Friday, September 19, 2014

10 Fall Staples You Need in Your Closet for $50 or Less

Utility Jacket

An army or utility jacket does some serious wonders for any fall wardrobe. Throw it over basically anything to up the style factor over your favorite outfit, or even just a tank and blue jeans. 

Image: target.com

$45 Target 


Leather Jacket

A leather jacket is a total necessity for any cool girl's wardrobe. Much like the utility jacket, you can throw this over anything and instantly make you look like you put a sold extra 30 minutes picking out your outfit. 


Image: target.com
$45  Target

Grey Sweatshirt for Layering

Throwing a simple light hoodie under another jacket is such a great way to add layers for warmth as well as give your favorite jacket a different look to it! 


Image: old navy.com
$20 Old Navy

Black Jeans

Black denim is a must for a day-to-night look! 


Image: us.levi.com
$40 Levi

Heeled Booties

Heeled booties instantly add a more on-trend element to any outfit. 



Image: dsw.com
$50 DSW

Converse

White tennis shoes, alternatively, can dress down any outfit. (Hint: pair with a little black dress and a leather jacket for a cute but playful day-to-night look.)

Image: dsw.com
$45 DSW

Oatmeal Colored Sweater


Perfect for the fall time! You can pair this with any outfit to make a casual and cozy look or just wear it lounging around the house.

Image: tillys.com
$33 Tilly's

Denim Jacket

Denim jackets are perfect for the awkward transitioning from spring/summer to fall/winter.


Image: taget.com
$30 Target

Little Black Dress

I think this is self-explanatory?

Image:  lulus.com
$42 Lulu's


Black Heels

This season, add a pair of pointed pumps to any outfit to update it and dress it up at the same time!


Image: lulus.com
$23 Lulu's

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Wanderlust on a Budget




I personally believe that some type of studying abroad should be a requirement for undergrads. There is no better way to learn more about the world and yourself than traveling and living abroad. Stepping out of my comfort zone and into the unknown was one of the most rewarding experiences that I’ve ever  had, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I now have the travel bug and a never ending urge to get out and explore. Due to a lack of funds and five months traveling in an expensive country, I’ve dedicated a lot of time into finding ways to budget travel.


I haven’t come across a way to travel cheaply that avoids working. While at first this might seem like a dagger, working abroad allows you to fully immerse yourself in the culture and opens so many doors for new relationships. So, keep an open mind while reading through these ideas. Bon voyage!

1. Workaway- Workaway is a website that is based both domestically and internationally. The aim is to connect hosts in need of some type of work with travelers that are willing to help out in return for room, board, and sometimes extra cash. The jobs range from coffee baristas to social reps to nannies, and the locations for these jobs are literally all around the world. A membership costs about twenty five dollars and gives you access to reviews and host contact information.
http://www.workaway.info/

2.  Helpx- Helpx is very similar to Workaway, although the hosts and jobs differ. Take a look at both. There are so many opportunities! Helpx costs twenty dollars for two years. You can get a free membership, but you will need to upgrade to premier to get all of the features.
http://www.helpx.net/


3.  World Wide Organic Farming- WWOF offers volunteers the opportunity to work on organic farms around the world in return for food and room. Again, there are so many locations. The hours working depend on the farm chosen, so take a look around and find one that suits you!
http://www.wwoof.net/


4.   Au Pair- I have actually have a couple of friends who’ve done this, and they’ve absolutely loved it. This website connects families in need with travelers who are willing to nanny for and live with the host family. The hosts are found globally.
https://www.aupair-world.net/

Monday, September 8, 2014

The 9 Guys You Meet In College

The Gay-Straight Guy

We all know what I’m talking about. He hasn’t technically come out as gay, or maybe he just doesn’t even realize he’s gay. But everyone else knows it already. He probably has mostly girl friends, or girl roommates, and he’s never tried to hit on you. He might even have a girlfriend, but I can vouch from one of my best high school friends, that a girlfriend implies “straight” but it does not guarantee “straight.” Basically, we’re all just wondering when/if he’s going to come out of the closet.

The Good Time

He’s always down to party. If you’re itching to go out, regardless of what day of the week it may be, you’re going to text him. You’re going to text him because even if there isn’t anything happening, he will have you and all your friends over to get blacked out on any given night. The best part about him, you feel no obligation to hook up with him. Like ever. If you don’t have one of these guys in your life yet, you need to get on it.

