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[mycollegediet-blog1]

The Best Bar Food - La Crosse, Wisconsin

Bar food is a special type of food. It can taste good by itself, but when you add a few drinks and a special atmosphere, it becomes great. There’s just something about having a snack or meal while drinking at a bar that makes it so much better. Sometimes you go into the night expecting to buy food from a particular bar, but more often than not, food is put in front of you that simply cannot be passed up. For me, I classify bar food as something that you can order after 9 at night. That’s usually when a restaurant turns into a bar and their late-night menu is in effect. Drinks at a reduced price and cheap food is every college students dream!

La Crosse, Wisconsin, is a place that is known for their bars and drinking. They have been named the 10th Drunkest City in America, had the most bars per capita, and broke the Guiness Book of World Records for the most bars on one street. That being said, there are plenty of different places to visit in La Crosse if you’re looking for a drink. I have lived in La Crosse for over 4 years and have experience everything the city has to offer. I have also spent more time than I am probably willing to admit in different bars. That being said, I have come up with a list of the best bar food around the city for college students. This food is cheap and delicious, and I’m sure you have experienced them if you have ever visited La Crosse, Wisconsin.

 Chips and Salsa – Senior Villa

Senior Villa is a relatively new Mexican restaurant right next to the UWL campus but their chips and salsa are legendary. This is a classic at most Mexican restaurants but Senior Villa gets it right and understands us college students. Once you are seated, you’re greeted with warm chips and a large bowl of salsa FOR FREE! You can also get as many refills as you want for no extra charge. They even have another sauce for your chips that is hard to recognize but tastes fantastic. As a college student, there’s not much more you can ask for; free chips and salsa. Add a margarita, or 3, and you have a great night ahead of yourself!

Nachos – Howie’s

Picture this – You’re playing Bingo, 2 tall Bud Light’s deep, and you suddenly get a craving for food. No need to worry, Howie’s on La Crosse Street has you covered with their $5 nachos. These aren’t just any nachos, these are some of the best nachos I have ever had. They are covered in lettuce, onions, and cheese served with a side of jalapenos and banana peppers. It is served on the biggest plate in the restaurant and it towers almost 12 inches tall. This is more than a snack, it’s a meal, and I have fasted for up to 5 hours in excitement for this food. Nachos from Howie’s is a great late night meal from one of the best bars in La Crosse.

 Popcorn – Who’s on Third

Popcorn is an all-time classic bar food no matter where you live. It’s light, filling, and the perfect complement to a few drinks. I’m sure there are a few more bars that have popcorn but the one I am most familiar with is Who’s on Third. My first step when I walk into the bar is towards the popcorn machine, even before I get a drink. The smell is overpowering and I can’t help but grab a cup while I’m there. Popcorn is also great bar food because it’s free, and as I mentioned in my first blog, there’s nothing better than free food. You can never go wrong with popcorn, especially when you’re at a bar!

 Wings – Brothers

Across the country, there are Brothers Bars serving wings and providing good times for college students. The bar located in La Crosse is arguably the most popular bar for college students in the city. Many of these people don’t know about their 25 cent wings on Wednesday nights. This is the best deal for wings you will find in town and they are surprisingly good for being from a bar. Even though you can only get this deal on Wednesday’s, it is worth the wait from week to week. With a variety of flavors, you will never get bored of going to Wing Wednesday at Brothers. It is said that there is nothing better than beer and wings, and Brothers Bar doesn’t disappoint on either.

 Burger – Eagles Nest

The Eagles Nest recently re-opened after about a year of being closed and the new management has made this a popular spot for food and drinks. Not only do they have $1 drinks, but they also have buy one, get one free burgers. This is another favorite phrase for college students and we will go out of our way to find similar deals and save money whenever possible. It’s hard to mess up a burger and the Eagles Nest delivers with a quality burger at a great price. With their buy one, get one free deal, you and a friend can get 2 burgers for around $5 each. This is a great deal and you can wash down the burger with some $1 Miller High Life’s at a new bar.

 Cheese Curds – The Old Crow

Cheese curds are a popular appetizer for the people of Wisconsin because of our love of cheese. The Old Crow has been known to have the best cheese curds in all of La Crosse and I can agree with that. Their unique square shape and light coating make for the perfect snack, especially when you’re there late at night. On our senior bar crawl, I stopped at the Old Crow around 9 p.m. and it was the perfect snack to share with friends. They are constantly making their cheese curds so it’s not uncommon to get the curds before your drinks, which is never a bad thing. As a Wisconsin resident, it doesn’t get much better than beer and cheese for dinner.

 Ice Cream – Twisted Moose

Many of you that go to school in La Crosse my not be familiar with this treat at the Twisted Moose. I have only seen them serve ice cream one summer but it was definitely one of the best snacks I have ever had downtown after 10 p.m. This isn’t your typical bar food and it’s completely different from everything else on this list. Having said that, I have never been happier than I was when I saw the ice cream machine as I walked into the Twisted Moose. It’s the classic soft serve vanilla or chocolate swirl cone similar to what you would get from McDonald’s for only $1. There are few things better than an ice cream cone on a hot day in the middle of the summer!

 Conclusion

This is just a short list of my favorite bar food in La Crosse, Wisconsin. As you can see, there is a wide variety of bars that have great food for college students. I’m sure that there is more great food from different bars in the city, but as I mentioned before, there are a lot of bars in La Crosse and it’s tough to visit them all. I recommend trying to visit as many different bars and restaurants as you can wherever you are. That will allow you to experience something new and maybe discover a new favorite spot for burgers or wings. After living in La Crosse for 4 year, I can say that I have a great understanding of the city and I have a favorite place for every kind of food. I’m excited about my semester because I have another opportunity to eat all these different kinds of bar food one last time.

I believe my favorite bar food on this list are the chips and salsa from Senior Villa. The fact that they are free and you can get endless refills is tough to compete against. The addition of the mysterious sauce puts it over the top even though no one really knows what it is. It kind of tastes like ranch but all that matters is that it goes great with tortilla chips. There are plenty of times where my friends and I have gone to Senior Villa solely for their margaritas, chips, and salsa. We will spend hours eating all their chips and salsa and knocking back around 3-4 margaritas. Whenever someone mentions eating there I always get excited and it’s an offer I can’t pass up. Senior Villa has become one of the most popular spots for the college student of La Crosse to enjoy a meal and a few drinks.

Is there anything I missed? Would you take something off my list? Let me know what your favorite bar food is in La Crosse!

 The diet every college student can relate to!

[vitabenedetta-blog]

Recipe Eats

Lets be honest, as fun as it is to go out and enjoy a nice meal and some fancy drinks with friends, this can get expensive (especially as college students). Many times as students we resort to ordering Jimmy John’s and spending our spare cash when we are tight on time. College is hectic. Between classes, work, family obligations, sleep, exercise, and trying to have a life, grocery shopping and cooking homemade meals is usually put on the backburner. 

Thankfully, grocery shopping and meal prepping can be quick and easy with my guide to recipe eats. Being prepared before a trip to the grocery store will save you time and prevent you from mindlessly buying food that will just go bad later on in the week. Also, never go to the grocery store hungry. You will be tempted to put everything and anything under the sun in that cart of yours. I promise, it is a disaster waiting to happen for your credit card.

Every weekend I do a clean sweep of my refrigerator and freezer. I get rid of things that have accumulated throughout the week (leftover Topper’s) and certain ingredients that I am choosing not to consume (sugar). I take out a pencil and paper and write down my grocery list the old fashioned way, based on the meals I want to make for the week. Having roommates in college means sharing a tiny refrigerator. Cleaning and restocking every weekend ensures you are not wasting space with uneaten food and only buying ingredients that you plan on eating that week. I highly recommend buying meal containers on Amazon that take up the least amount of space to easily store cooked food in the refrigerator. 

