DIY Floral Letter

Today I created my very first DIY video and I'm so excited to show you all! With a lot of help from my roommate, my phone, creative engineering and editing software, I was able to whip up a little video as a fun way to show you the process. Here, you'll be able to see step by step how to make your own. I bought all of my supplies from Dollar Tree costing me a total of $4. If you are already someone who does a ton of crafts, you will most likely have most of the tools needed. This craft is a perfect decoration for either yourself or someone you are willing to give it too. Check it out!

If you didn't fully catch it in the video, the materials you will need are:

• Scrap cardboard
• Glue gun
• Paint & paintbrush
• Scissors
• Cardboard cutter
• Pencil
• Foam blocks
• Fake flowers

I hope you enjoyed my small homemade video and get a chance to try it out for yourself. It was so much fun to make and even better to look at. Thanks for watching! :)

How to Survive Finals Week

With the end of the semester just around the corner, the dreaded "finals week" is quickly approaching. Like most college students know, finals week is basically a week from hell filled with crammed study sessions, end of semester projects and packing. With everything coming to an end in this one single week, it is basically impossible to not be stressed. This being said, I have a few tips I have learned over the past year or so that could help you relieve some of that stress.

1) Coffee, Coffee, Coffee
This one is obvious. For all of those late nights studying or the dreaded all-nighters, coffee will be your best friend. Caffeine is a must and will keep you going when you're tempted to slow down. Whether it's iced or hot, shot of espresso or a specialty drink, anything will get the job done. Obviously, you don't want to get jittery which could be distracting, so make sure to keep track of how much coffee you've actually consumed. Either way, coffee will always be there to keep you going when you need to cram.

***Although coffee is a great energy booster, don't forget to eat healthy and drink water as these are both natural energy boosters as well.

2) Beauty Sleep
From first hand experience, I can tell you how important it is to stay decently rested during finals. Granted, you will need to stay up and spend a lot of time studying (hence the coffee) but don't forget to get your beauty sleep. Make sure to plan ahead and allow yourself time to get in a few hours here and there or even better, a full night of sleep. Being sleep deprived can really mess with your thought process and negatively impact your performance on the test. It will be tempting to just stay up and keep studying but I'm warning you now, sleep is just as important.

3) Break Time
Make sure to give yourself breaks from time to time. Now I don't mean take a whole day off to just procrastinate from studying. Instead, give yourself a half hour to just go take a walk and get some fresh air or maybe a few minutes to go grab a snack and reenergize. Either way, give your brain a break from the work once and a while to stop you from going insane.

4) Organization
Keeping organized is one of the best ways to ace your test. Make categorized study guides for each test using different colored pens or type them up. Or maybe you learn better from flash cards or creating a Quizlet online. Whichever method you choose, keeping everything organized will only make it easier.

5) Motivation
Last but definitely not least is to stay motivated. Believe me, I know how hard it is to concentrate when it's sunny and 75 out and summer is only a few days away. But I'm telling you, just work as hard as you can now and you will be rewarded. Once you're done, you're done for 3 months, so let that be your motivation. Work hard now and you won't regret it!

Color Up Your Life

With the end of semester assignments and final week approaching, stress is inevitable. A new trend that has picked up within the past year or two for adults are coloring books. This simple activity is no longer looked at as just a way to keep kids busy, but a way adults can effortlessly relax as well. Many stores including Barnes & Noble and Walmart now sell adult coloring books with more intricate designs. They range in sizes allowing you to carry one in your purse or to have one waiting for you when you come home.

I received my first adult coloring book in a small care package my mom sent me a few months ago. It was just what I needed to relieve some stress or just to relax at night. I absolutely love it and its fun designs!

If you're a little tight on cash, there are many websites that provide free, printable coloring sheets! That's right, free! Everybody's favorite word. One website that I found is Everything Etsy which provides 15 free designs. If you aren't interested in any of these, there are plenty of other sites that provide them as well. Just simply google "free printable adult coloring pages".

The next time you are feeling a little stressed out or just want to create a small masterpiece, try out these adult coloring pages. They are so much fun and cost nothing! Happy coloring!

Have A Good Hair Day

Ever wanted to change up your hair style and try something new? Or maybe you're hair just isn't cooperating so you need an idea ASAP? I have come across three hairstyles that are so easy and take no time at all. As someone with super thick and curly hair, finding easy hairstyles that will tame my hair and look cute is a gift. Today, I tried out a few hairstyles I've been dying to try on my roommate and plan to try them out myself as well!

1) Half Up, Half Down

 If you have thin, straight hair like my roommate, make sure to brush through it all to get all of the knots out. (You can also brush in some hairspray to give it a better hold).

If you're like me and have super thick and curly hair, do NOT brush it. As all curly haired people know, brushing your hair when it is dry is a sin. That being said, just run some leave in conditioner and/or anti-frizz gel through your hair.

Next, just section the top half of your hair either with a clip, bobby pins or elastic clear band.

 Lastly, grab a small section from each side of your head, bring it over the clip and bobby pin. Yup, it's that easy! If you're one with thicker hair, you may want to put in a few more bobby pins on each side to make sure the hair is held securely. I added a cute bobby pin to dress it up a little more!

2) Dutch Braid (Inside-Out Braid)

I really love this style because it is so simple, easy and keeps your hair out of your face. It is just like regular french braids but instead of going over, you go under. In other words, for a normal braid you intertwine three strands by putting them over each other. Yet with the dutch braid, you do the exact opposite by putting the strands under each other. 

