Being Frugal in College Series : Food

Food is a college students everything ! We eat to celebrate, when we are relaxing, or when we are sad... Food is comforting and seem to be there when no else is , its a college students go-to pick me up. With all the food that we eat , how in the world could we afford it ? Well, there are many ways college students survive off of the budget they we are given. If we want it, we will find a way to get our fix.
For the students who are on the colleges' meal plan, the cafe is the ideal place to eat "for free". The cafe has different varieties of food throughout the week that will fill you up until the next meal.In some instances its not always the best place to get food , but you have to make lemonade out of lemons. For instance, I rarely go to the cafe, but when I do I make sure to grab some fruit to take back to the room for a snack or breakfast the next day.  I also take advantage of taking the bottled milk thats in the cafe in the morning and use it for my oatmeal , cereal, or cookies for when I get back to the the room. There is also coffee to drink on the days that you simply can't afford to get your favorite Starbucks brew. My schools cafe also has Tazo tea packets that I stuff in my purse as well and save for later. I know you're thinking, "This will make me look like a complete weirdo ! ", but in college anything goes and its normal to see people stuffing food in their bags for later. We all know the struggle so, its a judge free zone!

Grocery shopping for food is also a great way to save your coins throughout the week. Always have a set amount of money that you would like to spend on groceries throughout the week. These groceries will come in handy when your money is getting to low to go out to eat. My favorite grocery store is Kroger because their are always great deals on food everyday. Kroger also has a clearance section with lower prices items such as cakes, yogurt, and drinks. I also tend to go to Kroger, because they have a way to save more by taking money off certain items if you swipe your Kroger's card. Also stores like Aldi has great low prices on food for your budget and a very simple store for beginner shoppers. Before going grocery shopping be sure to grab a Sunday paper and check out the deals and price match to make sure that your are getting the bang for your buck.
Lastly, for your frugal food spending you don't have to drop your favorite fast food spots. For example, I have text alerts from Moes,Popeyes,Subway, and Pizza Hut coming to my phone throughout the week with food deals. I choose whichever one I'm feeling that day and save by using my coupon code. Some food deals are an everyday thing or once a week deal. For instance,  Moes have Moe Monday and on this day burritos are 5 dollars and it comes with chips and salsa enough, to fuel you for the day. Popeyes has the 5 dollar box , in the box  there are 2 pieces of chicken a biscuit and 2 sides come as well ,which is really filling. Subway is also a money saver with the $3.50 six inch sub of the day throughout the week.

I love applying for the text clubs and emails because I still get to eat my favorite meals without spending too much money. I survive every semester using these smart habits everyday, it isn't easy but its worth it.

Being Frugal in College Series : Clothing

As a college student everything is expensive to us. We are literally stretching dollars to make it through the week.Some students work to afford their necessities,some rely on work-study checks , and there are those who are living off of allowances. College may seem fun, but everyday is a struggle.So, how do we do it ? Well, we budget and live off of the resources that is given. 

Clothing

College is the time in life were you can really express yourself and find out your style. Every one want to look good and make an lasting impression on professors and classmates.But, to stay in trend could get very expensive while being on a small budget. What some students fail to realize is there are places to shop with reasonable prices for college students. For example, In my college town we have a store named dirt cheap. Dirt cheap is an discount store with brand name clothing, shoes,furniture and home goods. Basically everything a college student needs. The Dirt Cheap in my neighborhood takes in overstocked target clothing which is really trendy for a student. The clothes and shoes are new with labels and are discounted for over half of the original price , which is really a good deal.

 Also, there is another store which is Plato's Closet ; this store has lightly worn name brand clothing that is affordable and trendy as well. But, they also will buy your lightly worn clothing giving you extra cash for your pockets ,if in dire need. Plato's is also known for there "bag day" On this day you can bring in a bag and fit in however many items into that bag and buy it for a set price. Now that's a steal! The thrift store is also a great place to go to save more money on clothes. The thrift store is great for buying winter coats , evening gowns,  or interview wear. These items will usually cost a heap load of money at Macy's or Belk but at the thrift store you could leave with a basket full of items with 20 - 40 dollars. Okay now that I got that out of the way; I know you don't want to fully throw away your favorite stores in the mall for secondhand clothing.So, I will give you a few tips for shopping in the mall. Most likely your favorite store has an email or text club to notify you on deals throughout the week. Be sure to pick out the best deal and use those deals at all times instead of paying the full price. Make sure you look in all of your favorite stores to get the best deal on the item that you are looking for. In lastly take advantage of holiday sales, make sure that you buy big items like coats,shoes,and bags during these sales to save more of your cash. These places are a sure way to keep you in trend on a budget.Just think smart and ask yourself,"Do I really need this items? ", or (  my favorite )" How may times will I actually wear this ?"Being a college student will definitely teach you the value of a dollar if you didn't know it before. Until next time,

 stay smart,work hard, and be frugal !

Life after College : What Now ?

