Superb Student Discounts (Part 2)

Good morning! Yesterday, I wrote a post on some great student discounts from your favorite retail stores. As I was researching and writing the list, I wondered if retail stores were the only places to offer student discounts. After an hour or so of searching and typing, I got a great list together of hang out and food spots that offer amazing student discounts. Let's start saving money!

Cultural Experiences and Entertainment

• AMC Theatres: student discounted movie tickets every Thursday

• The Art Institute of Chicago: $50 annual student membership, plus other various discounts within the Art Institute

• Broadway in Chicago: Ticket prices as low as $14.50 for select performances

Attention All College Freshman!

A few days ago, I got asked to write a blog on college essentials and advise for incoming freshman; which is such a great idea! Why didn't I think of that?

I decided that I would start with the advise part of the blog since it would consist of a lot of writing.

I had a ton of questions that I wish I would've asked before leaving for college and I faced a lot of things that I wasn't prepared for. I'm not going to lie, I was TERRIFIED to start college. I was also a little frustrated because I was already a freshman in high school and now I had to start all over as a freshman again; however, college is very different than high school. For example, you're living on your own, completely on your own. You will have to cook, clean and decide when you want to do your homework and study because there will not be anyone breathing down your neck telling you to do those things.

Starting with food, I would definitely learn some quick recipes that you can whip together before or after class. When I was going away to school I didn't even think about cooking, it didn't cross my mind, I just figured I would eat whatever I could find and whatever was quick; which is something you DO NOT want to do. Take a day to sit with your parents, or Google some easy recipes, and learn learn learn. You will ruin your body if you do not eat healthy. You will gain weight and all of the unhealthy food will run your body down and make you extremely tired; which isn't good because you need all the energy you can get in college!

Another important thing

Summer Sales!

The end of summer is the beginning of some great sales! I've been browsing the internet all weekend in search of the cutest items of clothing for the best prices possible! I know you're wondering, "Why would I want to buy summer clothes if fall is coming?" and I have the answer for you! Because most summer clothes can be transitioned into the fall season, since fall isn't as cold as winter. Fall serves as a medium between winter and summer and has a mild temperature; therefore, you can wear the new clothing you've purchased from the summer sales throughout fall. Also, why not stock up on some clothes for next spring/summer? It will be here before you know it! And imagine how exciting it would be to know you have a bunch of new clothes waiting to be worn! Definitely something to look forward to.

Let's start shopping!

Aeropostale "Sheer Cropped Crochet Tank" - $39.50 ON SALE $7.99

Inexpensive Ideas for Your Upcoming Party!

I recently read an article on Seventeen.com called "How to Throw a Kickass Party (and Pay Your Rent)" and I absolutely fell in love with the article. I felt like I HAD to share the ideas they came up with. The editors at Seventeen talked about 5 easy DIYS that will make your party stand out, all while saving money! 

Light-Bright Coasters

Apply vinyl stickers to a glass tile, then spray-paint the whole tile. Remove stickers after 30 minutes. Use a sponge to apply a thin layer of Mod Podge (prevents chipping).

What you'll need:

• Spray paint
• Painter's tape
• Vinyl stickers
• Mod Podge
• Square glass tiles

Glitter-Bomb Champagne Flutes

Using painter's tape, mark off the area you don't want to cover (start a few inches below the rim). Pour nail polish into a bowl, then blot it onto a glass with a sponge. Peel the tape once the polish has fully dried. TIP: A shimmery shade looks sleeker than chunky sequins.

What you'll need:

• Champagne flutes
• Sparkly nail polish (shown above is Essie Nail Color in Beyond Cozy)
• Painter's tape
• Small sponge

Earn-Your-Stripes Serving Tray

Stencil a design using a ruler and chalk (or eyeball it!), then cover lines with long strips of metallic tape. Using a box cutter, slice the tape so it lies flush against any edges. TIP: Rectangular trays work better than round ones.

What you'll need:

"WTF" Fun Facts!