For a more detailed tutorial, watch How To: Double Dutch Braid

3) Braid & Bun Up-do

Flip your hair over and braid up towards the top of your head. You can either do a regular braid, french braid or dutch braid; whichever you prefer.

Once you have reached the top of your head, gather the rest of your hair and create a bun. This could be a messy bun, a braided bun, sock bun or just twisted like I did. This hairstyle can really range depending on what look you are going for. 

Make sure to bobby pin any loose strands and hairspray to make it hold. You can also choose to spruce it up by adding a cute headband or bobby pins. 

The next time you have no clue what to do with your hair, make sure to remember these three hairstyles. They are so easy to do and take about 5 minutes! 

Happy Styling!

The Finger Lakes

With the weather getting nicer, it's almost inevitable to get excited for summer. Plus, as someone who lives on the lake in the Finger Lakes, summer is constantly on my mind. From jet-skiing to just laying out in the sun, summer is with no doubt my favorite season. My friends and family always find something to do to take full advantage of summer!

Being on the Water
If it were possible for me to be a mermaid, I would 100% be one. My whole life, I have loved the water. I could be in the lake all day whether I'm just swimming, tubing, boating or jet skiing. Any water activity and I'm there. I live about 2 seconds up the road from Seneca Lake in New York and also have a cottage right on the lake which is about 5 minutes from my house. The lake is my number one go to in the summer and I wouldn't have it any other way.

My Cottage
Like I just mentioned, I have a family cottage on Seneca Lake. This has been in my family for many years and is shared between relatives on my dads side. This is practically my second home over the summer since it is so close to my actual house. We have tons of family get togethers here especially for the Fourth of July or just for Sunday cookouts. Sometimes I'll just go over myself and hang out or invite a few friends over. It is the perfect place to just relax and enjoy the weather. Some of my favorite things to do there are laying in the hammock, playing in the water (once and a while my Uncle's dogs will join me), laying out and boating. No matter what, there is always something to do here no matter who I am with.


Finger  Lakes Events
Since the Finger Lakes are obviously known for their bodies of water, there are many recreational places and events to attend near them. It is basically known as "wine country" being there are over 100 wineries in addition to newly added breweries and cideries. As you can probably tell, I live in an area where drinking is a huge focus. I will definitely have a new appreciation for this when I am 21 and can actually take advantage of it. But for now, I am forced to find something else which luckily isn't too difficult. In addition to activities on the actual water, there are tons of restaurants right on the lake along with festivals and concerts. 

If you ever get the chance to visit the Finger Lakes, New York I highly recommend you do it! I absolutely love where I live and there is so much to do during the summer. Whether you're a big wine drinker or just love to be on the water, this is the place for you! I am so incredibly lucky and happy to call this my hometown. 

Lemon Blueberry Cupcakes

Happy Wednesday everyone! To help get you over the hump of this long week, I have a delicious and fun recipe to share with you all....lemon blueberry cupcakes with lemon cream cheese frosting. Of course, they were as amazing as they sound. This dessert is perfect for the warmer weather as it is light and fruity yet still satisfies that sweet-tooth craving. 

I came across the recipe while browsing through Pinterest and knew immediately that I had to try it. The recipe came originally from a blog, "Annie Eats", which is an overall adorable and fun blog full of recipes. The pictures make the cupcakes look amazing and she makes the process super easy to follow. 

It might seem like a lot of ingredients at first, but a lot of them are ones you would most likely already have if you are an avid baker. The only things I had to go out and buy specifically for this were the blueberries, lemons and cream cheese. 

For the Cupcakes:

• 1 1/2 cups plus 2 tbsp. all purpose flour, divided
• 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 8 tbsp. unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup plus 2 tbsp. sugar
• The zest of 1 lemon
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 2 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp. milk
• 1 cup blueberries

For the Frosting:

• 8 oz. cream cheese frosting
• 5 tbsp. unsalted butter
• 3 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• The zest of 1 lemon
• Fresh blueberries to garnish

***For the original source of ingredients and directions go to Annie Eats

I highly recommend trying these out sometime. They really were super fun to make, decorate and of course, eat. Next time you're looking for something to bake, try this recipe out and I promise, you will not regret it. Have fun and enjoy!

 

DIY Marble Mug

If you're looking for a quick and easy DIY project, I have found the perfect one! I saw a quick video when scrolling through Facebook that I immediately wanted to try. With only 5 simple steps, you will get an adorable marble designed mug that will brighten up your desk or morning coffee. It costs almost nothing and takes about 5 minutes. Check it out!


After watching this video, I went to the Dollar Tree to get my supplies. Pick up a white mug and any nail polish color of your choice for just $2. The third item you will need is acrylic salient spray, which can be found at a number of places. My dad happened to have some already, but it sells in Walmart for about $4. This sets the nail polish onto the mug so it doesn't peel off.

I followed along with the directions of the video to help create mine. My version is in no way as perfect as theirs, but it's all about making it your own.

1. Fill up a plastic container with warm water
2. Pour in the nail polish
3. Make sure to blow to disperse the nail polish (I forgot to do this and it does make a huge difference!)
4. Dip your mug in the water until all nail polish is on the mug
5. Spray with the acrylic salient spray

Once your mug has fully dried, just hand wash it out and it is ready to use! I chose to use it to hold pens and pencils for more of a decorative/organizational piece, yet as the video shows, you can use it to drink out of as well. This was really fun to make and the best part is how quick and cheap it was as well. You could make a whole set of them and even play around with different colors. It would make a perfect gift to go along with some tea bags, set of pens/pencils or even planting a little flower in it! This little DIY project has a number of uses, so get creative! 

