spring break and online shopping

SPRAAAANG BREAK YA'LLL

Ahh Spring Break you are so close yet so far and I neeed you. I need James Franco with a grill and corn rows rapping about champaign showers and outer space, I yearn for it. The talk of spring break plans can be heard all over Rutgers, students planning their bon voyage to different states, all of which lead to warmth and alcohol.. and more alcohol. While others are planning their reckless trips to Panama City Beach and Miami, I'm over here planning what will most likely be the most insane trip of my life to Vegas. Selena Gomez like friends will not be partaking in this trip and neither will roofies (fingers crossed). I want to wake up with a tiger in the bathroom and I want to wear a satchel like Indiana Jones.

Everyday that a new order from Tobi or DSW shows up at my office, its like Christmas and my debit card is tapped out. Although this is my first official spring break trip, I'd like to think I'm a professional when it comes to online shopping, especially considering all of my purchases have been on point, except for the Victoria's Secret bikini top, but that was a gamble to begin with.

SIDE NOTE: Just witnessed someone in my class on my Facebook profile who I have never met. SURPRISE IM IN YOUR CLASS. I feel weird, and this person is going to feel weird when they turn around and see my face... moving on..

Here are my online shopping tips for you gals going away on Spring Break with a 50/50 chance coming back the same way you left.

1. Check your current inventory.

Nothing sucks more than having 3 of the same black body con skirts from 3 different stores. Chances are something will go wrong, wardrobe wise, on this vacation. Save that money for beer and french fries(you'll need them) and use the one you have.

2. Check the weather as soon as you have access for the dates you're going.

If the high temperature for the entire trip is going to be 65 degrees (its still March) don't go purchasing clothing thats meant for 90 degree weather, you'll be cold and sad. Mainly drunk, but also cold and sad.

3. Don't ever underestimate the power of coupons.

You can google the name of the store with the word "coupons" after it and you'll most likely find a deal you wouldn't have otherwise found. Oh the power of the internet.

4. Location. Location. Location.

Where are you going and what is the likely hood that you'll be using that $40 V-neck for a wet T-shirt contest? If you're going anywhere that involves pool parties and $2 margaritas, please PUT DOWN the J.Brand tank top and walk on over to H&M, your wallet and future self will thank you.

5. Check the reviews.

Holy Moly the money I've saved and mistakes I've avoided are endless all because of the wonderful review section. I consider everyone who posts a review about whatever I'm contemplating purchasing  a true friend and patriot. If there's no section for product reviews buy with caution unless you want to purchase two of the same thing, which face it, NO ONE WANTS TO DO THAT. Heels are hard enough to deal with, add the fact that they're a half size too small and you'll end up in a wheel chair or dead.

Lastly, have a wonderful time. 

Don't get roofied and don't decide to conclude your time away by killing James Franco, he's precious.

Uhh I'm posting this video because I will be seeing him in 5 days!

my current annoyance

To me, going on dates is something I've never gotten into, "dating" had never crossed my mind as a necessity or even desire. Going into CVS today had me scatterbrained, I went in to pick up something from the pharmacy and couldn't see passed the over priced chocolate and red teddy bears with heart shaped eyes. Why is it that love is shoved in our face one week after celebrating the new year? It's bad enough everyone is obsessing about their new years resolutions(no judgement, I hope you succeed!), health kicks and tweets out the ass saying "new year, new me". Did I buy a scale today? yes, but I'm also going to Vegas in two months, it has nothing to do with 2014. Anyways, as a young twenty-something, I'm stuck in this weird time where I claim I don't want to be tied down by someone of the opposite sex, but overpriced chocolate and ugly teddybears have the wheels turning. No, I don't yearn for Russell Stover boxed chocolate, but chocolate covered strawberries? Maybe...

