COLLEGE GROCERY SHOPPING

We all have gone through this, the dreaded grocery-shopping trip. Now unless you have amazing parents, a car on campus or a bottomless credit card then you know this day sucks like no other. The most important question is, how do you save?

I have an amazing father who tries to visit me once a month and take me shopping at Save-A-Lot, but its still difficult. Other months I have to go alone or with a friend on the bus (eww, I know, bus) and with only a normally allotted $50 a month what can I buy?

Women’s Health Magazine (WHM) has given us some great starting points and I’ll show you how to put them into college use.

Their Tips:

Eat Before you Shop – I like this one! I always seem to go when I’m starved so I grab anything and everything, mostly the snack foods too. (Thankfully this past week when I went, even though starved, I had a list that I stuck too so I wasn’t doing this – also my dad promised Primanti Bros. afterwards!)

Check Yourself Out – The Giant Eagle I go to has this and it makes my trip soooo much faster but you have to be where, you can only do 10 items in that line and the girls that are on call to help are grouchy idiots.

Learn the Lingo – “Whole grain” is healthy; “multi grain” is not… there goes my Cheerios.

Brew Your Own Coffee – It can save you around $800 a year WHM says! Any dorm can have a coffee pot so take this advantage, instead of wasting money at the local Starbucks (you know who you are)

Avoid Quickies – Try to shop once a week not several times or you’ll waste more money. Keep a list in your room so you know what you need.

Bulk Up – Go to Costco or Sam’s Club if you can (memberships are cheep) and you get to bulk up on really good foods. Tip: Paper products and frozen foods are the best to bulk up on!

My tips:

Frozen foods are your friends! Though in my apartment this works against me since there are SIX of us and ALL of us follow this rule… consider bringing a floor freezer.

Canned foods are your second best friends. Though not always the healthiest they have long shelf lives and can be stocked everywhere in your room (even as a door stopper).

Take a friend! Don’t shop alone or you won’t get everything you want because you’ll feel awkward and want to hurry.

Liz is an intern for College Lifestyles ™. She is a junior Print Journalism major at Point Park University and a proud sister of Alpha Sigma Tau. Grocery shopping is a chore but how else we gonna eat?

A CL Girl’s Guide to Vancouver: The Hottest Places to Dine and Play during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games

 

For those of you who are lucky enough to be attending the 2010 Winter Games (or better yet, participating in them), half of the fun is exploring the culture and happenings of the host city. This year, all eyes will be on Vancouver, BC which happens to be my backyard and playground. As a seasoned Vancouverite (I was born and raised here and am now furthering my education and social life at the University of British Columbia), I’ve put together a city guide for the 17 – 25 year old set — for all you fabulous ladies who are looking to experience the best of young life in Vancouver. Lonely Planet and Fodor’s may give you a comprehensive list of every possible restaurant, activity, and nightlife destination in the city, but no one can pinpoint the best of that list like a local can …

Part I – Dining à la Best Coast

One of my personal pet peeves about traveling is getting sucked into the black hole of gross and/or overpriced meals because you were half-starved and simply didn’t know where to dine. McDonald’s and Starbucks may often seem like the easiest (and loudest) options, but who are we kidding — they will hardly satisfy your cultural craving.

Vancouver offers tons of delicious dining options inspired by tastes and cultures from around the world but with so many dining districts and varieties of food to choose from, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. To make your decision a little easier, here’s a personal list of my favorite places to dine and wine, all reasonably priced with awesome menus and each boasting some of the trendiest and most unique vibes in the city:   

 

For Breakfast:
Sophie’s Cosmic Café
2095 West Fourth Avenue
You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into the past or just back down South with this 1960s-inspired American diner. Half the fun is looking at the hundreds of nostalgic items that adorn their wall! Famous in town for its generous portions, Sophie’s serves up traditional breakfast items with a bit of a twist (eggs Benny with salsa and avocado, anyone?).
You’ve gotta try: the Belgian Waffles, or any of their eggs