Enjoy and have fun!

Simple Nail Design

I have always loved doing my nails whether it's just a simple color or crazy designs. It all started in about high school when I began to play around with different designs and patterns. I would say after practice and a lot of trial and error, I have gotten a lot better. But I had to start somewhere. Today, I tried out a more simple pattern that is geared towards beginners or anyone who is looking for a simple design.

You can choose any two colors you want; I went with a nude for my base and hot pink for the design. (Polishes with the skinnier brush are much easier to use or even a pen polish. Whenever you want to do a neat design, either of those make it a lot easier instead of trying to use a normal brush.)

For inspirations I usually check out Pinterest and pin them to my board, Nails (creative name, right?)
Another place I go is Instagram where I follow heyitsjessie.k and she also has a youtube channel (https://www.youtube.com/user/nailsofjessiek). She has a ton of amazing designs and many different techniques!

I eventually hope to expand my techniques as well by buying a Painting Brush Set which allows for a wider range of options. I also want to try out the marble design which is when you pour the nail polish into water, create a marble design and dip your nail in. These are just two of my goals for nails, but for now, designs like this will do. We all have to start somewhere, so get practicing and you will be a pro in no time!

Dolla Dolla Bills Ya'll

Imagine a world where you could buy an assortment of products from cleaning supplies to nail polish remover to mugs. A magical place where all of these products are just $1. Well guess what, this place exists, and it's not as ridiculous as it seems. This place is also known as Dollar Tree. Now I know this isn't anything new and everyone has heard of it, but I feel as though it gets a bad reputation. Yes, their products aren't the highest quality but it gets the job done.

As a broke college student, Dollar Tree is basically heaven. For just essentials it is the perfect place to go but it can also be a great place to find products for DIY projects or organization. Some essentials that I bought at the beginning of the year that are still going strong today are kitchen supplies like cutting knives and tongs, small storage containers and hair accessories like bobby pins. The mug and nail polish I used for my DIY Marble Mug were both from the Dollar Tree and turned out amazing!

This video shows you just a few ideas of what to buy at Dollar Tree and what to do with them. Especially as a college student on a tight budget, there is nothing better than getting almost everything you need for $1.  This is the perfect place to pick up a few neccessities and more!

Painting In The Sunshine

My weekend has been full of sunshine and fun times with friends. It was the first "spring like" weekend of the season and I could not be happier. I absolutely love the outdoors, especially when the sun is shining, so this weekend I was outside as much as possible. When soaking up the sun, my roomie and I decided to do some painting. It was such a relaxing Saturday afternoon; soaking up the sun and painting our own little masterpieces. All we needed was a little sunshine, some paint and a canvas.

I usually find my inspirations from Pinterest, which is where I found the idea for my painting. One of the best suggestions I can give when painting on a canvas is sketch what you are going to paint first. Especially when you are painting a quote or more intricate design, lightly sketching it out with a pencil can be one of the best decisions you make. Once I have sketched out the words, I am ready to start painting. I outlined the "you" in black and from there on decided to go with the polka-dot theme. I used brighter colors since sunnier days are upon us, yet you could use any colors and/or patterns you prefer.

Another tip which could apply to any craft is make sure you have time. You don't want to be in the middle of you're design and have to pick up everything. Then there is the chance of never even finishing it. Give yourself enough time to sit down and complete the painting without any rush. I made sure that there was nothing else I had to get done before starting this project and am so glad I did. My roommate and I were probably outside painting for a good 2 hours with no rush to get anywhere and no pressure to be doing something else. It was so peaceful to just be out in the sun, listening to music and painting.

Next time it's sunny and 75 I highly recommend getting out there and painting yourself. It is so relaxing and you get both a new decoration and some vitamin D! :)

Four Ways to Spend Your Sunny Weekend

With the weather getting nicer, I am more and more anxious to get outside and be in the sun. I have always been an "outdoorsy" person, so whenever I get the chance to soak up some sun, I'm all in, or should I say out. Since I am still at school, it is always fun to try out new activities over the weekend with my friends. Being at a university in Erie, PA, we have discovered a few ways to get outside and have some fun without spending a ton of money!

1. Athletic Games: As an avid sports lover, I love attending games at my school. Obviously there are games all year round for different sports, but I have always loved games in the spring. It's so nice sitting outside and cheering on your school on a warm sunny day in spring. Another plus is that these games are always free to get into if you're student! 
2. Hiking: This is a perfect activity that will get you moving and sight seeing. You could either pay to go into a park with hiking trails or find your own spot to venture off too. Here in Erie, we have a popular wooded area called the gorge, full of small waterfalls and hiking trails. Either way, hiking is super fun especially with a few of your good friends and a nice, sunny day.  
3. Going for a Drive: Sometimes just going for a drive either by yourself or with friends is a relaxing and cheap way to get outside and enjoy the weather. I always roll down the windows and blare my country music, enjoying both the sun and tunes. The best part about it is that there doesn't have to be a specific destination. Once and a while it's exciting to just drive and see where you end up. Here at school we like to drive along Presque Isle by the water and at home I do the same, driving along the lakes.
4. Just Relax: I don't think I have to tell you twice that just relaxing in the sun is a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Once it gets warm enough to sit outside, we always find a sunny spot to hang out whether it's to get some homework done or take a little nap. It is 100% free and even better, relaxing.