Weeks before commencement most graduates are hit with the sudden realization that this is really happening. Some of us are filled with emotions of excitement, relief, and maybe even sadness. I'm in the stage of weariness. Now that I'm officially leaving questions such as "So have you applied for grad school?" are among some of the popular conversations pieces. I've spent most of my life in school and to be asked that question means there will no longer be an end to achieving the standard of success that others want you to. So this has me asking myself is my good not good enough? I was told in high school in order to get a decent job I must complete college , now that I'm here I'm now told that in order to compete I must go to grad school .  This isn't necessarily a bad thing to be pushed  as of a result of being greater; but what if you decide not to follow through with grad or getting a job soon after? Are you deemed to be a failure ? You aren't necessarily deemed to be a failure, but success isn't a sure thing after the degree. We have to remember that every thing is a one step at a time process. Not all graduates will get a job, car , or internship right away; but not having those things will make you work harder and appreciate those things when you do receive it. Personally I'm taking this time of not having any real responsibilities to take risks and reach for those dreams that I would like to pursue. I am moving away from home to my ideal state which is Florida and risking failure. I'm doing this now so that I can go for my dreams and never keep wondering what if I took that chance. This is the time to figure out what you truly want to do for yourself .Most likely you probably won't end up in the work force you majored in and thats fine.This is the time to set longterm and short term goals for yourself in order to achieve your definition of success.

Spring/Summer Essentials

Spring and summer is vastly approaching and we are super excited to get rid of our sweaters and slip on our swimwear ! 

Here are a few must haves for the sunny weather that is near.

 Shoes/ Sandals 

We can finally show off our pedicures, but which style of shoe would compliment our pretty toes ?

-Espadrilles 

These shoes are perfect for the beach,mall , or pool party all in the same day.

-Simple Strap Heel 

Keep it fashionable with the vintage style strap heel for meetings,dinners,or date with your boo!

Clothing

Yes, it is about that time to start wearing less and going out more, these items will be sure to have your potential boo gawking over you. 

-Body Swimsuit

Bikinis are old and tired ,try wearing a full body swimsuit that is fitting to your curves.This piece leaves more for the imagination.

-Mini T-shirt Dress

This Dress is ideal for the hot weather , you will look effortless bomb on top of that you won’t lose your comfort.

-Jogger Hem Shorts 

These shorts are transitional from the gym to hanging out with the girls. Try pairing these short with mini heels and bandeau and jean jacket to create a simplistic fashionista look. 

Purse ??

-Mini Backpack

First thing first, ditch the purse and get a mini backpack ! It's hotter weather meaning you need to carry around sunscreen, haircare items, gloss, and  that “just in case” swimsuit. A small backpack is more suitable for your summer carry along must haves.

Miscellaneous

-Lemonade Braids  

Beyonce scalp braids that she wore in her video Hold Up has just now gained popularity in salons across the nation. This style is quick easy ,affordable, and not to mention convenient. This style isn’t quite new ,butby Queen Bey rocking it in her video reminded many of us how trendy this style is.

-Satin Fabric

  

Satin-esque clothing and accessories are taking fashion shops by storm this year.The lustrous fabric is eye-catching and unique making it nearly impossible to not want to buy.

-Vintage Western Belt  

This style of belt has been added to every notable clothing store stock this year. This was one of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez's  favorite belts to wear and fans are paying tribute by imitating her style lately. Selena Gomez and Kendell Jenner are among some of the fans who are taking a liking to this trend.

Is Courtship Obsolete with Millennials : Single Female Problems

With the vastly growing popularity of technology, millennials has taken the tech route as the primary source of communication.The constant communication through technology has made courtship somewhat extinct.  Tinder is an dating app which has been construed into a hookup avenue for young adults, this ease of access has made it harder for people who are looking for a serious courtship to find true love. This way of communication has handicapped some millennials of not knowing how to approach a person formally. Commonly this generation does not look for love on dating sites, but instead through social media. There has been love stories throughout the internet of a love connection through sending DMs ( direct message ), but is that considered courtship? As a young single woman dating , I have experienced this form of "courtship'' way too often.Nowadays ,this generation has set the bar so low for dating that people settle for that standard.For example, if I'm "dating " a gentleman and ask him to go out for a movie or food often times its seems as if its taboo to ask for a real date.I'm not saying that dating should be in  the form that we see in old time movies but why can't it be? This generation commonly wait until after they have established a relationship with a label until they actually consider going out with each other. This practice is often caused by millennials dating multiple people at a time; they can't afford to get caught with another lover or either afford to take them all out.Netflix and chill is also the norm for dating that is popular with young people. This practice consists of watching Netflix and it ending in making out or sexual intercourse. So, young men expect a woman to give up her most sacred part of her to him, but  put in no effort or do the bare minimum in order to receive it. You can stand up for your moral beliefs and wait for the gentleman who could meet your expectations , but the practice of talking is so normal that it is hard to find that guy. So, what do you do just wait for a proper courtship that probably won't happen or lower you standards? Well, it has come to the conclusion that we have indeed lowered our standards with this form of dating for the mere reason that we don't want to be left out or alone no matter what the circumstances may be. I believe that if young women take a stand and don't be afraid to tell a potential lover what they expect, all the wrong candidates could be thrown out early before feelings get involved.