Here Are Some Of My Grocery Staples

PRODUCE 

My favorite place to buy produce is Costco. The big packs of fruits and veggies will last you all week so that you will not have to make multiple trips to the store; however, I purchase my bananas and avocados at Kwik Trip since they tend to go bad fast. The awesome thing about this time of year is being able to take advantage of the farmer’s market. You can always find ingredients such as lettuce mix, strawberries and sweet potatoes at the market for cheap! 

Broccoli 

Romaine 

Lemons 

Strawberries 

Bananas 

Blueberries 

Raspberries 

Sweet Potatoes 

Avocados 

Brussel Sprouts

DAIRY 

In my house, dairy is kept to a minimum. If I do purchase dairy I am extremely cautious about sourcing. Dairy has been linked to inflammation and breakouts and overall always upsets my stomach. Instead of cow’s milk, I find dairy products that are made with almond milk; however, this is completely a personal preference. I enjoy going to Whole Foods to purchase my non-dairy products. 

Almond Milk (New Barn)

Cheese (Kite Hill) Yogurt (Kite Hill) 

Ice Cream Probiotics (Good Belly) 

Ghee Butter 

PROTEIN 

Unless going out for a burger and fries with friends, I choose not to consume red meat, so you will never find it in my refrigerator. I do not have anything against red meat, I am just one of those weird texture people. I gravitate toward turkey-based meats. 

Boca Burgers

Lean Ground Turkey 

Tuna 

Eggs 

Turkey Bacon 

GRAINS

If you know one thing about me, it’s probably that I cannot get enough of carbohydrates. I basically grew up on bread and pasta. Unfortunately as my metabolism has slowed down, this habit also did. I still love grains. Everything in moderation! 

Banza Pasta (made with chickpeas) 

Sourdough Bread 

Perfect Bars 

Granola 

Oats

Siete Tortilla Chips 

MISCELLANEOUS 

Hu Chocolate Bars 

Georgia Grinders Almond Butter 

Protein Powder Cacao Powder

After an inside look at my grocery list and refrigerator, we can begin the meal prep. Here are some of my favorite recipe eats for the school year! You can always double the recipes to share with roommates or family. 

BANANA CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES 

These are a perfect dessert for chocoholics and pair well with dairy free ice cream. You can even make ice cream sandwiches! 

Ingredients:

-2/3 cup oats, blended to flour 

-2 tbsp. peanut butter 

-1tbsp. flax seed 

-1 tbsp. maple syrup 

-1 banana, mashed 

-1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 

-Pinch of sea salt 

-1/4 cup dark chocolate chips 

Recipe: 

1) Blend oats, about 20 seconds 

2) Combine all ingredients 

3) Scoop onto cookie sheet, 1 tbsp. size, make round shape 

4) Bake at 350 for 12-14 minutes 

5) Dip into melted chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt 

SMOKED SALMON TOAST 

Toast is my go-to lunch. It takes the least amount of time for when I am running between classes and homework. It is also the best for using up just about any ingredient in your refrigerator. 

Ingredients: 

-Slice of sourdough bread 

-Kite Hill cheese spread 

-Avocado

-Smoked Salmon (Aldi) 

-Egg 

-Everything But The Bagel seasoning (Trader Joes) 

Recipe: 

1) Toast sourdough bread 

2) Cook egg over easy on stovetop with butter 

3) Mash avocado 

4) Combine all ingredients on toast 

BANZA BOWL 

This bowl is a great pasta alternative, with a variety of flavors that cures my Noodles and Company cravings! 

Ingredients: 

-Banza pasta 

-Zucchini 

-Turkey meatballs 

-Kite Hill cheese spread 

-Mushrooms 

-Tahini 

-Tomato basil sauce (Trader Joes) 

Recipe: 

1) Cook pasta 

2) Spiral zucchini 

3) Cook spiraled zucchini in microwave with butter for about 2 minutes 

4) Cook mushrooms on stovetop

5) Microwave turkey meatballs for 2 minutes

6) Once pasta is cooked, combine with desired amount of tomato basil sauce 

7) Combine all ingredients in bowl 

8) Top with cheese spread 

9) Drizzle with tahini 

BUDDAH BOWL WITH JALAPEÑO TAHINI DRESSING 

It is like Chipotle but in your kitchen and much cheaper. 

Ingredients: 

-Avocado

-Olives 

-Turkey burger

-Limes

-Lettuce mix 

-Cilantro 

-Goat cheese 

-Zucchini 

Jalapeño Tahini Dressing:

-1/4 cup Tahini 

-1 seedless jalapeño 

-Lemon 

-Salt 

-Almond milk 

Recipe: 

1) Cook turkey burger on stove top 

2) Spiral zucchini 

3) Cook spiraled zucchini in microwave with butter for about 2 minutes 

4) Combine lettuce mix, cooked zucchini, cilantro 

5) Slice avocado 

6) Place cooked turkey burger, lime, avocado, olives, and goat cheese on top of greens 

7) Drizzle dressing 

SWEET STRAWBERRY TOAST 

This breakfast is perfect for that weekend morning sweet tooth without having to drive to Denny’s. 

Ingredients: 

-Sourdough bread 

-Strawberries 

-Honey 

-Cinnamon 

-Probiotic yogurt (coyo) 

-Almond butter 

Recipe: 

1) Toast bread 

2) Spread almond butter 

3) Add sliced strawberries 

4) Top with honey, cinnamon, and a spoonful of probiotic yogurt 

ACAI BOWL 

A refreshing combination for a hot summer day! 

Ingredients: 

-Frozen strawberries 

-Fresh strawberries

-Frozen bananas 

-Frozen pineapple 

-Sweetener 

-Almond milk 

-Vanilla protein powder 

-Almond butter 

-Honey

-Coconut shreds 

-Granola 

-Chia seeds 

Recipe: 

1) Blend frozen strawberries, bananas, and pineapple in a blender with sweetener, almond milk, vanilla protein powder, almond butter, and honey 

2) Pour into a bowl 

3) Top with fresh strawberries, honey, coconut shreds, granola, and chia seeds 

SWEET POTATO PANCAKES 

The perfect mixture of savory and sweet for the indecisive. This recipe is even Whole30 approved! 

Ingredients: 

-Sweet potato 

-Banana, mashed 

-2 eggs 

-Butter 

-Probiotic yogurt (coyo) 

-Almond butter 

-Honey 

-Cinnamon 

Recipe: 

1) Cook sweet potato in microwave for 4 minutes 

2) Mash sweet potato with fork 

3) Combine mashed sweet potato, mashed banana, and 2 eggs in a bowl 

4) Cook over a griddle with butter 

5) Top with almond butter, probiotic yogurt, honey, and cinnamon

MAC AND NO CHEESE 

The dairy free alternative for a mac n’ cheese lover. I mean we do live in Wisconsin people.

Ingredients: 

-Banza pasta 

-1 tbsp. nutritional yeast 

-1/3 cup cashews 

-1/3 cup roasted butternut squash 

-Lemon -1/4 cup water 

-Salt 

Recipe: 

1) Cook pasta 

2) Blend all sauce ingredients together slowly, adding in water until desired consistency reached 

3) Pour sauce over pasta and heat 

Finale 

I hope my grocery list and recipes help you break the staying-in stigma. Cooking is a great date idea, especially paired with a glass of wine and a movie! It is also a peaceful study break and a way to get your body up and moving from your couch on a Sunday. These recipes are easy! Trust me, I am not a whiz in the kitchen. I stick to simple recipes made with the least amount of ingredients that taste awesome and make me feel great. 