These are just a few ideas of how to spend your sunny weekend on a tight budget. There are so many more options out there though, so don't be afraid to experiment and find something new!

Summer Smoothies

Summer is right around the corner, leaving me desperate to try and finally get that summer body. As I have discussed in past posts, there are a number of workouts I do along with trying to buy healthier groceries. Yet, after a while this routine can get a little repetitive. That's why I decided to look into a more exciting and cooler way to stay fit for the summer. There are a number of different smoothie recipes that not only seem delicious, but also have incredible benefits.

I came across a perfect image on Pinterest that includes eighteen smoothie recipes with all different benefits. Depending on what you want to focus on the most, you could choose any or all to try. From belly buster to detox, these smoothie recipes seem both beneficial and tasty!

Recipe & image from
Deliciously Sprinkled

Another recipe I came across is an energy smoothie which only requires four ingredients! Not only is this a great energizer to start your day, but it is super easy and cheap to make.

What you'll need:

• 2 cups frozen mixed berries
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups orange juice
• 1 cup vanilla yogurt

This recipe serves about 2-4 people and only takes 5 minutes!

One recipe I have tried multiple times and absolutely love is a banana and peanut butter smoothie. Since I kind of threw this together one day, I don't have any real measurements, but it's pretty easy to judge. All you'll need is peanut butter, a banana, ice, vanilla yogurt and milk. Throw it all together, blend and you'll have a delicious smoothie full of protein. It is perfect for breakfast or even just a snack!

If you're working towards that summer body like me or just want a yummy treat, these smoothie recipes are the perfect fix. They're super easy, taste delicious and benefit your body all at the same time!

Coconut Hair Mask

Attention those who want soft, thick and healthy hair...listen up! I have come across an amazing, easy and cheap hair mask that will leave your tame flawless, all in 15 minutes! Plus, it only requires one ingredient that every girl should have...coconut oil. I know I have talked about this in a past post in which I used coconut oil for a facial scrub(DIY Facial Scrub), but it has so many more uses as well, including hair.

The steps are super simple!

1. Scoop out a liberal amount of coconut oil into your hands, enough to fully coat your hair. (No need to warm it up, it will automatically soften in your hands)
2. Begin running the oil through your hair making sure it is all coated.
3. Wrap up your hair, clip it and put in a shower mask. (The shower mask isn't absolutely necessary but it helps lock in more moisture).
4. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
5. Rinse and shampoo hair (Might have to do twice depending on how much hair you have and to make sure all of the access oil is washed out). 

I was inspired to try this out myself when I saw it on Pinterest. I have a whole board devoted to beauty where I pin anything from hair to skin care to make-up. 

Follow Here! :)  Beauty Board

Benefits of coconut oil for hair include:

• Prevents Breakage
• Moisturizes
• Rich in Nutrients 
• Anti-Bacterial
• Improve Hair Growth

Enjoy and welcome to fabulous hair!

DIY Mason Jars

Happy Friday! There's nothing better than that feeling on a Friday afternoon full of freedom and excitement for the weekend. This Friday afternoon I decided to have a relaxing craft session with my roommate. With just two mason jars, paint and brushes, we created two cute and new decorations to brighten up our apartment. This small DIY project is super easy and of course, super cheap!

1. Gather your supplies and make sure you have the basics like the brushes and of course the mason jar. Also, you want to have all the colors you'll be using and any accessories you want to add on.
2. Start painting! Whatever your heart desires, go for it. We went with brighter/lighter colors since summer is on its way.
3. Be patient. One of my biggest fall backs when doing crafts is not being patient. Make sure the paint is completely dry before adding on more. The last thing you want is to mess up the paint and have to cover up the mistake (I am guilty of a mistake with the white dot, but that's what the string is for!)
4. Once your paint has dried, you can scratch out the raised details on the jar to give it more of a rustic look. This is entirely up to you, but I tried it out and love the look it created.
5. Add your final touches! If you want to spruce up your jar even more, add some glitter or ribbon like I did. You could either go with a cool painted design like my roommate did or keep it simple.
6. Decorate and admire your new masterpieces. They're great for just decoration or to hold items like pens and pencils. We put ours on the main windowsill to add some color to our living room. 

Next time you want to have a relaxing afternoon, remember this super cute DIY mason jar. It doesn't take much time or supplies and is a perfect decoration!

Sore Today, Strong Tomorrow

Today is all about beating that freshman 15, or should I say, college 15? Whether it's your first year or third, it can be very easy eat whatever you want and forget about the consequences. I am very guilty of snacking and stress eating, so it is very important for me to stay active. Luckily, keeping active on a college campus is very doable and super cheap! With a fitness center on campus as well as at home workouts, staying fit on a tight schedule and budget is more than possible.