Bean Around the World
Numerous locations around Vancouver
For those of you who are dashing up to Whistler early in the morning and in need of a quick fix Bean around the World is your best bet for a light breakfast to start off the day, or even just to grab a snack for the road. A bakery and coffee shop that creates its hearty goods in-house and imports unique coffee from all around the world, “the Bean” is like your portable neighborhood coffee house dipped in a whole lotta granola.
You’ve gotta try: hot chocolate (with whipped cream) and any of their muffins or scones (personal favorite: chocolate chip-raspberry)

Grounds for Coffee
2565 Alma Street
Ever bought a cinnamon bun and found it devastatingly hard and dry? This will guaranteed not be a problem at Grounds which serves the most amazing gooey cinnamon buns you’ll ever experience. Make sure to grab a handful of napkins on your way out or you’ll be sporting sugar and icing on your face all day long.
You’ve gotta try: cinnamon buns, cinnamon buns and more cinnamon buns

For Lunch
Burgoo Bistro
3 locations around Vancouver
With their vast selection of (random!) comfort foods from around the globe, I often consider Burgoo my kitchen-away-from-kitchen. The menu itself is fun to read with its details of the nationality of every dish (for example, did you know Caesar salads are a Mexican concoction?) Filling dishes are served up in a chic rustic setting – you’ll feel like you’ve packed up a homemade picnic!
You’ve gotta try: their homemade strawberry lemonade and the Straight-up Tomato Soup with Gooey Cheese Grillers – hands down, my favorite lunch meal of all time.  

Noodle Box
1867 West Fourth Avenue
This south-east Asian noodle bar boasts an extremely funky and fresh vibe and the food equates! The freshest vegetables imaginable are mixed up on a fiery wok with a variety of meat choices, and you get to choose your spice level ranging from mild to suicide hot (the latter is not recommended!) Service is super quick as everything is pre-paid at the counter and they pride themselves on their take-out orders which is perfect if you need to head off to the arena.
You’ve gotta try: Roti Bread for an appetizer and the Spicy Peanut Noodle Box for your main course

For Dinner
Joey’s, Earl’s, and Cactus Club Café (A.K.A. the corporate restaurants)  
Locations EVERYWHERE (actually.)
Other Vancouverites may chuckle that I included such an obvious grouping, but Vancouver prides herself on these three restaurants which are, without a doubt, the most popular and regularly frequented dining hotspots in the city. Each is slightly different in terms of its menu but all boast an extremely upbeat and unique vibe that many foreigners have told me is unlike anything they have experienced back home – think a classy night out on the town crossed with a casual dining experience (who knew that was possible?). On any given night, model-esque singles will be flirting at the bar over Bellini’s while families will be enjoying quality time over large meals less than one meter away. If you can manage to get a seat, each restaurant boasts outstanding bar and lounge set-ups with massive TVs that will be great for watching the Games! As a final note, it’s practically required that you be ridiculously good-looking to work at any of these restaurants which often turns out to be treat in itself … Dessert not necessary?
You’ve gotta try:
Joey’s: start with the Pan Fried Gyoza and then get the Ahi Tuna Salad or Cab Top Sirloin Steak (with the crispy mashed potatoes)   
Earl’s: Chili Chicken as your appetizer and then the entrée-sized Cesar Salad
Cactus Club Café: Blackened Creole Chicken or the Pesto Chicken Quesadilla

Italian Kitchen
1037 Alberni Street
The best and most plentiful Italian food for miles around! Huge portions of rich pastas and pizzas will make you think we’re celebrating Roma 2010, not Vancouver 2010. The atmosphere is luxurious but at the same time, super cozy.
*If you happen to be in the Kitsilano area, stop by Italian Kitchen’s sister restaurant Trattoria which features a similar menu in a more intimate setting.  
You’ve gotta try: the Bruschetta Sampler (order one for the group to share) followed by the Penne Arrabbiata as your main dish  