Hello everyone! I apologize for writing this post so late but I've had such a busy day. I also stopped to pick up everything that is needed for tomorrow's DIY project! I'm so excited. Since I'm going to start uploading videos every Sunday, I've decided to change Thursdays to "mini post" days. Mini posts allow me to still put up a blog, just without all of the usual content; it's mainly for the shorter topics that I want to talk about. Today, I stumbled across a website that offers all of these very very interesting facts and I decided I would love to share some of my favorites with you!

Healthier Habits & Gym Gear (On A Budget)

Good morning! Another Monday, another work week. I've been in a great mood because I'm really looking forward to a vacation I have coming up to Florida! For my boyfriends birthday I bought him tickets to Universal Studios for the Halloween Horror Nights. We are so excited! Since we are going to Florida and the weather will be nice there, I decided there's no better day than today to start getting in shape! I went food shopping last night and bought ONLY healthy and nutritious food, which I plan on blogging about in the near future. In addition to me finding a pair of sneakers I FINALLY like, I also plan on signing up for the gym tonight! In honor of my new attitude, I've decided I want to write a blog post on some inexpensive gym clothes! I LOVE the way workout gear looks and I think that just because you're working out doesn't mean you can't look cute while doing it! Let's get started!

As I was browsing online I noticed Aeropostale had such great gym clothes for an even better price! If you're looking for affordable clothes Aero has really cute merchandise. They got a new designer around 2010 and ever since then the look of their clothes have improved a lot! I would definitely shop there.

Marled Contrast-Stitch Active Leggins - $39.50 ON SALE $20.00 

(Other colors available)

Inset Active Capris - $39.50 ON SALE $20.00

(Other colors available)

Duct Tape DIY's

It's already 7:00 pm! Today flew by before I even had the chance to consider blogging! Sorry for the late post, I had a birthday in my family and we celebrated all day with a shopping spree (on a budget of course)! Now, here I am blogging at 7:45 and I feel bad because it's super late but I'm going to make up for it!

For today, Sunday's, "mini post" I found this GREAT YouTube video from a very famous vlogger Blair Fowler. I was scrolling through her videos and this one caught my eye, especially because school is starting back up soon. The video is based on a very fun and inexpensive DIY for some back to school accessories.

All you'll need is an exacto knife and some duct tape! Yes, I said duct tape. Hard to believe, right? Watch below!

Beach Essentials! (On A Budget)

Happy Saturday! Thanks for stopping by! This morning when I woke up, I realized it's ALREADY August 10; which means summer is almost over. With summer coming to an end, most people make it a point to squeeze in as many beach days as they can. If you're thinking about hitting the beach soon, here are some essentials that you should bring along with you! 

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green - $17.99

Pick up a new book! Reading is one of the best forms of relaxation; combine that with the beach and it's a zen heaven! You could also bring school textbooks! Don't let your summer classes keep you inside; study on the beach!

Eos Lip Balm - $2.99

Keep your lips hydrated with some lip balm! One of the most important beach essentials. The sun can dry out your lips causing them to be serverely chapped. So, be smart and keep some lip balm on hand!

Back to School Bags! (On A Budget)

Good morning! It's been raining non-stop in New Jersey but it looks like it may clear up today! I hope it does because I really have to start squeezing in those beach days before school starts again! Although I love the summer and the beach, I really enjoy school, too. I love getting dressed for class, meeting new friends and professors and learning things that broaden your knowledge beyond belief. Think about it, each little thing, or topic, that you learn something about is one more thing that you know. If you pay very close attention in every class, you will be filled with so much knowledge that you won't know what to do with it! Every year before school starts, I go shopping for a "School Bag;" which is a bag I could use for some of the semester and one I can cram all of the stuff I need to use for class in. These days, most people just carry a handbag and call it quits because they think backpacks aren't the most stylish things; however I'm going to show you some greatly priced bags that can accommodate your love for fashion as well as those troublesome textbooks!