• Keep on a schedule: One of the best methods to keep on your routine and assure you are keeping active is including this routine in your schedule. Every week, have a set day or few days that you do your workout at the same time. This way, you get used to it just being apart of your day. For example, every Tuesday and Thursday I go to the gym after work for about an hour and a half. After doing this for a few weeks, it's no longer a choice for me, rather just part of my day. 
• Be Positive: Instead of looking at this as a dreaded task, make it something you look forward too. Think of all the great results you will see and how energized you will feel after. Not only does it help me physically, but it clears my mind as well. If you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, running and jamming to music just by yourself could really be relieving. I use Spotify which you could make your own work out play list or find one you like.
• Switch it up: Sometimes doing the same workout can get boring, so don't be afraid to change things up! There are an array of options from the fitness center to the gym courts to outside. Don't feel like doing the typical treadmill and dumbbells? Play a game of your favorite sport instead. You're getting a workout while having fun with a game you love!
• Get Inspired: I definitely have my days where I would rather sit on the couch and eat ice cream instead of going to the gym, which is why I have my board of inspirations. On Pinterest, I have a whole board dedicated to health filled with workouts, healthy routines, recipes, quotes, etc. Looking through this helps me get that push to get moving! Check it out here!
• Don't want to leave your room... No problem!: If it's a snowstorm outside or you simply just don't want to walk all the way to the gym, there are ways around it. I have come across a ton of workouts that you could do just in your room. From full body to arms to butt, there is always a workout to get your in for the day. I have a lot of pins for at home work outs, but I found a great channel on YouTube as well. Victoria Secret Model Workouts is a great channel with amazing at-home workouts!

Next time your ready to get moving, think of these tips and you will be golden! 

Make-Up Game or Gain?

As a college female, make-up that doesn't cost a fortune is a blessing. Now, I'm not huge into make up and am definitely no style guru, but I still need and love the basics. That being said, I hate spending a ton of money on make up. So, what if I told you there's a way you don't have to either. Whether you absolutely love doing your make-up or just put it on to not look like a zombie (like myself), there is a way to buy make up for less.

All of the make-up I use is brands you could find at any drugstore or even Walmart. Just because I don't buy it at a high end store doesn't mean it isn't as good of quality. Beauty stores like Ulta sell these drugstore products along side higher name brand/more expensive products. There should be no shame in getting good deals on beauty products!

These are the main products I use on almost a daily basis. These can all be found at almost anywhere that sells makeup!

Below are the prices I paid for each product (without any coupons or sales that there were on the products):

• Stiletto liquid eyeliner - $7.51
• Stay Matte foundation - $4.72
• Age Rewind concealer - $7.54
• Dream Wonder powder foundation - $8.99
• Ulta blush brush (I got this for free from a friend)
• Eyelash curler (I got this in a set with other products, but alone it's around $2)
• Colossal mascara - $5.09
• Vaseline lip balm (I got this one for free from a friend)
• Covergirl blush - $4.98

I bought all of these between Ulta and Walmart which means the prices could vary. Also, I rarely pay full price for anything, so I used whatever coupons I could and took advantage of buy one get one 50% sales. Both Walmart and Ulta usually have coupons for certain products. A common sale with Ulta is to get $3.50 off a purchase of $10 or more.

If you want to check out Ulta and shop online click here! (http://www.ulta.com)

Next time you need to replace your old mascara or run out of your foundation, remember that you don't have to spend a fortune! 

Receipt Surveys

As a college student, discounts are a must. Whether it's at your favorite retail store or local fast food restaurant, there is always a way to find a deal. One that I have discovered and actually tried out this weekend was completing surveys off of receipts. I know at first this sounds like a lot of work, but trust me it will only like a few minutes out of your day and you will most likely get a nice deal from it!

As I said, I just recently completed a survey from a receipt...specifically, McDonald's. Laugh all you want, but from a few questions that took me 2 minutes, I received a code for a buy one get one free Quarter Pounder or Egg McMuffin. Now, I have never done this before and usually just throw the receipt out right away, but this time I figured I'd give it a chance and I'm pretty glad I did!

Some other fast food joints that I know has the same concept are Subway, Taco Bell and Chick-fil-A. Subway gives you a free cookie on your next purchase, Taco Bell puts you in a $500 sweepstakes and Chick-fil-A gives you a free item on your next visit, like chicken nuggets. 

A few other places that give you free items (According to Simple Most):

• Dunkin Donuts
• Wendy's
• Burger King
• Moe's
• Baskin-Robbins

In addition to restaurants, these surveys can be found on stores receipts as well! Like I mentioned in a few of my other posts, I work at Old Navy. Every receipt that is printed and given to the customers has a link to a survey where the customer can rate their experience and then receive a code for 10% off their next purchase. 

According to The Penny Hoarder, some other stores that give discounts with their receipt surveys are:

• Victoria Secret
• Bath & Body Works
• PetSmart

I know there are many other companies that do this, but these are just a few examples to show you how common this actually is! There are more stores than you think that will either give you free items or discounts just by answering a few questions online. Go ahead and give it a try, because these little discounts will make a huge difference, especially on a college budget!

How to Make & Save Money

Hi everyone! As you all know, I am a broke college student that shares ideas that I come across or even experience myself. So today, I thought, what is better than sharing my tips on money itself? That's right, today I am sharing with you how I make and save money as a college student. Starting at age 16 in high school I have had a job and have gained many more as the years go on. Each year I have a new reason to need more money, which means more work and more saving for me. Now it does take a lot of discipline and hard work, but it is certainly possible as a full time student to continuously make money for both spending and saving.

1) Retail is not only a way to spend money...
Like I mentioned before, I started working at the age 16 at Old Navy in an outlet mall near me. Now first jobs are never the best time of your life, but it gets you where you need to be. Yes, the dreaded retail. And guess what? I still work there...four years going strong. All joking aside, this job has kept me on a steady paycheck, big or small, for four years. I have been there long enough that I know its reliable and I have come to know and appreciate the people there and the actual job itself. Another plus is there are retail jobs in ANY city you go. Retail is most likely always an option which also means you can move within your store from city to city. And don't forget the best part...discounts!