Next time you pick up processed foods at a gas station or on campus at school, turn it around and look at the list of ingredients. You will be surprised by how many ingredients you have never heard of and most likely cannot even pronounce. What we are choosing to put in our bodies matters and affects the way we feel, behave, and perform each and every day. Remember, you do not have to be perfect. No one is. Perfection is boring, but be different by caring about yourself. I cannot wait to see you recreate my recipes. 

Please make sure to send me pictures or tag me on social media. 

Instagram: @vitabenedetta 

Facebook: @ViBenedetta 

Twitter: @ViBenedetta Tell me. 

Do you prefer to stay in and cook meals or go out? Comment below.

[bizmiss1-blog]

Why ‘BizMiss’?

Well, first, let me tell you a bit more about myself. I’m a junior in college double majoring in marketing and psychology. I started college with the desire to be a psychiatrist, but quickly changed my mind when I realized the enormity of strain that came with the job. As I was entering college, I felt lost. Psychology was so interesting, but I did not want to have a traditional psychology career. I had planned on psychiatry my whole life… so now what? Through taking a variety of classes my freshman year, I realized that not only were the business classes understandable for me, they were also interesting. For a freshman in college, classes that are interesting do not come around very often, so I decided to investigate further.

I came to realize that business was not just pushy salespeople manipulating you or an accountant sitting at a desk all day. There was this thing called marketing which I found intriguing. Marketing and psychology go hand in hand, probably why I was so interested in it. To target the right group of people that you wish to market to, you need to know your audience and what makes them the ‘right group’. But what I love most about marketing is the switch from knowing what your consumers want to buy to why they want to buy it. This psychological aspect is extremely interesting to me and is what pushes me as a marketer.

In the past few years, I have gotten involved professionally as much as possible. Through joining the American Marketing Association, Delta Sigma Pi, the Sales Team, and having an advertising/branding internship, I want to absorb as much as I can about the business world before I am projectile launched into it in T-11 months (wow, ain’t that a scary fact). I’ve loved every second of the clubs that I am a part of. They all give me a different perspective to the business world that I would not have gotten otherwise.

Lately, I have been getting more interested in advertising and branding, which is what my internship is in. I would love to learn how to use Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign, Canva, and other design platforms in classes, but there are only a few courses at the school I attend that discuss these platforms. Through my internship I have gotten more familiar with other platforms, which has been giving me real world experience of what my possible career after college would be. Although I’m graduating soon, I am allowing myself time to figure out what’s best for me and what I truly enjoy doing.

So now that you know a bit more about me, let me tell you why I chose to create BizMiss. First of all, it’s a play on words. Come on, everyone loves a good play on words. But in all seriousness, I created BizMiss because I truly enjoy dressing professionally and helping my friends pick out what they should wear. I have so many business clothes (seriously, it’s ridiculous) because I rationalize my clothing purchases as my investing in the future since I will be needing these clothes once I start my career.

The clubs that I am a part of often require business casual or business professional dress, so I have gotten used to slipping on heels and a blazer for a long school day. Although sometimes it can be annoying to have to look nice when my friends are sitting comfortably next to me in leggings and a baggy t-shirt, generally I like getting dressed up.

My internship also requires business casual dress in the office. I feel as though it promotes a sense of knowledge and professionalism that would not be achieved if any kind of dress was allowed in the office. When I wear business clothing, I am more confident in myself and what I’m saying because I look the part of a professional. Our boss, the CEO of the small company I intern at, always chooses to wear a suit. No matter the day, even if we’re just at the office, he wears a full suit. His decision to wear a suit reflects his power and confidence in the office. Although it’s just clothing, I feel as though I respect him more since he is dressed more professionally than I am.

Maybe there’s something to be said there. If you think about it, whether it’s business clothes or sweats, why do some clothing gain us more respect that other clothing? I wonder if it has to do with the material it is made out of. Sweats are comfortable, soft, and easy to move around in while business clothing like blazers and slacks are tightly wound with a higher thread count. Perhaps since business clothes are more uncomfortable, the people that would wear them are seen as more serious and are automatically given more authority?

Or maybe it is because of how expensive it is to create business clothes. Because they are typically made with higher quality fabric, it could be a status symbol to wear these clothes. For example, if you wear Lululemon apparel, which is extremely expensive athletic clothing, you automatically are viewed with more prestige than someone without name-brand athletic clothing. Perhaps people in business clothes are similarly viewed with prestige because of the clothes’ generally higher price tag. But, I digress.

My love for clothing stemmed when I was in high school. I always enjoyed fashion and keeping up with different clothing trends. Of course, like the typical high schooler, I was nervous to stand out too much, so I would never wear the fashionable clothes that were too ‘out there’. However, I did experiment with clothing and would often wear clothing that my friends would never wear.

Now that I am in college and could care less what others think of my clothing, I am free to experiment and wear whatever clothes that I enjoy. I used to do this mostly with everyday clothes, but as of the past year I have branched out and begun to wear business clothes that is fashionable, but not always normal. Personally, I like looking different than everyone else because it sets me apart and (hopefully!) is another way to make me memorable to others.

Last year I spent the first 3 weeks of summer in Italy for a psychology study abroad trip. It was my second time in Europe but was the trip that I cherished the most. My first trip to Europe, I was too young to appreciate everything around me, especially the fashion. Last year I was in complete awe at the sophistication and boundaries pushed with clothing in Italy. I found my new favorite store, Zara, there. This is one of the major stores that most Italian woman visit to find everyday clothes. However, since the fashion in the United States is much different, most of the clothing at Zara is perfect for business clothes. Italy taught me to appreciate ‘wacky’ patterns and flared sleeves in a way that I never thought that I would before.

Not only do I want to use this blog to promote different business clothes, but I also want to give insights and tips to my readers. I am lucky that the clubs that I am in do a fabulous job of preparing us for what to wear in the business world and what is and isn’t acceptable to wear. However, I know that many students that are going into the business world did not get the same opportunities and help that I did. My goal is to arm my readers with the insight to know what is acceptable to wear to each type of career they may encounter.

What took me the longest time to understand was the difference between business casual and business professional clothing since most business clothes can either be dressed up or down to reflect the specific look you are trying to achieve. I personally enjoy dressing business casual more so than business professional as there is more room to experiment and more options to try. However, business professional clothing is what makes me feel the most confident and professional. Overall, there are pros and cons to each type of dress.

You might be thinking, this girl is just a college kid, why should I listen to her? I’m sure that I could learn just as much from you as you might from me. From what I’ve learned in my experience, the business world is constantly growing and changing so why not use each other to gain a bit more knowledge into the field that we are all going into? I would love to hear your feedback and thoughts in the comments so let’s make this interactive and fun for the both of us!

If you decide to keep up with my blog, I would like to thank you in advance for taking the time out of your probably hectic life to read my tips and tricks on business dress and etiquette. I was extremely grateful for all of the knowledge that I gained from my clubs and internship and hope that you get a little something out of reading my blog as well. Ladies, let’s take this leap and dive into the BizMiss world together.

[btravelledblog-blog]

8 Steps to Success: How to Plan Your Trip Abroad

8 Steps to Success: How to Plan Your Trip Abroad

So now that you have officially decided to travel abroad, for work, school, vacation, or otherwise, it is time to start planning your trip!  For most people, the planning process is the most difficult and time consuming part of travelling, since everything feels like a make-or-break decision.  Plus, looking at different prices, customer reviews, and pictures can all be very overwhelming.  With the right planning process, however, your trip and preparation should go fairly smoothly! However, it is important to keep in mind that even with all the planning and preparation in the world, some things are going to go wrong, and that is okay.  Just remember to stay positive, stay focused, remember the end-goal of enjoying the whole trip, and learn to have fun with the little set backs!   With all of that being said, here my 8 Steps to Success to plan your perfect trip abroad!