 Joyce Leslie "Into the Wild Fringe Tote" - Originally $19.99 ON SALE: $10.00

Fringe is great for the fall! As well as the black color with golden accents.

Joyce Leslie "Day in the City Spiked Mint Tote" - Originally $19.99 ON SALE: $10.00

Mint is the most popular color this season and so are the spiked appliques on this fashionable tote!

Wet Seal "Geek Canvas Tote" - $9.90

Steal Hayley Willams' style with this adorable geek tote bag!

Graphic Tee Tuesday (On A Budget)

Hello and thanks for stopping by! I have discovered a new obsession of mine that seems to increase daily: graphic tees. My favorite kind of graphic tees tend to be the ones with quotes printed on them. I mean, what's not to love about tees? They're extremely comfy and versatile. You can wear them lounging around the house, at the gym, or even at a casual event. If I could live in t-shirts I would and the fact that they have ones with pictures and eye catching quotes just increases my interest more and more!

Some graphic tees can run high in price. One of my favorite designers, Jac Vanek, has the most AMAZING graphic tees; however the price tag can be a little high but, sometimes it's worth it.

If you feel like splurging.. listed below are my favorite Jac Vanek graphic tees and their prices!

The "Your Blog" half tee - $49.00

"Sorry for Being Perfect" half tee - $49.00

"Pizza Boyfriend" tee - $64.00

Aren't they adorable? If you're interested in purchasing one of the t-shirts above, just click on the title of each t-shirt and it will lead you to the tee's page. Also, Jac has her tumblr blog located on the home page. She's awesome and her blog is, too.

If you're looking for some moderately priced graphic tee's we can move on to another one of my favorite designers - Brandy Melville. 

The "Stay Weird" tank - $18.00

This has also been seen on T.V star Lucy Hale from the hit show Pretty Little Liars!

Here's the t-shirt pictured on Lucy's official instagram - @LucyHale

Monday = Manicures!

It's Monday, again, and the beginning of another work week! Some people despise Monday, which I can totally understand, since it means the end of the lovely weekend and the beginning of a very long work week. One way to get over the Monday funk is to do something you enjoy after work on Monday; preferably something relaxing. If you give yourself a chance to relax and enjoy yourself you'll be ready for whatever the work week has to offer to you! One thing I love doing on Mondays is getting a manicure and pedicure! It prepares me for the long week ahead. I haven't gotten a manicure this Monday and, unfortunately, I don't intend to.. But I started looking for some cute nail art and nail colors that I may pursue for next Monday!

I love a good glitter ombré! The bold colors at the top attracts your eye to the nail then slowly fades to a gorgeous natural looking color.

This is definitely one of my top three favorites! I've been obsessing over the black and neon trend lately; especially when it comes to accessories such as your nails. Totally adorable idea for summer! 

 

If you want to keep it simple but add a little "pop" to your nail this is definitely the manicure for you! The vintage looking pink color gives off a classy and chic feel while the gold clump at the base of your nail is the perfect addition to ensure the nails aren't bland and boring.

This reverse French manicure is a new and fresh take on an old idea. I am loving the matte blue color paired with the sparkling gold base. This is a look I'd love to try for fall!

Budget Boots for Fall!

HAPPY AUGUST FIRST! Before I start writing today’s post I would like to say that I’m 200 views away from 3,000 views on my blog! Thank you to everyone who visited my blog and took the time out of their day to read each post!

I’ve been beyond excited to share this little treasure I found yesterday while browsing the internet for a pair of black ankle boots.  I’ll start from the beginning of my shoe journey. So, I was sitting on my computer at work and hunting for a pair of black ankle boots (which have been predicted to be the new “thing” for the fall season) and I couldn’t find a pair for under $75.00; well, a nice pair that didn’t look cheaply made. After browsing for a solid 30 minutes I came across a website called Make Me Chic. 

