Category Archives: Seasonal Celebrations

Holiday Happiness

Filed under: College Life, Seasonal Celebrations, Tips - Angelina
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Bailey Buckingham Blogger Biography

 

 

 

 

It’s the holidays, which for most of us doesn’t just mean sipping hot chocolate with a red sweater on. For most of us, it means crazy schedules, empty wallets, and stress. Holidays can be a little overwhelming, especially when we also have finals to worry about. Instead of telling you how to de-stress your holiday, I’m going to remind you of a few things you can be grateful for this holiday season.

1. Education

Pat yourself on the back because you’ve either made it through your first semester of college OR you’ve made it through another semester without completely losing your mind (hopefully). After meeting someone who couldn’t go to college because she had to work to support her family, I started to be more thankful for my education. It shouldn’t take hearing something like that to be thankful, but sometimes it does. Just remember, if you’re in school, no matter how you got there, that is something to be thankful for.

2. Family

Deep down, everyone loves their family. It’s just hard to remember that when you’re home for a month and your mom tries to give you a 10 o’clock curfew. That used to REALLY frustrate me, but now that my mom has passed away I look back and laugh at those times. The things that bother you the most about your family members, are usually what you end up missing the most. Even though you’re going to feel annoyed, take a second, and just be thankful for who you have in your life.

3. National Pride

Even though our country seems to be going through some rough times right now and although it feels like we are divided by politics, it’s so important to remember the beauty in our country. As much as we may be angry with our government, trust me, we’ve got it good here. We are blessed to be free, and it is definitely something that millions of us take for granted. Recognize how great it is to live in this country.

College girl happy and smiling about Christmas holiday

There are so many things that each of us can be grateful for during this holiday season. If you turn your focus onto what is good in your life, the holiday stress will decrease. So instead of just making yourself crazy with all you have to get done, just take a breather, and remember what the holidays are truly about.

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Top 10 Tips for Winter Quarter

Filed under: College Life, Seasonal Celebrations, Tips - Social Community Manager
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Darlene Megino Blogger Biography

 

 

 

 

Winter quarter is quickly approaching! Here are ten ways on how to prepare for an awesome winter quarter!

1. Online Courses:

Winter quarter is usually the quarter when students opt for online courses. If your college offers online courses, I suggest you take them! Not only do you get to stay home in your cozy bed, but you also have more free time to work/intern.

2. Balance Your Classes:

It has been known to students everywhere that winter quarter is when students take their hardest classes of the year. If you’re taking 3 upper division classes, then I suggest taking a fun class to balance out your harder classes. You could get in touch with your artsy side, learn a new language, take a creative writing class, or even relax in a yoga class.

Girl in College Class

Photo © Maricopa.edu

3. Stock Up On Vitamin C:

Every winter quarter I somehow magically get a cold a week before an important exam. All I do is drink vitamin C all day and that cold disappears within a few days. You can purchase Vitamin C packets such as “Emergen-C” from Walmart, CVS or Target. Trust me, it really works!

4. Recycle Your Summer Wardrobe:

Who says you can’t wear your summer clothes in winter? Instead of buying a brand new wardrobe for the winter season, just recycle your summer wardrobe! Take a simple summer dress, add some leggings, wrap on a scarf, throw on some boots, and a leather jacket.

Girl Wearing Summer Dress with boots, leather jacket, and scarf for winter

Photo © Indie Jane

5. Free Sporting Events:

Show your school spirit by attending fun and free sporting events! Schools LOVE to shower their students with FREE gifts at these events. The only way you can win these prizes is by attending the sporting events.

6. DIY Projects:

One fun winter DIY fashion project you could do is creating your own head wraps! Take any large shirt, measure 8 inches from the bottom towards the middle, mark it with a pen & cut it off. Then take the 8 inches you cut off, twist it twice & now you’ve got your own head wrap!

DIY girl head band wrap

Photo © ApachesPrincess

7. Campus Involvement:

Join a club, student government, or Greek life to become more involved with your campus.

8. Get Active:

Most students don’t realize that their tuition includes fees for the athletic facilities for school. Get your money’s worth and start hitting the gym between classes. Most school gyms even offer free weekly workout classes such as zumba, dance, or aerobics.

Girl and Guy Working Out at the College Gym Fitness Center

Photo © Carrington College

9. Study Abroad:

Try studying abroad in another country! Check out your school’s study abroad programs and financial aid opportunities for it. If you’re not looking to go too far from home, check out the National Student Exchange (NSE) program which is an inter-university exchange program within the U.S., Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico & the U.S. Virgin Islands.

10. Volunteer/Intern:

Try to get as much experience in your field of work before you graduate. Volunteering is usually a great way to kick-start your way towards getting an internship. You’ll gain lots of valuable experience that will help you for your future internship/career opportunities.

Guy Interning in Medical Field

Photo © Volunteer Thailand

Hope you get to make the best of your winter quarter! What are you planning on doing to make sure that it is? Share it in a comment below!

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Pinteresting DIY Gifts for the Holidays

Filed under: College Life, Money/Budget, Seasonal Celebrations, Tips - Social Community Manager
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Megan Lehman Blogger Biography

 

 

 

 

The holidays are well underway! I love buying gifts for everyone, but as college students, the holidays can be just as expensive as they are enjoyable. Thanks to this wonderful site called Pinterest, I have developed a list of great, easy, and cheap gifts that you can make yourself!  Be ready to get crafty!