The Eatery
3431 West Broadway
My roommate (THE sushi aficionado) INSISTED that I put this selection in here. And with good reason! West coast cities are famous for their sushi, after all, and The Eatery does not disappoint. If anything, it’s funky and delicious twist on traditional sushi creations will blow your taste buds away! Who knew cream cheese and chicken in a sushi roll could actually work? The restaurant’s atmosphere in itself is an experience; with its red-tinted lighting scheme, Andy Warhol-inspired paintings and larger-than-life action figures you’ll feel like you’ve just stepped out of a Japanese comic book.
You’ve gotta try: the Bob Marley Roll and the Ichi Roll  

For Dessert
La Casa Gelato
1033 Venables Street
Known simply as ‘Venables’ to locals, this ice cream parlor offers an astounding 504 flavors of ice cream (all made in-house) ranging from non-fat to non-dairy to low-fat to sugar-free. The most amazing part, however, has to be their crazy creations. Ever wondered what wasabi-flavored ice cream would taste like? How about balsamic vinegar? Or curry? Venables is very liberal with their samples so why not dare to try? 
You’ve gotta try: one scoop of Rainbow Chip Vanilla with a second scoop of Ferrero Rocher is my personal fave.  

Big City Cupcakes
Numerous locations around Vancouver and Whistler
The cupcake creations look so delicate and colorful you’ll be hesitant to bite into such a pretty piece of art. But make sure you do — these moist cupcakes with their rich and heavenly icing and cream fillings are absolutely to die for. You’ll never have the same respect for Betty Crocker again.
You’ve gotta try: the Red Carpet Cupcake (red velvet cake with a thick icing top) and the Strawberry Cheesecake Cupcake (cream filling)

Stay tuned for part II of this article series: the hottest places to play in Vancouver!

Marisa Woodham is an intern at College Lifestyles (TM) and an English major at the University of British Columbia. She took breaks writing this article at numerous points because she got too hungry. She is now extremely obese.  

Forever 21 Fall-Inspired Boots

The crisp, cool weather is finally here! What does this cold front mean for us trendy college girls?  Why a fashion front of new trends of course.

Here are our top three favorite Fall-inspired boots from Forever 21:

Enjoy your new shoes!

Shannon May is an intern with College Lifestyles (TM).  She is a Marketing Major at the University of Florida and a member of Alpha Kappa Psi. She loves the Fall weather and wearing brown suede boots.

Go Green without Spending too much Green!

“Whoever said orange was the new pink was seriously disturbed.” *Elle Woods, “Legally Blonde”

I hate to break it to you Elle, but there is a new “pink” in town… it’s green!

Now, now don’t get look so shocked, you can keep your pink outfits because I am talking about green as in “go green and save our planet” green.  Contrary to popular belief, going green doesn’t have to be pricey.  Here are a few simple ways to go green without spending too much of your coveted green paper.

1.       Reusable bags. These usually only cost around $1 a piece and can be used for way more than groceries.  I got this pretty green one from Old Navy (they aren’t boring solids anymore!).

My friends and I all brought these bags on a trip to New York City to put our China Town purchases in.  Bring them to the mall when you go on a shopping spree instead of using all of the stores plastic bags!  I also like to use them for packing–they are sturdy and hold a lot.  Some of them are even cute enough to use as a purse. 

2.       Jewelry made from recycled material. I was at an art fair and found a really cute bracelet made from old Victorian Rose spoons!

A lot of places are starting to use recycled material for their jewelry.  For example, Target has a wide variety of earrings made from recycled metal and Etsy is full of all kinds of homemade items.  Check it out; it is a really awesome website.

3.       Reuse ribbons and tissue paper. You know how when you go shopping a lot of stores will put tissue paper in your bag and tie a ribbon on the handles?  Don’t just throw these items away!  The ribbons can be used for scrapbooking, memory boards and numerous other craft projects.  The tissue paper can be used in gift bags as well as scrapbooking and even packing!  The possibilities for these things are endless-let your creativity flow!

