Category Archives: Tips

May 8, 2013

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Filed under: College Life, Seasonal Celebrations, Social Life/Relationships, Tips - Angelina
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Serena Piper Blogger Biography

 

 

 

 

Mother’s Day is coming! Do you know what you’re getting your mom? Now would be a good time to recall all those conversations you’ve had with her about what she likes and doesn’t like. Just in case you’re clueless, here are five affordable gift ideas any mom would be happy to receive.

1. Jewelry

All women love jewelry, but what will make your gift unique? If you can, take a look in her jewelry box, or if you see her before Mother’s Day, take note of what kind of earrings she wears. You can never go wrong with having her piece monogrammed with either her initials, the initials of you and your siblings, or just a sweet message. Personalizing is the touch that shows you put in the extra effort.

Women's Earrings Jewelry

Photo © moonrat42

2. iPhone Case

If your mom is like mine and she’s just now joining the world of iPhone users, she might be scrambling for a decent-looking iPhone case. Again, personalization is key. Look for a case with a scene of her favorite location (ex. the beach), a quote from her favorite book, or one with her initials.

Beach Shell IPhone Case

Photo © Etsy

3. Books

For the literary lover, you can never go wrong with a book or even a year’s subscription to their favorite magazine. A lot of mom’s revel in reading magazines with a lot of delicious recipes or decorating tips, such as Real Simple or Food, or magazines with beautiful photography, such as National Geographic Traveler. If your mom has converted to Kindle, why not get her a cover?

National Geographic Traveler Magazine

Photo © National Geographic

4. Dining & Cooking

Is your mom always in the kitchen whipping up delicious dinners and mouthwatering desserts? Consider adding something unique and fun to her kitchen space with a decal for her mixer, a picturesque cutting board, or printed dishtowels.

Creative Dishware

Photo © Detroit News

5. Gift Gard

Pick up a gift certificate to her favorite store, her favorite website, or a spa in town where she can be pampered one afternoon.

Walmart Gift Card

Photo © botell0

Still not sure what to get? Another good way to get a sense of what your mom likes is by checking out her Pinterest or Amazon account. What she pins or adds to her wish list is basically her telling you what she wants – so take a hint!

Good luck!

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May 5, 2013

5 Ways To Stand Out At Your Internship

Filed under: College Life, Post Grad and Career, Tips - Angelina
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Serena Piper Blogger Biography

 

 

 

 

You did it. You snagged that internship! Congratulations! You slaved away putting together a cover letter and you redesigned your resume. Your employer picked you for a reason, so show them they were right in their choice and that you’re an all-star with these five tips for standing out at your internship.

1. Ask for More

If you’re handed an assignment you think you can get done pretty quickly, there’s no shame in asking for more assignments. But make sure you only ask for what you can handle. Being able to actually get the work done is more important than overestimating how much you can handle.

Internship Experience

Photo © CYAthens

2. Show Enthusiasm

If you were hiring, who would you pick: the person who showed up to the interview prepared but indifferent about being hired, or the person bursting at the seams with excitement about getting started? Exactly. Throughout your internship, show the same amount of enthusiasm you brought to the interview. Good moods are contagious and your mood will show through your work.

Happy Intern

Photo © bonnieg

3. Be Self-Reliant

Have a question about something? Don’t immediately run to your boss. If you have the resources to and you feel confident you can figure it out on your own, do it. (Tip: when you’re first “hired” as an intern, make sure to ask your boss who you should direct any assignment questions to.)

Internship Work

Photo © internshipeurope

4. Remember Who You Represent

No matter what your assignment is, unless your boss tells you otherwise, remember one word: branding. Remember who you represent and approach any assignment from that perspective. This is especially important for those of us running a company’s social media accounts.

Internship Representative

Photo © sbusoj

5. Bring Your Own Ideas

I’ve found that a lot of companies welcome their intern’s ideas and suggestions for improvement. At the next team meeting, or if it goes along with the assignment you’re working on, don’t be afraid to bring up your own ideas. It shows you think out of the box, that you have goals for improvement, and that your internship is on your mind even when you are not “in the office,” or working on anything currently.

Business Meeting with Intern

Photo © creighton_admissions

How do you stand out at your internship? Let us know in the comments!

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May 2, 2013

Signing Off

Filed under: Digital Interns, Tips - Angelina
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Crystal Keefe Blogger Biography

 

 

 

 

Well, fellow readers, it is time for me to say farewell. Writing this is bittersweet.  While I am incredibly excited for what lies ahead (college graduation, moving, and starting my new career), I am sad to be leaving BookRenter.