1. Wine Bottle Crafts

If you are of age or know people who are, keep empty wine or alcohol bottles. Make a twine bottle: you would need is a glue gun, empty wine bottle, and twine from a local craft store. All you need to do is start with the end of the twine, use your glue gun to glue the end to the bottom of the bottle, and start wrapping the twine around the bottle. As you go, glue down the twine occasionally. Make sure you keep the twine tight and close together, so that you cannot see the bottle through the twine.  You can do this with ribbon too! There are a lot of possibilities with wine bottles.

DIY Twine Bottle Craft

Photo © It's Great To Be Home

2. Ornaments

You can also get super creative with ornaments. Find some plain ones and grab the glue and glitter. You can make a design on the ornament with the glue. While the glue is still wet, throw the glitter all over it and let it dry.  Make a bunch of these and you just made new decorations for a loved one’s tree! Get creative and incorporate something they love into the design!

DIY Glitter Ornament Craft

Photo © Vitamini

3. Baked Goods

Everyone loves baked goods. Check out the recipes on Pinterest for some awesome ideas! Plus, you can be that person that everyone envies for bringing the best food to the Christmas party.

Baked Holiday Christmas Cookies

Photo © wildolive

4. Scarves, Hats, and Blankets

Know how to crochet or knit? Use the skill to make an awesome scarf for everyone! Pinterest has some awesome tutorials for how-to’s that can help anyone from beginner to pro. It’s not just an easy gift, it’s a pretty fun hobby and very easy to learn.

DIY Handmade Knitted Winter Scarf

Photo © skymagenta

These are just a few examples of crafty gifts you can make and give, don’t be afraid to get creative and come up with your own! Be sure to like my Facebook page or follow me on Twitter and let me know what you do for this holiday season. Take pictures and send steps! Best entry will be given the title of “Craftiest Gift Giver,” and will receive a secret prize! Let the crafting begin!

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10 New Ideas for New Year’s

Filed under: College Life, Seasonal Celebrations, Tips - Angelina
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Kameron Dawson Blogger Biography

 

 

 

 

Hello Bookrenters! I know it’s early, but start thinking NOW what you will be doing for New Year’s! This month will fly by faster than you think and no one wants to be scrambling last minute for plans! Here are ten fabulous ideas to bring in your New Year’s right with your friends and family.

1. New Year’s Eve Party In The City

Most major cities have a wide variety of bars, eateries, and entertainment, so it should be a breeze finding a good time.

2. Tune In To The Radio

Your favorite radio stations often host parties around the area, and you could even win free tickets to the next concert!

3. Host

Running low on cash? That’s okay, host your own party. Invite everyone and have your friends chip in with the food, music, drinks, and entertainment.

Group of Friends Celebrating on New Year's Eve

Photo © Magic Robot

4. Television Countdown

It’s a tradition! The exciting performances and interviews from the country’s top musicians and entertainers make you feel as though you’re in New York, except you get to miss out on the cold weather and the big crowds.

5. New York Trip

Plan a road trip and make memories that will have you talking for the rest of the year. Who says the fun has to be for one day?

6. Date

Bring in the New Year with a kiss that your significant other will never forget.

Cute Couple on Winter Date

Photo © Jesus V

7. Concert

Check to see if any of your local or favorite popular artists are performing for cheap! Rock it out!

8. Football

There are plenty of games on television to save some of your guy friends from complete boredom. Even if you don’t like football, the tailgating food is the best!

9. Family

Go on, they don’t bite (always). You will remember who is most important in times of celebration. Trust me, your parents will thank me later.

Family Celebrating New Year's Eve Outside with Sparklers

Photo © Joshbousel

10. Resolution

Pick a resolution you know you can stick to but will also change your life in the better for the new year! This year, I plan to have fun and be safe!

 

No matter what you do this New Years, just make sure to enjoy it! Reflect on all the good times over the year, and think of all your goals for the new one!

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5 Affordable Gift Ideas

Filed under: Money/Budget, Seasonal Celebrations, Tips - Angelina
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Serena Piper Blogger Biography

 

 

 

 

There is still time to shop for any gifts you might want to pick up for your friends and family this holiday season. If you’re on a budget this year, don’t worry – there are plenty of cool gifts to choose!

For The Tea Drinker

This yellow tea submarine is perfect not only for a Beatles fan, but also for those who crave tea. It is a fun and creative way to enjoy any cup of tea.

Yellow Tea Submarine Bag Holder

Photo © Gifts.com

For The Movie Lover

Have a friend who sees at least one or two movies a week? Get them this awesome ticket stub diary so they can remember which ones were thumbs up, and which ones were not so great.

Movie Ticket Stub Diary Collection

Photo © UncommonGoods.com

For The Wine Specialist

It’s not Monopoly, but Wine-opoly. Players “buy favorite wins, collect bunches of grapes, and trade them in for decanters.” Perfect for those Friday night dinner parties.

Wine-opoly Game Board

Photo © ToysRUs

For The Sports Buff

Choose their favorite NFL team to print on delicious chocolate m&ms. Perfect snack for when they are watching the game!

M&M NFL Customized Chocolate Candy

Photo © Mymms.com

For The Baker

Who doesn’t love owls? With these owl measuring cups, baking can be done in style and add a bit of pizzaz to the kitchen.

Cute Owl Measuring Cups for Baking

Photo © Boston Warehouse

For The Music Lover

The most influential pop albums from 1955 through 2003 are listed in 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die by Robert Dimery; it’s a must-read for any music lover.

1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die Book

Photo © Robert Dimery

For The Travel Enthusiast

This scratch off map has got to be the coolest map I’ve seen. This map can be scratched off for each place traveled! Gives a whole new meaning to wall art!

Scratch Off World Travel Map

Photo © Urban Outfitters

When it all comes down to it, no gift is a “bad” gift (unless it’s an ugly Christmas sweater), it’s all about the thought you put into it. Happy Holidays!

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