What are some of your favorite ways to “go green”?  Either shoot us an e-mail at intern@collegelifestyles.org or let us know in the comments section (or both!)!

Kaitlyn Kline is an intern at College Lifestyles^TM and a graduate from Edinboro University of PA.  She is also an Alpha Sigma Tau alum.  She loves her recycled jewelry and scrapbooking!

Confessions of a Shopaholic: Life Lessons Pt. 2

Hey College Lifestyles fans–thanks for reading Confessions Life Lessons part one, and as promised, here is part two!

Shopping is a nearly unavoidable part of life–love it (like us ladies) or run it like it is a marathon (most men), unless you live in the Amazon, you are likely to have to deal with financial decisions on a regular basis. Have you watched Confessions yet? Great! If not, get out your pen (before running to the video store) and take note of some smart girl do’s and don’ts.

• DO know what you want and what you are willing to spend ahead of time. Go in with a plan…kinda how your dad runs in for milk and turkey and never strays from the list, having shopped at record speed. Window shopping is dangerous, and your eyes can easily talk you into buying more than you had planned.
  

  Do you know your limits? Has your spending exceeded your financial waistband?

• Don’t make excuses for your decisions. Take control of your money, don’t let your money control you! As the excuses pile up for Becky and Suze, they have to consult a list of what they have told Derek Smeath as reasons why Becky Bloomwood hasn’t paid up yet. Smeath doesn’t want to harass you just as much as you don’t want him to–so write the check for peace of mind.
• Do declutter! Cleaning out is great, makes you utilize what you have, and makes life just that much simpler. I cleaned out my closet earlier this summer with a “love it or leave
  

  Reduce, reuse, reclaim...your peace of mind. Let go, one at a time

  it” attitude. I spend much less time sorting through to find shoes when there are less shoes to sort through! You will also have a better grip of what you already own so you don’t find your wardrobe full of doubles and look-alikes. While I am an advocate for giving your closet a little TLC and organizational attention, make sure that you don’t find yourself using the excuse of an emptier (still quite full) closet as a reason to reach into your wallet and pull out that Macy’s card.

• Do ask yourself “Do I need this?” Do you have other items similar or close that may be easily altered for your needs (I know how easy it is for you to get four purple shirts that all look the same)? I love updating clothes I already own with minor embellishments or adding some sparkle to previously plain shirts. Buttons, clothing jewels, ribbons and other fun and inexpensive updates can be found at any craft supply or hobby store. It is always nice to comment to my friends when they compliment my outfit, to be able to squeeze “I made it!” into the conversation.     Plus, being green is hot, and adding refreshing touches to pieces you already love will make your outfit sizzle and not cost you a penny!
• Don’t expect your parents to bail you out of your financial land fill. Rebecca Bloomwood went to her parents to ask for money and found that they had spent their life savings on an RV. They are your parents, not the bank. They changed your diapers. They don’t owe you anything. Work hard to pay off any debt you may have acquired–it shows responsibility!
• Do be willing to go to extremes to pay off debt or streamline. Stop hiding your Visa bills under your bed–that is not where they belong!  The Girl with the Green Scarf sold her closet “essentials” and was able to pull herself up again. Is it past time for a garage sale? Can you donate it to Goodwill? Maybe you can organize a sorority sale, with sisters contributing for a fundraiser. Any way about it, don’t hang on to things you are not using.
  

  Wear classics you already own and find simple updates for added elegance!

• Do take advantage of samples, but…
• Don’t apply the perfume samples in the magazine while in the waiting room. Tacky, taboo, and very unprofessional–especially at an interview! (You have to see the movie now)

Stephanie is a senior English major whose interests include cooking, reading, and good conversations. She is an active member of Alpha Sigma Tau sorority. “Success is often achieved by those who don’t know failure is inevitable” -Coco Chanel

Flirty & Flowy Tops for Summer Date Nights

Shopping:  Every college girl’s undeniable weakness.