Step One: Pick a Destination Sometimes picking the one place (or the series of places) you definitively want to go to will be such a tough decision it will make your head spin.  Personally, making the decision of where exactly to go is always very difficult for me, because I want to everywhere and see everything, but here are some of my ideas on how to narrow down your choices.

1. Weather So right now you are stuck between a summer in Italy, Ireland, or Australia.  Maybe one of the first things you should look at is the weather for each destination, and see which one fits the idea you had in mind for the trip.  Obviously, Ireland is going to be a bit cooler and rainier than Italy and Australia, where you can expect dry heat, which may end up swaying your decision.  If you want that heat, and to go see beaches and lakes, then narrow down your choices between Italy and Australia.  However, if you think the cooler climate better suits your needs, go with Ireland!

2. Time of Year Similarly to weather, the time of year can play a key role in deciding where you want to go.  If you want to go to the Dominican Republic to try and learn more about the culture while also enjoying the beach, maybe stay away from April travels to avoid spring breakers.  Plus, different places have cheaper flights during different times of the year, which is super important if you are trying to save (some) money while planning your trip, which we will get more into in Step 2.

3. Recommendations So you looked into the weather, you checked to see when are the best times to visit your choices, you compared prices, and you still cannot seem to decide on one place.  My biggest recommendation, would be to ask for a recommendation!  Friends and family that have already travelled to a destination will probably have a lot of stories and insights on the different countries they have been to, and the experiences they had.  Maybe they found out the hard way that the locals in one part of town are always looking to scam tourists, or the discovered a hidden gem of a coffee shop on the outskirts of downtown.  No matter what they have to say, your friends and family are always a great resource while trying to figure out where to go.

Now, obviously these three tips are not anywhere near all-inclusive, and you are still going to struggle to pick your final destination, but maybe this gave you a better idea of how to start researching.  With that being said, research, ask for recommendations, and good luck!

Step 2: Book a Flight Booking a flight for your travel experience can be very scary, trust me, I’ve been there. You’re probably scared the booking will not actually go through, that you will end up paying more than you should, that there will be additional hidden fees once you get to the airport, among other things. These are all valid fears, and the best way to combat them is to plan and be diligent about doing your research. Here some general tips to help you out:

1. Research cheap airlines There are a lot of cheap airlines out there, like eDreams and Spirit, but you have to be very careful when using them. Most of these cheaper options include minimal amenities: you will probably have to pay extra for any undercarriage luggage, for any food and/or drink during the flight, for overweight luggage, etc. While the airline is not technically trying to trick you (emphasis on technically) you still need to be very careful about reading the fine print of what is all included in your plane ticket, and plan accordingly.

2. Compare cheap airlines to typical airlines Although the above cheaper flights may originally seem like the better deal, add up all of their fees and compare the total price to bigger airlines like United Airways or Iberia. Sometimes, after everything is added together, the prices are almost the same. The bigger airline will always be a little more expensive, but for free unlimited drinks on your 18-hour flight, it might be worth it!

3. Compare One-Way versus Round-Trip Flights Sometimes it can be cheaper to buy two one-way tickets. Other times it can be cheaper to buy one round-trip ticket. Just research and compare prices to make sure you are getting the best deal!

4. Use a Search Engine or Travel Agent For some people, booking the flight with you own research is too daunting a task. And that’s okay! Websites like kayak.com or travelocity are great tools to help you compare different flights. And if you’re willing to shell out a little extra cash for a travel agent to save time and additional stress, there’s no shame in that either!

Booking a flight is scary, but hopefully, with these tips, the process goes a little easier. Just remember: research and compare costs!

Step 3: Find Lodging Once you have you flight booked, it’s time to start looking for your home for the trip! Depending on what kind of trip you plan on going on, you’ll want to stay in different lodgings. If you plan to go all-out for a dream vacation full of food, drinks, and pool time, an all-inclusive resort is the way to go. With an all-inclusive hotel, all of your food, drinks, and typical amenities are included in the fees for your stay. On the other hand, if you literally only need a place to sleep, and are planning on being out and about, exploring wherever you are, a hostel or airbnb may be the right option for you. Hostels and airbnbs can be very similar in price, drastically cheaper than hotels, and offer only the basics so you can save money to spend elsewhere. When I took my weekend trip to Paris, my friend and I stayed in a hostel, and it was perfect for us since we wanted to see all of the city in one weekend, and didn’t care about a fancy hotel. Of course, if you are in between being completely spoiled at an all-inclusive resort and living off of the basics like in a hostel or airbnb, a regular hotel is always an option. Mid-priced hotels are everywhere, and you should have no problem finding something in your price range, with whatever necessities you see fit to have provided for you. My biggest tip while looking at places to stay is to make sure you find yourself a good location. Sure, things will be cheaper the farther away they are from the downtown areas, or the beaches, or the beautiful destinations, but then you will need to figure out how to get to these places. Often times, having to walk an hour every morning, or take a taxi every day, can add to monetary and time expenses, making these cheap and further out locations less of a good deal. Obviously, the best places to stay are going to be more expensive as you move towards the center of the tourist areas, so just try your best to find a happy medium. Be close enough that getting where you want to go isn’t its own mini-trip, but also don’t break the bank for a central location. Finally, make sure you look up lots of reviews for wherever you decide to stay. The pictures may look great, but pictures can always be deceiving. Plus, the hostel may say “great location”, but that’s a very open description and could simply be puffery. Additionally, you want to make sure that wherever you decide to stay is safe. If there are no reviews, do not stay there. If the review says it’s very cheap, but in a bad neighborhood, try looking for something else. Never let saving a few dollars out your safety at risk, it’s really not worth it. Other than that, once again, just research everything, find a place that fits your specific needs, be safe, and start getting excited!

Step 4: Plan Your Excursions So you finally decided on where you want to go, you booked your flight, and are ready to start planning everything you want to do during your trip! In my opinion, this is the best and most fun part of the planning process. Again, the biggest thing you need to do is research. Utilize google, social media, friends and family, and anything else you can think of to look up where you should go, try, and see. Once you have a few places and things to do in mind, look them up specifically to see if there are any guided tours or direct transportation programs to get you there. Or, if you have a little known coffee shop on your docket, just look it up on a map so you can find it yourself! This part of planning your trip should be fun and fairly stress free, so try not to take it too seriously (except for those trips you need to book a reservation for), and remember to leave yourself time to explore. A lot of times you will find the coolest places and have the best experiences from being spontaneous, and just seeing where the journey takes you! So, my advice in a nutshell: research, make a game plan, book everything that needs to be done in advance, and try not to over-plan!

Step 5: Figure out Transportation Planning your preferred method of transportation throughout your trip is super important. There are plenty of different options: rent a car, bus tickets, train tickets, public transit, taxi, Uber, etc. In my opinion, you should probably stay away from renting a car and driving yourself, just because you likely aren’t familiar with the different rules and regulations of driving in a different country; but if you are, go for it! During my trips, I tend to opt for the public transportation option. A lot of times you can buy a pass for a lot cheaper than any of the other options, and then you have free reign of the city you chose to visit. Another important thing to remember is how you plan to get from the airport, to your hotel/hostel/airbnb/etc. Airports are usually pretty far out of the city, and I think that taking a taxi straight out of the terminal to your host location is the easiest route to take. Sure, it can be a little expensive, but you know that you will make it from Place A to Place B, without the stress of figuring out a bus or train station. A good thing to keep in mind about taking a taxi from the airport: there is usually one flat rate to ride in a taxi to your lodgings, so be sure to know if the airport you are in follows this typical European rule so you know you are paying a fair price. For example, in Athens, Greece it was 50 € to go from the airport to anywhere in Athens, and I saw similar situations everywhere I went in Europe. So, take a taxi to your home for the trip (if you’re like me) and then get some kind of public transportation pass (again, if you want to just do what I did). Once you have the pass, make sure you keep a map of all the routes with you, since you probably won’t have Wi-Fi to look up which stop and at what time you need to be there. From there, you should be fine to get to wherever you need to go! My last piece of transportation advice is to plan out bigger weekend trips you want to take as far in advance as possible. Spontaneous trips are incredible, I planned a weekend in Paris on Tuesday and left on Friday, but the planning and execution of the plan will probably go a lot smoother if you are little more prepared than I was. Just follow all of these same steps, and maybe take a bus or train instead of a flight if it’s cheaper, and you’ll be good to go!