Make Me Chic is a website that offers you the newest and latest trends at an affordable price; pretty great for someone who’s on a budget! They have many different categories that you can shop from: dresses, shoes, swimsuits, accessories, etc but my favorites have to be the “Buy 1 Get 1 Free”, the “Sale” section and the “Shoes Under $20" sections. I mean, you don’t even have to browse through those categories for them to look appealing to you! 

After spending around an hour on this website I finally found the boots I’ve been longing for and they were on SALE! Ugh, what could be better than that!? They were originally $25.40 on sale for $15.30.. and if you think that’s the best part you’re wrong! They’re holding a special promotion right now and you can take an additional 30% OFF SALE ITEMS! They’re practically handing the boots to you! I was so thrilled I immediately added them to my cart because, surprisingly, they had my size. The total of the boots after I put in the discount code: 30SALEON (for the additional 30% off) came to $10.71. I couldn’t believe it! The 30% discount on the already marked down shoes knocked the price down $4.59 more; which is a great sale to me! I definitely don't mind saving an extra $4.59! And it gets even better.. they have a $5.99 flat fate for shipping (unless you want it expedited to you). So, all together the boots came to $16.70 including shipping. I was enthralled. 

Here’s a picture of the boots I ordered:

 They are the: Starcy41 Suede Cowboy Ankle Boots in black

They fit perfectly with almost any outfit and for any season! I plan on pairing them with a big winter sweater and high socks. Fall is my favorite fashion season. You could also pair the ankle boots with a pretty summer dress! They're the perfect boots for me!

I figured I'd look through the categories on Make Me Chic and pick out some of my favorite shoes and include the prices. Just in case you're thinking about getting an early start on your fall or back to school shopping!

Heels: 

Anne Michelle Momentum -40 Suede Pumps in black - $25.80

 Flats:

 

Bamboo Waranda-11 Pointy Studded Flats in black - $23.80

My Day in Delaware (On A Budget)!

I am so excited to write this blog post about my day in Delaware yesterday! If you didn't read yesterdays blog post, Cody and I decided to go to Ocean City, MD because we finally had a day off together! Also, it was like an early anniversary date. I had so much fun and I've been looking forward to sharing what I did and how much we spent in total with you! So, lets get started!

We woke up around 9 am to catch the Cape May Ferry (located in Cape May, NJ) which was going to Lewes, DE. It took the jaws of life to get me out of bed because I was so tired but eventually I got out and got dressed! We stopped at WaWa to grab some morning coffee, or in my case a French Vanilla Cappuccino, and headed toward the ferry!

We intended on getting on the 10:30 am ferry so that we would make it to Ocean City, MD, with plenty of time to enjoy ourselves. However, when we got to the ticket booth to buy tickets for the ferry, the woman told us that the 10:30 ferry was full; which meant we had to take the 12:00 one! We were so upset but she told us that sometimes if there's room we may be able to fit on the 10:30 one! Annnnnnnnnnnd.. luckily, there was room! We were the last car in our lane able to fit onto the ferry!

If you haven't been on a ferry before, it's a HUGE boat that you drive your car onto! It drives through the water (obviously) from one location to another, cutting the travel time in half. It makes it really easy for commuters because it's a shorter distance and if they commute back and forth from work everyday, they don't have to worry about being exhausted and falling asleep behind the wheel! The round trip price for the ferry was $80; that included the car, Cody and me. The $80 is definitely worth it when you think of how much you would've spent in gas driving there. Each ferry is different but they're HUGE usually 2-3 floors and very spacious. There's a great view, mini food court, arcade, TVs and everything else you could possibly ask for during your mini travel period.

Here are some pictures of the view:

 Birds always seem to follow the boat and sometimes you can even see dolphins!

Cody was having a lot of fun! We were loving the breeze coming off the water and we were still a little tired so it was keeping us awake! The morning was over-cast which was making us worried about the possibility of rain during our mini vacation. After about an hour and fifteen-ish minutes, we finally got to Delaware! And there was absolutely no traffic getting off of the ferry; it was very well ran. We had a 45 minute drive to OC, MD but we were excited to see cool stuff along the way!