For the lucky ladies who’ve discovered an exciting summer fling, these flirty tops from Forever 21 are just what you’ll need to spice up your old, lifeless wardrobe.

Sweet Floral Ruffle Top

How to Wear:

- Throw on your favorite faded denim mini skirt

- Lightly scrunch your hair for a beachy look

- Put on a pair of brown strappy sandals

- Add your prettiest  pearl stud earrings

Coral Olivia Peasant Top

How to Wear:

- Pair this gorgeous coral top with a pair of white capris

- Side part your hair and then put it up in a sleek ponytail

- Find a pair of medium-size, silver hoop earrings

– Slip on embellished silver sandals

Sunny Floral Woven Top

How to Wear:

- Hunt through your dresser for a pair of dark skinny jeans

- Use a flat iron to straighten your hair pin-straight

- Add a pair of gold dangle earrings from Forever 21

- Find brown flats for the perfect head-to-toe outfit

Enjoy your beautiful new tops and good luck on your date!

Shannon May is an intern with College Lifestyles (TM).  She is a Marketing Major at the University of Florida and a member of Alpha Kappa Psi. She loves watching old episodes of FRIENDS  and Joey Tribbiani- “Look at me, I’m Chandler. Could I BE wearing anymore clothes?”

Confessions of a Shopaholic: Life Lessons Part 1

I just finished watching Confessions of a Shopaholic for the second time. What girlie girl can resist a movie full of trendy outfits, luxurious shoes, and fabulous men with British accents? Not to mention it outlines your very thought process for shopping–that your new purchase will “define your psyche.”

I like to think of film as a great way to teach people things without beating them over the head with your message, but it is important to pick up the clues from Confessions, as unlike other movies, it can relate to everyone!

1. Define your psyche

Look around your room. What defines you? Is it the poster on your wall, the picture from your trip to Paris, or those shoes in the corner? Your personal living space can say a lot about you, but it is not you. That’s right–as easy as it is to fall into that trap, “stuff” is only stuff. My friends would have a hard time talking to my Oscar Wilde sticky notes on my desk,  or my zebra stripe flats even though they fall into the category of things that could “define” me.

Defining, huh? Do you really want to be defined by something that costs $49.99 with free shipping that everyone else can own? No! Define your life by what you do, those you love, and realize that your grandma was right–the best things in life are free!

2. “It will make your haircut look more expensive…”

Buying something to make another thing you have or own look more expensive seems…silly. If you want your pants to look more expensive, why not spend more on your pants and make them work for you? Validating a purchase for the simple fact that it would make your other things look better to the outside world sounds like a weightless plan. Shouldn’t it look and feel good on you?

I have a pair of shoes that get compliments on the regular, but the funny thing is I found them on sale (yes!) for 80% off, at $7. I will admit, they were meant for me, but they don’t define my psyche or make my haircut look more expensive. Regular trimmings and heat protection will make my hair look “more expensive” but who is going to see my hair if they are looking at my shoes?

3. “You want your scarf, I want my hot dog. Cost and worth are two different things”

When Rebecca Bloomwood doesn’t have enough cash for her beloved green scarf to wear to her interview  after maxing out all her credit cards, (because she is out of money and out of a job) she offers to buy a hot dog vendor’s entire inventory to get cash back. Interrupting the line of hungry patrons, Luke Brandon, editor of Successful Savings magazine hands her a twenty. Not understanding his generosity, Rebecca tells him he just paid $23 for a hot dog! He smiles and says “you want your scarf, I want my hot dog. Cost and worth are two different things.”

Lets talk about cotton tees for a minute. Cotton tees are all over the place. You can find them

nearly anywhere, and have price tags all over the place too. Cost versus worth, ladies.  Think about your shopping habits for a minute. Where do you go for basics? How much is a cotton shirt really worth to you? Can you realistically validate paying 20, 30, or more dollars on it than picking up a basic tee shirt that would look the same at Forever 21, or Target?

Here are some things to consider when talking about cost versus worth:

-How much is it? How many hours would I have to work to pay for it?