Step 6: Pack For an all-inclusive packing list of everything you need to study abroad, or to take with you on a long trip, take a look at my first first blog post!

https://btravelledblog.tumblr.com/post/174197818437/all-inclusive-study-abroad-packing-list-from-the

Step 7: Make a Checklist Make a checklist of all of these things, any other little things you can think of, even stuff you need to buy for your trip, and once something’s done, you get to check it off! You can even make a list of everything you have to do to execute your plan, like I did, but sometimes my list making can be a little excessive, so it’s all up to you.

Step 8: Travel Finally, go on your trip, take lots of pictures, make lots of memories, and have lots of fun!

[merciattire-blog]

The Ideal Outfit Based on Your Zodiac Sign

So, who here is into reading their horoscope? Now, I’m sure we all know someone who is super into it and reads theirs on a daily basis— I am not that person. However, I do find myself getting sucked into articles such as “Find Your Ideal Honeymoon Destination Based on Your Horoscope” and “What Starbucks Drink You Should Order Based on Your Zodiac Sign”. I mean, they’re kind of fun and entertaining, right? Plus, I can almost guarantee that everyone at least knows what zodiac sign they are, so why not pair that with some cute outfit ideas to capture your zodiac’s essence?

After making the decision to write this blog, there was no turning back. Thus, began copious amounts of research on each sign. The sources of my information were www.horoscope.com and www.astology-zodiac-signs.com. If you’re into reading your horoscopes or learning more about your sign, these are great starting places. Now, let’s get into it, shall we?

Capricorn – The Goat

Dates: December 22-January 19

Colors: Dark green and brown.

Key Traits: Detail-oriented, responsible, and hardworking.

(Dress: Amazon, shoes: Zappos, jewelry: Etsy, bag: Michael Kors)

Due to the hardworking nature of Capricorns, it is important to have a bag that can take you straight from class to work. A backpack bag is perfect for on-the-go tasks and won’t slow you down during a busy day; you will sometimes forget you’re even wearing it! Furthermore, a spacious design allows for any essentials you’ll need throughout the day. A flowy tank top dress is the perfect base to layer on gladiator sandals (which, may I add, contribute to the “strength” element of this zodiac). Lastly, an intricate, layered necklace finalizes this look by sealing in the gold accented accessory theme. The end result? A perfect, detail-oriented ensemble that’s fit for a Capricorn!

Aquarius – The Water Bearer

Dates: January 20-February 18

Colors: Silver and light blue.

Key Traits: Independent, original, and humanitarian.

(Top: Polyvore, jacket: The Jacket Maker, jeans: Express, shoes: Adidas)

For this zodiac’s originality, an eccentric look is a must. So, I went for something that is original, yet wearable on a daily basis. This incomparable silver bomber jacket is clearly the most eye-catching part of this outfit, so you are sure to stand out from the crowd. Paired with silver accented tennis shoes to match, this trendsetter look is swoon-worthy. A mixture of textures is created with a baby blue ribbed tank tucked into some distressed black jeans, which helps balance out this look. Moreover, this outfit is super comfortable—always a plus in my book!

Pieces – The Fish

Dates: February 19-March 20

Colors: Purple and sea-green.

Key Traits: Compassionate, intuitive and artistic.

(Romper: Lulu’s, sandals: Kee Shoes, clutch: Contrado, rings: Etsy)

For the Pisces, The Little Mermaid immediately came to mind. With the key characteristics of being compassionate and artistic, Ariel’s musical abilities and considerate ways came to mind. In addition, who else would use a fork for a brush? That’s intuitive art right there. To channel your inner mermaid, this sea-green romper with a twisted belt detailing is flawless. Additionally, some light purple heels match Ariel’s color theme, as well as the Pisces’! Of course, I just had to add some fish scale inspiration with a perfectly matching clutch. The shiny texture also gives off a “wet” look—score! To further this theme, I added in some silver midi rings for even more sparkle.

Aires – The Ram

Dates: March 21-April 19

Color: Red.

Key Traits: Courageous, independent, and impatient.

(T-shirt: Nordstrom, shoes: Converse, leggings: JCPenny, jacket: H&M)

This is probably my favorite outfit of them all, and I’m not even an Aires (I just love me a good band tee)! Prior to writing this blog, even I knew that Aires are known for having a “fiery” personality. Low and behold, their color is red! With splashes of red in the t-shirt and shoes, this outfit is given a bold and daring personality (much like an Aires). Due to their slightly impatient nature, a comfortable outfit is key. Enter: leggings. Furthermore, an old band tee, jean jacket, and Converse give this look an old school, “cool girl” vibe—perfect for this zodiac.

Taurus – The Bull

Dates: April 20-May 20

Color: Pink.

Key Traits: Dependable, elegant, and devoted.

(Blouse: Lulus, shorts: Missguided, sandals: Lulus, necklace: Bija Bijoux)

Despite their symbol being a bull, this zodiac has rather elegant characteristics and mannerisms. Therefore, I put together a more girly, feminine look. Even for someone who isn’t the biggest fan of pink (me), this outfit is just too adorable to pass up. A cropped, ruffled crop top is a fabulous statement piece to have handy in the summertime. Paired with some white high-waisted buttoned shorts, the torso is balanced out. Keeping with this light, romantic theme, some blush pink lace-up wedges were added. As for the jewelry, I decided on a crescent necklace that reminds me of a bull’s nose ring so, naturally, I had to.

Gemini – The Twins

Dates: May 21-June 20

Colors: Yellow and light green.

Key Traits: Affectionate, curious, and kind.

(Dress: Forever 21, sandals: Lulus, bag: Hot Topic, glasses: Sunglass Casa)

What a ray of sunshine! After reading up on Geminis, it is clear that they are typically “old souls”. Therefore, this 70’s-inspired floral dress just screamed “Gemini” to me. It also serves as a romantic look, bridging back to this affectionate zodiac. For the first statement accessory, cat eye sunglasses further exemplify the vintage vibe. Another characteristic of this zodiac is curiosity, leading to their love for curling up with a good book. Needless to say, this rare “once upon a time” purse is an excellent find!

Cancer – The Crab

Dates: June 21-July 22

Colors: White and violet.

Key Traits: Emotional, loyal, and intelligent.

(Two-piece: Lily Boutique, pumps: Shiekh Shoes, clutch: Zatchels)

For the Cancer zodiac, I put together a vintage, 20’s era outfit based on their personality traits. To establish this feminine style, lace embroidery is an essential. Thus, a white lace monochromatic two-piece is absolute perfection for this sign. Furthermore, a touch of violet is added with a simple cross-body bag. Nude pumps pair flawlessly with this romantic look without being too overpowering and distracting from the intricate detailing. Plus, these pumps  also help to elongate your legs (a great bonus)! Finally, I couldn’t resist adding in a ribbon for your hair to finish off this vintage Cancer attire.

Leo – The Lion

Dates: July 23-August 22

Colors: Gold, yellow, and orange.

Key Traits: Bold, humorous, and creative.

(Dress: Rockray Clothing, sandals: Aetrex, earrings: AliExpress, purse: Ebay)

Hit the beach in this fun, lioness-inspired look! Leos are known for being humorous and creative, so a laid-back 70’s themed outfit was my goal here. This loose, brightly colored yellow sundress with bell sleeves effortlessly captures this essence. For a lion’s mane appearance, aim for some voluminous, beachy waves and statement feather earrings. This ensemble is finished off with a woven summer-ready handbag and some beaded sandals.