2) Work Study
This is a huge lifesaver when I am here at school and need money just to basically survive. It isn't the highest paying job, but it is enough to put a little extra in my pockets and it is not hard at all! I work about 5-6 hours at our university's bookstore every week. This gives me about $72 every two weeks. Now I know this doesn't like much, but when I just need some money here or there, it is just enough. Plus, it isn't a very strenuous job and it's right on campus which makes it even better.

3) Cold hard cash
A second job that I have had for two years now is bussing and hostessing at a local restaurant. With this job, I get a lot of tip money which can be very dangerous. Personally, when I have cash, I am more tempted to spend it. That being said, I came across a trick for saving cash that I used last summer and it helped me save hundreds of dollars. Every time I got a $5 in cash, I put it aside and counted it all up at the end of the summer and put it in my savings account. I know $5 doesn't seem like a lot up front, but it adds up quick!

4) Coins count too!
Just like the $5, don't forget to save all of your change too! My family and I practiced this all last year when saving for Ireland and it was definitely worth it. Any spare change you come across put aside in a jar and count it up at the end of the year, summer, or whenever you need/want the money. I'm telling you, it will be a pleasant surprise!

5) Selling back clothes 
What could be better than getting cash for clothes you don't even wear anymore? Exactly, nothing. Plato's Closet, which I have talked about in my previous post (Shopping On A Budget) is a name-brand second hand shop that sells and buys gently used clothes. I have gone here on numerous occasions to sell back clothes and most of time get at least some money for it. Don't expect a ton of money back, but it is definitely enough to buy a new outfit to replace the old one you just sold back. Or if you're being good, $20 you can put aside in your bank account.

Below is a video that explain Plato's Closets buying process:

Shopping Online

Online shopping has become huge within the past few years for being both convenient and sometimes even cheaper. Many people, including myself, have succumb to this trend which isn't necessarily a bad thing.  Without having my own car on campus, it's harder to get to the mall or any stores I need to go to. Being able to just shop at home from the comfort of my bed and pajamas is an unarguably great alternative. Another plus is that there are almost always "online only" sales that you won't find in stores. That being said, today I'm going to share with you a few companies that have great online products and sales. These are just a few websites that allow you to order online and receive right at your door just from the click of a button!

      Retail Stores:

• Old Navy
• Forever 21
• Aeropostale
• American Eagle
• Charlotte Russe

      Food:

• Papa Johns
• Dominos
• Jimmy John's

In addition to the stores having their own sales, there are multiple companies designed to provide you with even more coupons. Every time I plan to shop online, I check these websites to check if I could save any more money.  I always use Retail Me Not but another website that is popular is Groupon. Also, always check what their shipping rate is, some have flat rates, free over a certain amount or if you're lucky, completely free!

Now, there are also businesses that are strictly online but I have personally never ordered off one of these. I've seen that they are very cheap but some are risky as you might not get exactly what you thought you ordered. My best advice for these is to just be careful; I usually trust companies that I have heard about before. Basically, if the site gives you a sketchy vibe then it probably is. As great as online shopping is, it can be risky especially with cheap, foreign websites. Be careful where you shop and put your card information into. Yet, if you are just aware and stick with websites you know are legit, you should be just fine. 

In the future, if you are looking for something in particular or just want to shop around for fun, try out some online shopping, you won't regret it!

St. Patrick's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day! In honor of this holiday, I am designating this post to looking your ultimate best for the day. Being at an Irish catholic school, St. Paddy's Day is a huge deal here. From beginning to end, it is always important to show your Irish pride. From nails to accessories to the perfect outfit, I have the best guide on how to be ready for this crazy day.

• Nails:

I went for a more simple look yet still including the glitter and Irish feel. On both ring fingers, I did the Irish flag with gold, white and green and the index fingers, gold glitter. On the rest, I did a simple green glitter nail polish. 

• Outfit:

An obvious huge part to this look is your outfit and there is only one rule you need to follow: green, green, green. Anything green and and you're solid. I usually go with a green Mercyhurst T-shirt since one of our colors are green and I can be comfy and casual. But, it is honestly up to how far you want to go and whether you are going for the dressy look or casual. Below is my friend who has basically the best shirt for today, "Straight Outta Ireland". 

• Accessories:

Lastly, is what ties it all together. Accessorizing is one of the most fun and important parts of getting ready for today. There are a lot of places that sell cheap holiday gear. Most of the time we go to CVS since it is right next to my school, and usually everything is under $5. 

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

A Trip to the Grocery Store

Happy Monday everyone! To start the week off and to go along with my last post regarding clothes shopping, I thought it would be a perfect day to talk about grocery shopping. Buying groceries is always a dreaded task, especially on a college budget. What makes it even harder, is trying to keep a healthy diet on this budget. Ever since my sophomore year in college, in which I have a whole kitchen, I have had the opportunity to buy my own groceries and cook my own food. From drinks to snacks to dinner, it is now up to me on what I want to buy. Now this can definitely be dangerous, but with a little bit of determination it is certainly possible to find healthy foods for a great price.

Here is a list of just a few groceries I love not only because they taste great and are great for you, but also because they're for a reasonable price!

1) Lemons. (Putting lemons in your water makes it taste even better and has a lot of benefits. Click here to see some of the benefits: Benefits of lemon water)

2) Frozen vegetables. These are only $1 a bag and last forever. A lot of the times I'll make them as a side for dinner and they are so easy to make.

3) Cheese sticks. You can usually get a 12 pack for about $2. Cheese is always delicious and quick, healthy snack.

4) Bananas. This fruit is so delicious on its own, with peanut butter, nutella, cereal, oatmeal and so much more. For a whole bundle its usually around $1. They are perfect for on the go or breakfast!