I was told by a new friend not to become cynical about love just because its not something I want right now. Truthfully, being 23, I don't know what I want but I know what I'm not looking for, and thats a serious relationship. I also don't want to be making that classic drunk girl mistake of texting someone, who in all honesty I don't really care that much about stupid nonsense that I don't mean. They say, whoever they are, "a drunk mind is a sober heart" and I'm calling bullshit. In some cases, depending the stage of the relationship, being drunk and blurting out a particular confession can be grounds for termination but what if you mean it? Do you need to feel bad for voicing your opinion or feelings? So you "hook-up" with someone.. and then what? Do you just say your farewells and hope everything works out for the best? The whole thing is just plain annoying, hence the reason why I'm so-called "cynical" about relationships. It almost takes the fun out of the fun if that makes sense. I want to have fun but I also want chocolate covered strawberries from a cute boy who tells me I smell nice or something. It's a struggle and balance I'm currently trying to figure out. Overthinking it? probably.

it's goin' down, i'm yellin' TINDER.

Sorry for the Kesha reference guys, it just couldn't be more perfect for todays topic.

Let's not try and kid ourselves, Tinder is real and its taking over our love lives. As a young twenty-something studying for exams, my study breaks would be spent shamefully swiping left or right seeing what boy would pop up next. If you don't know what Tinder is then you're either in a blissful, loving relationship or you've been living under a rock. It's not match.com or eharmony, its for young(or old..ew) single people looking for a variety of things. These things can range from a simple hookup to a committed relationship. The beauty of Tinder is being able to talk to guys or gals you find attractive, I'm single, I'm busy, and sometimes I'm bored, so why not strike up a convo with a cute stranger? I know people who have met others on Tinder, hell, I've met someone on Tinder (due to mutual friends of course). Here are some of the things I'd like to advise to anyone looking to use Tinder in the near future... in all honesty the App should come with a warning label.

1. Don't go on Tinder looking for a serious relationship.
You wouldn't go on a blind date expecting more than dinner and the possibility for decent conversation, would you? Treat Tinder like a joke until there's a reason not to and let that reason be a cute conversationalist looking to grab a drink. If you're just looking to hookup then use Tinder at your own discretion, you will most likely succeed.

2. Don't Tinder while drunk.
I promise, you will end up with a plethora of really awkward matches when you wake up. With each new match you'll be counting the numerous shots from the night before.

3. "We met at Wholefoods by the granola bar".
Don't tell your parents or anyone for that matter, expect for your close group of friends, where you really met your knight and shining armor. If you end up meeting someone on Tinder and it really goes somewhere, thats wonderful, but telling your parents that you met while on a hook-up App will just complicate things. Have fun with it, "oh he saved me from a rabies infected octopus". The possibilities for your new romance are limitless.

4. Facebook stalk if at all possible.
Since the only way to sign up with Tinder is through Facebook, it makes it all too easy to Facebook stalk, something no one does of course. Tinder will also tell you what interests you have in common and what friends you have in common. Get in there, don't be shy. Find that boy via social media and then decide whether or not the coffee date can actually happen. This isn't Catfish.

4. Have fun.
If you're going to download Tinder then have fun, its a wild ride.

Please please share your tinder experiences below, we're all in this together.
I leave you with a video.

What me up when September ends...

I hate to quote Green Day anything past their album "Warning", but it was all too fitting for this post. Still going strong(ish) with the cleanse. I still feel bloated from the tea and no reaction from the detox tea (WEIRD) but I'm not giving up. My cheat day turned into a cheat weekend as per usual, leaving Monday to pick up all of the pieces. I haven't been to the gym in a week which is awful but I've also come down with a cold which is equally as awful.

My body fought back this past Friday as I tried to inhale a slice of pizza at 3 am, turns out the crust was a little staler than usual and didn't really go down so great, leaving me in a panic the following morning. PIZZA is the bad part, stale crust stuck in your throat is even worse. Honestly I'm just praying it was pizza crust and not something crazy like glass, WHICH IT COULD'VE BEEN, but everyone assures me it wasn't or they just laugh when I suggest it.