The Liability

Not to be confused with “The Good Time.” He can be so fun, and such a homie. However, he often raises the question: How can one person drink so much and not die? He has a liver of steel and will outdrink everyone every time. This does not mean, however, that he can hold his liquor well. If there’s pee in your trash can in the morning, it was probably him. If there’s someone passed out on your front lawn in the morning, it’s probably him. If there’s a hole punched in your wall, it was probably him. And lastly, if you hear sirens, you can bet your favorite mascara that it’s probably him. Long story short: proceed with caution. 

The Creep

We all know this guy all too well. He seems nice and cool, maybe even attractive. The problem, once you’ve gotten a little more than halfway through freshman year, you see his true colors. He loves freshman, but mostly he loves anything that will hook up with him. He offers endless shots and way too many hugs. He has no idea what the friend zone is simply because he purposely tries to get there, then makes his move. Be weary because he has an obscenely high “number” and who knows where he’s been. Do yourself a favor and either steer clear, or at the very least. make sure there’s a condom present.

The Frat Star

He. Loves. Drinking. Not to the point of "The Liability", but pretty damn close. You can find him caveman-ing a beer, shotgunning a beer, or buying a new pair of Sperry's. The library probably won't be the best place to look for him, so you should probably head over to the fraternity house. He loves his frat brothers, he loves his team, but most of all, he loves Natty. 

The Geed

The GDI (God Damn Independent), or as I prefer to call him, the Geed. He is prepster meets hipster. Probably a journalism student. Probably has his own business of some sort. He doesn't get all caught up in the fraternity lifestyle, or so he thinks. The Geed can often times be even frattier than an entire fraternity combined. I don't know how this happens, but it is definitely a recurring theme in the Geed. 

The Ex

He’s at every party you go to. You don’t know why. It’s seriously so annoying. It would be cool if you could just be friends with him, but then he makes some gross rude comment that makes you feel a liiiiiiittle violated. DO NOT HOOKUP WITH HIM. It’s the worst. You aren’t going to get back together if that’s what you're hoping for, and furthermore, if you hooked up with him you will be punished in the morning with bad sex, an awkward goodbye, and one hell of a hangover. 

The Potential Love of Your Life

The rarest of them all. If you managed to pull a Rihanna and find love in a hopeless place, props to you. It’s a hard thing to pull. Speaking of pulls, you probably met this guy taking one from a handle of vodka. So romantic right? Or maybe you got a little too drunk on a party bus and made out with him in front of everyone including his ex-hookup (whatever, she sucks anyway). However you met, you beat the odds and found someone worth hanging out with for a while. As long as he’s nice to you, treats you with respect, and you’re the only girl in his life, stick with it because he sounds like one hell of a catch.

The Teacher’s Pet


You don’t know him personally. Thank God. He’s just in your class. He makes jokes with the professor, kisses their ass, and always sits in the front row... by himself. He’s a total frat star (of a mediocre house), probably wears sunglasses inside, and has an opinion on everything. Even the teacher doesn’t like him. Outside of class, you can find him arguing with your professor about a single point on an exam when he already got an A. We all know him, we all hate him, and he is the only thing that actually made your 8am lab worse than the time you puked in a bush on your way there. 

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Cute Ways to Wear Your Shirt On Gameday

It's football season! Which means game day gear every Saturday, and sometimes you don't want to wear the same exact thing everyone else is wearing. So here are a few cute and easy ways to make a regular old T-shirt a little more stylish. (Warning: Don't get as cut-crazy with the scissors as I did.)

Low Back Tank Top


1. Lay the T-shirt down on a flat surface to that everything lays evenly.


2. Cut the sleeves off, keeping a very straight line until about the middle of your ribs. 


3. Cut the collar off. 


4. Flip the shirt over and cut straight down (from where the collar was) to about where your lower back would be, and then around and up again.


It's so easy! Honestly, I'm not very good with stuff like this. The ideas are there, but the skills are not. I tried.