Virgo – The Virgin

Dates: August 23-September 22

Colors: White and beige.

Key Traits: Organized, kind, and practical.

(Top: Athleta, blazer: Lyst, pants: Neiman Marcus, shoes: Dillard’s)

Moving on to the Virgo! To emanate from their organizational qualities, a striped shirt is the building block of this outfit. Virgos are all about functionality. Now, what better way to go from work to play than having a trusty blazer handy? Leather pants also contribute to this dual purpose outfit with their ability to transition from the office to happy hour. Lastly, flats were chosen to complete this look due to their practicality. No one wants to be slowed down from task to task, especially a Virgo.

Libra – The Scales

Dates: September 23-October 22

Colors: Pink, blue, and green.

Key Traits: Cooperative, intelligent, and gracious.

(Shirt: Yours Clothing, necklace: Accessorize, capris: True Religion, shoes: Bohme)

Next, we have a style that is built with Libras in mind. With intelligent and gracious qualities, this zodiac is gifted at finding the ideal outfit for every situation. Due to the fact that their symbol is the scales, a balance between elegant statement and basic pieces is attained to encompass this attribute. A breathtaking statement necklace with blues and pinks does just the job for an otherwise casual outfit. These light, pastel tones mix and mingle with the feel-good vibes of summertime! Combined, these items make up a sophisticated, polished look for tactful Libras.

Scorpio – The Scorpion

Dates: October 23-November 21

Color: Scarlet.

Key Traits: Brave, stubborn, and independent.

(Top: Polyvore, skirt: Lipsy, purse: Venus, heels: Larizia)

For this zodiac, a dark, classy ensemble perfectly captures their essence. This flowy top adds just a pop of scarlet to pay homage to this sign’s symbol: the scorpion. With independence being a key trait, a straight-from-work look was achieved with a classic pencil skirt and gold accented pumps. Alas, we mustn’t forget about their bravery! To capture this characteristic, a striking leopard print purse was added to finalize this outfit.

Sagittarius – The Archer

Dates: November 22-December 21

Colors: Light blue and black.

Key Traits: Humorous, creative, and idealistic.

(Skirt: H&M, shirt: Asos, heels: Express, bag: Nicole Miller)

Calling all Sags! Last, but certainly not least on the list. After studying up on this sign (and being one, myself), I decided to go for an outfit made up of timeless pieces. Of course, these pieces consist of a plain white tee and some black strapped open-toe heels. Then again, a bold leather skirt packs a creative, unexpected punch to the look. To incorporate a light blue hue, this textured rectangular bag is an impeccable addition.

Here ends my list of outfits inspired by your zodiac. Do you agree with these picks? Thanks for reading!

Until next time,

Paige

[borrowabuddy-blog]

How to Have Fun with Your Dog

Dogs come in all shapes in sizes and they all have very different personalities. According to the ASPCA, 44% of all households in the United States owns a dog. This means that there are 78 million dogs owned in the United States alone! That sure is a lot of dogs! People get a dog for all sorts of reasons whether it be a farm or guard dog or just a cuddly lap dog. Every type of dog serves a purpose in someone’s life.

One huge way that dogs help us is that they help to relieve a lot of stress. Simply petting a dog can make someone feel a lot better. This is why they are used as therapy animals so often. Many dogs every day are brought to nursing homes and hospitals just to put a smile on the patients faces. Throughout this post I am going to give you a few simple tips on fun activities that you can do with your dog (or any dog) to put a smile on your face, relieve some stress, and to allow your dog to have a little fun!

1.      Walk Your Dog

The first activity is simple. This would just be taking your dog for a walk. I do not know a single dog that does not enjoy going for a walk, and it is great exercise for the owner too. It is an easy task to accommodate into most people’s lives because you do not need anything except a leash, good walking shoes, a poop bag (always pick up the poop), and your dog. You can walk for as long or short of a distance as you would like to and there are even apps that allow a person to track their route that they walk with their dog. These apps will allow you to track if you take one route a lot more than others. This could help an owner to find ways to mix up their path if they begin to get bored of where they are walking. Walking is also a great option for someone who may have an older dog that cannot go too far but likes to get out of the house. Additonally, walking is a good option for dogs who may not listen well off leash or may not like other dogs. Walking allows the handler to have control over the dog without putting other people or animals at risk.

Getting involved in local dog walks is also an enjoyable option. A lot of humane societies will have fundraiser walks that allow people to bring their animals. This is fun because it allows you to meet other dogs and dog enthusiasts and they can meet you and your dog. It is important to make sure your dog likes other dogs before attending an event with other dogs around.

Some ambitious people also choose to go running with their dog. This is a great way to tire a dog out, and many dogs really enjoy this. In most communities there are many different running and walking paths, so you can easily change up where you are going with your dog, so it does not get too boring.

2.      Dog Park

Taking a dog to the dog park is an enjoyable time for both the owner and the dog. It is good for the dogs because it is generally a fenced in area and the dog is free to run wherever they want. It also allows the owner to see and meet many new and very cute dogs. The dog park allows the dog to meet new dogs and play with them. This will tire out your dog quickly which is a goal that many busy people have. It also allows you to not have to do less work than you would if you were walking or running with your dog. Many dog parks offer benches which is especially great for people who may not be able to walk too far. Additionally, the dog parks offer paths throughout the fenced in area, and other unfenced in parts of the park that you can take your dog to explore.

So, you decided you want to go to a dog park? There are a few tips you should know. Most dog parks are split into a small and large dog section to prevent injuries to dogs. It is always a good idea to bring water for your dog. Make sure you bring a lot because as soon as you put it down every dog will drink it. It is also important to keep an eye on your dog at all times. This allows you to quickly pick up any poop, or step in if your dog looks like it might get in a fight. Make sure your dog is tolerant of lots of different dogs because as soon as you walk into a dog park, dogs will swarm your dog. Most importantly enjoy your time and pet lots dogs!

3.      Swimming

This might not be the best option for all dogs, but for a dog that loves to swim it is perfect! Swimming tires them out quickly and they love doing it. Many people opt to bring a ball or a toy that floats along so that they can play fetch with their dog. If your dog is anything like mine who hates water and sinks, then you might want to bring a life jacket or opt to not take your dog swimming. It is important to check that wherever you are taking your dog to swim is dog friendly, and that your dog listens well when called if it is off leash in an unsecured area. It is also important to make sure you are away from any boats because you do not want your dog to get hit.

There are also different dog schools that you can join that do a water dogs program. This allows the dog to practice swimming in a safe environment. The trainers helps to build the dogs confidence to help prevent accidents. Some dog owners even compete their dog in a competition called dock jumping. This is where a dog has to jump as far as it can off a dock to catch a toy. The dog that jumps the farthest wins. The dogs that compete in this really love fetch and water, so if your dog loves fetch and water they might make a good dock dog!

An activity related to swimming that does not involve a wet smelly dog, is taking your dog kayaking with you. Many people train their dogs to sit in a kayak and they take them all over with them. This does not get your dog as much exercise, but it does provide an owner with companionship. It is important to make sure your dog calmly stays in the kayak because otherwise they could flip the both of you into the water. Then you would both be wet and smelly.

4.      Watch a Movie

This forth option, my personal favorite, is what I call the lazy option. This is just sitting down on a couch and calling your dog over and petting them. Grab your favorite blanket, turn on your favorite TV show, grab a snack, and call your dog over. Dogs love being pet and will be happy with the attention you are giving them especially if you have been gone most of the day. Keep in mind most dogs really appreciate a belly rub! Watching a movie or TV is a great option if an owner is tired and has had a long day. Most people watch TV at some point during the night, so this is a good way to unwind while giving you pet attention. Many people make this into a routine. I know my dog always knows when it is the end of the night and she goes to her normal spot on the couch and waits for a belly rub. She is happy when anyone gives her one for any amount of time. Petting a dog also helps to relieve stress so having a routine like this will force you to sit down and take a break from the craziness of our lives.

