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!