-Would I work that many hours for that?

-How many times will I wear it? Divide the total cost by the number of anticipated wears and see how that number pans out.

-What else do I have that will go with it?

-Do I already own something similar?

-Do I need this?

Shout out to label junkies: most likely no one will know where your basics have come from. Why spend more when everyone else is getting a great deal and can spend the extra cash somewhere else? Try mixing inexpensive quality items and your luxury labels for killer outfits with money saving prices. It is a great day when you go home from shopping and still have a little left.

4. “They said I was a valued customer, now they send me hate mail!”

Grab your wallet for a minute. How many credit cards are in there? How many are store cards (like Victoria Secret, American Eagle, Macy’s, etc.)? Oh, store cards! Rebecca Bloomwood was on the money about money when she said they praised her value and sent her hate mail. Have you given in and signed up for the card for the 15% discount and email alerts?

Some skinny on Store Cards:

-Store cards promote label loyalty. They want you to sign up so you will shop there, there, there

-Email alerts? Please. Any store that has a marketing department worth its chicken nuggets will want to get the word out any way possible to alert potential buyers when sales are around the corner. Most companies have sales plastered all over ads, mail fliers, websites, store windows…you will find out if you watch for it. What if you aren’t watching? Then maybe you didn’t need it after all!

-The 15% off you get the first thirty days is a slick trick to get you coming back for unnecessary items. I admit, I have a Kohl’s charge card, and that was the selling point. Oooh! Save, save save! But wait–if I go there when I don’t need things, isn’t that like taking my 15% back, and then more? Store cards promote loyalty and additional purchases beyond your needs, and if you can’t say no then you may end up over your head.

-If you do have store cards, or any credit cards for that matter pay them off in FULL–every month!!!

Do you really want to pay someone else to take your money from you? If you can’t afford to pay the full amount, why did you buy it to begin with? Paying in cash is an easy way to solve over spending, and letting a friend in on your financial goals can help you by having a person to tell you when to put the shirt back on the rack and head for the exit. Your credit rating affects many things, so why trash it now?

Off To College Check-List Pt. 2

Welcome to Part Two of the Off To College Check Off List!

Hopefully by now, you’ve gotten a few things packed away for September (August for some!) … seems like it’s far away, but trust me it will be here before you know it!  With all of the stuff that you are packing up and bringing with you to school, there should be a few things you can leave out and pick up the day of move in.  Majority of schools have a Target or WalMart (or something similar) within a 15-20 mile radius, I would recommend picking up these things there.

Quick Tips for “Upon Arrival”:

1. Get there early, try and beat the crowds!  The earlier you get there, the easier it is to unload your belongings (and you can pick your side of the room first!)
2. After filling out your paperwork, getting your key, and working your way to your room put your stuff on your bed and under your bed (not in the middle of the room, it’s unfair for your roommate!)
3. Head on over to your local WalMart, KMart, or Target and pick up these following items that you don’t need to purchase till the day of move in:

• Toilet Paper
  • Good even if you have public restroom, just in case they run out!
  • If you have your own bathroom, the more the better – Get the giant pack, and don’t worry about if your roommate got it too, the more the better!
• Paper Towels
  • I promise, even though they say the clean the dorms before you get there, they are usually still a mess … you will probably use 2 full rolls just dusting stuff off!  Get the giant pack, the more you clean the better … remember, Mom and Dad are at home now!
• Trash Bags
  • A given…. you’ll need somewhere to throw all of those dirty paper towels!
    • Also remember, use the trash bags you put your linens in first!  Save money!
• Cleaning Supplies
  • There are 4 products that made my college dorm room living a clean success.  They are all available at the stores mentioned above for great prices, and believe me it is worth it!
    • Pledge Multi Surface is good for wiping off desks, window sills, air vents, closets, etc.
    • Windex, obviously … great for windows and mirrors of any shape and size!
    • Lysol 4 in 1 Bathroom cleaner is AMAZING … you can use it for the shower, sink, toilet, anything!  Highly recommended!
    • Clorox wipes are unbelievable for a quick clean up!  Spills…. Gone in an instant! Want to get rid of the toothpaste on the sink, or clean out the microwave?  This is your best bet!
• A bucket to keep the products in!
  • It will keep everything organized and in one place!
    • This pink storage cube from Target is available for $9.99, and comes in all different colors!
• ZipLock bags / Kitchen Storage Containers
  • These are great for snacks throughout the day… the more you pack snacks, the less you pay for them!