Like this bridge for example:

"Still Into" Hayley Williams' funky fun outfit!

Have you seen the video for "Still Into You" by Paramore? If not you're not only missing out on a great song but an extremely daring outfit as well! The lead singer, Hayley Williams, pulls off one of the best outfits I've ever seen in a video; it's [the video] is fun and eccentric which definitely suits Hayley. Whenever the song comes on in my car I can't help but dance and formally embarrass myself in public; but the song is so catchy that the embarrassment is definitely something I can live with!

Here's the video:

I know, I know.. you can thank me later. It's great right!? So hard to contain those dance moves you've been dying to bust out. Since her unique outfit isn't the only thing that stands out to me, I'm also going to post the lyrics to the song!

"Still Into You"

Can't count the years on one hand
that we've been together
I need the other one to hold you
Make you feel, make you feel better

It's not a walk in the park
to love each other
But when our fingers interlock,
Can't deny, can't deny you're worth it
'Cause after all this time, I'm still into you

I should be over all the butterflies
But I'm into you (I'm into you)
And baby even on our worst nights
I'm into you (I'm into you)

Let 'em wonder how we got this far
'Cause I don't really need to wonder at all
Yeah after all this time I'm still into you

Recount the night that
I first met your mother
And on the drive back to my house
I told you that, I told you that I loved ya

You felt the weight of the world
fall off your shoulder
And to your favorite song
we sang along to the start of forever
And after all this time, I'm still into you

I should be over all the butterflies
But I'm into you (I'm into you)
And baby even on our worst nights
I'm into you (I'm into you)
Let 'em wonder how we got this far
'Cause I don't really need to wonder at all
Yeah after all this time I'm still into you

Some things just, some things just make sense
and one of those is you and I (Hey)
Some things just, some things just make sense
and even after all this time (Hey)

I'm into you, baby not a day goes by
that I'm not into you

I should be over all the butterflies
But I'm into you (I'm into you)
And baby even on our worst nights
I'm into you (I'm into you)
Let 'em wonder how we got this far

'Cause I don't really need to wonder at all
Yeah after all this time
I'm still into you
I'm still into you
I'm still into you

  

So catchy! My favorite part definitely has to be the line "Let 'em wonder how we got this far 'cause I don't really need to wonder at all." It's such a clever line and definitely one I can relate to. I've been with my boyfriend for almost two years and I still have the same feelings for him that I did the first day we met!

Here's a picture of Cody and I at my senior prom: 

Well, enough mushy love stuff and onto the topic I am MOST excited to write about: HAYLEY'S OUTFIT! I have been drooling over it, literally, since I first saw the video.

PERFECTION! From head to toe, perfection. It's very rare that someone could pull off a look like this, but she does effortlessly. If you're dying to know where each piece of clothing she is wearing is from, you're in luck because I did some research and found it all online! 

1) Topshop Dweeb Crop Top ($20.00),
2) Topshop Wide Hinge Detail Belt *SOLD OUT* ($40.00)
3) URB Neon Yellow Melting Tights ($65.00)
4) Dr Martens White 1460 Boots ($120.00).
5) Rose Pink Latex Swing Dress from Syren Latex ($243.00).
6) Unif Pastel Moto Jacket, available at Dollskill.com ($170.00)

In total this outfit comes to$658.00! Which is something a rock star could totally afford, however, that is definitely not realistic for someone with a budget! Which is why I'm going to give you some alternatives that are very similar but less expensive.

FriDIY! Make Your Own Lip balm!

HAPPY FRIDAY! The weekend is finally here and I'm sure many people are very excited about that! Since summer is here, beautiful weather comes along with it; allowing you to go to the beach, lay out by the pool and relax! Another thing that tends to come along with summer is chapped lips! I have such trouble with my lips being chapped during the summer season. Along with keeping my body very hydrated by drinking lots of water, which helps with chapped lips, another thing I am very persistent with is applying lip balm/chap stick. I am a huge sucker for lipstick because I am intrigued by all the fun colors you get to choose from. Whenever I'm in line ready to purchase my lipstick I always wish I could find a chap stick in the color I want. Then, suddenly, a light bulb went off in my head.. which led me to the idea of making my own lip balm!