Okay, so syllabus week is way over and quizzes, exams, and all that other school nonsense is coming at me full force. Not only that but allll of my favorite Tv shows are back (minus GIRLS and Game of Thrones). I just need some time to catch up on everything. Sons of Anarchy is back which helps me a tremendous amount, mainly with my confidence. Watching Gemma smash some girls face into a counter oddly makes me feel like I can take on any New Brunswick "thug" with the help of my leather jacket. Also, Charlie Hunnam is perfection.

The Emmy's were on this past Sunday which gave Buzzfeed a lot of new material for me to read Monday morning a brighten my day. Breaking Bad congrats on your Emmy win, not that I watch you nor do I understand the hype, sorry not sorry.

Anyways, I'm ready for October! Bring on the 13 days of Halloween and Halloweentown. I'm ready to start planning for my costumes and Halloween shenanigans. You drink that pumpkin spice latte with your pumpkin muffin while carving your very own pumpkin. It's time to indulge in all that fall has to offer, hayride anyone?

skinny tea day two

So I've decided to dive right into the latest health/weight loss trend, Skinny Tea. It smells like trees and I'm okay with that. The truth is this summer has not been kind to me in the weight department, everyone says I look the same but the scale begs to differ, not by much but any change to my BMI puts me in frenzy. CARBS, BEER, BREAD, CHEESE, MORE BEER. The memories of every bite creeping back into my head and sticking to my thighs is just not going to work. I want to wear my new leather leggings without regret and I cant do that if I feel like a Jenny Craig before picture. So anyways, yesterday I started with this cleanse and so far I haven't noticed a difference physically (obviously) but I've noticed a change in my appetite. I feel full and bloated which makes me not want to eat which is great!

The directions instruct you have a cup of their hot skinny tea when you wake up, leaving 30 minutes in between the tea and your breakfast. Every other night you're supposed to drink a tea right before you go to bed, this is the cleanse tea. I'm doing the cleanse tea tonight for the first time.

The meals that I'm eating are healthy, for example, for breakfast I had an egg whites, cheddar, and avocado on a skinny bagel from Au Bon Pain. Usually the 300 calorie breakfast sandwich would only last me 3 hours but today I didn't eat anything after that until around 4:30 pm. Water is also another key ingredient in this little tea venture, it makes me sooo thirsty (i'm on my 4th cup today). For lunch I had a small portion of roasted eggplant soup (120 calories). Sorry for the calorie counting.. its just I'm used to.

Tonight I'm going to the gym and then to grocery store where I plan to buy all vegetables, fruit, nuts, and yogurt.. that's it. I've cut out all meats for the next two weeks until the detox is over. I'm also trying to cut out cheese, even though I had some this morning (baby steps), which is so hard because cheese is my favorite food group.

In conjunction with this post, I've been looking up some other blogs and I've become a huge fan of Taste of Runway, love it, love it a lot.

For all you vegetarians out there please share some tasty recipes! I'm new to this diet with no chicken/fish and I need your help.

I leave you with Cults new single "High Road", an absolute treat. Look out for their new album Static coming out in October because its sure to be mind blowing.

thanks all.

sweater weather for the girl on a budget

It's back to school season , well very much into the second week of school and soon the leaves will be falling to the ground like a freshman in heels after one too many cups of jungle juice. Please do yourself a favor and put away the credit card, tuck it back into that nice little slit in your wallet and take a minute to think things through. It's 93 degree in New Brunswick today and I'm wearing a black romper with a ridiculous amount on ventilation because its just too damn hot.

Sweater weather is not only a fantastic song by The Neighbourhood (please take a listen below) but is fast approaching and September is just flying by. Don't get me wrong, the day that I can put on my cashmere TOMS is the day I'll feel whole again, but that day is weeks away.The first day the temperature drops below 60 degree everyone is going to run to the nearest mall and bulk up on fall clothes. But before you do that please follow steps 1-3.