That’s it for the day of move in, it may seem like nothing, but trust me it will save a ton of space in the car on the way there!

——————————————————————–

Stay Tuned!  The next post on “Off To College” will include Desk and School Supplies and what you’ll need to purchase for the first few weeks of school!

xOx

Kristin Marie

Off to College Check-List Part 1

CONGRATS TO ALL 2009 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES!!

Where are you all headed off to school in the Fall?

This will be the start of the “Welcome to College” posts. I just graduated college from William Paterson University, I was a Resident Assistant for 2 years, and therefor I remember being asked (and asking!) all of the questions. Anything you want to know, just ask and I’ll work as hard as I can to find the answer for you!

I remember graduating high school and thinking to myself … “WOW, COLLEGE” ! After I started packing, I realized it was no longer just the clothing that I needed, there was way more to it! I was lucky enough to have a few people (including my oh so amazing mother and father) who helped me put together the list of stuff I needed, so I am here today to help YOU with all of the necessities!

Before we get into the list of stuff, a few tips to remember at this exciting time!

Tip 1: Start now … if you purchase a few things every week up until the time you go, you’ll be able to accomplish it all and not feel so frazzled (plus, you can look into the weekly coupons at stores!)

Tip 2: Look into the rule books for the dormitories at your school NOW … not all schools are the same, and some allow things that others don’t – save yourself the hassle of having to pack extra, and then get rid of things.

Tip 3: When you start to pack, pack things that will go together and label the boxes (it will make it so much easier on move in day!)

Tip 4: Don’t put everything in boxes … it will take up less room in the car! Pack things such as pillows blankets, towels, etc. in garbage bags – easily “squishable”, and lighter to carry!

Now that the tips are out of the way, here is a list that I believe will help all of you for the Fall move in! If anyone can think of something that’s not on here, feel free to comment and I’ll add it on!

Room Needs

• TOOLKIT!
• Over the door hanger or adhesive hooks to hang things
• Bedside Lamp
• Alarm clock
• Garbage Can
• Laundry basket (collapsible!)
• Tons of hangers
• Desk Lamp
• Under the bed storage bins
• Fan (if there is no A.C)
• Dry erase board
• Dry erase markers
• Calendar

Linens / Laundry Supplies

• Sheets (Twin XL @ most schools)
• Pillow cases
• Mattress cover (again, usually Twin XL)
• Pillows
• Towels (Body, hand, and face)
• Blanket
• Comforter
• Laundry detergent
• Stain remover
• Lint brush
• Sewing kit
• Mini ironing board
• Iron

**Some schools require you to pay for laundry facilities, save 1 dollar a day in quarters and put it in a

jar so you always have money to do your laundry. Decorate it nicely and keep it on your desk!**

Eating Needs:

• 3 plastic plates
• 3 plastic bowls
• 2 sets of utensils
• Chip clips
• Bottle / can opener
• Coffee cup (travel mug)
• Dish detergent
• Dish sponge
• Napkins

Electronics

• Computer (Laptop or Desktop)
• Ethernet cord
• Headphones
• Surge protector
• Extension cords (some schools don’t allow these, check on this)
• a few 2-prong adapters

Toiletries

**you will always want a medicine cabinet filled with the essentials, just in case something goes wrong**

• Tylenol (or some form of)
• Pepto-Bismol
• Midol
• Cough drops
• Tums
• Band-aids
• First aid cream
• Neosporin

**you should have a basket to hold all of your shower supplies so they never get confused with others.**

You can find this one for $7.99 at Bed, Bath & Beyond!