5) Eggs. Who doesn't love breakfast? Or even breakfast for dinner? Eggs are only under $2 for a dozen and are amazing for any meal. (They're also great for protein which is an extra bonus!)

6) Frozen chicken (breaded, cutlets...whatever you prefer). Frozen chicken is so easy to make and so universal! I make meals like chicken and rice to chicken parmesan to chicken and veggies. It is such an easy meat to make and good for you.

Some others just to list off would be:

• Hummus
• Yogurt
• Oatmeal
• Pasta
• Carrots
• Peanut Butter
• Potatoes

Now, I am usually a Wegmans shopper, but here at school it is a lot easier and sometimes cheaper to shop at Walmart. Once I started doing my grocery shopping here, I discovered their beloved coupons site. Here, Walmart has all of their current coupons; just simply print, cut and take them the next time you go shopping!

Walmart coupons

These are just a few staple items in my kitchen that have never failed me! They all add to a healthy diet but won't break your bank. I hope you can take these tips and use them on your next grocery shopping trip.

 

Shopping on a Budget

Hello followers! Over this past weekend I went on a little shopping spree...well a college version of a shopping spree. But don't worry, it doesn't seem as bad or scary as it sounds! I have learned and almost perfected how to still get a cute wardrobe while on a budget. It's not as hard as it seems and it can be a lot of fun hunting for the perfect deals!

One of the most important factors in finding reasonable priced clothes is obviously the stores you shop at. Some of my favorites are TJ Maxx/Marshalls, Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, Old Navy and Plato's Closet. All of these give you a variety of styles and always have great deals and/or coupons!

This past weekend I ventured off to TJ Maxx, Forever 21 and Plato's Closet. I ended up with a dress, pencil skirt, pants, two tops and workout leggings.

The Nike dry-fit shirt, black and gray capri leggings and mint/gray t-shirt were all from Plato's Closet for a total of $24. Plato's closet is a second hand shop for teens that only sells name brand, basically new, clothing. I have bought many items from here and have never been disappointed or regretted it. Another great thing about it is if you have any gently used clothing (male or female), you can sell it to them and get cash back right then and there! A lot of times I sell my clothes that I never really wore and just buy new clothes from their with the money I got from selling. It's a perfect trade!

Here is a link to their website where you can find out more information and see if they are located near you!
Plato's Closet

The dress was from TJ Maxx for $15 in which I had a gift card (gift cards are a blessing) so that basically cost me nothing. TJ Maxx and Marshalls always have great deals on a lot of popular name brands!

My last stop of the weekend was Forever 21. Here, I got black jeans and a black pencil skirt for $14!! They were both clearance but just as good. A lot of times, they have an amazing sale of buy one get one free on all clearance items which I always try to take advantage of. Of course this weekend, that was not the case, but I still lucked out with a great deal. Two staple items I have been needing for under $20!

One overall tip that could help anyone is to check Retail Me Not before making any purchase! Before I buy anything whether online or in-store, I always check this site to see if there are any on going sales or coupons that I could use. It is super easy and quick to use and could save you a lot of money! From a code for free shipping to 20% off, there is a range of coupons on this site.

Happy Shopping!

DIY Facial Scrub

Happy Tuesday friends! I hope your day was as sunny and warm as mine here in Erie! As many will know, this is not typical weather for March but hey, I'm not complaining. The warm sun and taste of spring made a long Tuesday a lot more bearable. To keep up with this positive, bright vibe I decided it was the perfect kind of day to try a natural, bright and energizing face scrub! Now that we are finally getting into spring, it is time to come out of your winter slump and get that natural glow for the warm days ahead!

What screams bright and energizing better than lemons? Exactly...they're perfect. Mix the juice of one plus sugar and coconut oil and you have the perfect facial scrub. That's right, only three ingredients that cost almost nothing!LE

• Lemons: about 50 cents
• Sugar: under $3
• Coconut Oil: This can vary depending on what brand you get. Mine was about $7 but it lasts forever and you can get so much usage out of it!  (Different uses for coconut oil)

After trying this out with my roommate we were more than happy with the results. The lemon juice
"wakes up" your skin with the sugar giving it that scrub affect by exfoliating and getting rid of dry skin. The coconut oil then gives your skin that smooth feeling even after washing the scrub off. This is an overall perfect facial, especially in the morning to help wake you and get you ready for the day!

Another plus to this recipe is it has a great shelf life! It can last about 6 months and doesn't need to be refrigerated! This way, you can make it once and continue to use it for months!
In addition to saving extra for yourself, this could also be a great gift idea for anyone into beauty or natural products.


Linked below is another blog I came across that gives some really cute ideas on how to make this a perfect gift!

http://chiccalifornia.com/2014/04/23/diy-lemon-and-coconut-oil-sugar-scrub/#comments

Whether you need a little something to enhance your skin or a cute gift idea, this lemon scrub is the perfect alternative! For such a small price, you can make an all natural facial scrub that I promise will not disappoint!

Fulfilling Your Sweet-Tooth Craving

Happy Friday everyone! I'm sure all of you, like myself, could not be happier that it is finally Friday!
To start the weekend off right I figured I would share a delicious and of course cheap dessert I tried out myself! I first found this recipe when browsing on Pinterest and knew I had to try it right away...

Chocolate Chip Cookie Reese's Brownies

I know, I know... basically heaven.

But what makes it even better is it cost almost nothing! So to any other broke college student out there having those sweet tooth cravings, here is your answer.