       




Shirt Dress


1. Get a size XL shirt. You mostly just need something large enough to cover your butt, and oversize sleeves. 


2. Pull one arm through the collar.


3. Do the same with the other.


4. Make sure the sleeves are right side out.


5. Tie the sleeves together in the back. (Hint: A safety pin will help hold the loose ends together.)



There it is! Super easy, but really cute ways to wear your simple Game Day shirt. Let us know what other ways you like to wear yours!

Go Ducks!

Thursday, August 28, 2014

Best Drugstore Makeup Products Under $10

Liquid Foundation:


Maybelline Fit Me Foundation: The Fit Me Foundation is great for someone looking for light coverage, however, it is super build-able as well. 

Image: target.com


Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream: If you haven't hopped on the BB Cream Bandwagon yet, this is the perfect place to start. The Dream Fresh BB Cream gives light coverage all day and never feels heavy on your skin. 

Image: target.com


Concealer: 

Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer: This is my all-time favorite under-eye concealer. It can be tricky to find a concealer that covers dark circles well, but the Dream Lumi Concealer will keep your eyes looking bright all day. 

Image: target.com

NYX HD Photogenic Concealer Wand: The NYX HD Photogenic Concealer is the best at covering up imperfections. From slight redness to the zit of the century, this concealer will be there to help you out. 

Image: nxy.com


Powder:

L'Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Powder: This powder has such a nice application. It can be used to either set your liquid foundation, or provide light coverage when worn alone. 

Image: target.com

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder: The Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder is also another really great option, as well as my personal favorite translucent powder.

Image: walmart.com


Blush:

e.l.f. Studio Blush: These blushes' quality is unbelievable. At only $3, it's hard to find something as comparable to a high end blush for such a great value. 

Image: eyeslipsface.com

NYX Cream Blush: These blushes give off a very dewy, natural-looking finish that is very comparable to the MAC cream blushes (but at less than half the price). 

Image: nyxcosmetics.com

Bronzer:

N.Y.C. Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder: I feel like it is so difficult to find a drugstore bronzer that doesn't have chunks of glitter in it, but the N.Y.C. Bronzer in Sunny adds a natural sun-kissed look when applied all over. The matte finish makes it perfect for contouring perfect cheek bones as well.

Image: ulta.com

Eyeliner:

essence Gel Eyeliner: I have yet to find another gel eyeliner from the drugstore that stays put as well as the essence Gel Eyeliner. It goes on super black, and does not smudge at all throughout the day or night. 

Image: ulta.com

Revlon ColorStay Liquid Eye Pen: The ColorStay pen eyeliner is perfect for a fool-proof liquid liner application. It goes on very pigmented and stays on all day.

Image: target.com

Mascara:

Covergirl Lash Blast Volume Mascara: If you want thicker, blacker lashes with just a few swipes of mascara, this is the mascara for you. Covergirl Lash Blast is my go-to mascara for all types of makeup looks. (Hint: For lashes that hold their curl all day, get the waterproof version!)

Image: target.com

Lips:

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream: These Lip Creams are unlike any product I've ever used. They give the pigmentation of a lipstick, but have the texture of a creamy gloss, all while providing a beautiful matte finish without drying out your lips. 

Image: nyxcosmetics.com

Revlon Color Burst Lip Butter: The Lip Butters are an amazing product. They have amazing pigmentation and feel like putting on chapstick. Super moisturizing while providing beautiful color. 

Image: ulta.com

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Healthy and Affordable Grocery List


I compiled here through research and experience a list of grocery foods that are not only affordable, but also healthy and versatile. There are multiple delicious dishes to make with all of these, and you will find yourself using what you buy over a longer period of time. I typically like to get groceries from Safeway. Bon appetite!

Bread/Grains
Note: While looking for whole wheat, make sure that you are choosing an unrefined option.

  • Whole wheat tortillas
  • Whole wheat bread
  • Whole wheat English muffins
  • Whole wheat Pita
  • Brown Rice
  • Quinoa
  • Oatmeal 
  • Cereal. I highly recommend the GoLean Kashi cereals. I also love the Nature Valley Pumpkin Flax  granola.




Dairy
Note: Dairy is one food group that unfortunately does not work to buy in bulk. You will end up wasting money and food if you can’t go through it before it expires. 