There are tons of activities and ways to be involved with your dog and these are just a few. Dogs do not care what they are doing with their owners. They are just happy to receive attention. Most people work away from home during the day, so taking the time to spend an hour doing a physical activity is good to keep your pet from going stir crazy. It is also good for the owner to get outside and be active, especially if they have been sitting at a desk job all day. Furthermore, petting a dog relieves a lot of stress. We know today that people are more stressed than ever before, so anything we can do to help combat this is worth it.

Our dogs look forward to us coming home all day. They live to spend time with us. They are happy when we are, and they know when we are sad. Simple activities such as the ones I discussed do not take a lot of effort on our part but make our dogs days so much better. What is your favorite activity to do with your dog or pet?

[lacrossecouponing-blog]

Organizing Your Stockpile

So, you’ve been couponing for a while and have managed to accumulate a ton of great products! That’s great news, but now you have to figure out what to do with all of it. You could go ahead and shove it all in a corner somewhere, but that’s not as fun as an aesthetically-pleasing stockpile. When I first started couponing, I watched tons of videos of well-organized stockpiles, filled with rows and rows of great products. It really inspired me to get after it and become a dedicated couponer. 

This week’s blog is all about organizing and maintaining your stockpile. I’m going to share some helpful tips and tricks. I’ll also show you how I organize my stockpile, and how master couponers organize theirs. Let’s begin: 

1. Set Goals and/or Expectations

Although it may be tempting, you should not accumulate stuff for the sake of accumulating stuff. Lots of products have expiration dates, meaning you can’t horde an unlimited amount. Even if it doesn’t have an expiration date – for example toilet paper – you only have so much room to store it.

Many couponers aim to maintain a stockpile that will last them a specific period of time. For example, I try to maintain a yearlong stockpile. That means if I stopped buying products today, we could live off the stockpile for a year. If I have more products than we’ll use in a year, I will I’ll donate my excess so I can continue to coupon for it. 

2. Determine “Stock-Up” Prices

Most seasoned couponers already have enough products to tide their families over for a few months (tide laundry detergent pun intended). Since they already have plenty of products, they’ll turn their nose up at anything that’s above their “stock-up price.” A stock-up price is essentially the maximum amount a couponer will pay for a certain item. For example, you might say “my stock-up price for fabric softener is $1.50 per bottle.” That way, when you come across a deal that’s less than that amount, you know it’s go time. I’ve heard some couponers go as far as saying “My stock-up price for toilet paper is $.02 per foot.” I’m not like that, but you get the point.

This especially works for couponers who need help exercising self-control. Sometimes it’s easy to be tempted by the deals, but they may not be the best deals.

3. Unload Extra Products by Selling or Donating

I have never sold a single item from my stockpile because I prefer to donate those items. However, I hold no judgement towards those who chose to resell some of their items. It’s just like any other garage sale but with consumer products! It’s a great way to pass on your savings to others while making some money for yourself. Here’s a great video by Running Kimono where she talks about her stockpile sales. 

Below is a picture of some of the items I am donating next week. By the way, stay tuned for next week’s blog where I will talk about giving back! Deals for shampoo, conditioner and toothpaste come around all the time, so I have no problem giving away tons of it! There are always great deals on those items, so I donate them regularly. On the other hand, paper towel, toilet paper and fabric softener deals don’t com around very often, so I tend to hold on to those items.

I have always viewed couponing as a hobby. I will go out and get the best deals regardless of how much I have or need. However, if I end up with more than I need for the year, I will donate it. Of course I’m going to encourage you to donate as much as you can, but you’re the one with the power to set your limits and expectations for your stockpile.  

Now – let’s look at some stockpiles!

My Stockpile

Because I live in a tiny house with extremely limited space, I have to get creative with my storage. Someday, I’ll have a beautiful stockpile with actual shelves, but for now, I have to use the random cupboards in my house. If – like me – you have limited space, keep in mind it may not be beautiful but it’s all about making it work for you! Here are some of the creative solutions I have come up with:

Condensing Items Into Storage Containers

I’ve managed to save a lot of space by getting rid of bulky packaging and putting my items into containers. For example, I take my laundry pods and razors out of their packages and put them into these fun containers that I got from Walmart. I also repurposed a giant pickle jar I got from Woodman’s! 

I also take toothpaste out of their original boxes and put them into this basket.

Utilizing Under-Sink Space

Here’s a couple of lovely pictures showing where I keep my shower products and laundry detergent:

I just went through my shampoo and conditioner and plan on donating a bunch to New Horizons, so I have some room for growth there! My laundry detergent, on the other hand, could use some thinning out (stay tuned for next week, hint hint).

Like I said, my stockpile isn’t gorgeous. It features dingy pipes and awkward spaces, but it’ll do for now. That said, let’s look at some of the best stockpiles I’ve ever seen! The following videos are by some of my favorite career-couponers:

Savvy Coupon Shopper: Click Here!

My favorite part about her stockpile video is when she talks about the progression of her stockpile. She mentioned that she used to have tons and tons of stuff, but eventually started donating a lot of her items. This is truly what it means to be a great couponer! Make sure you’re giving back when and where you can. One family can only use so much stuff.

Running Kimono: Click Here!

If you’ve been keeping up with my blog and social channels, you’ll know that I am obsessed with Running Kimono. Don’t judge me, but there’s just something relaxing about her voice (comment on this post if you watched her video and you agree with me). She also has an awesome stockpile and great weekly deal breakdowns. My favorite part about her stockpile is her plethora of paper products!

Clean Cut Couponing: Click Here!

If you like shopping at Target, CleanCutCouponing is your girl. Her videos are amazing and her stockpile is too! My favorite part about her stockpile is her laundry detergent “collection.” That girl has ALL the Tide. Also, her stockpile looks like it’s five products away from being an actual drug store.

Nicole Burgess: Click Here!

During this video, Nicole said “What most people look forward to in a stockpile tour is the laundry soap.” I couldn’t agree more. Maybe it’s just me, but I am obsessed with laundry detergent. My favorite thing about her stockpile is all of her Gain Flings. Fun fact, I’ve never purchased any Gain Flings; however, Gain is my favorite smelling laundry detergent. I’ve been patiently waiting for a good deal!

Other Random Tips for Maintaining a Great Stockpile

Rotate Items

When you buy new items – especially those with expiration dates – put those towards the back of your stockpile and move up your older items. By doing this, you ensure that your old stuff is getting used up first!

Keep Paper Products Off the Floor

In case of a flood or any other random situation, it’s best to keep paper products off the floor. This is a must do in the couponing community. Apparently, enough people have suffered major paper towel loss due to flooding that it has became the unwritten rule! I understand why people are so protective of their paper products since we don’t see too many great deals on them!

Don’t Overload Your Shelves

Some shelves – especially the cheaper or prefab ones – can only handle so much weight. Be mindful of how much weight you’re putting on your shelves. Over time, they can start to bend under the weight of heavy items. Make sure to keep heavier soaps on surfaces that can handle it.

Don’t be Afraid to Move Things Around

After I set up my stockpile, I was pretty committed to the layout I had established. However, I realized that I would outgrow my system very quickly! As your stockpile grows or your needs change, don’t worry if things come and go or if you have to re-organize, always do what’s best for you!

As always, thank you so much for taking time to read my blog post. The goal of my blog and social channels is to help you learn how to save money through couponing! If you ever have any questions, please leave a comment! And be sure to stay tuned for next week’s blog, we will be talking about giving back to the community! I will be making donation drop offs at the Coulee Region Humane Society and New Horizons. Also, I’ll be doing something super fun on my Instagram… so stay tuned! 

