark Hollis and other officials confirmed that the logo change is a part of a “comprehensive brand and identity project” to be unveiled in April. The logo switch is what an internal memo called “the result of a two year collaboration between MSU Athletics and a team of top designers from Nike.” The logo (as seen) seems to display an angrier looking design than the previous one. The Detroit Lions, last year, also made a switch to an “angrier looking” logo.
Reaction to the new logo has stirred up a lot of interest in Spartan Nation. Most of the opinions about the impending switch have been negative. The State News recently polled readers about what they thought about the change. An overwhelming 94% of people who participated in the polls preferred the old logo to the new one. In the majority of the blog entries, newspaper articles and editorials that I read called the new logo an “assault on tradition,” “a lost of Spartan pride and identity,” or a function of Nike greed.
When it comes to the tradition point, those upset Spartans have a valid argument. When the logo is changed, it will most likely replace the old logo on the sides of the MSU football helmet. There are few sports that can compare to the tradition of college football. By changing the helmet, some MSU fans feel that they would be losing some of the tradition. Some might argue that you do not see the school’s biggest football rivals (Michigan, Ohio State, and Penn State) changing uniforms, do we? If we want to be like those traditional football powers, we keepp the traditions (and thus the look) of what made us great.
Since specifics of this agreement between Nike and MSU has sparse, some fear that Nike will own the right to this new Spartan logo. That has made local retailers of Spartan apparel nervous. Instead of dealing with MSU, they might have to deal with Nike to make sure they can get the latest Spartan gear on their shelves. Also consider all of the local business around here (i.e. Spartan Hall of Fame Cafe, for example) that may have to change their Spartan logos to match the University’s logo.
It is obvious that MSU and Nike have some type of financial agreement when it comes to this redesign. In an argument for the switch, do not forget that MSU and the Athletic Department have a lot of bills to pay. With higher coaches salaries, building and faculty expansions, and 20 varsity sports to support, a lot of times the costs can outweigh the available revenue outlets. Such a deal with Nike can only help the University’s bottom line.
What do you think? Where are you on this issue? Poll your roommates in your MSU apartment and let us know.
–Shaun Holness
Tags: MSU and Nike, MSU logo, MSU logo change, MSU new logo, MSU spartan helmet
Posted in MSU News and Announcements on January 26th, 2010 | 3 Comments »
» MSU Provides Aid For Haiti Earthquake
Photo from Cnn.com
In response to the earthquake that hit Haiti last week and the damaging after shock, Michigan State Students are coming together to help the cause. As you have heard on the news, hundreds of thousands have been affected by this tragedy. Many have lost their family members and their homes have been left in ruins. This unfortunate event has caused suffering for many families, including children who have no food, water or medical supplies that they so desperately need. These innocent people truly need help in any form that it can be provided. If you would like to make a donation to help the relief efforts click here for a list of organizations or stop by any Chandler Crossings location. Show your Spartan Pride and represent our community by stepping up and helping people in need. Together we can make a difference!
Posted By Katelyn Moore
Tags: Haiti Earthquake, Michigan State University
Posted in MSU Events, Uncategorized on January 22nd, 2010 | Leave a comment »
» Temporary Work for MSU Students
MSU students, looking for some extra cash? The Census Bureau is hiring for temporary positions to conduct this year’s Census. This is a good opportunity for students to earn some extra money, with a flexible schedule and good pay. There are a few different positions such as Census Takers, Crew Leaders, and Recruiters. These positions require training and testing, but if you are interested, click here to get more information! Happy Census 2010!
photo from www.mpd.state
Tags: msu census, msu employment, msu job search
Posted in Job/Volunteer Board on January 20th, 2010 | Leave a comment »