• Shampoo / Conditioner
• Body Wash
• Shaving cream
• Razors
• Face wash
• Shower shoes

**also for the bathroom*

• Blow dryer
• Straightener
• Hair products
• Tooth paste
• Toothbrush
• Nail cutter
• Make up remover
• Tweezers
• Lotion
• Q-Tips

Be sure to come back soon!

Coming up next for your off to college needs:

• Desk / School Supplies
• Purchase on Arrival
• Shared Items (w/ Roomates)

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Kristin Marie

No-Fear Florals

It isn’t very often that I find myself hiding in a dark closet to steer clear of certain trends, but this summer I have done just that.  I have searched and scoured all my recent magazines for new trends that I can be excited about and all signs are pointing to florals.

Really? Florals? These magazines have more florals than my grandmother’s wardrobe! I like flowers, I really do. I like them in a vase. But giant, overwhelming flowers? I am not that big so it is hard for me to find florals that don’t overwhelm my frame or risk me looking like a nightmare from decades past.

So, without further delay, I am pleased to announce that a night and a half of searching for florals that I can live with (and that can happily coincide with the rest of my beloved closet), I have finally become a fan!

My first pick is this summer, girly getup by Twelve by Twelve, available at Forever21 for only $36. Flip flops by day, heels for afternoon get-togethers or kitten heels at night, this dress is sure to be a hit. Wear with a cardigan for more coverage, or with a long necklace draped for added effect!

With its versatility and style, you won’t have to hide from florals anymore!

I’m getting ready to graduate in the fall, and so my mind frame has shifted away from all clothes being trendy and  fun to me keeping a watchful eye over what shopping decisions I make and how they will be able to work, well, in the workplace. This will of course depend on where I am working, but it never hurts to have some more professional or serious pieces in your closet. With that in mind, I love the next dress by Deb’s. Great for lunch with friends, family or that cute boy on Friday, or your cousin’s wedding, this dress is a 10. A plus is that you can keep it in your closet when moving back to school in the fall for more formal or dressed up events or even chapter meetings if it fits your sorority’s guidelines.  Dress it up or dress it down, but don’t dismiss the wonders of that “wow, I look great!” feeling.  If you are going to buy a dress anyway, why not make it one that can work for you, no matter what the circumstances are!

What do I love more than finding ways to make the newest trends work for my personal wardrobe? Finding them at great prices!  Visit target.com for more information on this cute skirt before it is too late!  Going for $12.58, it can easily fit everyone’s budget and everyone’s style!  I love the bright shirt paired with it–it pops for sure! Grab them before they are gone!

Still stuck in the “no floral zone” like I previously was?  How about some rescuing advice:  If you can’t commit to your whole outfit being that vibrant, why not try some smaller accent pieces?   Purses, jewelry, and shoes are a great way to make a statement, if you are not ready to make the full leap!

Continuing the tribute to all things summery, I am loving the flower power hobos from Old Navy.  They are a great way to stash those few things you need on the run or to pull out when you don’t want your handbag to become a sandbag after a day at the beach. They come in fabulous colors or black and white, and with prices starting at $10, it is hard to say no to the fashionable trend.

Don’t forget–fashion is for fun. Don’t take it too seriously:by fall, it will have changed. Express yourself, enjoy your sense of style and wear what works for YOU and your body!

Some helpful hints for flower power dressing:

• DO wear what works
• DON’T overpower your frame. If you look hidden in a field of flowers, it probably isn’t the right print
• DO ask yourself “how many times will I wear this piece?” If you only plan on wearing it once or twice, is it really worth the money you are spending on it? That is the beauty of trends. If you like it you can…
• DO make a piece you absolutely love a signature piece. Find ways to mix it in with what you already wear
• DON’T go head to toe. Pick a dress or an accent or two
• DO have fun. If it isn’t comfortable, it isn’t fun. Dress fabulous because YOU ARE FABULOUS!

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