All you need is:

• 1 pack of Pillsbury Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough
• 1 box of brownie mix (any brand you prefer)
• A pack of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

Don't worry, the process is easy as well..

1) Cut off slices of the cookie dough and form them to the bottom of each cupcake liner (about 1/4 thick)

2) Put a whole Reese's cup upside down on top of each cookie dough filled liner

3) Make up the brownie mix following the directions on the box. Then, pour brownie mix on top leaving some room for it to rise

4) Stick them in the oven (preheated at 350 degrees) for roughly 20 minutes

5) Most importantly, enjoy!

I shared these with my roommates and boyfriend and there were no complaints! It is definitely a perfect easy and cheap recipe that will fulfill your chocolatey cravings!!!

Here is the link to the recipe from Pinterest that I used!

http://cooking4love.com/2013/04/07/chocolate-chip-cookie-reeses-brownies/

Enjoy! :)

See More, Spend Less

As I mentioned in my first post, I recently traveled to Ireland with my school. A group of about 30 of us ventured off to the beautiful country for about two weeks. Within this time frame we explored Dublin, Dungarven, Galway and many other small towns in between. Traveling was always something I have dreamed of doing and getting this little taste of it has only made me want to continue traveling more. Yet there is always one problem that comes into play with traveling around the world: money. As many will know, traveling is a pretty expensive hobby. From plane tickets to meals to entertainment, there is no question that it could drain your bank account. But do not fear, I have learned a few tips along the way that could help almost anyone enjoy their traveling experiences for less!

1) Split Meals
At first, you will be totally pumped to try all the new and cultural foods of where you are visiting but I am here to warn you; you don't need three full meals every day. In the two hostels we stayed at they provided somewhat of a free breakfast. Take advantage of this! Every morning they had out free toast, fruit, cereal and juice for all guests. It wasn't a five star meal by no means but it will save you that extra 5 euro for breakfast. It is enough to get you started for the day and it costs nothing! Another tactic that my friends and I used whenever in Ireland was splitting bigger meals like lunch or dinner (depending on where we went). When moving from place to place with no set "home" to go back too, there is no room/need for leftovers. That being said, don't go for a huge expensive meal when you know you won't eat it all. Split with a friend; that's half the cost and no food to be tempted to lug around for later. I promise you, that half a fish you didn't finish is not worth carrying around for hours that you probably won't end up eating later...

2) Walking 
Not only is this a great exercise, but it is an amazing way to save money and explore to the full extent. Especially in Dublin, we walked to a majority of our destinations, map in hand, and I do not regret it one bit. By actually walking around the city, it gave us the opportunity to find new things that we never would have if just stuck on a bus. Half of what we did in Dublin was from just walking around and unplanned. Now don't get me wrong, if something was all the way across the city and it was down pouring out we would take a taxi. This only cost us about 2 euro each since we were splitting it five ways. So long story short, if you keep public transportation to a minimum and walk instead, you will not only save a ton of money, but discover a whole lot more!

3) Free Admissions
This one is pretty self explanatory. Always look for places that are free of charge to enter or public places like parks and stores. Museums, libraries, parks, malls, pubs, cathedrals, Trinity college; all places we went that cost nothing to go to. Yeah, maybe a library isn't the first place you would want to go to but you're in a totally different country! Anything is a cool experience and everything is an open opportunity to get to know other cultures. In all of these places,

I got to talk to many natives to Ireland and that's when you really get the full experience. Take in all of the countries history and get to know the people from there and even better, get to do it all for free!

4) Souvenirs 
As tempting as it may be, do not buy the very first thing you see, especially in the big cities. A lot of souvenir stores have the same memorabilia and some are a lot more expensive than others. Wait a few  days after you've shopped around and then start thinking about buying. Another thing is sometimes freebies and pictures are the best souvenir. Don't think you have to spend hundreds of dollars to remember where you went. Having a ton of pictures is one of the best gifts you can have. Also, a lot of places we went to had free gifts. It could range from a pub poster or free postcards that won't cost you a dime. Think before you buy and remember that memories are the overall best souvenir!

Traveling over seas was with no doubt, one of the best experiences of my life and something I think everyone should experience. Don't let money be in the way of stopping you from experiencing your dreams. If you follow these tips and are overall sensible, the cost will be a little less scary. Take advantage of study abroad opportunities, there is only so many chances you get!

Cheers!
Olivia B.

A Little About Me

Hello friends!

First, I want to start off with a little introduction to tell you a bit about myself and where I come from. I grew up in a very small town in the Finger Lakes where I went to an even smaller k-12 school. Throughout my years in school, I participated in tons of extra curricular activities including sports, musicals, honor society and more. Here, I made many close friends that I still keep in touch with now. I strongly believe that these friends in addition to my family and living on the lake has made me the person I am today. I am a very hands-on, positive and adventurous person and still try to be here at university. After graduating in 2014, I began attending Mercyhurst University in Erie, PA studying marketing and graphic design. This is when I officially began living the broke life. Luckily, my parents have always taught me that life is all about the little things, and I have lived by this whole heartedly (and I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing). Yet this hasn't held me back from living an amazing life. Just about a month ago I traveled to Ireland with the university along with other great experience here that don't have to cost a fortune. From baking to crafts to travel tips and more, I hope to provide my followers with awesome ideas they want to try themselves. Whether they're ideas I find elsewhere or ones I come up with myself, I hope my ideas can help you have a creative life for less!

Until next time,
Olivia B.