[takesontaps-blog]

Beer Blog One

        Beer! Beer! Just the word, is happiness to my ear. Greetings, friends! As a “beer connoisseur”, per say, I find joy in trying all different sorts of beers. From Stouts and India Pale Ales (IPA) to Pilsners and Porters, there isn’t a beer on the face of this Earth that I wouldn’t be willing to try. As I make my way through the bubbly world of beer, I’d like to share my take on taps, bottles, breweries and virtually everything beer with you. So, where can I start? Hmm, how about by sharing with you where my love for beer first began. I had my very first beer last September, when I turned 21 years old. Well, okay… maybe I had a beer or two before then. I was born and raised in Wisconsin, after all. Although Wisconsin is considered the Dairy State, any proud Wisconsinite would be able to tell you that beer could rival that nickname. It would be more than fair to say that my love for beer is due in part to my citizenship to Wisconsin. After all, I was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, right next to the world-renowned Miller Brewing Company. Beer comes from all over the world and has been brewed using various techniques, tools and ingredients as far back as 3,500 BC! With over 5,000 years of history, I will have plenty of information to share on the wonderful world of beer. I’d like to start by paying homage to my birthplace and the place that makes me proud of where so many great beers come from today, Milwaukee.

        As I had mentioned, I was born in Milwaukee and would go on to spend the next 18 years of my life living there. The city is spackled with brewers, some of whom are smaller microbreweries specializing in craft beers and others who are making a name for themselves outside of Wisconsin. However, there is no bigger name in the modern beer business than the Miller Brewing Company.

        To provide some history on how Miller Brewing became the company it is today, I’ll start with the companies’ foundation that dates all the way back to 1855. Miller Brewing Company was founded by one Mr. Frederick Miller. Frederick Miller had emigrated from Germany in 1854, bringing with him a special brewer’s yeast that would set him apart from all the other breweries. Like most businesses, Frederick Miller started small by purchasing a local Milwaukee brewery named Plank Road Brewery. The brewery was located in an area called the Miller Valley. Due in part to Frederick’s last name, as well as the location in Miller Valley, the Plank Road Brewery was renamed and the Miller Brewing Company was born. The Miller Brewing Company would then go on to remain in the Frederick Miller family for over 100 years until the eventual sale to W. R. Grace and Company in 1966. The brewery swapped ownership yet again in 1969, 2002 and most recently in 2015 when Anheuser-Busch Inbev reached a full agreement to purchase the company for a whopping $107 billion dollars. The 2015 agreement was the most recent sale of the Miller Brewing Company, but it is important to note that the company merged with fellow beer behemoth MolsonCoors on October 10, 2016. When Frederick Miller founded the company in 1855, Miller Brewing Company had one facility with a staff of 25 employees who brewed 300 barrels of beer. Today, Miller Brewing Company operates: six breweries, five manufacturing plants, four distributorships, a glass bottle production facility, a label factory and several gas wells which employ roughly 9,500 people. Altogether, the company now brews more than 40 million barrels of beer per year. No, that’s not a typo, more than 40 million barrels of beer per year! This makes Miller Brewing Company the second largest brewery in the United States. I think it’s safe to say Frederick Miller would be proud of where his company is today (well, apart from his great granddaughter selling off the company in 1966).

                                              *Miller High Life Logo*

        Now the fun part, beer! MillerCoors (Joint name of Miller Brewing and Molson Coors) offers more than 50 beers. You might have heard of a few, such as: Miller Lite, Blue Moon, Leinenkugel’s, Redd’s, Coors, Miller 64, Red Dog, Smith and Forge, Sol Cerveza, Steel Reserve and Olde English 800. While I could go on and on about the many great beers MillerCoors has to offer, I’d like to stick to the original beers that the Miller Brewing Company offered prior to the merger in 2016.

        One of the more notable beers you might have heard of (especially the college kids) is Hamm’s and Hamm’s Special Light. While I do admit it’s not my favorite Miller product, it is one of the best beers in terms of bang-for-your-buck. A 30-can case of Hamm’s can run as little as $10-$12 dollars if you go to the right stores. With a light flavor that goes down easy, you could find yourself ten Hamm’s in by the end of the night. The best part? That could cost you as little as $3 or $4 dollars, talk about efficiency!

        Hamm’s might not be your first choice, and that’s okay! Miller Brewing Company also offers classics with much more flavor like Mickey’s. Mickey’s is a fine malt beverage with moderate bitterness and lots and lots of malts. One of the neatest things about Mickey’s is the innovative 12-ounce “grenade” bottle they can be found in. You may have seen a grenade-style bottle before, and that style all originated with Mickey’s! In a world of standard cans, you can keep it classy with a Mickey’s grenade bottle. However, if you’re looking for a little less class and a little more fun, virtually every gas station in the Milwaukee Area will offer a Mickey’s 40-ounce bottle. The 40-ounce bottles are a nice, cheap snag but I wouldn’t recommend making Mickey’s your first choice for drinking games like “Edward 40-Hands” (A game in which you tape a 40-ounce beer to each hand and begin drinking). This is because Mickey’s contains so many malts which will fill you up much faster than light beers like Hamm’s.

             *Mickey’s famous 12oz. grenade-style bottle and 40oz. bottle*

        Miller Brewing Company also has products you may not have heard of before, such as Miller Fortune. This product was brewed in lesser amounts than other Miller products which is why you may not have heard of it. Another reason why this beer is often unheard of is because production has come to a halt. There are still select stores, bars and restaurants that offer Miller Fortune so if you’re lucky enough to come across the jet-black Miller Fortune bottle, I’d give it a try! Part of what makes this beer so unique is that it was brewed with caramel malts and cascade hops. The malts and hops create the perfect balance for a smooth swallow, but this product is known to follow with a minor “bite” as it has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 6.9%, a bit higher than standard light beers.

        I’ve always been a huge fan of the Miller Brewing Company and part of the reason I’m such a big fan is because they brew my all-time favorite beer. I decided to save the best (in my opinion) for last. Miller High Life. The “Champagne of Beers”. Miller High Life is a classic American-style lager that dates all the way back to 1903. High Life was launched to be Miller’s flagship beer and to this day serves as a staple to the Miller name. I’m not sure if it’s the classic glass bottles or the fact that they use the original 1903 recipe, but something about this beer makes you feel authentic. In my opinion and in many others, there is nothing classier than a Miller High Life in a bottle which is why so many people gave it the nickname it has today, the Champagne of Beers.

                             *Miller High Life’s Iconic “Lady In The Moon”*

        As a beer lover, I am very fortunate to have been born and raised in Milwaukee. Milwaukee is home to so many great beers and the Miller Brewing Company products I’ve mentioned are just the tip of the iceberg for Milwaukee brews. The Miller Brewing Company paved the way for dozens of other brewers hoping to make a living doing what they love in Milwaukee. Even if beer isn’t your style, you’ll find the Miller name everywhere around the Milwaukee community. One of the most iconic instances is on the home field of the Milwaukee Brewers’. This major league baseball team plays home games in Miller Park, a renowned stadium that is positioned just three miles away from the original Miller Brewery that Frederick Miller first opened in 1855.

        I’d like to thank each of you for taking the time to read my first blog and if you’re interested in some of the resources I used to create this blog or just want to know more about the Miller Brewing Company, please see the links I have posted below. Cheers!

https://www.encyclopedia.com/social-sciences-and-law/economics-business-and-labor/businesses-and-occupations/miller-brewing?hashedNID=#1G22840500106

https://www.millercoors.com/beers/great-beers

https://www.millercoors.com/breweries/miller-brewing-company/brands-we-brew