The past nine months as a Social Media Digital Intern for this unbelievable company have been amazing.  I have loved every second and could not have imagined a better experience.

I leave you with these last words of advice and encouragement during your college years.

Don’t turn down an opportunity just because it may not exactly fit your career path.  Had I only been open to education based internships, I never would have found BookRenter.  Be open to any and all opportunities that are presented to you during your four years in college because they truly do set you up for your future.

I have been able to use so many of the things I have learned while at BookRenter to help expand my horizons and further my teaching career.

Thank you to all of those who have read my blogs and supported me these past nine months and a big thank you to BookRenter!

Sincerely,

Crystal Keefe

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April 26, 2013

The Home-Stretch of Spring Semester

Filed under: College Life, Education, Seasonal Celebrations, Tips - Angelina
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Sylwia Baran Blogger Biography

 

 

 

 

We are in the home stretch! School is almost out! At first it seems like a cinch and we think it will fly by. But then, the temperature outside hits 70 degrees and all of a sudden those last couple of weeks seem like eternity. This is the time when most of us find it really difficult to make it to class and really easy to go out and enjoy the long-awaited sunshine. Resist these temptations!

Students Outside Playing Frisbee In The Spring Sunshine

Photo © University of Oklahoma

These last two months are still important! Think about all the projects you have due at the end of the semester and the finals coming up in May that have a huge impact on your final grade. Unfortunately, almost half of your grade for most classes is from the last month. This is no time to start slacking off!

Female Student Outside Reading A Book In The Spring

Photo © University of Oklahoma

The important thing to keep in mind is that it will be over before you know it. So buckle down and remember classes are still in session. To keep your head in the game, take a walk with some friends in between classes, bring your books outside and study there, or eat your lunch on a bench outdoors. This way, you still get to enjoy the nice weather and soak up your Vitamin D without cutting class and slacking off in your studies. Also, enjoy your time off. If you have fun in your free time, then you won’t feel so motivated to blow off classes to have some fun.

Male Student Outside Studying In The Grass

Photo © University of Oklahoma

There will be many distractions in the next two months but you just have to push through it and summer will be here before you know it!  Keep motivated!

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April 23, 2013

DIY Toiletries & Cleaning Supplies

Filed under: College Life, DIY & Crafts, Money/Budget, Tips - Angelina
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Serena Piper Blogger Biography

 

 

 

 

College is where we all learn how to live frugally. Students always need to save money. However, that doesn’t mean we always see opportunities to save money. A lot of us spend what we think are small amounts of money on things we use every day (shampoo, soap, shaving cream, etc), not even realizing there is a cheaper way. Have you ever made your own toiletries or cleaning supplies? It might seem like difficult, time-wasting work, but it pays off in the long-run. Here are a few ways to get started:

1. Deodorant

For the solid kind, follow this recipe, which uses coconut oil, baking soda, and cornstarch. Want to try a spray-on? Go for this recipe, which uses only baking soda, water, and a spray bottle. If you want a nice scent to it, try adding an essential oil.

DIY Make Your Own Deodorant Craft From Scratch Supplies

Photo © One Green Planet

2. Shampoo

As the writer of this recipe notes, just a tablespoon of baking soda and a cup of hot water will make an inexpensive, yet effective, shampoo. If you want a shampoo that smells good, buy the Castile soap in the first recipe in a different scent.

DIY Make Your Own Shampoo Craft From Scratch Supplies

Photo © Money Saving Queen

3. Toothpaste

Just 2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil, 3 tablespoons of baking soda, and 1 ½ teaspoons of salt will make you toothpaste! For a little flavor, add some peppermint essential oil or cinnamon.

DIY Make Your Own Toothpaste Craft From Scratch Supplies

Photo © Thankfully Thrifty

4. Countertop Cleaner

This recipe for a multi-purpose cleaner calls for quite a few ingredients, but you know what they say: a little goes a long way! The maker gave it great reviews too – this might be one I even try!

DIY Make Your Own Counter Cleaner Craft From Scratch Supplies

Photo © Our Semi Organic Life

5. Dish Soap

For liquid dish soap to wash with by hand, try this recipe. Have an automatic dishwasher? Try this one.

DIY Make Your Own Soap Craft From Scratch Supplies

Photo © MadeFromPinterest.com

6. Shower Cleaner

I like this easy recipe for doing one of the most hated household chores. All you need is borax, baking soda, vinegar, liquid soap, and warm water.

DIY Make Your Own Shower Cleaner Craft From Scratch Supplies

Photo © Whole New Mom

As you can see, a lot of these recipes require the same ingredients, so you’ll save time and money on something you can use multiple ways.

Is there anything you make to save money? Let us know in the comments!

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