1. Create a junk email account strictly for coupons and sale notifications.

This is important because then you're up to date on all of the current promotions and sales of the upcoming weekend without clogging up your real email. Working in retail has taught me just how tricky stores can be. Sometimes they'll run a "secret sale", that means they don't promote it in stores or online but customers will be sent a coupon code via email/mail. DON'T PAY FULL PRICE, DON'T BE A FOOL.

Um sample sales are also a real part of staying on a budget, too real to forget. So get on that sample sale grind immediately.

Thrift store shopping? YES.

Also, free shipping codes for those lazy Sundays when all you want to do is stay in jams and online shop, da best.

2. Look through last years fall/winter clothes and try all of them on.

It's so important to keep a tight inventory of your closet. You should know the colors you have verses the colors you want to have. What materials you like and which ones you don't. Also prints, you don't need 7 fair isle sweaters because after January you're done, fair isle after January is a no-no.

Another big part of looking through your closet is brands. Sure Forever 21 has great clothes for a tight budget but how much wear can you possibly get out of a $19 cotton sweater? not much. Decide which brands are worth investing in. Two great pairs of pants are way better than 5 weird fitting cheap pairs, we all know camel toe can kill a great outfit because we've all been there.

Try on your clothes and figure out whats the most flattering on you. What do you love about that flannel and why is it your favorite? Maybe invest in another one, yeah it may set you $40-$55 back, but if you love it and wear it, then its worth it. 

TIP: once you're done playing dress up like a 5 year old, organize your closet like an adult. you'll feel so accomplished. 

3. Make a game plan.

Figure out what you need and what you want. Don't go crazy on weird trends that are going to fizzle out by next season, that's why stores like Forever 21 and h&m exist, for cheap clothes on trend. If you love Free People figure out when their next sale is and stalk their website until you know how much you want to spend and what you can afford. ALSO Free People is carried in both Lord and Taylor and Nordstrom, two huge department stores that love to throw a good sale.

What mall/shopping center are you going to? Turn into a coupon lady and get them ready, one store after another, coupon after coupon. DO NOT however fall for the extra 10% off when you open a credit card. Abort and get the hell out of there. 10% off is so small when you think about how much debt you're going to accumulate in the coming months. Do you need a wonder bra from Victoria's Secret in EVERY color, yes probably, but just don't.

I went to Urban Outfitters last week and bought 6 tops for $70. How? By being overly and obnoxiously prepared, I even got a high five from the cashier. KILLED IT.

back at it

Well my summer was eventful to say the least. Started a new job as Marketing Director of The Daily Targum (the Rutgers University paper) and moved out of my house, into the depths of New Brunswick. The streets of New Brunswick are now littered with the trail of my mistakes and poor decision making thanks to the works of tequila, you sneaky bitch. Another shout out to tequila for the added cellulite and love handles that were not on my body three months ago. I have become very fond of leggings and oversized boyfriend tees, also thanks to my running shoes for always reminding me how I don't run and should start. Just kidding about that last part, I've actually been going to the gym consistently for the past two months, working on my fitness and all that good stuff. No carbs after 2pm is also a new healthy venture I've been trying out, its works until friday, then tequila takes over again and doesn't give me back the reins until Sunday morning, which I've come to accept.

The weekend is for fun, not for calorie counting.

So school started last week, cant say i'm exciting about doing work, but I am excited about my assorted notebook collection and new MACBOOK PRO. Thats right, I have joined the Mac family.. $1,300 later and it feels great. "Why not?" I told myself over and over again, everyone said I would fall in love with it, and after the buyers remorse fizzled away, all that was left was love. They were oh so right.

Please make sure to follow me social media especially my first two loves, Instagram and Pinterest (find links to the right!). Also don't be a stranger, I get lonely, so share your terrifying tequila stories and foodie adventures because I'm all about that life.

until next time.