Student's clothing line draws national, celebrity attention

She spent her early high school years experimenting with gluing rhinestones on T-shirts. Ashley Sierra Reed said, at that point, she didn’t expect to own a clothing line catering to MSU students and celebrities like Chris Brown, Lil’ Wayne and Ne-Yo in her college years. “I was bored and just trying new things,” the retailing senior said. “People began to like the things I designed.”

Freshmen fifteen Q's

College is a whole new world for many freshmen traveling campus for the first time. The State News sat down with one of these brave explorers to get a glimpse, in 15 questions or less, at a new face on campus and their perspective on their new frontier.

Pick your trip

There are 152 days until that weeklong breath of fresh air in the middle of the second semester. Maybe it’s nowhere near time to pick out a bathing suit or start that pre-spring break workout, but planning for the time away from lecture halls and textbooks is a different story.

Physical trainer: Getting in shape requires time, motivation

Motivation key in changing fitness habits

I’ve never really said I’m going on a diet. The idea of restricting myself from eating certain things was a big turnoff. But now that spring break plans are looming, I may join the ranks of other beach babe hopefuls and dive in.

Many factors in determining best condom

I heard you on the radio the other day talking about condoms. One thing you did not say was which condoms are best.

MSU professor co-authors collection of clean jokes

A rabbi, a minister and a donkey walk into a bar. When an English professor writes a book, this isn’t expected to be the subject.

Wide-leg pants work as khakis, dark-wash jeans, black slacks

There’s no middle ground when it comes to jeans. As straight-leg skinny jeans have made a reappearance on runways, in magazines or just on the streets of East Lansing, so have wide-leg pants.

Hello, my name is Sunny Wilkinson

MSU assistant professor of vocal jazz Sunny Wilkinson is one musician who has been “Saved By the Bell” numerous times.

Freshmen fifteen Q's

College is a whole new world for many freshmen traveling campus for the first time. The State News sat down with one of these brave explorers to get a glimpse, in 15 questions or less, at a new face on campus and their perspective on their new frontier.

Student completes climb

It’s safe to say Jessica Elrod isn’t afraid of heights. Besides being tossed in the air by fellow MSU cheerleaders and cruising the skies with her private pilot’s license, the studio art and premedical senior also climbed one of the Seven Summits of the world this summer. The Seven Summits consist of the tallest mountain on each of the seven continents.

MSU Miss Michigan hopeful drew on-stage skills in pageant

Whether singing with her gospel group or walking the runway as a model, psychology junior Loretta Morman is used to standing in the spotlight – which is why participating in her first pageant this weekend wasn’t a completely new experience.

Tower Guard blends leadership, efforts with the blind

Leadership, service, scholarship and character. The four pillars of the Tower Guard, MSU’s oldest student organization, stand as a pledge of dedication to the students they serve. Comprised of sophomores from the top 5 percent of their freshmen class, the student volunteers help visually impaired students with everything from taking a test, to navigating campus grounds.

Ringing tradition

When Paula Richardson began playing the Beaumont Tower carillon, an organ-like instrument with batons and foot pedals, it took a lot of practice and a little wishing upon a star in order for her to learn her first song.

Student enters contest to honor friend

Josef Magsig, a medical technology junior, remembers the day his good friend Steve Lobdell called to tell him he had Hodgkin’s disease. When Lobdell passed away on Sept. 4, 2006, he lost his friend of five years. Now, he has a chance to pay tribute to him.

Apple recipes

10-minute applesauce, apple crunch dessert

An apple a day ...

It’s been a symbol of technology, religion and even fairy tales — well before it poisoned Snow White or supposedly assisted Isaac Newton in determining the law of gravity. But the so-called forbidden fruit — an apple — definitely isn’t off limits. The traditional teacher’s-pet gift is filling orchards around Michigan and is packed with nutrients — which just might help keep that doctor away.

Unpasteurized cider has risks, could be harmful to health

Known for fulfilling many autumn appetites, apple cider is now readily available at many stores and apple orchards.

Simple drink perfect for fall

While fall eats emerge in grocery stores, restaurants and kitchens across Michigan, infusing the season’s tastes into a mixed drink is easy as pie — literally.

Fall family fun

As the leaves change to colors of brown, red and amber and fall from the trees, so do fresh apples. This also signifies trips to the nearest cider mill or apple orchard to partake in fresh-squeezed apple cider and homemade doughnuts.