Ever since college I've started shopping at CVS. They have GREAT prices and you can sign up for their "Extra Care Card" which offers you coupons and "Extra Bucks." The coupons are great and the more you spend the more you get rewarded with Extra Bucks. Extra Bucks is CVS cash that you can put toward your purchase lowering the price! After every purchase at CVS, you'll get your receipt with sooooo many coupons attached to it as well as how much "Extra Bucks" you've acquired. It also informs you of the great sales that will be going on next week! I highly suggest that you get all of your DIY needs for this project from CVS and get your own "Extra Care Card!"

Here's an example of what Extra Bucks look like:

Okay moving on! The items you will need for this DIY is vaseline, your choice of lipstick, and a small container to put your new lip balm into!

Pictured above are the items I purchased from CVS and in total it came to around $10.00. The 5 piece travel kit contained perfect containers for lip balm! I didn't mind buying the travel kit because I know it will come into use later and it was only $5.99! 

The lipstick is called "Blossom" by NYC. It was 99 cents and I fell in love with the shimmery pink color; so perfect for summer!

I decided on a small container of Vaseline and it was only $1.75!

Time to get started on the DIY!

Birthday (On A Budget)!

My boyfriend Cody's birthday was on July 16, he turned the BIG 2-1!

Here's a picture of the big, bad 21 year old eating the BIRTHDAY BREAKFAST I cooked for him!..

It was definitely an exciting time for, not only him, but every member of his family and his friends as well! We threw a "Christmas in July" themed party which turned out GREAT. We even rented a Sno Cone machine that was in the shape of a polar bear. It couldn't have worked out better! Now, I originally intended to fill up this post with details of the AMAZING dinner we had last night at Carmine's in Atlantic City, New Jersey, (located in the Tropicana Casino) but I'll save that for the next post!

So, let's start off with the food! My mom owns a restaurant in Ventnor, New Jersey, Called Domenico's. Luckily, she catered the party which saved me a very big amount of money! I was so relieved that I could put some of the food funds toward the decorations.

Here's a picture of the way we had the food set up:

I also picked up some snack food from Sam's Club. If you do not have a Sam's Club Card, I highly suggest getting one! They sell large quantities of food at (almost) wholesale prices. It's a great way to shop because it allows you to buy things in bulk for a cheaper price than if you were to buy them individually! I picked up a huge box of Capri Sun juice, lemonade, chips, dip, hamburgers, hot dogs, hot dog buns, hamburger buns, lollipops, those red candy-cane looking mints that remind you of Christmas :) and I also picked up this really cool iced tea pitcher! In total I spent about $150 there which was great for the amount of stuff I got, especially because everything came in such large quantities!

Now, onto the biggest hit at the party, the Sno Kone machine! It cost around $60.00 to rent the machine and then when you arrive at the store you have the option to buy the Sno Kone Juice and cups for the ice to go into. All together I spent $75.00 renting the Sno Kone machine. I got three packs of cups, the Sno Kone machine and two different flavored juices. Everyone LOVED it and it was well worth the money! I rented it from AC Party Rental located on the Black Horse Pike in Egg Harbor Township, New jersey.

 Here's a picture of the Sno Cone machine and their website: http://acparty.com/

My friend, Brittney, was REALLY liking the polar bear head.. Can you tell?

However, the thing that made my night wasn't the Sno Cone machine, it was the fact that everyone really took the theme of the party serious and got all dressed up for it! We had a green, red and white dress code and it made me so happy to see that people cared enough to acknowledge the theme!

Here's a picture of one of my favorite outfits from the night!

All-in-all the party was a HUGE success. It [the party] got us all in the Christmas spirit! Here are some more pictures from our very own Christmas in July celebration!