  • Low-fat/Skim milk, or some sort of alternative such as almond or soy milk. I personally love Silk’s Sugar Free Vanilla Almond Milk.
  • Low-fat/Non-fat yogurt or Greek yogurt. Generally, try to avoid sweetened yogurt. A healthy alternative would be adding honey, fruit, or jam to your yogurt.
  • Reduced fat cheese
  • String cheese
  • Some type of butter or spread. Try to avoid those with hydrogenated oils.
  • Eggs



Meat/Other Protein Sources
Note: I have excluded red meats from this list because we find other meats to be healthier and more affordable. 


  • Skinless, boneless chicken breasts or tenders
  • Turkey
  • Tuna packed in water
  • Salmon burgers. I absolutely love salmon, but the filets are too expensive. I have found that buying salmon burgers are cheaper, and they go great on salads or just with some grilled vegetables.
  • Garbanzo, black, pinto, or lentil beans



Frozen Foods

  • Frozen peas and corn
  • Frozen edamame
  • Frozen berries
  • Frozen mangoes


Produce
Note: I love produce, but also understand how expensive it can be and how easy it is to run out. I took that into consideration while creating this list.


  • Fruit: Oranges, apples, bananas, grapes, kiwi, and papaya
  • Vegetables: Spinach (or another dark, leafy vegetable), kale, sweet potato, mushrooms, carrots, eggplant, and peppers




Snacks


  • Any type of all natural nut butter
  • Hummus
  • Dried fruit and nuts
  • Granola bars. These are extremely necessary with the hectic college lifestyle, yet granola bars vary greatly nutritionally. I recommend Kind bars, Lara Bars, and Think Thin bars. Look for a granola bar that has less than 35% sugar, and contains higher amounts of protein and fiber to keep you full.
  • Popcorn
  • Chia seeds. These are very filling and extremely beneficial to your health. Add them to yogurt, juice, smoothies, or anything else you can come up with! 



Condiments/Extras

  • Olive oil
  • Vinegar
  • Mustard
  • Some sort of hot sauce
  • Seasoning or garlic


Obviously, you’re most likely not going to buy all of this right away. Maybe pick out some of your favorites and get creative with the cooking! A couple last tips I have include:

  1. Buy bulk of non-perishables. Pay more now and you WILL save more later.
  2. Buy your fruit unripe, it will last so much longer.
  3. Stick to water as your beverage. It is both cost and calorie free, and staying hydrated is crucial for your health.
  4. Seasoning makes a world of a difference when cooking anything! Trust me, investing in some type of spice that you like will make all of your dishes better.



Monday, August 25, 2014

10 Best Affordable Sites to Online Shop

1. Tobi  50% off your first order and 30% new arrivals? It would just be rude not to tell you about Tobi.  I especially love their dresses, rompers, and night out tops. 



Images: tobi.com

2. Forever 21 Yeah, Forever 21 is kind of a no brainer, and I feel like we kind of all avoid it. But if you’re looking for something in particular, this is definitely one of the first places you should go. Their search bar makes the site a whole lot easier to get a good find at an affordable price. 

Images: Forever21.com


3. Lookbook Store If your Fashion or Clothing board on Pinterest is overflowing with clothes you wish you had in your closet (guilty), Lookbook Store is your newest savior. This site is going to be the easiest place to find all your latest pins. 


Images; lookbookstore.com


4. Urban Original Urban Original is something you need to add to your bookmarks ASAP. Cute clothes, lookbooks, and great prices are major aspects of the site. 


Images: urbanog.com


5. Go Jane Go Jane always has clothes that are completely on trend. My personal favorite section of the site is shoes. They always have a huge, unique selection.


  
Images: gojane.com


6. Papaya Papaya is very comparable to Forever21. There are so many different pieces of clothing, you just have to do a little browsing to find your style. But, once you do, you’re guaranteed a low price and something unique!

 
Images: papayaclothing.com


7. Lulu's Lulus has often been my first stop when looking for dresses to wear out. Great prices, and an even better sale section.

 
Images: lulus.com


8. Nasty Gal So this is one of the pricier sites on this list, but the sale section on Nasty Gal is unbelievable.

 
Images: nastygal.com


9. Urban Outfitters Again, maybe a little pricier for some, but Urban Outfitters’ sale section ranks among my personal favorites.

 
Images: urbanoutfitters.com


10. ASOS ASOS is a site everyone needs to know about. With a huge selection, and killer prices, you’ll always be adding stuff into your cart.

 
Images: asos.com